Chapter 11: A New Path in Life

Inside this living room full of luxuries. Three people are talking. With a heavy and cold atmosphere, every word they say breaks the ice that's wielding intense pressure on each of them.

Like a boundless room isolated from the outside world. Where no witnesses are allowed with full secrecy.

Facing such adults is overwhelming for young ones like me.

Daisuke-san broke the silence and spoke.

"A son of a member of Marika Company proposed marriage for Kurisu out of interest. If they find out my illness I would have no choice. How would that be a solution Aki?"

Daisuke-san evaluating my proposal.

"My parents told me how greedy are they looking for a chance on taking over your position. But if you'll announce that Kurisu will be your successor, wouldn't that solve the problem? Since you're the current head of the family who would go against you?" I explained.

"Wouldn't be the problem is how are you going to protect Kurisu from people who might try to take advantage of her and win her over? It wouldn't solve the problem but Kurisu will have a chance another chance." The crucial part.

"Wouldn't that just put Kurisu in more danger than my actual plan? It's even risky. I'm the head but that doesn't mean I can do whatever I wanted." Daisuke-san retorted.

"That's maybe right but have you ever asked Kurisu for what she wants as her father? Consider it as Kurisu's wish. She won't be happy going into an arranged marriage and that will drastically affect her mental condition even worse than now. Most of all she is excellent, wouldn't it be a waste to not make use of it? Are you underestimating your daughter to just a lowly wife?!"

I said with intensity and slight outrage.

"That's not-!" Miya-san exclaimed.

"Is that what Kurisu wants? I don't wanna put this burden on her?"

Yeah, it's risky. Too much of a burden but Kurisu agreed to it. She doesn't wanna be married to someone she doesn't even know. She wanna do what she can and decide for herself. That's selfish but I like that part of her.

"Like I said you should ask her Daisuke-san. Stop deciding stuff for your daughter without consulting them." I answered.

I can't blame them. I'm being too harsh with my words I can't help it. If they get mad and throw me out right this instant I wouldn't complain.

"Aki, you're fierce and smarter than I thought but let's ask Kurisu."

Kurisu standing outside the room entered and stand in front of his father.

"Father..."

"Kurisu would you like to inherit the family? It's not going to be easy." Daisuke-san asked.

"I would love to father! Please let me and cancel my marriage!" She cried out.

"Haaah... I don't wanna push this into you but if you want then I have no choice. This is not set in stone yet. I can't promise it would work so easily. Most of all Kurisu is still in high school." Daisuke-san gave up.

Kurisu can't believe what she heard and cried out. Her mother came closer to her and hugged her.

"Alright, you win Aki. But I have one condition. I want you to be beside Kurisu when she needs someone. Doesn't matter to us if you'll be her husband, close friend, or accountant like your parents to us. Since this is your proposal you would be able to accept this right?"

What should I do? Is there a way out here? I couldn't save myself. So this is adults being unfair again. To us young ones they often spell trouble but-

"It's fine for me. I intend to take the same path as my parents. I've already decided." I confirmed with them.

Daisuke-san put on a condition which I cannot refuse. This means that whatever I will be in the future ill be stuck with Kurisu.

Daisuke-san burst out laughing again. Eh?! I don't get him. I almost thought I pissed him?! Miya-san put on a soft smile too.

"I would love to have you in the family Aki. That charisma, attitude, and intelligence." 

"I don't think I'm that great but thank you Daisuke-san." I expressed my gratitude.

"It would be great if you'll be with Kurisu though. I think you two suit each other and I'm sure Kurisu would be happy to have you, Aki!" Daisuke-san gazing at me.

"Daisuke! You shut your mouth. Don't force kids when it comes to love!"

"Ouch! Miya geez!"

Daisuke-san let out a cry. Is this how married life feels like? It's kinda uh- I don't even know how to explain.

Miya-san pinched Daisuke-san's hand and got mad. I agree with that. Thank you Miya-san.

I only showed a weird smile.

