As the Miyamura family gathered for dinner, Iori initiated the conversation.
"You're early today," she remarked.
Naozumi nodded. "Yeah, I finished work early."
Curious, Iori asked, "What do you mean?"
Naozumi explained, "I had to visit the mall during the second half of the day, so I closed the shop. But my work at the mall finished quickly, and I decided to come back home. Going back to the shop and reopening it felt like a pain."
Iori smiled warmly, "Well, you did the right thing. Take some rest; you've been working very hard. Closing the shop for a day or two wouldn't hurt us."
Naozumi appreciated her understanding. "That sounds nice, but maybe at a later time. By the way, how did the trip go?"
"It was brilliant," Iori said enthusiastically. "We should go there again sometime. This time, you're coming along, Naozumi. Isn't that right, Izumi?"
Izumi chimed in, "Yeah, Dad, you should really come along next time."
Naozumi considered it, "Is that so?"
Izumi continued with excitement, "Yeah, we could do camping, trekking, bird watching, and so much more!"
Naozumi agreed with a smile, "Alright, then. We will go to Rairaikyo Gorge next time together"
Iori interjected, "Why only Rairaikyo Gorge? We will go to many more places together."
Naozumi shared the news, "Alright, alright, we will go on many more trips together, but after the mall's opening on the 23rd."
Izumi was clearly confused, "23rd!!!!"
Iori questioned, "23rd, so the opening date has been officially decided?"
Naozumi confirmed, "Yeah, just today— that's why I went to the mall."
Iori inquired further, "Oh! So all the work is finished?"
Naozumi reassured her, "Not completely, but the majority of the work is completed. Don't worry, everything will be finished before the 23rd. It's still two weeks left."
Iori was curious, "If all the work finishes before the opening, that's brilliant. By the way, what's the thing that's left to be done?"
Naozumi explained, "Oh, just placing furniture and decorative items."
Iori thought it was a great idea, "Oh! We should visit the mall after they finish those things and before the opening, to check if everything is correct or not."
Izumi chimed in enthusiastically, "I would love to visit it too."
Naozumi added, "Well, Izumi, you could visit it anytime you want."
Izumi clarified, "I'm specifically saying to visit before the opening ceremony."
Naozumi inquired, "Why's that?"
Izumi explained, "Because when it becomes open to all, it will be bustling with people, and navigating through them is just too draining."
Naozumi playfully teased, "And the lazy, introverted Izumi is back in action."
Izumi quickly defended himself, "I'm not lazy!"
Iori joined in, "But you are introverted, every single minute except the time you spend with Rin and playing volleyball."
Naozumi continued the conversation, "Ah, Rin, Izumi's friend from the Toshaka Family. That reminds me, the Toshaka Family just recently took a floor in rent at our mall!"
Izumi was surprised, "They did?"
Naozumi confirmed, "Yes, we finalized everything the other day. By the way, did the trip help with your project?"
Izumi enthusiastically replied, "Yeah, it absolutely did. Me and Rin both noted down everything we found, so now it won't take too long to complete the project."
Naozumi praised him, "That's a great thing! You better show us the final result of your project work."
Iori chimed in, "I second that!"
Izumi, who had just finished his dinner, added, "Absolutely, it will be the best thing you have ever seen."
After which he stood up from his seat and went over to wash his mouth, after finished that he said, "All right, I'm going back to my room."
Iori reminded him, "Go ahead, but don't stay up too late; you have school tomorrow."
Izumi agreed, "Yeah, I'm going straight to sleep. Wake me up at 6:00 am! Good night."
Iori replied, "Sure, good night, Izumi."
Naozumi added, "Good night, kiddo."
With those goodnight wishes, Izumi made his way back to his room. As he entered his cozy space, he couldn't help but reflect on the day, from the exciting trip to Rairaikyo Gorge, to getting a new play station 3 and movie evening with his mom, and also the news about the upcoming mall opening. He felt a sense of contentment and excitement for the days to come.
While getting ready for bed, Izumi's mind wandered to the project and how he would present it. He was eager to show the final result to his parents and make them proud. With a smile on his face, he drifted off to sleep, looking forward to a new day filled with opportunities and adventures.
-x-x-x-x-x-
The Toshaka family is a prominent name in the world of business and culture, known for its multifaceted enterprises. With a deep-rooted history of collaboration with the Matou family in the Kansai region of Japan, their influence has extended far beyond traditional business ventures. Together, they have ventured into diverse industries, spanning from clothing boutiques throughout the country to owning substantial shares in renowned clothing brands.
In addition to their involvement in the fashion world, the Toshaka family has made a mark in the Japanese antique business, specializing in valuable artifacts and traditional handicrafts. They also maintain a significant presence in the jewelry industry, blending their rich cultural heritage with contemporary elegance. This vast network of business interests has earned them a distinguished position in Japan and beyond.
Furthermore, the Toshaka family's international reach has been solidified through their partnership with the Einzbern family based in Germany. This alliance has allowed them to engage in global business ventures and deepen their cultural exchanges.
