Morning came.
When Kiyotaka woke up, Yuzuki was no longer in bed.
He stepped out of the room and found her cooking in the kitchen.
However, whenever Kiyotaka moved closer, Yuzuki subtly stepped away.
Kiyotaka tried again.
The result was the same.
Eventually, he sat down in the living room.
Did I do something wrong…?
During breakfast, the atmosphere felt painfully awkward.
Neither of them said a single word.
After eating, Yuzuki immediately went to take a shower.
Inside the bathroom, she stared at her reflection in the mirror.
Why can’t I say anything…?
Even though he’s the person who…
She stopped herself before finishing the thought.
Outside, Kiyotaka was washing the dishes.
Why can’t I talk either…?
Is it because she’s still acting distant…?
Afterward, Kiyotaka took a shower and got ready.
Today, they had planned to go to the mall together.
But then—
Ding dong.
The doorbell rang.
Kiyotaka opened the door slightly—
Then immediately closed it again.
Several suspicious people were standing outside.
“Yuzuki, call the police,” Kiyotaka quickly said.
But a voice came from outside.
“We only want to check on Yuzuki.”
Kiyotaka answered firmly,
“She’s fine. Leave.”
“Then we’ll ask her ourselves.”
Kiyotaka peeked through the peephole.
An elderly man was standing there.
He froze.
…That voice…
It was—
Yuzuki’s grandfather and grandmother.
They entered and sat down in the living room.
Yuzuki served them calmly, although her expression was tense.
Without wasting any time, her grandfather spoke.
“We want you two to break up.”
The atmosphere instantly froze.
“You’re not compatible.”
Yuzuki immediately grabbed Kiyotaka’s arm tightly.
However, her grandfather smiled mockingly.
“Kiyotaka… hearing the word break up alone is enough to make you look weak.”
Kiyotaka fell silent.
The wounds of his past began resurfacing.
Suddenly, the door opened.
Someone walked in.
Sosuke Aizen.
Yuzuki immediately froze.
Her breathing became heavy.
Her body trembled as she clung even tighter to Kiyotaka.
Kiyotaka looked at the man in confusion.
“…Who is he?”
But to Yuzuki—
This man was a part of the darkest chapter of her past.
Aizen smiled faintly.
“So… this is the girl?”
Yuzuki’s grandfather pointed at her.
“Yes. Her.”
“And that boy?” Aizen asked.
“Her boyfriend. But he’s not worthy.”
Kiyotaka finally spoke.
“Why… are you doing this?”
Yuzuki didn’t answer.
She simply lowered her head.
Aizen seemed interested.
He quickly agreed with the arranged-marriage proposal.
Soon, his parents arrived and joined the discussion.
The situation only grew worse.
Yuzuki secretly helped him pack his belongings.
However—
Kiyotaka already had a plan.
Just before leaving, he opened a suitcase—
And Yuzuki climbed inside.
“Will this be enough?” Yuzuki whispered.
“Relax. I’ve already prepared everything,” Kiyotaka replied.
The plan began.
Without anyone suspecting a thing.
After arriving home, Kiyotaka immediately informed his parents.
Not long afterward, a large family meeting was arranged.
However, Kiyotaka’s parents and Yuzuki’s parents quietly left early.
They had already begun moving from behind the scenes.
Meanwhile, the atmosphere at Yuzuki’s house became increasingly tense.
Her grandfather started growing suspicious.
Kiyotaka’s father was almost caught while retrieving something important.
He quickly called Kiyotaka.
“Give up… this won’t be easy for you.”
He explained that a large family meeting would be held that night.
“There… everything will be decided.”
The call ended.
Kiyotaka smiled faintly.
Like someone preparing for battle.
“I see… so this is the adults’ game.”
Yuzuki climbed out of the suitcase.
“Is your strategy… ready?”
Kiyotaka nodded.
“So… our trip to the mall is canceled?” Yuzuki asked quietly.
Kiyotaka stepped closer and wrapped his arms around her.
“Sorry.”
He gave a small smile.
“But once this is over… I promise we’ll go together.”
Yuzuki nodded.
The two looked into each other’s eyes.
Their fight—
Had only just begun.