Prince vs. Prince.

xɪɪ. ᴛʜᴇ ʜɪᴅᴅᴇɴ ʜᴇɪʀ.

"It feels like I will have indigestion." Yamasho said once they arrived back at the office. Shogo chuckled and took his seat before nodding. He can also feel that he will have indigestion because of the atmosphere earlier.

They can't believe that Hokuto will show his evilness to Itsuki and Yuriko. Somehow, he feels bad that Yuriko got the chance to see the evil side of his best friend. Perhaps, he already knows the reason why Itsuki suddenly got engaged. Shimizu Firm Industries is Fujiwara Industries' shareholder.

"It is an arranged one." Yamasho suddenly said and he showed a document to Shogo.

"Yappari. Itsuki will not let this happen if he is not forced to." Shogo said while reading the contents of the document. It says that the wedding will be held next year, right after their high school graduation.

"Shimizu has 30% of Fujiwara's stocks. Itsuki's father has the largest, which is 40%. The others are just small-time shareholders. It is normal for these kinds of families to have arranged marriage but since Hokuto is involved with this, Itsuki's family might look for Hokuto and ask him to stay away from their only son." Yamasho explained and Shogo can't help but to agree with his twin.

"But Hokuto is not just a normal person. I mean, his family is--" Yamasho cut him off when they heard subtle footsteps from outside. He cleared his throat and waited for the door to open.

"I didn't expect that I would not enjoy lunch today." Takahide complained while gently rubbing his stomach. It seems the two also got indigestion.

"I'll go for now. I'll see you two later at the dance night." Yamasho smiled at the two and already left.

"I'll prepare for the dance night. I'll go home early today." Shogo followed and got his bag before leaving the two younger ones inside the office.

-

Riku drove Hokuto home but when they arrived at Hokuto's place, they saw a black car parked at the side. Hokuto furrowed his brow since it was his first time to see this car. The two quickly went out of the car and got inside the house.

"What are you doing?!" He shouted and pushed the two men in black away from his mother. Riku squinted his eyes when he saw the crest on the two men's coats.

"We will be back again, Young Mistress." The two men bowed their heads down and quickly left the place. Hokuto looked at his mother who didn't seem to look straight at her son.

"Are you, perhaps, the heiress of Ishikawa Corporation?" Riku suddenly asked Hokuto's mother. Her eyes widened in terror and she almost fainted when she heard the family name she is trying to hide from everyone else.

"Okaa-san, is this true?" Hokuto may not be that interested in business but he knows that Ishikawa Corporation is one of the most leading and largest companies in their country.

"I didn't want you to know about this but your grandfather needs you already, Hokuto. He needs someone who will take over his position in the company." His mother confessed and everything can't sink in his mind yet.

Hokuto took his seat on the couch and closed his eyes. He can't accept the sudden turn of events yet. For almost two decades, he only knew that his family was just a simple one. His father is at Miyazaki and working there for the family while his mother is a housewife. He had an older brother but his mother lost him due to miscarriage, making him as the only son of the family.

"You're the only heir of your grandfather, Hokuto." His mother cried as she hugged him tightly. Riku wants to give the two some time alone but seeing Hokuto like this, he can't leave them alone.

"I don't want you to grow up under your grandfather's strict commands. I want you to enjoy a simple life like a normal kid. Like those kids who have a happy childhood." He finally knows the reason why his mother doesn't have any childhood photos with her family.

"You ran away from home, Okaa-san?" He asked as he hugged her back. It may take him some time to accept all of these but what he wants now is to support his family's decision, especially his mother.

"Yes. I was pregnant with your older brother when I ran away from home and I ended up losing him. After a month, me and your father got married secretly at a small church at Miyazaki and then, I gave birth to you after a year." His mother released him from the hug and cupped his cheeks and stared at her son's face.

"We are so happy to have you, Hokuto. I hope you will not hate me and your father because of this. You are our precious Hoku-chan." He slowly nodded his head and hugged her once again.

Riku heaved a sigh of relief that Hokuto understands his mother this time. If things get tough for Hokuto, he wants to stay with him until he can. He is also sure that everyone will be there as his support. They are all heirs. They can help Hokuto as much as he wishes.

"Thank you so much for taking care of my son." His mother looked at Riku but he just shook his head and smiled.

"I'm thankful that I've met your son. Hoku-chan, I'll fetch you later." Hokuto smiled and nodded his head.

-

"Hoku-chan, are you ready?" Hokuto's mother asked and he opened the door. He smiled at her and nodded his head. He is wearing a formal suit. They will visit his grandfather today. He will still be able to attend the dance night later. He still has six hours to do everything he can do.

"The car is already waiting for us." His mother added and he finally got out of his room.

The mother and son decided to help the company but just this time. He has no intention to completely take over the company but he knows that his mother is needed there. They went inside the car and it started to move already. He is feeling nervous since it is his first time to meet his grandfather at his mother's side.

"Don't worry. I will protect you." She gently caresses her son's hair and he can't help but to feel nostalgic every time he hears those words from her. His mother used to tell him that when he was still a little child, it was his turn to protect and take care of her.

"Iie. I will protect you, Okaa-san." He smiled softly at her and she realized that her son grew up well.