Chapter 69

"Or, are you going to get married? If what you say is true, and Arisa is really being threatened, then there's a chance, isn't there?"

As Yugen approached the scene at a quick pace, he heard such words from Ayumi. With just those words, Yugen somehow grasped the situation.

It seemed that the boy, Koyama, had a somewhat accurate but misguided understanding of the relationship between Yugen and Arisa. Most likely, he believed that Yugen was using money or power to force Arisa into a relationship.

So, while Yugen was away, he approached Arisa. In the process, he said something that angered Ayumi.

Ayumi, harboring hostility towards Koyama, rebutted him...

And during their conversation, she realized that Koyama had feelings for Arisa, and out of spite, she said, "Are you going to get married?"

Both Yugen and Ayumi had received debate training from their parents, so they could win arguments with those who hadn't received such training, just through words.

"State your opinions assertively. Never admit your faults first."

That was the teaching of their parents...

"Ayumi, what's going on here?"

Yugen called out to Ayumi in a reproachful tone. Ayumi seemed to notice that Yugen was slightly angry.

She pointed at Koyama with a dissatisfied expression.

"This person insulted you and Arisa. So I argued back. Was I wrong?"

"You should have considered the place."

Yugen responded calmly. Ayumi then looked around in a flustered manner. Naturally, with all the commotion, people's gazes were drawn to them.

The parents' teaching essentially meant "show the people around you that you are right," but doing so in a shopping mall was taking it too far.

After reprimanding Ayumi, Yugen turned to Koyama.

"It's been a while, Koyama-kun."

"Huh? Ah, yes."

When Yugen greeted him politely, he nodded with a bewildered expression. Yugen then took out his phone.

"Would you like to exchange contact information?"

"Huh? No, I mean, what for..."

"I thought you might have something you want to ask me."

Yugen now had a reason to talk to him about this incident. It was troublesome to have such misunderstandings, so it was necessary to clear the air.

"You must have something on your mind too. How about we set a date to talk later? What do you think?"

"But... but..."

"Don't you need time to gather your thoughts?"

Yugen pressed him in a way that left no room for argument, and Koyama reluctantly nodded. He seemed to be the type who was easily swayed and lacked confidence.

After exchanging contact information, they parted ways. Koyama left as if he were fleeing.

After seeing him off, Yugen turned to Arisa and Ayumi.

"Are you both okay?"

"Ah, yes, we're fine."

"Um, Onii-san, maybe..."

"I need to talk to you later."

"Okay."

Fortunately, the rest of the date went smoothly without any further incidents.

Later, Yugen heard the story from Ayumi and confirmed the situation. It was mostly as he had expected. After thoroughly warning Ayumi not to disclose the engagement, Yugen contacted Koyama.

Fortunately, they were able to meet the next day, which was Sunday. Yugen arranged to meet him at a café near his house.

They sat at a table in silence and ordered coffee.

After the coffee arrived...

"I heard from Ayumi."

"Um... um..."

"It seems you believe I'm threatening Arisa and forcing her into a relationship."

"...I'm sorry."

He seemed to be aware that he had been quite rude. ...Of course, the fact that Arisa had been forced into an engagement was true, but that wasn't the point.

"I accept your apology. And... Ayumi went a bit too far. I apologize on her behalf."

Since Koyama had admitted his fault first, Yugen also apologized. Ayumi's last words were clearly unnecessary.

First, there was something that needed to be clarified: how the engagement information had leaked.

While the engagement wasn't a top-secret matter, it was best not to disclose it... However, it was necessary to determine how and why an outsider like Koyama had obtained such distorted information.

"I heard it from Daisho."

"I see."

Yugen recalled Arisa's attitude towards Daisho. Arisa didn't trust Daisho, and it seemed her judgment was correct. It was unclear what his intentions were, but he had certainly caused trouble.

It was inappropriate for someone who wasn't a party to the matter to spread important information that could affect Yugen and Arisa's lives. This was an issue that should be formally protested to the Amakusa family through his father, Kazuya Takasegawa.

However, Koyama, who had received false information, was, in a sense, a victim. Considering his heartbreak, there was room for sympathy. However, this did not excuse putting Arisa and Ayumi in danger.

Even if he couldn't forgive Koyama, there was nothing he could make him pay, and getting him angry would only cause more trouble. Yugen decided to swallow his anger and discomfort.

Koyama might not have much to lose, but Yugen did.

With that in mind, Yugen began speaking in a clear tone.

