Chapter 26: Zaboru's Guts

Zaboru and Ayumi sat quietly in the sleek black car as Junjou, Ayumi's loyal driver, navigated through the bustling streets. Zaboru glanced at Ayumi, his curiosity bubbling over.

"Ayumi, why does your family suddenly want to meet me?" he asked hesitantly.

Ayumi seemed troubled, avoiding his gaze, but Junjou chuckled and answered in her place. "Hoho, that's because you're the first boy Ayumi-sama has chosen to spend time with. Naturally, the entire Hamazou family is curious about you, Zaboru-sama."

Ayumi's face turned a deep shade of red, and she shot Junjou a sharp look. "Junjou! Do you think you can get away with disrespecting me like that?"

Junjou only laughed. "Forgive these old bones, Ayumi-sama. Hohoho!"

Zaboru stifled a laugh as Ayumi clicked her tongue in irritation. Meanwhile, his thoughts raced. So she doesn't have male friends? Of course, she doesn't! She's literally ice to every guy she meets! He wisely kept this observation to himself, but Ayumi suddenly turned to him with narrowed eyes.

"You're thinking something rude, aren't you, Zaboru?"

Zaboru froze, sweat beading on his forehead. What!? How does she know? "N-no, not at all! I was just, um, wondering what your house will look like. Haha… ha..."

Ayumi sighed but let it slide.

After a 25-minute drive, they arrived at the Hamazou estate. Zaboru's jaw nearly dropped at the sight. The headquarters was massive, resembling an ancient Japanese castle with intricate wooden carvings, towering gates, and an air of untouchable grandeur.

As they walked through the premises, Zaboru couldn't help but notice the intimidating men lounging around. Their sharp eyes followed him with barely disguised suspicion, making him feel like a trespasser in forbidden territory.

What's with all the glaring? Did I accidentally owe these guys money in a past life? Zaboru thought nervously.

Ayumi led him to the main family hall, where the core members of the Hamazou family awaited. At the center sat Azai Hamazou, the legendary family head, exuding a mix of wisdom and dominance. Beside him was Minami Hamazou, his wife, a dignified yet kind-looking elderly woman.

Akira Hamazou, Ayumi's strict father, stood to one side, his sharp eyes studying Zaboru like a hawk. Beside him was his wife, Kyouko, whose beauty and poise mirrored Ayumi's. Ayumi's older siblings, Akechi and Asumi, rounded out the intimidating gathering. Akechi, tall and stoic, was the spitting image of Akira, while Asumi radiated an overwhelming feminine allure that made Zaboru's pulse race.

Zaboru and Ayumi sat down as servants poured tea. Azai grinned warmly. "Welcome, kiddo, to the Hamazou family's humble abode. What do you think of our home, boy?"

Zaboru swallowed nervously. "U-um, it's a very cool house," he stammered.

Akira clicked his tongue in irritation. "Are you a man or not? Speak properly!"

Before Zaboru could respond, Minami's icy glare silenced Akira. He coughed and pretended to sip his tea.

Kyouko, smiling gently, addressed Zaboru. "Ara, hello, Zaboru-kun. Thank you for taking care of Ayumi every day."

Zaboru bowed slightly. "N-not at all, Hamazou-san. Ayumi is the one helping me."

Akechi remained silent, his cold gaze fixed on Zaboru, while Asumi leaned forward with a playful smile. "Oh~ So this is Zaboru-chan, the one who captured our ice princess's heart. You're pretty cute~" she teased, licking her lips suggestively.

Zaboru gulped, his face turning crimson. She's so... seductive!

Ayumi shot her sister a scathing look. "Hold your heat, you horny vixen."

Asumi gasped dramatically. "How cruel, Ayumi-chan!"

Azai chuckled heartily. "Hohoho! Enough teasing. Zaboru, I hear you're making a video game console. Why are you pursuing such a venture?"

Zaboru took a deep breath, his answer coming straight from his heart. "It's my dream to make video games great again. I want to create amazing games that people can enjoy and connect with."

Azai nodded thoughtfully, but Akira snorted. "Your vision is narrow, boy. Video games are a dying industry. The crash of Atari proved that. Movies and television are far more profitable and impactful."

Ayumi trembled slightly, the harsh words clearly wounding her. But before Zaboru could think twice, something inside him ignited—a surge of courage born from the knowledge that he'd already faced death once.

"With all due respect, Hamazou-san, I think it's you who's being narrow-minded," Zaboru said firmly. "Video games have untapped potential that could surpass movies and television. The crash wasn't the end; it was a setback. What the industry needs is the right fuel to ignite it again—and I'll be the one to light that fire!"

The room fell into stunned silence. Akira's aura darkened as he leaned forward. "You dare speak to me like that, boy? Do you want to be floating in a river tomorrow?"

Despite the fear prickling at his spine, Zaboru stood his ground. "Threatening a high schooler because you lost an argument? Impressive, Hamazou-san. But unlike you, I'd rather acknowledge when someone bests me in a debate."

Akira's face twitched, his pride clearly bruised, but Azai's booming laughter broke the tension.

"Hahaha! The boy's got guts! Not many dare to stand up to Akira, let alone in front of all of us. Zaboru, I acknowledge your bravery! Hohoho! Now, let's eat!"

Relieved, Zaboru joined the family for dinner, though he could feel Akira's lingering irritation.

---

After the meal, Ayumi turned to Zaboru with a small smile. "Zaboru, could you help me set up my ZEPS in my room?"

Zaboru froze, his brain short-circuiting. "Y-your room!?"

Before he could process the implications, Akechi stepped forward, his expression unreadable. "I'll be there to make sure nothing... inappropriate happens."

Zaboru gulped again, feeling like he was walking straight into a lion's den.

To be continued…