Chapter 11 – Promises in the Dark
The morning sun poured through the curtains, painting the living room in soft light. Mitsuri stirred awake, the blanket slipping from her shoulders. For a moment, she forgot about the message, the danger—everything—until her eyes landed on him.
Natsuki sat near the window, arms crossed, head tilted back against the wall. He hadn't left. He hadn't even slept.
Mitsuri: "You stayed here all night?"
Natsuki: "Somebody had to keep watch."
She smiled faintly, but her gaze dropped to his hand. No cigarette. For once, he wasn't smoking.
Mitsuri: "That's new. Did you run out?"
Natsuki: (smirks) "Nah. Figured I didn't need it."
Mitsuri: "Really? I thought you couldn't survive without those."
Natsuki: "I guess you're better company than smoke."
Her cheeks warmed, and she quickly looked away, but the words lingered in her chest, fluttering like wings.
---
Breakfast Together
Mitsuri insisted on cooking something simple. While she moved around the kitchen, Natsuki leaned against the counter, watching her with a half-smile. She wasn't graceful like the maids, but there was something real about the way she clumsily cracked eggs, humming under her breath.
Natsuki: "You know, for someone who looks high-class, you're kinda normal."
Mitsuri: "Is that… supposed to be a compliment?"
Natsuki: "The best kind."
She laughed softly. For once, the mansion didn't feel so empty.
---
Meanwhile – Trouble Brewing
In the warehouse, Hoshino slammed his fist against a table, the wood splintering beneath his strength.
Hoshino: "He's getting too comfortable. Guarding her like he belongs there."
A subordinate stepped forward cautiously.
Gang Member: "Boss, do you want us to make a move?"
Hoshino: "Not yet. But soon. If Mitsuri means anything to him, she'll be the perfect chain around his neck."
His eyes burned with violent intent.
---
Back at the Estate
After breakfast, Mitsuri sat on the porch, sipping tea. Natsuki leaned against the railing nearby, eyes scanning the street as always.
Mitsuri: "You never relax, do you?"
Natsuki: "Not my style."
Mitsuri: "Then… can you at least promise me one thing?"
Natsuki: "Depends. What is it?"
She set her cup down, meeting his gaze.
Mitsuri: "No more smoking. Not when you're around me."
For a moment, he was silent, then he chuckled.
Natsuki: "You're bossier than I thought."
Mitsuri: "Promise me."
Their eyes locked. Finally, Natsuki nodded.
Natsuki: "Alright. I promise."
It was a small thing, but Mitsuri's smile told him it mattered more than he realized.
---
The Shadow Approaches
As the day wound down, a black car slowly rolled to a stop outside the gates of the estate. The tinted windows hid the faces inside, but the presence was unmistakable.
Mitsuri didn't notice it. But Natsuki did. His eyes sharpened, hand instinctively going to the knife tucked under his jacket.
Natsuki (thinking): It's starting.
The calm days were over.
Chapter 11 ends.