Chapter 7- Rukio

Chapter 7- Rukio 

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.

"So, even you love coffee, Mr Masuri," I said with a wide smile on my face. "Who can resist the allure of a good cup of coffee?" Aya's father, Rukio, replied with a hearty laugh. "My name is Rukio Masuri, but feel free to call me whatever you want. It's a pleasure to meet you." I couldn't help but be drawn to Aya’s father’s infectious laughter and friendly demeanour. It was evident that he had a genuine love for life and a warm, welcoming nature. "I appreciate your kindness, Mr Masuri," I replied, returning his laughter. "It's wonderful to meet someone who shares my enthusiasm for coffee."

“Anatta, it is looking like you have forgotten the real, reason behind his meeting!!!” Aya's mother's words struck me like a bolt of lightning. Her tone carried a mix of concern and apprehension. Aya's mother's tone struck a chord within me, reminiscent of my own mother. The way she spoke with a firm yet caring voice, carrying a sense of authority and maternal concern, instantly reminded me of the strong presence my own mother had.

"Yes!" Aya's father exclaimed, his voice quivering slightly and his hands trembling with a mix of anticipation and apprehension. "Back to the reason for this meeting!" Aya's voice cut through the chaos, filled with anger and frustration. Her words snapped me back to reality, that she still existed in the same room.

"Yuuki, are you even the slightest bit interested in marrying me?" Aya's words hit me like a bolt of lightning. Her embarrassed face turned bright red. I felt my own cheeks flush, realizing the succession of her question.

“Answer me!!!” Aya shouted at the top of her lungs. Aya's outburst caught me completely off guard. Her shout echoed through the room, demanding an answer. I was speechless, my hand trembling as I tried to process her words. In a moment of truth, my closed mouth couldn't contain the honesty that surged within me. "Oh! Hell no! Not at all!" I blurted out, unable to hold back my true feelings.

I spoke with wide eyes, my gaze revealing the intensity of my conviction. "There is no way I am marrying a girl who is so careless and immature that she drinks coffee with more sugar than milk," I stated firmly. My words hung in the air, a bold declaration of my disapproval.

I sighed in disbelief at Aya's question. "No, it's not just about the coffee," I responded, my voice tinged with frustration. "But it's certainly one of the reasons. It reflects a lack of consideration and maturity, which are important qualities in a partner."

To my surprise, Aya's father stood up and addressed my mother directly. "If Ai had the same taste in coffee as Aya, I would have divorced her on the second day of seeing her face," he stated firmly, emphasizing the significance he placed on such a seemingly trivial matter.

The room fell silent, and I could feel the tension in the air. “Nice, one,” I said in a low voice, pointing to Aya’s father. “Rukio, We have a lot to talk about after this meeting.” Aya’s mother said in a low tone with a huge devilish smile on her face. I raised an eyebrow at the sudden exchange between Aya's parents, unsure of how to interpret their words. It seemed like they were engaged in some sort of playful banter. Aya's father quickly backtracked, denying any serious intention behind his previous statement, “I was just Kidding, there is no way I would such a thing!!!” He said in the most flirtatious tone I ever had heard. “There is no way! I could ever do such a thing.” He coined it in the same tone.

"Oh, my darling," Aya's mother exclaimed in an affectionate tone, her eyes twinkling with mischief. Her words were filled with a mix of playfulness and genuine fondness, adding to the intrigue and complexity of the situation.

I exchanged a weird glance with Aya, who seemed just as confused as I was. It was becoming increasingly apparent that there were complexities and dynamics within Aya's family that I had yet to fully understand.

“Can we please get back to the meeting, NOW!!!!!!!” Aya's voice pierced through the air, reverberating with fury and commanding attention. Her impassioned plea echoed throughout the grand main hall, leaving no doubt about her determination to bring the focus back to the purpose of their meeting.

The room fell into an abrupt silence, as all eyes turned towards Aya. Her fiery expression and forceful tone demanded immediate action, urging everyone to set aside any distractions and refocus their energy on the matter at hand.