A Petal in the storm

The days passed with quiet tension, like threads slowly tightening between two hearts. Ayaka settled into her new role, growing sharper with each task, more confident with every completed project. Yet, each time she looked up and found Renji Kurozawa watching her, her breath caught.

It wasn’t like before. His gaze wasn’t cold anymore.

It was searching.

One morning, Renji called her into his office earlier than usual.

“I want you to attend a client dinner with me tonight,” he said without looking up from his computer.

Ayaka blinked. “Me, sir?”

“You’ve done the preparation for the pitch. You know it better than anyone.”

She hesitated. “I’ve never been to a dinner meeting before. I… I’m not sure I’ll know how to act.”

He finally looked at her. “I didn’t choose you to play a role. I chose you because I trust you to be yourself.”

Her heart fluttered in a way she hadn’t expected. She bowed quickly to hide the blush creeping up her neck.

“Yes, sir. I’ll do my best.”

---

Later that evening, Ayaka stood outside the luxury restaurant in a pale blue dress Minako had helped her borrow last-minute. Her long black hair was pinned half-up, small pearl earrings glinting gently under the city lights.

She looked like a woman out of a painting.

Renji’s car pulled up, and the door opened.

He stepped out, dressed in a sleek black suit, his sharp profile catching the fading light.

When his eyes landed on her, he paused.

“Ayaka,” he said after a moment, “you look… different.”

She smiled nervously. “I hope that’s a good thing.”

He offered his arm.

“It is.”

She hesitated—then accepted it.

---

The dinner went smoothly. Ayaka spoke when needed, listened when necessary, and even impressed the client with a few thoughtful insights. Renji didn’t say much, but he watched her every move with quiet pride.

On the ride home, the car was silent for a while.

Then Renji spoke.

“You handled yourself well.”

“Thank you,” she said softly. “It was… less scary than I thought.”

He turned to look at her. “You’re braver than you think, Ayaka.”

She met his gaze—and for a moment, the air between them stilled.

But just then, her phone buzzed.

She glanced down—and her stomach dropped.

Kaito: Bring 500,000 yen. Now. Or I’ll tell them what you’ve been hiding.

Her fingers trembled.

Renji noticed. “Is something wrong?”

She forced a smile. “No. Just… family trouble.”

He didn’t press, but his gaze darkened slightly.

When they arrived at her apartment, she bowed deeply. “Thank you for tonight. I’m truly grateful.”

As she turned to leave, he spoke quietly.

“If you ever need help… ask me.”

She paused—then nodded once, eyes shining with unshed tears.

She didn’t want to cry in front of him.

---

An hour later, Ayaka stood in a shadowed alley behind a seedy bar, clutching an envelope of cash. Kaito stumbled out of the building, eyes bloodshot, reeking of alcohol.

“Well, look who came running,” he slurred, snatching the envelope. “Knew you’d cave.”

“You promised this was the last time,” Ayaka said, her voice shaking.

“Sure, sure. Whatever makes you sleep at night.”

She stared at him. “Why do you do this to me?”

“Because you’re stupid enough to let me.”

She slapped him.

The sound cracked through the air.

Kaito stared at her in stunned silence.

“I’m done protecting you,” Ayaka said, tears sliding down her cheeks. “If you want to destroy yourself, do it alone.”

She turned to leave—only to stop short.

Renji was standing at the alley’s edge.

Watching.