Days passed, and it was now the 23rd of August, the day the Miyamura family's mall was set to have its grand opening.
In his room, Izumi was standing before the mirror, clearly not thrilled with his attire. "Woah! Wearing all this stuff really is a pain... Can't we just do these kinds of events with just a t-shirt and pants?" he mumbled to himself.
At that moment, a voice from downstairs interrupted his musings. "Izumin, are you ready yet?" his mother, Iori, called out.
Izumi sighed and retorted, "Come on, Mom, don't call me that."
Iori, feigning innocence, replied, "What do you mean?"
Izumi's frustration mounted, and he took a deep breath. "I'm just saying, I wish you'd stop calling me Izumin."
Izumi stood there pondering, "How did she come to call me 'Izumin' again?"
*Flashback to couple of days back*
Iori was doing laundry at the washing machine, and Izumi was nearby room, engrossed in his play station.
Iori glanced at her son and called out, "Izumi, could you hand me that laundry detergent, please?"
Izumi, still focused on his game, replied without really paying attention, "Sure, Mom."
Leaving the game for a tiny moment he picked the detergent and took it to his mother.
As he handed her the detergent, Iori smiled and said, "Thanks, Izumin."
Izumi's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "Izumin? Mom, why did you just call me Izumin?"
Iori, pausing for a moment, looked thoughtful. "Hmm, I'm not sure. It just slipped out. But it has a nice ring to it, don't you think? Izumin!"
Izumi let out an exasperated sigh. "I guess it does, but why are you calling me that now?"
Iori grinned mischievously, refusing to give a straight answer. "Well, I like it. You're Izumin from now on!"
And from that day forward, the nickname "Izumin" had inexplicably stuck, leaving Izumi to wonder why it had to happen in the first place.
*Flashback ends*
Izumi's mother voice came from the downstairs, "Stop calling you Izumin? Not happening."
Izumi couldn't help but sigh in exasperation.
Iori then asked, "Anyway, are you all dressed up for the event?"
"Yeah, I am. I'll be down in a little bit," Izumi replied.
As he turned his attention back to the mirror, he meticulously checked his outfit.
He had chosen to wear a stylish blue blazer paired with matching blue pants. The blazer had a fine pinstripe pattern that added a touch of elegance, and he made sure it was impeccably tailored to fit him perfectly. It was a look that struck a balance between formal and comfortable, but Izumi couldn't help but grumble about the effort it took to look so put-together for the grand opening event.
Izumi made sure he had checked everything in his appearance to perfection before heading downstairs. When he reached the ground floor, he found his parents waiting for him.
His mother was dressed in a modern white female dress paired with blue jeans. The combination exuded a sense of casual elegance and modern style, perfectly suited for the grand opening event.
His father, on the other hand, was clad in a blue suit that bore a striking resemblance to Izumi's own attire, the only noticeable difference being the size. It seemed that the blue color was a common theme among the family for the event.
As Izumi descended the stairs, his mother, Iori, was the first to compliment his outfit. "Izumin, that blue blazer suits you really well."
Izumi grinned at his mother's remark. "Thanks, Mom."
His attention then turned to his parents, and he couldn't help but admire their outfits.
"Izumi, your mother looks stunning, didn't she?" Naozumi, his father asked and Izumi nodded implying he agrees. Naozumi continued and said, "And you, the blue blazer is perfect for the grand opening."
Iori nodded with a smile. "It's wonderful that both father and son have matching suits. You look great together."
With that, they exited the house and climbed into their orange Suv. Naozumi took the driver's seat, with Iori in the passenger seat beside him and Izumi settled in the middle row.
Naozumi glanced at his family, a smile on his face. "Ready to go?"
"Yeah!" Iori and Izumi chimed together with excitement, eagerly anticipating the grand opening of the mall.
With their enthusiastic response, Naozumi started the SUV, and they began their journey to the mall. The atmosphere inside the vehicle was filled with a mix of anticipation and excitement
As they drove through the city streets, Iori couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. The mall was the result of their family's hard work, and it was a significant achievement. She looked at Naozumi and gave him an encouraging smile.
Izumi, on the other hand, was busy checking the view outside. The orange hue of the slowly setting sun painted the sky as they made their way to the grand opening of the Fujinoyama Shopping Hub.
