In a large mansion with a fancy european style design, a little boy, only six years of age, was reading a book in a small house in the garden. The house was cozy, surrounded by beautiful flowers and trees.
The book he was reading had a pretty advanced title called, 'The Way of the Conqueror'
It was all about how to be strong and powerful in today's society. The boy paused momentarily, gazing up at the sky, feeling slightly amazed at the beautiful star lit sky.
Before long, a middle aged man with black hair dressed in a butler uniform approached the child. He had a distinguished air about him as he bowed to the young child. "Young Master. Madam would like to see you sir."
Upon hearing his butler's words the child simply shook his head slightly in an attempt to rid himself of unnecessary thoughts clouding his judgement. He was here to become the best basketballer.
The boy shut the book and carefully placed the book back on the bookshelf. He shifted his attention to the butler bowing respectfully to him.
"Hai. Let's go, Sebas." The boy said calmly, indicating his readiness to follow.
Sebas, the butler, immediately straightened up upon hearing the command of his Young Master and took the lead. The white haired boy held an aura of confidence and had a mature demeanour which was uncommon for kids his age.
Though it didn't alarm Sebas at all, thinking as the heir to a great conglomerate preceding the country, Japan, Sebas thought the boy's behaviour perfectly reflected his position as the heir to the esteemed family that Sebas served.
Sebas guided his Young Master through the gardens of the massive mansion and into a long hallway, their footsteps echoing softly against the polished floors.
Eventually, they reached an imposing door that led to Madam Hikigaya's study. Sebas knocked on the door gently, his voice loud enough to be heard throughout the study.
"Madam. Young Master Hikigaya is here," Sebas announced respectfully.
"Come in," was the soothing voice that responded from inside the room.
The said butler opened the door, stepping to the side as the Young Master once again in his life, stood in front of his mother's beauty.
Ryou observed her, his mother. A woman in her late fourties with shiny black hair which fell to her mid back. She had a slender figure and a well proportioned face as well as beautiful azure blue orbs and slight wrinkles on her face, which only added to her unbelievable beauty.
"Kaa-sama, is there anything I can do for you?" Asked the boy calmy, his voice carrying an intimate tone that Ryou would only ever use with his family. Obviously growing up with his mother, the white haired boy had nothing but the utmost respect and love for the woman who had raised him.
His mother smiled warmly at him, rising from her seated position in the chair and walked over to the sofa, gesturing for her son to come closer. Ryou did so without any questions asked and the two of them embraced the other, cuddling on the soft cushions.
"My dear son. You don't have to be so formal with Kaa-chan," she playfully remarked, gently running her fingers through Ryou's soft snow white hair.
The young boy cherished his mother's affectionate gestures, closing his eyes with a contented smile on his face. His mother continued the conversation, "Sebas mentioned that you wanted to start playing basketball, is that true?"
Ryou nodded in affirmation, expressing his interest in the sport.
"I see. But what about your education?" Her tone turned serious.
Education held great importance in their family, being a family of high value. The Hikigaya family had to ensure that the children were well prepared to take iver the family businesses in the future.
She continued, "If you add basketball to your current schedule, you won't have enough time for your studies."
Ryou looked directly into his mother's gentle eyes, his gaze unwavering as he responded, "Kaa-chan. I'm done with my studies, you know it too. There's hardly any subjects left for me to finish."
His mother sighed, acknowledging the truth in Hikki's words. He had displayed exceptional intellect from a very young age. Although he was only 6, Ryou had completed high school level materials.
"Then why did you insist on attending a regular public school before?" his mother inquired.
Ryou smirked as he remembered the three friends he had made. The two friends who had introduced basketball to him. Momoharu Hanazono and Masahiko Isame. Both boys were basketball fanatics, but completely different personalities.
Hanazono was a more eccentric and happy boy who wasn't afraid to speak his mind and his entire knowledge was in basketball, and Isame, well. He was quite. Not quite but, very lazy. His only drive in life was food. That was the only thing he cared about.
However the third friend was actually Ryouta's closet neighbour. A few blocks away from the large manor possessed by the Hikigaya family was a home possessed by the Sasaki family. While it wasn't as big as Hikki's mansion, it was a mansion in it's own right.
While Asuka didn't have a personal butler, she was the daughter of a wealthy family in Japan.
Because of their lower status, Asuka wasn't permitted to be an heir and the money she accumulates from her job will be added to the family's wealth.
Though her family owns properties all over the world, most properties housed in Japan. Several in the cities, Chibi and Tokyo.
"I just wanted to experience what a public school would be like and hopefully make friends." Spoke Hikki.
"Did you make any friends Koji?" She asked. She often called her son that nickname, the name meaning little one.
"Hai. I made three of them. One of them is our closest neighbour, Sasaki Asuka." Ryou stated as his mother smiled warmly at her son, happy that he had made friends even under the presssure of being an heir to the biggest conglomerate in the world.
"So? Can I play basketball Kaa-chan," the boy asked as his mother smiled and nodded.
"We do have some empty space next to our house. We can build a basketball court there. And maybe you can invite your friends over to come play witb you. I'd also love to see this Asuka-san. She sounds lovely." She said as Hikki smiled a rare true smile.
"Arigatō-Gozaimasu!!" He exclaimed while instantly embracing his mother in a hug.
Said woman laughed gently as she accepted her son's embrace while personally noticing how happy he had gotten, letting his childlike nature show for a bit had brightened her day.
Meanwhile Hikki could only think that by playing basketball, he can connect more with his friends.
———
TBC
