How To Hate Your Husband – Chapter 15&16

HOW TO HATE YOUR HUSBAND

How To Hate Your Husband – Chapter 15&16

{•𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐲•}

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆- 𝐒𝐈𝐍 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐔𝐁𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍.

☆ 𝑶𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝑵𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒍 𝒃𝒚 𝑩𝒂𝒓𝒃𝒊𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒆. ☆

©𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞

✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦

 

Rias pulled back first, creating a small, deliberate distance between them. Her expression was calm, composed, almost neutral, as if nothing had happened.

She adjusted her sleeves with precision, as though tidying her coat, but her gaze stayed sharp on Haru.

“Hey… I was surprised,” Haru said, his voice low, carrying curiosity. He leaned slightly forward, studying her.

“Um…” Rias’s reply was clipped. “I needed to check something.”

“Check something?” he prompted, raising an eyebrow. “And that meant kissing me?”

“Yes,” she answered simply, her tone steady, unemotional. “I wanted to see if my judgment was accurate. Whether I’m actually falling for you or if it’s just a delusion.”

Haru stared at her, processing her words, but said nothing. He gave her the space to continue, as if he were waiting for her next move.

“And…” she added, inclining her head slightly, “..it felt exactly as I expected. No more, no less. Nothing special.”

Haru’s eyes narrowed slightly, clearly taken aback by the blunt assessment, though he didn’t argue.

“That was harsh,” he said quietly, a mix of incredulity and dry amusement in his voice.

“What? You haven’t really done anything for me to fall in love with you,” she said, voice calm but pointed.

“So… what do I need to do? What should I do so that you can be with me?” he asked, leaning slightly forward, his intensity unmistakable.

“You’d do anything?” she asked, arching an eyebrow, letting the words hang between them.

“Of course. I love you, and I’d do anything for you,” he said without hesitation.

“Divorce your wife,” she said, flatly.

He froze. “Divorce?”

“Yes. Divorce Yuki, and I’ll be with you,” she said, her gaze steady, unwavering.

“If that’s what it takes… I’ll do it. I’ll divorce Yuki and—” he began, determination in his voice.

She chuckled, cutting him off before he could finish.

“What’s funny?” he asked, confused and a little wary.

“Don’t be silly. I was joking,” she said, brushing past him with the same casual air she always carried.

“Joking? But—” he started, his voice trailing, a mix of frustration and disbelief.

“Even if you divorce your wife… I can’t divorce Romeo. So, let’s just keep having fun,” she said over her shoulder, her tone playful but cold, walking away as though nothing had happened.

He ran a hand through his hair, muttering under his breath. “F+k…”

—–
[𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐲’𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧]

Levi slowed the car as they reached the front of Nancy’s house, the headlights briefly washing over the gate before he turned the engine off.

Nancy unbuckled her seatbelt first.

“Thanks for today,” she said, her voice gentle, sincere.

Levi nodded, fingers still resting on the steering wheel like he needed something solid to hold on to.

“No problem. I hope you won’t avoid me at school or anything.”

The words slipped out before he could stop them. He hated how unsure he sounded.

She turned fully toward him then, really looking at him. Her eyes held his, steady and unguarded.

“Nancy…” he started, not even sure what he wanted to say next. There were too many things crowding his chest.

“Relax. I won’t. Tell Ginger I said thanks. She really made a good choice sending you instead.”She smiled faintly.

Something warm and tight wrapped around his chest at that.

“Okay,” He replied softly.

“I’ll go on now.”Nancy reached for the door handle.

She stepped out of the car, the door closing with a soft click that felt heavier than it should have.

Levi watched her walk a few steps toward the gate, her back to him already, and panic flickered in his chest.

“Nancy,” he called, barely above a whisper.

She paused and turned back.

“Hm?” she answered.

For a second, Levi just stared at her. The words he’d rehearsed in his head vanished.

All he knew was the ache sitting behind his ribs, the quiet fear that if he let her walk away like this, something important would be lost.

Without thinking, he stepped out of the car and spread his arms wide, a silent question.

Nancy hesitated, her gaze flicking from his open arms to his face, and Levi held his breath, afraid she might refuse.

But she didn’t.

She took slow steps toward him until she was close enough that he could feel her warmth. Then she leaned in, and suddenly she was in his arms.

Levi wrapped them around her without hesitation, pulling her in tighter than he meant to.

