Unmei stood frozen, wide-eyed, as the car rolled up to a towering iron gate that creaked open with an almost eerie elegance as if welcoming them into another world. The driveway stretched out before them, flanked by perfectly manicured hedges that looked like they had been sculpted by artists, and several fountains that sparkled in the sunlight, their water shooting up in graceful arcs. At the end of this lavish path loomed Shiro's mansion—a grand, imposing structure that glinted like a jewel under the bright sky.
"This is your house?" Unmei asked, his voice a mix of wonder and disbelief, unable to tear his gaze away from the luxurious sight.
Shiro climbed out of the car with an easy, confident smile, a glimmer of mischief in his eyes. "Welcome to my humble abode," he said with a playful tone that seemed to mock the very idea of modesty.
"Humble?" Unmei echoed incredulously, scrambling out after him and taking in the scene. "You have guards stationed everywhere! And… wait, are those statues made of gold?" His eyes widened further as he pointed, nearly in shock.
Shiro chuckled, the sound light and carefree. "Just try not to embarrass me, okay? I prefer to keep a low profile."
As they strolled toward the mansion, Unmei's curiosity piqued. A flurry of maids bustled around them, swiftly cleaning and organizing, their movements almost choreographed. The massive double doors swung open effortlessly, revealing a head maid who bowed deeply, her demeanour respectful and composed.
"Welcome home, Master Shiro," she greeted, her voice soft and melodic. Her gaze flickered to Unmei momentarily. "And… esteemed guest."
"This is Unmei," Shiro introduced, a casual tone in his voice as he nonchalantly slipped his hands into his pockets. "He's with me today."
The maid nodded gracefully. "I understand. Master Shiro, your father is currently in his office. Would you like me to announce your arrival?"
"Yes, please," Shiro replied, guiding Unmei into the grand entrance hall.
Unmei's senses overwhelmed him as he surveyed the breathtaking interior. Glittering chandeliers hung from the ceiling, reflecting light like thousands of tiny stars; priceless artwork adorned the walls, each piece telling a story of its own; and the marble floors shone like mirrors, accentuating the opulence surrounding him. Feeling lightheaded from the sheer extravagance, he leaned closer to Shiro and whispered, "I think I might faint. How on earth do you live like this?"
Shiro just smirked, clearly amused by Unmei's reaction.
They were soon led into an expansive office, the walls lined with towering bookshelves brimming with thick volumes and ornate trinkets that whispered stories of the past. The rich aroma of polished wood and aged paper filled the air, blending seamlessly with the softness of thick, faded carpets that muffled their footsteps. At the centre of this impressive space was a massive, intricately carved desk, serving as the focal point of authority. Behind it sat a man with sharp features, his expression as stern as the dark suit he wore—a man who embodied the essence of command. This was Shiro's father.
"Father," Shiro spoke, his voice steady yet filled with an underlying tension as he approached the desk, "I'd like you to meet Unmei." His tone was firm, laced with a mixture of respect and a hint of defiance.
Unmei stood off to the side, feeling a mix of anticipation and anxiety. His hands fidgeted at his sides, unsure whether to bow in respect, extend a hand for a handshake, or just stand there like a statue. The imposing figure behind the desk lifted his gaze from a pile of papers, his penetrating eyes narrowing as they landed on Unmei.
"Unmei, is it?" he inquired, his voice deep and commanding, resonating through the grand office.
"Y-yes, sir!" Unmei replied, his voice barely above a whisper, before instinctively bowing deeply, his heart racing.
Shiro's father took a moment to assess the young man before him, his expression inscrutable. "I see," he said finally, allowing the words to hang heavy in the air. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Unmei."
The ensuing conversation was brief but polite. Shiro's father was more engrossed in the business matters that occupied his mind than in the introduction of his son's companion. Unmei felt a wave of relief wash over him as they concluded the formal exchange and exited the office, the weight of tension lifting the moment the door clicked shut behind them.
As they walked down the long, ornate hallway, Unmei couldn't contain his surprise any longer. He turned to Shiro, his voice a harsh whisper of disbelief. "*Boyfriend*?" he exclaimed, the word tumbling out of his mouth before he could stop it. His cheeks flushed with an embarrassing shade of red.
Shiro looked at him, the corner of his mouth quirking up into a smirk. "What? It's true, isn't it?" he replied, his tone playful and teasing.
Unmei's embarrassment deepened as he stumbled over his words, struggling to find a retort. "You can't just say that out of nowhere!" he stammered, flustered by both Shiro's audacity and the implications of their newly cemented relationship in the presence of Shiro's formidable father.
They spent the next hour weaving through a labyrinth of family interactions, each introduction feeling more daunting than the last. Shiro's mother stood out like a beacon of sophistication, her refined elegance embodied by the way she carried herself, dressed in a flowing gown that shimmered softly in the chandelier light. Unmei felt small in her presence, as though he were standing in the shadow of a graceful statue. Next came Shiro's younger sibling—an impish ball of energy with sparkling eyes and a contagious laugh that echoed through the opulent halls, radiating an aura of mischief that made Unmei's heart race with both amusement and anxiety. The distant relatives added to the swirl of emotions; they were a mixed bag of intimidating figures, each with their intriguing backstories, but their scrutinizing gazes made Unmei feel as though he were under a spotlight.
Despite his best efforts to hold onto his composure, Unmei couldn't shake the tight knot of nerves in his stomach. He offered polite smiles and contributed to small talk, but inside, he was a whirlwind of insecurities, desperately resisting the impulse to retreat into himself.
When they finally escaped the grandeur of the mansion and stepped into the open air of the park, the cool evening breeze washed over Unmei, revitalizing his spirits slightly. The moment he sank onto a weathered wooden bench, he felt an overwhelming wave of exhaustion crash over him.
"That was intense," he sighed, letting his shoulders slump as he leaned back, grateful for the moment of respite.
Shiro settled beside him, a playful glint in his eyes as he chuckled lightly. "You survived. I'm genuinely impressed. I half expected you to bolt after that first introduction."
Unmei turned to him, giving him a teasing sidelong glance. "You owe me big time for this."
Shiro leaned back into the bench, his laughter fading into a warm and rare smile that softened his features. "No. Thanks for coming with me. It meant a lot to have you there."
Unmei blinked, momentarily taken aback by the genuineness in Shiro's voice. "Uh… yeah, sure, anytime," he replied, surprised at the warmth blossoming in his chest, easing some of the tension that had clung to him all day.
They sat there together in comfortable silence, the sky transforming above them into a breathtaking tapestry of vivid oranges and soft pinks as the sun dipped below the horizon. For the first time that day, Unmei felt a deep sense of peace, the stresses of their earlier encounters fading into the background as he soaked in the tranquillity of the moment shared with Shiro, the world around them becoming a beautiful blur.