As someone who recently became a male, I had no business casual clothing, so I had to spend my Saturday shopping.
It was unexpectedly hard to find clothes that fit and didn't look awkward on my small stature. It made me feel sorry for small dudes!
I managed to find a black button up that I can cover with a gray v-neck sweater. I'll just use a pair of jeans I already have for pants and one of my nicer sneakers for shoes. That should suffice for business casual, right?
That was always one of the most confusing dress codes, man!
When I got home, I laid out the outfit I planned to wear on my bed and took a pic of it. I sent it for approval from Tatsuya.
As I waited for his response, I pulled out an iron to make the new, very wrinkly button up not so wrinkly. Once I finished, I hung up the shirt and checked my phone.
King: This is fine. However, I expect that shirt to be wrinkle free tomorrow.
I rolled my eyes before taking another pic of the now wrinkle free shirt.
You: Tanaka-san, I hope you realize I would never wear such a wrinkly shirt to a dinner.
King: From my experience, you can never to be too careful in pointing out potential mistakes.
You: I see.
You: May I ask why I'm suddenly having dinner at what I assume to be your house tomorrow?
You: Also, how'd you get my phone number?
King: My parents have been curious about you, and tomorrow is one of the days they visit. They asked if you were free to come have dinner, so they could meet you.
King: As for your contact info., I needed it, so I got it.
...
Ah, scary, scary, scary. The power of money and influence.
You: I see.
You: Wait, you mentioned me to your parents?
King: Yes.
You: May I ask why?
King: They are in charge of my allowance, so my expenses must be explained to them. Also, you have potential to help our company in the future. Of course, I mentioned my plans for you to them.
...
Plans?...
He... He has plans for me...
You: I see.
King: Any other questions or concerns?
You: Should I prepare anything in advance?
King: No. Though, I suppose you should be ready to answer many questions from them.
You: I see.
King: You really must expand your vocabulary, Suzuki-kun.
You: Oh, sorry.
King: I suppose I should add reading dictionaries to your duties in the future.
...
The more this conversation goes, the more I don't like it or him.
You: Well, I've asked all that I needed to. I'll be going now.
King: Very well.
I flopped onto my bed along with my phone.
Ah, I really hope nothing too crazy happens tomorrow.
Tatsuya's parents never made an appearance in the game, probably for budget reasons, so I have no idea what they're like. I do know the father is Japanese, and the mother's half Japanese and half British. Other than that, I just know they're the type of people to abandon their child but also still pressure him into being the best while spoiling him rotten.
...
They sound like pretty shitty parents, honestly. It's no wonder Tatsuya became so twisted.
Anyway, I spent the rest of the day chilling. While I was out, I got some manga to read, and spent the day reading it.
The next day came around, and the whole day my stomach felt weird from nervousness.
I've never been invited to someone else's house for dinner before. Hell, I've never been to someone else's house, and, of course, I've never had to formally meet someone's parents before. I don't know what to expect, and its making me feel weird.
Dang butterflies.
The whole day I couldn't focus on anything. I just listlessly stared at my phone most of the day until I saw it was time to get ready.
After making sure I looked presentable and male, I told grandmother I'd be having dinner with a friend and that I'll be home late. She merely replied with, "Have a nice time!"
Since it was Golden Week, a lot of people were up and about. Of course, the train was pretty filled. Lucky, it wasn't crowded. I managed to make it out unscathed and texted Tatsuya I was nearby.
King: Perfect. Go to the limo waiting at the entrance.
I blinked before rereading the text.
L-Limo...
Once I exited the stairs, the shiny, long black car was very noticeable. There were even people whispering and slightly crowding near it. I shrinked back and wanted to leave.
I'd rather walk. Thanks...
King: Where are you?
After I read that, I looked more closely at the limo.
Yep.... There he was.... Standing by the door...
Right when I noticed him, he saw me. I bit my cheek as he walked over. The crowd's eyes followed him, and they noticed I was his objective.
