...Introduction...

...In a field of tall grass, the smell of nature fills the air, while the wind blows her hair swiftly, in the serenity of the place called Hokkaido lived the gentle soul who loves simple pleasures in life. At the sun falls spending her days studying,, and her evening lost in the world of her paintings a 19-year-old student named Yoonah Kazumi. She gently brushed her hair into her ear as she looked slowly at the sunset but beneath her serene appearance lay a secret that could shake the very foundations of her peaceful existence....

...Yoonah was the daughter of a dangerous mafia boss in the Tokyo effect known to be few. To her grandparents and the locals of the small town, she was just Yoonah the kind hearted girl who loved to paint and had a fondness for sweet and spicy foods. Her favorite indulgence was a battle of mogu-mogu, sipped slowly as she let her brush dance across the canvas smiling her problems away....

...Across the peaceful countryside, bustling cars with flashing neon lights. People running and being busy on their phones. The center of Japan is the city of Tokyo where Elijiah Raizen lived. Known for her flashy styles and the air of mystery that surrounded her, Elijiah was known at her university. She attracted attention with her short, messy-cleaned hair and love of music-making and instrument playing. She would often go out on her own without telling her father. Going into an unknown place just to share her music. But her father finds ways to bring her back. Nothing she can do about it since her father is more powerful than her. Despite being known for her richness and people flocking to her every time. Elijiah still finds solace in a quiet place where she can let her thoughts wander and find her inspirations for her own melody....

...Yoonah and Elijiah had no idea that their lives were about to entwine in ways they could never have predicted. They had never met, but their fathers-both powerful individuals in the underworld-had been friends for years....

...At last, their paths came together on a chilly December day. Two hearts crossed paths. Yoonah had ventured into the city for her father's wishes for her to come. In her new life in Tokyo hoping she will find inspiration from the bustling streets and vibrant colors. Elijiah, on the other hand, had escaped the chaos which the students were rumbling and wanted to get closer to her, she found herself in a music room playing a sweet melody. The soft gentle strumming music leads Yoonah's curiosity to find the very quiet room with nothing but music. Where Elijiah sat, a guitar resting against the booth beside her. Their eyes met across the room, and at that moment, something shifted. It was as if the universe had orchestrated this meeting, bringing together two souls destined to collide....

...They were both strangers on the verge of something new, so their first talk was uneasy and hesitant. But as they spoke and exchanged dreams and tales, they found a bond that was indescribable. Yoonah discovered Elijiah's love of music and how she put her entire heart into every tune she composed. Elijiah, on the other hand, was astounded by Yoonah's artistic ability and the fact that a single brush stroke could convey so many different feelings....

...Their relationship became closer as the days went into weeks and the weeks into months. They explored the city and the countryside for hours on end, becoming closer to one another with every passing second. Elijiah was first given a crafted flower by Yoonah, and the two of them would often lose themselves in the world of colors and forms throughout the afternoons. Yoonah loved hearing Elijiah playing her a song with each note she strums she could feel her emotions, and their art blended together harmoniously....

...However, despite the beauty of their developing bond, a threat loomed nearby. The truth about their fathers' identities, the fact that they were both daughters of mafia bosses, threatened to tear them apart. It was a forbidden love, a dangerous dance they were waltzing upon....

...However, as they say, love knows no boundaries. And so Yoonah and Elijiah got the courage to go against the expectations that were put on them, even in the midst of whispers of forbidden melodies. They were aware that the path ahead would not be simple and that difficulties would put their determination to the test. Nevertheless, they were convinced of one thing as they stood hand in hand, facing the unknown ahead...

...'Their love was worth fighting for'...

...— • Chapter One • —...

...Going back...Home?...

It was a peaceful evening at the Kazumi household. Yoonah's grandmother allowed her to draw on the empty wall in their yard. However, as she was about to paint another layer, she got distracted by a phone call. She sighed and looked at her phone. Her hand began to tremble as she set down her paintbrush and reached for the phone. She swiped to answer, still feeling the slight tremble in her hand. A quick "Hello?" she stated, her voice carrying a hint of uncertainty.