Their shared passion for art and antiques has led to a vibrant exchange of prized items, enriching their collections and broadening their cultural experiences. Their collaborative efforts have not only fostered economic growth in Japan and Germany but have also enhanced international relations. As a result, the Toshaka family's influence extends across borders, leaving a lasting mark on both business and culture.
The Toshaka family's extensive array of businesses and international connections have solidified their position as one of the most prominent families in the Tohaku region of Japan. Their profound influence on the local and international stage, coupled with their commitment to preserving and promoting Japanese culture, has earned them the respect and admiration of many.
Whether it's their contribution to local festivals, art exhibitions, and cultural events or their support for educational programs and community development, the Toshaka family's impact continues to reverberate throughout the region, enhancing both their legacy and their community's well-being.
But all that family heritage and prominence currently don't concern one Toshaka Rin, the eldest daughter of Toshaka Tokiomi, the current head of the Toshaka family and its vast business empire.
Rin is presently engrossed in the project work assigned by her school, working alongside her partner Izumi. Their task involves documenting all the fascinating discoveries they made during their recent trip to Rairaikyo Gorge.
Rin's mind was fully engrossed in her work as she meticulously recorded their findings, making sure not a single detail was overlooked. The project held a special significance for her, as it was a testament to her and Izumi's dedication to their studies and their deepening friendship. Amid the notes and research materials sprawled on her desk, Rin occasionally glanced at the photographs they had taken during the trip. Those snapshots captured moments of laughter, exploration, and the stunning beauty of Rairaikyo Gorge.
Rin leaned back in her chair, sighing with relief as she finished her work on the local animal segment. She glanced at the clock, realizing how late it had become.
"Now that idiot better do his part correctly," Rin muttered to herself with a satisfied smile, thinking about Izumi.
Her thoughts drifted to Izumi and their growing friendship, how he had entered her life unexpectedly and become a significant part of it.
As Rin mused, a voice interrupted her. "Now which idiot are you talking about?" said the voice from the door.
Turning her head toward the entrance, Rin found a woman in her late twenties to early thirties with long, flowing black hair and a decorative bow. She stood with elegance before the door to Toshaka's room, and the natural light inside highlighted her figure. Dressed in a stylish white coat, she exuded sophistication and confidence, seated gracefully in the chair.
"Mother... you're back," Rin exclaimed as she saw her mother, Aoi, returning from her business trip.
Aoi embraced her daughter warmly, smiling, and asked, "Yes, yes, we are back. Now, which 'idiot' were you talking about?"
With a faint blush, Rin, still in her mother's arms, replied, "It's just Izumi, my partner in the school project."
"Oh, Izumi-kun, the one you're spending a whole lot of time with," Aoi remarked.
Rin was caught off guard and blurted, "Whaat!"
Aoi continued with a teasing tone, "Yes, that's what Mey told me. You two went on a camping trip and also on a zoo visit too, didn't you?"
Aoi continued her teasing tone, "And you two watched something on TV together for 2 and a half hours, right?"
Rin defended herself, "It's not like that."
Aoi chuckled, "When did I say it's like that?"
Rin couldn't help but protest, "Aahhhh...mom, you're evil. You started teasing me right after you returned from a long business trip."
Aoi smiled and said, "Well, you can't blame me. I was absent for an entire month, so now I have to make up for it."
Rin pouted, "Mou~."
Aoi, leaving the teasing aside, asked, "Leaving that aside, tell me more about Izumi-kun."
Rin hesitated for a moment and then asked, "You want to know about him?"
Aoi replied with enthusiasm, "Yeah! Obviously!"
Rin questioned, "But why?"
Aoi smiled, "What's wrong with me wanting to know about my daughter's friend?"
Rin conceded, "Well, I guess."
"Now, let's stop this Q&A of what and why and tell me about your friend here." Aoi said
Rin began to describe Izumi, saying, "Izumi, huh. He's lazy, his presence is non-existent in school, and he loves eating cake, though while eating, half of it sticks to his mouth. He's kinda clumsy, but not entirely and..."
Aoi, with an amused grin, interrupted her, "Is he cute?"
Rin, caught off guard, stammered, "Yeah, he is cute," and then realized what she had said, causing her cheeks to flush bright red.
Aoi couldn't help but chuckle at Rin's sudden embarrassment. She leaned closer to her daughter and playfully nudged her. "Ah, I see. So, you think he's cute, huh? Is there something more than just a school project going on?"
Rin's blush deepened, and she stammered, "N-No, Mom! It's just that... um... he's a nice guy, and..."
Aoi laughed heartily, "Alright, alright, I won't pry too much. But if there's ever something you want to share with your mom, you know you can, right?"
Rin nodded, grateful for her mother's understanding. "Thanks, Mom. It's just... he's a good friend, and we're working on this project together. That's all."
