Reading Week

On Sunday, Sato gave his parent's a call. After yesterday's burst of emotion, Sato finally got a chance to calm down and gather his thoughts.

"Sorry about yesterday. I.. I can see that you have changed for the better. So father, I'm willing to give us a chance again." Sato said through the video call to Mahiro. Geraldine sat by his side and listened in.

"Oh, that's great!" Mahiro formed a genuine smile when he heard Sato forgiving him.

"But.." Sato continued, "It would take some time for me to get used to this. So, I don't want you to think it will be back like the past so fast."

"That's acceptable, that's acceptable. I'm really glad that you are giving me a chance again, son. Thank you." Mahiro agreed and held his wife's hand off camera. He was really too happy and relieved that Sato was giving him another chance.

"Well, I'll call you guys another day. I'll head off first." Sato waved goodbye before getting off his phone and covered his own face with a pillow. Beneath the covers, he had a curved slit on his face. He was really glad that things have started to turn for the better with his parents.

Though, that happiness was short-lived, for he was welcomed with another problem. Sato had texted Ming about playing some Ray Of Light together for the past few days. Yet, his best friend didn't reply him. It was obvious that he was being ignored by Ming.

What happened between us? Did I do something to Ming that I didn't know about? He buried his head deeper into the pillow, grunting in dissatisfaction. Even after getting a great and wonderful boyfriend like Gray, he still cherished his current friendships. He would make sure to play Ray Of Light with his online friends and go out with his university mates too. Thus, in the case of Ming, his absence, greatly affected him.

The weekend ended just like that, with many ups and downs along the way. Ushering in the new week, was the year end examination preparation. The University had Reading Week, whereby students get the chance to catch up on their readings and studies for exams. There would be no classes and so students does not need to come to school. The following week would be the commencing of examinations.

Sato woke up as per normal, early in the morning, and went for a morning hike with Gray. The temperatures had started to drop and so they were able to see their breath early in the morning, where the temperatures were colder. They climbed their usual mountain and had breakfast in the wooden house atop the mountain.

Since Sato did not have classes, he was prepared to stay at home to study for his exams. The young man was able to study in any conditions. Unlike others that were not able to focus at home, the studious nature of Sato's allowed him to zone out and focus on what is in front of him.

Back when he lived in the dingy old apartment by himself, the upstairs neighbours were always clamouring and fighting, resulting in loud noises every night. Not only that, the walls of the apartments were thin, allowing for the tenants to know when someone is walking in the hallway. Sato studied in that condition for a whole year and still managed to be top in the class. That was more than enough proof of his ability.

"You can tell Hank if you would like to go anywhere later on." Gray told Sato while wearing his shoes. He was about to leave to work.

"Okay." Sato said.

"Come here," Beckoning for Sato to come closer, Sato obliged. Gray stepped forward too, giving his lover a kiss on the forehead. "I'll be leaving now."

"Okay." Sato repeated, but this time, his face was blushing from Gray's romantic action.

"Oyo, my son is all grown up." Melanie watched from the sofa and cheered for her son. It was definitely worlds apart from the usual cold Gray.

Sato left for upstairs, back his room to start his study grind, while Gray left for a meeting in another camp. Sato had a total of eight exams in the next two weeks, a sign of how tough it was to do two degrees at once. Normally the number of exams would only be around four or five for students.

Melanie had some loose ends to tie up on her side. She left soon after Gray and headed to the Hayfield Limited's building. The Hayfield Limited was one of the Tobion family's subsequent family names that were under them. The Hayfield Group was in charge of real estate, comprising of integrated developments, shopping malls, offices, homes, real estate investments and others. They are the fifth biggest real estate company in the world.

Knowing that, anyone could tell the sheer power of the Tobion family. Their covert operations had created a vast network of business lines in almost every industry. They dabbled in both science and arts, not on the short end of the stick for anything. It was the reason why they are one of the big three families in the world.

When Melanie exited from the car, in front of the Hayfield Building, a row of security guards and front desk workers welcomed her into the building. Her entrance was spectacular, attracting the watchful eyes of spectators, yet her elegance and posture did not seem to care about anything around her. Walking at a comfortable pace, she headed up the presidential elevator that only stopped at the very top floor. She was here to find the boss, but more like, only the head of the Hayfield group was worthy of her presence.