Chapter 54: Matsushita Sumire Is A Spartan Mother (2)

"I've paved the way for your future so you wouldn't have to worry about it. You should be grateful."

"But I don't want to inherit your company. I'd rather just be a waitress than follow in your footsteps!"

"You've really become ungrateful, Natsumi... Is that the influence of Kurogane-kun? Or Morikawa's daughter?"

"Don't drag my friends into this."

"This is exactly what happens when you hang out with those two. I keep telling you to stay away from them; they'll just be a nuisance to your future. All you have to do is finish your education, and then you'll become the owner of the company. Isn't that what every person in this world hopes for?"

I wasn't so sure about that. While many people might crave luxuries, there were also those who found contentment in the simple things. Personally, I didn't want to inherit the company because I was already satisfied with what I had. I had Tsubasa-kun by my side, along with Chinatsu-chan. Okaa-sama didn't get it because she had been alone throughout her whole life. She couldn't understand my feelings.

"I get that you've had a different life, Okaa-sama, but my happiness lies in different places," I said, finally finding the courage to express my feelings. "I appreciate what you've done for me, but I want a life filled with love and genuine connections, not just the trappings of success."

She looked at me, a mix of frustration and disappointment in her eyes. "You're throwing away everything I've worked for, Natsumi."

"No, Okaa-sama, I'm choosing a path that feels right for me. I want to live a life that I've chosen, not one that's chosen for me."

Okaa-sama's frustration intensified. "You're being naive, Natsumi. Love and connections won't pay the bills, won't secure your future. You're giving up stability for some fleeting emotions."

"I'm not being naive. I'm choosing a life where I'm not shackled to someone else's expectations. I want to build my happiness, not follow a predetermined script."

She sighed, her disappointment palpable. "You don't understand how the real world works. You need to be practical. Life isn't just about chasing whims and emotions."

"But it's also not about sacrificing your entire existence for wealth and success. I want a life with meaningful relationships, not one where I'm isolated behind the walls of a company."

She shook her head, unwilling to accept my perspective. "You'll regret this, Natsumi. You'll see the consequences of your choices when reality hits."

"I'd rather face the consequences of living authentically than the regret of living someone else's dream."

The car fell into a heavy silence, the tension hanging in the air as we continued our journey. I stared out the window, determined to forge my own path, regardless of the disapproval beside me.

***

[Kurogane Tsubasa's POV]

It was exactly 7 PM in the evening, and here I was in front of Natsumi's house. I had to crane my neck just to take in the whole massive structure. No matter how many times I saw this house, I couldn't help but gape in awe. I mean, look at how massive it was. The front double doors were probably 1.5 or two times taller than me.

I stared up at the towering house, feeling like an ant in the presence of a skyscraper. The front facade looked like something out of a fancy magazine, with these grand double doors guarding the entrance like they led to a kingdom. On the left and right, there were these fancy-ass fountains shooting water into the air, and I swear there was a garden that was probably bigger than our entire property.

I muttered to myself, "Dang, Natsumi's living the high life for real." I almost felt the need to double-check if I was at the right place. But nope, this was really the house. Natsumi was like an ojou-sama after all. It was only natural for her to be living in this kind of house.

Anyway, I didn't come here just to admire the house. I needed to get Natsumi out of this place and get on with our date. I promised myself that I would do anything for my girlfriends, even if I had to lick their mother's shoes, I would do it, just for them.

Alright, let's get this plan rolling. First things first, I need to find Natsumi's room. If my memory serves me right, it's on the second floor on the east side of this mansion. Gotta play it cool and not raise any suspicions. Just walkin' like it's a stroll in the park. Normal... normal... Okay, I'm on the east side now... wait, which one of these is her room? Darn it, I forgot to ask Chinatsu about that. What do I do now?

I scratched my head, standing outside the massive estate, right beyond the towering fence of her house. "Think, Tsubasa, think. How do I figure out which one is Natsumi's room without looking like a lost delivery guy?"

I glanced around, hoping for some divine inspiration. Maybe some clue that screamed "Natsumi's room this way." Unfortunately, all I saw were more fancy windows and immaculate walls.

"Alright, maybe I can play it cool and ask someone. Who's around here that might know? Maybe a butler or a maid? Do they even have those in real life?" I pondered, still trying to maintain that nonchalant facade.

I could try the classic strategy: peek through windows. But that's way too risky. I'm not ready for a superhero entrance through a glass pane.

Maybe I can play it smooth, strike up a casual conversation with someone who knows the layout. But then again, who am I gonna chat up out here in the vast wilderness of this mansion's surroundings?

How about a more Sherlock Holmes approach? Observation! Maybe there's something about her room that makes it stand out. But then again, everything in this place probably stands out.

Wait a sec, why didn't I think of this before? Technology to the rescue! I'll just text Chinatsu and ask which room is Natsumi's. Brilliant! Let me whip out my phone and...

Oh, hold up. Do I even have signal here? Darn it, I didn't think about that. Okay, okay, no panic. Deep breath. I'll just... improvise.