Chapter 2: Negotiation
"Well then, Tarazune-kun will have to become my property. That's all."
I told him that straight to his face, but judging by his expression, it's not exactly sinking in.
"I don't think you understand how that doesn't make any kind of sense."
He responds flatly.
I mean... fair enough. Anyone would have a hard time processing being told they're someone's property. Even I wouldn't get it if the roles were reversed.
He sighs and takes another sip of tea. Calm. Surprisingly calm, actually.
"I feel like I still need more explanation, to be honest."
"You shouldn't need one after I said it. But I guess you do."
I press a finger to my cheek, pretending to ponder.
"Hmm... was it no good?"
A vein visibly pops on his forehead.
"No, it's not good! Since when did I become your pet?!"
"Eh~ You know what? That's actually a great idea."
I grin.
"Ake-un. Has a nice ring to it, don't you think?"
A handsome and beautiful pet named Akeshi. Ugh, I might be making the most ridiculous face right now, but I don't care. I want to tease him so bad. Let's go all in.
"Don't drink your tea like that. It's not proper etiquette," I say, even though it absolutely is.
He gives me a tired look and sighs again.
I'm having way too much fun.
"Let's pick up where we left off, shall we?"
"Oh right, the actual conversation."
"Yeah, so... where were we?"
"At the part where I apparently become your property."
Yup. That's the one.
"Well, when your father called my mother and asked for help, she initially wanted to refuse. He was, after all, the reason for her brother's downfall. And your mother... she was guilty too."
His expression tightens. I'm getting to the part that matters.
"And then your father said to leave you out of it."
He looks at me in shock.
"He said you have potential. That he doesn't want your efforts to go to waste."
"Even so... from your mother's perspective, I'm just a stranger. Why would she agree to help me?"
He's sharp. He caught the thread I was leading to.
He folds his hands and rests his chin on them, eyes locked on me.
What's with that intense posture?
"So..." he begins, "your mother only agreed because you selfishly asked her, like a child asking for a toy. And I am that toy, correct?"
I want to say, You're right, but that's not all. But I stay quiet.
"And," he continues, "you act like the model student-obedient, modest, selfless. Someone who never asks for anything. But this? This was the first time you did. And your parents... approved it without a second thought, right?"
"...You've seen through it all..."
He's completely right. Not a single word wrong.
Wait-does that mean he's also figured out the rest of my plan?!
"Also," he adds, eyes narrowing, "you plan on using me. To grow your business. Leverage my reputation. Introduce me to the world as your discovery, a rare gem your family took in and polished. And that's only one reason."
He sits upright now, tone even more serious.
"The second reason... is personal. Affection. Maybe love. I can't tell which yet. But your feelings are involved. You convinced your parents because of that, didn't you?"
The person sitting across from me, finishing his cold tea, just unraveled everything.
And this is our first real conversation.
He even saw through my feelings. What's left to hide?
Then, unexpectedly, he starts rummaging through his pocket. He pulls out... a packet of cookies?
"Here. First, have one. But..."
"Huh?"
My confusion melts into laughter when he clenches his fist and shows me the empty hand.
"We have none."
He pulls another packet from his other pocket.
"Second, we have two. There's nothing we can do."
"Pff-!"
I burst out laughing.
So that's what he was trying to do? Distract me? Make me laugh?
Well, mission accomplished. I was scared for some reason, but now...
"All jokes aside, I want to live with you."
"...Did you say that line to your parents the exact same way?"
"Yes."
"...No offense, but do your parents lack common sense or something?"
"Oh, I get that a lot."
I smile.
"But still. I want to live with you."
And after I said that, I noticed it.
A faint blush.
Hehe. Got him.
"My family got weirdly excited about me finally doing something selfish," I add.
"My... first love, you know? So Dad handled all the paperwork, and Mom called your father."
"So? What do you say?"
He pauses. Then nods.
"I don't mind. But I want to work. For myself and for you.
Though honestly, I probably can't keep up with your standards."
"Don't worry. We have backups."
He raises an eyebrow.
I hand him another envelope.
He opens it and starts reading aloud.
"1. I approve of both Amanika Nino and Tarazune Akeshi living together.
2. I approve of Tarazune Akeshi being registered into the Amanika family-"
His face contorts into a wild mix of disbelief and panic.
To be fair, it is a bit shocking.
It also states that after we graduate, we're to be married.
His parents approved it too, so there's no legal problem.
"Also, don't worry, I do intend to provide for you."
I smile softly.
"But knowing you, you'd probably feel bad if I took care of everything. So, after you're adopted into the Amanika family, you'll work at my father's side."
I lean closer.
"And eventually... take over as president of the company."
His stunned silence says it all.