Rain drenched the city streets that night. Droplets danced on the lounge windows, creating a calm rhythm that contrasted with the storm inside Reina's heart.
She stood behind the bar, trying to keep her composure even though her mind was scattered. The jet-black crystal pendant Ryuu had left her now always hung around her neck, hidden beneath her uniform. Small in weight, but immeasurable in meaning.
"You don't need to see me to know I'm around you, Reina."
The words from that note kept echoing in her head, like a mantra both soothing and confusing—especially after that sudden, cut-off phone call.
If Ryuu truly was watching over her… why didn't he appear? Reina's naïve mind couldn't grasp the deeper meaning behind his words.
Or perhaps… something far more complicated was happening behind his silence, something Reina had no idea about?
"Hmph… How could Mr. Ryuu just hang up like that?" she muttered irritably, her rosy lips pouting.
An hour passed. Reina was wiping down tables when a familiar figure entered the lounge.
Light steps. An annoying smile. That unmistakable cologne.
Daniel.
This time he wasn't drunk. He wasn't a mess. In fact… he looked neat. Too neat. But that only made him more threatening.
"Long time no see, Reina," he greeted with a tone far too casual, as if their past hadn't ended in bitter words and pain.
Reina stiffened, her face showing both irritation and confusion. "Is there anything I can help you with, Sir?" she asked formally.
Daniel chuckled. "Wow, now it's 'Sir'? So formal. But that's fine. I just want a drink. For old times' sake. That's not too much to ask, right?"
Reina stayed silent. Meanwhile, Leon, stationed at the far end of the bar, subtly signaled her—ready to step in if anything happened.
Daniel sat down at the counter, spinning the empty glass before him. "I just want to talk, Rein. That's all. I regret it… The way I treated you before. I ruined everything—us."
Reina held her breath, confusion weighing on her. "What are you talking about, Daniel? There's nothing left for us to talk about. Our relationship is over."
But Daniel didn't budge. He leaned forward, his voice low yet pressing.
"You really think your new man can protect you forever? He disappears like a coward, and you still trust him?"
New man…? Reina blinked, puzzled.
Then she froze.
Before she could respond, the lounge doors swung open behind them.
And someone walked in.
Ryuu.
He wore a long dark coat, damp and heavy from the rain. His gaze was sharp, his stride calm, and his presence filled the room like a chilling mist. Every guest turned their head. Silence fell upon the lounge.
Reina stood frozen, finally seeing the VIP return. Even Daniel's eyes flicked to the door, a curse slipping under his breath. "So he finally shows up…"
Ryuu said nothing at first, simply walking forward—straight toward them. His eyes were locked only on Reina.
"Forgive me for being late, Reina," he said softly. "I thought… perhaps you were angry with me about last night."
Reina almost lost her words at his sudden appearance. Days had passed without him.
Daniel stood abruptly. "So this is him? The rich guy you're so proud of? The one who disappears like a ghost and shows up pretending to be a hero?"
Ryuu didn't flinch, didn't even acknowledge the insult. He only stood calmly, studying Daniel as though evaluating a minor threat unworthy of effort.
"Leave," Ryuu's voice was low, unwavering. "She doesn't want to talk to you. And I don't repeat myself."
Daniel smirked, one brow arched. "And who the hell do you think you are?"
Still, Ryuu showed no emotion. His hand brushed lightly against the table—a subtle gesture, yet enough for Daniel to sense that the man before him was not one to be trifled with.
Seconds ticked by. Finally, Daniel backed down.
"Just wait, Reina. Sooner or later, he'll hurt you too. Guys like him… they never really care."
With that, he walked out, swallowed by the storm outside.
---
A few minutes later, inside the VIP room—
Reina sat on the plush lounge sofa, while Ryuu remained standing before her, as if hesitant to sit too close.
"I'm sorry I disappeared for a few days," he finally admitted. "I had things to take care of—you know that. And… I didn't want to drag you into it."
Reina looked up at him. "Um… what kind of things, Mr. Ryuu? Was it that important…?"
Ryuu fell silent for a moment. Then, slowly, he took a seat, removing his half-damp coat.
"Someone from my past… came back. Someone who knows me too well. She knows how to break me—and everyone around me."
Reina's breath caught. She didn't know how to react. "Who is she, sir?" she asked softly, frowning a little as her eyes narrowed.
Ryuu met her gaze. Straight, deep, and with a trace of… pain.
"She… is Sayaka."
---
The atmosphere in the lounge was still tense, even after Daniel had left. The chandelier glowed warmly above, but the air remained heavy, as if the shadows of the confrontation still lingered. Reina leaned back against the cushioned sofa in the VIP room, her fingers wrapped around the pendant Ryuu had given her—whether for strength or out of habit, even she wasn't sure.
Ryuu sat not far away. He looked composed, but droplets of rain still clung to the ends of his hair, making him appear… a little more human. Less untouchable. Less invincible.
"Sayaka," Reina repeated softly, letting the name roll off her tongue. Something unfamiliar stirred in her chest. "Who exactly is she to you, Mr. Ryuu?"
Ryuu stared at her in silence. He exhaled slowly, heavily, as if forming the next words cost him.
"She was someone important to me. Once."
Reina bit her lower lip, trying not to reveal too much of her emotions. But her eyes betrayed her—confused, cautious, and… tinged with jealousy.
"Once," she echoed. "And now?"
"Now… she's just an ex. But she came back as if time never moved forward," Ryuu answered gravely. "And she's brought problems I can only face alone."
Reina nodded faintly. Yet something in her remained unsettled. It wasn't enough. She looked straight at him, then gathered her courage.
"Was she your… 'girlfriend'?"
Ryuu hesitated. It took several seconds before he finally said it.
"Yes."