He rested his chin lightly against the top of her head, breathing her in like this moment was something he needed to remember.

“Take care of yourself,” He murmured.

“I will,” She replied, her voice soft against his chest.

After a few seconds, he loosened his hold, though every part of him resisted letting go. Nancy stepped back, offering him one last look before turning and heading through the gate.

Levi stayed where he was, watching until she disappeared into the house. Only then did he exhale.

He got back into the car, but he didn’t start it right away. He just sat there, replaying the hug over and over, wondering when something so simple had started to mean so much.

—–
[𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐃𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 – 𝐒𝐆 𝐄𝐧𝐭.]

Sky was sitting with Billie on the couch in his quarters, his phone resting loosely in his hand. The screen was still open to the stats page.

Title Track MV: 32.8 million views — 1 hour Likes: 5.9M
Trending: #1 Worldwide

Top comments under the MV:

💬 “SKY NEVER MISSES. THIS IS ART.”

💬 “THE EMOTION??? I GOT CHILLS.”

💬 “Album of the year already and it’s only been an hour.”

Total Album Spotify Streams: 20.4 million streams in 1 hour

Billie let out a low whistle, leaning back.
“I guess your album was really highly anticipated. The numbers are crazy.”

“Thanks. I’m happy it went well.”Sky smiled faintly.

But his eyes drifted back to his phone. His thumb hovered over Emma’s contact.

He imagined calling her. Telling her about his albums success, hearing her voice.

Then he remembered how she used to wrinkle her nose whenever one of his songs played.

Not her taste.

His smile faded.

“You okay?” Billie asked, watching him closely. “Your mood just turned sour.”

“I’m fine,” Sky said quickly, locking his phone and setting it aside.

A knock interrupted them.

A staff member stepped in, looking slightly uneasy.
“Um, Sky… security just informed us that someone came to look for you.”

“A fan? Tell them Sky can’t entertain fans right now.”Billie straightened.

“It’s not a fan,” The staff said. “At least, that’s what he said.”

“Did he leave a name?”Sky’s brows furrowed.

“Yes,” The staff replied. “He said his name is Kai.”

The air shifted.

Sky froze.

The name hit him like a punch to the chest. His throat tightened as he swallowed hard.

Billie noticed immediately. “You know him?”

After a beat, Sky nodded once.
“Tell security to let him in. Here.”

Billie stood up instantly. “Sky, no. You can’t just do that. What if he’s dangerous?”

Sky didn’t look at her.
“He’s not.”

“How do you know?”

“Just trust me.” Sky said quietly.

The staff hesitated, then nodded and left.

Silence fell.

“You’re shaking.”Billie crossed her arms.

“I’m not.” Sky lied, clenching his jaw.

Another knock came, sharper this time.

Billie went to the door, opening it just enough to look the man over.

“Don’t try anything fishy,” she warned.

Kai chuckled softly. “Relax.”

He stepped inside, his gaze already locked on Sky.

Billie shot Sky one last worried look before stepping out and closing the door behind her.

Sky and Kai stood face to face.

“Kai,” Sky said.

“I see you haven’t forgotten my name,” Kai replied coolly. “Impressive. I thought the fame got into your head.”

“How have you been?” Sky asked, his voice careful.

Kai tilted his head. “Why are you asking like you care?”

“Kai… about what happened—”Sky swallowed.

“What happened?” Kai interrupted, feigning confusion as he took a step closer.

“I didn’t mean for any of it to happen,” Sky said, the words heavy. “I didn’t know Esmeralda would commit suicide.”

Kai stopped.

His smile disappeared.

“You didn’t know?” he repeated slowly.

The room felt unbearably tight.

“You didn’t know,” Kai said again, this time with a hollow laugh. “That’s what you’re going with?”

Sky’s chest tightened. “Kai, I swear—”

Kai’s eyes darkened.

That was the first thing Sky noticed. Not the anger, not the way his shoulders were rigid like coiled wire—but the absence of any warmth in his face.

The Kai he remembered used to grin too easily, used to laugh louder than both of them combined.

This Kai looked hollow.

“You didn’t know?” Kai repeated softly.

Sky opened his mouth, then closed it again. His throat felt dry. “Kai… I swear, I didn’t think—”

“You didn’t think,” Kai cut in. His voice didn’t rise. That made it worse. “That’s always been your excuse.”

