As promised, Claire, Chris, and Mia t in front of the school for their introductory afternoon together.
Their first stop was an ice cream shop. Now they're strolling along the neighborhood's main street.
Zaira had been invited too, but she bailed at the last minute.
"After spending eight hours at school, there's no fucking way I'm wasting my afternoon talking about school too. Besides, I've got better things to do. Ren's older sister, Iris, is ho from work today, and you know how much that girl turns on... so yeah, have fun."
Those had been Zaira's exact words, and neither Mia nor Chris had expected anything else.
Zaira hadn't even bothered to stay for the guided tour on the first day, and it was obvious she couldn't care less about the school.
"I see... so that attack is why you left New York and ca here. Well, I figured as much. I did notice the reconstruction is moving incredibly fast. Once New New York is finished, do you plan to go back, or are you staying here?" Claire asks.
"For the foreseeable future, I think we'll stay here," Chris replies. "Our mother found a well-paying job at Seryou Biotech. On top of that, the company rented us a nice house for a ridiculously low price and is paying for our education too. We'd be crazy to give all that up, wouldn't we?"
"Seryou Biotech, huh? I'm glad to hear we've treated you so well."
"Oh, you know it too?"
"Of course. My mother is the CEO of the Japanese division."
Chris and Mia suddenly freeze, shocked not only by what Claire said, but by how casually she said it, as if it were the most normal job in the world.
"Y-Your mother..." Chris stamrs. "...is the CEO of one of the most important companies in the world?!"
"Yep... although nobody at school knows, and I'd like to keep it that way. I only told you because you both seem like the kind of people who can keep a secret. More importantly, my mother is your mother's boss, so you would've found out sooner or later anyway. I figured it was better to be upfront about it from the start."
"I see..." Mia says. "It's for your safety, right? If people knew you were the daughter of one of the richest won in Japan, you probably wouldn't be able to walk around the city as freely as you do now."
Chris gives Mia a brief, concerned glance.
...and she knows exactly what that's like...
"Yeah, that's exactly why. Unfortunately, the world is full of people with bad intentions. So would do anything to kidnap and demand a ransom from my mother..."
For a mont, Claire lowers her gaze, a trace of sadness crossing her face.
"...Sadly, a lot of people would like to get their hands on . People so dangerous you can't even imagine how dangerous they are... but enough about ."
She looks back at Chris.
"Do you have a girlfriend?"
Mia imdiately fixes her gaze on him. She seems even more interested in the answer than Claire.
"A girlfriend...? No... why do you ask?"
Chris tries to sound as detached as possible, but inside, he's a bomb ready to explode.
There's only one reason a girl asks a guy if he has a girlfriend, and it's because... I made an impression!
In his mind, Chris greedily rubs his hands together.
Claire Kurotsuki isn't just a very, very cute girl. She's also kind, smart, responsible, and above all... rich! Filthy rich! That's it. I'm going to beco the son-in-law of one of the richest won in Japan!
Mia starts spiraling into her own thoughts as well.
W-Why would soone like Claire care whether my brother has a girlfriend?!
D-Don't tell ... she actually likes him?!
That's ridiculous... what could she possibly see in a hopeless pervert like him? I can't let anything develop between those two! Chris is the kind of guy who has no problem doing indecent things with other girls even when he's in a relationship!
Damn it... I caught him with his head between Isabelle's thighs while he was still dating that bitch, Elisabeth Azuralis! He'd end up breaking Claire's heart, and a girl like her doesn't deserve to suffer because of an idiot like my brother!
"Oh, I see... I only asked because quite a few of my classmates seem to have a crush on you. They knew I'd be talking to you this afternoon and asked to find out. I'm sure they'll be happy to hear you're still single."
Well... I have to admit, so of the second-year girls are pretty cute... though they're definitely not as rich as Claire! There goes my dream of becoming a spoiled rich guy...
"Your classmates really have questionable taste..." Mia grumbles.
"Why do you say that? He seems like a decent guy to , and objectively speaking, he's pretty handso too. I don't see anything strange about so many girls losing their heads over him."
At those words, Chris hears the jingle of coins raining down on him once again.
He starts daydreaming about relaxing with Claire in the jacuzzi of their future villa on the Costa Sralda.
He imagines her sitting naked on his lap as they sip champagne in the bubbling water. Then she leans close and whispers sensually into his ear, "My beloved Chris... how about I do that thing with my mouth that you like so much...?"
Damn... Mia isn't entirely wrong when she says I'm a pervert... but have I always been like this, or did Isabelle make this way? I seriously need to get a grip on myself...
"So, Chris... would you like to et so of my classmates? They're all really nice and cute."
"S-Sure... why not? It could be fun..."
"That's great! I'm sure they'll be happy to hear that! Anyway... it's getting late, and my dad will be worried. See you tomorrow at school. Chris, Mia, have a good evening."
After saying goodbye, Chris and Mia head one way while Claire goes the other.
"So, Mia... are we going to our usual spot to train tonight? Ren and the others will be there too."
"Ask Claire Kurotsuki's classmates. I'm sure they'd be thrilled," she replies coldly.
"What do her classmates have to do with anything?!"
"Nothing... idiot."
anwhile, on the other side of the city, Claire's phone starts ringing.
"Hello, Dad. What is it?"
"Nothing. You answered, and that's enough to put my mind at ease. So... how did the date go?"
"T-There wasn't any date! It was just a friendly outing, and his sister was there too! Anyway, it went well, although I honestly don't understand why you're so determined to make befriend them..."
"Because I know you better than anyone, and I know that deep down, you want friends... you can be yourself around."
"You've already told that. I an the real reason you want to get close to them."
"It's strange that a girl as perceptive as you hasn't figured it out yet. And I'm pretty sure I explained in great detail who Mia Valakis is and what that pendant she always wears around her neck really is."
"I don't—"
Claire suddenly falls silent.
"Ah... now I get it. All right, Dad. If it'll put your mind at ease, I'll do my best to beco their friend."
"A friend... and who knows, maybe sothing more with that Chris..."
"Cut it out."
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