"First, let me make this clear: I did not threaten Arisa or force her into a relationship. To be honest, I wasn't even that enthusiastic about the engagement myself."

"Really?"

"Do I look like the kind of person who would do that?"

If that was the case, it would be hurtful. Yugen didn't pretend to be a good guy, but he didn't think he looked like a villain.

"No, but... Yuki-sei is beautiful, isn't she?"

"Even if she is. I'm still a high school student. It's too early to decide my future. Think about it logically."

My values are the same as yours, he emphasized.

It seemed to have an effect, as he felt Koyama's attitude gradually soften.

"Is that so... I see."

"That's right. Arisa and I are getting along as engaged, but it's more of a formality. If things don't progress, it will naturally fade away."

He couldn't tell him about the fake engagement, as he didn't trust him. Besides, there was little point in telling him.

"...But, didn't you pay money as part of the engagement?"

"Technically, it's a loan, a large one."

Yugen then told Koyama the amount, which seemed to far exceed his expectations.

"The one who lent this money is my father. Do you think a parent would spend so much money on their child's romantic affairs?"

Of course, if Yugen were extremely unattractive and much older, and no one would marry him without such a large sum, that would be a different story...

Yugen was still young and had no reason to rush. Arisa wasn't worth such a large sum to his parents.

"Do you understand? My father lent the money as part of a business deal. The loan and the engagement are unrelated. ...There is no fact that the Takasegawa family paid the Amakusa family for Arisa's value as part of the engagement."

After Yugen said this, Koyama fell silent. Was there still something he didn't understand? Yugen tilted his head in thought. As he pondered how to explain further...

"...I did."

"Huh?"

"I'm sorry! I acted out of ugly jealousy, jumped to conclusions, and went overboard... I hurt Yuki-sei and your sister. I'm very sorry."

Koyama bowed deeply, which surprised Yugen.

"Jealousy and hasty conclusions led me to hurt Yuki-sei and your sister. I'm very sorry."

"No, no... please raise your head. It was all due to an unfortunate misunderstanding."

Although he said this, Yugen was secretly relieved. The problem with Ayumi was that she had been too harsh on Koyama. It was understandable that he might hold a grudge.

If Koyama became a stalker and harmed Arisa or Ayumi, it would be a serious issue. Since Arisa and Koyama lived in the same neighborhood, the risk was high.

Yugen was concerned about this.

However, Koyama turned out to be more straightforward than expected. This was a fortunate turn of events. Of course, it also meant he had been deceived.

"I'll tell Daisho that it was a misunderstanding."

"Ah... I appreciate that."

Although Yugen thought Daisho wouldn't believe him, he didn't say it out loud.

"Mr. Takasegawa, can I ask one last question?"

"...What is it?"

"Do you like Yuki-sei?"

"...That's a difficult question."

Yugen's feelings for Arisa hadn't changed much since he had talked to Soichiro and Sei. He liked her, but not in a romantic way.

"I see."

Yugen's answer was vague, but Koyama seemed satisfied.

"I think Mr. Takasegawa is a suitable match for Yuki-sei."

"You...?"

"I'm fine. I'm not a suitable match for Yuki-sei, no matter what."

Whether Yugen and Arisa became a couple or not, his first love would never come to fruition, Koyama said definitively.

"Yuki-sei... seems happiest when she's with Mr. Takasegawa. Thanks to you, I've made up my mind. Thank you."

With that, he left the money for the coffee on the table and left. Yugen was left alone.

"The happiest... huh."

Yugen looked up at the ceiling and muttered.

Yugen, being the next successor, is quite calm, but Ayumi, being in middle school, is still incomplete as a "Takasegawa." Yugen's feelings towards Koyama were that he wanted to beat him up, but there was no point in it, and it would be troublesome if Koyama held a grudge, so he decided to resolve the matter peacefully.

By the way, when Yugen and Ayumi say "the engagement and business are unrelated," they are not entirely unrelated. There is a side to the engagement that involves a business loan. And it is true that Arisa was mentally coerced into the engagement... but it's all in how you say it. This level of sophistry is second nature to them.

If you think Koyama was too easily deceived, please bookmark and rate (change the ☆☆☆☆☆ to ★★★★★) the story. Maybe he will find a good partner someday? (Probably)

Yugen's seriousness: 50% → 80%

Arisa's (towards Koyama) goodwill: 0% (indifferent) → -50% (doesn't want to be involved)

If you think "Come on, get serious already!!" please bookmark and rate (change the ☆☆☆☆☆ to ★★★★★) the story. Yugen will finally take action.