This groundbreaking market complex would feature an extensive array of businesses, catering to the diverse needs and desires of the local community. From high-end fashion boutiques to stores selling everyday appliances, the mall had it all. Shoppers would soon be able to enjoy fast food options like chips and instant ramen, making it a one-stop destination for a variety of tastes.
The grand opening was sure to draw in a large crowd, and the Miyamura family was prepared to welcome everyone to their innovative venture.
Arriving at their destination, Izumi gazed out of the SUV's window and couldn't help but be impressed by the sight that unfolded before him. A massive, contemporary red building stood boldly against the landscape. Its sleek black glass façade glistening, with the words "Fujinoyama Shopping Hub" elegantly inscribed in Japanese Kanji in white on the red surface of the structure.
To the right of the building, a striking tree adorned with crimson leaves added a vibrant contrast to the sky. Below the building, a procession of people strolled along a plush red carpet, all dressed impeccably in formal attire, indicating that a special event was in the offing. The air was filled with anticipation and excitement as they approached the grand opening of this monumental market complex.
Izumi couldn't help but admire the view. "It's beautiful," he remarked with awe. Naozumi nodded in agreement, "It is, indeed."
His father's suggestion brought him back to reality. "Alright, we're glad you like it. For now, let me park the car in the underground parking lot. In the meantime, you two can head inside," Naozumi said as he maneuvered the SUV towards the parking area.
Izumi and Iori entered the mall, greeted by the grandeur of the giant hall. A pristine white aesthetic dominated the space, with marble flooring underfoot and walls that added to the sense of spaciousness. A central fountain served as the heart of the hall, its waters dancing in the ambient light. Plants and flowers, carefully positioned, added a touch of nature to the pristine interior, creating a serene atmosphere.
For the convenience of shoppers, there were seating areas scattered throughout the hall. People could sit, relax, or catch their breath amidst their shopping adventures. The decorative items, from sculptures to artistic arrangements, added an element of elegance to the mall's design.
At the far end of the floor, escalators on both sides provided easy access to other levels. Right in between escalators, a reception desk and cash counter stood ready to assist customers— the cash counters serviced both the ground and second floors, which were fully owned by the Miyamura family, setting them apart from the rented spaces on the upper floors.
Vending machines were placed strategically, offering quick refreshments to those passing by. The hall was not just a shopping space but a place to experience, offering both convenience and aesthetic pleasure to its visitors.
Izumi and Iori stood in awe, taking in the grandeur of the mall's entrance.
Just then, Naozumi returned after parking the SUV. He couldn't help but chuckle, observing the amazement on his wife and son's faces. He remarked, "From your reactions, it looks like this place has truly touched your hearts."
Izumi enthusiastically agreed, "It sure does." Iori joined in, saying, "I agree, you've done an amazing job, dear."
Grateful for their appreciation, Naozumi suggested, "Thank you! How about I give you both a tour of the entire place? We have some time before the guests arrive for the party."
Izumi replied with excitement, "Sure!"
As they approached the escalator to the second floor, a well-dressed man in his mid-twenties with blonde hair and striking green eyes approached the group.
Addressing Naozumi, the man spoke, "Sir, all the preparations have been completed."
Naozumi nodded and acknowledged, "Good work, Lucas." He then turned to his son and wife, gesturing toward the blonde man, and introduced, "Meet Lucas, Lucas Kankaansyrjä. He will be the manager of the mall, overseeing all the operations here."
Naozumi continued, "And Lucas, let me introduce you to my family. This is my wife, Miyamura Iori, and this is my son, Izumi."
With a respectful bow, Lucas replied, "Honored to meet you, Mrs. Miyamura and young master Izumi."
After the greeting Naozumi informed Lucas that he would be giving Iori and Izumi a tour of the mall, and they would meet Lucas and the other staff later. With that, the trio headed towards the escalator to explore the second floor, while Lucas returned to his responsibilities.
As they ascended, Iori asked, "So that's the manager, huh?"
Naozumi replied, "Yes. By the way, he's the grandson of Mr. Komomura."
"Mr. Komomura? The one your father helped when they were in a medical crisis?" Iori inquired.
Naozumi nodded, saying, "Yes, he's the son of Mr. Komomura's daughter, who married overseas."
