Chapter 27: Zaboru at the Hamazou Headquarters

Zaboru followed Ayumi, who carried her personalized ZEPS box, while Akechi trailed behind them in silence. The atmosphere felt heavy, with Akechi's stoic presence making it increasingly awkward. Zaboru stole a glance at Ayumi, hoping for some kind of conversation to break the tension, but she seemed focused on leading the way.

After walking through the quiet hallways, they arrived at Ayumi's bedroom. Ayumi unlocked the door, and the three of them stepped inside. Zaboru looked around, curious about how Ayumi lived.

Her room was neat and elegant, with purple as the dominant color. A sleek desk held a state-of-the-art computer, and a polished black piano stood in one corner, gleaming under the room's soft lighting. The walls were adorned with posters of classic movies and famous singers, giving the space a mix of sophistication and personality.

Wow... So this is Ayumi's room... Zaboru thought, impressed by how everything seemed to match her character perfectly.

Ayumi carried the ZEPS box to the TV and placed it on the console table. "Here, Zaboru. Set it up over here," she instructed.

Zaboru nodded, unpacking the system and carefully connecting it to the television. Akechi stood silently by the door, his piercing gaze fixed on Zaboru. The silence only made Zaboru more nervous, and his hands trembled slightly as he worked. Ayumi noticed the tension and frowned at her brother.

"Nii-sama, could you stop glaring? You're making him uncomfortable."

Akechi blinked and looked away, though he didn't say a word.

While Zaboru worked, Ayumi noticed something on her ZEPS console: engraved kanji reading "For Ayumi." It matched the lettering on the box, and she realized Zaboru had added this personal touch just for her. Her lips curled into a soft smile.

Just as Zaboru finished connecting the cables and stood up to stretch, the door swung open, and Asumi, Ayumi's older sister, strolled in with a playful grin on her face.

"Oh my, so this is the Zaboru-chan everyone's been talking about," she said in a teasing tone.

"Asumi-nee, what are you doing here?" Ayumi asked, her voice laced with irritation.

"I came to see for myself the boy who melted our ice princess's heart," Asumi said, smirking. Before Zaboru could react, she walked up behind him and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, leaning close enough for him to feel her breath.

"You're even cuter up close," Asumi teased, her voice sultry. "Ayumi, I didn't know you had such good taste."

Zaboru's face turned bright red, and his body stiffened like a statue. "I-I, um... I think there's been a misunderstanding..." he stammered.

Asumi's teasing was cut short when Akechi took a step forward, his presence commanding the room. "Asumi, stop," he said flatly.

Asumi turned to her brother, raising an eyebrow. "Oh? Is the stoic big brother finally showing some emotion?"

"You're making things... awkward," Akechi said, his words halting as if he were unsure how to phrase himself. "Leave him alone."

Asumi chuckled, clearly unimpressed by his attempt to stop her. "Aw, Nii-sama, don't be so cold. I'm just playing around." She leaned closer to Zaboru, ignoring Akechi.

"Asumi-nee!" Ayumi finally snapped, stepping between Zaboru and her sister. "Get your filthy claws off him, you vixen!"

Asumi gasped dramatically, placing a hand over her chest. "How cruel, Ayumi-chan! I was just saying hello. Can't your big sister have a little fun?"

"This isn't fun! Stop harassing him!" Ayumi snapped, her cheeks flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and anger.

Akechi nodded slightly, his expression still neutral. "She's right. Just... leave him alone, Asumi."

Asumi sighed theatrically, throwing her hands up in mock surrender. "Fine, fine. You're all so serious. But Zaboru-chan, if you ever need a more relaxed atmosphere, you know where to find me." She winked and sauntered out of the room.

Zaboru let out a shaky breath, his face still flushed. "Is... Is your whole family like this?"

"No!" Ayumi huffed, crossing her arms. "Only she is a shameless vixen!"

Akechi said nothing, but he gave Zaboru a small nod, as if silently apologizing for his sister's antics.

Despite the awkward encounter, Zaboru couldn't help but laugh a little at Ayumi's reaction. It was rare to see her so flustered, and for some reason, it made her seem more human.

---

After a few minutes, Zaboru stood up and stretched. "All done. It's ready to use."

Ayumi smiled brightly and immediately turned on the system. She navigated the menu and selected Super Mario Bros. The game's colorful title screen popped up, and Ayumi eagerly started playing.

Akechi, who had been quiet the entire time, leaned forward slightly as the game began. His previously stoic expression changed to one of mild curiosity as he watched Mario jump and dodge enemies across vibrant levels.

Ayumi noticed her brother's interest and turned to him. "Nii-sama, do you want to try it?"

Akechi hesitated but eventually nodded. Ayumi handed him the controller and gave him a quick rundown of the controls. At first, Akechi struggled, his character falling into pits and getting hit by Goombas, but after a few attempts, he started to get the hang of it.

Minutes turned into an hour as Akechi became fully engrossed in the game, his stoicism melting away as he focused on beating the levels. Zaboru couldn't help but smile at the sight. He's actually enjoying it. Guess video games can break through even the iciest personalities.

Ayumi stood up, brushing off her skirt. "Nii-sama, you can keep playing. I'm going to drive Zaboru home with Junjou."

Akechi barely registered her words, nodding absentmindedly as he continued to play.

Ayumi rolled her eyes but smiled fondly. "See? Even you can't resist ZEPS."

---

Downstairs, Zaboru bid farewell to the Hamazou family. Azai grinned at him. "You've got spirit, kid. Don't let anyone crush your dreams."

Kyouko gave him a warm smile. "Take care, Zaboru-kun. Don't hesitate to visit again."

Even Akira, though still visibly annoyed from their earlier exchange, gave a curt nod of acknowledgment.

As Zaboru stepped into the car with Ayumi and Junjou, he let out a sigh of relief. The evening had been intense, but at least he'd survived.

"You handled that better than I expected," Ayumi said, leaning back in her seat.

"Well, I didn't have much of a choice," Zaboru replied, scratching the back of his head. "Your dad is terrifying."

Ayumi giggled. "He's strict, but he respects people who stand their ground. You earned some points tonight, Zaboru."

Junjou chuckled from the driver's seat. "Hoho, Zaboru-sama, I think you left quite the impression on the family. Even Akechi-sama seemed to warm up to you."

"Warm up? He barely spoke two words to me," Zaboru said, confused.

"That's just how he is," Ayumi said. "But the fact that he didn't stop you from leaving with me means he trusts you—at least a little."

Zaboru blinked. "That's... reassuring?"

Ayumi smirked. "Don't worry. If you ever mess up, I'll protect you from Nii-sama."

Her words hung in the air, leaving Zaboru uncertain whether she was joking or serious.

---

Back in Ayumi's bedroom, Akechi was still glued to the screen, his fingers now expertly maneuvering Mario through challenging levels. The game had completely captivated him, and he was unaware of how much time had passed.

Little did anyone know, Akechi Hamazou, the stoic eldest son of the Hamazou family, would one day become one of ZAGE's biggest supporters and an unexpected advocate for video games in the future.

But that's a story for another time.

To be continued…