Chapter 6-Ai

Chapter 6-Ai

"Young Master Yuuki," he began, his eyes piercing into mine. "You have a great responsibility as a member of the Yato family. Your actions and decisions carry weight, not only for yourself but for the legacy of the Yato lineage.” The old man ended with a sudden stop. “There, they are the current heads of the Masuri family.” The old man started again, pointing towards the main building of the Masuri family. His words resonated with me, reminding me of the importance of the upcoming encounter with the Masuri family, but I could not care any less.

The main building of the Masuri family estate stood as a menace, the intricate styled Moya, was on a scale that I had never seen. The old man led the way, guiding us through the ornate corridors towards the Shouji room where the meeting would take place. As we walked, I couldn't help but be captivated by the exquisite decorations that adorned the walls of the corridors. The Shouji screens displayed paintings of such beauty and finesse that they could rival the works of renowned Western artists. After almost walking for a time that even I couldn’t comprehend, we arrived at a Shouji that separated us from the Masuri family and Aya.

"No!!!" A faint voice reached my ears from behind the Shouji. It was unmistakably Aya's voice. My heart skipped a beat, and I quickly turned my attention towards the source of the sound. "Dare, if you act like an idiot," my mother warned me, her voice laced with a sense of foreboding. "Yes!" I replied, my tone careless and defiant. At that moment, I allowed my rebellious side to take control, not that I minded it.

"Lady, the Masuri family is here," the old man announced, gently sliding open the Shouji to reveal the room. As the paper panels glided apart, my eyes fell upon Aya, seated alongside her parents, Mr and Mrs Masuri. The atmosphere in the room shifted, becoming palpably tense as our eyes met.
Without any warning, Aya abruptly turned her red face away, her eyes avoiding any direct contact. Her father, sensing her unease, gently reached out to bring her attention back to the meeting.

"Miss Yato, please join us," Aya's mother extended an invitation with a gentle tone. I hesitated for a moment, taking in Aya's mother's words. Her invitation held a mix of warmth and formality, inviting me to step into their family space. My mother entered the room without hesitation. "It's been a while, Ai," she greeted Aya's mother with a nostalgic tone.

Aya's mother returned the bow, her expression softening. "The pleasure is mine, Miss Yato," she replied, her voice carrying a touch of formality. "Please, take a seat." She gestured towards a cushion on the floor, indicating for us to join her. As my mother entered the room, she gracefully took her seat on the cushion. "It has been so many years since we last met," she remarked with a hint of nostalgia in her voice. Turning her attention to Mr Masuri, she added, "It's good to see you again." I followed suit and took a seat next to my mother, trying to maintain a composed demeanour.

"Is that little Yuuki?" Aya's mother exclaimed with a soft chuckle. I maintained my composure and replied, "Yes, it's me."

"I don't think you remember this, but the first time your mother brought you to be introduced to our family.............. Huh????? When Aya was about to be introduced to you, you said..." Aya's mother paused, her voice clear and nostalgic. "I hope she is beautiful," my mother and Aya's mother said simultaneously, with a ringing voice.

Aya's father cleared his throat and straightened himself in his seat. "Yes, let's proceed with the discussion," he said, his tone firm and business-like. The playful atmosphere from before quickly shifted, and we all settled into a more serious demeanour.

Aya's mother took a moment to compose herself, her laughter subsiding as she regained her composure. She exchanged a brief glance with my mother, silently conveying their shared understanding that it was time to focus on the purpose of our meeting.

With a deep breath, I spoke up, addressing Aya's parents directly. "Mr and Mrs Masuri, I want to apologize for the incident at the café earlier today," I began, my voice sincere and earnest. "It was inappropriate and disrespectful of me to leave abruptly, and I take full responsibility for my actions."

Aya's father chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Ah, yes! You really are passionate about coffee," he remarked, a warm smile spreading across his face. "I must admit, your reaction at the café was quite similar to what I would have done."

I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief at his words. It was comforting to know that he understood and even empathized with my love for coffee.