I was still flabbergasted with the fact that I am sharing a table with her. With Ysabelle.

I took in her sleek eyebrows, charming smile and her expressive eyes. I wish I have brought the camera with me.

I am in awe of her beauty. I never knew she will be this radiant and amicable.

Vanna seemed to be enjoying her company too. Hanami, Ysabelle's friend, appeared annoyed at first but eventually became comfortable with my half-sister.

The four of us are enjoying the food here in Omotesando Ukeitai. It is a fine-dine restaurant that both me and Vanna loves.

I am thankful she dragged Ysabelle here. I certainly wanted to know her more.

"Oh, brother. You're awfully quiet tonight." Vanna commented when both Ysabelle and Hanami excused themselves to the restroom.

"Oh, that-that's nothing. I just remembered something." I lied and cut the steak into pieces before I brought one of them into my mouth.

"Really, huh." Vanna said in a teasing voice. "How come your ears are turning pink?"

I blushed profusely and shot her a glare, "what do you mean, pink? I mean, it must be the weather. I-it is freaking freezing here!"

"If you say so." Vanna winked and her eyes turned to Ysabelle and Hanami who were both giggling as they returned to the seats across us.

And, there goes my awkward silence again.

"I love this place! It's so relaxing and definitely stunning!" Ysabelle marveled.

No, you are stunning.

I almost wanted to say but I felt somebody nudged my feet and I turned to glare at Vanna again who let out a chuckle.

"Glad that you love it, Ysa!" Vanna matched her with equal enthusiasm. "This is our favorite spot here in the restaurant, right, Vincent?"

"Uh- yeah." I cleared my throat and flashed Ysabelle a smile.

Hopefully, I was not awkward.

At least, I hope so.

Meanwhile, Hanami was quiet as she enjoyed the food. It was mostly Ysabelle who did the talking with Vanna.

I'm glad that my sister got along with her. I barely see Vanna smile this genuinely.

And, I barely saw her hang out with her friends. Or with anyone in particular.

We hung out for a little while until we call it a night.

"So, where do you guys live?" It was Vanna who broke the ice as she clung to my arms on her left and Ysabelle on her right. Technically, she's between us.

"Oh, not too far from here." Ysabelle answered with a shiver and indeed, it was freezing outside.

"We'll take you home!" Vanna offered. "Right, Vince?"

"It was really nice of you both to offer but Hanami brought her car. I live with her family for the meantime." Ysabelle said, shaking her head.

"Oh. I see." Vanna said, her voice disappointed. "Alright! I'll see you both in the univ?" Ysabelle nodded and my sister grinned. She dropped a peck on her cheek and also on Hanami's before they parted ways.

"Bye and thank you for the dinner, Vanna and Vincent!" Ysabelle said and smiled at us.

"No worries." I managed to answer and I felt my face turning pink.

Ysabelle and Hanami gave a little wave before they turned their backs to us and went towards the direction of their car.

"You like her, don't you?" Vanna asked as we walked across Shibuya.

"Huh? Who likes who?" I asked feeling funny.

"Don't worry. I like her too, for you!" Vanna said and hugged my side.

"Silly." I chuckled and off we hurried to the car as it started snowing again.

Our grandfather, Hyousuke Tadashi, looked at each one of us as we all sat in the dining room. My uncle, Shusuke, sat beside him occasionally observing me who was positioned across him.

Being the only representative of my family, with Mom busy with her clothing line back at the Philippines and Dad currently on his way home here, ojīsan instructed me to sit on his left. I did nothing but obey.

"Watashi wa tokuni kare to no kazoku no yūshoku ga kiraidesu. (I hate family dinners especially with him.)" My cousin, Kaito, mumbled beside me.

"Hontōni? Dōshite? (Really? Why?)" I muttered back at him.

"Daijōbu. Min'na ga iru yōdesu. Happyō ga arimasu. Mata, koko de watashitachi no wakai dokushin dansei e no rimaindā. (Alright. Seems like everybody is present.  I have an announcement to make. Also, a reminder to our young single males here.)" Ojīsan Hyousuke began his speech.

"Here he goes again." Kaito sighed and began staring on the table napkin in front of him.

My forehead creased in confusion wondering what he meant.

"Koko ni wa dokushin dansei ga 3-biki shika imasen. Anata wa watashitachi no bijinesupātonā no musume to kekkon suru yō ni tehai sa remasu. (We only have three single males here. You will be arranged to be married to our business partners' daughters.)" Ojīsan Hyousuke dropped the bomb to us and I almost gasped at his news.

"That includes Suijin, Hiroto and you, Hiroshi." Ojīsan said pointing to me. Hiroshi is my Japanese name.

I was baffled with his orders. I never thought that arrange marriages existed at this age and time.

"Hai! Sofu no adira to pea ni natte kuremasen ka? (Yes! Can you pair me up with Adira, Grandfather?)" Suijin asked ojīsan eagerly, his eyes twinkling in anticipation.

"Yoshi, suijin. (Very well, Suijin.)" Ojīsan nodded and smiled at him in approval.

I noticed how frustrated Kaito was at Suijin's remark. Maybe, he likes the girl?

Ojisan turned to me and asked, "Hiroshi, anata wa dōdesu ka? Tokuni on'nanoko wa sukidesu ka? (How about you, Hiroshi? Do you like any girl in particular?)"

"Uh-is it really necessary?" I couldn't help but ask which earned surprised gasps from our relatives who were talking with each other earlier.

"Don't you dare question your grandfather's decisions!" It was Aunt Hinata who exclaimed. She was seated at the opposite end of the long table so her response caught everybody's attention.

We were about 12 to 16 in our table. Our other aunts shook their head at me as if to show how rude and disappointed I was. One of my uncles smirked at me.

It was Ojīsan who shushed her with his hand.

"Calm down, daughter. Our Hiroshi doesn't know my rules yet. But since, he was too kind to ask, let me answer." Ojīsan said with a reassuring smile. He turned to me and said, "Yes. It is. Our business has to be strong to remain on top. The industry of textiles has somehow fluctuated recently as there were less infrastructures developed at the countryside."

"But what does it have to do with us getting married to someone we barely even met?" I asked and I heard another collective gasp from the others. I ignored them as I wanted to know his side.

"Marriages bind families to each other. Especially if they are renowned at the same industry we are in. The more famous they are, the better it is for us and them." Ojīsan answered politely. "Does that answer your question?"

I nodded still unconvinced. Ojīsan seemed to forget his question at me earlier when the desserts arrived at our table.

Dad came in and sat at the vacant chair beside Kaito. He loosened his tie and helped himself.

I sighed and noticed that I barely touched my food.

Looks like coming to this country is not a good idea after all.