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Chapter 15 – Uninvited Guest
The meeting room was large and elegantly decorated, filled with the quiet hum of the air conditioner and the faint scent of fresh flowers. Ayanokoji entered first, followed by Suzune and Manabu. The three took their seats — Ayanokoji on one side of the glass coffee table, Suzune and Manabu sitting opposite him.
An employee entered silently, setting down cups of freshly brewed coffee for each of them. The aroma filled the air as Ayanokoji gave a polite nod.
"Thank you," he said simply.
The employee blinked, a little startled by his politeness. Suzune and Manabu also exchanged quick glances. Even someone like him says thank you to a staff member… Suzune thought, quietly impressed.
Manabu cleared his throat and leaned forward slightly. "Mr. Ayanokoji, may I ask the reason for your visit today?"
Ayanokoji's eyes shifted toward him, calm and unreadable as ever. "As I mentioned earlier," he said smoothly, "I came to congratulate you both. Escaping bankruptcy is no easy feat."
Before anyone could respond, a loud BANG! echoed through the room. The door flew open with a violent kick.
Everyone except ayanokoji turned in shock—
Standing in the doorway, smirking with his usual arrogance, was Ryuuen Kakeru.
"I went to your office, but you weren't there," he said, walking in casually. "So I came here to find you instead."
Ayanokoji sighed quietly, resting a hand on his temple. "Ryuuen, this is someone else's company. Try to behave for once."
Ryuuen chuckled and leaned against the wall. "Tch. You always act like you're my father."
Suzune blinked, disbelief flashing across her face. "Ryuuen?"
Ryuuen turned his head toward her, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly. "Well, well… the Horikita siblings. Long time no see."
Ayanokoji glanced between them. "You've met before?"
Ryuuen grinned, crossing his arms. "Of course. Back at the Advanced Nurturing High School — I was in Class C, she was in Class D. We were supposed to be enemies. But she wasn't much of a problem."
Suzune's expression stiffened slightly, though she remained silent. Even now, he speaks so casually to Mr Ayanokoji… and Mr Ayanokoji lets him. Just how close are they?
Manabu looked intrigued. "I wasn't aware that Mr. Ayanokoji and Ryuuen were working together."
Ryuuen smirked, glancing at Ayanokoji. "He's the big boss, and I take care of the underground business for him. You could say I handle the dirty work."
"Enough, Ryuuen," Ayanokoji said quietly, his tone leaving no room for argument. "We'll discuss this later."
Suzune's eyes widened slightly. "Wait—you're working for Mr. Ayanokoji now?"
Ryuuen turned his sharp gaze on her, smirking again. "You got a problem with that, princess?"
Before Suzune could respond, Ayanokoji stood up, calm and composed as ever. "It was a pleasant conversation. I'll take my leave for now."
Manabu and Suzune both stood immediately. "Thank you for visiting, Mr. Ayanokoji," Manabu said respectfully.
Ayanokoji gave a small nod. "We'll be in touch regarding future projects."
Ryuuen casually followed him out of the room, hands in his pockets. The moment the door closed, silence filled the office again.
Manabu exhaled slowly, shaking his head. "I never expected Ryuuen to be working for Mr. Ayanokoji. That man's influence… it's far greater than I imagined."
Suzune stared at the closed door, lost in thought. "I thought Ryuuen would end up as some reckless gangster at best. But now… the king of the underground?" She looked at her brother. "That's something else."
Manabu nodded gravely. "It must be because of Mr. Ayanokoji. But we can't underestimate Ryuuen. If Ayanokoji made him the head of the underground business, it means he's capable—and dangerous."
Suzune folded her arms, thinking deeply. "True. Every major business has a dark side… and Ryuuen now leads it for him."
Manabu glanced at his sister with a faint smile. "We'll just have to make sure we're on Ayanokoji's good side, won't we?"
Suzune smiled slightly, her mind already spinning with possibilities. "Yes… but I also want to know why he helped us so much. There has to be a reason."
Manabu looked at her for a moment, then chuckled softly. "Maybe he just sees potential in you."
Suzune turned her head toward the window, gazing out at the skyline. Or maybe, she thought, it's something more.
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