And with this, the matter about Kurisu's arranged marriage is settled and a new path opens up for all of us. A new path that opens up with new hope for a better future for Kurisu and her family.

Like a helpless child lost in the darkness that found a new light. A warm light that embraces her thoroughly.

I've seen Kurisu cried but it's different this time. It's not a cry of despair but a cry for new hope. Her father embraces her and her mother followed.

It feels awkward so I was left drinking a cold tea. It tastes great nonetheless and the shortcake. Damn, this is something I couldn't afford every day but it feels like heaven after every bite. My big sis would love this.

I fulfilled my promise to Kurisu but I made a new promise for her family this time. I feel like I'm getting tied up but it doesn't feel so bad.

"Aki, would you like to have dinner with us? It's already late." Daisuke-san offered.

"I would love that but my parents are at home. It has been a while since we last met and I promised to eat with them again. I don't wanna waste this opportunity so I humbly refused your offer." I explained.

"I see that's a shame. Next time then."

"Airi! Can you guide Aki outside?" Daisuke-san called for the maid.

"Good night Kurisu, Miya-san, Kurisu-san. I'm leaving now." I bid farewell.

"Good night Aki. Thank you..." She mumbled.

I only gave a smile. Turn my back and walked to the elevator. The maid in front of me walked ahead of me and I followed.

"Thank you for saving Milady. From the bottom of my heart, I'm grateful to you." She expressed her gratitude.

"I didn't do anything though." She's nice. I'm glad Kurisu has someone like her.

"So you're that type. The cool and humble guy. That's a plus point but kinda unexpected. You're very good-looking too." She winked at me.

Eh?! Although I always have this cold attitude towards other people. She's the lively type. I don't know how to deal with her. So I'm thinking of something to say.

"I always thought I have this cold attitude though." I ended up speaking my thoughts.

"Hmmm, I don't think so. Looking at you, you'd be the type of person who's easy to approach though." She said confused.

Is that so? Maybe because of my face being good-looking? I don't wanna approach this topic even more.

We reached the ground floor and Kudo-san is waiting for me. Airi said goodbye to me and I moved toward the butler.

"Welcome back Asamura-sama. I shall be your service on your way home." He opened the door and I entered the limousine.

"How did it go Asamura-kun? Seems like Kurisu-sama is really interested in you." He asked me.

"So she was talking bout me?" I asked to confirm.

"Yeah, honestly she tells me about you occasionally." He answered.

I wonder what Kurisu tells him about me.

"Well, it wasn't all bad. Kurisu-sama is grateful to have you. Thanks for taking care of Kurisu-sama."

Everyone's been expressing their gratitude to me. It's filling me.

I can only see the beautiful lights street lights lighting the road we were passing through. It's a quiet and subtle trip.

We reached home then Kudo-san left.

I walked inside the elevator. I reached my apartment's door and opened it. Lights are on and the usual people inside.

My father, mother, and big sis on the table dining in. I approached them then put down my bag on the sofa.

Mom turns gaze at me and asked.

"How did it go, Aki?"

All of them gazed at me with curious eyes. Waiting for me to give my answers.

"It went well. Though I got myself into something troublesome again." I answered looking exhausted.

"Not bad Aki! I'm proud of you!" She suddenly stands up and hugged me.

"Get off big sis!" I complained.

"Not gonna happen!" She is persistent. Ugh!

"For now why don't you eat. Let's talk about that later. Food is getting cold." My father said.

He saved me. Thanks, dad.

So I ate with them slowly. I feel exhausted and wanna rest my body so bad. But I still need to inform my parents.

"I see. I think that's fine." My father said.

"I don't think you need to worry too much. You did something an adult couldn't Aki. I'm proud of you."

My mother acknowledged me? Is this real? Am I dreaming? She's in front of me smiling so this isn't just my fantasy.

"Thank you, mom." I said sincerely.

The night ended fast. I took my bath and went to my room to sleep. I still have classes tomorrow. I couldn't cut classes like I used to before.

I'm lying down thinking of such things and my eyes slowly closed and put me to deep sleep.