Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

***Back Then***

Usagi

His fingertips glided softly over my skin, leaving a tingling sensation behind.
I snuggled closer to him, letting myself sink into his comforting scent. It still felt unreal that Seiya loved me—of all people, me.
We had been a couple for two months now, and it felt as if everything in my life had changed.
I was happier than ever before, and he made me feel complete.
My friends were all convinced that we would leave the school as prom king and queen in just a few weeks.

His lips brushed against my neck, making me laugh.
"Seiya, stop! That tickles," I giggled, which only encouraged him further. With a mischievous grin, he leaned over me, his bright blue eyes sparkling as they gazed down at me.
"Have I told you that I can't get enough of you, my darling?" he whispered, pulling me into a deep kiss.
"You have," I murmured, smiling against his lips, "but you can say it as often as you like, just in case I forget."

His hand gently wandered along my side until I stopped it with a hesitant touch.
He looked at me, confused, his eyes searching for an answer I couldn't immediately give him.
For the past few days, a strange feeling had been dwelling deep within me.
I turned out of his embrace and sat on the edge of the bed, my thoughts swirling in chaos.

"What's wrong? Did I say something wrong?" His voice sounded worried, and moments later, I felt his warm, rough hands on my shoulders.
"No, not at all." My voice was quiet as I continued. "I've just been thinking a lot lately about what happens after school. Whether we can manage everything—college, jobs, our life as a couple."

His arms wrapped around me reassuringly, like a cocoon, pulling me back to his chest. His voice was firm and full of conviction as he spoke.
"I'm going to make you a promise now, and you know I always keep my promises. I know life won't always be easy for us. There will be days when we drive each other crazy, but I will always come back to you. You're the person I want by my side—not just now, but in ten, twenty, even fifty years. You'll have the dream wedding you deserve, and we'll be happy, no matter how hard things get in between. In the end, we'll always find our way back to each other. I love you, and that will never change."

His words sent a shiver down my spine, covering my entire body in goosebumps. I leaned back into his embrace, letting his warmth envelop me, and I felt a newfound sense of confidence grow within me. With him, everything felt possible.

***

Seiya

I never saw it coming, how suddenly and drastically my life would change.
I still felt numb as I stared at my father and stepmother. Their words echoed in my head, relentless and final:
We're moving.
Next week, we're leaving Tokyo.

Yesterday, I had sworn my eternal love to Usagi. Everything seemed perfect, our future almost tangible—and today? Today, all our plans lay shattered before me.
I couldn't imagine how I would ever explain this to her.

"Can't we at least stay until the school year is over? It's only a few more weeks," I made a desperate attempt to buy time. "Usagi is so excited about the prom. I can't just leave her to go alone."

But my father shook his head firmly. "No, Seiya. I have to start at my new post in three days. You, Yaten, and your mother will follow as soon as the moving company confirms the date. End of discussion."
"But..." I stammered, trying to find a way out. "Can I at least go back to Tokyo for the prom? It's really important to her... and honestly, to me too."

Before my father could respond, Yaten, my stepbrother, let out a mocking laugh. "Oh, come on, Seiya. It's not worth it—just for one night. You'll find a new soulmate in Kagoshima soon enough to plan a future with."

My blood boiled.
Yaten just didn't get it. He knew nothing about love, nothing about real connections. His superficial relationships rarely lasted longer than a week before he moved on to the next. I clenched my teeth, but the words slipped out anyway: "Of course, it's worth it. But what would you know about real relationships?"
I was on the verge of saying something sharper when my stepmother intervened.

"Seiya, let it go. Yaten is right. Kagoshima is over 1,300 kilometers from Tokyo. You can't just travel that far for a weekend... and I don't even want to get started on the costs."

Her pragmatic words cut deep. I drew in a sharp breath and turned my gaze to my father, my last hope. Maybe there was still a chance to convince him. But his silence was anything but encouraging.
"I can make the trip in under two hours by plane! I could fly to Tokyo on Saturday and be back by Sunday evening... And don't worry about the costs, I still have savings I could use..." I made one last desperate attempt.

"No, my son." My father's voice was calm but unwavering. "Your savings are not to be touched. They're for your college education... And that's enough. The discussion is over. You have a week to say goodbye to your friends; that should be enough. After that, our new life begins in Kagoshima—together. And I don't want to hear another word about Tokyo."

I felt the anger rise within me, hot and paralyzing at the same time. My hands pressed against the table, and more objections lingered on my tongue. But a single sharp look from my father silenced them.
It was over.
I had no choice.
His word was law, and I knew I had to comply—even if it meant breaking Usagi's heart.

Chapter Text

*** 14 Years Later ***

Usagi

I was on the verge of losing it again, while he just sat there, completely relaxed, sipping his coffee with a smug grin.
"Are you serious, Baka?!" I snapped, grabbing a cup.

For a moment, I considered throwing it at his head, but I opted for the tea instead, hoping it would calm me down.

"Usa, I've already explained it," he repeated patiently, as if it were the most normal thing in the world. "It's just for a few months... and if I have any downtime, I can always come back for a few days."

I couldn't take it anymore.
"You're completely missing the point! I'm not just some backup plan for when you have free time! You know what? Pack your things and be happy on the other side of the world!" I shot back, pouring hot water into the cup.

I could feel his gaze burning into my back, and the thought of throwing the cup at him became even more tempting. Then I heard the scrape of his chair as he stood up. His footsteps echoed toward me, but he stopped at a safe distance.
He must've already known that keeping his distance was the smart choice.

"So, is this it? Again?" he asked, his voice now flat, almost resigned.

I paused, thinking about how often we'd been at this point. Too often. Just last year, we'd broken up four times, but we could never stay apart for long. If there was one thing I could count on, it was that Mamoru would always come back. Even if it took a few extra weeks, he'd eventually show up with a bouquet of roses.

A deep sigh escaped me, and I nodded. Somehow, I'd gotten used to it. It was easier to let him go now, knowing he'd soon be standing at my door again.

The slight pang in my stomach as the door closed behind him was there, but somehow, it was okay.
Our relationship had always been this endless back-and-forth. It had worn me out in the beginning, but by now, I'd grown used to it.

For a moment, I thought about texting Minako, but I quickly dismissed the idea. Mamoru would be off somewhere giving lectures at universities, and when he came back, everything would fall back into the same old routine.
Sometimes, I really wondered what I'd done to end up in a relationship like this. We couldn't live with or without each other.

I needed a distraction. My eyes fell on the clock. Still over two hours until my first appointment, so I decided to do what I always did to clear my head: shopping. It always worked.

Half an hour later, I was at the mall, leaving the first store with several bags in hand.
I systematically worked my way from one boutique to the next, grabbing items that caught my eye without really paying attention to what I was holding. It was the movement that calmed me, the aimless wandering that helped me refocus.

Then, suddenly, I felt it. A strange, uncomfortable sensation spread through my chest. It was hard to pinpoint, but it was there—something that instantly grabbed my attention, and I knew it wasn't good.
I turned my head slowly, barely lifting my gaze, and there he was, like a shadow.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him—the man I could never forget.
My heart skipped a beat, and for a moment, the world held its breath.

But my mind was faster than my heart.
Usagi, stop thinking about him. That's not him. It's just another hallucination, and you've been here before. He's gone, and he's not coming back.
It had become my mantra ever since he broke my heart.

Seiya hadn't come back like Mamoru always did, despite all his promises.
No, Seiya was the first man to break my heart, the reason I couldn't fully trust anyone anymore.
He was the one who had shattered me.

Every now and then, I imagined seeing him—especially on days when Mamoru and I had broken up again. In those moments, I secretly wished he would keep the promises he'd made all those years ago.

But I wasn't the same Usagi I had been back then.
I wasn't a teenager lost in daydreams anymore.
I didn't need a man to be happy. I was a successful woman, firmly grounded in my life, knowing what I wanted—and more or less had a partner by my side. I'd learned not to let those thoughts take over anymore.

And yet... that fleeting glance had shaken me. That man looked so damn much like him.

***

Seiya

It was strange to be back in Tokyo after all this time. A lot had changed, but at the same time, everything felt so familiar. It was as if the city hadn't let me go.

I quickly glanced at the clock as I pushed through the crowded shopping center.

Today was my first day as CEO of a renowned company, and the moving truck, along with my suits, was somewhere hundreds of kilometers away, stuck in traffic. I couldn't imagine starting my first day in the new company wearing an oversized sweater. Since she couldn't bear my dissatisfaction any longer, my beloved had given me a quick order to at least get myself a presentable suit.

It wasn't that I didn't have enough tailored suits, but they were now at the other end of the country – what good was that here?

Time was running out.
I had massively underestimated the traffic in Tokyo, and I had only three-quarters of an hour left before I had to introduce myself to my new colleagues. The nearest men's outfitter was, to my dismay, right in the middle of this huge building, but at least the selection was large enough.

Without hesitation, I grabbed a charcoal-gray suit and a dark red shirt in my size. The fabric felt good, high-quality, even though it was just an off-the-rack suit.

I knew it wasn't proper, but I quickly changed in the fitting room, hastily removed the price tags, and headed to the checkout.
When I handed the cashier only the tags, I could see the surprised look on her face.
"I'll keep it on. Time pressure," I muttered awkwardly, causing her to smile.

I quickly made my way back to the parking garage. Every second counted now. Time was against me.

Five minutes before the official start of the workday, I entered the impressive office building. An older lady greeted me directly on the ground floor and began explaining the building's structure as she led me upstairs to the conference room.

When the door opened and I stepped in, all eyes turned to me. Of course, everyone wanted to see who the new CEO was, but I had expected that. Slowly, I took my seat at the head of the table, let my briefcase drop to the floor beside me, and scanned the gathered employees.

"Good morning. My name is Seiya Kou, and it's an honor to be here today." My voice was calm but firm as I chose the words that would shape the first impression. "I'm aware that a leadership change always raises questions – and maybe concerns. But I want to make one thing clear from the start: I'm not here to destroy traditions, but to unlock potential. Our goal is not just to be good, but to be exceptional."

I paused briefly to read the faces of the attendees. Some looked open, others more reserved. That was fine. Change takes time.

"This company has an impressive history and a team that can achieve great things – I'm convinced of that. But we live in a world that's constantly changing, and if we want to stay at the top, we have to change too. That means questioning old patterns, forging new paths, and putting efficiency at the center. It won't always be easy, but I promise you that I'm ready to work hard, and I expect the same from you."

I scanned the room again before continuing: "I see this not just as an opportunity for the company, but for each and every one of you. Because if we work together, if we're ready to give our best, we can achieve greatness – and grow beyond ourselves."
I paused, letting the words sink in. "I look forward to getting to know you all better and working with you on a successful future," I concluded my speech.

One by one, I was introduced to all the key people in the company, until we finally reached my personal assistant. Her blonde hair and striking blue eyes looked familiar from a distance. I couldn't quite place why, but something about her triggered memories.

When I looked at her name tag and heard her introduced as "Minako," it suddenly clicked. Minako had been Usagi's best friend back then; the two of them were nearly inseparable.

With a friendly smile, she approached me. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Kou," she said with a professional tone that seemed to push any personal connection aside.

For a moment, I wondered if she still remembered me. Should I test the waters or keep professional distance?
It had been a long time, and who could say how much she still remembered? Because it had been so long, a part of me hoped she had forgotten what I had done to her friend back then.
But a voice in my head warned me not to be lulled into a false sense of security.

Then our eyes met, and in her gaze, there was something that killed my hope at the root – a mixture of defensiveness and unmistakable vigilance. She knew. She remembered exactly who I was and what had happened back then.

"It's a pleasure to meet you as well, Minako," I finally said, striving to keep my voice calm and friendly. "I'll get started right away. Would you be so kind as to bring the latest quarterly figures to my office? And a black coffee, please."

Minako nodded with a smile, then turned and walked away as I retreated to my new workspace.
As the door quietly clicked shut, I leaned back in my chair.
The silence of my new office stood in stark contrast to the thoughts swirling in my head. The shadows of my past had caught up with me faster than I had expected.

Chapter Text

Minako

So he was really back.
The fact that he dared to return to Tokyo after all this time was almost unbelievable. After everything he had done to Usagi back then, how could he?
Inside, I was seething with anger.

But I didn't show it. Instead, I put on my sweetest smile. If he pretended not to know me, I would play the same game. After all, he was my boss now, and I needed this job, I reminded myself.

Armed with the quarterly reports and the requested coffee, I entered his office.
"Here are the documents, Mr. Kou... and your coffee." My voice sounded calm and professional, though inside I was boiling. He only nodded briefly, not lifting his gaze from the papers. Good. Maybe it was better if we stuck to our roles.

Back at my desk, I resolved to focus on work. Haruka, who shared the waiting room with me, occasionally threw me skeptical looks. But I ignored her, as always.
She had a sharp sense for moods, and I knew she could tell something was off. It was only a matter of time before she bombarded me with questions. But it was none of her business. No one's, really—except Usagi's, and I couldn't even begin to imagine how she would react.

During my break, I instinctively reached for my phone.
Several missed calls from Usagi appeared on the screen. My heart squeezed just at the sight of her name.
I knew exactly what that meant. She was having trouble with Mamoru again, and at worst, he'd thrown her out once more.
So, I decided not to tell her about my new boss for now. It would probably be better to ease her into the subject. I couldn't bear to pick up the pieces of her broken heart again, not after what happened last time. It would destroy her for good.

I dialed her number, and she picked up after the first ring.
"Hey Mina, how's your evening looking? Want to do something?" Her voice sounded way too cheerful, and in that moment, I knew.
"You guys break up again, didn't you?" I blurted out without warning.
"Hmm..." came her only response.

Damn. I'd known it.
My eyes wandered over the pile of papers in front of me.
"I'd love to, but I've got a ton of work to catch up on. You know, my new boss started today, and he left me a mountain of tasks."
"Oh, right... How's he, the new boss?" Her voice sounded casual, and thankfully, not very interested.

I swallowed. I had to be careful not to say anything that might pique her curiosity. It was best to change the subject to be safe.
"He's fine, I guess. But let's talk about something else. How's your day been?"

There was a brief silence, and I could almost picture her downcast face. That was definitely something she didn't want to talk about.
Denial was her method of dealing with this kind of breakup—one she'd perfected over the years.
It was still quiet on the other end, only her steady breathing coming through.

"Mina? I'm having hallucinations again..." Usagi murmured quietly after a while.
"What do you mean?" I asked, though I had a sinking feeling.
My gaze involuntarily shifted to the large glass pane, behind which Seiya Kou was sitting. He was absorbed in paperwork, as if nothing had happened—as if he weren't the man who had ruined my best friend's life years ago. He looked like he had forgotten everything that had happened.

"Earlier at the mall. I thought I saw him again," Usagi murmured softly.
Damn it.
A chill ran down my spine. I was caught in a dilemma. Sooner or later, Usagi would find out that he was my boss, and if I didn't tell her first... I could vividly imagine her fury hitting me full force. I couldn't take that risk. She would need me more than ever during this time.

"Well..." I started hesitantly, but my voice sounded too thin. "About that..." I bit my lip and let my gaze drift back to him—the black-haired man who had caused me so many sleepless nights in my youth.
"Mina? What's wrong?" Usagi pressed more urgently now. Her voice left no room for excuses.
She knew I knew more than I was letting on.
"You'll find out soon enough... You weren't hallucinating... Seiya Kou is back in Tokyo... and he's the new CEO of my company." I forced the words out and held my breath involuntarily.

There was a dull thud, and I could only imagine her dropping the phone in shock.
A while passed before I heard her again. Her voice was quiet, in disbelief.
"Say that again."
I sighed and repeated the fact that was staring me in the face. "Seiya Kou is my boss."

A heavy silence fell between us as I waited for the bomb to drop. Then I heard her voice again, now much more determined and firm, like a battle cry.
"I've got a short meeting, then I'm coming over... and don't try to talk me out of it. I need to see him with my own eyes!"

I let out a quiet groan. That was typical Usagi, always charging in headfirst, tormenting herself. Sometimes I really suspected she had a masochistic streak.
Mentally, I went through my supplies. Would the chocolate ice cream in the freezer and the meager wine stock be enough to cope with heartbreak caused by two men? I wasn't sure.

***

Seiya

Minako's glances, which she kept throwing through the large glass pane connecting our offices, didn't escape my notice. It was uncomfortable, how exposed I felt in this office – like I was on display. I needed to put something in front of that window so I wouldn't look like an exhibit in a gallery.

The figures and old meeting notes my predecessor had left me looked promising. There were actually some good approaches I could have started with. However, my focus was almost non-existent, and my thoughts kept drifting back to the past.

Suddenly, something in the anteroom caught my full attention, and it was impossible for me to ignore. At first, there was Minako, whom I had expected. But then a second blonde woman appeared next to her. They were discussing something animatedly, their voices were muffled, and though I couldn't hear them, their gestures spoke volumes.

My gaze lingered on the second woman, even though she had her back to me. The posture, the way she moved her hands to emphasize her point – there was no doubt in my mind: Usagi.

I lowered my head over the papers, but my eyes kept drifting back to that damned window. It was obvious that Minako had already betrayed me on my first day and had brought Usagi here. This was going to be interesting.

I smirked slightly, chewing on the end of my pen as I watched the scene unfold. Usagi seemed hardly changed from behind, except for her hair length. She was still gesturing wildly while speaking to Minako.

Part of me wanted to get up and walk outside – casually, of course. Just to see how she would react. The thought made a queasy feeling rise in my stomach, and I dismissed the idea just as quickly as it had come. What was I even supposed to say to her? Fourteen years had passed since I last saw her. It felt like a different life altogether when I thought about it.

The desire to at least get a proper look at her, however, grew stronger. Just one glance. Only one. I was practically yearning for her to turn around. But she stubbornly kept her back to me, and here I was, unable to do anything but wait.

The minutes stretched on like chewing gum, and nothing in the scene before me changed. Minako kept talking to Usagi, who continued to present me with her attractive backside. It wasn't until my phone rang that I was pulled out of my trance.

I answered and leaned back in my chair. "Kou."

"Hey, my love, how's the first day at work going?" Her soft voice made me close my eyes for a moment.

"Pretty good," I murmured. "It's just a bit inconvenient to talk right now. Is something important?"

The sigh I heard on the other end made me smile. I could practically picture her rolling her eyes, a gesture she always liked to use.

"I've reserved a table for tonight to celebrate your first day at the new job. Please be home on time," she sang cheerfully.

"Got it." I grunted in agreement, though my thoughts were still elsewhere – on the two blondes outside my door.

"Seiya, I love you." Her words were sincere, and I couldn't help but hold my breath for a moment.

"I love you too." The words came automatically, but something about them suddenly felt different. It wasn't a lie, I knew she was important to me, but the seriousness of those words seemed to have slipped away from me.

When I hung up, I felt a strange unease settle inside me.

I needed to get out, even if only for a moment. My fingers fumbled for the cigarette pack in my briefcase – a bad habit I hadn't been able to shake off at work. Maybe those five minutes outside would help clear my mind. In that brief moment, I was so distracted that I had already crossed the room and opened the door without thinking.

My gaze met crystal-clear blue eyes. Immediately, I remembered why I had hesitated for so long. Usagi. She had changed. More mature, more elegant, yet her allure was undiminished. She wore her hair shorter now, the red dress clung to her figure, emphasizing her elegance. A hint of blush colored her cheeks, and her lips parted slightly as if she wanted to say something – but no words came out.

Time seemed to stand still. She stared at me, just as paralyzed as I was, as our gazes locked.

Chapter Text

Usagi

I stood there frozen, unable to get a single word past my lips.
Of course, I had expected that I would see him eventually, especially since I was standing in his anteroom with Minako.
I'd been tense ever since I heard about his return and had been on the verge of peeking through Minako's glass partition into his office several times. But somehow, I couldn't bring myself to do it. It was as if something inside me was holding me back from taking that decisive final step—a kind of barrier.
But when he actually stepped out of his office, it was something I couldn't prepare for, no matter how much I had wanted to. I opened my mouth to say something, but no sound came out.

Seiya had changed.
His once long hair was now cut short, and his features seemed sharper, more mature. Yet he was unmistakably still him. The red shirt he wore—coincidentally the exact same shade as my dress—stretched slightly over his shoulders, hinting that he was likely just as fit as he had been back then.

Then I noticed that he, too, was shocked to see me here.
To be precise, Seiya looked as though he had seen a ghost. His face turned pale, his eyes widened, and for a brief moment, he seemed utterly speechless.

I had always thought I would be angry if I ever saw him again. That I would hurl all the things I'd gathered in my mind and heart over the years straight at his face. Maybe I had even expected to yell at him or grab him by the throat.
Instead, none of that happened. None of what I had anticipated.

No anger, no fury, not even sadness. Instead, there was only this nervous, exhilarating flutter in my stomach that coursed through my body like a raging storm. A feeling I hadn't experienced in a very long time—and one that completely caught me off guard.

"Sweetheart," he whispered softly, and just the sound of his voice sent a shiver down my spine. It was hard to describe—it sounded both foreign and familiar at the same time.

The strange atmosphere between us was broken only by Minako's loud clearing of her throat. "Is there something I can do for you, Mr. Kou? Missing documents? Or do you need another coffee?" she asked with exaggerated friendliness that felt almost unnatural.

Seiya waved her off, gesturing to the small box in his hands. "No, everything's fine. I just wanted to get some fresh air," he replied, barely acknowledging her. His gaze remained fixed entirely on me. "It was nice seeing you again," he murmured in my direction, attempting a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
Then he turned and walked down the long hallway, leaving me standing there.

For a moment, I felt numb. That was it? That's all he had to say to me—that it was nice to see me again? Was he serious?!

Minako must have noticed the expression on my face because she immediately placed her cool hands reassuringly on my shoulders.
"Usa, calm down. I'm sure I'll be out of here in two hours, and then we can treat ourselves to a big ice cream sundae, okay? ... Or, if you'd prefer, maybe a few cocktails."

Gently, I pushed her hands off my shoulders. My gaze followed Seiya as he stepped into the elevator, and as the doors closed behind him, I knew I had to follow him—now, before he disappeared from my life for good. "Alright. Let me know when you're done. I was going to..." I muttered, already moving before Minako's fingers closed around my wrist, stopping me just out of her reach.

We exchanged an intense look—a silent communication. Finally, she gave a barely perceptible shake of her head, trying to tell me that following him was a mistake. That it was wrong, and I should spare myself the heartache.

But I couldn't stop myself.
Before I knew it, the sound of my heels echoed down the hallway as I hurried toward the elevator he had just taken. With every step, I felt as though my heart might burst out of my chest. The moment I had been waiting for so long finally seemed within reach.

When I stepped into the elevator, the space was still filled with the scent of his cologne—a familiar fragrance I had apparently followed subconsciously. I closed my eyes as the elevator began to move and started rehearsing words in my head. How was I supposed to start such a conversation? What exactly did I even want to say to him after all this time?

I knew the way to the designated smoking area, and that's exactly where he was. Casually leaning against the wall, one hand in his pocket, his head tilted back so that his face caught the sunlight. His eyes were closed.

