Chapter 3 - Chapter 3: The Phone Call That Changed My Life

🕒 [Evening | Wakayama Streets]

The sun was slowly drowning behind the mountains as Kuje (Haruka Kuzo) lazily walked towards home, his hands buried deep in his pockets.

📱 Ring... Ring...

His phone suddenly buzzed.

Kuje (sighs): "Who's calling now...?"

[Sees the caller ID: "Grandpa Shion"]

Kuje: "Hello... Grandpa? What's up calling at this hour?"

On the other side, a familiar grumpy voice responded—

Shion Kuzo: "Tsk, Haruka, is that how you greet your old man? Not even asking if I'm alive or dead?"

Kuje (deadpan): "Grandpa, skip the drama. Just tell me what you want."

Shion (laughs): "Heh. Tonight. Meet me at the hotel. No excuses."

Kuje: "Location?"

Shion: "You don't need to know."

[Call Disconnects]

Kuje (yelling): "HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO GET THERE, OLD MAN!? DO I DIVE INTO THE OCEAN!?" 🌊📞

Suddenly, a luxury black car (probably worth more than Kuje's entire existence) rolled up beside him.

The door opened, and out stepped Amane, the butler, with his signature apologetic smile.

Amane: "Sir, I apologize, but it seems we've come to pick you up... again."

Kuje (facepalms): "How many times do I have to tell you guys to STOP this?!"

Amane (grins): "As you say, sir. But since we are already here... please, get in."

[Kuje grumbles and enters the car] 🚗💨

🕣 [Night | Traditional Japanese Hotel | VIP Room]

The room was filled with the scent of tatami mats and the glow of soft lanterns.

As Kuje entered, his eyes widened—

Kuje (shocked): "Grandpa, why is Shina here?!"

[Sees Mahiru Shina sitting awkwardly, sipping tea]

Narrator 🎙️: "Mahiru Shina, Kuje's best friend… and also his greatest rival in everything. She's not supposed to be here tonight."

Sitting beside her was an elderly man with a powerful aura.

Narrator 🎙️: "This man is Yamada Shiunjo, the head of the Shiunjo family and the CEO of their massive business empire. Also, Mahiru's grandfather." 🏢👴

Mahiru (glaring): "Why the hell are YOU here, Cockroach Kuje?"

Kuje (smirks): "Oh? Still using the Cockroach nickname, huh? How cute."

Mahiru (snaps): "It's cute because YOU'RE beneath my feet."

Kuje (mock yawns): "Keep talking, second place."

[Their usual verbal war begins] ⚡🔥

Meanwhile, Shion Kuzo and Yamada Shiunjo sat calmly, watching the two like an audience enjoying a comedy show.

Shion (chuckles): "Look at them, Yamada. They get along so well."

Yamada (nods): "Indeed. It's time to finalize the deal then."

Both Kuje and Mahiru suddenly froze.

Kuje & Mahiru (together): "WHAT DEAL?!" 😳😳

Shion & Yamada (grinning): "Your marriage."

Clink! 🥤 —Their juice glasses slipped from their hands, shattering the awkward silence.

Kuje & Mahiru (in unison): "MARRIAGE?!!" 😱💥

—To Be Continued…