Chapter 85

Aoi-chan's older brother, to apologize for the confusion he caused, sent her the highest quality protein powder.

The muscle brother apparently likes a girl named Mari. I should have asked for her name earlier. Aoi-chan's kind older brother said it wasn't my fault and not to worry, and Aoi-chan doesn't seem to be angry with me at all, so I felt relieved for now.

The muscle brother, despite strong opposition from those around him, gave up on confessing with his self-composed love song, but he hasn't stopped playing the guitar every day. "Recently, my brother has started doing something like a guitar monologue..." Aoi-chan said on the phone, her voice filled with despair. I need to stay strong, Aoi-chan!

One day, I received an invitation to a founding anniversary party of a company under the Tachibana Group.

"I believe I declined that offer before. I said you should go without me."

"Yes, but when I met Tachibana Chairman at another company's party and mentioned you, he insisted that you should definitely attend this time."

Since I gave him the raccoon plushie, Father has been spreading the word everywhere that I am a father's girl. When Pivoine said, "I hear that Miss Reika and your father are very close," I was surprised because I hadn't heard anything about it.

In the upper class, it seems that I have long been known as a brother's girl, and now I've been labeled as a father's girl as well. It's unfair.

However, it's all just Father's performance. The rumor about being a brother's girl is still around, but the rumor about being a father's girl hasn't really taken hold. Of course, because it's not true.

"I'm still a high school student, so I would like to decline."

"But I've already accepted the invitation. So will you come with me, Reika?"

Huh?

Of all the parties, I definitely don't want to go to a Tachibana company party!

"Maybe Tatsuya-sama will be there too! Reika, let's go shopping for a new dress?"

Mother is excited. That's exactly what I don't want.

I have to study for the final exams, and I'll be in a doll-changing state for Mother for a while.

"It's fine. Father will escort you properly."

"No, I'll ask my brother to escort me."

What is this raccoon saying?

Hmph. Even if you look sad, I won't feel sorry for you!

I thought about mentioning to Tachibana at the salon that I would be attending the party, but I decided against it. I don't know if Tachibana will come, and I don't know what to say if he does.

Before I knew it, the day of the party arrived.

Corporate parties are not at all interesting. I've always tried to avoid them by using my youth as an excuse, but I guess I'll have to attend more from now on. Ugh, what a hassle. And Tachibana wasn't there.

As I had declared, my brother escorted me, and I kept smiling. There were parents of Pivoine members, so I talked about my interactions with their children at the academy. Most of them were "very wonderful people."

Father and Mother were greeting similar middle-aged men at a distance.

"Are you tired, Reika?"

"I'm still fine."

"Okay? Just a little more, so keep going."

Encouraged by my brother's whisper, I recharged my energy. "Good evening, I am Reika Kichijouji."

Then, a voice came from behind, "Thanks for coming, Takahiro."

"This is Tachibana Chairman. Thank you for inviting me today."

Tachibana Chairman?! Tachibana's father!

I turned around quickly.

Thump thump thump!!

Tachibana's father was an incredibly dashing gentleman.

I've always avoided Tachibana-related events, so this was almost the first time I met him up close. I had seen him from a distance a few times but quickly fled. I might have met him when I was little, but I don't remember well.

He must be around the same age as my father, but what a difference! His stomach isn't even bulging! The wrinkles at the corners of his eyes are not signs of aging but of sophistication. And those eyes, sharp yet full of warmth! The overflowing charisma! So cool!! And he's so tall!

If I were to compare him to a piece of music, he would be Beethoven's "Emperor." His son's "Bald Mountain" is a different story. Yes, this man is the true emperor!

I was so captivated that I stared blankly.

"Chairman, this is my sister Reika. Reika, this is Tachibana Chairman."

"Good evening, Reika. Thank you for coming today."

The handsome gentleman smiled and greeted me.

No! I can't just stand here blankly!

"Thank you for inviting me today. I am Reika Kichijouji."

I bowed politely, hiding my inner turmoil. I don't want to make a fool of myself in front of him!

"You don't need to be so formal. I hear you're a classmate of Tatsuya. He might be causing you trouble?"

"No, not at all. Tatsuya-sama is an excellent and outstanding person."

We're not close enough for him to cause me trouble.

"I hear you're also very talented. Your father must be proud. You always make homemade sweets for your beloved father. And the other day, you gave him a handmade figurine. Girls are great, aren't they? I envy Kichijouji Chairman."

Father, you're exaggerating too much!

I don't want to think about how much he's spreading my made-up stories outside.

"Tachibana Chairman, thank you."

"Ah, Kichijouji Chairman. I was just talking with your distinguished children."

Father and Mother saw us talking to Tachibana's father and came over.

"Reika is a very lovely young lady. She is indeed the beloved daughter of Kichijouji Chairman."

"Thank you, Tachibana Chairman."

You should be modest, raccoon.

When the chubby raccoon stands next to Tachibana's father, his handsomeness shines even more. Mother is amazing; she doesn't get disappointed by Father even in front of such a wonderful gentleman.

The raccoon continued to tell exaggerated stories about his daughter's close relationship with Tachibana's father. Someone, stop him.

The broad-minded Tachibana Chairman was smiling and indulging the raccoon's imagination.

At the end, Tachibana Chairman said, "I would like to meet Reika again," with a charming smile.

Ah, so wonderful...

Wait, I shouldn't be getting comfortable! I feel like I'm moving further away from my vow to avoid the Tachibana family...

I need to return to my original resolve!

A few days later, at the salon, Tachibana laughed and said, "My father said you're not just a brother's girl but also a father's girl."

Raccoon—!!