My legs moved on their own. I didn't even notice until I was just a few steps away from him, standing still. My heart was pounding so loudly that I was sure he could hear it.

***

Seiya

Only when the sound of high heels stopped near me did I slowly open one eye and glance in that direction.
Part of me hoped it was Minako, who might have momentarily forgotten I was the boss and scolded me for being so curt earlier. But I wasn't granted that favor.

Instead, it was Usagi standing before me.
She had apparently followed me and was staring at me with those wide, expectant eyes—just like she had inside the building. Her gaze went straight through me, cutting to my core.

Out of reflex, I slowly held out my pack of cigarettes to her. She took one, lit it, and then stood next to me.
"When... when did you come back to Tokyo?" she asked in a near whisper.

"A few days ago," I replied truthfully.
Trying to gauge the direction this conversation might take was nearly impossible. She was far harder to read than before. Back then, her expressions and gestures had been easy to interpret. Now, she seemed like a closed book, locked tight.

She puffed awkwardly on the cigarette, blowing out a cloud of smoke. She looked up at the sky, deep in thought, before speaking again.
"Do you know how long I waited for you back then? You promised you'd come back, and I waited. Even after everything you did to me, I waited."

To my surprise, there was no accusation in her voice. No anger or bitterness—just a calm, composed statement that hit me straight in the chest. I didn't know how to respond. After everything that had happened, I thought she'd never want to see me again. Apparently, I was wrong.

"Sweetheart, I..." I began, but the words caught in my throat. I couldn't finish the sentence because suddenly, she turned to me, her eyes narrowing.

"Don't call me that, Seiya," she said, her voice firm and resolute, her gaze unwavering. "That stopped a long time ago. I just want you to answer one question. Why? Why did you even come back? Was Kagoshima out of CEO jobs?"

I inhaled sharply and flicked my cigarette into the ashtray.
There was so much I could have said, but the truth was, I didn't really know. I'd stumbled across the job posting by chance, never imagining that applying out of sheer boredom would lead me here.

Her signals were mixed, and I couldn't decipher them. Her body language suggested she was still drawn to me, but her tone made me doubt it.
Stressed, I ran a hand through my hair, searching for words.

"Sweet..." I stopped myself mid-word, remembering she'd just told me not to call her that.
"Look, Tokyo is my home, and somehow it just pulled me back," I finally said, aiming for a neutral answer.

Apparently, that wasn't what she wanted to hear.
For a brief moment, her mask slipped, and disappointment flashed across her face. It hit her harder than she wanted to admit. But I hadn't said anything wrong, had I? It was a simple, logical, neutral statement.
Why did it hurt her so much?

She quickly recovered, forcing a smile and squaring her shoulders.
"Well then, welcome back," she whispered, tossing her half-smoked cigarette into the ashtray before turning away. She walked off without another word, putting distance between us.

For a split second, I froze, watching her retreating figure. Before I could even think about it, I moved. It felt wrong to let her leave like this. My hand shot out, grabbing her wrist and stopping her in her tracks.

Surprised, she turned back to me, and I saw it immediately—the tears welling up in her eyes.
Instinctively, I raised my free hand and placed it on her cheek. Without hesitation, she leaned into it. The gesture felt so familiar, so achingly familiar, it was like a punch to the gut. For a moment, it was as if time had thrown us back to the past.

Slowly, I pulled her into my arms and closed my eyes. The warmth of her body and her sweet scent surrounded me.
Gently, I pressed a firm kiss to her forehead.
"I promised I'd come back," I whispered softly in her ear.

Those were the last words I had said to her back then. And even though my entire situation had changed, and I was now in a committed relationship, at least I had kept this one promise—one of the many I'd made to her.

She rested in my arms, and I felt her relax. No, it wasn't just her; it was both of us.
"I'll pick you up tonight, and we'll talk everything over, okay?" I asked quietly, without breaking the embrace.

Her agreement came in the form of a barely perceptible nod, but that alone was enough to send a wave of relief through me.
Would I really get the chance to explain everything to her?

"Just hold me a little longer, please," she whispered, nestling closer to me. Without hesitation, I tightened my arms around her, letting her feel that I was here.

Chapter Text

Minako

Completely stunned, I stared at my phone, then through the large glass wall at my new boss.
Usagi had canceled our plans for tonight because he had asked her to meet, and I already feared the worst.

The images of her, broken and sobbing in my arms, were as vivid as ever. My eyes darted to the clock above Haruka's abandoned desk, which had been gathering dust for the past hour. Just three minutes until the end of my shift, and then Seiya Kou was going to get a piece of my mind.
I deliberately and meticulously organized my files, and as soon as the clock struck six, I was ready to march through his ostentatious office door.

With determined steps, I strode to his desk and slammed my hands onto the polished surface with a resounding thud.
"I'm off the clock," I began, justifying my abrupt entrance before cutting straight to the point. "And you're going to cancel your meeting with Usagi. I spent months—no, years—picking up the emotional pieces you left behind when you shattered her heart. I can't do that again. I won't."

He looked up at me, and I could see the gears turning in his mind. Slowly, he leaned back in his chair, clasped his hands, and met my gaze with calm resolve.
"Minako, I really appreciate how much you care for her. Truly, I do. But I have no intention of breaking her heart again. This is just a friendly dinner. I want to know how she's been ... to talk to her. Nothing more."

I crossed my arms, glaring at him. "Friendship? After everything that happened? You can't seriously believe that—"

He raised a hand to stop me, pulling out his phone and unlocking it. He turned the screen toward me.
"Michiru. My fiancée," he said evenly.
The background image showed him smiling beside a woman with turquoise hair and a radiant smile. "As you can see, there's no reason to worry. This is purely platonic for me."

I stared at the picture, momentarily thrown off, though I tried not to show it.
"For your sake, I hope so," I muttered.

For a brief second, I debated leaving it at that. My hand was already on the cool metal door handle when I hesitated. Something still didn't sit right. I turned back to face him.
"Does Usagi know about your fiancée?" I asked pointedly.

He froze, ever so slightly. The hand that had been casually signing documents paused mid-motion. Slowly, he raised his head, and his expression was unreadable.
"No..." he admitted quietly, his voice softer than before. "And I'd like to ask you not to tell her. At least, not yet."

My brows furrowed as I stared at him. His request felt wrong. How could he expect me to keep something so important from her? She was my best friend, after all. Slowly, I let go of the door handle and stepped closer to him.
"Why? Why should I keep something so serious from her?" My voice was sharper than I intended, but I didn't care. It wasn't me who would have to deal with the fallout.

He sighed deeply, set the pen aside, and looked at me with an expression I could hardly decipher.
"Even if you don't believe me, Minako ... she still means a lot to me. A whole lot." His voice was quiet but steady, sincere. "I just want to see if we can reconnect on a friendly level before I tell her about Michiru. Now's not the right time. Trust me, I'll tell her everything, but not yet. Not when we've only just found each other again ... Please, just give me a few days."

Something in his tone stopped me from pressing further. It wasn't just his words but the look in his eyes—pained, honest—that told me he truly meant what he said. Usagi still mattered to him.
Even so, the knot in my stomach refused to ease, forewarning me of a looming disaster.

I hesitated, weighing my options.
On one hand, I wanted to protect Usagi. She had been through enough, and the last thing she needed was more chaos in her life—the constant back and forth with Mamoru was more than enough.
On the other hand, I knew she had never truly gotten over Seiya. Maybe this conversation would finally give her the closure she needed.
But if he laid everything bare, it might just reopen old wounds. I couldn't predict how she would handle it.
Either way, she would find a way to see him, and this way, I could at least act quickly if things went south.

"Fine ... for now," I muttered, keeping my eyes fixed on his, full of suspicion. "I'll keep quiet for the moment."
Before he could breathe a sigh of relief, I raised a warning finger. "But if I so much as suspect that you're getting too close to her or that you're hurting her again, you'd better brace yourself. And if that happens, I'll tell her everything myself." My voice was icy and threatening.

He nodded slowly, holding my gaze. "Fair enough," he murmured.

For now, the conversation was over. But I could only hope I wasn't making a terrible mistake by agreeing to this.

***

Seiya

I had more or less expected Minako to give me a lecture.
She had always defended her friend like a lioness, and apparently, that hadn't changed over time.

Sighing, I pulled the last stack of papers toward me and was about to start going through them when my office door opened again—once more without so much as a knock.

"What now?" I hissed, assuming it was Minako again, but the scolding got stuck in my throat.
Michiru stood before me, dressed in a breathtaking evening gown that fit her perfectly, wearing a loving yet reproachful smile.

"I had a feeling you'd lose yourself in work again," she said melodically, her voice almost teasing. "That's why I came to pick you up so we wouldn't miss our reservation. You didn't forget, did you?"

Damn.
The reservation.
In all the chaos, I'd completely forgotten.

Caught, I returned her smile, trying my best to look innocent.

Michiru walked toward me, her steps quiet and graceful. Before I could react, she pushed my office chair—along with me—back a little, sat down on my lap, and wrapped her arms around my neck. Her fingers grazed my skin gently as she leaned in and planted a deep kiss on my lips.

"You really don't make it easy for me, huh?" I murmured softly, pushing the papers on my desk aside.
"That's true," Michiru replied with a playful smile, tilting her head slightly. "What's wrong, Seiya? You seem... off. Was your first day not what you hoped for?"

I inhaled sharply, wrapping my arms around her. She knew me too well to be fooled. After four years together, she could immediately sense when something was on my mind. I hesitated briefly before deciding to stick as close to the truth as possible.

"Darling... I ran into someone from my past earlier," I began cautiously.

I had her full attention in an instant. She didn't say anything, but her expression said it all—she wanted to know more. I'd always been secretive about my youth, never talking to anyone in my new life about what I'd left behind in Tokyo.

"Would it be possible to reschedule our dinner?" I paused, watching her eyebrows draw together slightly. "To be honest, there's something I need to sort out. Something I couldn't finish back then... It's really important to me."

Abruptly, she stood up from my lap and crossed her arms over her chest. She scrutinized me from head to toe, then rolled her eyes—a typical gesture of hers right before she gave in.
"But only if it's absolutely necessary," she finally said with a light sigh. "But you'll owe me this weekend," she added with a slight smirk.

Relieved, I stood up, wrapped my arms around her from behind, and planted soft kisses along her neck, earning a laugh from her. Then she slipped out of my embrace, placing her hands on her hips.
"Don't make a habit of this. First planned date in our new city, and I'm already being stood up," she chided me with mock seriousness. Then she stepped closer, placing her hands on my shoulders and looking deeply into my eyes.
"I'll be waiting for you at home. But please—don't make it too late," she whispered softly in my ear.

Her red lips brushed against mine—a fleeting kiss, barely more than a touch—before the door closed behind her.

I took a deep breath, exhaling slowly. That could have gone horribly wrong.
Michiru was a woman of infinite patience, but even she had her limits. If she knew I was about to meet up with my first love... And the thought of the two of them crossing paths here?
No, I didn't even want to imagine it.

I'd dodged a bullet. But the clock was ticking.
In less than 15 minutes, Usagi would be waiting downstairs in the lobby. The thought made my chest tighten, a pulling sensation just beneath my breastbone that I couldn't shake.

What the hell was I even doing?

Chapter Text

Usagi

Nervously, I fidgeted with the hem of my new dress.
Of course, I'd called myself crazy multiple times for agreeing to see this guy again. Twice, I had turned around on my way here, only to end up sitting here now.
No matter how much my head resisted, something deep inside me screamed to accept his invitation to dinner.

Maybe this was what I'd needed all these years to finally move on. Or maybe I was so damaged from the endless on-and-off with Mamoru that I trusted anyone who had left me at some point. Surely, I must be suffering from some toxic attachment pattern or something like that.

Minako had, of course, vehemently tried to talk me out of this meeting. Her loud objections still echoed clearly in my mind, but in the end, she had grudgingly accepted that I was going. She hadn't really had a choice, as I'd been determined when I stood in front of her.

Quite unlike now.
For ten minutes, I'd been standing in front of the large building, unable to cross the threshold. The lobby was already dimly lit, the desks downstairs empty, and the security guard gave me a scrutinizing look until I explained that I was just waiting for someone. I could still feel his watchful eyes on me as I listened for the faint echo of approaching footsteps.

It was his walk—I was sure of it. It was crazy how small details like that came back to you after so long.
Slowly, I lifted my gaze and looked at him, letting my eyes travel from head to toe.
How could someone look so damn good? He still managed to cloud my thoughts.

"I hope you haven't been waiting too long. I had something to finish upstairs," he apologized with that familiar, soft voice and a mischievous grin. At the same time, he stepped closer and brushed a fleeting kiss on my cheek.
It was brief, almost casual—a gesture more suited to friends. At that moment, his rugged scent, which I had already caught earlier that afternoon, hit my nose.

It took me a few seconds before I could respond.
"No... no... it's fine. I just got here too," I stammered, trying desperately to regain my composure.

On autopilot, I followed him out of the building, trying to sort through my turbulent emotions. Only when we reached the main street, and the cool evening breeze hit my face, did I realize I had instinctively hooked my arm around his. I tried to make it seem casual as I pulled away.

"So, what do you feel like doing?" he asked suddenly, stopping and turning his gaze directly on me.
"Um... I'm not sure. I thought you'd have something planned... after all, you're the one who invited me," I replied, puzzled.
There it was again—that grin, so typical of him, etched into my memory. "What do you say we let the area inspire us? A little walk, some conversation, and if we see a place that catches our eye, we go in?"

I couldn't help but smile and nod at the suggestion. It was as if I was seeing the boy I had fallen for back then. Almost nothing could throw him off balance. He took life lightly but was serious and solution-oriented when problems arose.
We walked through the streets in silence for a while, his arm lightly resting against my back, yet maintaining a respectful distance. The strange quiet between us wasn't oppressive; it was the opposite. It felt as if a connection was slowly rebuilding itself between us, entirely without words.

Then he suddenly stopped walking. "Sweetheart..." His voice was soft, barely more than a whisper, and his gaze was fixed on the night sky. He barely dared to look at me. "I just wanted to apologize again for everything that happened back then. I never meant to hurt you like that. Believe me, I could never forget you all these years."

For a moment, I thought I had misheard him. He couldn't forget me and still didn't reach out? It was hard to believe. I spun on my heel and faced him directly.
"There's this neat invention called a phone or email," I said, sharper than I had intended.

Then I saw how my words hit him. He wasn't Mamoru, who would have countered my snappy remarks with a sarcastic smile. That realization struck me suddenly. There was guilt and regret in his gaze as his fingers hesitantly wrapped around mine.
For a moment, I regretted what I'd said—even if it was the truth.

"I know," he murmured softly. His thumbs traced circles over the back of my hands, and I felt goosebumps run down my arms.
Images of the past surged in my mind, unbidden and overwhelming, as I desperately tried to push them away.
Over the years, I had become an expert at banishing these uncomfortable memories to the farthest corners of my mind. But this time was different—it wasn't working. Not with Seiya looking at me with those big blue eyes.
Hot tears had already welled up, ready to spill. I had to stop them. I refused to cry in front of him. I wanted to be strong.

"I'm sorry," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "I really wish things had gone differently back then. That's why I asked to meet you tonight. I want to explain... a lot went wrong back then..."

His words managed to ground me, at least a little. The storm inside me calmed somewhat, and I realized I was genuinely curious about what he had to say.
How did he plan to explain the events of back then?
Would his version of the story cast my memories in a different light?
Unlikely—I knew what I had seen.

My gaze wandered down the street. I knew exactly where we were—just two blocks from my apartment. A vague feeling warned me that inviting him in might not be a good idea. But before I could stop myself, the words slipped out.
"Alright, let's go to my place," I said, sounding more composed than I felt. "We can order something to eat if you're hungry and talk there in peace."

***

Seiya

The invitation to continue the evening at her place caught me off guard, but I agreed.
As we made our way to her apartment, we kept a certain distance from each other. I sank into my thoughts, trying to figure out how to begin.
How do you explain a series of dramatic, unfortunate events, compounded by the venom of a spiteful stepbrother?

The walk to her apartment passed far too quickly, but Usagi's place was just as I had imagined it—cozy, decorated in warm tones, and full of playful details. I could feel her presence in every corner.
"Go ahead and sit on the sofa. I'll grab us something to drink," she murmured, gesturing toward the open living room before disappearing behind a door.

I nodded and let my gaze wander around the small living room as I made my way to the sofa. On a shelf, I noticed a series of photos that seemed to capture important moments in her life. Her with her parents, some pictures with Minako and other friends—and then one where she was beaming as she clung to a man's arm.

She looked happy, maybe even too happy, and I felt an uncomfortable sensation stir within me. Whoever the guy in the picture was, it bothered me. A faint pang of jealousy crept in. Casually, I tipped the frame face down and sat on the sofa.
If she were seeing someone, she wouldn't have brought me here, would she?

A short while later, she returned, placing two glasses and a bottle of water on the table. Without a word, she sank into the armchair across from me. Her posture was tense, her gaze drilling into me as if she were trying to see through me before I even spoke a word.

I reached for the glass of water, taking a sip just to buy myself a moment. I knew I couldn't avoid this forever, but finding the right words was agonizingly difficult. There was so much between us. The pain of the past loomed heavily in the space, that much was clear.

Finally, I forced myself to start. Setting the glass down, I took a deep breath and began:
"Sweetheart... please believe me when I say I never wanted things to turn out this way." My voice was rough, my throat felt tight, and I paused briefly to gauge her reaction. Her gaze hardened, just as I expected. Of course, she knew where this was heading, but to make it clear, I said it outright. "The night of the farewell party... everything spiraled completely out of control."

I hesitated for a moment, watching as she leaned slightly forward, resting her forearms on her knees and narrowing her eyes. She wanted to hear more—it was obvious. Every word I said now would be weighed carefully. I had only this one chance.
So, summoning all my courage, I continued: "I know how everything must have looked to you. But the truth is, none of it was my fault."

I saw her inhale sharply, her lips parting, ready to argue. I raised my hand, silently urging her to hold off. The images of that night were seared into my memory, replaying in an endless loop.

"The girl who suddenly showed up... and kissed me right at the moment you walked through the door..." My voice faltered briefly, but I forced myself to go on. "She was hired by my stepbrother. Yaten promised her something—I still don't know exactly what or why he did it... but it doesn't matter anymore. There's no point dwelling on it... I didn't even find out until months later, by which time we were already in Kagoshima."

I paused, watching her frown. It was as if she were meticulously analyzing everything, revisiting that moment from years ago.
I needed to explain further before she shut me out completely. "I never cheated on you, sweetheart. Never. For me, there was only ever you. The only thing you can fault me for is not chasing after you immediately to clear everything up."

Her gaze flickered, and I could tell she was reliving those moments—the pain, the disappointment—it was all there, raw and present, like an unbridgeable chasm between us.
Taking a deep breath, I pressed on: "And even that... I wanted to. I had my hand on the door handle. But my so-called friends... they talked me out of it. They said it would be easier for you to move on without me."

I shook my head at my own stupidity back then. My fingers wrapped around the glass again as I locked eyes with her. "I was young and dumb enough to believe them. And that... might have been the biggest mistake of my life."
She didn't move, didn't even blink, staring into space as if she were looking straight through me.

Setting the glass back down, I leaned forward slowly. My fingers instinctively reached for hers, hoping to break her out of her daze, to finally draw some kind of reaction from her.

Chapter Text

Usagi

His words echoed in my head, mingling with the terrible images from back then.
I could hear the honesty in his voice, see the troubled expression in his eyes.
As much as I wanted to, I could no longer suppress the feelings from those days. They came rushing back, as vivid as on that evening. That deep stab in my heart when I saw the brunette from the parallel class, her lips pressed firmly against his.

Seiya's warm hand on mine sent a shiver through me.
For a moment, I locked eyes with him before pushing his hand away and jumping to my feet. His closeness was unbearable—at least in this moment.

"Sweetheart..." he murmured, taking a step toward me.
It seemed like an attempt to calm me down, but it had the opposite effect. That was the moment everything inside me exploded. The anger I had bottled up for years broke free like a storm, unstoppable.

"No! No! Stop it!" My voice shook with rage. "Stop calling me that, or hiding behind excuses!" Tears streamed hotly down my cheeks, unstoppable. "You know what, Seiya? Surprise! No, it didn't help me get over you! Can you even begin to imagine how I felt back then?"
The words poured out like a waterfall, and I couldn't stop myself. I threw everything at him that had weighed on me since that moment.
"One day, you tell me you love me and that we'll spend the rest of our lives together... you talk about a future... And then, just one damn day later, you tell me you're moving away... But instead of trying a long-distance relationship or anything else, I catch you on your last night in Tokyo with someone else! It's really hard for me to believe anything you say anymore! Because apparently, I wasn't even worth a call in 14 years! Do you have any idea what it felt like to go to the graduation ball alone? Do you know how many hours I sat by my phone, praying you'd call? No, because all of that didn't matter in your new life!"

I took a trembling breath, my hands clenched into fists. He took a hesitant step toward me, seeking closeness instead of keeping his distance like Mamoru would when I was angry. That made it even harder.
Even if all of it had been Yaten's scheme back then, why hadn't he run after me?
Why hadn't there been a single line or word of farewell?
I couldn't understand him.
Suddenly, I felt him just inches away, and my last bit of self-control dissolved.

My fists pounded against his chest; my vision blurred with tears as I let out everything that had built up over the past 14 years.
"I loved you, you damn idiot! I loved you so much, and you just left me! You moved to the other end of the country without ever reaching out to me again! How could you?"

My lungs burned, and I barely noticed what was happening around me. I was trapped in a tunnel of tears and pain.
It wasn't until I felt him firmly grasp my hands that my vision began to clear.
His arms suddenly wrapped around me, pulling me tightly to his chest, enveloping me like a cocoon.
My resistance faltered; my fists unclenched, and his embrace calmed me in a way I hadn't expected.

His heartbeat reached my ear, steady and soothing. His breath brushed warmly against my skin, and his unmistakable scent filled my senses.
"I know... I know, and I'm sorry for being so stupid," he whispered softly. "Believe me, if I could, I'd undo it all."

How long we stood there, tightly embraced, I couldn't say. His apology stretched on, but the words slipped past me.
I could only focus on his embrace and the wonderful feeling that slowly enveloped me. It felt like an endless eternity where the world around us had come to a halt.
My arms had wrapped around him on their own, and my head rested against his chest.
When was the last time I had felt so safe? I didn't know, but it was liberating.

Eventually, he cautiously raised a hand, gently brushing my cheek and wiping away the last traces of my tears. His thumb lingered for a moment on my skin before his fingers moved on, eventually settling at the nape of my neck. Unconsciously, I lifted my head, my eyes seeking his—those deep, familiar blue eyes that had so often made me smile.

For a moment, I soaked in the image, as if wanting to preserve it forever. It was as though I had stepped into a dream, one I had carried deep within me all these years. And if I was honest, I didn't want to wake up.
My heart pounded so hard I was sure he could feel it effortlessly.