He took another step closer. Sky didn’t move. He just stayed there, trapped between the couch and the weight of the past crashing into him.

“You flirted with her like it was a game,” Kai continued. “You let her believe she mattered. You let her hope.” His jaw tightened. “And when she got too serious for your taste, you laughed.”

Sky’s eyes burned. “I never told Esmeralda to—”

“Don’t.” Kai’s voice snapped for the first time.

“Don’t you dare say her name like that. Don’t you dare act like you didn’t know what you were doing.”

Silence fell heavy between them.

“She used to come to me,” Kai said after a moment. “Asking what was wrong with her. Asking why you’d smile at her one day and ignore her the next. She thought she wasn’t enough.”

Sky’s hands curled into fists. “I was stupid. I was young. I didn’t think it would go that far.”

Kai laughed then—but it was sharp, humorless. “Funny. Because she thought about it every night.”

Sky flinched.

“She wrote letters, Sky,” Kai went on, eyes dark.

“Pages and pages trying to understand why the person she loved treated her like a joke.” He leaned in just enough for Sky to smell the bitterness on his breath.

“I’m sorry,” Sky whispered. “If I could take it back—”

“You can’t, that’s where it hurts.”

The word landed like a verdict.

Kai straightened, stepping back as if Sky disgusted him.

“You got fame. Congratulations. Money and Fans screaming your name, that’s good.” His gaze hardened. “She got buried.”

“What do you want from me?”Sky swallowed hard.

Kai’s lips curved into a slow, cruel smile.

“I want you to feel it,” He said. “Every sleepless night. Every single one of your fans turning against you. Every song you release being torn apart.”

“Kai—”Sky shook his head.

“I want you isolated,” Kai continued, cutting him off again. “Paranoid. Empty. I want the world to stop loving you the way you stopped caring about her.”

The room felt smaller.

“I’ll ruin your career,” Kai said calmly. “Piece by piece. I’ll make sure your name tastes like poison. And when you finally break—when the silence gets too loud and the guilt eats you alive—”

He leaned down, eyes locked on Sky’s.

“I’ll watch you destroy yourself the same way you destroyed her.”

Sky’s breath hitched. “You think this will bring her back?”

“No,” Kai replied flatly. “But it’ll make things even.”

He stepped away, heading for the door.

“This isn’t over,” Kai added without looking back. “It’s just starting.”

The door closed behind him.

Sky felt truly, terrifyingly alone.

—–
[𝐊𝐨̄𝐫𝐲𝐮̄ 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬 – 7𝐏𝐌]

Rias finally stepped back from the mirror, taking in her reflection.

Her hair framed her face perfectly, her makeup subtle but highlighting every sharp feature, and the outfit she had carefully chosen hugged her curves just right.

She couldn’t help but smile faintly—she looked… good. Very good. Tonight was a date with Haru, and the thought of sneaking out without anyone noticing made her pulse race.

She tiptoed down the stairs, heels in hand, moving barefoot over the cold marble.

Every step was measured, careful not to make a sound. Her heart thumped in anticipation, excitement and nerves weaving together.

Reaching the main door, she slid her hand over the handle and tried to turn it. Locked.

“What the…” she muttered, frowning.

Then she felt it—an almost magnetic presence behind her. Her body froze, a shiver running down her spine.

Slowly, she turned her head, and there he was.

Romeo.

Sitting casually on the armrest of the couch at the corner of the living room, dressed in all black.

The shadows accentuated his features, the black shirt clinging to the broad muscles beneath, and the new haircut made him look…, more dangerous… and, fuck, even hotter than before.

Exotic, commanding, and hot.

“Come here, Rias,” he said, his voice low, measured, and filled with that effortless pull she hated.

She scoffed, trying to play it cool, but her legs moved before her brain could catch up.

Slowly, deliberately, she obeyed, walking closer, heels dangling from her hand.

“You were going where exactly?” His piercing gaze lifted to meet hers, and she swallowed, heat crawling up her neck.

As she looked at him, Rias’ eyes started to roam, unintentional but impossible to stop. The way his black shirt hugged his torso, the subtle flex of his arms as he shifted…

She felt herself betray her composure. Fuck… this guy.

Her breath caught in her throat as her gaze lingered on his chest for a split second longer than she intended.

