❃❃❃❃

❃𝓣𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓲𝓼 𝓰𝓸𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓸 𝓫𝓮 𝓯𝓲𝓷𝓮❃

❃❃❃❃

__________________________________

Akira power-walked to the farthest corner he could find, his heart pounding against his ribs. He felt as though he might explode from the sheer amount of his embarrassment. How could he have let that slip? Of all the things to say, blurting out 'you' to Huan was the absolute worst. What would Huan think of him now? He groaned inwardly, running a hand through his hair in frustration.

"Where are you going?" a familiar voice called out.

Akira froze as his younger cousin, Sumiko, appeared from around the corner, her fingers gripping his sleeve. She wore a red hanfu adorned with intricate golden embroidery. The Fujisawa Clan crest sat proudly on the left of her robe, while the Li Clan symbol rested on the right and her braided hair was adorned with ribbons.

"Running away," Akira muttered, trying to keep his voice even.

"Running from what?" another voice chimed in.

Izumi, stepped into view, dressed in a matching red yisang-hanfu. His hair, tied back in a neat ponytail like Akira's, swayed as he moved closer. The siblings had the same sharp grey eyes and poised manner, but where Sumiko's gaze was serious, Izumi's were always at ease.

Akira sighed, pulling them both aside into a quiet corner. "Where to begin..." He let out a shaky breath and explained, stumbling over his words, how his so-called 'friends' had asked him who he thought was the prettiest. How, in a moment of panic, he had accidentally declared Huan the answer.

Izumi snorted, his lips twitching into a smirk. Sumiko, however, frowned thoughtfully. "But you're not wrong. Huan is indeed a Jade Beauty!"

Akira groaned, pressing a hand over his face. "I know he is! But that's not the point! I just... I just outed myself!"

As he tried to quell his mortification, something on Sumiko's wrist caught his eye—a ribbon. Its end was tied around Izumi's hand.

"What's with the ribbon?" Akira asked, brow furrowed.

"Pedophiles," Izumi said matter-of-factly, shrugging. "Mama heard about Chen Zheng's... and thought it'd be safer this way."

Akira's lips pressed into a tight line. "If that's the case, shouldn't you both be sticking close to your mother?"

"She's right there," Sumiko said, pointing to the grand entrance of the tower.

Akira turned and immediately straightened, his posture stiffening. At the entrance stood Li Yang, her presence as commanding as it was graceful. She wore a stunning yellow hanfu, its fabric shimmering in the golden light of the afternoon. Golden ornaments glinted in her dark hair, perfectly arranged in an elegant updo. Beside her was her husband, Akira's uncle, Itsuki. He was calm and dignified in his Fujisawa Clan uniform, glasses—his left lens shade black—perched on his nose as he observed the gathering with an unreadable expression. 

Akira tensed. "My parents haven't arrived yet?"

"Nope," Sumiko said casually. "They're still waiting."

Izumi grinned. "Let's go pay our respects, oni-chan. You wouldn't want to be rude."

Rolling his eyes but knowing they were right, Akira sighed. "Yes, yes, I'm well aware of my priorities."

As Akira approached, his aunt spotted him first. Her sharp eyes softened as a warm smile spread across her face. "Akira," Li Yang said, her voice melodious yet commanding.

Akira bowed deeply. "Aunt Yang. Uncle Itsuki."

"You've grown even more handsome since the last time I saw you. And how marvelous that you get to participate in the Celestial Trials! I am sure you will make your mother and father proud." Li Yang said, her tone filled with approval. She gestured to her children. "Erlang, Rui take note. This is how you should carry yourselves. Your elder cousin is an excellent example."

Akira hated being a role model. 

Sumiko nodded earnestly, while Izumi rolled his eyes, folding his arms.

Itsuki, ever composed, stepped forward and patted Akira lightly on the shoulder. "You've done well," he said simply, his voice calm but kind. From the folds of hus nagagi, he retrieved a small omamori, its fabric embroidered with symbols. "Take this, Akira. For tomorrow's match. It might bring you some luck."

Akira accepted the charm with a bow, his hands closing over it tightly. His collection of omamori was already vast, but this one felt special for tomorrow. "Thank you, Uncle Itsuki. I'll keep it close."

He admired his uncle deeply. Itsuki was the opposite of his own father—a man of patience, whose love for his family was evident in every action. Itsuki treated his wife and children with care and affection, he had a warmth Akira had always longed for from his own father.

His father, in contrast, was distant and stoic. At best, Akira would receive a pat on the back or a rare acknowledgment of his efforts. There was no warmth, no tenderness. His father's interactions with his mother were even colder, leaving Akira to wonder if their marriage was built on anything beyond duty. It was a bitter reminder that his existence wasn't born of love, but of honor—and that he was expected to carry that honor on his shoulders.

As they exchanged a few more words, Akira caught himself wishing, not for the first time, that his father had been more like his uncle. But he quickly pushed the thought away. There was no use dwelling on what could never be.