Then, suddenly, without warning, he lowered his head. His lips brushed against mine—gently at first, as if asking for permission. Fireworks ignited in my stomach, yet I froze for a moment, overwhelmed. Only when I leaned into him and returned the kiss did the last trace of his restraint dissolve. The kiss deepened; his hands pulled me closer, and I lost all sense of up or down.
It was a kiss that held everything: regret, longing, hope. My entire body burned, filled with a warmth I hadn't felt in years.

***

Seiya

I don't know what came over me.
I hadn't planned to kiss her. It was an impulse, something that took over entirely.
The moment my lips touched hers, there was no turning back. No hesitation, no second thoughts—just her and me. And damn, it felt right. Too right.

When she kissed me back, it was like the ground was ripped out from under me. For a moment, I was back in the past, in those days when everything was simple, when she was still by my side, and the world was ours. Then I deepened the kiss.
My tongue sought hers, and when she gave in, my thoughts completely vanished. There was nothing but this fire coursing through me, and even after all this time, I couldn't get enough of her.

But when she pulled away, reality hit me like a cold slap in the face.
My forehead rested against hers, my arms still held her close, but the weight of the situation came crashing down on me.

What the hell had I just done?
I loved Michiru. I was supposed to marry her in a few weeks. And yet—ever since seeing Usagi again, there had been this maddening feeling I couldn't shake. Something that kept pulling me toward her.

Slowly, I brushed her cheek with my hand, searching for the right words, but they were harder to find than I'd expected.
Staying near Usagi would only end in disaster; that much was clear. I needed to put distance between us, to get my thoughts in order.
I let go of her, even though it felt so wrong to do so. Her large blue eyes looked up at me, expectant, waiting for some sign.

"I think it's better if I leave now," I finally murmured, my voice quiet, almost reluctant. "Don't get me wrong, sweetheart, but we shouldn't rush things."

She nodded, trying to smile, but I could see the pain in her eyes. Slowly, almost unwillingly, I made my way through her living room and down the hallway. At the apartment door, she turned to me again, standing just a few steps behind.

"Seiya... will I see you again?" she asked hesitantly, her gaze fixed on my shoes. A faint blush colored her cheeks.
Her question caught me off guard.
I hadn't expected her to want to see me again at all. I wanted to respond immediately, but that warning voice in my head spoke up, louder than ever. It told me this was a mistake, that it could only end in disaster if I kept seeing Usagi. And I knew it was right.
Something in me screamed to close the door behind me and end this chapter for good.
But I couldn't do it.

My mouth moved faster than my mind. "Of course, we'll see each other again. Tomorrow," I heard myself say, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

After the door clicked shut behind me, I felt a tight knot in my chest. I leaned against the cool wall and exhaled heavily, gasping for air.
My head was a mess—a chaotic storm of guilt, desire, and utter confusion.

How far would I have gone if she hadn't ended the kiss?
No, I couldn't think about that. I had betrayed Michiru—an undeniable fact that felt like a punch to the gut.
And Usagi... What had I been thinking? I'd kissed her without knowing if she was in a similar situation, even though I was aware of her emotional state.

What was wrong with me?
Normally, I was cautious and considerate. I didn't rush into things. That was always my stepbrother's department, not mine.

Going home, back to Michiru, wasn't an option in my current state.
Even thinking about it was hard enough. Maybe some fresh air would help.
With a weary movement, I pushed myself off the wall and started walking. Aimlessly, I wandered through Tokyo's streets until I found myself standing in front of a small, unassuming pub. Its dim lights practically pulled me inside.
A drink couldn't hurt, given the circumstances.

Inside, I ordered a single malt—smooth and strong, exactly what I needed. I stared at the glass in my hands, focusing on the amber liquid, hoping to find answers in it.
But there were none.

My thoughts only grew more tangled.
I had always thought I knew what I wanted—Michiru, our life together, our upcoming wedding, maybe even kids someday. It was the plan I'd made for myself, something I'd worked toward, something my head knew was right.
But my heart? It wasn't playing along anymore. Apparently, it still beat for Usagi, no matter how much I tried to deny it.
And now? Now everything was on the line because of a woman I had never truly been able to forget.

Chapter Text

Minako

My gaze kept wandering involuntarily through the large window to him.
Seiya looked like he hadn't slept a wink all night. The dark circles under his eyes spoke volumes, and I sincerely hoped that Usagi wasn't in a similarly miserable state.

I had already tried to reach her several times, but her brief reply—that she was with a client and would call back later—hadn't really reassured me. This nagging feeling that something had happened last night wouldn't let me go.

Again, my eyes drifted to him. The new boss—Seiya Kou himself—had arrived an hour later than officially scheduled on only his second day at the office.
Since then, he had barely said a word, merely asking me to bring him a coffee. His only sign of life was the occasional flipping of the papers in front of him.
Of course, I was itching to ask him about his meeting with Usagi, but somehow, I managed to restrain myself. After all, he was my boss, and it was probably better if we kept business and personal matters separate.

It wasn't until around noon that I became alert when a young woman walked past my desk.
Immediately, my body tensed, and my gaze followed her. She was unmistakably the woman Seiya had shown me in the photo—his fiancée. Without taking any notice of me, she headed straight for his office. The door closed behind her before I could say anything.

Suddenly, Haruka let out an appreciative whistle. Until that moment, I hadn't even registered that she was standing right in front of me. Haruka leaned slightly over my desk, her usual mischievous grin on her lips.
"She's got a hot ass. Who's the little lady?" she whispered to me.
Just great.

I sighed softly and shook my head, my gaze once again directed through the window for a moment.
"Not your league, Haruka. That's the new boss's fiancée," I replied monotonously, without taking my eyes off the two of them.

Now she was staring through the window as well, though far less subtly. Something sparkled in her eyes—cutting rather than pleasant.

"He's got taste, I'll give him that. I wouldn't kick her out of bed either," Haruka muttered. While I at least tried to be discreet, Haruka made no secret of her thoughts. She was as direct as ever.

Of course, Seiya didn't miss our glances either. Before I could think of a way to defuse the situation, he opened the door and stuck his head out. His voice was calm, but he couldn't hide the irritated undertone.
"If you two have nothing to do, we'd like a coffee and a cappuccino. Oh, and Minako, please do something about this window. I'm not your private cinema. Get a curtain or something so there's a bit of privacy in here."

He disappeared again, and I could see Haruka barely holding back a grin.
"Privacy? How boring. We've got the best seats to see everything," she said, sitting back at her desk as if nothing had happened. However, she scooted slightly to the left for a better view into Seiya's office. She was simply incorrigible—always direct and fully informed about everything happening in this building.
Sometimes I really doubted whether Haruka actually worked, but that was none of my business. We just shared the reception area, and most of the time, she wasn't even around.

A little later, my eyes fell on the window again, and my thoughts lingered briefly on Seiya's request. Suddenly, I had an idea.
What was the point of having a best friend who was an interior designer?

In no time, I had dialed Usagi's number, and to my relief, she answered this time.
"Mina, I'm fine, if that's what you wanted to know... I'm managing," she sighed at the start of the call.
"Good, then you can definitely stop by my office," I interrupted her.
"Why? Did something happen? Is something wrong with Seiya?" Her voice was suddenly full of concern, and my heart skipped a beat.

If Usagi was okay, she probably didn't know about his fiancée yet.
Damn it.
I really didn't want to get involved in this or have her find out this way. However, bringing Usagi here might push Seiya to be honest sooner. She deserved honesty, after all. She'd shed more than enough tears over him, and in my opinion, Mamoru wasn't the one for her either.

"No... well, not exactly... I have a little project for you. You know the window between the offices? Seiya feels like he's being watched and wants a privacy screen. Sure, I could just hang up a cloth, but you know me—I need something that's easy on the eyes," I quickly explained, unconsciously glancing at my boss, who was now embracing his fiancée from behind, probably whispering something cheesy in her ear.

On the other end of the line, Usagi let out an audible breath.
"I have a measuring appointment and a consultation later. I think I can stop by early this afternoon." I breathed a sigh of relief. By then, the fiancée problem would hopefully be resolved—she likely wouldn't linger for hours.

I shuffled some papers aside, trying to steer the conversation elsewhere.
"Then you can tell me what happened last night."
There was a brief silence before she cut me off with a curt, "See you later, Mina." So my instincts weren't wrong—something had indeed happened last night.

I barely had time to set my phone aside when Seiya and his fiancée walked out of his office, hand in hand.
"Minako, forget the coffee; we're taking our lunch break outside. But maybe you'll have a solution for the window problem by the time we're back," he said, gesturing to the window. I plastered a bittersweet smile on my face.
"Of course, I'm already working on it." And I was—just as much as I was working on his honesty.

***

Seiya

It felt strange pretending that the events of the previous evening hadn't happened.
Michiru gushed about the wedding, and I pretended to listen, but her words blurred before they even reached me.
The thought of what had happened gnawed at me, but I couldn't bring it up or confess it to her—not until I knew exactly what I felt and what I wanted.

Lunch passed in a haze, with empty, mechanical nods serving as occasional affirmations of her ideas. I knew better than to interfere with a woman's wedding plans, especially one with such precise visions as Michiru.

After she left for an appointment, I headed back to the office. Clearing my head felt harder than it should, especially with the unresolved thoughts lingering.
That damn kiss with Usagi had completely thrown me off balance.
I had no idea how to move forward.
Should I cut off contact with Usagi? Would it drag her down again if she found out about Michiru?
Different scenarios raced through my mind, but none of them led to a satisfying conclusion.

When I reached my office corridor, I was surprised to see that Minako wasn't at her desk. Instead, my colleague's somewhat masculine assistant gave me a crooked grin as I walked past.

I opened the door to my office and froze.
Fabric was everywhere—in every color imaginable. On my desk, my chair, even the shelves. Piles of pleats were stacked haphazardly, and in the middle of the chaos stood Minako and Usagi, deeply engrossed in a lively discussion.

"Would you care to explain what's going on here?" I asked, striving to keep my tone calm as my gaze shifted between the two women.
"Well, you wanted a solution for the window," Minako replied with a slightly sassy tone. "So, I called the best interior designer Tokyo has to offer. I think it's in all our interests that it looks proper."
I stared at her, then shifted my gaze to Usagi, who was in the middle of folding a piece of fabric. "Sweetheart? You're an interior designer?"

At that moment, I was struck by how little I actually knew about her. I knew she graduated from Juban School 14 years ago, had a brother, and that Minako was apparently still her best friend, but beyond that?

"Yes, and I'm damn good at what I do," she said with a wide smile and a playful wink. "My schedule's usually packed, but since Minako asked so sweetly, I managed to squeeze in a little time for you guys. So, your office has dark furniture, with only the walls and floor offering light contrasts. You can either pick up the lighter tones of the walls or, what I personally prefer, reflect the darker contrast of the furniture," she began, pointing at several fabric samples.

Usagi was completely in her element, losing herself in the details as she explained everything to us—or rather, to me. Minako's sharp, warning glare didn't escape my notice, her eyes locked on me the entire time. I knew I had to get rid of her if I wanted even a sliver of a chance to talk to Usagi alone.

"But before we even consider colors, you need to decide between fabric or pleats. Of course, if all this is too much for you, we could just go with frosted glass film," Usagi continued, spinning past me as she spoke. The tension between her and her friend seemed to go unnoticed by her.

"Uh... Minako, don't you have plenty to do outside? I can manage with Usagi just fine," I interrupted Usagi's presentation briefly. Her cheeks turned a little pink, and she looked somewhat helplessly at Minako. The two seemed to share a silent communication I couldn't quite decipher. After a few seconds, Minako reluctantly left the office.

The door clicked shut behind her, but that damn glass window still gave her a perfect view of everything happening inside—and she made sure I knew it.

I ran a hand through my hair and carefully navigated the chaos of fabrics and samples to my desk.
Pushing aside a few fabric swatches, I said, "Sweetheart, why don't you just put something up that you like so I can get a better idea? Would it bother you if I reviewed a few contracts in the meantime?"

Usagi shook her head, biting her lower lip nervously. That little gesture—I remembered it from back then. She always did it when she was anxious.
I wanted to bring up what had happened yesterday, but as long as that window turned me into the main attraction for my employees, it wasn't an option. Telling her about my engagement was equally out of the question. Minako would probably be back in here faster than I could blink. So, I chose silence, no matter how hard it was.

As I skimmed the first pages of a contract, Usagi began tidying up a bit before focusing on the hated window. Several times, I caught myself watching her. Unconsciously, my gaze kept drifting toward her.

Damn, she still looked just as stunning as she did back then.
For a moment, I let the documents drop, leaned back, and simply watched her work.

The thought of having her redesign the entire office crossed my mind. That would definitely keep her around for a while—at least until I figured out what I still felt for her and how to proceed. But it was also playing with fire—especially if Michiru suddenly showed up. I loved Michiru and didn't want to hurt her, but what Usagi was doing to my thoughts was beyond words.

Damn, I was really in a bind, and time, in the form of a wedding, wasn't on my side. I needed clarity—fast. But how?

Usagi reached for a fabric swatch I'd set aside and turned back to the window.
When she worked, she was like a different person. The measuring tape hung between her teeth as she stretched the fabric into one of those complicated fixtures. She stood on tiptoes to reach the upper edge—honestly, it looked a bit dangerous—and in doing so, she placed her backside directly in my line of sight.

For a moment, I let myself take in the view. It was hard not to look. She hadn't lost any of her charm, and damn, I was only human. My head told me to focus on work or at least my problems, but my gaze lingered on her for a few more seconds.

A deep breath.
Focus.
It was no use.
She was still just as breathtaking as I remembered.
I had to force myself to look away before I got into even more trouble.

Chapter Text

Usagi

I could feel his gaze on my back, but I didn't want to let my nervousness show. I wanted to convince him professionally—after all, I was here for work and had a reputation to uphold.
Minako's worried look met mine through the glass, making it clear that I should be careful.
That reminded me—I hadn't even told her about the kiss yesterday. She would definitely freak out when she found out.

It was a bit tedious getting the stiff fabric into the mount, but thankfully, I had plenty of practice by now.
In less than 20 minutes, my preferred privacy screen was hanging over the window. For a moment, I admired the result with satisfaction before turning to Seiya with a smile. As expected, his eyes were on me.

"And? What do you think?" I asked him. His eyes narrowed skeptically into slits, but the corners of his mouth twitched up mischievously.
So, he did like it.

"Not bad for a start. But you know what, sweetheart? I think I want you to redo everything here," he announced, and I felt my expression slip for a second.
What did he just say?
The whole office?
That would keep me busy for at least a week—nearly impossible with my already packed schedule.

"Um..." I stammered, not wanting to outright refuse him.
It would be a step in the right direction—to be able to spend time with him again—and I liked that thought.
His brilliant blue irises were fixed on me while my thoughts raced.

If I reassigned the two new projects from last week to my new colleague, it would definitely help me make time for this.
And then there was that one annoying client I had been dealing with for six months who could never be satisfied—I could probably hand her off too.

I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't even notice Seiya had gotten up.
It wasn't until I felt his warm fingers wrap around mine that I snapped out of my thoughts, my heart skipping a beat.
"You don't have to if you don't want to. It... it was just a thought. I'd like everything to be a bit more modern and..." He didn't finish the sentence, but I could feel what he wanted to say.
He felt the same way I did—he was looking for an excuse to see me more often.
His rough fingers gently cupped my chin as I slowly nodded in agreement.

"I need to talk to my new colleague first, but she probably still has capacity to take on some of my work... or I'd have to do it privately on the side, but then it would take much longer—probably two to three weeks, since I could only come after work," I murmured my explanation softly.
Gently, he leaned his lips toward my ear, and I felt my heartbeat more than double, that giddy, fluttering sensation spreading through my entire body.
"That's completely fine, even if it takes six months," he whispered, and once again, he was so close that it was overwhelming.

I really didn't want to throw myself at him again so soon, but resisting him was proving to be much harder than I had expected.
Only a few millimeters separated his lips from mine when he suddenly straightened up again and stepped away. I didn't understand why he was suddenly creating distance again, why he hadn't seized the moment like he had yesterday.

He paced in front of me, but his expression was somehow more serious than it had been just seconds ago. Thoughtfully, he rested his index finger on his lips, and I wondered what was going through his mind.
Then, he abruptly stopped just a few steps away from me.

"I'd like to make up for the dinner we missed yesterday—if you're free tomorrow," he said quickly, almost as if he had to force himself to say it.

I was a bit confused by the sudden change in topic, as well as the shift in his behavior.
I couldn't quite figure him out.
One moment, he was seeking my closeness, and the next, he was pulling away again—only to slowly inch forward once more.

Shaking myself out of my daze, I grabbed the large fabric scissors, walked past him to the privacy screen, and began trimming the excess while trying to mask my own uncertainty.

"And what do you have in mind?" I asked, trying to sound as casual as possible.
If he could play this game, so could I.

"I'll think of something and pick you up at six," his slightly rough voice sounded behind me.

I had just gotten back on my tiptoes to reach the top edge when I suddenly felt myself losing my balance.
I braced myself for the inevitable, painful impact with the floor, but to my surprise, it never came.
Instead, I found myself in Seiya's arms.

***

Seiya

It was so damn hard to keep my distance from her. Her red lips were so close, and the desire to kiss her grew stronger with every second.

It had taken all my strength to tear myself away from her again.

I knew that inviting her to dinner tomorrow was probably a mistake, that I was betraying Chiru even further, but I had to find out what I still felt for Usagi and who she was now.
After all, if I was being honest, I didn't know anything about her anymore.
I had set my own boundaries, ones I didn't want to cross again, but this lively blonde made it nearly impossible to stick to them.
Every second I spent near her, my control slipped further and further. Tomorrow would be like playing with fire—and I knew I could get burned. But somehow, the risk seemed more and more tempting.

When she turned her back to me and twisted her body to reach the shelf, I instinctively stepped closer.
I couldn't even say why I did it, but just a fraction of a second later, she practically fell into my arms. I acted without thinking, my arms shooting forward, and suddenly, she was blinking up at me in surprise.

No matter how much I tried to keep myself in check, it felt hopeless. Her blue eyes sparkled at me invitingly, and the urge to kiss her flared up again.
I was already leaning in, and if it weren't for that small voice deep inside me urging me to be rational, I probably would have done it.
I didn't even know how, but I managed to steady her back on her feet without giving in to my desire.

"You need to be more careful," I murmured, forcing a crooked smile while awkwardly patting her shoulder.
Did she feel the tension between us too?
She must have. Because suddenly, a shy blush spread across her cheeks.
"Yeah... I guess I do," she replied shortly, lowering her gaze a little.

Then she tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, and for a moment, I could only focus on the soft movement of her hand.
Her full red lips parted, but no words came out at first.
"I... I... I'm afraid I have to go. I have an important appointment I can't postpone. Is it okay if I leave the fabrics here for now and pick them up in the next few days?" she stammered.

I needed to put more distance between us to keep myself from doing something I shouldn't.
So, I decided to focus on business again and slowly walked back to my desk.
"Yeah, of course. That shouldn't be a problem," I answered mechanically as I sat down.

The moment she started moving—or rather, whirling around the office to tidy up the mess— I couldn't help but watch her.
The way she moved through the room—everything about her drew me in.
In no time, she had restored order, and I could hardly believe how quickly she got everything under control again.
All the fabrics and panels were neatly stacked on and next to the small cabinet, and the folder with samples was placed beside them.

"Then I'll see you tomorrow night, right?" she asked with a bright smile.
I nodded—more out of reflex than conviction, because I still wasn't entirely comfortable with this plan.
"Yeah, I'll pick you up," I confirmed dryly.

I knew that every step in this direction would only cause more trouble and that I was treading on very thin ice.
A brief silence filled the room, and I was about to move toward her again, but to my relief, she slung her bag over her shoulder and walked to the door.
She had already opened it when she turned around one last time, the most enchanting smile on her lips—the same one I had imagined for years.
"I'm looking forward to it."

As the door closed behind her, I ran a stressed hand through my hair.
What had gotten into me?
This wasn't like me.
I loved Michiru.
So how could I have invited my ex-girlfriend to dinner?

Guilt crept up inside me, settling like a heavy knot in my stomach.
I also needed a plausible explanation for Chiru about where I'd be tomorrow night.
Although—now that Usagi was working for me, I could probably pass it off as a business dinner where we'd discuss details.
It was still a lie. I knew that. But at least it would buy me some time.

I tried to justify it to myself because I didn't want to face the truth.
My feelings for Usagi were still there, just as intense as ever.
If anything, they burned even stronger—like a fire that kept growing the more I tried to put it out.
I was almost powerless against the pull she had on me.

If it weren't for Chiru and her kind-hearted soul, I probably would have already given in to Usagi.
But given the circumstances, I couldn't—because I had another life, with responsibilities and with Michiru.
We were supposed to get married in a few weeks, and I knew I couldn't take that decision lightly.
Was I just getting cold feet because of the wedding? No, definitely not.

Until I met Usagi again, my path had been clear.
Now, though, it felt like a labyrinth with no way out.
I had little time left—to either erase Usagi from my mind for good or break Chiru's heart.
And neither option truly appealed to me.

In this moment, I was a man torn between the past and the future—and it was the hardest battle I had ever fought in my life.

Chapter Text

Seiya

The fact that my emotionally stunted stepbrother had already announced his visit for the weekend was something I couldn't change.
For him, it was simply incomprehensible that two people would willingly bind themselves to each other for life—and he made no secret of his opinion. Loudly and relentlessly, he let everyone know what he thought of the institution of marriage, which wasn't much. Maybe that was one of the reasons why Michiru had been so irritable since yesterday.

But just as I couldn't change his attitude, I couldn't change my own situation either—my past with Usagi, what had been between us, or what might still be lingering deep inside me. At least Michiru was so absorbed in the wedding preparations that she didn't notice my brooding. The table in front of her was a chaotic mess of papers and colors—seating arrangements, menu suggestions, floral decorations. She had spread everything out neatly and was going over it all once again.

On one hand, I was relieved to escape this whirlwind. On the other hand... with every breath I took, my nervousness grew. I was about to see Usagi again, and I prayed that I wouldn't cross my own boundaries once more.
I pressed a fleeting kiss to Michiru's cheek, grabbed my jacket from the chair, and put some distance between myself and her chaos. She barely reacted—a brief nod, a quiet "See you later," before she was already lost in her notes again, showing as little interest in my upcoming business dinner as before.

In the hallway, I paused for a moment, studying my reflection in the mirror as I ran a hand through my hair, trying to tame it.
The moving truck had finally arrived, so at least I could rely on my own well-tailored suits again. But my thoughts were already elsewhere. Usagi.
I closed my eyes briefly, taking a deep breath. Maybe it would be wiser to cancel this meeting. To stay away from Usagi for good before I even had the chance to be tempted again.

But something inside me—a quiet, relentless voice—made me reach for my car keys. No, I had to find out. I had to know what I really felt for her. Whether it was just an old infatuation stubbornly clinging to my memory—or if there was something more. Not just for my own sake, because it wouldn't be fair to Michiru either.
My fingers tightened around the cool metal keychain. There was no turning back.

"See you later, I'm heading out," I called down the echoing hallway.
"Drive safely," came her routine response. Her thoughts were probably already back on the seating arrangements or some other detail of her dream wedding.

