บท 81: By Myself

"Suzuki-kun." Her tone changed from her usual lighthearted tone to a more harsh one. "You will be attending. In fact, you will invite Tatsuya yourself."

"Oba-san, I understand you want to spend time with Tatsuya, but this is really too short of a notice." I tried my best to give the excuse, ignoring her change.

"If you don't, who's to say what will happen to some of your family?" 

I stopped dead in the middle of the sidewalk.

"Are you threatening me?" I asked out of astonishment more than fear or anger, having been completely caught off guard.

"Oh, well, that's a rather mean way of putting it." It sounded like she pursed her lips. "I much prefer persuading." She put on her more friendly persona again.

Gosh, I wouldn't be surprised if this lady was related to Yuu!

"How can it be persuasion when there's not a choice?" At the familiarity of a two faced personality, my shock faded, allowing annoyance to settle in.