Not a husband

Reunion once again

Boss took me to his hotel. The Kanehaya group owns a few hotels. One of them is in this city.

“Akito, get changed.” He tells me and gives me a room key.

It says presidential suite. This hotel has only 3 presidential suites and he gave me one.

But it is no use arguing. He gave up on the matter from before but he won’t budge on anything except that.

I just do as I was told. I go to the suite and I find a nice tuxedo.

It is formal. What kind of business does he have? But no use arguing.

I take a shower. I hadn’t showered and I was thrown into that dirty garage and splashed with water. So it should be better to take one.

Then I get ready. It has been a while since I have worn something this formal.

I should say this now but I haven’t changed my looks that much. I only gained some muscles.

And I dyed my hair red. I originally had black hair. But after being kicked out, I dyed my hair red. It gives off a delinquent-ish feeling.

*Ring ring* The intercom rang.

I pick it up.

(Akito, come to the meeting center.)

I said yes and hung up.

So he has a meeting with someone and I have to be present. Now I understand why the formal wear.

I get into the elevator and go downstairs. The meeting center is on the first floor.

When I push the door open, I see Boss.

“Here.” He tells me.

I go to his side and stand by his right side.

“Akito, we are having a meeting with the Kusanagi group.”

Eh?! Is that right? I don’t think I misheard and this is true. I can’t show any sign of getting flustered and I have to keep a poker face.

But this is troubling. Hopefully only father would be here.

I see another chair beside Boss.

“Boss, this chair?”

“Oh! Actually Shizuka is coming as well.”

I am even more surprised. Shizuka is Boss’ daughter.

Shizuka ojou-sama never showed any interest in these before. Maybe she is getting to know the inside works.

The meeting was about to begin in about an hour. Before that, Shizuka ojou-sama came.

“Shizuka, you are here.” Boss calls her.

“Yes, dad.” She gives a dry answer.

Maybe she isn’t too interested after all.

But then she looks at me and her face changes. Her eyes are showing anger and she is biting her lips.

“Ara, you are here, Akito?” She says that as calmly as possible and yet I felt shivers.

“Yes. It has been a while ojou-sama.”

I give her the compulsory greeting. She takes her seat.

She is right next to Boss so I am directly behind her.

She is occasionally looking back and giving me an intense glare.

I don’t know why though. But I can’t show any of that on my face. I try my hardest to keep up the poker face.

Today has really been full of ups and downs. Although more down than up.

And just before the start of the meeting, the Kusanagi group entered.

Father is the head of the group so he takes the seat directly opposite to Boss. They are facing face to face.

However, someone unexpected entered. Did she know that?

She said that we will meet again but to meet this soon. Should I curse fate already?

Mona is sitting next to father and opposite to ojou-sama.

Father is looking at me. He is a bit shocked.

(Why are you here?) He asks me with his eyes.

(Boss.) I give him the shortest possible answer.

And Mona is staring at me as well. With an impish smile. Like she is saying, “I told you we will meet again.”

Ugghh? Today is really the worst. One after another these things just keep on happening.

I was lost in thought but Boss started.

“Welcome, I thank you for accepting my invitation, Kusanagi.” (Boss)

“No. The pleasure is mine. We have been at odds for a long time. But I think it’s time to let bygones be bygones.” (Father)

“Wise decision. Let’s talk about the deals then.” (Boss)

“But before that, who is that young man by your side?” (Father)

He really asks that. How will the Boss answer?

“My right hand man. The most talented one I have. He was the one who actually proposed this. But some problems came up and I had to postpone this meeting.” (Boss)

“Oh. He seems really capable then.” (Father)

“He is. To the point that I want him as my successor.” (Boss)

Boss looks at me and snickers.

“You humble me, Boss. But I am not worthy of such title.” I try to avoid that.

“As you see, he doesn’t seem too interested in taking the mantle from me.” (Boss)

“I understand. I know how it feels.” (Father)

This time father gives me a evil grin. Why?

These old dudes are cornering me. I look at Mona and she is laughing. She is seriously laughing at me but without making a sound.

On the other hand, Shizuka ojou-sama has been pinching me. I try to endure it.

But then the alarm rings. It’s the emergency alarm.

“What’s happening?” (Boss)

“A few black men have broke in. They have weapons and are marching on.”

A grunt said after scouting the situation.

Black men? Is that………? I was narrowing down the perpetrators.

Then suddenly the door was kicked open.

“Hands up.” This is the second time I heard that. And it really is them.

Why does this day show no sign of relief? It’s one thing or another.

But I still have to deal with it.