I turned the key in my hand. It was time to find out the truth about my feelings. I really hoped this meeting with Usagi would finally give me the clarity I needed, even though I knew it wouldn't be easy.

The entire drive, I rehearsed questions in my mind—things I wanted to ask Usagi to find out how she had been, to understand the woman she had become.
I told myself that this meeting was truly necessary, but the nervousness gnawed at me.

By the time I finally stood in front of her door, all thoughts of Michiru and my doubts had vanished. I felt just like I had back when I picked Usagi up for our first date—excited and exhilarated like I hadn't been in a long time. For a moment, I hesitated before finally summoning the courage to press the doorbell.

It didn't take long before I heard her footsteps approaching. The moment she opened the door and came into view, my breath caught. She really knew how to highlight her features now. The short black dress accentuated her long legs perfectly, and the V-shaped neckline emphasized her full curves—I forced myself not to stare too obviously, though it was difficult. Her radiant eyes sparkled at me like stars.

"I'll be ready in just a minute," she greeted me, and at that moment, I felt her warm lips brush fleetingly against my cheek. Before I could react, she had already disappeared back inside her apartment.
I reminded myself to keep my composure.

A few seconds later, Usagi whirled back out. She had thrown on a coat and slipped into elegant heels. Then she wrapped her delicate arm around mine, and I led her to the car. The drive passed in tense silence—neither of us dared to break it.

I had reserved a table at an upscale Michelin-starred restaurant—partly as a cover, in case Chiru stumbled upon the bill. As we got out, Usagi's eyes widened, and her mouth parted slightly.
"Seiya, do you even know how expensive this place is?!" she whispered sharply as we approached the entrance.
She tugged slightly at my arm, trying to pull me back toward the car, but I kept walking toward the elegant glass doors. I couldn't suppress a smirk.
"Don't worry about it," I replied, winking playfully at her.
Money was certainly not something I had to worry about—but what she did to me emotionally was another matter entirely.

At the entrance, I took her coat, and one of the waiters led us to our table. The moment we sat down, time seemed to fly by. The initial silence quickly gave way to lively conversation, and it felt as though we had never lost touch. Our words flowed effortlessly, topics arose naturally, and it was as if we were instantly back on the same wavelength.

As dessert was served, I noticed how our fingers brushed against each other—lightly, playfully—a fleeting touch that made the tension between us almost tangible.

***

Usagi

It was late when we pulled up in front of my apartment, his fingers tightly entwined with mine—just like back then.
My heart was racing, refusing to calm down. This warm, tingling sensation in my stomach made me feel like I was floating on clouds.
I wanted to hold onto this moment just a little longer. I couldn't let go. Not now. Not when this evening felt so perfect.

The small key in my hand suddenly felt heavy, as if it carried a burden, and the thought that he might leave any second gnawed at me.
What if he just disappeared again?
The mere thought left a quiet, painful pull in my chest. If only for a little while longer, I wanted him to stay, to keep giving me this feeling I had almost forgotten.

"Would you like to come in?" I whispered, my thumb softly stroking the back of his hand. My gaze searched his blue eyes, trying to catch his evasive look. There was hesitation in them, as if he was battling himself.
"Please, come in," I asked again after a moment of silence, this time a bit more confident.

Slowly, I rose onto my tiptoes to be even closer to him, feeling the warmth of his skin, the subtle electricity between us, his scent filling my senses. Before I could lose my courage, I closed the last few centimeters between us and pressed my lips to his.

For the first few seconds, he was frozen, unresponsive to my touch, and just as I was about to pull away, I felt his hand suddenly slip to the back of my neck. A quiet sound escaped me as he finally kissed me back. Then his tongue brushed gently against mine, a silent plea for entrance, which I was all too willing to grant. My tongue met his in a teasing dance, and inside me, a firework of emotions exploded.
How many times had I imagined this moment, relived it in my mind over the past years—and now it was finally real.

The cool surface of the door pressed against my back as the key slipped from my fingers. Seiya caught it with an effortless familiarity that surprised me, but I trusted him. This—this was exactly what I wanted.
Without breaking the kiss, he somehow managed to unlock the door as if it was the easiest thing in the world. Moments later, he lifted me, and instinctively, I wrapped my legs around his waist. His strong arms held me firmly, and the world around us blurred completely.

Everything was a rush, a whirlwind of emotions that consumed me entirely. His breath burned hot against my skin as his body pressed firmly against mine. The raw desire between us was undeniable, pulling us deeper into its intoxicating grasp.
He didn't even ask for directions—he instinctively found his way through my apartment, pushing open my bedroom door with a certainty that stole my breath.

A soft gasp escaped me as he gently laid me on the bed, his lips trailing down my neck. His touch felt like a familiar echo of the past, yet each movement was new and exhilarating all at once. I closed my eyes, letting myself be guided by his hands, wrapped in his warmth.

The moment he slowly slipped my dress from my body, a shiver ran through me—not from the cold, but from anticipation. His kisses left a trail of heat and longing on my skin. From my neck to my collarbone, he moved lower, gentle yet demanding.
When he lingered at my breasts, it felt as if the entire world had stopped breathing. His touches were so tender they almost ached, and all I could do was surrender—lost in this moment that belonged to us alone.

I didn't know how many times we did it that night.
It felt like he was trying to undo all the years of separation and restraint in just a few hours. His hunger seemed insatiable, his hands both possessive and reverent, as if he could never get enough of me. At some point, my body gave in—exhausted and overwhelmed—I simply collapsed into his arms. I was too tired to think, too weak to move.
All that mattered was his closeness, his warmth, the feeling of finally being whole again.

The shock only hit me the next morning.
I opened my eyes, feeling the cold emptiness beside me, and stared at the bed that suddenly felt far too large.
He was gone.
Without a word, without a trace—he had left me behind.
Alone with the memory of a night that had brought us back together... and torn open all the wounds I had tried so hard to forget.

Chapter Text

Minako

This time, it was me who was speechless while Usagi poured her heart out over the phone. Her voice trembled with pain, and I felt my throat tighten.

My gaze wandered to the frosted glass behind which he was hiding, and with each passing second, I felt my anger rising. He had his chance and broke her heart again. I forced myself to stay calm, tried to soothe Usagi with loving words, promised her I would leave work early today and that she was strong enough to get through this.
What I didn't tell her was that, in the meantime, I was tormenting my pen, imagining it was my boss's throat. Seiya was in for something.

After she had finally calmed down a little and we ended the call, I exhaled heavily. I had firmly resolved to stay out of this whole mess.
I had really tried, but apparently, that was no longer an option now that he was playing a double game. I definitely had to protect Usagi from him.

With a determined jerk, I got up and marched straight to the door of the lavish office right behind mine. Without knocking, I stormed in, ready to unleash my anger. He had clearly crossed the line this time. I briefly eyed the dark-haired man behind the large desk.
Seiya looked miserable, as if he hadn't slept all night—which secretly pleased me a little, but it didn't change the fact that he had once again treated Usagi poorly. He deserved it, and in my opinion, he could suffer a little longer.

With a loud bang, I slammed my palms onto his desk.
"You slept with her! You actually went through with it, even though you're engaged! Do you have any idea how she feels right now?" I snapped at him, getting straight to the point. My heart was pounding with rage, and I fixed him with a piercing stare that should make it clear I wouldn't back down this time—boss or not. "No, probably not. Why would you? Just because she loves you doesn't mean you can treat her like this!"

Seiya didn't even lift his head, just exhaled heavily, as if he wanted to say something, but I didn't give him a chance.

"You didn't even say goodbye to her; you just ran off like after some meaningless one-night stand! Are you serious right now? You Kous are all the same! All you care about is a quick lay, and what happens to the other person's feelings doesn't matter to you. But you know what? Not on my watch! Either you tell her what's going on by tonight, or I will. Usagi is not some old toy you can take out and put away at will!" I hissed.

It was time to put the gun to his head because if Usagi found out that I had known about Seiya's fiancée without telling her, my friendship with her would be on the line—and that was far too valuable to me.

I paused for a moment when he suddenly lifted his head and looked at me. It wasn't the cold arrogance I had expected but genuine remorse in his eyes. His voice was quiet, barely more than a whisper as he said, "I wanted to tell her. I wanted to tell her at dinner last night, but I couldn't. I couldn't break her heart again..."

I crossed my arms over my chest, trying to keep my composure. "And then the best idea you could come up with was to sleep with her?" My voice was sharper than I had intended, but I was too furious to hold back. Something had to change in this situation, or I would be caught between two chairs. On one side, my job—and unfortunately, that included Seiya—and on the other, my friendship with Usagi.

***

Seiya

Minako's words were sharp and precise, each syllable a stab that struck exactly where it hurt the most—right in my heart.

I opened my mouth to respond, but the words got stuck in my throat as the door behind her suddenly flew open. Just great. That was all I needed. Him. Of all people. And right now.

My hands clenched into fists, and I silently wondered if I had somehow deserved this punishment.

There he was—my arrogant stepbrother—with that self-satisfied grin that had been driving me insane for years.

"Who's been sleeping with whom?" His voice was as casual as if he were commenting on the weather.

It felt like Murphy's Law was running wild in my life—everything that could go wrong was going wrong. All that was missing was for Michiru to find out from Usagi, or the other way around.

Minako suddenly froze. Her face turned as pale as the walls of my office, and I could see her struggling to maintain her composure. Meanwhile, I could feel my patience wearing dangerously thin—just because of his mere presence.

"Nobody slept with anybody," I growled, fixing him with a glare that should have shut him up. Naturally, he ignored it. He simply shrugged, stepped further into the room, and let his briefcase land on my desk with a dull thud.

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to maintain some semblance of politeness. "But why are you here already? I thought you weren't coming until tomorrow... Today's only Friday." My voice was sharper than I had intended, but given the circumstances, I didn't care.

Only now did Yaten turn his attention to Minako, his gaze slowly and unabashedly trailing over her—lustful and appraising at the same time. I knew that look all too well. For now, he had completely ignored my existence.

"Shame... A little good sex never hurt anyone... and your assistant is seriously hot, if I may say so." His tone was dry, as if it were the most normal observation in the world.

Minako's reaction was immediate. Her pale complexion was instantly replaced by a deep red, and her hands clenched into fists. For a moment, I thought she was about to slap him—honestly, I wouldn't have minded. Instead, she spun on her heel and stormed out of the room without another word. The rest of the tirade she had planned to unleash on me died in her throat, but the way she slammed the door behind her was a clear warning to both of us.

I slumped into my chair, rubbing my temples with my index fingers. My life was turning into a full-blown nightmare.

"What the hell do you want, Yaten?" I asked, my voice sharp, my pulse still too high.

He strolled casually around the office as if it were his own kingdom, all the while idly tugging at the privacy screen Usagi had put up just yesterday. Of course, he wasn't doing it without reason—I knew exactly who was sitting on the other side.

"Oh, nothing special. Just wanted to see how my big brother was settling into his new surroundings... Is that a crime?" he murmured, still toying provocatively with the fabric to get a better view of Minako.

"Forget it, Yaten." My voice was like a blade as I fixed him with a cold stare. "Minako is my assistant, and you'll keep your hands off her. Things are already complicated enough with her, I don't need any more problems—and you always bring problems, we both know that."

He shot me an amused grin over his shoulder.

"Relax, Seiya. I'm not here to cause trouble," he said, all fake innocence, while his gaze drifted back to Minako. "I thought I'd offer my support—with the preparations for your final castration. Or, if you change your mind, I could be your getaway driver. Wouldn't want Michiru to tear you to pieces if you ditch her."

I pressed my lips together, resisting the urge to throw him out of the office. If he knew just how close I actually was to that scenario... He'd probably dance with joy. But I wasn't going to give him that satisfaction.

I was just about to shoot back a sharp reply to put him in his place when the privacy screen suddenly crashed to the floor with a loud thud.

Perplexed, my gaze flickered between Yaten and Minako, who was now sitting at her desk, fully exposed to our view. For a split second, she looked shocked, before furrowing her brows in annoyance and quickly getting up. Her exit was so abrupt that a suspicion crept into my mind—did the two of them know each other from before? That would at least explain her reaction.

But that was something to investigate later. Right now, I had far more pressing matters.

First, I needed to get this pest of a stepbrother out of my office and keep him busy so he wouldn't get in my way. After that, I had to prepare for what would probably be the hardest walk of my life—telling Usagi the truth. The whole, unfiltered truth, no matter how painful it would be.

I stood up and gestured toward the fallen fabric.

"Fix that, and then get out. You can go home; Chiru should be there, and I'm sure she could use some help. I have a few outside appointments, so I'll see you tonight when I'm off work."

My tone was cutting, and I ran a stressed hand through my hair as I headed for the door. I paused briefly, throwing him a serious look over my shoulder.

"And Yaten—I'm serious. Hands off Minako, or there will be consequences."

Annoyed, he rolled his eyes and raised his hands in mock innocence, as if he'd done nothing wrong.

"I would never do anything the ladies don't want themselves. But fine, whatever—the hottie is off-limits for now."

His smirk was infuriating, and I could feel my blood pressure rising.

But I kept myself in check.

I neither had the time nor the patience to get dragged into his games.

Chapter Text

Usagi

After crying my heart out at Minako's, an unexpected large-scale project landed on my desk.
A woman named Kaito had reached out, asking if I could furnish her entire loft, as she had just moved to Tokyo and didn't have time to do it herself. My schedule was still packed, but I accepted the job—filling the time slot I had originally set aside for Seiya. Work was the only thing keeping me from thinking about him and everything that came with it.

I rushed from one appointment to the next, squeezing in the initial consultation with Ms. Kaito at the very end, as her address was on my way home anyway. She was surprisingly pleasant, and we hit it off instantly. Going over her ideas with her felt effortless, and time just flew by. By the time I finally left, dusk had already set in.

I sent Minako a brief message on my way home: I'm ready for wine, champagne, and chocolate ice cream.

But the moment I reached my apartment door, I froze on the last step.
The sight before me stole my breath, my muscles refusing to move.

Seiya was sitting there, arms wrapped around his knees, head lowered, lost in thought. For a moment, I seriously considered just turning around and leaving him there—just like he had left me alone that night. But he had come back. And deep down, I hoped he would finally explain why he had acted that way. After all, we weren't kids anymore.

After a brief internal battle, I stepped in front of him and nudged him lightly with the tip of my shoe. He jerked his head up, his blue eyes locking onto mine with an expectant look.
"Sweetheart... I... I was waiting for you," he stammered as he scrambled to his feet.

I only nodded, reaching past him to unlock the door without saying another word.
"Yes, I was at work," I replied curtly and snappishly, opening the door and stepping inside. Let him feel for a while longer that his behavior had hurt me. Without asking, he followed me into the apartment.
"How was work?" he asked, as if nothing had happened.
"Stressful," I said, hanging my bag on the coat rack. "I took on a new client. If you still want me to work on your office, it'll have to be on the side, which means it'll take longer. My regular clients come first."

His expression shifted, almost as if my response had stung. It surprised me. I wasn't used to my words not being met with sharp or arrogant retorts—Mamoru had always been that way. Never had he looked at me with such guilty eyes, even when he had messed up. Hell would have frozen over first.

I felt a pang of sympathy for Seiya, so I tried to soften my tone.
"And how was your day?" The words came out sharper than I intended, because I was still seething inside. I wanted him to explain why he had left. Why he hadn't stayed until I woke up, when that was the least he could have done after everything that had happened.

A bitter laugh escaped his lips. "Let's see... first, my furious assistant chewed me out. Then my unwelcome stepbrother suddenly showed up in town. After that, I botched an important negotiation, and now..." He trailed off, took a few steps toward me, and reached for my hand.

His blue eyes searched mine, and what I saw in them made me inwardly recoil—guilt.
Deep, gnawing guilt.

A cold shiver ran down my spine as unease settled over me. I didn't know why, but every instinct in me screamed to turn around, shut the door behind me, and leave Seiya behind. But I couldn't. I stood there, frozen, staring at him. My lips formed the words I didn't want to say, trembling and quiet.
"What is it, Seiya?" I heard myself ask.

He let out a heavy sigh, turned away from me, and ran a stressed hand through his hair. His entire body seemed to vibrate with tension, and he couldn't bring himself to look at me.
"I don't even know where to start, sweetheart," he murmured, his voice rough as he walked to the window and gazed out into the darkness. "You know, it was... overwhelming. Seeing you suddenly in front of me again. The old feelings I had for you... they all came rushing back. As if we had never been apart..."

He hesitated, searching for the right words, but his eyes remained fixed on the distance. His inability to look at me only made it harder. The urge to turn around and run grew stronger, yet my body refused to move. I suddenly felt like a spectator in my own life, forced to wait for the inevitable. It was clear to me now that Seiya was about to tell me something terrible.

"But..." He hesitated again, his voice barely above a whisper, tinged with something broken. "But we're not teenagers anymore. Fourteen years have passed, damn it. Fourteen years in which we lost each other. Fourteen years in which I had to move forward too..." His hands clenched into fists, his knuckles turning white, his entire body tensed.

My heartbeat quickened, and at the same time, something inside me began to crack. I already knew what he was going to say. Fear settled over me like a cold hand gripping my throat, squeezing the air out of me.

"Sweetheart," he continued, his voice now trembling, "even though it's wrong, I have to tell you... I love you. I love you with all my heart. And last night with you... it threw everything into chaos. Turned my entire life upside down. My plans, my future, everything..."

I wanted to stop him, to yell at him to just get to the point already, but no words came out. Minutes stretched endlessly before he finally spoke again—words that hit me like a punch to the gut.

"But... I'm engaged."

Engaged.

That one word burned itself into my mind, corrosive and destructive, echoing inside me. It was as if everything else he said was drowned out by a deafening buzz. His voice became muffled, his words no longer reaching me. The only thing reverberating in my head was: I'm engaged.

A lump formed in my throat, cutting off the last bit of air, and my thoughts spiraled. Engaged. The weight of that word dug its sharp claws deep into my heart, leaving a gaping wound behind.

I was the other woman.
Exactly what I had never wanted to be.
A person who destroys lives.

***

Seiya

Usagi stood before me like a statue, completely motionless, as if frozen in time.
Her eyes were empty, and it felt like my words were bouncing off an invisible wall. Still, I kept talking, trying to explain the situation, trying to make her understand that I was willing to leave Michiru for her. But it was like speaking into a black hole—nothing I said got through to her.

I saw the tears welling up in her eyes, yet she showed no reaction. Not a blink, not a breath—she was still frozen. It was a sight that broke my heart. Hesitantly, I stepped closer and reached out my hand. I wanted to touch her, to be there for her. The thought that I had hurt her like this again tore me apart inside. But I had done it. Again.

My fingers gently wrapped around her hand, and in that moment, something inside her seemed to snap. Her eyes widened, and before I could react, her free hand shot up.
The pain was like a burning echo spreading across my left cheek. It took me a moment to realize what had just happened.
She had slapped me.
And damn, I probably deserved it—if not more.

Her eyes, now filled with tears and rage, locked onto me with an intensity that made me step back. Her voice was a sharp scream that filled the entire room.
"Get out, Seiya! Get out and leave me alone forever! I never, ever want to see you again, do you hear me? Get lost!"

Every word was like a knife, sharp and final.
I felt the weight of her rejection, deeper than any slap could have reached. My throat went dry, and for a moment, I was unable to speak. I took a few steps toward her, wanting to calm her down, to get her to at least listen properly—but it was hopeless. She pulled away completely, stormed out of the living room, and slammed the bedroom door behind her.

So I did the only thing left to do.
I lowered my head and left.

How did I get home? No idea. My mind was blank, my legs just carried me down the street on their own. It wasn't until I stood in front of the building where our loft was that I came back to myself.

I stared at the door, feeling like an idiot.
What was I supposed to do now? Go upstairs and pretend to Michiru that everything was fine? That I was the perfect fiancé? The mere thought of it felt absurd. But what other choice did I have? Maybe I should just come clean. My life was already falling apart—what difference would one more disaster make?

But before I could even make a decision, my gaze fell on a black SUV, followed by a silver sports car.
I knew those license plates, and my stomach tightened. Of course, Yaten was here. I had almost forgotten. And the black SUV could only belong to Taiki.

I opened the door, and the moment I stepped inside, I was greeted by Yaten's unmistakable voice.
"Finally! I thought we'd have to start without you." He grinned at me and shoved a piece of fabric into my hand.

I stared at him in confusion before my gaze wandered past his shoulder and landed on Taiki. My cousin stood there as calm as ever, arms crossed, watching me with his usual skepticism.

Taiki immediately understood that I had no idea what was going on and explained in his usual dry manner:
"You're getting married in three weeks. Your brother insisted on organizing a bachelor party for you. Michiru just left for her friend's place to discuss something about the wedding and will be staying over. She sends her love and hopes you have fun. You'll see her tomorrow."

I unfolded the fabric in my hands and stared at the words printed on it:
'Last Chance – He's Getting Married.'

My jaw tensed, and my hands unconsciously clenched into fists.
"Seriously?" I looked up at Yaten, who just grinned cheekily.

My first instinct was to throw the shirt into the corner and kick them both out—I just wanted to be alone with my grief. But then I thought back to the day. To Usagi. To the slap. To the way she had looked at me.
Suddenly, the idea of going out with Yaten and getting Usagi out of my head for at least a few hours was really tempting.
At least it would give me a valid excuse to get drunk.

"Fine," I finally muttered and threw the shirt into Yaten's face. "But without this thing."

He chuckled softly and shook his head as he caught the shirt.
"You're really enthusiastic. I thought the depression didn't kick in until after the 'I do.'"

Chapter Text

Minako

The anger that this arrogant silver-haired man was back in Tokyo still simmered inside me.

For his own good, he had only left a few provocative glances before disappearing, not saying anything more. Still, his mere presence was enough to fray my nerves. I had really thought I'd never have to see him again.

I had tried several times to reach Usagi after her text – to no avail. A nagging feeling wouldn't leave me. I knew her well enough to understand that she wouldn't just ignore me. Something was wrong. Maybe Seiya had actually found the courage to speak the truth. I could've sworn he would back out, but apparently, I was wrong.

With a sigh, I pushed my frustration aside and grabbed some ice and alcohol, heading to her place. If she wasn't picking up the phone, I'd have to see for myself what was going on.

I rang the doorbell and knocked several times – no response. A sick feeling spread in my stomach. I rummaged through my purse until my fingers finally brushed against the cool metal edge of her spare key.

When I opened the door, an eerie silence enveloped me. Carefully, I stepped inside and listened. Then I heard it – a soft, broken sobbing coming from the living room. My heart tightened. I had known it.
"Usa?" I called quietly, but got no reply.

I followed the sound and eventually found her, curled up on the couch. The sight hit me like a punch. She looked completely shattered. Her eyes were red and swollen from crying, her cheeks wet with tears. She held a cushion in her arms as though it were the only thing keeping her from breaking apart. Her empty, apathetic gaze was fixed on the wall, as if she had lost all will to fight.

"Oh, Usa..." I whispered, slowly sitting next to her.

