Zaboru arrived ho and quickly fixed himself a light lunch, but he could barely eat. His mind was preoccupied with Ayumi's impending visit. Restless, he grabbed his guitar, strumming aimlessly as he tried to distract himself.
"I wonder if she'll like it," he muttered, glancing at the DIY box with ZEPS Console inside he'd made for her. The vibrant colors and hand-drawn designs made it stand out, and he hoped it would make Ayumi smile.
---
anwhile, at Hamazou HQ, Ayumi was seated in the grand family eting room, facing her doting grandfather, Azai Hamazou, and her strict father, Akira Hamazou. The atmosphere in the room was an odd mix of warmth and tension.
"Greetings, Ojii-sama, Otou-sama," Ayumi said, bowing respectfully.
Azai, the legendary figure who had maintained balance in the underworld for decades, burst into a hearty laugh. "Hoho! Ayumi-chan, don't be so formal! Co here and let your grandfather spoil you, just like when you were little."
Akira coughed to interrupt, his stern deanor in stark contrast to his father's carefree attitude. "Otou-sama, you're always spoiling her. It's not good for her future."
Azai snorted dismissively. "Shut up, you ungrateful son. Ayumi is an angel, unlike you."
Akira sighed, clearly used to his father's antics. Turning to Ayumi, he asked, "Ayumi, I've heard you've been spending ti at a boy's house lately. Care to explain?"
Azai's eyes widened in excitent. "What!? Ayumi's interested in boys now? This boy must be sothing special!"
Caught off guard, Ayumi felt a wave of heat rush to her cheeks but decided to tell the truth. "Yes, Ojii-sama, Otou-sama. I've been visiting a boy's house, but it's not for dating or anything like that. He's teaching about making video gas."
Akira frowned, skeptical. "Ayumi, I've told you before—video gas are a risky business. The crash of Atari has shown us that it's not a sustainable industry."
Azai, on the other hand, grinned widely. "Don't listen to him, Ayumi! Follow your dreams! If this boy is helping you achieve them, then keep learning from him. Hoho!"
"Thank you, Ojii-sama," Ayumi said with a relieved smile.
Azai leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. "So, who is this boy?"
"His na is Zaboru Renkonan. He's a classmate of mine," Ayumi replied.
Azai laughed heartily. "Interesting! A boy your age, yet already skilled enough to impress you. Hoho!"
Akira, ever the cautious one, narrowed his eyes. "If you're planning to visit him again today, bring him here. I want to et him and see if he has any guts."
Ayumi's eyes widened in alarm. "Otou-sama, that might—"
"Don't worry about your father," Azai interrupted, waving his hand dismissively. "Bring the boy here, and I'll make sure Akira behaves. If he doesn't, I'll have a word with his mother. Hoho!"
Akira stiffened at the ntion of his mother, a bead of sweat forming on his brow. "Fine. I'll behave," he muttered reluctantly.
Relieved, Ayumi nodded. "Alright, Ojii-sama, Otou-sama. I'll invite him over."
---
Back in Zaboru's garage, he had been waiting for nearly an hour and a half when the doorbell finally rang. His heart skipped a beat as he rushed to greet Ayumi, who stood outside with her usual composed smile.
"Ayumi! You're here!" Zaboru exclaid, his grin widening as he grabbed the colorful DIY box he had prepared.
"This is for you—your very own ZEPS!" he said proudly, holding out the box.
Ayumi's eyes sparkled as she examined the box. The hand-painted design featured an image of her playing ZEPS, with the kanji "For Ayumi" elegantly written on the side. Her heart swelled with emotion at the effort and thoughtfulness Zaboru had poured into the gift.
"I... I don't know what to say," Ayumi said softly, her voice trembling slightly. She bowed deeply. "Thank you, Zaboru. I love it."
Zaboru shook his head, his cheeks reddening. "No need to thank . You've been such a big help with the ZAS project—it's only fair. Equivalent exchange, right?"
Ayumi smiled, holding the box close to her chest. "Still, this ans a lot to ."
For a mont, they stood in a comfortable silence, but then Ayumi broke it with an unexpected request.
"Zaboru, if it's not too much trouble... could you co to my house? My family wants to et you," she said hesitantly, her tone filled with both hope and concern.
Zaboru froze, his mind racing.
Her family? As in, the Hamazou family? The legendary underworld family?
His mouth hung open, words failing him. "S-say what!?"
Ayumi's expression softened. "Don't worry. Ojii-sama will make sure everything goes smoothly. You'll be fine."
Zaboru gulped, his nerves kicking in. "I... guess I can co," he said, though his voice betrayed his unease.
Ayumi smiled, relieved. "Thank you. I'll make sure you're treated well."
As the weight of the situation settled on him, Zaboru could only think of one thing: What have I gotten myself into now?
To be continued...
User Comments
0 comments from readers