Romeo’s eyes narrowed slightly, like he noticed everything she was doing—and the smirk that tugged at the corner of his lips only made it worse.

She wanted to be annoyed. She wanted to be in control. But the magnetic pull of him, the dangerous, intoxicating aura he carried, made her knees almost weak.

“Rias,” He said standing to his feet.

Got you. I’ll keep it tight, intense, and character‑focused. No extra fluff.

—

He moved, and instinctively, she moved back.

Her back hit the edge of the high table before she could react, and in one swift motion, her feet left the floor. She was on the table, his hands already there, firm, unyielding.

“I’m… going on a date,” she said, lifting her chin even as her pulse betrayed her.

Romeo leaned in, caging her in.
“Why are you hellbent on being such a bad girl, huh?”

“Romeo, you know very well that—”

“Has he kissed you?” He cut in, his fingers slipping into her hair, stroking slowly, deliberately.

She swallowed.

The corner of his mouth curved. He already had his answer.

His hand slid from her hair to her shoulder, down her arm, unhurried, until it settled on her waist, thumb pressing in slightly.

“You haven’t slept with him, have you?” he asked.

“Are you worried about that?” she shot back.

“I’m just curious,” he said lightly. “I mean, I’m not the home wrecker here.”

“And what about Bianca?” Rias snapped. “You fuck her too, and you don’t see me complaining.”

His eyes darkened instantly.

“So you’re concerned that I fuck Bianca?” he murmured. “Does it bother you? Want to take her place?”

Why was he twisting every word like this?

“I don’t care about what you—Romeo!” she gasped as his palm landed on her thigh.

“Stop…” Her voice came out low, breathless despite herself.

“What?” He said calmly. “Can’t I touch my wife anymore?” His hand pressed in, possessive. “You’re mine. You know that, right?”

“I’m not yours.” She slapped his hand away.

For a split second, something sharp flashed in his eyes.

Then he smiled.

“Okay. Fine.” He leaned closer, his mouth brushing her ear. His voice dropped. “You still aren’t leaving this house.”

A shiver ran straight through her. His voice—damn him. She squeezed her thighs together without meaning to.

“Romeo—”

They both turned.

Bianca stood there.

Dressed in black, a sleek gown hugging her frame, heels clicking softly against the floor. She looked… stunning.

Rias felt it then—the sudden shift in the air. The way Romeo’s body stiffened just slightly. The way Bianca’s gaze flicked from Romeo’s face to Rias on the table, taking in the position, the distance, the tension.

“Am I interrupting something?”Bianca’s lips parted.

Rias straightened slowly, sliding off the table, her eyes never leaving Romeo’s face.

She noticed the look in his eyes: he didn’t want Bianca to misinterpret anything.

“No. I’m ready, let’s go.” Romeo finally said, his voice steady, controlled.

“So… you’re going on a date? And I can’t leave?” Rias asked, trying to keep her tone casual but failing.

“It’s not a date,” He replied, his eyes narrowing slightly.

“Quit lying,” Rias snapped, the tension rising in her chest.

“It’s really not a date, Rias…” Bianca cut in, voice soft, trying to ease the awkwardness.

“Shut up. I wasn’t talking to you,” Rias said, glaring.

Romeo’s eyes locked on hers, and for a moment, the air between them thickened.

Just then, Hunter walked in with Tiago.

“Hi, Rias,” Hunter said, casually, dressed sharply for the evening.

“Oh… you guys are going somewhere?” Rias asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Yeah,” Hunter nodded, eyes briefly flicking toward Romeo before settling on her.

“Tiago… make sure Rias doesn’t leave this house,” Romeo instructed, his tone leaving no room for argument.

“Yes, boss,” Tiago responded crisply, acknowledging the order.

Romeo stepped out first, tall and imposing, and Bianca followed, graceful in her black gown and heels.

Hunter walked toward Rias, his expression serious. “Someone already tried to kill you once, and they’ll do it again if you leave this house. You’re safer here with Tiago watching the fortress.”

Rias froze, the words sinking in. “Someone tried… to kill me?”

Hunter’s gaze was unwavering. “Yes. That’s why you have to stay here. You can’t be reckless, Rias. Not until this threat is handled.”

Rias’s stomach twisted, her heels clutched tightly in her hand. Her date with Haru, her little escape—everything suddenly felt like it was slipping further out of reach.

