The next morning, Hayato stood in his father's bright, spacious office, determination written on his face. He knew what he was about to say would change the course of the family's business.
"Dad, I'm sorry, but I can't marry Karina," he said firmly. "She likes me—I know that. And I also know she's been using the business partnership as a way to push for marriage."
Mr. Katagiri's eyes narrowed slightly, his expression unreadable as he absorbed the words. After a long pause, he leaned back in his chair and let out a slow sigh.
"I figured as much," he said, not unkindly. "But rejecting her won't come without consequences. Her father won't be happy."
Hayato nodded, his jaw tense. "I'm prepared for that. But we can't keep letting the Matsuda Group hold leverage over us. I want us to strengthen the company on our own terms—no strings attached."
His father studied him for a moment longer, then leaned forward with a glint of interest in his eyes. "Alright," he said quietly. "Tell me your plan."
Hayato stood tall, confidence in his voice as he explained his idea. "We've led the cosmetics and skincare market, but it's time to grow. I want to launch our own luxury perfume line—something that can compete globally. I started researching while I was in the U.S., and with the right team, we can develop a signature scent in three months."
Mr. Katagiri raised an eyebrow, tapping his fingers on the desk. "Perfume?" he said, sounding unsure but intrigued. "Why that?"
Hayato paused briefly before answering. "It's a new space for us," he said calmly. "Our brand is already strong in beauty. Fragrance is the next natural step. A signature scent can refresh our image and set us apart."
His father nodded slowly, thinking it over. "You've clearly put a lot of thought into this," he said, his voice thoughtful.
Hayato didn't say anything more—he just waited, his expression unreadable, for his father's decision.
The truth was, this perfume idea wasn't just a smart business move—it was deeply personal. Hayato had always believed that scent could hold memories, feelings that words couldn't capture. And for the past ten years, one scent had stayed with him—soft, delicate, unforgettable.
The faint fragrance of white lilies- the scent memories of Chiaki.
He remembered how it clung to her sweaters, how it lingered on the pages of books she used to lend him, how it followed her when she walked past. Even after all this time, that scent lived clearly in his memory. Maybe that's why, when he first started working on fragrance development in America, he found himself chasing that familiar scent—without even realizing it.
Now, this project wasn't just about business. It was about holding on to something precious. Something he'd lost.
"I'll give you three months," Mr. Katagiri said, leaning back in his chair. "Gather your team and make it happen."
Hayato let out a breath, relief washing over him. "Thank you, Dad," he said, his voice calm but full of meaning.
Just then, a knock came at the door. A secretary stepped in. "Sir, Miss Chiaki is here for her meeting," she announced, with a curious glance.
Hayato froze, his heart skipping.
"Let her in," Mr. Katagiri said, gesturing toward the door.
Chiaki stepped inside, pausing briefly when she saw Hayato. It was clear she hadn't expected him there. But she quickly composed herself, turning to Mr. Katagiri with a polite smile.
"Mr. Katagiri, I came to tell you personally—I've decided to resign," she said, her voice calm but heavy, and Hayato's breath caught in his throat.
"What?" Hayato's voice cut through the air, sharp and full of disbelief. His calm slipped as he stared at her. Mr. Katagiri looked just as surprised, leaning forward with concern. "Why, Chiaki? Is something wrong?"
Chiaki's expression softened, her eyes steady but sad. "I've been living alone in the city for years. I think it's time to go back home and be with my mother."
The room fell silent. Her words hung heavy in the air.
Mr. Katagiri's face softened, though his tone showed hesitation. "Before you go, I have a request. Hayato is forming a new project team. Would you consider staying for three more months to help him?"
Chiaki glanced at Hayato, her face unreadable. She hesitated. "Three months…" she repeated softly, her thoughts racing.
"Take your time," Mr. Katagiri said gently. "Let Hayato know your decision by tomorrow."
As Chiaki and Hayato walked out of the office together, silence settled between them—thick with unspoken feelings. She could feel his gaze, but she kept her eyes ahead, her mind spinning.
Should she stay? Could she handle being near him again for three more months, knowing she'd have to leave when it was over? The thought made her chest tighten.
For Hayato, the silence was just as heavy. His mind was full of regrets and what-ifs. But one thing was clear—these next three months would change everything. One way or another.
The elevator doors opened with a quiet chime, and as Chiaki and Hayato stepped in, they both reached for the button at the same time. Their fingers brushed—just a quick, accidental touch—but it sent a jolt through Chiaki. She flinched slightly and pulled her hand back as if she'd been shocked.
Hayato noticed. His sharp gaze caught the small reaction, but he said nothing. His face stayed unreadable as he pressed the button himself.
The silence that followed was thick, heavy with things left unsaid. Chiaki's heart pounded, her mind racing for something to say to break the tension.
She cleared her throat gently. "I think the perfume project is a great idea," she said. Her voice was steady, but a small tremble hinted at the emotions she was trying to hold back.
Hayato turned to her, moving closer—too close. Chiaki instinctively leaned back against the elevator wall, her breath catching as his intense gaze met hers.
"I hope you'll join my team," he said softly, his voice low and serious. "I'll wait for your answer."
The words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken meaning. For a moment, it felt like time stood still.
Then the elevator chimed, the doors sliding open and breaking the moment. Without saying anything else, Hayato stepped out, leaving her behind.
Chiaki stayed frozen, her heart racing and her mind spinning. His presence still lingered in the small space, and as the elevator began to move again, she felt a strange mix of relief—and longing.
The rest of the afternoon, Chiaki couldn't focus. Her thoughts spun in circles, torn between two voices. One urged her to walk away now, to protect herself before she got hurt again. She had spent years building walls, convincing herself she didn't need Hayato, or the memories tied to him.
But the other voice, quieter yet more tempting, urged her to stay. To be near him again, even if just for a little while. The idea of working with him, of being by his side, was both thrilling and frightening. It felt like a chance to face the past—to finally deal with the feelings she had pushed away for so long.
But it was also a risk.
A risk of reopening wounds she had tried so hard to heal. Of falling for him all over again, only to be left with nothing when it ended.
The weight of it all pressed on her chest, heavy and tight. Could she handle staying, knowing she'd have to let go in the end? Or would these three months give her the closure she needed?