Kanako: "Shie Hassaikai."
She repeated slowly, pretending to recognize the name while her brain scrambled to remember anything about the clan. She had intentionally stayed ignorant about rival Yakuza families to maintain her cover better.
Kanako: "Right, I think I've heard of them before."
Overhaul: "So, we'll introduce ourselves as members of rival clans, then?"
Kanako: "On second thought."
She said, her voice lower and flirty. She looked up at Overhaul, his serious expression making her more certain of her idea.
Kanako: "Instead of just friends, what if we tell everyone we're secret lovers? You know, to make it more convincing?"
Overhaul: "Yeah, I guess."
He agreed with a nod.
Overhaul: "Let's just say we're friends who have become lovers. That way, it won't raise too many eyebrows if we're seen together at the party."
He looked at Kanako, his expression softening slightly as he considered her suggestion.
Kanako: "Perfect."
She smiled, satisfied with Overhaul's agreement. She stepped closer, intentionally invading his personal space to sell the 'lovers' act.
Kanako: "So, remember... we're passionate secret lovers from rival clans who can't keep our hands off each other during this party. Got it?"
Overhaul nodded firmly, understanding the gravity of their fake relationship role-play.
Overhaul: "Got it."
He confirmed, his voice steady and serious. He looked down at Kanako, his expression softening just enough to sell the 'lovers' act convincingly.
Overhaul: "We'll make it look real."
Kanako: "Anyway, I'm going to buy a dress for tonight."
She said with a playful smile. She leaned up and pressed a soft kiss to Overhaul's forehead, deliberately acting like a loving girlfriend.
Kanako: "See you later, sweetie."
She added teasingly before turning and walking away.
Overhaul's eyes widened in surprise as Kanako kissed his forehead. He stood frozen for a moment, caught off guard by the sudden display of affection. His heart skipped a beat at the unexpected touch, leaving him momentarily speechless.
Overhaul: "I..."
He started, but trailed off, watching Kanako walk away with a mix of confusion and something softer in his gaze.
(An hour later in the shopping mall).
Amaya was looking at dresses, contemplating Kiyozawa. She blushed at the thought, desiring to impress him.
As she accidentally bumped into Kanako while searching for a dress suitable for her date with Kiyozawa, Amaya stumbled and nearly fell forward. Kanako caught her by the shoulders to steady her upright again.
Kanako: "Watch where you're going!"
She snapped irritably.
Kanako: "Amaya!"
She exclaimed in surprise, her voice softening slightly as she recognized her friend. She stepped back, releasing Amaya from her grip.
Kanako: "Sorry."
Amaya quickly, straightening herself up. Kanako blinked, momentarily stunned by the unexpected encounter.
Kanako: "What are you doing here?"
Amaya: "Looks like we both had the same idea."
She said with a warm smile, her earlier embarrassment fading away.
Kanako's expression softened further, and she returned the smile hesitantly.
Kanako: "I guess so."
She replied, glancing around at the array of dresses hanging on racks nearby.
Kanako: "So, buying a dress for the party? I bet you want to impress my brother, Kiyozawa."
She said with a knowing smirk, crossing her arms over her chest. Amaya's cheeks flushed pink at the directness of Kanako's words.
Amaya: "Maybe..."
She admitted softly.
Kanako: "He likes you."
She stated bluntly, her smirk widening.
Kanako: "He gets all flustered and awkward whenever he's around you. It's pretty obvious."
Amaya's heart skipped a beat at Kanako's words, her blush deepening. She bit her lip nervously, processing the information.
Amaya: "Do you think there's a chance that he and I could ever be together?"
She asked Kanako hesitantly, her blush spreading across her cheeks. Kanako's expression turned thoughtful for a moment before she nodded decisively.
Kanako: "I think there's definitely potential."
She replied honestly.
(Meanwhile at the Venue).
Kiyozawa was looking down at his phone, scrolling through messages that contained requests for child kidnapping from Ashton. He let out a sigh as he placed the final piece on the table, setting it up perfectly for the party. He knew that tonight would be a long night of entertaining guests and making sure everything ran smoothly. Suddenly, his phone buzzed with another message from Ashton.
As Kiyozawa was finishing setting up the party, Zentarō suddenly appeared behind him, his voice echoing with amusement.
Zentarō: "So I heard you're taking Amaya dancing tonight."
He teased.
Zentarō: "Better find a good suit to wear."
Kiyozawa: "I know, boss... I mean, Dad..."
He muttered quickly, hurriedly hiding Ashton's message on his phone as he turned to face Zentarō with a sheepish grin. He knew he shouldn't be involved in such shady business, especially not around his own family.
Zentarō: "Better not do anything you'll regret."
He said sternly, his eyes narrowing slightly as he looked at his son. He didn't want his son getting mixed up in anything illegal or dangerous.
Kiyozawa: "I understand."
He replied, nodding solemnly as he tucked his phone away. He knew his father meant well, and he genuinely didn't want to disappoint him or get into any trouble. Ashton's messages would have to wait until after the party, when he could find a quiet moment alone.
Two hours later, the party was in full swing. Kiyozawa stood outside, his heart fluttering with anticipation as he held a single red rose, waiting for Amaya's arrival. He had chosen his best suit and even put on some cologne, wanting to make a good impression on their first dance together.
As the limo pulled up, Kiyozawa's breath caught in his throat. Amaya stepped out gracefully, her black dress hugging her curves perfectly. Her gray hair cascaded down her back, contrasting beautifully with her striking red eyes that locked onto him immediately. She looked absolutely stunning.