Guilt gnawed at me. I had been the one who had pushed Seiya to tell the truth. Part of me felt guilty seeing her like this, but another part knew it was better that she knew the truth now. Because often, an end with horror is better than an endless horror.

I placed a hand on her shoulder and gently squeezed it.
"Hey, I'm here," I said softly, hoping she would respond. But she remained silent, unmoving, her gaze still locked in the distance.

It broke my heart to see her like this again. "Usa, talk to me," I begged gently. "What happened? What did he say?"
She shook her head slightly, a small sign that she was aware of me. Then she whispered so softly I had to lean in to hear her: "It hurts so much, Minako..."
My throat tightened, and without hesitation, I pulled her into my arms. "I know, sweetie. I know."

I just held her while she cried again, swearing not to leave her alone – no matter how long it would take for her to be the old Usagi again. I would piece together the fragments of her heart, like I always had, even though I felt that this time it would be different. It would take longer, be more complicated, and maybe some of those broken pieces would never fully fit back into place.

It was exactly what I had feared ever since Seiya showed up again in Tokyo. Usagi was on the floor, torn apart by the pain he had caused her. And I couldn't help but blame him for it.

These Kou brothers brought nothing but trouble and destruction with them. Over and over again. As far as I was concerned, they could've stayed wherever they came from – far away from Tokyo. Both of them.

***

Seiya

I had long lost track of how many bars we'd already been to. Five? Ten? Honestly, I didn't care. Yaten was desperately trying to turn my so-called bachelor party into a memorable experience, but to me, the whole evening felt like a bad comedy—and I was the miscast lead.

Usagi wouldn't leave my mind. Her look when she realized my words had burned into my memory. Her voice, her pain—nothing of it could be drowned out with alcohol, no matter how hard I tried.

Taiki suddenly stopped in front of me, almost causing me to crash into him. His gaze lingered skeptically on a door sign. "Forget it, Yaten. I'm not entering that kind of place," he said dryly, pointing to the sign: Star Butts. "It's a strip club," he stated in his typical know-it-all tone, as if Yaten needed reminding of where he was dragging us. "I'm not stepping foot in a place like that."

Yaten rolled his eyes in annoyance and shoved him forward a little. "Come on, Taiki. Pull the stick out of your ass and have some fun. I've even booked a private show. The money's already paid, so move it." "Fun? You call this fun?" Taiki shook his head and glared at him. "This is disgusting. These women only do this because they have no other choice. I'm not stepping into such a place. Principles, Yaten." "Yeah, yeah, you and your principles." Yaten waved him off. "Stick your principles somewhere else for tonight, Taiki." "This is ridiculous." Taiki remained firm. "Besides, Seiya doesn't look like he's in the mood for half-naked women crawling around in front of him," he countered, fixing me with a piercing look. "Am I wrong?"

That was all Yaten needed to shift his focus onto me. I felt his scrutinizing gaze, sharp as a blade, and instinctively lifted my chin as he came closer. "Seiya, what's going on with you? You've been so quiet tonight. You'd think you're at a funeral, not your bachelor party."

That hit home. It really did feel like a funeral, but I couldn't possibly tell him that. I swallowed the lump in my throat and forced a grin. "It's nothing," I lied, offering a half-hearted smile. "I'm just tired."

Yaten raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Oh, this just keeps getting better! Come on, in you go. Maybe we'll get you awake in there." There was no way out. I straightened my shoulders and walked straight toward the door. The alcohol already in my system helped me at least appear more composed on the outside. I stepped in without turning around.

Behind me, I heard Taiki's half-hearted protests, which Yaten dismissed with an annoyed laugh. It was clear he would drag us in here whether we liked it or not. I had no energy left for a debate. Once Yaten set his mind on something, he saw it through—no matter who was in his way. I had learned that over the years. I just wished the night would end.

The moment I entered the club, the stuffy air hit me, heavy with cheap perfume and the sickly sweet smell of alcohol. Half-clad women in high heels glided past me as harsh lights flickered across their glittering outfits.

With a quick hand motion, I ordered drinks for us and took a seat at the bar—right in front of a slender, black-haired dancer who moved smoothly across the polished surface. My gaze shifted to Yaten, who was already in his element, grinning and holding a bundle of cash. Without hesitation, he slowly slid the bills into the waistband of a dancer's thong, while Taiki's irritated voice barely made it above the loud music.

"These are still someone's daughters! Couldn't you teach your brother some decency?" Taiki, as always, was the moral compass—even though he should've known by now that Yaten never listened for a second.

I drained my glass in one go, didn't spare Taiki a glance, and immediately ordered the next. But even alcohol couldn't drown out the images in my head. Usagi's sad eyes. That indescribable look she had when she sent me away. Cold and dismissive. As if she had severed every connection to me for good.

Time passed for me like a trance. Yaten's much-hyped private show had come and gone, without me truly noticing it. The music, the lights, the half-naked women—all of it rushed by like a bad movie that didn't interest me in the slightest.

Suddenly, I felt a firm hand on my shoulder, jolting me out of my thoughts. "So, my dear brother... now you're not getting away from me." Yaten's voice was a booze-laden slur right in my ear. "You barely even glanced at that hot woman. What's going on with you? I want the truth."

His breath was unbearable, but I knew I couldn't blame him. Mine was probably just as bad. With an irritated shove, I pushed his hand off my shoulder. Desperately, I scanned the club, hoping Taiki might rescue me from this situation. But I couldn't find him.

"It's nothing," I muttered, trying to end the conversation before it even started.

Of course, Yaten wouldn't let it go. He clumsily leaned next to me, elbows on the bar, eyeing me suspiciously from the side. "Don't bullshit me, Seiya. I've known you since we were kids. You've been like this before, when we had to move... because of..."

He paused, clearly struggling to connect the dots. I stared at my half-empty glass, hoping he'd just change the subject. But of course, he didn't. "Wait... that blonde... what was her name again? Asami? No, that wasn't it... Izumi?"

The pain in my chest sharpened, because I knew exactly which name he was after. Yaten, as always, managed to hit the exact spot that hurt without even realizing it. I clenched my teeth, but finally, a word slipped out: "Usagi." I drained my glass again in one go, swallowing the bitterness that her name alone stirred in me.

Yaten's eyes widened as if he'd just solved a puzzle. "Right. The last time you were this down was because of this Usagi..." His eyes narrowed as he looked me over. "Does she still live in Tokyo?"

My grip tightened around the glass, and I felt my jaw tense. The anger, the pain, the helplessness—it all seemed to bubble up at once. But I said nothing. Words would only make it worse.

Yaten leaned back with a bored sigh and scanned the room like he was searching for the next woman, but then he turned back to me. "You know, Seiya," he began, taking another sip of his drink, "this isn't going to get better if you stay quiet." He swirled the alcohol in his glass before setting it down. "So, spill it. What the hell's going on? And don't hit me with that 'nothing' crap. I know you, Seiya... As your brother, I deserve the truth."

Oh, really? He really thought he deserved that? News to me.

"Fine." Yaten shrugged, his tone turning sarcastic. "Let me guess. Cold feet because of Michiru and the wedding? You're not sure she's your soulmate anymore... Or maybe you've met a more interesting woman," he mused.

My jaw tightened, and my hands clenched the glass tighter, afraid it would shatter. Why couldn't he just leave me alone?

"Ohhh." Yaten grinned triumphantly. "I'm right, aren't I? It's about a woman. So, who is she? Let me guess... a coworker... or maybe an old flame?" "Shut up, Yaten." My voice was quiet, but the sharpness in it made him go silent for a moment. Of course, only for a moment. Because soon enough, his green eyes were gleaming with curiosity again.

"Why? This is the first time in ages you've been interesting." He leaned in closer and grinned at me widely. "Come on, spill it. Who did you meet? Who's got you all twisted up?"

I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and felt the control I'd been struggling to maintain all evening slip through my fingers like sand. I couldn't keep carrying this weight by myself, and Yaten wouldn't let up. Once he'd latched onto something, he was like a dog with a bone.

"Usagi," I blurted out finally. "I met Usagi."

The grin on Yaten's face disappeared, and for a moment, he actually looked surprised, even speechless. With his mouth hanging open, he blinked at me, as if processing what he had just heard. "Usagi... The one from back then?" He raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, that one," I snarled, feeling the tension rise inside me once more.

Yaten stared at me for a few seconds, then broke into loud laughter. "Oh, this is fantastic. Really. So you met her, and now you don't know what you want, huh? I knew you weren't as boring as I thought." I didn't answer, and that seemed to amuse him even more. "Wow, Seiya." He slapped me on the shoulder, his grin wider than ever. "I never thought I'd say this to you... But you know what? Welcome to the club. Soulmates are a fairy tale. Just take what you want."

I shot him a sharp look, which actually silenced him for a moment and gave me the quiet I was hoping for. Now that Yaten knew, it felt strange, but in a way, it was also freeing to have finally said it. With a grin, he slid a new drink over to me, and I just prayed it wasn't a mistake to have confided in him after all.

Chapter Text

Usagi

Minako had spent the entire weekend by my side, and I was endlessly grateful for her support. She was like a protective shield against the thoughts I refused to let in—because otherwise, they would have broken me completely. Thoughts of Seiya, of what he had done to me, and of the chaos in my heart.

But as much as I appreciated her presence, I knew I couldn't run from reality forever. So, on Sunday evening, I sent her home after assuring her multiple times that I was feeling better. Of course, that was a lie—I was far from emotionally stable. But I couldn't keep Minako tied to me forever; she had her own life to live.

To avoid any encounters with Seiya, I threw myself into work. I took on another project that my colleagues wanted to hand off, filling my schedule to the brim. The days blurred together, and every evening I collapsed into bed, instantly falling asleep. Minako checked on me multiple times a day, and we occasionally talked on the phone between my appointments.

It was now Wednesday, and a certain routine had started to return to my daily life. I glanced over my calendar—just one last appointment for today: Ms. Kaioh. A pleasant way to end a long workday. Today, we would start planning her living room, and I was looking forward to the project. I had already met with her once before, and I really liked this client. Clients like her were my favorite—no time pressure, just a relaxed consultation.

I tucked some fabric samples and a stack of design catalogs under my arm, ones I had put together specifically for her, and set off. She was already waiting for me with a warm smile, and we dove straight into work.

"I want it to be modern but still cozy," she explained as we went through patterns and color combinations. "And I need enough space for our musical instruments. My fiancé and I are both passionate musicians," she said.

Her eyes lit up as she spoke about her love for music. She told me she particularly cherished the violin and the harp, while her fiancé preferred the bass guitar and the piano. Her voice was soft and filled with love as she talked about him and their shared passion.

They seemed to be a very harmonious couple—on multiple levels, even—which made me a little envious. What did I have to show in that regard? A failed, messy relationship with my Mamo-baka, who had once again left Tokyo, and whatever I had with Seiya, which had just come crashing down once more. I shook off the thoughts—I needed to focus on my work. There was no room for self-pity here.

After measuring the living room, I entered the dimensions directly into my software and began sketching different layout options. She was truly one of the most pleasant clients I had ever worked with—patient, polite, and full of ideas. Her enthusiasm for the project was contagious, and for a moment, I managed to forget the heaviness in my chest. I completely immersed myself in designing her home, and in no time, we had nearly finalized the concept.

Yet, every time she casually mentioned her fiancé, a familiar pang of pain shot through me. I pushed my tormenting thoughts aside, simply nodding with a forced smile and focusing on what I did best—creating spaces where people could feel at home.

Our appointment was coming to an end—it was already late, and dusk had settled in. We had covered far more than I originally had planned for today. Now, I could begin the detailed planning. We scheduled our next meeting for Friday, when I would present the first visual drafts.

She was just about to walk me to the door when it suddenly opened on its own.

My breath hitched.

It was as if someone had pulled the ground from under my feet, knocking all the air from my lungs—because suddenly, Seiya was standing right in front of me.

His expression immediately fell, and the color drained from his face as he saw me. Completely stunned, he looked from me to Ms. Kaioh, then back again.

Slowly, he took a few steps toward me. I wanted to run, to leave him standing there, but I was paralyzed. My legs refused to move, and only now did I realize I had been holding my breath. With effort, I forced myself to inhale again. I fixed my gaze on him.

The question of what he was doing here was painfully obvious—he was Ms. Kaioh's fiancé. The man for whom I had just been designing a music corner.

"Sweeth— um...? What... what are you doing here?" he whispered.

***

Seiya

Finally, I had escaped Minako's probing gaze and was looking forward to the peace at home. Since Yaten had voluntarily moved into a hotel yesterday, I hopefully had some time to sort out my thoughts and focus on what mattered. But when I opened the apartment door, I was instantly struck. No one could have prepared me for what awaited me in my own home.

In the middle of my hallway stood Usagi, her blue eyes locked on me, and my heart skipped a beat. It felt like someone had poured a bucket of ice-cold water over my head. My gaze shifted confusedly to Michiru, who stood smiling beside her, and immediately my eyes returned to Usagi.

"Sweeth... uh...? What... what are you doing here?" I whispered hoarsely. My throat felt tight.

"I... I work for Mrs. Kaioh... I'm currently setting up her living room... and what are you doing here?" she asked. Her voice sounded soft, and I could clearly see the shock in her eyes.

The situation was so surreal. Before I could say anything, I felt Michiru's familiar arm slide over my back. I had almost tuned her out, but now she was pressing herself against my side.

"Oh, how nice, you two already know each other! Darling, Mrs. Tsukino is the interior designer I told you about last week," Michiru explained cheerfully, completely oblivious to what was happening inside me.

My throat burned like fire, and my thoughts were racing. So Usagi worked for Michiru. This couldn't be a coincidence – it felt like a bad movie.

"Yeah... yeah, we know each other from school," I muttered finally, before Michiru could ask any more uncomfortable questions.

My eyes were inevitably fixed on Usagi. I needed to talk to her again, explain everything, and tell her what had really happened.

"Well, if that's the case, you absolutely must stay for dinner, Mrs. Tsukino," Michiru suddenly said, extending her hand past me toward Usagi. "By the way, I'm Michiru."

Usagi seemed as overwhelmed as I was, and her pleading look was obvious. She wanted out of this situation just as quickly as I did.

"Sweetheart, I think she probably has something better to do," I tried to step in gently. But as soon as I finished the sentence, I received a light jab from Michiru.

"Stop being so rude," she hissed in my ear, still smiling.

Usagi seemed to snap out of her daze. "No. It's fine. Seiya's right... my boyfriend is probably waiting," she said hastily, almost as if she were trying to escape the situation.

A slight tug immediately made itself known in my chest. Part of that sentence had burned itself into my thoughts. Her boyfriend? Was she talking about the guy in the photo? But why hadn't she told me about a relationship when I laid everything out for her? That would have been the perfect chance. Now, I didn't understand anything anymore. She had criticized me for not telling her about Michiru, but now she was in a committed relationship herself.

Usagi grabbed a large bag that had been sitting on the floor and tucked a folder under her arm, ready to flee. However, Michiru didn't let her go so easily.

"Then Seiya will at least help you to the car. You don't have to carry all of this by yourself," she decided, leaving me no choice. Before I could protest, she took the bag from Usagi's hands and pressed it into my arms.

I nodded curtly and opened the door for Usagi – there was clearly no turning back now.

The silence in the stairwell was absolute, except for our steady footsteps echoing. She walked ahead without a word, opened her car's trunk, and I placed the bag inside.

The tension between us was palpable, and finally, I could no longer stay silent. I needed clarity.

"So you have a boyfriend?" I asked. My voice sounded calm, but I couldn't fully hide my uncertainty.

Usagi looked down, her eyes fixed on my shoes, unable to meet my gaze. Was that a good sign?

"Well, more or less..." she murmured softly.

Hesitantly, I brushed my fingers along her arm, unsure whether I should close the distance between us or if it would be a mistake. "Sweetheart, you have to believe me, I didn't want all of this. The moment you suddenly appeared in front of me, it..."

"Stop, Seiya," she interrupted me sharply, though her eyes showed how hard she was fighting to hold herself together. "I can't and don't want to hear this," she continued.

Her words hit me like a blow, and I remained silent as she spoke further.

"Michiru seems like a wonderful woman, and I wish you both the best for your future."

She paused, her voice now quieter but still determined.

"If I had known that she was your fiancée, I never would have taken this job... and I'll probably hand it over to a colleague."

Her gaze averted from mine, but I could see the pain in her eyes. Tears shimmered in them, and she was clearly struggling to hold them back. Instinctively, I took a step toward her, raised my hands, and wanted to comfort her in my arms. But she instantly stepped back as though my mere presence had hurt her.

"Give me at least the chance to explain," I begged softly, almost pleading.

She just shook her head firmly, which sent an even greater blow to my heart.

"No," she replied sharply. "You already had that chance, and you chose to lie to me... and, what's worse, make me into an adulteress."

She snorted and tossed her bag onto the passenger seat.

"But Michiru and I aren't even married yet!" I blurted out.

But she wasn't listening to me anymore. Instead, she abruptly turned around, got into the car, and a second later, the engine roared to life.

I stood still, unable to move, as she drove away without another word. She had just left me standing there, and the feeling of emptiness inside me grew with every meter she moved away. It felt miserable to watch her drive off, knowing that I was the one responsible for her emotional state.

I clenched my fists and took a deep breath. I needed to find a way to talk to her, to get her to listen to me. She had to know how sorry I was, and I had to explain how I felt.

But how was I supposed to do that?

Usagi was damn stubborn – and, what was probably worse, deeply hurt.

Chapter Text

Usagi

I didn't know how I had made it through the night without Minako's support, but somehow, I had managed. I couldn't and didn't want to burden her with my problems again. The pain in my chest hadn't disappeared, but I had learned to ignore it, to push it into the farthest corner of my consciousness—and that somehow helped me to keep going.

Michiru Kaioh was a wonderful woman, I couldn't deny that. She had been polite, friendly, and full of enthusiasm for our project. But the thought of continuing her assignment and possibly encountering Seiya again was simply unthinkable. It would be too much. It was already too much.

It had taken some persuasion to convince my colleague to take over the job, but she had finally agreed. Relieved, I packed everything I needed for my upcoming appointments.
Just as I reached for my coat, an unexpected knock on the door made me pause. Frowning, I opened it.

I was already expecting Seiya, wanting to explain himself further, or Minako, checking up on me.
But instead, a courier stood in front of me, barely blinking as he went through the motions of his delivery.

"Ms. Tsukino?" he asked curtly, eyeing me while waiting for my confirmation. Without another word, he pushed a lavish bouquet of flowers into my hands and disappeared as quickly as he had arrived.

Confused, I looked at the bouquet.
Slowly, my steps led me back inside, and almost automatically, my fingers began to remove the wrapping paper.
Roses.
Red roses, perfectly arranged and interwoven with pink lilies and myrtle. The scent of the flowers was intoxicating, but I felt my stomach clench.

Suddenly, he was there again: Mamoru.
It was as if this bouquet had brought him back into my life. After a week abroad, this was his expected apology.
Or rather, what he thought passed as one. Red roses were his way of telling me he was sorry, and I had long since stopped counting how many bouquets he had sent me.

As I turned the bouquet in my hands, I could barely suppress an eye roll. With practiced ease, I plucked the small card from between the flowers and opened it, a mix of curiosity and skepticism in my chest.
—I'm sorry—
That was all. No "why," no "because," no "I've thought about it." Just those four words—unusual for him. Mamoru usually had a habit of writing lengthy messages on these cards. His apologies were often followed by long explanations, justifications, or attempts to make me reconsider. But this time? Nothing like that.

My fingers glided over the soft petals, and for a moment, I closed my eyes. The sweet scent of the roses mingled with the delicate fragrance of the lilies, pulling me into a deceptive warmth. Memories flooded my mind—images of better times, of moments when I was happy. For the first time in a week, I thought about him, and it actually felt good. Familiar. I knew exactly what I had in him, knew his flaws just as well as his gentle and romantic sides.

Was this a sign? Should I finally let go of Seiya completely? Should I maybe give Mamoru another chance?
As if guided by an unseen instinct, I pulled out my phone. My fingers hesitated for only a brief moment before dialing his number.

It rang once, twice—then I heard him.
"Usagi?" His voice came through, surprised.
My heart skipped a beat before continuing with an irregular rhythm. "Mamo... I... I just wanted to quickly thank you for the flowers. They're really beautiful." My voice was calm, but inside, I was in turmoil. I wondered if I was really doing the right thing.

There was silence on the other end of the line. A moment too long for my liking.
"I'm glad you like them," he finally said. His tone was odd, hard to describe. It was as if there was something between us that I couldn't quite grasp—more than just the argument over his departure. "Have you calmed down a bit? Can we talk things over properly when I'm back in town?"

The words felt rehearsed—how many times had he said them to me before? And yet, something about them made me pause. The way he said them... something was off. I felt it immediately.

"When will you be back?" I asked as I pulled my coat over my shoulders. Work was calling, and I didn't have time to get lost in this whirlwind of thoughts.
He exhaled lightly, as if he had to think about it. "I can't tell you exactly yet, but I'll try to arrange it as soon as possible. Is everything okay with you?"

My grip on my work bag tightened. How was I supposed to explain everything that had happened in the past few days? How could I tell him about Seiya without destroying everything? Impossible. And that's exactly why I decided to keep it to myself—to push Seiya back to where he had come from, into the depths of my memory.

"Yeah, same as always," I lied, trying to keep my voice neutral. "I was just on my way to a client when your courier stopped me. But, Mamo, don't take it the wrong way—I have to go now. We can talk again tonight if you want," I suggested while heading to my car.
I dropped my bag onto the passenger seat and closed the door.

"Tonight probably won't work for me," he said after a brief pause. "But I'll be in touch."
"Okay... then see you soon." I hung up, leaned back, and took a deep breath.

***

Seiya

Of course, Yaten, that idiot, hadn't properly fixed the privacy screen again. My attempts to fix it were just as miserably failed, and Minako wouldn't lift a finger to help. Now the fabric was hanging half-assed, and since Monday, I had been sitting here like a sitting duck – perfectly in Minako's line of sight. Her glares, which could have killed me, kept darting in my direction, but I did my best to ignore her. Instead, I stared at my screen, answering emails and trying to focus on work. At least until the delivery confirmation popped up, because at that moment, my heart skipped a beat.

I couldn't remember the last time I thought so much about flowers – probably never. For Michiru, it was simple – she liked subtle, understated arrangements. But Usagi? She was different. She deserved something special, something that would show her how important she was to me.

I chose red roses – fourteen of them, exactly as many as the years we hadn't seen each other. Each one represented a year in which I had missed her. Then pink lilies – a symbol of affection and romance – and for greenery, I chose myrtle, which stood for love. I had never delved so deeply into the meaning of flowers. But with Usagi, I didn't want to make a mistake. The bouquet should say exactly what I couldn't express with words.

As I stared at the screen, my gaze kept drifting unobtrusively to the window. Maybe Yaten's mistake had some advantage after all. Not only could Minako see me, but I could also see her. I could watch how Minako would react when Usagi told her about the flowers. My chances were fifty-fifty. Either Minako would storm into my office at any moment to give me another piece of her mind, or – and that was the hope that drove me – the flowers would do their job, and Usagi would finally listen to me.

