The victory should have felt sweet. Akira sat in the sterile silence of her office, the fluorescent lights reflecting off the obsidian surface of her desk. She had just secured a massive, game-changing detail for her current case—the kind of breakthrough that defined a career. But instead of the usual rush of professional triumph, her mind drifted elsewhere. She wanted to celebrate, but for the first time, she didn't want to do it alone.
Macau was away at a birthday party, leaving the sprawling penthouse of the White Frost Empire empty. Akira decided, with a rare flutter of anticipation, that she would share this moment with Naea. On her way home, she stopped at a prestigious cellar to purchase a bottle of Tokyo's most elite wine—a vintage reserved for those who occupied the highest rungs of society.
Akira parked her car and headed to the elevators. Initially, she thought of going to her own place first to invite Naea, but an invisible pull led her straight to apt.44 . She bypassed her own door and stood before Apartment 44. She rang the bell, but there was no answer; Naea hadn't returned from the hospital yet. Recalling the pin code Naea had given her before . Akira entered the code. The lock clicked—Naea hadn't changed it.Stepping inside, Akira was immediately met with Naea's lingering fragrance, a scent that confirmed the surgeon's presence in every corner of the home. Akira sat on the couch, carefully placing the bottle on the table. She slipped into the kitchen to find two wine glasses, silently apologizing to Naea in her mind for touching her things without permission.
Curiosity got the better of her; she wanted to ensure the wine was as prestigious as the seller claimed before Naea arrived. She poured a small glass and tasted it. It was unlike anything she had ever had—bold, elegant, and truly the pride of Tokyo.
"Meanwhile, Naea pulled into the White Frost Empire. After parking her car, she began the long walk toward her apartment, her mind still heavy with the day's events."Suddenly, Akira's heart began to race. She could sense Naea approaching. Her heartbeat thundered in her chest, faster than a normal rhythm. Outside, Naea stood at her door, entered her code, and stepped into the dark apartment. The visibility was low, but enough to see the silhouette of someone sitting on the couch.Naea approached, her voice heavy and serious. "What are you doing here?"
Akira remained seated. "I'm here to celebrate. I found a massive detail regarding the case today." She added softly, "Macau is at a party, and I don't like drinking alone, so I thought I'd seek your company. I hope you don't mind."Without a word, Naea picked up the bottle and walked toward the kitchen. Akira didn't question her yet. In the kitchen, Naea flicked on a dim light, making everything—including the cold look in her eyes—suddenly clear.To Akira's horror, Naea began pouring the expensive wine directly into the sink. Akira rushed to stop her, but her footsteps froze when Naea uttered a single name: "Itsuki."Naea emptied the bottle completely, her voice dangerously calm. "Itsuki and I—someone I don't even know—are in a serious relationship? "The weight of the accusation was more than Akira could bear in silence. She told Naea that if she wanted to scold her, slap her, or punish her, she would accept it all. She said this while looking directly into Naea's eyes, which were brimming with tears that Naea refused to let fall."I just want the true explanation," Naea whispered. Akira decided it was time for the whole truth. "Yes, I lied to Kenji Takahashi. I couldn't stand seeing you dance with him. A fire lit up inside me—I wanted to kill him. That jealousy forced me to create a story to drive him away. Now, say what you need to say. I'm ready."Naea locked eyes with her, a devastating eye contact. "I hate you," she said."What did you say?" Akira breathed."I hate you, Prosecutor Akira Mijustsi. Is that enough, or should I say more?"Akira took a step forward. "Hate? Naea, do you even know what hate means? People hate those they love, but we aren't even good friends. So save those words for someone else. I lied because I can't stand to see you close to anyone else. I realized this six years ago in Osaka. You became the most important person in my life after my family. I have no interest in other girls or typical relationships, but your soul attracted me—the pure soul that offered a kind hand six years ago. It's your soul that controls me. Naea Sato... I adore you. Then and now. There is no one else, and there never will be .
The Breaking Point
The confession was too much. A single tear finally escaped Naea's eye, rolling down her cheek. "And my reputation? My emotions? I am a human, Akira, not a robot. Today, I lost a patient. My capability, my strength... it all crumbled. And then I find out you've been sabotaging my life? . Naea began to sob—not the quiet weeping of a doctor, but the loud, soul-shattering cries of a woman who had reached her limit. She told Akira about the parents, the hope she had given them, and the failure she carried like a lead weight."Her voice trembled as she looked at Akira, her eyes desperate for understanding. 'Trust me, Akira... I tried everything. I didn't stop. Even when the other surgeons stepped back and gave up, I stayed. I fought for him until the very last second. I really did give it my all. Akira didn't interrupt, she gave Naea the space to bleed. When the sobs finally slowed, Akira moved in. She cupped Naea's face with a tenderness that contradicted her icy reputation."I trust you," Akira whispered. "Even if the world doubts you, I trust you, Naea Sato. You are a surgeon who gives everything to her patients. "We can only try our best; the rest is faith. You fulfilled your part beautifully. Akira wiped away the tears and drew Naea into a warm, protective hug. For a moment, the tension between them shifted from anger to something magnetic. Akira looked at Naea's face—even in grief, she was breathtaking. She felt the urge to kiss her, to claim her, but she controlled herself. Instead, she leaned in and pressed a soft, reverent kiss to Naea's forehead. I'm sorry, Akira murmured, pulling back. "For the kiss. For everything."
Naea didn't push her away. Instead, she asked a question that changed everything: "Can you stay for a while?"
The Quiet Aftermath
Akira stayed. She brought Naea a glass of water and sat beside her on the couch. Naea leaned her head against Akira's shoulder, a gesture that sent Akira's heart into a frenzy before it finally settled into a peaceful rhythm. They talked of small things—how Akira had learned the RICE protocol from a high school physical health education exam—and for a moment, the world outside the White Frost Empire ceased to exist.Akira apologized once more for the lie, promising to tell Kenji the truth—as long as Naea stayed away from him. She waited for a reply, but the exhaustion of the day's failure and the emotional outburst had taken its toll. Naea had fallen asleep on her shoulder.Akira carefully lifted Naea and carried her to the bedroom. As she tucked her in, she remembered Naea's words about having emotions. She whispered another "Sorry," kissed her forehead one last time, and returned to her own apartment.