Kiyozawa: "For you."
He murmured softly, his face turning a slight shade of pink as he presented the rose to Amaya. He was suddenly very aware of how beautiful she looked tonight, and how his heart seemed to be racing in his chest.
Kiyozawa: "You look... breathtaking."
Amaya: "You look handsome yourself, Kiyozawa."
She replied with a gentle smile, taking the rose from him and inhaling its sweet fragrance. Her red eyes sparkled with appreciation as she looked him up and down, taking in his sharp suit and the way it accentuated his toned physique.
Amaya: "Shall we?"
Kiyozawa: "Yeah."
He agreed, offering her his arm with a slight bow. As they walked into the ballroom together, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and happiness. Amaya was easily the most beautiful woman in the room, and she was here with him.
(Outside).
Overhaul stood outside of the party in a perfectly tailored suit, his hair styled neatly. Despite his tough exterior, he felt unusually nervous waiting for Kanako. His mind kept drifting back to that unexpected forehead kiss and the flirtatious'sweetie' she had called him.
Kanako: "Hey there."
She greeted softly, appearing like a vision in her purple dress. The color complemented her dark hair and red eyes perfectly, making her stand out elegantly. She approached Overhaul, her heels clicking on the pavement, and gave him an appreciative once-over.
Overhaul: "You look great."
He replied, his voice slightly rough around the edges. He took in Kanako's appearance, noticing how the purple dress hugged her curves in all the right places. She looked stunning, and for a moment, he forgot they were acting.
Overhaul: "Really stunning,"
Kanako: "You look really handsome yourself."
She said with a genuine smile, her red eyes sparkling as she took in Overhaul's appearance. The suit fit him perfectly, accentuating his muscular frame and giving him an air of sophistication that made her heart skip a beat despite knowing this was all an act.
Overhaul: "Thank you."
He replied gruffly, a rare flush creeping up his neck at the compliment. He offered Kanako his arm, the gesture feeling more natural than it should.
Overhaul: "Shall we?"
He asked, his deep voice dripping with false confidence as they began their charade.
The boss of the Shie Hassaikai: "Where's your son, Kiyozawa?"
He asked, his dark eyes scanning the room.
Zentarō: "Kiyozawa is right here."
He replied smoothly, gesturing towards where his son stood with Amaya.
Zentarō: "He's over there with Amaya."
The boss of the Shie Hassaikai: "This is Chisaki."
He Shie Hassaikai boss introduced his adopted son, gesturing to Overhaul and Kanako who stood beside him.
Zentarō: "Pleasure to meet you, Chisaki."
He greeted warmly, extending a hand for a hand shake.
Zentarō: "I'm Zentarō, and this is my son, Kiyozawa."
He said, turning slightly to beckon Kiyozawa and Amaya over.
Zentarō: "Come here, you two."
Kiyozawa walked with Amaya, his eyes scanning the room until they landed on Kanako. His brow furrowed in confusion as he noticed her standing next to someone he didn't recognize. The man was tall, and dressed in an expensive suit.
Kanako: "Hey Kiyozawa."
She greeted with a bright smile, looping her arm around Overhaul's possessively.
Overhaul's eyes narrowed slightly as he took in the familiar features of Kiyozawa, realizing with a jolt that the young man shared an uncanny resemblance to himself.
Amaya: "..."
(In her mind).
"Woah, I'm seeing twins!"
She was comparing Overhaul and Kiyozawa side by side. They had the same strong jawline, similar builds, and even shared a similar energy despite their different styles.
(Out of her mind).
Kiyozawa: "So what makes you like Kanako?"
He asked, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studied Overhaul. He couldn't help but feel protective over his sister, especially since she was dating someone who looked so much like him.
Overhaul shifted slightly under Kiyozawa's intense gaze before answering calmly.
Kanako: "Calm down, Kiyo."
She retorted playfully, poking her brother's chest with her finger.
Kanako: "You're not the boss of me. I can date whoever I want."
She wrapped her arms around Overhaul possessively, leaning into him with a smug smile.
Amaya: "Let's go."
She said firmly, grabbing Kiyozawa's hand and giving it a gentle squeeze. She could sense the growing tension between the two men and decided it was best to intervene before things escalated. With a tug on his hand, she led Kiyozawa away, casting a knowing look back at Kanako and Overhaul.
Overhaul: "That was your brother?"
He asked Kanako, his voice low and intense. He couldn't believe how similar Kiyozawa looked to him—it was almost eerie. Kanako nodded, smirking slightly at the shocked expression on Overhaul's face.
Kanako: "I heard there's a competition coming up."
She began, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Kanako: "A Yakuza Families Friendly competition where people show off their powers. My brother is joining it."
She paused, studying Overhaul's reaction carefully.
Kanako: "You should join too."
She added softly.
Overhaul: "Sure, I'll represent the Shie Hassaikai."
He replied confidently, a dangerous glint appearing in his eyes at the mention of the competition. He could feel his competitive nature rising to the surface, especially since Kanako's brother would be participating.
Kanako: "Yeah, you should totally represent the Shie Hassaikai!"
She encouraged, her voice filled with enthusiasm. She believes Overhaul's powers were incredible, and she couldn't wait to see him showcase them in front of other Yakuza families.
Kanako: "I'll cheer you on."
This will continue in the next chapter.