Chapter 9 – Unseen Shadows
The city lights blurred past as Mitsuri leaned against the car window, her head still buzzing with thoughts of Natsuki. She caught herself smiling and quickly shook her head, cheeks warming. What's wrong with me? He's just… my bodyguard. That's all.
But her heart wasn't buying it.
Meanwhile, Natsuki walked her up to the gate of her estate. He lingered for a moment, one hand shoved in his pocket, the other carrying her last bag.
Mitsuri tilted her head.
Mitsuri: "You're not coming inside?"
Natsuki: "Nah. My job's to make sure you're safe out here. Once you're home, you're fine."
Mitsuri: (softly) "You always keep your distance."
Natsuki: "That's the point. If I get too close, I might forget it's just a job."
Their eyes met. For a heartbeat, silence hung heavy between them. Then Mitsuri quickly looked away, clutching her bag.
Mitsuri: "Goodnight, Natsuki."
Natsuki: "Night."
He turned and left, but every step felt heavier.
---
Elsewhere – The Gathering
In a smoky, dimly lit warehouse, Hoshino sat with bandages wrapped around his knuckles, fresh from his victory over Jax. Around him, men whispered his name with respect and fear. But his eyes were sharp, focused on a single thought.
Hoshino: "Natsuki… enjoying your little rich-girl fantasy? That life isn't yours to have."
A man stepped forward, smirking.
Gang Member: "Boss, you want us to grab her? That'll drag him out quick."
Hoshino clenched his fist, cracking the bandages.
Hoshino: "Not yet. She's bait. I want Natsuki to come to me on his own."
The gang erupted in laughter, the sound echoing through the steel beams of the warehouse.
---
The Next Morning
Mitsuri sat at her vanity, brushing her hair. The morning sun filtered through lace curtains, but instead of peace, a strange unease lingered in her chest. She picked up her phone, thumb hovering over Natsuki's contact. Should she call him? She bit her lip, hesitating.
Suddenly, a message buzzed on her screen.
Unknown Number:
"You don't know me, but Natsuki does. Stay away from him if you value your life."
Her hand trembled.
Mitsuri (thinking): What… what is this?
---
Natsuki's Side
Natsuki leaned against a rusted railing on the rooftop of his rundown apartment building, smoking quietly, when his phone rang. It was Mitsuri.
Natsuki: "Yo, princess. Miss me already?"
But instead of teasing, her voice was shaken.
Mitsuri: "Natsuki… someone sent me a message. They said—"
Before she could finish, Natsuki's expression hardened. His voice dropped.
Natsuki: "Don't read it to me. Just tell me—are you safe right now?"
Mitsuri: "Y-Yes, I'm home. But—"
Natsuki: "Good. Stay there. Lock your doors. I'll handle this."
As the call ended, Natsuki crushed the cigarette under his heel, eyes narrowing. He already knew who it was.
Natsuki (to himself): "Hoshino… you bastard."
---
That night, fate would bring them closer together—but also closer to danger.
Chapter 9 ends.