“And then?” A glass raised to his lips, Mister Takahara took the final sip of his sake.

“Well, after going on about his family for what seemed like a century, I finally got some words in and he let me go without a scratch!” Kazuma stretched his arms behind his head. It was quite the task to recollect every mundane encounter forced upon him at the recent house party, and if he had it his way he would like to forget the night altogether.

As Mister Takahara rubbed at his temple, a burst of thunder rumbled through the room.

Kazuma’s dog Mame darted from her cozy spot on her favorite cushion and straight into Kazuma’s chest. With a stream of cries and whines, her black tail wagged in every direction, eventually flinging Mister Takahara’s glass onto the floor.

“Agh! Damn it, Kazuma, I’ve had that dog for three years, I don’t want you dragging her back in here every time you come over!”

“It’s because of the storm,” Kazuma shot back, his eyes staring daggers into the back of Mister Takahara who was now up and stumbling towards the wayward glass. “I brought her because I knew Mieko wanted to see her.”

Returning to his seat and banging the glass back on the table, Mister Takahara ran a hand through his hair.

“Enough of the dog, and enough of your jokes,” He pointed a hand towards Kazuma. “About Sanae, I saw you take her into your study. What happened in there?”

Kazuma’s nerves were on edge as another round of lightning and thunder boomed over the house. He chuckled softly, one hand gently rubbing the top of Mame’s quivering head.

“Nothing. I expressed my lack of interest.”

“What!?”

Mister Takahara flew his body forward, hands gripping the edge of the table as his mouth twisted into a disgusted frown.

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“This is a joke, surely!”

“I believe you explicitly told me no more jokes for the evening.” Kazuma held up his hands with a self-satisfied grin.

Mister Takahara was at a loss for words. For three years, Sanae had been asking, pestering him about Kazuma every chance she had. Matchmaking session after matchmaking session, Sanae and her family had never failed to prefer Kazuma over any of the countless men competing for her hand.

“Do you have any idea what that girl, that family, has gone through?” The seering tone in Mister Takahara’s voice caused a frightened Mame to bury her face in Kazuma’s chest. “Everything was laid out perfectly for you, and you threw it all away!”

“I told you, I have told everyone time and time again that I don’t want to take a wife, much less someone from the Iwagami family.” Kazuma matched his superior’s rage, banging a fist down on the table.

“Oh, but it’s perfectly within your limits to toss one around on your bed for months on end.” Mister Takahara yelled back.

That was the last straw for Kazuma. Hoisting Mame and his briefcase into his arms, he rose from his seat and without a sound, headed for the door.

“You really are still the same stupid little boy.” Mister Takahara poured himself another glass of alcohol, determined to have the last word. “Take off the suit and jacket and you’re still fit for the fish docks.”

Kazuma left with a slam, briskly making his way towards the foyer and slipping on his shoes.

“Insufferable bastard.” Opening his umbrella and closing the door behind him, he grumbled under his breath as he placed Mame on the ground. Thankfully, the rain had lightened somewhat with no more thunder to be heard.

While he reached in his bag for her lead, Mame was yet again a crying mess as her paws scratched against the wet and rocky pavement.

“Oh, don’t you start with me too.” Kazuma sighed, stooping down and fastening the lead around her neck as she licked at his hand. He smiled to himself, grateful that at least one creature in the world had no interest in pushing his buttons any further.

He felt his cigarette box push against his leg as he knelt. For times just like this, Kazuma’s pocket was locked and loaded with at least one of them.

“Arf arf arf!”

Kazuma’s lingering fingers tore away from the square outline jutting from his pant pocket as Mame’s snout butted into his waist.

“Alright, alright.” Kazuma laughed and bopped her on the nose. “None tonight, understood. At least for now. Hm, Hiro is just a few minutes away. Rain or shine, you could use some exercise, girlie. And I could use someone to complain to.”

Kazuma stood up after a pat to Mame’s head, and with one last glare towards the imposing home behind them, the pair started towards Hiro’s office.