Chapter 27
The news of the birthday party was like a huge rock thrown into a calm lake, instantly causing a huge wave in Hyotei Academy.
The Atobe family's huge estate in the suburbs of Tokyo will host a grand birthday ball. Although the invitations have not been sent to the entire school, the news has already spread like wildfire, making it the most anticipated social event at the beginning of the new semester. The air is filled with excited speculation and silent competition.
Who will receive the gilded invitation? Who will be lucky enough to be the opening dance partner?
As expected, but also beyond my expectation, Atobe Keigo called me personally.
The background noise on the other end of the phone was very quiet, with only his deep and gorgeous voice coming through clearly: "You should have heard about the birthday party."
He paused, as if weighing his words, "Next Saturday night. At my estate."
He paused again, his tone carrying a subtle hint of tentativeness and a desire to arrange things, "That afternoon, I asked the driver..."
"I will go." I interrupted his unspoken plan, my voice calm and sure, "Congratulations on growing another year older, Atobe-san. However,"
I changed my tone and said with a hint of lightheartedness, "Don't bother your Excellency with the other little things. You'll be the biggest boss that day, so you'll definitely be super busy. How could you possibly have the time to worry about these things? I can handle it myself."
There was silence on the other end of the line for two seconds. I could imagine his brow furrowing slightly, perhaps a hint of frustration at having his plans disrupted. But he ultimately gave up and simply replied, "Okay. I'm glad you can come."
Rie's words "The opening dance is the main thing" inexplicably popped up again, making me feel inexplicably nervous.
I quickly changed the subject, speaking with a touch of deliberate casualness and self-deprecation: "By the way, I have to warn you in advance, I don't know how to dance socially at all."
"Don't come looking for me then. It would be so embarrassing if your expensive shoes were to fall off or you fell flat on your face in public. For the sake of your birthday party being a complete success, please stay away from me, okay?"
I said this half-jokingly and half-seriously, but I felt a little unsure.
The other end of the line fell into a brief silence again. I could sense a subtle sense of loss coming through the airwaves, but when he spoke, his voice remained steady, even a little indulgent: "...I understand. It's up to you."
He agreed readily, without asking any questions or forcing anything.
I hung up the phone and breathed a sigh of relief. Rie's words were like a tiny thorn, piercing a corner of my heart.
Opening dance... This feeling of being pushed to the forefront makes me instinctively want to avoid it.
Keeping distance may be the best option.
October 4th, evening.
The Atobe family manor was brightly lit, like a crystal palace floating in the night.
Under the dazzling lights, the expansive, meticulously manicured lawn resembles a green velvet carpet, stretching towards the majestic Baroque-style main residence in the distance. The fountain reflects a rainbow of colors under the lights, and the sound of a melodious symphony lingers faintly in the air.
Top luxury cars drove in like a stream, and guests in gorgeous clothes filed out one after another. The men were dressed in suits and looked elegant, while the women wore a variety of gorgeous evening gowns and dazzling jewelry. The air was filled with the fragrance of high-end perfumes and flowers, showing the ultimate prosperity and luxury of the upper class.
As a close friend of Atobe and a core member of the tennis club, Oshitari naturally arrived early. He was wearing a perfectly tailored dark blue velvet evening gown, leaning lazily against the doorframe of Atobe's study, watching his personal stylist put the finishing touches on Atobe's outfit.
Atobe Keigo stood in front of a huge floor-length dressing mirror.
A pure white, custom-made tuxedo with intricate gold embroidery accentuated his already tall figure, making him appear even more dignified and imposing, like a true prince. His hair was meticulously groomed, revealing his full forehead and unparalleled handsome features.
He raised his chin slightly and let the stylist adjust the position of his bow tie. He looked at himself in the mirror calmly, with an aura of a king who was in control of everything.
Oshitari's eyes casually scanned the study, admiring the priceless artworks and books. Suddenly, his gaze fixed on an inconspicuous spot on the wall behind the desk.
There hung an extremely delicate, simple-lined dark wooden frame. However, what was framed in the frame was not a famous painting or a photograph, but a piece of... ordinary-looking, even slightly wrinkled, blank rice paper?
Some irregular, faint marks, like dried water stains, can be vaguely seen on the paper, but there are no words or patterns.
Oshitari raised his eyebrows, his blue eyes behind the lenses filled with undisguised confusion and absurdity.
He pointed at the picture frame and asked in a very speechless tone: "Atobe, what is this? Which abstract master's masterpiece is this? Or..."
He drawled out his words, with a mischievous smile, "Is this 'The Emperor's New Painting'? Expressing a supreme state of 'nothing here is better than anything here'?"
Atobe Keigo didn't even raise his eyelids. His tone was cold, with a hint of impatience at being interrupted: "It has nothing to do with you."
He obviously didn't want to explain the origin of this blank piece of paper that he treasured so much. On it, his name had been written in water, and it had carried a girl's deepest interpretation of his soul.
He just wanted to treasure that shock all by himself.
Oshitari shrugged and didn't ask any further questions.
He turned to look at Atobe, who had already finished tidying up, with full aura, and was about to go downstairs. He straightened his expression and said with a rare seriousness: "Hey, Atobe. Who are you going to invite to the opening dance tonight?"
He took a step closer, lowering his voice with a knowing look, "The whole school is watching. Isn't it time for the person in that 'clear sky' photo to show up?"
"This is the best time to make a public announcement." He believed in his own judgment and also believed in Atobe's intentions.
Atobe's footsteps paused.
He turned around slowly and was silent for a few seconds.
Inuzaka's words were like a key, instantly unlocking the real reason behind Kiriyama's panicked rejection on the phone, saying "I can't dance" and "Don't come to me" - she had heard those rumors, and she didn't want to be the focus of the opening dance, and didn't want to be publicly pushed to the forefront.
So that's why.
A complex emotion passed through Atobe's heart, including loss and helplessness, but more of it was understanding.
He remembered what she had said: "My elders are very strict. They strictly ordered me to focus on martial arts and studies before I turn eighteen. I must not be distracted."
Her eyes were frank and serious. That wasn't an excuse to shirk responsibility, but a rule she adhered to.
Atobe Keigo, respects the rules and respects her even more.
He took a deep breath, and when he spoke again, his voice was low and calm, with an unquestionable determination: "Inuzuka."
"Um?"
"She has her own rules." Atobe's gaze passed over Oshitari, seemingly penetrating the wall, and fell on the dance floor downstairs where all eyes were about to gather. "No talk of romance before the age of eighteen."
He paused, his tone becoming unusually serious: "So, I won't invite her to the opening dance tonight. This is her rule. I respect it."
After saying that, Atobe did not stop, but walked out of the study with his long legs, gracefully and firmly, leaving Obito Yuushi standing there, pushing his glasses. A light mixed with surprise, understanding and deep approval flashed in his blue eyes behind the lenses.
It seems that this Ice Emperor is really...
Moreover, it was done in a very respectful way that even he found a little surprising.
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