The doors to the tower opened once again, Akira's parents entered, flanked by his three sisters. His mother, Fujisawa Ahyumi, moved gracefully, her red and blue kimono looked elegant on her. The colors complemented her deep blue eyes, and her hair was neatly pinned up, adorned with subtle ornaments that shimmered in the light. Akira's face lit up at the sight of her, and he offered her a warm smile.

"Akira," she said softly, returning the smile as she reached out to straighten his collar. "You've been doing well, haven't you?"

"Yes, mom," Akira replied, his voice filled with affection.

Then his gaze shifted to his father, and the smile faded. Fujisawa Akhito's grey eyes, as cold and empty as ever, met his briefly before glancing away. His expression was the same grim mask Akira had grown up with, offering neither warmth nor approval.

Akira bowed deeply. "Father."

Akhito gave a curt nod, his tone indifferent. "Akira."

Li Yang's face lit up when she spotted Ahyumi. "Ahyumi! It's been far too long."

"Sister," Ahyumi greeted with a small laugh, clasping Li Yang's hands warmly. The sisters-in-law began talking, and soon the other adults joined in, their conversation drifting to topics that Akira quickly tuned out. Something about clan responsibilities and other matters Akira had no interest in.

As the adults continued their discussion, Akira stood at the side, his thoughts wandering. Should he excuse himself and find Huan? He could feel the anxiety bubbling up again. Why couldn't I just think before speaking!

Before he could decide, the room quieted slightly as more guests entered. His maternal grandfather, Ashikaga Hattori, stepped through the doors, his presence commanding even in his old age. He wore a traditional dark blue montsuki adorned with the Ashikaga crest, and though his hair was white, his posture remained straight and proud. Beside him was Akira's maternal uncle, Ashikaga Shinzo, who looked almost identical to Ahyumi. Shinzo had the same sharp dark blue eyes but a slightly sterner demeanor.

Trailing behind them was Sanji, hands shoved in his pockets, his reluctance to be there written all over his face.

Akira quickly stepped forward, bowing deeply. "Grandfather. Uncle Shinzo. Sanji."

Thank the ancestors my other grandfather didn't come!

Sanji gave him a nod before muttering, "Akira." He then begrudgingly bowed toward the adults, as was expected.

"Ah, Akira!" Hattori's deep, booming voice carried across the room as he approached. "My grandson! And my other grandson!" He clapped Sanji on the back, who grimaced slightly but said nothing.

Hattori's gaze swept over the room, his voice cheerful as he said, "What an honor to have two of my own grandsons participating in such a prestigious event! I can hardly wait to see which of you proves better. The son of my son or the son of my daughter!"

Akira stiffened at the comment, his discomfort mirrored in Sanji's expression. While Hattori laughed heartily, Akira's thoughts churned. He and Sanji had never really been that close, and the idea of being pitted against each other only added to the awkwardness.

Then Hattori's tone shifted, his eyes landing on Ahyumi. "It's a shame, though, that my daughter was born without a Kanji spirit. But I suppose her worth now lies in how well she's raised her son. Wouldn't you agree?"

Akira's stomach twisted at the remark. He glanced at his mother, who smiled politely, showing no sign of offense, but he knew better. Her father's words pressed down on Akira like a boulder.

It wasn't fair. None of it was fair. His mother's worth reduced to his achievements. His existence measured by how well he upheld their family's honor. He didn't just have to prove himself—he had to prove her worth, too.

"May I be excused?" Akira asked, his voice steady despite the storm inside him.

Ahyumi turned to him, her expression softening. "Of course, Akira. Go ahead."

Without waiting for further acknowledgment, Akira bowed and stepped away.

Sanji fell into step beside him, hands still in his pockets. Neither spoke at first, the silence heavy but not uncomfortable.

Finally, Sanji broke it with a quiet, "Sorry."

Akira glanced at him, startled. "For what?"

"For laughing." Sanji shrugged.

Akira blinked, caught off guard by the apology. "Oh..." He hesitated before muttering, "It's fine."

Sanji smirked slightly. "You know, everyone's got a gay cousin."

Akira stared at him, his face heating up instantly. "W-What are you even talking about?"

Sanji chuckled, his steps lightening. "Just saying. Don't take it so seriously, Akira."

Akira frowned but couldn't help the faint smile tugging at his lips. Sanji's way of diffusing tension wasn't elegant, but it was effective.

"Anyway," Sanji elbowed Akira with a sly grin. "I think Huan's looking for you."

Akira's lips pressed into a thin line, ready to fire back, but a familiar voice cut through before he could.

"Who's Huan?" asked Sumari, the eldest of his younger sisters. Her sharp gray eyes sparkled with curiosity as she sidled closer, clearly ready for gossip.

"His partner," Izumi said flatly, not even glancing up as he tugged at the hem of his sleeve.

"And his crush~" added Sumiko, her teasing grin wide enough to rival the moon.

Sumari's head tilted, interest fully piqued. "Ooooh~ Do tell!"

Akira's face turned crimson, matching the deep red of his nagagi. He spun around, his tone rising an octave. "Shut up!"