Minutes dragged on like hours, but the expected reaction from Minako never came. Neither of my two assumptions turned out to be true. Everything remained as it had been in the past few days – each of us just trying to do our best at our jobs. Then, around noon, my office door suddenly burst open, and Yaten strolled in. A quick glance to Minako's desk – she was gone.

"Yaten, you're still in Tokyo... Didn't you plan to return only for the wedding?" I asked without looking up. He casually sat down across from me, crossed his legs, and I could feel his green eyes staring at me. "Change of plans. I can work from Tokyo too, and besides, I still need a date for the wedding, so I decided to stay for a while," he explained.

I let out a short laugh. Did I just hear that right? Yaten wanted to stay in Tokyo? And for the wedding? What had I done to deserve such a fate? Reluctantly, I lifted my head to meet his piercing gaze.

"A date for the wedding? I thought your goal was to lure all of Michiru's bridesmaids into your lair," I shot back sharply. The corner of his mouth quirked up into a mischievous grin before he scratched the back of his head. "You know, my dear brother... I thought it might be nice for Mom to see me with a woman by my side for once," he started, then stopped his sentence – and suddenly, I knew exactly why he wanted to do it. "You just want her to stop telling you to find a steady woman," I laid out my assumption.

His malicious grin widened as he turned toward the window and paced a few steps in front of my desk. "Yeah... Hopefully, that'll put an end to it. But while we're on the subject – where's that hot number who usually sits in front of your door? I think she'd be a perfect choice for my little project."

I sucked in a sharp breath. He was definitely one of the few people who could send me into a rage in seconds. In the next moment, I stood up and planted my hands on the desk. "I'll say this once more: Hands off my assistant, Yaten. She's perfectly trained, and I have no interest in her quitting because of you... especially since she's already had the pleasure of your company."

He stared at me in disbelief, mouth slightly open, and I could almost see him mentally going through the list of women, trying to recall a memory of her. "Minako Aino. High school, Tokyo... Usagi's best friend, my Usagi," I helped him out. But there was no recognition in his expression. Maybe I was wrong? Or had Yaten simply forgotten her?

Chapter Text

Minako

I saw him from afar as the elevator doors opened at the other end of the hallway. His silver-blonde mane was far too striking to overlook, and my body reacted instantly. Escape was the only thing I could think of as he strutted toward me.

One last glance through the glass at Seiya, who was calmly continuing to check his emails, not paying me any attention—good, because the very next second I was hiding under Haruka's desk. Not a moment too soon, for just seconds later I heard his footsteps and saw a pair of black patent leather shoes pass by under the gap of the table.

He stopped briefly at my desk before opening the door to Seiya's office. Of all people... If there was one person I never wanted to see again in my life, it was Yaten Kou. And of course, he had to barge in unannounced like a tornado, threatening to throw my life back into chaos.

While I was weighing how many overtime hours I still had and whether I could afford to work from home for the rest of the month, the chair in front of me was suddenly pushed back.

My heart skipped a beat, but relief quickly flooded me.

"Oh god. Don't scare me like that, Ruka," I gasped when I saw it was my colleague, peering down at me in confusion.

Haruka raised an eyebrow skeptically before reaching out her hand. "Did you lose something, or should I better ask what you were doing under my desk?"

I grabbed her hand and let her pull me back to my feet. "Neither," I replied, nodding toward the door to Seiya's office, where Mr. Important had disappeared. Haruka craned her neck to peer through the glass. "Because of the little gremlin?" she asked casually while sorting through her documents.

"Yeah..." I admitted sheepishly.

She winked at me. "Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on you. If he bothers you, we'll just say we have a date."

I sighed and slowly made my way back to my desk. "Thanks," I murmured half-heartedly and resumed transferring the remaining tables into the computer.

Cautiously, I glanced through the glass. The two men were definitely arguing—and for suspiciously long. To my frustration, almost no snippets of their conversation made it through the door. Of course, I struggled with myself. I knew Usa already had enough on her plate, but I couldn't help it. Yaten's green eyes, which kept flickering over to me—maybe unintentionally—were driving me crazy. For some reason, I just couldn't tear my eyes away from him, even though I knew he only ever brought pain.

At some point, I reached for my phone, my eyes still locked on the silver-blonde's back, and dialed Usagi's number.

"Yeah? Mina?" she answered, and I heard something crash in the background.

"Usa, can you come here? I need your support. He's here... you have to get me out of here," I whispered into the phone.

There was a brief silence.

"Mina, you work with him... He's your boss, of course he's at the office, where else would he be at this time? And honestly, I don't really feel like running into him..." she began, and I could immediately tell she was thinking of Seiya.

"No, I'm not talking about Seiya... It's Yaten... he's here!" I cut her off.

It only took her a split second to understand. "I'll be right there," she murmured before ending the call.

When Seiya's office door opened again, I felt that uncomfortable pull in my stomach—and it wasn't the good kind.

"Oh, what a beautiful sight for sore eyes. I already missed you earlier," came Yaten's unmistakable voice.

I tried to focus on my breathing, refusing to look up at him and instead concentrated on my screen. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw him step closer, positioning himself in front of me with his most radiant smile.

"So? How about tonight, just the two of us at a nice restaurant?" he asked, leaning in slightly until his scent inevitably reached my nose.

My eyes peeked over the edge of the monitor, desperately searching for Haruka's desk—already empty again. So much for her promise to help. That wasn't really possible if she was never around when needed. It looked like, once again, I was on my own. My only hope was that Usagi would get here before I ripped Yaten's head off for what he had done to me back then. How many years would one get for murder anyway?

"So? What do you say? When should I pick you up?" he persisted, full of that typical smug arrogance.

"How about: never?" I snapped back, meticulously entering my data.

It didn't seem to faze him—in fact, it only seemed to fuel his primitive hunting instinct.

"Yeah, Seiya mentioned earlier that we might know each other from back then... To be honest, Tokyo feels like a lifetime ago... I can't remember every face anymore... but I believe everyone deserves a second chance. Come on, take a leap, you won't regret it, I promise," he tried again, his tone now much more charming.

That was it. I was on the verge of slapping him—and he totally deserved it. I was just about to give him a piece of my mind when a better idea struck me. One that made me smirk inside. A punishment much more effective than a slap or a lecture.

I turned back to my screen and began a quick search without answering him. Focused, I typed, and seconds later I found exactly what I was looking for. My inner devil grinned from ear to ear.

"Well, I can't remember you or whatever we had back then," he kept trying, "but I was young and stupid... I've changed too, you know."

I pulled out a small sticky note, scribbled down the address I had found, and slid it over to him.

"Fine. From me, you'll get a date... 7 p.m. sharp. And don't you dare be late," I hissed, barely able to contain my laughter.

"There you go, that wasn't so hard, was it? You won't regret it, I promise," he beamed triumphantly.

***

Seiya

Of course, Yaten didn't give a damn about my warning. Hardly had he closed the office door behind him, he was already standing at Minako's desk, and now I was the one peering curiously through the glass. Minako didn't look thrilled by his cheesy pick-up lines, and Yaten was as full of himself as ever. The fact that she handed him a note afterwards threw me off a little, as I hadn't expected that kind of reaction – more like a slap in the face or something similar. But fine, I'd keep an eye on how this would unfold.

With a quiet sigh, I glanced down at my phone – still no response from Usagi. Maybe she didn't even like roses? Or she was so mad that she had tossed the bouquet straight into the trash. Should I go over to her place after work and try talking to her again? But what could I even say? Was I really ready to break things off with Chiru – because of something that had happened so long ago? The harsh truth was: yes. Of course, I could keep lying to myself, but deep down I knew I would do it. I loved Chiru, but in a very different way than I loved Usagi – not nearly as intensely.

Minako pulled me from my thoughts when she threw the door open.
"Your next appointment is on line 2 and getting a bit impatient," she hissed before slamming the door shut again with a loud bang.

At least work would keep me distracted for a while. I could still decide what to do later. I took a deep breath, pulled up the necessary documents on my computer, and joined the call. It was a tough negotiation, feeling like it dragged on forever, but somehow I managed to convince the client to go with our offer. At least something had worked out.

I hadn't even put the phone down yet when I caught something out of the corner of my eye. Another blond head had appeared outside the glass wall, and I immediately knew it was Usagi. But she had positioned herself just out of my sight. I tried to glance past the remnants of the privacy screen – no luck. The only one I could see was Minako, wildly gesturing in a clearly agitated way. It didn't take a genius to guess that she was probably ranting about Yaten.
Or maybe Usagi had told her everything – in which case I was most likely the target of her rant.

When Minako finally seemed to calm down, I sensed my chance. Slowly, I moved toward the door and listened for a moment.

"I'm really looking forward to the look on his face when he realizes what kind of address I gave him," Minako laughed loudly, with Usagi joining in.
"I can't believe you actually did that," Usagi said, still laughing.

Perfect. My first guess had been right – they were talking about Yaten, and apparently with much better moods now.
Now or never.
I gathered my courage and tried to look normal and relaxed as I opened the door.

Instantly, four blue eyes stared at me expectantly.

"Minako, the meeting went well. Could you please draft the new contracts and email them to me?" I asked, putting forward my pretense for interrupting.

They stared at me, looking somewhat stunned, and I couldn't help but grin. Then Minako shook her head – it was like she suddenly snapped back into her assistant role.

"Yeah, I'll get right on it ... just give me about 20 minutes," she answered with her usual efficiency.

Then my gaze shifted to Usagi. Her expression turned immediately much darker. It was one of those "If looks could kill, I'd be dead" moments.

I needed to talk to her, that much was clear – but not with Minako around. This was something between Usagi and me, and no one else.
By some small miracle, I noticed the broken privacy screen again and saw it as my last chance, a tiny straw I could grasp.

"Um... sweetheart, since you're already here... maybe you could take another look at that?" I asked, nodding toward the remains of her handiwork.

Chapter Text

Usagi

It felt strange to follow him, knowing we'd be alone again. A knot in my stomach warned me not to, but I did it anyway. Reattaching the screen wouldn't take more than a few minutes, and then I could still walk away if I needed to. I felt Minako's worried gaze on my back and took one last deep breath as the door quietly clicked shut.

Seiya was right behind me, but I thought it best to ignore him—it wouldn't change anything. So why should I start a conversation that would only make things harder? He was engaged, as hard as that was to stomach, and I was on the path to reconciling with Mamo. We both had partners who loved us. With practiced ease, I unhooked the fabric from its frame to set it up again.

"Sweetheart? Please... will you just listen to me for a moment?" he broke the silence behind me, his voice unusually rough.

My fingers clenched tighter around the plastic as the fabric slipped from my grasp and dropped to the floor. I already had a feeling where this was headed, and to be honest with myself—I wasn't sure I had the strength for it.

"Seiya, everything's been said. You're engaged, that's all I need to know... And... and besides, Mamoru will be back in Tokyo soon—we made up this morning... Let's just consider what happened between us a one-time mistake and keep our distance from now on. It's for the best."
I said it monotonously, without turning to face him. I was proud my voice sounded so steady, because inside, I felt anything but.

My eyes remained fixed on the frame—I didn't want him to see how hard it was for me to force those words out. It was much more difficult to stretch the fabric straight when you were emotionally unraveling inside. Still, somehow I managed to get the top edge reasonably aligned, and then suddenly Seiya's hand slid into view. With a practiced motion, he fastened the clasp that secured the fabric in place.

I felt his warm breath against my neck and briefly closed my eyes, struggling to keep my composure as his scent hit me.

"And what if I can't accept that? What if you're the one I want?" he asked quietly, and a wave of goosebumps swept over me.

My heart was pounding so hard I thought it might burst from my chest any second, but I couldn't—mustn't—let myself weaken again. He gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear, and I still hadn't moved.

"Sweetheart, I'm serious. These past few days made me realize that the feelings I had for you never really disappeared. They've come back—so strongly I didn't know what to do with them... You're the one my heart beats for—still. It's like I can finally breathe again since you came back into my life. Please don't let us lose that all over again," he said softly.

He wrapped his arms around me from behind, his head resting on my shoulder, one hand cautiously finding my hip. Instinctively, I leaned back into his chest just a little. I knew I was about to protest, but for a fleeting moment, I allowed myself to sink into the warmth of that us. His arm gave me a sense of safety I could've easily gotten lost in—but then the moment had to end. I couldn't let it go on or I'd break. As hard as it was, I slid his arm off and stepped away, unable to look at him.

"No. I can't, Seiya. I just... I can't take another woman's man away... because I know exactly how that feels," I said shakily and busied myself with securing the lower edge of the fabric—any distraction to keep from breaking down. Just seconds later, his fingers closed around mine, stopping me mid-motion.

"But I can't live without you... and I think you feel the same. Don't you?" he asked gently.

I blinked back the tears. No, he wasn't wrong at all—but I couldn't tell him that. I couldn't encourage him to keep going down this path.

"Please stop... I just told you Mamoru's coming back," I said, my voice trembling. I silently begged him to let go of my hands, because I couldn't bear his touch much longer without falling apart. But he didn't.

"I love him, and we're going to try again," I added, hoping to finally make him let go. It worked.

His muscles went slack. He stood there, motionless for a second—and I took the chance to pull away completely.

Within moments, I snapped the fabric into place and locked it, then rushed to the door. I wanted nothing more than to escape, but the instant my hand touched the cool metal of the doorknob, something made me stop. He was still standing there, his back to me, and his posture told me I'd hurt him—more than I'd meant to, maybe.

"Goodbye, Seiya," I whispered.

***

Seiya

I hadn't expected that. Not the way she coldly threw it in my face that she loved someone else. Just a few minutes ago, I'd been certain she felt the same way I did. That there was still something between us. I had even made up my mind to talk to Michiru—to lay everything on the table. But now? What for?

The door had clicked shut behind her. All that remained was this emptiness inside me. Heavy and cold. I sank into my office chair, propped my elbows on the desk, pressed my hands to my face, then ran them through my hair. Damn it. What the hell was I supposed to do now?

Basically, I had two options.
Either I followed through with what Usagi wanted—marry Michiru, keep my mouth shut, pretend nothing ever happened. As if the last few days were just some dream of what could have been.

But that wasn't just cowardly—it was unfair.
Michiru deserved better than a marriage built on lies. I owed her at least enough honesty for her to know where she stood. Maybe not every detail—but enough to make things clear.

Which brought me directly to option two.
If I told Michiru the truth tonight... then Usagi would have no reason to push me away. No engagement ring, no guilt about Chiru—because I'd be free. I could prove to her that I meant it. That she mattered more to me than anything.
Maybe there was still a spark of hope—maybe she'd only acted so harshly today to draw a line and protect herself. Maybe this whole "boyfriend" thing was just a defense mechanism, an empty claim meant to keep me at arm's length.

I stacked the papers and reached for my coat. Workday over.
The plan was set.
And I would be damned if I gave her up without a fight.

The decision was made.
Tonight, I'd tell Michiru—everything. No more excuses.

With that thought, I left the office, but instead of relief, all I felt was one thing: unease. My stomach knotted. I knew it would hurt—her, me, maybe even more than that. She had come here for me, left her world behind because she believed I was part of her future. And now I was about to take that belief away.

I walked. Not because I had to, but because I needed the time. Steps often helped me think. But the decision held. I couldn't go on like this. Not with Michiru—not when my heart already belonged to someone else. I owed her the truth. Even if I couldn't say it in all its harshness.

In my jacket pocket, my fingers brushed against a coin. I don't know why I pulled it out—maybe out of habit.
Heads: Usagi.
Tails: Loneliness.
I flipped it, watched it spin, caught it.
Heads.

A faint smile. Just a gesture, of course. But still.

The house came into view. The closer I got, the heavier my steps felt. The decision was made, and yet something in me resisted. Guilt, maybe. Or just fear of what I was about to destroy.

I unlocked the door and stepped inside. It was quiet—almost too quiet.

"Chiru? I'm back," I called into the hallway, automatically kicking off my shoes.

A second pair of shoes stood next to hers. Not Yaten's—too cheap. And not Taiki's—too small.
My pulse quickened slightly, unsure of who else might be there.

"We're in the living room, darling," Michiru called out in that smooth voice she used when she had company.

A moment of stillness. Then a soft sigh slipped from my lips.
So the conversation would have to wait—at least for a little while.

Would you like me to continue the scene or translate another part?

Chapter Text

Minako

My cocktail glass clinked against Usagi's. After all the chaos of the last few days, we really deserved a girls' night out.

I still wasn't sure what to make of the fact that Usagi had suddenly become so fixated on Mamoru again - just because he had sent her a bunch of flowers. After all, he had done that several times before and in the end it had never really helped her, let alone changed him.

I was more than sure that the whole thing was just a substitute act to distract herself from Seiya. But of course, as always, she was too stubborn to listen to me. So I had decided to change the subject to something more innocuous.

I was sucking lightly on my straw and enjoying the cool freshness of the cocktail when my gaze wandered rather accidentally to the clock above the bar. In the next second, I spluttered - and sprayed part of my drink across the table.

Usagi just managed to lean to the side with a startled squeak so that only a few drops caught her sleeve.

"Mina, what's going on all of a sudden? You almost caught me!" she shrieked indignantly as she dabbed herself dry with a napkin.

But I couldn't help it - the fit of laughter simply overtook me. The thought of what was happening right now in another part of Tokyo was just too funny.

"Do you... do you know what time it is?" I managed to say between laughs as I wiped tears from the corners of my eyes.

Usagi raised her eyebrows in confusion, looked at her wristwatch and frowned. Apparently, she wasn't quite following me.
"It's seven o'clock. But what's so funny about that?" she asked a little suspiciously.

I was overcome by another wave of laughter as soon as I imagined where Yaten must be at that moment.
I took a deep breath and forced myself to regain my composure. It took a few seconds before I was able to speak halfway seriously again - at least more or less.

"Yaten wanted to invite me to dinner," I began and tried to explain my grin to Usagi.
"Yes, you told him that. And also that you gave him the wrong address ... oh - wait a minute ... do you think he's already rung the doorbell?"

My stomach muscles tightened with tension, but I couldn't suppress the next shrill laugh.

"Usa," I giggled, putting my hand over my mouth, "I didn't give him just any address ... Right now he's standing in front of the Moonlight Pavilion - the biggest brothel in Tokyo."

I leaned back, pushed my glass a little to the side and savored the triumph as I imagined his horrified face. Probably that typical look - slightly annoyed, as always when something didn't go according to his plan. I would have given half my salary to see that live. Well, maybe not my salary. But the rest of my drink in any case, if just the thought of it put me in such a wonderful mood.

Usagi actually looked shocked for a moment. Her eyes were wide, her lips slightly parted, as if she could hardly believe what she had just heard.
Then she suddenly burst out laughing and joined in with my laughter.

"And how did you even know the address? I mean, you don't just know it by heart," she asked as she tried to wipe away her tears.

I had calmed down a bit by then and sipped my cocktail with relish.
"He was facing me - so he couldn't see my screen. I pretended to be concentrating on my work, but I was actually looking up the address on the internet. And when he showed that self-satisfied attitude again and just wouldn't let up, I gave it to him." I shrugged my shoulders. "Who does he think he is? After everything that happened back then, he now acts as if he doesn't even know me anymore. He'll see who he's messing with."

We giggled about my little prank for quite a while and kept coming up with new places we could send him to if we tried again - a cat café, a senior citizens' club, or the men's yoga studio in Shibuya, where shirts were apparently optional.

But in the middle of our cheerful laughter, Usagi suddenly pulled out her cell phone.
Her expression changed immediately. Her eyes widened in panic before she answered the call. Her lips silently formed a name - Mamoru.

I sighed inwardly. Were we going to be spared any of these idiots tonight?

My lips clasped the straw again as I leaned a little further across the table. I wanted to hear what it was all about.

"Usa? Where are you?" came from the speaker - neutral, almost casual.
"I'm out with Minako, having a few cocktails. Why?" she replied, that blissfully dreamy smile creeping onto her face that I knew so well.
"Because I'm at your house right now and you're not there. I took a few days off and got on the next plane. I wanted to make up with you properly before I had to go back."

I rolled my eyes. I groaned inwardly. Of course I did. The same old story.
Always the same game. He turned up, usually unannounced, completely spontaneously - supposedly remorseful, supposedly changed - and then left again when it suited him.
And Usagi? She fell for this show every damn time.
Just like now.

But in the middle of our cheerful laughter, Usagi suddenly pulled out her cell phone.
Her expression changed immediately. Her eyes widened in panic before she answered the call. Her lips silently formed a name - Mamoru.

I sighed inwardly. Was there nothing left for us tonight?

Because as soon as he had spoken, her expression changed. Her eyes lit up, her cheeks reddened and I realized with frightening clarity what was about to happen.
She would empty her cocktail in record time, perhaps frantically touch up her lipstick - and then she would be gone.

And me? I would be sitting here alone.
Because he had snapped his fingers.

***

Seiya

Haruka sitting in our living room took me completely by surprise. She was the last person I expected. She claimed she needed my signature for some urgent documents – as if that couldn't have waited until tomorrow. And since when was that her job anyway? Actually, Minako, my assistant, should have been here, which made me suspect there was more to it: Haruka wasn't the type to come all the way to my house for paperwork. She was far too lazy for that. There was definitely something else going on, but I had no idea what she really wanted.

What almost irritated me even more was how incredibly well she got along with Michiru. They were talking as if they were old school friends. I could hardly believe it.

However, I was also unsure how to assess Haruka, as I didn't know her well enough, so I simply held back. Friendly, but distant. I did what was expected of me – sat down, held Michiru's hand, nodded occasionally in agreement, while my mind was already elsewhere. Inwardly, I counted the minutes, as if waiting for a reprieve. Because that was soon needed – the conversation I had to have with Michiru hung over me like a sword of Damocles.

It was about us. About what we had built together. About what no longer fit. About what I should have told her a long time ago, ever since we moved to Tokyo, namely that Usagi had re-entered my life. Much more intensely than I would have thought possible.

Finally – Haruka got up and said goodbye. She grinned as if she knew more than she should and promised Michiru to pick her up tomorrow afternoon to show her something for the wedding. Whatever that meant. Actually, I didn't care about any of it. I had completely different worries at the moment. The wedding wouldn't happen anyway, as soon as I told Michiru everything.

Barely had the door clicked shut when Michiru was already standing in front of me. Hands on her hips, her gaze piercing, drilling into me. I knew that look all too well. She sensed that something was weighing on my mind but couldn't quite place the situation. "Seiya? Is everything okay? You've been so tense for days, and even now you seem... strange," she finally said.

It wasn't an accusation, just a quiet concern that resonated in her voice. And that's exactly what made it even harder. I swallowed and ran a hand through my hair. "There... is actually something I need to talk to you about." My voice sounded harsher than I had intended. I could hear it myself.

Michiru didn't hesitate for a second. She stepped closer and gently placed her hand on my shoulder. Her touch was familiar, warm. But it didn't feel right anymore. Not anymore.

"What's wrong? Did something happen?" she now wanted to know.