She looked toward the door where Romeo had disappeared, and a shiver ran down her spine.

—–
[𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐥]

The dimly lit room was thick with the scent of expensive cigars and aged whiskey. Yakuza members lounged around low tables, sipping drinks, and exchanging quiet, measured words.

Laughter was scarce, replaced by the subtle hum of tension, the kind that promised violence beneath the surface.

Shadows clung to every corner, and the glint of knives and rings under the low lights reflected the dark aura that pervaded the space.

Just then, the doors swung open with a slow, commanding creak. Every conversation dipped; every head turned.

Don Goro, the oldest and most respected figure among the Tokyo Yakuza, entered. His presence was magnetic, demanding respect without a single word.

“Don Goro.” Kai immediately rose and walked toward him, bowing slightly as he reached the table.

“Kai, how are you doing?” Goro’s voice was calm, measured, yet carried the weight of authority.

“I’m fine,” Kai replied, though his eyes betrayed a faint, sharp edge.

“Where’s your father? Aizawa isn’t here?” Goro asked, scanning the room casually.

“No, it’s just me,” Kai said, standing tall, a controlled calm in his tone.

“I see.” Goro nodded slowly.

“So Aizawa is finally letting you grow up? Interesting,” Clara purred, approaching and linking her arm with Goro.

Her smile was thin, almost predatory. She’s Goro’s wife.

Kai’s jaw tightened imperceptibly. Her words were meant to provoke, and while his face remained neutral, a storm brewed behind his calm facade.

“C’mon, honey. Of course Kai’s a big boy,” Goro said with a small chuckle, unbothered by the tension.

“Never said he wasn’t, but Aizawa is still the one overseeing the operations of the Jaguar clan,” Clara added, scrutinizing Kai from head to toe as if measuring his worth.

Kai’s lips pressed into a thin line. He had no patience for her comparisons, but he knew better than to let them see his contempt.

“You should learn from Angelo’s son… what’s his name again? My memory…” Clara smirked, clearly attempting to needle him further.

“Romeo,” Goro supplied.

“Exactly. Romeo. He’s your age, and look where he is. The Ryukai overtook every Yakuza clan the minute he stepped into power,” Clara said, her tone dripping with condescension.

Kai’s fingers curled slightly, his knuckles white beneath the sleeves of his jacket. Every word cut, not because it questioned him, but because it reminded him of what he loathed most: Romeo.

The way Romeo had effortlessly claimed power, the way people looked up to him, the way he had everything Kai wanted and more.

Hatred coursed quietly beneath Kai’s calm exterior, simmering like magma waiting for a spark.

“Romeo and I are different. There’s no reason to compare,” Kai said, his voice steady but icy, the cold precision of his words betraying the storm beneath.

Clara rolled her eyes, dismissing him with a flick of her hand, unaware of the deep, gnawing venom that coiled within him.

The chatter in the hall died as if someone had flicked a switch. Conversations stalled mid-sentence, glasses paused halfway to mouths.

Goro and Clara’s heads turned toward the entrance—and there he was. Romeo. The room seemed to bend around him, his presence commanding attention even before he fully stepped in.

Bianca and Hunter followed behind him, like shadows in his wake.

The air shifted. It wasn’t just confidence; it was dominance, the kind of aura that made people instinctively recognize power. Every Yakuza member in the room straightened, some out of respect, others out of unease.

Slowly, Romeo reached up and removed his shades, revealing his eyes.

“Romeo, my boy.” Goro chuckled warmly, his amusement unbothered by the hushed whispers surrounding them.

“Godfather.” Romeo’s voice was calm.

His eyes snapped sideways, and they landed on Kai. The glare Kai shot him was instant and Romeo’s lips curved into a faint, knowing smirk, deliberate and unbothered.

“I can’t believe you attended. Hunter, did you convince him?” Goro asked, raising an eyebrow.

“No, Grandpa did,” Hunter said smoothly, lifting a glass of wine.

“Of course. You’ll always listen to Rafael,” Goro said with a chuckle.

Clara’s eyes flicked over Romeo, assessing him like a cat.

Kai didn’t stay to observe further. He turned sharply, moving away from the crowd with a scoff that barely masked the storm inside him.

“Playing favorites already?” Mio’s voice broke through as she approached Kai, her tone teasing yet cautious.

