Sakura University buzzed with life as usual. The sound of students chatting filled the air, the courtyard bathed in sunlight filtering through the leaves. Bikes rolled by, and the faint scent of coffee drifted from the open café windows. The start of another busy day.
A sleek, silver sports sedan pulled up to the campus gate and came to a stop.
"Looks like we've arrived," Daewoo said, pulling the key from the ignition and unfastening his seatbelt.
"Yeah. Thanks for the ride," Sayu replied with a smile. "And… for saving my life."
Daewoo raised both hands in a playful gesture. "Ah, no problem. Don't mention it." He stepped out, circled around the car, and opened the door for her.
Sayu grabbed her bag and stepped out with a small nod. He closed the door behind her, and together they walked toward the university gate.
"You heading to class now?" Daewoo asked.
"Yeah, just two classes today," she answered.
"You're a hard worker, aren't you?" He straightened his coat. "I mean, if I had a near-death experience, I'd definitely take the day off."
Sayu gave a small laugh, though her smile didn't quite reach her eyes. "I can't afford that. Attendance is important."
Just then, her phone buzzed. The caller ID read: Kanna.
She quickly swiped to answer.
Click.
"Hey, Kanna," Sayu said.
—"Hey, Sayu. You coming? The professor's about to arrive."
"Ah, crap. Thanks for the heads up."
—"Hurry up. You've got ten minutes—tops."
"I'm on my way!"
—"'Kay."
Click.
Sayu hung up and turned to Daewoo, who already seemed to understand.
"Sorry—I've got to run," she said, bowing slightly.
"No worries," he smiled. But just as she turned to go, he called after her.
"Hey, Sayu?"
She glanced back. He held up his phone with a sheepish grin.
"Can I get your number? You know... in case I forget my wallet again?"
She paused for a second, then reached for his phone and typed it in.
"See you!" Daewoo called.
"Yeah, see you too!" she waved, then turned and jogged toward the campus building.
Daewoo stood watching as she disappeared into the crowd. He looked down at the new contact on his screen, then back at the gate.
"Sayu… hope we meet again."
* * * * *
Meanwhile...
Hayato had arrived at the Arisaka Estate.
The tall iron gates opened automatically as his car approached, revealing a vast, manicured property. Rows of trimmed hedges flanked the path, with stone lanterns nestled among blooming flowers. The driveway curved past a koi pond and led to a sleek, modern villa—a three-story home with a glass exterior that reflected the sky like polished obsidian. A marble fountain bubbled quietly in the center of the roundabout.
Circling the fountain, Hayato parked near the grand entrance.
He unbuckled his seatbelt, stepped out, and was greeted by three figures: an older man in a formal suit, a young girl in a maid outfit, and a boy in his early teens.
Hayato tossed his car keys lightly toward the boy, who caught them with practiced ease.
"Welcome back, sir," the older man said, bowing respectfully.
"Hey, Karl," Hayato greeted him.
"Madame Ayame is waiting for you inside," Karl continued. "Your brother and father are here as well."
"Huh, the whole family, huh?" Hayato glanced at the villa. "Home sweet home. It's been a while."
With a breath, he stepped forward, following Karl into the house.
* * *
One would think they had spent all their money on the estate's exterior, but the inside was just as stunning — if not more.
Sleek modern lines, ambient lighting, and polished marble floors gave the interior a sense of minimalist grandeur. Not a single detail seemed out of place.
Hayato followed behind as Karl led the way into the spacious living room.
Seated in a high-backed leather chair that looked like it belonged in a European palace, an older man with streaks of white in his thick black hair and an untrimmed beard quietly sipped coffee. His posture was proud, unfazed by their entrance.
To the side, in a cushioned reading nook beneath a tall window, sat Ayame Arisaka — elegant and graceful, legs crossed, reading a book titled At That Time. She glanced up. And when she saw Hayato—
She stood. Her composure shattered.
"Hayato!" she gasped, rushing to him. "Oh, my beloved son, you're finally here!" She cradled his face with both of her delicate hands, a joyful smile spreading across her face.
"Hey, Mom," Hayato replied, a little awkward, as her hands lingered on his cheeks.
She looked him over from head to toe, her brows furrowing. "You've lost weight! What are they feeding you there?!"
"I'm going to have a word with Director Shinomiya about the food quality—"
"Don't worry, Mom. I'm doing fine," Hayato interrupted gently.
The man in the chair, silent until now, flipped a page of his newspaper with a controlled flick.
"It's because you spoil him so much that he never reaches his full potential," he said, his voice deep and commanding. "He needs to know how the real world works."
Hayato turned to him and gave a polite bow. "How are you, Father?"
"Hmph." A short grunt. No eye contact. Just a nod as his attention returned to the paper.
"Can't you at least greet your son properly, Senshi?" Ayame scolded, her usual calm demeanor still intact, yet her eyes narrowed with disappointment.
"My love, we have to toughen him up," Senshi replied, still not looking up. "How is he going to be the future CEO of my company if he's coddled like this?"
"I don't care about the company — he's my son before anything else," she snapped back.
Hayato let out a quiet chuckle. "Looks like things haven't changed."
From the corner, Assistant Karl — who had been silent all this time — finally spoke. "Should I bring some refreshments, ma'am?"
"Thank you, Karl," Ayame nodded, her voice softening. "Yes, please. And call Kei. Tell him to come down from his room."
With a short bow, Karl turned and left.
Hayato sat beside his mother on the plush white sofa. The atmosphere relaxed, briefly, before tightening again as he asked:
"So, Mom… did you call me here because of…?"
The air shifted. A silence fell.
Senshi folded his newspaper neatly and set it down. He turned toward them.
Ayame's eyes met her son's.
"I'm sure your brother already mentioned it to you, but I wanted to speak to you in person."
Hayato raised a brow.
"You'll be getting married."