"Yoonah? It's me…" A calm deep voice on the other end of the line. Despite years having passed without talking to him, she still recognized his voice. She paused for a minute and spoke

"Dad," Yoonah's tone was calm even though she was frightened with a mix of curiosity. She hadn't heard from her father since she left Tokyo 5 years ago. His sudden call sent a shiver down her spine, stirring memories she had long tried to bury.

"I need you to come home, yoonah". Her father's voice was stern, and commanding, leaving no room for argument.

Home? The word echoed in Yoonah's mind, ever since she left, her childhood home held memories both cherished and tainted. Memories of laughter and warmth, but also secrecy and fear. Yes, her home was not here to begin with, her old so-called home was back in the City. She set aside those fuzzy memories.

"What's wrong?" Yoonah asked, her voice barely above a whisper, though she already feared the answer.

"There's a gathering tonight, an important one," he explained. "I need you to be there. It's time you met some of our associates."

Associates he said more like another plan to destroy more innocent lives. She thought. Yoonah knew if she argued with her father, he would go berserk.

"Of course, Dad," she replied, her voice steady despite the turmoil within her.

"I'll be there." No words left in his mouth but the only thing he said was "I'll send a car for you. Be ready." his tone satisfied. With that, the line went dead, leaving Yoonah staring at her reflection in the blank wall before her. She took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions raging inside her. She stood up looking at the scenery.

 "I'll be back here, I need to settle some family business first..."

At night strikes, Yoonah hugged her grandmother and her grandfather to bid farewell. "Don't hesitate to slap your father, okay?" Yoonah chuckled at her Grandmother's statement

 "Dear, be-careful and if you need anything you have your grandpa's credit card." She winked and yoonah just nodded, while her grandfather was confused

"Listen yoonie. If You want some fresh air to calm your mind.... You are always welcome here." Her grandpa said and patted her head.

"Miss, we have to go…. Boss orders."

Yoonah gave them one last hug and headed to a black car. The driver closed the car door as he bowed to them. It was a long night, yoonah was scared of going back but whatever happened, she still put up a courageous face.

^^^ _^^^

Meanwhile, Elijiah was busy on looking around. She was planning to sneak out again, but before she left a small tone appeared behind her back.

 "Are you going now sorella? Can I come! Can I? You always never let me come with you. Please let me come with you sorella!" Ryhs Matthew Raizen, the youngest of the Raizen family, is a cute jolly boy who always loved his elder sister. It was past her bedtime still awake. Elijiah smiled and carried her brother to his bedroom.

"Maybe one day, I'll let you come with me… For now, you need to sleep alright?" Rm pouted as he just went to bed

 "Sorry lil bro. I'll make it up to you. I promise." Rm looked at her sister

"Promise?" Elijiah smiled and hugged him

"I promise, don't tell papa and mama, okay?" Rm nods as he falls asleep, now it's time for the hardest part, 'How the f*ck am I going to get out? Did papa hire some more guards?'

Elijiah sighs as she takes her guitar making sure she has never been caught. She climbed the wall in their garden so no one would ever see her.

 "Easy," she smirked as she opened a secret door at a small house at the back, revealing her big bike. As elijiah take a last look around as she drove towards a bustling city.

She drove in the alleyway, A secret door with a big black man standing in front.

"Name?" He said "Raizen." As she said her last name the guy quickly opened the door and bowed against her.

"Thanks men, here's your tip" she handed him a couple of bucks as the guy continually bowed.

Her so-called friends showed up and patted her back "Eyy!! EliYouh! you came glad you're here." One of her band members said, Elijiah smiled as she patted her mates

"Let's prep!" Her band consists of 4 members. Elijiah is the vocalist and guitarist of the band, "1! 2! 3!" A loud bang and music surrounding the bar as people started to go front. Elijiah had a good time as she sang her heart out.

Meanwhile, Yoonah had woken up from her slumber as she arrived in Tokyo. A big gate opens as they drive into a big mansion. Yoonah had arrived as a resident of Hiroshi Kazumi. Yoonah's father, as she stepped outside the car she was greeted by maids and butlers as well as the guards. They all bow down their heads as a big man shows up as he is heading towards yoonah.