Iori was thoughtful, "So that's why his surname is different. Anyway, what's he doing here in Japan?"
Naozumi continued with the backstory, "Unfortunately, his father passed away, so both his mother and son returned to Japan. They now live with the Komomura family. Lucas completed his management degree here, and now he's helping us manage the mall. He's a talented young man, and I thought it would be great to have someone like him oversee the operations," Naozumi explained.
"It's looks like he is doing a great job, the mall looks fantastic so far."
Naozumi smiled proudly, "Thank you, We've put a lot of effort into this project."
As they reached the second floor, Naozumi continued the tour with his family, exploring each shop and admiring the setup. The excitement for the grand opening grew as they witnessed the mall come to life.
The Miyamura family explored the second floor, where a delightful array of culinary treasures awaited. Rows of shops were filled with cooking essentials, from fresh meats and seafood to a variety of cooking oils and spices. The tantalizing aroma of herbs and spices wafted through the air, making the floor a food lover's paradise.
As they walked along, they passed by displays of high-quality cuts of meat, fresh vegetables, and exotic ingredients. There were also stalls with ready-to-cook marinated meats and seafood, ideal for busy households.
Izumi's eyes widened as they came across a section stocked with a wide assortment of packed fast foods like chips, instant ramen, and snack items. The colorful packaging and enticing flavors added to the overall charm of the floor.
Naozumi and Iori were equally fascinated, discussing their favorite recipes and ingredients, while Izumi found himself getting inspired by the wealth of culinary options on display.
Izumi was already impressed with the culinary offerings on the second floor, but when he discovered the book section, his eyes practically lit up with excitement. Rows upon rows of shelves were filled with all kinds of books, magazines, and newspapers.
As he perused the selection, he couldn't help but notice the extensive manga corner. It was like a hidden treasure trove for him. His fingers delicately traced the spines of various manga volumes, and he pulled out a few to flip through, his eyes reflecting a childlike enthusiasm.
Izumi's eyes were practically sparkling, he couldn't help himself from exclaiming, "Wow, they've got a fantastic manga collection here!"
Iori chuckled at her son's excitement. "You're a big manga fan, huh?"
Izumi nodded eagerly. "Yeah, I've read so many series, but there are always more to explore."
Naozumi joined in on the conversation. "I remember when I was your age, Izumi, I used to spend hours in bookstores, just like this. Reading can take you on incredible adventures."
Iori added, "Izumi, you should pick up some books or manga that you'd like to read later. We can always purchase them before we leave."
Izumi was in his element, scanning the shelves for his favorite titles, mentality noting the latest Jump magazine as well as individual volumes of his favourite manga like Naruto and Full Metal Alchemist "Thanks, Mom, Dad. I'll definitely find some good ones."
The family spent some quality time on the second floor, bonding over their shared love of literature and storytelling.
Izumi, Iori, and Naozumi proceeded to the third floor, which was entirely filled with shops owned by the Adagaki family. As they walked into the floor, they noticed the distinct sections and shops that the Adagaki family managed.
Izumi pointed at one shop filled with electronic gadgets and asked, "Wow, Dad, is this all electronics and gadgets?"
The electronics and gadgets shop was a haven for tech enthusiasts. The shelves were lined with the latest smartphones, tablets, laptops, and an array of accessories. The shop had a modern layout with interactive displays for testing gadgets before purchasing.
Naozumi nodded. "That's right, Izumi. The Adagaki family specializes in electronic goods, from the latest smartphones to home appliances."
They moved to another section filled with stylish furniture. The furniture shop was a display of elegance and comfort. It showcased a range of furniture, from sleek and contemporary pieces to classic and timeless designs.
There were stylish sofas, luxurious bed frames, and exquisite dining sets. The attention to detail in the craftsmanship was evident, and the shop exuded an ambiance of sophistication.
Iori admired the designs and said, "These furniture pieces are exquisite."
Naozumi explained, "Yes, the Adagaki's known for high-quality furniture too. If you need anything for your home, this is the place to visit."
As they continued, they came across a handyman store that offered various tools, room fresheners, and household essentials. Izumi was intrigued and asked, "And what about this shop, Dad?"