“The plan still stands,” Kai said, voice low, controlled. “Once Don Goro gives his speech, I want you to take our men and head over to the Ryukai.”

“Sure,” Mio nodded, trusting his command.

Kai’s gaze drifted back toward Romeo one last time. The smirk returned, sharper, colder.

Every move Romeo made, every word he spoke, only fueled the fire inside Kai.

The hall fell silent as Don Goro raised his hand, his presence alone commanding immediate attention.

“My friends, my family,” Goro began, his deep voice resonating through the hall, steady and commanding.

“Tonight, we are not just celebrating power or wealth. We are celebrating loyalty, unity, and the unbreakable bonds that tie our families together. Every clan in this room, every brother and sister who stands beside you, has worked tirelessly to uphold our honor, to protect what we have built.

“In this world, strength is not measured by fear or domination alone. True strength comes from trust, from knowing that those beside you will never falter, will never turn their backs, even in the darkest hours. We are bound by more than blood—we are bound by respect, by loyalty, and by the promise to each other that we will rise together.

“So raise your glasses, not just to power, but to the bond we share. To our families, to our unity, and to the legacy we will leave behind. May the Yakuza of Tokyo continue to thrive, and may our enemies always remember the strength of our alliance.

“Cheers!”

Glasses clinked across the hall, the sound echoing like a chorus of loyalty and pride.

— 30 Minutes Later —

Romeo leaned back on the high stool, glass of wine in hand, he was bored as fuck. Bianca sat beside him, fidgeting slightly, scanning the room.

Hunter hovered near the food table, shoveling more than he probably should.

Romeo’s eyes constantly darted toward Bianca. He immediately noticed how uneasy she felt.

“Is there a problem?” Romeo asked, his tone casual.

“Um… no,” Bianca murmured, trying to sound steady.

Romeo took a slow sip of his wine, eyes still on her. “Okay,” He dismissed lightly.

“Um… Romeo…” she hesitated, voice quieter than intended.

“What is it?” he prompted, raising a brow.

“After the night is over, there’s something I’d like to tell you.”

Romeo’s gaze lingered on her for a long moment. He swirled the wine in his glass, deliberate and teasing. “Sure.”

Bianca nodded, swallowing hard.

“Romeo,”

A voice called out sharply. Kai approached their table, his expression unreadable, but his eyes lingering on Bianca for just a moment too long, wanting her to leave.

“Bianca, leave us,” Romeo said without looking at him, his voice calm but absolute.

Bianca obeyed immediately, standing and slipping away.

Kai turned his attention fully to Romeo, his tone clipped. “Why’d you suddenly decide to show your face here?”

Romeo smirked, finally lifting his eyes to meet Kai’s.

“What, you came all the way here just to pick a fight, little man? Don’t you have a clan to manage? Maybe focus on that instead of looking for… entertainment.”

Kai bristled but held his ground. “Do you really think you’re untouchable?”

“Why? Are you scared of me?” Romeo laughed softly, shaking his head.

A flicker of anger passed over Kai’s face, but Romeo didn’t give him a chance to reply. He straightened, still holding his glass, eyes cool and calculated.

🖲️ Romeo, I’m tailing Mio right now. She just dispatched their men to head to the Ryukai. I think she’s planning on going to your fortress to finish her job on Rias. — Hunter’s voice buzzed through his earbud.

🖲️ I’ll take care of this bitch. Let’s meet outside. — Hunter.

“Sure,” Romeo said smoothly, turning slightly, hand gesturing toward the exit. “Bianca and I will meet you outside.”

Kai’s eyes narrowed in annoyance.

“I’m a busy guy,” Romeo muttered, voice low.

“See you… whenever,” Romeo said, smirking.

He took one last sip of wine, then turned, his long strides confident, leaving Kai standing there.

—-

The corridor was nearly empty. Mio moved with purpose, already having dispatched the Jaguar clan’s men toward the Ryukai with the location she provided.

She rounded a sharp corner—and froze. Hunter was there, leaning casually against the wall, yet his presence radiated danger.

Mio instinctively tried to pass him, but before she could take a step, a rough hand shot out.

Her hair was yanked back violently, and she stumbled, landing hard on her butt against the cold floor.

“What the…” she hissed, scrambling to regain her footing.

Hunter’s expression didn’t change; his eyes were cold, but his grip on her hair remained ironclad.