"Welcome back. Yoonah Kazumi, My beloved daughter has returned." All of them greeted her. The feeling of being in the dark once more, Yoonah is sure not fond of coming back to her home.

At the bar the last song was played. Elijiah bowed at the crowds as she gave her signature last strum. Ladies were still yelling going crazy, "Jeez stop hovering with my fan girls elijiah!!!" Agatha, who is the pianist of the group, yelled at her while she just chuckled at her friend's statement as her watch went on

"I'm going back home, It was fun. Do we have a gig tomorrow?" Elijiah asked as she packed her guitar.

"Sorry guys. I have an exam tomorrow" Matteo said. He is the drummer of the band.

 "Eww who does go to school? Yack." Vincent the Base guy stated with a vomiting expression, A slap in the head was heard. Agatha and Vincent yet again fought

"Alright, see you guys at school tomorrow" She left the bar and went straight back home.

^^^ _^^^

As she arrived, elijiah quietly walked towards upstairs. "Elijiah Raizen..... Where have you been?" She Holt as she turned her back there; her father was right against the couch sitting and looking at the empty hallway.

"Give me your guitar now" Elijiah didn't hesitate to bring her guitar to her father's hand as he smashed the guitar in front of her, she just stared at the broken guitar.

"You better be in your best behavior tomorrow. We are going to meet with my old friend. And you should be there." Her father stood up and looked at her

"As the rightful hire on the Raizen Clan. You better show some toughness and pride" He walked out leaving Elijiah behind. She cleaned the mess that he made. This is not the first time her father did this to her. A lot of broken instruments she faced.

She walked towards her room as she locked herself once more. Punching the wall with anger as a tear fell down to her eye, she went to her bed. Her bed was not just an ordinary bed. But it had a hidden compartment, it was a guitar and an old one but still kept clean. She lay down on her bed and began to strum as she poured her heart out.

As Yoonah was lying on her old bed. She hugged herself to sleep letting the tears flow on their own.

...Whatever happens tomorrow, will they ever intertwine with their strings?...

...— • Chapter Two • —...

...Scent of addiction...

The sun rises as Yoonah is still asleep when she hears the door knocked twice she is awake from her slumber. "Miss Yoonah, may I come in?" Yoonah sat as she agreed to let her in. A box with soft colored wrapped and a red bow was handed to her. The maid bowed as she said,

 "Sir Hiroshi asked me to give you this Miss, this will be your dress for the party later..." Yoonah grabbed the box and thanked her

 "And your breakfast is already served, would you like me to send your food miss?" Yoonah just waved no to her

 "No, no need for that. I'll go to the dining room. Thank you again" The maid just smiled at her, she bowed and left the room. Yoonah looked at the box once again and rolled her eyes. "I have lost my appetite"

With a sigh, Yoonah gazed at the box resting on her bed. Her stomach wrenched at the idea of going to her father's gathering. She knew this was no ordinary gathering but rather an act of power and dominance over the world where her father ruled. Putting up an act and being someone she was not frightened of. Yoonah slowly opened the beautiful box unveiling an elegant silky black dress, She couldn't deny its beauty. But the idea of putting on such a lavish dress is like putting on a mask to cover her whole being. She hesitated, her fingers brushing the soft fabric.

 "Is this who I have to be tonight?" She whispered to herself. Her head was filled with flashbacks of her previous life in Tokyo. The expensive parties, the forced smiles, and the deadly undercurrents constantly lurked beneath the surface.

Yoonah recalled the pressure to fit in and appear like the ideal mafia boss's daughter. However, she had left that world behind and embraced solace and comfort in Hokkaido's serene countryside. And yet here she was, drawn once more into her father's web. She was aware that refusing his request would not be an option. Yoonah let out a dejected sigh and began getting dressed in her normal simple clothing, as she glanced in the mirror.

This is me, gazing at herself smiling at the clothes she picked. Moving toward the large dining room as you go down the stairs. Hiroshi Kazumi was sitting at the end of the table. He gives her daughter a look and gestures for her to approach him. She obeys and takes a seat close to him. The mood is serious and uncomfortable; likely, no one spoke at all. Yoonah broke the silence by asking her father a question.