Aoi ruffled Rin's hair affectionately, "I know, dear. Friends are important, and I'm glad you have someone like Izumi to share your time with. Now, tell me more about this project you two are working on."
Rin took a deep breath, relieved that her mother didn't press the matter further, and started explaining the details of their school project.
"So, what are you, mother-daughter duo, talking about?" a kind voice interrupted them, and as they turned toward the voice, they saw a middle-aged man wearing a vibrant red suit.
The man's red suit was impeccably tailored, exuding elegance and style. The vivid color accentuated his presence, while the sleek lines of the suit conveyed a sense of power and authority. A perfectly knotted blue tie added a touch of sophistication to his ensemble, creating a pleasing contrast against the red fabric.
His dark, well-groomed hair framed his face, emphasizing his distinguished demeanor.
"Father!" Rin exclaimed.
The man was Toshaka Tokiomi, the head of the Toshaka family and Rin's father.
Tokiomi approached his daughter and wife with a warm smile. "I see you two are having a lovely chat. I hope I'm not interrupting anything."
Aoi shook her head, "Not at all, dear. We were just discussing Rin's school project and her friend, Izumi."
Aoi chuckled. "We were just discussing Rin's friend, Izumi, and her school project."
Rin chimed in, "Yes, Izumi is my partner for the project, and we've been working hard on it."
Tokiomi's eyes twinkled with curiosity. "Izumi, you say? I'd love to hear more about him."
Aoi couldn't resist teasing her daughter once more. "Rin was just telling me how cute he is."
Rin's face turned beet red as her parents shared a knowing look. It seemed like her secret wasn't much of a secret anymore.
Tokiomi chuckled. "Well, my daughter thinks someone's cute, I think I have to meet this Izumi sometime."
"That's a great idea, dear. How about you invite him over to our house, Rin?" Aoi suggested with a warm smile, her eyes filled with anticipation.
"Invite Izumi?" Rin questioned, slightly surprised by the suggestion.
"Yes, you can do that, can't you?" Aoi encouraged, her excitement for the idea evident.
Rin looked at her parents, a bit hesitant but also excited at the prospect of inviting Izumi over. "I suppose I can ask him if he wants to come over. He might be busy with his own things, though."
Tokiomi smiled and patted his daughter's shoulder. "Don't worry, Rin. Just ask him, and we'll be happy to have him here. It'll be nice to meet your friend."
Rin nodded, feeling a bit more confident. "Alright, I'll ask him. I hope he can come."
Aoi beamed with satisfaction. "That's wonderful, dear, hope he can come, I can't wait to meet him."
Rin nodded in determination. "Alright, I'll ask him when we go to school tomorrow."
"Leaving that aside, both of you are here, so where is Sakura?" Rin inquired.
Aoi responded, "She went to sleep just after we landed at the airport."
"Oh, she must be too tired from the trip then. How about you two? Aren't you tired?" Rin asked.
"I'm fine. I just took a nap in the car while returning home, but I can't say the same about your father," Aoi said with a hint of amusement.
Rin looked puzzled. "What do you mean?"
Tokiomi chimed in, "Well, I had to go to a meeting right after we landed in town, so I took a different car and straight up went to work. We have to finalize a deal regarding renting places for the new shops."
Rin sympathized, "That sounds like a lot of work. Have you two had dinner yet?"
Aoi replied, "Nope, we're just about to. We told the maids to prepare dinner, and while they were doing that, I decided to check up on you."
Tokiomi added, "And in my case, after I returned home and freshened up, I asked a maid where your mother was, and she said here, so I came to see you. Plus, I wanted to meet you as well."
Aoi then inquired, "What about you, Rin? Have you had your dinner yet?"
Rin replied with a smile, "Yes, I had my dinner earlier. I was working on my project after that. Anyway, you two go have your dinner now. Staying on an empty stomach isn't good for your health."
Aoi smiled at her daughter's concern. "I will, dear. Your father and I are going to have dinner now. You go and rest, and make sure to invite your friend over soon."
Rin nodded and replied, "Sure, I'll talk to Izumi about it. Enjoy your dinner, Mother, Father."
With that,Aoi and Tokiomi made their way to the dining room to have their much-needed meal, while Rin retired to her bed, thoughts of inviting Izumi over still on her mind.
The next day in the school, as Rin made her way to class, she spotted Izumi walking ahead of her. She called out to him, "Izumi! Wait up!"
Izumi stopped in his tracks and turned to see Rin approaching. With a smile, he waited for her, and when she catch up to him they continued to walk together towards the classroom.
They talked about various topics, sharing stories and laughs as they made their way to the classroom. Izumi had a knack for bringing brightness into Rin's life, and she held their friendship dear.
As they walked side by side, Rin couldn't help but think that he was unquestionably her closest and dearest friend— her bestfriend.
[A/N— am a little bit busy with life~ currently traveling to different places, this is a unedited version so there might be some mistakes, if you spot them than please notify me.
Btw last week the story had collected 94 power stones, so let's aim for 100 power stones this week! Thanks for reading]