Naozumi replied, "That's the handyman store. They have a wide range of tools and supplies for all your DIY needs. Whether it's a quick repair or a home improvement project, they've got you covered."
In the handyman store, they found an assortment of tools for DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike. From power drills to wrench sets, this shop had it all. Alongside tools, there were room fresheners in a variety of scents, cleaning supplies, and household essentials.
It was basically a one-stop shop for everything needed to maintain a home or complete DIY projects. The store was organized and well-stocked, making it a convenient place for shoppers to find what they needed.
Overall, the third floor was a testament to the Adagaki family's commitment to providing diverse and high-quality products. The Miyamura family was impressed by the range of options and the well-organized shops, making it a satisfying shopping experience for anyone visiting the mall.
As they moved towards the escalator that would take them to the third floor, a casual conversation unfolded.
Izumi couldn't help but express his amazement at the Adagaki family's extensive presence on the third floor. He remarked, "I still can't wrap my head around the entire floor being filled with shops from a single family."
Naozumi agreed, saying, "The Adagaki family is quite impressive, aren't they?"
Izumi, with a hint of humor in his voice, quipped, "Yeah, they are kind of like Rin's family, way too rich!" Both Iori and Naozumi chuckled at Izumi's candid remark.
Naozumi then mentioned, "That reminds me, Mr. Adagaki and his daughter will be attending the party."
Izumi, intrigued, responded, "Is that so?"
Naozumi suggested, "Yeah, so we will be meeting them soon, but for now, let's check out the 4th floor."
Once they reached the 4th floor, Naozumi said to Izumi, "This entire floor is rented by your friend's family?"
"Rin's family"
"yep!" Naozumi confirmed
Iori who was listening to this conversation inquired with curiosity "So, what kind of shops are here?"
Naozumi proposed, "How about we check it out instead of me telling you about it?"
The 4th floor was a spectacle in itself. It was the Toshaka family's domain, and they had filled it with a variety of shops. There were boutiques showcasing the latest fashion trends, stores filled with traditional Japanese handicrafts and jewelry, and even a well-stocked bookshop that carried everything from novels to manga.
As they walked around, Izumi, Iori, and Naozumi couldn't help but admire the elegant design of the floor. The shops were neatly arranged, and the decorations exuded a sense of style and sophistication. The merchandise on display was a testament to the Toshaka family's business acumen and their knack for offering quality products.
Izumi couldn't hide his amazement. "This place is incredible, Dad. I can't believe Rin's family owns all of this."
Naozumi smiled and said "Indeed, they have quite the business empire. It's a reflection of their dedication and hard work."
Iori chimed in, "And it's evident that Rin's family knows how to create a shopping experience that's second to none. This is impressive."
As Miyamura family continued their exploration of the 4th floor, taking in the grandeur of the Toshaka family's businesses—
"IZUMI!!!"
A familiar voice from behind brought them to a abrupt halt~ He turned around to see Rin approaching with three other individuals by her side. He couldn't help but smile at the unexpected encounter.
"Woah! I don't knew I will be seeing you here Izumi!"
"Hey there, Rin," Izumi greeted her. "But why are you surprised to see me here?"
Before Rin could respond, her father arrived, "they are the owners of the mall" which left Rin in shock— It seemed that she hadn't been aware of the Miyamura family's ownership of the mall, a revelation that took her by surprise.
Rin was still processing the information. "I had no idea! This is incredible. What a wonderful surprise!" She couldn't hide her excitement.
After that little interaction Tokiomi and Naozumi warmly greeted each other as old friends, exchanging smiles and pleasantries. Then Tokiomi introduced his family.
"This is my wife, Aoi," he said, and a serene woman with long, flowing black hair and a gentle smile stepped forward.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Toshaka" Naozumi said.
Tokiomi continued, "And this is our younger daughter, Sakura." Sakura, a graceful girl with lustrous violet hair and violet eyes, curtsied politely. Iori and Izumi gave her a friendly nod in return.
Naozumi looked at Sakura and said, "Lovely to meet you, Sakura-Chan"
Tokiomi then gestured toward Rin. "And you already know our eldest daughter, Rin."
Izumi and Iori exchanged smiles with Rin, acknowledging their prior acquaintance.