Oh yes. And how. I cheated on you. I love someone else. These thoughts flashed through my mind instantly, but that wasn't something I could just blurt out to her.

I avoided her gaze, turned around, and walked a few steps down the hallway. I needed movement – anything to release the pressure in my chest. Again, I ran my hand through my hair, this time more firmly.

Where should I even begin?

Michiru stood still, said nothing. She just watched me with that understanding look that had always been her strength. Patient. Open. Loving. And that's exactly what brought it back to my attention: She was everything one could wish for in a partner. Understanding, loyal, kind. Simply... perfect. But she wasn't Usagi. And that was the point.

"Seiya? Is there anything else coming, or do I have to guess what happened?" she asked again. Her voice remained calm, but a hint of unease resonated.

I took a deep breath. Now or never, I told myself. The moment I opened my lips to finally say what was long overdue, the doorbell rang. Michiru held up her hand, signaling me to stay silent.

"Remember exactly what you were going to say. Haruka must have just forgotten something," she called over her shoulder as she headed towards the entrance. Even before she reached the doorknob, I knew: It wasn't Haruka.

"Seiya! Open the damn door!" Yaten's lovely voice echoed through the door. Great. He was exactly who I needed tonight, and judging by his tone, today was one of those days when it was best to steer clear of him.

A conversation with Michiru made little sense under these circumstances. Postponing it was probably the only sensible option.

Barely had the latch moved when the door flew open – and there he stood: my little stepbrother, his face flushed bright red, his eyes flashing daggers at me. I had rarely seen him so angry. Whoever had pushed him this far must have done a thorough job.

"Give me her phone number right now – or better yet: her address! So I can strangle her myself! What does that bitch think she's doing?" he hissed and was two large steps away from me.

I already had a faint idea who he was talking about but decided to play it cool for now. Calmly, I placed my hands on his shoulders, forcing him to look at me. Before I acted, I needed some answers first.

"First, take a deep breath. Who do you want to kill – and why exactly?" I asked, trying not to sound amused.

His shoulders rose and fell a few times as he pumped fresh oxygen into his lungs. For a moment, it looked like he was about to launch into another tirade.

Instead, he pressed out, sounding a bit more composed: "I need your assistant's address. Now!"

Minako? At first, I wasn't sure if I really wanted to know what she had done, but my curiosity won. Yes, I definitely wanted to know exactly what she had done. The thought that she, of all people, had apparently put him in his place already amused me and made the gloomy thoughts disappear, at least for this moment.

"What did Ms. Aino do that you urgently need to see her – and at this hour?" I now wanted to know from him.

The redness in Yaten's face promptly intensified. "I was supposed to pick her up for dinner... And the address she gave me was for the Moonlight Pavilion! The address of a damn brothel, she gave me!" he hissed indignantly.

For a moment, I thought I had misheard him. The next, I thought Yaten was about to explode. But then I only heard my own voice – laughing loudly, echoing through the hallway.

Chapter Text

Usagi

Mina was anything but thrilled after Mamoru reached out. She tried to talk me out of going straight home-and honestly, I could even understand her. But Mamoru had come back just for me, had jumped on the next flight just to see me. And deep down, a small hope had started to grow that maybe, just maybe, he had finally understood why I had been so hurt before he left.

The smile on my lips just wouldn't go away. I was truly looking forward to seeing him again. After all the chaos with Seiya, I longed for nothing more than a bit of normalcy. And who, if not Mamoru, could give that to me? Ground me. Give me stability. Bring me a little closer back to myself.

The moment I opened the door, I could feel him. It's hard to describe-but there was this sensation that washed over me whenever he was nearby.
"Mamo? I'm home," I called into the quiet hallway.

It didn't take long before he stepped out of the living room-holding a slender champagne flute in each hand, that soft smile on his lips that I had missed far too much. I had almost forgotten how incredibly attractive he was. Especially like this-wearing a white shirt with the top button undone, his dark hair slightly tousled, as if he had just run his fingers through it.

Embarrassed, I bit my lower lip and simply let the moment sink in, let his presence wrap around me. Then, suddenly, he was standing right in front of me, handed me a glass-and his lips brushed against my cheek, barely there. A whisper of a touch, and yet my skin tingled for seconds afterward where he had kissed me.

"It's so good to have you back... I hope the food's still warm," he whispered into my ear.

Food? At this hour? Confused but curious, I followed him into the living room-and froze in place.

I could hardly believe what I was seeing: candles flickering everywhere, bathing the room in warm, gentle light. Rose petals scattered on the table, on the shelves-even on the floor. On the coffee table stood a small, tastefully arranged bouquet in soft colors. Not over the top, but clearly put together with care.

My gaze instinctively shifted to the large bouquet I had received this morning. I was a little puzzled to see it now pushed to the side, even though it was far more impressive than the one on the table. The contrast was obvious: the small bouquet was lovely, no question, but it couldn't compare to the lavish one from earlier.

Mamoru had really gone all out. More than ever before-and more than I ever would have expected.

I didn't even realize at first that I had stopped so abruptly. The last time he had pulled out all the romantic stops like this was on our second date, and that had been quite a while-and many arguments-ago. His fingers wrapped around mine as he led me to the table and pulled out the chair for me to sit down.

"It's nothing fancy, just some miso soup-I didn't know if you had already eaten... but for dessert, I got you your favorite lemon cake." He sat down across from me, his fingers playing with mine again, looking deep into my eyes. Blue eyes, so similar to Seiya's-but not his.

Stop. What was I even thinking? No. I wanted to make peace with Mamo, and he was clearly trying his best here. I had to forget Seiya, once and for all. He was engaged, and-what was even worse-he had lied to me. That was no foundation for anything real.

Some of the miso soup had made its way into my bowl by now, and we started eating in silence. Now and then, our eyes met, but neither of us said a word at first.

"So? Anything interesting happen while I was gone this week?" he asked eventually-a clear attempt to bridge the silence.
He had asked me that same question many times before, after each of his trips, but this time it wasn't just small talk. Because this time, something had happened.

Seiya Kou had happened-and had completely turned my life upside down.

But I couldn't just hit Mamoru with that out of nowhere.

"No... the usual. Minako has a new boss, and I've got a lot of projects going on right now, but otherwise, everything's the same as always... And you?" I replied as casually as possible. Inside, I gave myself a pat on the back-no trembling, no hesitation, no awkward pause. It all sounded solid.

Hopefully, he didn't notice a thing.

He glanced briefly at the large bouquet in the corner, then back at me.
"Well, every university's the same somehow... But how about I get us some wine?"

"Yes, I'd love that," I said, starting to stack the soup bowls. A little wine would definitely help me relax. The cocktails from earlier had long since worn off.

Mamo followed me into the kitchen. It almost felt like he'd never been gone. Okay, technically, he had only been away for a week-barely more than a long vacation. And yet it had felt like forever.

He reached instinctively for the wine glasses, uncorked the white wine he had apparently picked out just for this evening. Then he stepped closer, set the first glass down in front of me-and wrapped his arms around me from behind.

I froze. Just for the blink of an eye, but it was enough.

The last man who had touched me like that wasn't Mamoru-it had been Seiya, just a few days ago. Out of nowhere, he flooded my mind again.

I felt Mamoru's breath on my neck, his hands on my waist...

An image of Seiya flickered before my mind's eye, but as quickly as it had come, I blinked it away.

Not now.

A slight shiver ran down my spine as the hairs on my neck stood on end. I knew exactly what Mamoru was thinking-and for a moment, I stood completely still. Somehow, I had to push Seiya out of my mind, and maybe this was the way to do it.

"I know dessert is still waiting for you... but how about we delay it just a little?" Mamo murmured seductively into my ear.

With a smooth motion, I turned to face him, tilted my head slightly, and teasingly tugged at one of his shirt buttons.
"Can't the good doctor wait until we've finished dinner?"

His smile widened-instead of answering, he leaned in and kissed me. His hands glided over my waist, pulling me gently against him. My heart beat faster, and for a moment, I let myself get lost in the familiarity of it all.

The kiss deepened, his lips becoming more demanding. A soft laugh escaped me as I took a step back-only to pull him right back toward me. His fingers traced their way along my back until they effortlessly found the zipper of my dress.

For a moment, there was only him.
And I clung to that feeling-because I didn't want to feel anything else.

I wanted to forget him.
I had to forget him.
So I kissed Mamoru even more deeply as we made our way to the bedroom.

***

Seiya

Chiru had said her goodbyes to both of us at lightning speed. Her need for Yaten's presence had been more than fulfilled-for now at least. And to be honest, mine had too.
Still, my dear stepbrother wasn't so easily kicked back out the door.

In his rage, he'd already stormed past me and made a beeline for the little cabinet where I kept the hard liquor. The bottle was uncorked faster than I could react, and after a few swigs, his anger seemed to settle-on the surface, at least. The dissatisfaction in his eyes, however, clung on stubbornly.

"I still can't believe she sent me to a damn brothel," he fumed, taking another swig.
Apparently, using a glass was too much to ask-and of course he'd grabbed one of the expensive bottles.
"Maybe she thought it was fitting, considering your track record with women," I replied dryly and sank back onto the sofa.
"But she doesn't even know me... or at least not really," he muttered, still sulking.
I raised a skeptical brow. "Yaten, I think what she does know about you was enough to make her give you that kind of wake-up call. If you remember, I told you she's had the honor of your company before."

I could suddenly see the gears turning in his head. For once, he didn't just wave it off with an annoyed eye roll-his brow had furrowed in thought. A rare sight, to say the least.

"Seiya, you still have those yearbooks from back in Tokyo, right? I need to know exactly who she was... I have a hunch, and I'm seriously praying I'm wrong."

Some quiet mumbling and a few curses slipped from his mouth, fading into the background while I actually got up to fetch the yearbooks he'd asked for. One of the many perks of living with Michiru: she had a system even I could follow. Without much effort, I found the books neatly arranged on the shelf.

I hadn't known all the details of what happened between Minako and him back then-it was right around the time I first fell for Usagi-but I do remember the look on Minako's face when she found out Yaten was my brother.

A moment later, I tossed three yearbooks onto the table in front of him. He started flipping through them with meticulous focus, and I wondered why he suddenly seemed so intent on figuring out who Minako had been. Was it really just bruised pride-or was there more to it? There weren't many women who managed to outsmart him or had the guts to stand up to him. He'd always had... let's say, a strong presence.

"Check the volleyball team... she was captain our final year," I suggested after a while.
Something in his face changed instantly. If I didn't know better, I'd say he looked shocked. He instinctively grabbed the book from our graduating year and began flipping through the pages with such speed they blurred, stopping only when he hit the team photo. I could see it hit him. The recognition. He stared at the picture, frozen.

"Holy shit. Her, of all people," he muttered before slamming the yearbook shut and tossing it onto the table.

I struggled not to grin, though it was tempting. Clearly, he remembered-and if even Yaten hadn't forgotten, then it must've been something serious.
"Do I want to know what happened back then?" I couldn't help asking. His reaction had stirred my curiosity. It was no secret Yaten had never been one of the innocent ones. Even as a teenager, everything revolved around his own pleasure, and that hadn't changed much over the years.
But something about him looked... different now.

His eyes met mine, sharp and guarded. He didn't want to talk about it-not a single word left his lips. And to make sure I wouldn't press the matter, he left in a hurry.
It wasn't until he reached the front door that I noticed he'd tucked the yearbook under his arm. I let him go.

Who knows what was going on in that head of his-but somehow, I still wanted to find out what had happened back then.

Chapter Text

Minako

The girls' night was over the moment Mamoru called.
Up until then, everything had been fine. Usagi and I had been sitting in a bar, sipping cocktails, laughing – for a while, we could forget our worries. But as soon as she held the phone to her ear, her expression changed.
Seconds later, she stood up, mumbled something like, "He's back, I'm sorry, but I have to talk to him," and just left me there.
The rest of the evening was rather bleak. Instead of ending the night with her, I spent it alone in front of the TV.
The only upside: I was able to get to work well-rested this morning – no hangover, even refreshed. Given the early hour, I'd probably have at least an hour alone in the office. A welcome chance to work in peace, without Seiya's constant, far-too-intense stares.

As expected, the office building was still deserted at this time. In the elevator, I closed my eyes for a moment. Then there it was – a scent. Barely perceptible, but strangely familiar.
It triggered a memory I couldn't quite grasp. Something about it made me pause.
Only when my desk came into view did I realize where I knew it from.

I froze mid-step.
Because Yaten Kou was sitting in my office chair.
As if it were the most natural thing in the world, he had his feet up on my desk. His head lowered, fingertips gently tapping each other, as if he were lost in thought. His gaze was fixed on his hands.

For a second, I hoped he hadn't noticed me. The urge to just turn around was strong – fleeting, but real.
But I dismissed it as quickly as it came. I wouldn't run. Not again, not from him.
This was my workplace. My life. And he had no place in it anymore.

With a saccharine smile, I tightened my grip on my bag, straightened my back, and walked directly toward my desk.
The moment I took a few steps, his head snapped up – alerted by the clicking of my heels.
I held his gaze. No blinking. No hesitation.
Until I reached my place.

"Minako, I think you made a mistake when writing down the address yesterday," he greeted me with that familiar, smug grin that instantly made my skin crawl. "When I came to pick you up, they told me they didn't know anyone by your name."

Without batting an eye, I pushed his shiny black shoes off my desk with a firm, deliberate motion. Then I demonstratively placed my handbag in the exact same spot.

"Oh, I have no idea how that could've happened..." My voice was dripping with feigned innocence and irony. "But I'm sure you found someone else to accompany you for the evening."

I didn't look at him, instead starting to sort through my mail with apparent indifference. From the corner of my eye, I noticed him getting up and slowly walking toward me.

"I... I think I owe you an apology... for back then... you know..." he mumbled suddenly, barely louder than a whisper.

My stomach twisted, but I forced myself to stay calm, not to show anything, and stubbornly focused on the envelopes in my hands.
So he remembered. Very clearly, in fact. Everything that happened. Everything he had done to me back then.

"I'm not quite sure what you mean... care to be a bit more specific?" I replied in a razor-sharp tone, still not looking up. That half-hearted apology wasn't nearly enough – not for what I had endured because of him.

His hand brushed my elbow, a tentative attempt at closeness – but my body reacted faster than my mind. Instinctively, I stepped aside, and the glare I gave him kept him at bay.

He looked at me – with an expression that almost convincingly showed regret. But I knew he was damn good at manipulating people, and I wouldn't fall for him a second time.

"You know exactly what I mean... I didn't mean for it to be like that... I was young, hormones got the better of me... but I've changed... at least a little..." he continued.

Before he could say another word, I slammed the stack of letters onto the table.

"Hormones got the better of you?" I scoffed mockingly. "Yaten, seriously, you were running around like a male slut! And I was stupid and in love enough to fall for it. I actually hoped I could change you. For three weeks, I had to listen to you saying how crazy you were about me! And then you went and distributed naked pictures of me all over school!"

My voice trembled, but I forced myself not to yell. "Can you even begin to imagine what the last half of that school year was like for me? Probably not! Every second guy suddenly wanted to see my birthmark or asked if he could take photos like that too!"

I took a shaky breath. "You know what, Yaten? No, thanks. I'm done with you – for good!"

He took a step back, but instead of showing any real remorse, he muttered, "Well, if you think about it, you still had your underwear on... and only a few guys from the soccer team saw the pictures..."

My expression dropped. Was he serious? Was he actually trying to justify it?

"That doesn't make it any better!" I hissed. "You made the rest of my school years hell! No one except Usagi wanted anything to do with me, and you? You just dropped me, ignored me, and disappeared shortly after!"

I planted my hands on my hips, stepped right in front of him, and stared him down. My voice was sharp as a blade. I let out everything I had bottled up over the years.

"For the record, the move wasn't my idea..." he tried another flimsy excuse, hoping to soften me.

"Do me a favor," I said coolly. "Shut that big mouth of yours and disappear. Preferably for good. I have work to do."

For a moment, silence fell between us, but I could see he was desperately trying to think of something to say.
"Oh, I like that suggestion. Listen to the lady, Yaten... You don't stand a chance with her anyway," Seiya suddenly laughed from behind us.
I spun around at once and saw him standing in the shadows of the hallway.
I didn't know how much of the conversation he had overheard – but honestly, I didn't care in the slightest.

***

Seiya

I'd deliberately left the apartment early this morning—not because I had anything urgent to do, but because I wanted to avoid Michiru. The thought of finally being honest with her weighed heavily on me. But it was a conversation that needed time, and I didn't have that before work. So I pushed it to this evening.
She was still sleeping peacefully when I slipped out, unaware of what I'd be telling her later.

What I hadn't expected was that Yaten, of all people, would be awake at this hour—let alone already arguing loudly with Minako in my antechamber. The moment the elevator doors opened, her voice was echoing through the hallway—sharp, agitated, and full of anger. I didn't even have to see him to know only he could be responsible for that kind of outburst.

I stepped closer but remained in the shadow of the doorway, listening. What she threw at him stopped me cold for a moment.
Now I understood why she harbored such deep resentment toward him—and honestly? I couldn't blame her.
Apparently, Yaten hadn't just acted like an idiot, which he still regularly did. No, he had hurt her badly back then.

"Do me a favor and just shut your big mouth and disappear. For good, if possible. I have to work now," she hissed, and I knew it was time to step in before the situation escalated completely.

"Oh, I think that's an excellent suggestion. Listen to the lady, Yaten... You're just wasting your time with her anyway," I said, stepping further into the hallway.
I had to admit, I enjoyed watching Minako put him in his place, but she was right. This was her workplace, and Yaten had no business being here. They both spun around at the same time, their surprised expressions saying everything—clearly, neither of them had noticed me standing there.

Without hesitation, I offered Minako an out. "Minako, since you're already here, could I speak with you in my office for a moment?"
My gaze shifted to Yaten. "I'm sure my brother can find his own way downstairs."

Without waiting for a response, I walked past them and opened the door to my office. Minako paused for a beat, then shot Yaten one last angry glare before slipping past me. I caught his eye, shook my head, and closed the door behind us.
I knew he could be an idiot, but I hadn't thought he was capable of something like this.

Minako let out a heavy breath and sank into the chair in front of my desk, clearly relieved. "Thanks," she sighed.

I shrugged, trying to lighten the mood. "Well... I still need you as my secretary. If you rip his head off, you won't be much use to me behind bars."

To my surprise, that drew a small smile from her. "Ah, I see... pure selfishness then..."

My gaze drifted toward the window—mainly just to check if Yaten had left already. But the curtain Usagi had fixed just yesterday was hanging neatly in place, blocking my view—and just like that, she was back in my thoughts.

I hesitated before asking the next question. "How... how is Usagi?"

I didn't look at Minako as I asked, just kept my eyes on the fabric.

A bitter snort came from her. "What do you want me to say, Seiya? I could paint you a pretty picture, but you already know how she's really doing—don't you?" she asked sharply.
She paused, then continued in a more subdued voice. "She's throwing herself headfirst into a toxic relationship—one she's tried to salvage countless times... just to finally get you out of her system."

A chill ran down my spine as my stomach twisted painfully.
So it hadn't been a bluff. The boyfriend was real, and they had made up.

"That Mamoru guy she mentioned?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady, though I felt anything but calm.

"Yeah... but it's none of your business anymore. You had your chance, and you blew it—again. Just like your brother would've."
Minako's words were sharp, the accusation cutting deep—and I couldn't even deny it.

I sighed and ran a hand through my hair. "I know... I know I screwed up... That's why I sent her those flowers," I muttered.

I heard Minako push back her chair and step closer. I could feel her gaze on me, so I turned my head slightly toward her.

Her expression was suddenly serious, yet curious at the same time. "What flowers?" she asked.

"Red roses, lilies... just a bouquet. A small apology to show how sorry I am. Don't tell me she didn't get them... I even sent them with delivery confirmation because they weren't exactly cheap."

Something changed in that moment. Minako's eyes widened, like she'd just solved a puzzle. For a second, she looked frozen.

"So those were from you?" she asked—more like she just needed confirmation, not really a question.

I nodded slowly, still unsure what piece of the puzzle I was missing, because I couldn't quite read her reaction.

Minako drew in a sharp breath. "That damn jackass. So that's why he really came back—just to mark his territory. If I could, I'd strangle him!" she snapped, then noticed my confused expression.
"Usa thought the bouquet was from Mamoru. She called him to say thank you... Less than twelve hours later, the guy was suddenly back in Tokyo, playing the perfect boyfriend. I knew something was off."

My mouth dropped open.
That explained why she never thanked me. My thoughts were racing. What was I supposed to do now?
Go to her and clear things up?
I should probably talk to Michiru first—but that still hadn't happened.

But just letting the other guy take over?
Minako had said the relationship was toxic. So he wasn't good for her.
Then again, Minako probably thought the same about me.

The anxious fluttering in my gut grew stronger. No—I couldn't just sit here and do nothing.

"I'll be back in about an hour... if anyone asks. Definitely by the ten o'clock meeting," I said, already halfway to the door. My feet were moving on their own.
I had to see Usagi. That was all that mattered now.

"Seiya, don't say anything to her that you don't truly mean!" Minako called after me, just before the door slammed shut behind me.

Chapter Text

Usagi

Sleepily, I snuggled up to Mamoru's side, letting his warmth envelop me. His hand moved slowly across my hip, a gentle, absentminded caress that still managed to make me smile. He was finally back with me – and this time... this time he had hopefully truly understood what mattered to me.
Something I had almost stopped believing in.

I felt his lips on the top of my head as my fingers traced small circles on his chest. The moment felt deceptively peaceful – like the calm before a storm I could only hope wouldn't come.

"Hey, do you have the day off today?" Mamoru mumbled sleepily into my ear.

The question yanked me out of my drowsiness in an instant. I jolted upright and glanced at the clock. The moment I registered the time, I could only curse under my breath.
"No! Damn it, I overslept!" I cried, leaping out of bed.

Mamoru leaned back, arms behind his head, grinning as he watched me whirl around the bedroom. A low, barely-suppressed laugh rumbled from his throat.

"Don't laugh like that, you jerk!" I snapped as I frantically gathered my things. "You totally turned off the alarm again, didn't you?"

Without thinking, I grabbed his shirt and threw it at him.

Mamoru caught it effortlessly, his grin widening. "Could be... But if it were up to me, you'd just stay here and call in sick. I'm sure we'd find some way to pass the time..."

Typical. Acting like everything was perfect. Like there was nothing outside this bed.
I couldn't help but shoot him a sharp look.

He knew exactly how important my job was to me – how much it meant to be financially independent. We'd had enough arguments about it, after all.

"I'd love to. But I've got my first appointment in an hour – and I still need to shower!" I said as I slammed the closet shut behind me.

I heard him sigh quietly. Then he finally moved, sat up and stretched.

"I'll make us some coffee then... There's still time for that, right?"

I looked up at the mirror and saw him pulling on a simple white shirt. Everything about him felt so familiar – and yet, there was this feeling. A quiet doubt that wouldn't let me go. Something telling me to be careful.

"That's sweet, thanks!" I called over my shoulder before darting into the bathroom. There was no time for overthinking now. I really had to hurry if I wanted to be on time.