He dragged her forward, each movement deliberate, until they reached an empty restroom tucked away in the hall.

With a forceful shove, he slammed her against the wall, and the metal echo of impact rang sharply in the small space.

“What the f+k do you want?!” Mio spat, trying to sound defiant despite the surge of fear crawling up her spine.

Hunter stepped closer, looming over her, every inch of his presence exuding lethal control.

“Did you really think you could get away with being a spy, huh?” His voice was low, calm, but every word carried the weight of menace.

Mio’s hands went instinctively to her side, and a gun was suddenly in her grip. She aimed it swiftly at him, her pulse hammering in her ears.

But Hunter was faster. A calculated kick sent the gun flying across the restroom, clattering against the tile and skidding to the corner.

Before she could react, his fist shot out, colliding with her jaw. Pain exploded across her face.

“F+k… Ahh!” she screamed, clutching her cheek as he seized her hair again, forcing her to tilt her head up toward him.

“I was only doing my job,” she hissed, blood trickling from the corner of her lips. “You probably can’t kill me…”

Hunter’s gaze hardened, cold and unflinching. He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a menacing whisper.

“Your men… they’re headed to the Ryukai, right? Guess what?” His fingers dug just a little tighter into her hair, holding her like a puppet.

“Once I’m done with you… they’re next.”

Mio glared at him, trying to steady her breathing.

“How do you know about our plan?” she spat, her voice sharp despite the sting of pain.

Hunter’s lips curved into the faintest smirk.

“After you tried to kill Rias, it was pretty easy to figure out. Aizawa was probably gambling that Romeo would attend this party and use that opportunity to attack.” His voice was calm, almost bored, but every word cut like a blade.

“Then… let me go,” she demanded, her body trembling but her eyes defiant.

“Not yet,” he said, his grip on her hair tightening slightly. “Let’s have fun first.”

Before she could react, his fist slammed into her side. She grunted, the air knocked out of her lungs, and staggered backward.

She tried to counter, swinging her legs and arms, but every strike was sluggish, weak. Hunter dodged each one effortlessly, his movements precise and deliberate.

“Stop being so boring,” he said, his tone mocking. “Is this all you’ve got?”

Mio’s chest heaved. Pain radiated across her body, bruising and sharp.

“Just… kill… me,” she whispered, her voice trembling with both fear and exhaustion.

Hunter’s expression darkened slightly. He leaned closer, his face inches from hers.

“I’m not going to kill you with a gun,” he said, his voice low and dangerous.

“Don’t want to draw attention. But that doesn’t mean I can’t make you wish you were dead.”

He swung again, striking her side and forcing her to the ground. Every attempt she made to rise was met with a brutal shove, his hands like iron.

She felt the sting of every hit, the ache in her body growing sharper with each blow.

“You should’ve stayed in your lane, Mio. You and your pathetic clan.” Hunter said, his eyes cold and unreadable.

Mio gritted her teeth, trying to find her strength, anything to defend herself. But no matter how she fought, he was always two steps ahead.

Her energy waned, her body screaming in protest, yet the fire in her eyes refused to die.

Hunter paused for a moment, looking down at her, his presence looming like a shadow over her entire being.

“Pathetic,” He muttered. “I expected more from someone Aizawa trained himself.”

Mio coughed, blood tinged her lips, but she forced herself to glare up at him.

—–

Romeo and Bianca stood a short distance from the car, the night air thick. The engine was off, the area quiet except for distant movement inside the building where Hunter had disappeared to.

Romeo leaned back against the car, arms loose at his sides, eyes closed as if shutting the world out.

Bianca didn’t look away from him.

Her gaze was intense, almost aching, tracing the sharp line of his jaw, the way his chest rose and fell so steadily while hers felt like it might cave in.

“If you keep staring at me that way,” Romeo said at last, lips quirking faintly as he opened his eyes, “I might melt.”

She swallowed.

“Um… about what I wanted to tell you…” Bianca started, her voice tight.

Romeo pushed himself upright, suddenly attentive. “I thought you said after the night is over?”

“I know,” She rushed out, pressing a hand to her chest. “But I’m really impatient. I feel like I’m going to die of a heart attack if I don’t spill it now.”

He studied her for a moment, then slid his hands into his pockets. “Okay. So… what is it that you want to tell me?”

Bianca drew in a deep breath, like she was about to jump off something high. Romeo arched a brow, waiting.

