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Chapter 26 – A Quiet Ride Home
( Guys I got a fever so i might make some mistake in the chapter sorry about that)
The event finally drew to an end. The music faded, the guests slowly left, and the grand ballroom grew quiet under the golden glow of chandeliers.
Outside, the night sky was clear, with the city lights reflecting off the tinted windows of luxury cars lined up at the entrance. The Horikita family made their way out together, bowing politely to the attendants before entering their black car.
Manabu sat in the driver's seat, his expression composed as always, while their parents took the back, and Suzune sat between them.
As the car pulled away from the mansion, silence filled the space — a peaceful silence that came after an overwhelming night. The city lights streamed past the windows, painting fleeting gold streaks across Suzune's tired face.
Her father checked his phone for updates, but what he saw made his eyes widen slightly. He quickly tapped on the screen, scrolling through notifications and stock updates before speaking in surprise.
> "Our company's market value just went up," he said, voice trembling with disbelief.
"Skyrocketed, in fact."
Suzune's mother leaned closer, her eyes widening.
> "That's impossible. How?"
Manabu, keeping his eyes on the road, allowed himself a small smile.
> "It's probably because we were invited to Mr. Ayanokoji's charity event. His reputation alone has that kind of influence."
Suzune's father leaned back and nodded.
> "You're right. Just being associated with him carries weight. He's… not a man ordinary people can easily approach."
There was admiration and a hint of awe in his voice — the same kind that powerful businessmen used when speaking about legends they could never surpass.
Suzune listened faintly, her eyelids growing heavy. Her thoughts drifted back to the hall — the taste of the steak, the faint smile on Ayanokoji's face, the way his gaze met hers for just a second.
Her lips curved slightly before sleep claimed her.
Seeing that, her mother smiled softly and brushed her daughter's hair aside, gently patting her head.
> "She's grown so much," she whispered, warmth in her tone.
"Our little Suzune isn't a child anymore."
Her father nodded, eyes softening.
> "Yes… she's more confident now. Stronger. That's good."
For a few moments, only the sound of the engine and the soft hum of the road filled the car. Then, Suzune's father exhaled slowly, a thoughtful expression crossing his face.
> "I think it's about time," he said quietly.
Suzune's mother looked at him, curious.
> "About time for what?"
He smiled knowingly.
> "Manabu should find a girl he likes… and get married."
The car suddenly swerved slightly, and Manabu's hands tightened on the wheel as his ears turned red.
> "F-Father!" he stammered. "Could you not bring that up while I'm driving?"
Suzune stirred awake from the sudden jolt, blinking drowsily.
> "Huh… what happened?"
Her mother laughed softly.
> "Nothing, dear. Your father just told your brother it's time he found a girl and got married."
Manabu groaned, clearly flustered, and tried to focus on the road.
> "Mother, please… not now."
Suzune rubbed her eyes, still half-asleep, and gave a teasing smirk.
> "Big brother, you should listen to them. You're not getting any younger."
Manabu shot her a sharp look through the rearview mirror, but even he couldn't hide the faint smile tugging at his lips.
> "You too, Suzune. You're one to talk."
Her father chuckled heartily.
> "Ah, it's nice to see both of you acting like this again. It's been a while since we had a drive this peaceful."
Outside, the city lights gradually faded as they neared home. Suzune leaned her head against the window, watching the faint moonlight bathe the quiet streets.
Her eyes slowly closed again, but this time her dreams weren't empty.
Somewhere in them, she saw a quiet smile — the kind that belonged to Ayanokoji Kiyotaka — and for the first time, she wondered what kind of life he led when no one was watching.
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