 "Can I still pursue my studies?" and set down her spoon as she stared at her meal. Her father was still at his calm face.

"I don't see why not... It's better to enhance your knowledge." He uttered, Yoonah smiled and thanked his father.

 "But on one condition, I'll be the one picking a University fit for you... My old friend had a daughter at Sovereign University. I thought maybe you both could get along since our family and hers are allies." Yoonah just nodded, she couldn't complain about her father's words. All she could do was agree with him.

Meanwhile, in the other part of Tokyo. Elijiah was woken up by the sound of her alarm clock. She turned off her alarm as she got up, glancing around her dim room. Everything seemed suffocating the broken guitar, her father's harsh remarks, the upcoming meeting with his old friend. Rubbing her eyes tiredly, she tried to ignore the feeling of despair that began to overwhelm her. With a heavy heart, she got ready for today.

Choosing her outfit was simple, and it was comfortable for her. As she headed towards their dining area, her little brother ran up to her.

"Buongiorno sorella!! Our capocuoco have made our food! It's delizioso!" Rm said as he jumped around guiding her older sister towards her seat.

"Veramente? Can I have some? Nutrimi" Elijiah chuckled as she said and opened her mouth, making Rm feed her.

 "Elijiah, Rhys. Mamma will go now! And my little boy your father will bring you to your school and also Elijiah drive slowly okay?" She kissed their foreheads as both of them uttered

"Yes Mamma!" As their mother waved them goodbye. Elijiah finished her breakfast as she also bid farewell to her little brother.

^^^_^^^

 At the Kazumi residence, Yoonah was in the banquet hall eyeing the decorations. "Is it not your liking Miss?" One of the butlers said,

 "No no no, It's beautiful." Yoonah responded with a polite smile, though her mind was elsewhere. She couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in her stomach, knowing what awaited her at her father's gathering. The luxurious decorations and lavish displays only served to highlight the dark reality of her father's realm.

At the Sovereign University, in the meantime. She was too sluggish to attend even a single lesson even though the class had already begun. Elijiah closed her eyes as she lay down on the rooftop, enjoying the fresh breeze and silence. However, a voice that irritates Elijiah breaks the silence.

"Well, well, well... Look who's here, supposedly the best student who skipped class. Are you really a role model to this university? Pfft - pathetic" The annoying voice came from the only rival of elijiah, She sighed deeply, recognizing the voice of Margareth's, her rival. Margareth was known for her sharp tongue and relentless competitiveness. With a roll of her eyes, Elijiah slowly sat up, facing her with a calm expression.

 "Marga" Elijiah said, her voice laced with a hint of amusement and annoyance.

"Always a pleasure to see you too." She leaned back on her elbows, unfazed by Margareth's taunts.

"Skipping class doesn't make me any less of a student, you know. Sometimes a break from boredom is necessary for creativity." Margareth rolled her eyes and sneered, her gaze turning furious.

"Let's see, within two months there will be a competition. Let's see the battle of the bands who will win the music throne... My band and I will crush your team, down." She said raising her voice, Elijiah just calmly looked at the view of their school. With a quiet chuckle, Elijiah kept her eyes focused on the distance.

"Oh, it's a challenge, is it? How thrilling," she said, sarcastically. She was well aware of Margareth's competitive mind, and the idea of a band competition only fueled her desire. Elijiah smirked confidently and stated,

"As much as I enjoy our little chats, Marga, I'll let our music do the talking."

"May the best band win."

Margareth grumbled at Elijiah, her eyes narrowing as her sneer became deeper. "Don't get too comfortable, Raizen. You may have some talent, but talent alone won't win you this competition." Margareth's arrogance didn't bother Elijiah, she just shrugged. She said confidently,

"We'll see about that," her mind is already buzzing with thoughts for their performance. Margareth stormed out with that, leaving Elijiah on the roof alone once more. She sighed with relief, happy that the confrontation was over. She closed her eyes and let the soft wind caress her, the sound of her guitar being strung familiarly echoing in her head.