As the hot water hit my skin, I took a deep breath. For a moment, I closed my eyes and let the last few days replay in my mind. My emotions were all over the place.
It felt... familiar. Mamoru and me. As if everything was like it used to be, and yet something had changed.

Ever since Seiya had come back into my life, something had shifted.
He had thrown everything off balance – just by being there. He'd stormed in like a whirlwind and given me hope, only to hit me with the harsh truth: He was engaged.

My hands clenched into fists. I forced myself to breathe slowly.

Michiru was a wonderful woman – smart, elegant, understanding. I could absolutely see why Seiya was drawn to her. She didn't deserve to be betrayed.
But the thought that she was the one waking up next to him every morning and falling asleep beside him every night stirred a familiar ache in me.
One I wanted to lock away forever. And that was exactly why I had to forget him.

There was no future for Seiya and me. Every attempt had only led to more pain.

Mamoru, on the other hand, meant stability.
If there was one thing I could rely on, it was that he always came back. No matter how often we fought. No matter what harsh words we exchanged – in the end, he'd always be at my door again.

He'd never been with anyone else, never kept big secrets. No fiancée, no games, and he was honest. He always said exactly what was on his mind – one of the reasons we argued so much. But that was something I could handle.

Just yesterday, he'd proved it to me again.
To be honest, I hadn't expected him to be back this quickly. He hadn't even been in the country that morning.

With a sigh, I stepped out of the shower and started getting ready, when suddenly the doorbell rang.

"I'll get it," Mamoru called routinely through the door. I barely paid attention – probably a postman or a neighbor. Everything felt normal again, like we were back in our usual rhythm.

Until the next second turned everything upside down.
I froze as I heard who was at the door.

"Is Usagi here?" Seiya's voice rang out. Muffled, but unmistakable. It hit me like a blow.

The towel in my hands suddenly felt far too heavy. It slipped silently to the floor.
What was he doing here?

I had made it perfectly clear to him. More than once. That I didn't want to see him anymore. That it was over. That I'd drawn a line – and yet here he was. At my door. And worse – at Mamoru's door.

My heart skipped a beat. Inside me, something roared to life – a feeling I could barely grasp.
It tingled under my skin, hot and cold at once – a mix of panic, unease... and something frighteningly familiar.
Something I couldn't allow. Hope.
I pressed my lips together. No. I couldn't allow that.

"And you are?" Mamoru asked coolly. His voice was calm, but carried that icy edge he saved for special occasions – one I rarely got to hear myself.

I could picture it as if I were there: Mamoru, half-dressed, arms crossed, standing in the doorway, eyeing the stranger with a piercing look. And Seiya, likely meeting that gaze head-on – maybe with a vague idea of who Mamoru was. Maybe with certainty.

My heart was pounding. What should I do? Stay here, pretend I hadn't heard anything? Wait and see if the situation resolved on its own? Or go out and stop it before things escalated completely?

My eyes fell on the mirror. My fingers were trembling.
Damn it.
Why was it suddenly so hard to breathe?
I had to think of something – and fast.

***

Seiya

On my way to Usagi's place, I kept glancing at the time. I had exactly one hour. One damn hour to clear up this misunderstanding—and maybe, just maybe, get her to talk to me. The appointment at ten was important. I couldn't afford another screw-up if I wanted to keep my job. But right now, I couldn't care less.

The image of her throwing her arms around another man because of my flowers kept replaying in my head. It wouldn't let me go. On the contrary—it was driving me insane.

I took the stairs to her apartment faster than necessary, my heart pounding in my chest. In front of her door, I paced back and forth, trying to figure out what I would say. None of the thoughts were enough. Nothing sounded right. I just had to see her and explain everything. The thing with the flowers—and that I was leaving Michiru tonight.

I rang the bell. My pulse was racing. Footsteps approached. I held my breath for a moment.

The door opened—and instead of Usagi, I found myself face to face with him.

Mamoru.

I recognized him immediately. The guy from the photo. The ex—or apparently, not the ex anymore. Dressed only in shorts and an open shirt, he stood there, arms crossed over his chest, looking me over with that cool, superior stare. Hostile, but composed. I clenched my jaw, forcing myself to stay calm.

"Is Usagi here?" I asked curtly, keeping my voice as neutral as possible, though everything inside me was boiling. My gaze slid past him. Her shoes were still in the hallway, her work bag leaning against the wall like last time. So, she was still here.

His lips barely curled into a thin line. Then he pushed the door slightly more closed, blocking my view into the apartment.

"And you are?" he asked now, with a sharp undertone.

I clenched my hands into fists. He knew exactly who I was—I would've bet on it. Because we both knew he hadn't sent those flowers yesterday.

I straightened up, looked him straight in the eyes. He was half a head taller, but I didn't let that intimidate me.

"I don't see how that's any of your business," I replied coolly. "I need to talk to her. It's between her and me."

His eyes narrowed, his jaw tightened.

"Well," he said slowly, his voice dangerously quiet, "when some stranger rings my doorbell before nine in the morning asking to speak to my girlfriend, I do think it concerns me."

Girlfriend.
That word hit me harder than I expected—even though I had seen it coming. She had told me they'd gotten back together, and still, hearing it from him made it feel different. Final.
She had really gone back to him. And now he stood here, in front of me.

I bit down hard, forcing myself to stay calm, even though everything inside was screaming.
Maybe I should leave her this new happiness. Let her be.
A part of me wanted to do exactly that. Turn around. End it before I made things worse.
But another part of me didn't believe this was what she really wanted.
Not truly.

I wanted her to be happy—she deserved that.
But damn it, I also wanted her to be happy with me. And Minako had said this relationship with him was toxic. That he wasn't good for her in the long run.

I took a breath, ready to explain—when I heard her voice.

"Seiya?"
Soft and hesitant, she spoke my name—and it was enough to make me forget everything else for a moment. I couldn't see her, because this damn guy was still in my way, but she was there. So close. And she had called for me.

The next words came out almost reflexively. "Yes, sweetheart, I'm here."

At the same time, my hand moved to the door, and I pushed it open a little further.

Mamoru visibly tensed, while her hand settled on his shoulder. With a natural ease that surprised me, she guided him aside. Then our eyes met. Just for a moment—but it felt like time stopped.

Her gaze swept over my face, as if searching for something. Then she shook her head slightly with a soft laugh. "You're not supposed to call me that... I've told you so many times," she scolded me playfully.

I was about to ask what the hell was going on when she continued right away.

"I'll be ready in a minute, then we can go... I just need my bag... Oh, Mamo, this is Seiya, an old school friend... he and his fiancée are my clients right now—I'm helping redesign their apartment," she explained casually as she stepped into her shoes.

Mamoru and I exchanged a look. And in that instant, all expression drained from both our faces. What the hell was going on here?

She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. As if this wasn't the most grotesque, absurd situation between the three of us.

"And Seiya, this is Mamoru. My partner," she continued.

Her eyes sparkled at me with a hint of challenge. She wanted me to play along. Even though I had no idea why.

Damn it.

I forced a smile and held out my hand. He took it—firmer than necessary. The pressure wasn't a handshake. It was a silent warning.
I know who you are. And I'll be watching you. The message was loud and clear.

"Nice to meet you," he muttered flatly.
"Likewise," I replied curtly.

She moved away from him, grabbed her jacket and bag—then kissed him. This time on the lips. Not long, not passionate. But tender enough to make my stomach twist painfully.

I forced myself to hold his gaze. Forced myself to stay calm. I didn't know what Usagi was trying to achieve here, but watching it was pure torture.

Then the moment passed. She walked past me toward the stairs, then turned around once more.

"Seiya, come on, or we'll really be late... Or do you want to keep Michiru waiting?"

I looked at Mamoru one last time.
I wasn't sure which of us had been knocked more off balance—but the triumphant grin spreading across my face was impossible to suppress as I finally turned to follow her.

Chapter Text

Usagi

I hardly knew what I was doing myself – and as I walked down the steps, I honestly began to doubt myself.
Minako's message, which I had read in the bathroom, had triggered this knee-jerk reaction and thrown everything into chaos.
Why? That was all I could think about. Why her, of all people? Why did she want me to listen to Seiya one more time?
She had been the one who had spoken out most harshly about the Kou brothers in recent days. What had suddenly made her change her mind? And what could be so important that she was pushing me to do this now of all times?

Maybe it was exactly those questions that made me pull Seiya out of Mamoru's line of fire. That, and the quiet hope that he had truly broken up with Michiru. That he had really chosen me.
But I pushed that thought aside. I couldn't allow myself to think like that – because if I did, I'd be to blame if their relationship fell apart.

Behind me, I could hear his footsteps, the soft echo on the stairs. He was following me – silent and tense.
I knew he wanted answers. Understandable. After that absurd scene at the apartment door, anyone would have asked what the hell was going on.
But I couldn't give him any answers now, not here, not in the stairwell. Not while there was still a chance that Mamoru might hear every word.
Because honestly, the last thing I needed right now was more chaos in my life.

Outside, his car was parked directly in front of my house. I turned slowly to face him, searching his face for any sign of emotion. His hands were buried in his pockets, his expression serious, as if he didn't know how to handle any of this – and honestly, I didn't either.
He unlocked the car silently with the press of a button, and with a sigh, I sank into the passenger seat.

Seiya got in. The door closed with a soft click – a sound that suddenly felt much louder than it should have.

A heavy silence settled between us.

I could feel his gaze resting on me – expectant, waiting, impatient. He said nothing, just looked at me, and slowly, I lifted my eyes to meet his.

"You can drive me to my appointment. It's on the way to your office. That gives you time to explain why you're here," I began, sounding more distant than I had intended.

He nodded silently and started the engine. Once again, I wondered why he had shown up at my door at this hour.
From the corner of my eye, I watched him closely. He seemed more thoughtful than usual, but I couldn't quite tell why. Maybe it was the situation between us, maybe Mamoru, or maybe something else entirely.
The silence lasted until the first intersection. His gaze was fixed on the road ahead, and he seemed lost in another world.

"Did you like the flowers I sent you?" he asked hoarsely after a while, completely throwing me off.

I felt my face go slack with confusion. What did he mean? What flowers was he talking about?

"You know... I've never put as much thought into flowers as I did for that bouquet," he continued slowly, and a vague suspicion began to creep over me.
"Fourteen red roses – one for every year I was gone – mixed with pink lilies and myrtle..." he murmured, and I realized I was staring at him with my mouth open.

So those hadn't been Mamoru's roses. That miserable baka.
Now I understood why Seiya had hesitated when I thanked him. Mamoru was definitely going to get an earful tonight – but first, I had another problem. Or rather: I was sitting next to it.

"Th-they were from you?" I stammered, even though the answer was obvious.

He stopped at a red light and glanced sideways at me. A shy smile played on his lips as he nodded.

I was completely speechless. Gently, his fingers brushed mine.

"Sweetheart, I really do love you... And when I said I'd leave Chiru for you, I meant it. But if you're sitting here now, telling me you love him and want me to leave you alone because you're happy with him – then I'll accept it...
Because your happiness comes first. Even if it's not with me."
The sound of his voice was serious and left no doubt that he meant every word.

He loved me. And I? I loved him. But was I ready for the decision he was asking of me?

I wanted to say something, but no sound came from my lips. I needed to be sure of what I wanted.

His hand slipped away from mine as he shifted into gear, and in that moment – that single second when he let go – all my doubts vanished.

I wanted him. I would break if he disappeared from my life again.

At first, he endured the silence, accepted my lack of response, but I saw how the hurt slowly spread across his face with every passing second.

"You can stop up there," I murmured as I realized we were almost at my destination.

The engine went quiet a moment later. We both sat still in that strange atmosphere. Getting out of the car felt wrong – I still owed him an answer.
But what could I say now? That I loved him too, but couldn't reconcile it with my conscience if he left Michiru because of me? That felt just as wrong as letting him go.
I needed time to think – even if it was just a few hours.

I turned to look at him, and the pain in his eyes was unmistakable.

"I'll text you the address of my last appointment. Pick me up there, and we'll talk again tonight, okay?" I suggested. At least that way, I'd have time to sort through the most important things.

He gave me a tired smile.
"All right. See you later... sweetheart."

***

Seiya

I watched her disappear into a side street, her summer dress swaying and her large bag over her shoulder. The moment she got out of the car and told me to pick her up later, something between us had shifted. I had nearly given up hope, mentally prepared for a final rejection—but then she hesitated. She softened, wanted to talk. That was more than I'd dared to hope for.

Almost absentmindedly, I glanced at the time and started the engine, a bit stressed. Only twenty minutes left until my meeting, and I still had to skim through the essentials. Less time than I'd assumed when I left.

When I reached the hallway outside my office, I came to a halt in front of Minako's desk. She looked irritated, flipping through a stack of documents—probably for the upcoming meeting. But something had changed at her desk. A small bundle of white roses was sticking out of her trash bin.

"Where did those come from? Shouldn't they be in water?" I asked, surprised, and earned a sharp glare in response.

"I helped you with Usagi, now you help me get rid of your idiot brother. One hand washes the other! Since you left, new flowers have been showing up every thirty minutes—with one ridiculous note after the next," she huffed, pushing a small collection of paper slips toward me.

– I'm really sorry for what I did – Please just hear me out – I've changed –

I had to suppress a laugh at the last one. The idea that Yaten had changed was hard to believe. But what really caught me off guard was that he was actually chasing after a woman. Normally, he'd just shrug and move on to the next. Romantic gestures like flower messages weren't exactly his style.

I skimmed through the notes, and an odd feeling crept over me. Was it really possible that he felt remorse for how he behaved back then? I could still picture his shocked expression when he realized who Minako really was.

Maybe I was making a mistake here—but I'd only find out if I tried.

I leaned against Minako's desk.

"I don't know what you said to Usagi, but thank you... Maybe you're not so bad after all, Aino. And now I'll return the favor with a bit of advice..."

I turned to her slowly, earning a confused look in return.

"I don't know everything that happened between you two, but Yaten usually isn't like this." I nodded toward the roses in the trash. "Maybe you really are the one who could change him... though if I were you, I'd think that through very carefully."

I let out a quiet laugh at the thought.

"Yaten isn't easy. He's got a knack for making the wrong choices, he's not exactly empathetic, and honestly, he's kind of shallow. Even as his brother, he regularly drives me insane—just by being in the room. But beneath all that, he's a good guy. I know for a fact: if I called him and said I needed him, he'd show up. Sure, he'd show up with a bunch of stupid jokes, but he'd be there. No hesitation. For the people he truly cares about, he'd give everything."

I looked over at her, my expression serious.

"I saw the look on his face when he recognized your photo in the yearbook... I've rarely seen him that shaken. Just hear him out, okay? What do you have to lose?"

That was all I could do for Yaten. The rest was up to him.

Honestly, I was a little surprised myself at how many good traits I'd just listed. Hopefully, he'd never hear about it. I could already imagine the smug remarks.

With practiced ease, I reached for the top document on Minako's desk and smirked. – Last-Minute Prep, Seiya – the title sparkled at me. She really was the best assistant I'd ever had.

"Thanks, I'll give it a read. Let me know when our clients arrive," I said, heading into my office.

I wasn't entirely sure why I'd just painted Yaten in such a good light. But if there was still a chance for me and Usagi, then he at least deserved the chance to explain himself to Minako.

Chapter Text

Minako

I let Seiya's words sink in. My gaze drifted from Yaten's little notes to the flowers I had already tossed in the trash.
Seiya was right—something about this whole situation didn't feel right. These flowers definitely didn't fit Yaten's usual behavior, nor did the fact that he had waited for me here so early this morning. A strange feeling spread through me.
I listened deep inside myself... maybe I really should hear him out? After all, it was the same advice I had given Usagi this morning. After Seiya had rushed out of here, I had sent her a message telling her she should at least listen to him. Of course, the fact that he was still engaged hadn't changed, but Usa deserved to know that the flowers were from him.

Mamoru was simply an idiot who didn't do her any good, and now he was even trying to pass off someone else's gesture as his own. But whether Seiya was truly the better choice—I honestly couldn't say. After all, Usagi had already cried countless tears over him, probably even more than over Mamoru. The poor girl always had to choose between the plague and cholera.

I was pulled from my thoughts when the flower courier appeared once again at my desk. A mischievous grin on his lips, and yet another small bouquet of white roses in hand.

"You seem very popular today, Ms. Aino," he laughed as he handed me the bouquet.

I plucked the little card from the stems:

– Tonight at Kudos. I'll be waiting for you. 6 PM –

Yes, that definitely sounded more like the usual self-important Yaten who thought he could have anyone. Unlike the previous bouquets, I searched for a small vase for this one and placed it on my desk. After all, the flowers weren't to blame for the guy who had paid for them.

I turned the card between my fingers. 6 PM at Kudos. I stared at the elegant handwriting, as if it could make the decision for me.
Should I really go?
What reason did I have to go?
He had made an effort—at least today—and more than I'd ever expected. Flowers with notes, and don't forget the early-morning ambush... For Yaten, that was practically a romantic overload. And Seiya's words still echoed in my head. Maybe this really did mean more to him than just a game.

But... there were just as many reasons not to go.
He was a heartbreaker, notoriously unreliable, narcissistic, and even though the flowers were beautiful, a few pretty bouquets didn't make a man dependable. I had already allowed my feelings to cloud my judgment once. Should I really make the same mistake again? Yaten was still Yaten.
"You have to decide, Aino," I muttered to myself, as if my reflection in the vase's shiny surface would answer me.

Before I could think any further, a man in a black suit and a woman in a gray business outfit appeared at my desk. Both looked like they had no time or patience for small talk. Of course, I recognized them immediately—Seiya's 10 o'clock appointment.

"Good morning, you have a meeting with Mr. Kou?" I asked politely.

They nodded in perfect unison, like something out of a business etiquette textbook. I stood up, smoothed my dress, and led them to Seiya's office behind me.

"Mr. Kou, your 10 o'clock is here," I said professionally as I opened the door to his office and stepped aside so they could enter.

Seiya looked up briefly from his papers and gave a curt nod in greeting. I waited until they had both taken a seat before gently pulling the door shut behind me.

Back at my desk, I picked up the phone almost automatically and dialed a number I could enter in my sleep.

"Usa? It's me... can we meet during lunch break?" I asked without preamble.

"Sorry, no can do. I'm drowning in appointments. You're lucky you even caught me... but explain to me why you let Seiya come to see me this morning. Mamo opened the door, and I thought they were about to rip each other apart right there on the doorstep."

I swallowed. I hadn't considered that Mamoru might have spent the night at her place.

"Are they both still alive?" I asked sheepishly, trying to lighten the mood.

"Hmm... barely," she replied.

"Did you already talk to Seiya about everything?" I asked curiously, peeking cautiously past the curtain for a glimpse of him.

"Yes... no... ugh, I don't know. We're meeting again tonight..." she dodged the question.

Something was off. Her hesitation was obvious, as was the uncertain tone in her voice.

"Usa, what's going on? Tell me... As your best friend, I need to be prepared for any potential disasters. Are we heading toward champagne or more of a chocolate-and-tears situation?"

She exhaled audibly, and I could vividly picture her puzzled expression.

"I honestly don't know yet... I think I'll only find out tonight. But why did you want to meet?"

I swallowed hard. The lump in my throat was making it hard to breathe.

It sounded distant, but it was my own voice I heard saying:

"I think... I have a date with Yaten Kou tonight."

It sounded insane—even to my own ears—but apparently, I had made a decision without realizing it.

I heard a loud crash and was sure Usagi had just dropped her phone. Then came rustling and heavy breathing.

"Did I just hear that right? How did he pull that off? Or are you messing with me?" she shot back, clearly in disbelief.

I sighed and ran a tense hand through my hair.

"Seiya... he suggested it..." I murmured.

"You two are teaming up now?" she asked, her voice dripping with suspicion. And now that she mentioned it, it did sound like I was conspiring with him.

"No... it just sort of happened..." I tried to explain.

"Mina... I'm at my next client. I'll call you back later. We definitely need to talk more about this whole Kou brothers mess."

***

Seiya

The meeting had gone surprisingly well, and I managed to secure them as long-term clients. That was already a small victory that helped me relax emotionally. It would take some of the pressure off at work. Usagi's message that I could pick her up at 6 p.m. sent me into a second wave of joy. I had deliberately ignored Michiru's messages today. First, I wanted to sort things out with Usagi, then I'd deal with the rest.

When I left the office, Minako's desk was already deserted; only Haruka gave me a skeptical look as I politely said goodbye. I still couldn't figure her out or understand her behavior. But I didn't have the time or energy for that now—Usagi was surely already waiting for me.

As I turned the final corner, I saw her standing by the roadside. Alone and beautiful. I gently pulled into a parking spot and allowed myself a moment to take her in. She didn't seem to have noticed me yet; her gaze wandered along the stream of passing cars. I stepped out slowly and approached her—still no reaction.

"Well, sweetheart, are you already waiting for me?" I asked as I stood right behind her.

She spun around on her heel, unable to hide her excited smile. "Oh, there you are already..." she murmured softly. She gestured toward the park across the street. "Want to take a walk? Or did you have something else in mind?"

I nodded and offered her my arm like a proper gentleman. My heart skipped a beat when she actually accepted it. I took it as a good sign—that she allowed physical closeness.

As we walked, neither of us said anything at first, but the silence between us wasn't uncomfortable. On the contrary, it felt as though we were communicating without words, slowly drawing closer again.

After a few minutes, her hand began to wander along my arm until her fingers gently wrapped around mine. I stopped walking, reached for her other hand more boldly, and got lost in her blue eyes.

She didn't need to say anything—words were unnecessary at that point. Her gaze alone was enough for me to know she still belonged to me. That her heart still beat for me, just like mine for her.

"You have to talk to Michiru first... If we're really going to try this again, then let's do it properly. No secrets. No complications... and no baggage," she said quietly.

I took a deep breath. I knew she was right—I had to tell Chiru. Hesitantly, I brought my fingers to her cheek and gently stroked her soft skin.

"And will you talk to him too?" I asked just as quietly, because I hadn't forgotten the man from this morning. How could I? His message to me had been clear, even without words.

She didn't answer at first; several seconds passed before she slowly nodded.

"Do you love him?" I asked her now. That question had been on my mind all day. For my own sake, I needed an answer—after all, she had claimed that she did.

She leaned her head into my hand and closed her eyes, as if she wanted to feel my presence.

"Love is a hell of a big word... Mamo's just always been there these past few years. Even though we regularly fight like crazy, yes, he's important to me... And I do like him, in a way. But ever since you came back, everything's felt so much more intense. It's like you pulled me out of a fog of my own emotions."

The flutter in my stomach intensified. It was as if she had voiced exactly what I'd been feeling—because it was the same with Michiru. Yes, she mattered to me, and I did have feelings for her, but what I had with Usagi simply eclipsed everything else.

She was like a storm that had overwhelmed me—back then, and now again. There was no escaping what I felt for her.

Slowly, she opened her radiant eyes, fixing me with a look that held a clear invitation—one I was only too eager to accept.

I leaned down and sealed her lips with mine. Sealed the promise to start over with her—the way she truly deserved.