“I…” she began, then stopped, her throat burning.

“You what?” he prompted.

Her eyes shone as she finally looked straight at him, no running, no hiding.

“I love you.”

The words landed between them, heavy and irreversible.

Silence followed. Romeo didn’t move.

“I’m in love with you, Romeo,” She continued, her voice trembling but steady enough to survive the truth.

“It’s not just… having s+x with you. It stopped being that a long time ago. I’ve grown attached to you in ways I didn’t plan, ways I didn’t want to admit.”

She laughed weakly, the sound breaking. “I can’t even look at other guys anymore. It’s like they don’t exist. It’s you. It’s always you.”

Romeo said nothing. His face was unreadable, eyes fixed on hers.

“It hurts,” Bianca went on, her voice dropping.

“It hurts knowing you’ll never look at me the way I look at you. Knowing that no matter what I do, no matter how close we get… you belong to someone else.”

“I hate myself for loving you like this, but I can’t stop. I tried. God knows I tried.”Her fingers curled into fists at her sides.

“I just needed you to know. Even if it changes nothing.”She took another breath, shaky now.

Romeo remained silent, staring at her, the weight of her confession settling in his chest like a slow burn. His jaw tightened, eyes dark, but he still didn’t speak.

Bianca held his gaze, raw and exposed, waiting for him to say something.

🖲️ Romeo, Mio is dead. Fuck, she died too quick, I was bored. I’m heading out now. – Hunter.

Romeo disconnected the earbud and exhaled sharply, focused on the girl in front of him.

“Romeo… won’t you say anything? Your silence is killing me. Just say something. Reject me, yell at me, hit me, just do something other than keeping quiet,” Bianca’s voice trembled, breaking like fragile glass.

“Please…” Her hands shook as she cupped her face, and the tears she had been holding back finally fell freely, streaming down her cheeks.

“You’re such a silly girl,” he chuckled, but it was soft, almost reverent, and it made her sob even harder.

“Really? Silly? You think my feelings are silly? Do you know how hard it was for me? How long I’ve harbored these feelings for you?” She yelled, the words raw, desperate, each one laced with heartbreak.

She bit her lips, realizing she had raised her voice. “I… I’m sorry.”

Romeo stepped closer, the heat of him pressing into her senses.

“Come closer…” He murmured, his voice low, commanding, and gentle all at once.

Her knees felt weak, dragging her puffy, tear-streaked eyes up to meet his.

“Bianca…” He called again, and the name sounded like an incantation, like a confession of all the emotions he had kept locked away.

“I know. I know about your feelings for me,” He said quietly, as if the words were more dangerous than any weapon.

She sniffed, sobbing anew, and whispered.

“I’m pretty obvious, aren’t I?” Her fingers trembled as she palmed her face, the weight of years of hidden love spilling out in shudders.

Her gaze lifted, meeting his eyes head-on, searching for rejection, for a hint of what she feared most.

“So… it’s a no then… I understand.”

She forced a smile, wiped her tears, she turned and took two tentative steps away, her chest aching with longing and disappointment.

Suddenly, strong arms wrapped around her from behind. His face pressed into her neck, warm and grounding, and her body froze.

Every nerve ending ignited, a flood of sensation she had only imagined in stolen moments of fantasy.

“R… Romeo?” She whispered, heart hammering in her chest.

“I didn’t say no, did I?” His voice was a growl, low and intimate, vibrating through her very bones.

Her hands instinctively reached to pull loose, but he held her tighter, anchoring her to him, refusing to let go.

“It’s a yes?” She asked, breathless, disbelief cracking her voice.

“What would you like me to call you?” He murmured against her skin, tender and dangerous all at once.

Tears streamed down her face, now mingling with laughter, joy, and relief.

“Anything… call me anything,” She whispered, trembling as she pressed herself against him, finally letting the floodgate of her emotions pour out.

He tilted his head, lips brushing her ear, voice thick with his own barely contained emotion.

“My cherry…”

She cried harder now, the sound raw and unrestrained, as her arms clung to him like he was the only thing keeping her from falling apart.

He broke the hug, this time pulling back just enough to look at her, eyes dark, glistening with something fierce and eternal.

She collapsed into him, crying and laughing simultaneously.

“I love you, Bianca….”

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𝐓.𝐁.𝐂.