Night falls as daylight fades. The residences of the Kazumi family, Maids, and butlers go back and forth because the guests are showing up. Some lavish expensive cars lined up in the driveway as people began gathering in the banquet area. Their exquisite dress and polished manner provide an eye-catching contrast to the tranquil environment.

The sound of soothing music drifting through the air was mixed with the sounds of whispered discussions and laughter and the sound of two glasses clinking together with some people faking a smile showing off their expensive jewelry. As the crowd kept talking. The large door opened revealing the Raizen Family, catching every eye in the room and people started to whisper again. Enrique Raizen shows a proud look as he and his family walk towards his dear old friend Hiroshi. They greet each other with a formal handshake.

 "I've noticed your elder daughter is not with you?" Hiroshi stated to his friend "She will come soon"

In Yoonah's room, she was sitting in front of her mirror in the gentle glow of the vanity lights, with a hustle of activity all around her. When applying cosmetics and adjusting her clothes, the maids walked about her with taught accuracy, their soft hands caressing her flesh. Yoonah's cheeks were given a shade of pink by a maid who lightly brushed at her. The other carefully applied eyeliner to highlight the almond shape of her eyes…

 Feeling removed from the glittering being staring back at her, Yoonah observed their actions as they reflected in the mirror. As the maids worked, Yoonah's mind wandered, her thoughts consumed by the events that awaited her downstairs. She felt like a puppet on strings, being dressed up and paraded around for the amusement of her father's guests. But amidst the chaos of her thoughts, a sense of determination flickered within her.

She straightened her posture, meeting her reflection with steely resolve. This may not be the life she had chosen, but she refused to let it define her. With each stroke of the makeup brush and each adjustment of her dress, she felt herself growing stronger, and more resilient in the face of adversity.

The maids worked in silence, their movements synchronized as they transformed Yoonah into a picture of elegance and poise. As the final touches were applied, Yoonah's gaze lingered on her reflection, taking in the sight of the woman she had become.

She came from a world of lies and evil, but for the time being she was a light of hope, an image of bravery and resilience. Yoonah got up from her seat, ready to take on any trials that were ahead, her head held high and her heart full of determination. The maids trailed behind her as she went down the stairs.

 They went down into the banquet hall. As the door began to open lights flashed before her eyes. "The rightful heir of the Kazumi Clan, Yoonah Kazumi. We welcome you for your return." As people clapped, Yoonah's father smiled as people looked at her with her pure beauty. Meanwhile, Elijiah was driving fast as she talked on the phone with her father

"You better be here Elijiah" Her father stated as she sighed "I'm already here." She stopped in a huge mansion looking around to park her vehicle.

Elijiah quickly goes inside, spotting her younger brother sitting on the table along with her mother and father. Luckily her clothes were already prepared by the maids. A dark brown suit that fit her well, her mother smiled as her father just kept talking to his friend. "You are late sorella..." RM pouted as Elijiah squeezed his cheeks "Sorry lil bro, there's traffic."

They talked for a bit as Elijiah wandered around as she began to get tired, "Sorella..." said Rm tugging her shirt

 "Hmmm? what is it, lil bro?" She questioned as she looked worried when he was squeezing his stomach,

"I wanna pee."

Elijiah laughed as she stood up "Come on let's find the restroom." She held her hand as Rm held it, and they looked around finding the restroom. In the meantime, Yoonah was getting bored. She wanted to go outside in the garden, so she quietly went out.

^^^_^^^

"Here it is the restroom," Elijiah said, "Stay here sorella, I can do it by myself."

 "Okay then, call me if you need help alright?" Rm nods as he closes the restroom door. She looked at her phone and began strolling. Yoonah ran towards the hallway she spotted a girl but didn't bother it when she was close to her.

A scent she smelled. A sweet warm vanilla fragrance lingering her nose, As elijiah looked at her. As Yoonah quickly ran off but Elijiah kept looking at the girl with silky white hair it seemed like a ghost she thought. Rubbing her eyes as she looked back again. No one was there, and her whole body trembled "what was that!?"

Yoonah was at the garden at last, sitting near the water fountain. Thinking of that girl with a sweet, scent. As she looked back towards where she came from, remembered the fragrance.

^^^"Who could that be.. Hmmm"^^^