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Chapter 33 — Delivering the Cookies
Suzune stood in front of her mirror, adjusting her outfit one last time. She wanted to look calm and confident—like herself—but a softer version that only appeared when it involved one particular person.
Once she was satisfied, she picked up her phone and messaged her brother.
Suzune: How's the date going?
Manabu: Everything is going smoothly right now.
Suzune: Good. I'll be leaving soon. I'm going to deliver the cookies to Mr. Ayanokoji.
Manabu: Do you want me to come with you?
Suzune: No need. I can handle it.
Manabu: Fine. But be careful.
Suzune: I will.
She set her phone down and took a quiet breath.
Her mother peeked into the room, eyes widening in admiration.
"You look beautiful, Suzune."
Suzune felt heat rise to her cheeks.
"Thank you, Mom. I… I should get going now."
Her mother hugged her gently.
"Be careful, daughter. And remember… confidence."
Suzune nodded, grabbed the neatly wrapped cookie box, and headed outside. Her heart beat faster the moment she sat in her car.
"Just delivering cookies," she whispered to herself.
But she knew it felt like much more.
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Arriving at His Company
The drive wasn't long, but every passing street made her chest tighten with anticipation. When she reached Ayanokoji's company—his personally owned empire—she parked her car and stepped out, trying not to show nervousness.
The building towered above everything around it, clean and modern, just like him.
Inside the lobby, she approached the front desk.
"I'd like to meet Mr. Ayanokoji," she said politely.
The receptionist looked up instantly.
"Yes, ma'am."
Her eyes widened for a second as she typed something into the system.
Horikita Suzune…
She remembered the special instruction:
"If Horikita Suzune arrives, send her to me immediately. No appointment needed."
The receptionist swallowed, suddenly curious.
He allows no one in without an appointment… except her? Does Mr. Ayanokoji… like her?
Trying not to stare, she stood up with a respectful smile.
"Right this way, Ms. Horikita."
Suzune followed quietly.
The receptionist guided her to an exclusive elevator—one normally used by top executives only.
As the elevator doors slid open, she thought:
Who is she really, to receive such treatment from him?
When Suzune stepped inside, the receptionist bowed slightly.
"He is waiting for you. Just go to the top floor."
The doors closed gently.
Suzune tightened her grip on the cookie box.
Her heart pounded louder with each floor that passed.
Soon… she would see Ayanokoji.
And she hoped—more than anything—that he would like the gift she made with her own hands.
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