"There you are. Let's go, quickly." Tatsuya walked behind me and grabbed my shoulders before pushing me towards the limo. "My parents are impatient."
Woah! Woah! Woah!
Why are you touching me!?
You no likey touchy, correct???
I flushed as I heard some snickers when we passed through the crowd.
The chauffeur was already holding the door open for us. Tatsuya spared no time in shoving me in before getting in himself. After gathering my wits, I glanced around.
Wow. Talk about luxury.
There was a drink and snack bar and a TV! The seats were so plush and comfy! There were cool LEDs for lighting!
"I must once again apologize for disrupting your vacation." Tatsuya suddenly spoke, interrupting my admiration. "I'll be sure to compensate you."
"Nah, that's not needed." I shook my head. Then, I thought about it. "...Well, I wouldn't decline it either." I sheepishly muttered as I looked away in embarrassment.
"Pft."
...
Did he just laugh!? Did THE Ice King just LAUGH!?
"Then, I'll consider this as work hours for you." Like he never did anything unusual, Tatsuya spoke like normal.
*Beep*
"Oh, excuse me." I said before pulling out my phone. Tatsuya simply nodded and then looked at his own phone.
Idiot: Hey hey! You wanna grab something to eat? ^^
I silently stared at the message as my stomach churned.
Akira always manages to message me at the weirdest times. It's like he always knows what I'm doing and where I am. Some examples would be a text I get right when I enter my room after coming back from school or when I'm about to eat or leave my house.
I have had a high suspicion that he either has a tracker on me or a bug listening for awhile now. This text right here pretty much solidifies my fears.
Its honestly fucking scary.
You: Sorry, I've got plans.
Idiot: Eh??? Doing what?
You: None of your business.
Idiot: How could you say that?! I'm your bff! :(
This has also been occurring frequently. The "I'm your best friend and should know every single thing about you" excuse was used in basically every single conversation we have nowadays. The funny thing is, whenever I ask about him, he always manages to push it aside.
Funny, right?
You: You were gonna eat, right? Then go. You don't need me.
After that, I turned off my phone and sighed.
"...You seem distressed." I jumped when I heard the monotone voice. I looked up to see Tatsuya observing me.
"Oh, uhm, just some, er, friend problems." I vaguely replied as I shoved my phone into my pocket. Tatsuya obviously didn't believe me, but he didn't pry further.
Not like there was any benefit for him to do so.
"I do hope this won't affect your mood during dinner." Tatsuya curtly spoke. I shook my head.
"Don't worry. I know how to be profession." I reassured as I straightened up. Tatsuya nodded.
"We've almost arrived. My parents will greet you at the entrance of the house." Tatsuya informed me. "Dinner is currently being prepared, so we will be in the living room in the meantime. During that time, my parents will be asking you questions. I hope you give satisfactory answers." Tatsuya's eye subtly glinted. I immediately nodded. With a satisfied expression, he continued.
"Dinner will then commence. I have already informed them that you do not know proper dinner etiquette, so you do not have to worry about that. At the same time, I expect you to not eat like a pig." I rolled my eyes.
"I know even without you saying that." I grumbled. Tatsuya caught it.
"You know what I've said before." Tatsuya reprimanded cooly.
"I know. I know. You can never to be too careful in pointing out potential mistakes." I repeated the text from before. "Anything else?" I felt the air chill. "S-Sorry. Is there anything else I should know, sir?" The cold atmosphere lifted.
"After dinner, I will try to persuade them into not pressuring you to stay over, but be prepared for the worst case scenario." Tatsuya casually dropped the bomb on me.
...
I see where his ending comes from. His parents like to have their way, too!
"...It should be fine if I use my grandmother as an excuse, right?" I suggested. Tatsuya shook his head.
"Unless she's in a hospital near death, my parents will not care." Tatsuya stated frankly. I gaped. Tatsuya pinched his nose. "They are very aggressive people. I apologize."
I really hope this doesn't end up with me staying over...