Naozumi then introduced his family to the Toshaka family. "This is my wife, Miyamura Iori," he said, and Iori greeted them with a warm smile.
Aoi and Iori exchanged a warm hug, and Aki expressed her delight. "I've wanted to meet you for a long time, Miyamura- San,Thank you for taking care of Rin and for that wonderful trip to Rairaikyo Gorge."
Iori smiled and replied, "You can call me Iori , Toshaka-San, and as for the trip, it was our pleasure. We had a great time with Rin."
"The you call me Aoi then, and may be next time both our families can plan a trip together."
Iori and Aoi's conversation flowed effortlessly, and it was clear that they had found common ground and established a friendly rapport. The warm interaction set a positive tone for their families' gathering.
Naozumi continued, "And this is our son, Izumi." Izumi stepped forward and nodded respectfully.
"It's nice to meet you all " Izumi said.
Aoi smiled warmly and mentioned, "You know, we've been wanting to meet you for quite some time, Izumi-Kun, Rin has told us a lot about you."
Izumi blushed at the unexpected attention and stammered, "Oh, well, I... It's my pleasure to meet you all."
Aoi continued, "And also thank you for taking care of Rin during your trip to Rairaikyo Gorge. She had a wonderful time."
Izumi couldn't hide his slight embarrassment as he replied, "It was no problem at all. We had a great time."
Aoi's words and Izumi's reaction brought a warm smile to the faces of those gathered, and the friendly atmosphere continued to grow.
Rin couldn't help but be curious, so she asked Izumi, "What are you guys doing?"
Izumi flashed a friendly grin and replied, "We're having a tour of the mall. We have some time left before the party starts, and we thought it'd be fun to explore. You guys can join us if you want."
Rin nodded with a smile, and the Toshaka family joined the tour. The kids, Izumi, Rin, and Sakura, led the way, excited to discover what the mall had to offer. The adults followed, chatting and enjoying the bustling atmosphere, as they embarked on this joint adventure.
The group continued exploring the mall, with Izumi, Rin, and Sakura having a great time together. They chatted, laughed, and occasionally stopped to check out some interesting shops. Naozumi, Tokiomi, Aoi, and Iori followed close behind, talking about various topics and enjoying the lively atmosphere of the grand opening.
As they move to the 5th floor of the mall they saw that it offers a diverse shopping experience. It hosts an array of stores catering to various interests. From sporting goods to adventure gear, you can find everything you need for outdoor activities.
Caribou, the outdoor shop, stands out with its high-quality hiking, camping, and adventure equipment. Sports enthusiasts will be delighted to explore the sports shops that offer gear and attire for a wide range of athletic pursuits, from football to tennis, making it a one-stop destination for all things sports-related.
Izumi found himself particularly drawn to this floor, as it aligns with his love for volleyball and outdoor adventures. He marveled at the selection of sports and outdoor equipment and gear available, envisioning exciting expeditions in the future.
Moving on to the 6th floor, it was set to be a entertainment hub. The gaming arcade on this floor is a paradise for gamers, featuring a collection of video games, from classic arcade games to the latest gaming consoles. It's a place where gamers of all ages can challenge themselves and have fun.
Then they move to teh terrace, On the terrace, they find a high-end open-sky bar. Here, visitors can unwind and soak in the breathtaking view of the city while enjoying their favorite beverages. The combination of gaming excitement and rooftop relaxation made the 6th floor an ideal place for a diverse group of visitors, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy at the mall.
As the group enjoyed exploring the mall, Naozumi checked his watch and realized that the time for the party was drawing near.
"It's been a great tour, but we should start making our way back to the 1st floor. The grand opening party will be starting soon," Naozumi announced, signaling the need to return to the main event.
With a sense of excitement, the two families, the Miyamuras and the Toshakas, descended the escalator back to the ground floor, ready to join the celebration of the grand opening of the Fujinoyama Shopping Hub. The mall had already left a lasting impression on them, and they looked forward to what the evening had more in store for them.
[A/N- Longest chapter I have written so far (it's like around 4k words) and it was draining~ I wrote 3 version of it so it was basically re-write, re-write and rewrite! Hopefully it ended up as good as I think it is:)]
{Any way we are aiming for 100 power stones this week so let's do our best~ thanks for reading!}