Makime, the second sister and eternal ball of excitement, squealed, practically bouncing on her toes. "I wanna meet Huan!"

Her twin, Makoshi, nodded with equal enthusiasm. "Me too!"

Groaning, Akira pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to will his siblings into silence. "Later. Maybe. And where is Uncle Akimitsu? Or Takashi? What about Auntie Hanako? I thought they were coming with you."

Sumari waved a dismissive hand, her expression breezy. "Oh, they're around. Auntie Hanako's down by the bay, taking her usual hundred pictures of the sunset. You know how she is."

Akira let out a weary sigh. He'd hoped to corner Akimitsu to ask about Jia Yuxi for Huan, but clearly, that plan was as delayed as his siblings' maturity.

"By the way, have you seen those Li Sect cultivators?" Sumari asked, nudging Akira with her elbow. She nodded toward a group of girls dressed in flowing yellow hanfu. "They're stunning."

Izumi chimed in, finally glancing up. "Yeah, they're performing the ribbon dance across the entire building."

Sumari's eyes lit up as she gazed at the towering hollow structure. "Do you think I could do that?"

"Absolutely not," Akira shot back without missing a beat. "You'd fall off in the first five seconds."

Sumari gasped, placing a hand over her heart. "Hey! I can turn into wisteria petals, you know!"

"You are as graceful as a toad!" He bit back, yet his attention snagged on a familiar figure approaching.

"Akira! There you are!" Huan called, weaving through the crowd. His voice carried a hint of exasperation, but his expression was warm. "Why'd you run off like that?"

Sumari stepped forward with a dramatic flourish, patting Akira's back in mock sympathy. "Ah, my poor Onii-chan probably ran out of social battery. Tragic, really."

Akira shot her a glare, his face still burning, but the teasing only deepened her grin.

Huan's eyes flicked to her, then back to Akira, but his expression betrayed his curiosity. "This is your sister?" His gaze shifted between the group, noticing their matching grey eyes. "Woah, so all of you have grey eyes?"

It's a family trait...

Sumari bowed lightly, a playful smile on her lips. "By the way, I'm Sumari. It's a pleasure to meet you, Huan-Gege!"

Huan offered her an awkward smile, nodding politely. "The pleasure is mine..." He glanced over his shoulder toward the main hall. "Everyone's heading upstairs. Are you coming? What about you guys?"

Sumari shook her head dramatically. "Oh no, no. That rule only applies to the 'eighteen and above' kids." She made air quotes. "We're under eighteen, so we're stuck here."

Huan chuckled softly, resting a hand on his hip. "Huh. I didn't know that." He turned to Akira and gestured toward the grand staircase. "Well, let's go."

"Yeah," Sanji interjected as he moved ahead. "Marcus is probably waiting up there for us."

Akira exhaled a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding, falling into step beside Huan. As they approached the stairs, he spared a glance at Huan, relieved to see no trace of the earlier 'Jade Beauty' nonsense.

And for now, that was more than enough for Akira.

The interior of the tower was breathtaking. The floors were laid with smooth, polished jade tiles, their deep green color reflecting the warm golden glow of the hanging lanterns. Delicate wood carvings of mythical creatures—dragons, phoenixes, and qilin—adorned the walls, interspersed with intricate patterns of clouds and waves. The designs seemed to flow if you looked at them long enough.

Each floor had a circular opening in its center, creating a hollow core that stretched all the way to the roof. The design allowed an unbroken view through the tower's heart, a feature both visually striking and slightly disorienting for anyone afraid of heights. Ornate railings encircled the opening on every level, crafted from dark mahogany and etched with swirling golden motifs.

The sound of voices and footsteps echoing softly through the open space. The ancient tower was steeped in the traditions and stories of those who had passed through its halls.

Akira and Huan stepped onto the fourth floor, the elegance of the space wrapping around them like a gentle embrace. The warm light of the lanterns above casted a soft glow, illuminating the intricacies of the carvings on the walls.

"This is incredible," Huan said as they approached the railing. He leaned against it slightly, peering down at the floors below. From here, the view was dizzying. The ground floor seemed impossibly far away.

"It's something," Akira replied, resting his hand on the railing.

Huan tilted his head, scanning the carvings. "These details... it's...the entire tower is telling a story?"

Akira gave a small nod. "It's designed to celebrate tradition. Every detail here means something—symbols of prosperity, unity, and balance."

Huan hummed thoughtfully. "It feels alive, somehow. Like it's watching over everyone."

Akira didn't reply immediately, his gaze wandering upward. The view of the higher levels was just as mesmerizing, the spiral of railings and lanterns creating a sense of infinite space. He took a steadying breath, trying not to let the overwhelming scale of it all distract him.

This is going to be fine...

__________________________________

Akira be like:

Ok so uhh funfact but the Fujisawa name means wisteria river. So Sumari having the ability to turn into wisteria petals is actually a deep part of the lore bc the very first Fujisawa had the ability to turn into wisteria petals, THUS THE NAME FUJISAWA. 

I was gonna write this fact in the later chapters, but I really wanted you guys to know <33 So now you know!