After wrapping up his work, Ritsuki Zaikyo left the company with his secretary.
On the way, they stopped by the flower shop he had reserved earlier to pick up a bouquet.
This timing was not chosen by accident.
After all, he wasn't just an investor — he was also the heir to a powerful zaibatsu.
Because of that, everyone in the film crew treated him with extra courtesy.
Yesterday, Ritsuki had called the director to ask about Mangetsu Shou's shooting schedule.
The moment the "money man" called, the director became utterly deferential.
Whatever Ritsuki asked, the director answered without hesitation.
So, Ritsuki knew roughly what time Mangetsu would be on break.
That was why he came to the set now — intending to invite her out for a stroll.
Sitting in the back seat, Ritsuki checked his appearance in the mirror.
Satisfied, he stepped out of the car with the bouquet in hand.
Right next to his car was Mangetsu's manager van.
He had already investigated beforehand — everything about her schedule, her staff, even her habits.
He planned to stand quietly beside her van and wait for her.
But the moment he stepped out, he saw something that made him freeze.
Three people were walking toward him.
At the front was a young woman in her twenties — Mangetsu's manager.
Behind her were two more figures.
One was a tall, handsome man Ritsuki didn't recognize.
The other, despite the cap and mask, was unmistakable — petite figure, familiar presence — it was Mangetsu Shou.
But… who was the man beside her?
They weren't being physically intimate, but the closeness between them was far from ordinary.
Even normal friends didn't walk that close.
And for some reason, seeing her walk beside him made Ritsuki's chest tighten unpleasantly.
After all…
He had invited Mangetsu out several times before, and she had refused every time.
Even when he visited her on set, she wouldn't accept so much as a drink from him.
But now? She was walking with this man like they were… close.
Ritsuki's anger boiled.
If that man wasn't a relative, then…
He would make him suffer.
And after the dust settled, he would end him.
Of course, none of this murderous intent showed on Ritsuki's face.
Instead, he wore a pleasant smile — after all, Mangetsu was present, and he wanted to leave a good impression.
Holding the bouquet, Ritsuki walked toward the group, ignoring the manager completely and going straight to Mangetsu.
『Ritsuki Zaikyo』: "Mangetsu, these flowers are for you—"
Before he could finish, his brow furrowed.
She was already holding a bouquet of red roses.
Everyone knew what red roses meant — love, devotion, "I love you."
Coincidentally, the flowers he brought were also red roses.
Who gave her those?
Could it be… this damn guy in front of him?
His restraint nearly snapped.
『Mangetsu Shou』: "Sorry. I already have flowers… and I don't want to accept yours."
She stepped past him, walking toward the van with the tall man and her manager.
『Ritsuki Zaikyo』: "Wait!"
The three of them turned back, surprised.
Ritsuki stepped closer to Mangetsu.
『Ritsuki Zaikyo』: "The flowers in your hand… were they from this gentleman?"
『Mangetsu Shou』: "That's right."
His brows knitted tighter, but he kept his voice even.
『Ritsuki Zaikyo』: "Who is he? Your brother?"
『Mangetsu Shou』: "Of course not."
She gave a small huff and pulled the tall man along, turning to leave.
That was the breaking point.
Not her brother?
And she was still holding his hand — plus the roses…
Ritsuki wasn't stupid.
If they weren't already lovers, they were at least mutually interested.
How could the girl he could never even get close to be so affectionate with this man?
He strode forward, this time not addressing Mangetsu at all.
Instead, he fixed his gaze on the tall man.
『Ritsuki Zaikyo』: "Who are you? A friend of our Mangetsu?"
The man raised an eyebrow and smirked.
『Carl』: "'Our' Mangetsu?"
In his previous life, Carl had seen My Love from the Star, and the moment he saw Ritsuki, he recognized the archetypal villain.
He'd assumed the guy's presence here was just coincidence, and didn't bother to engage.
But clearly, things were developing into a cliché melodrama.
From the look of it, Ritsuki liked Mangetsu.
Too bad for him — her attitude said everything.
She was still holding Carl's hand, yet this man had the gall to say "our Mangetsu"?
『Ritsuki Zaikyo』: "Of course, our Mangetsu. She may be a little cold to me now… but that won't always be the case. And you? Who are you?"
『Carl』: "Me?" He glanced down at their joined hands and replied casually. "I'm Mangetsu's boyfriend."
Ritsuki's smile vanished, his gaze turning razor-sharp.
『Ritsuki Zaikyo』: "What… did you just say?"
『Carl』: "I said, I'm Mangetsu's boyfriend."
Without another word, Ritsuki tossed his bouquet to the ground.
His left hand clasped his right, slowly turning the ring on his index finger — a habit he had whenever the urge to kill rose in him.
Right now, he despised this man.
『Ritsuki Zaikyo』: "…Heh." He stepped forward until they were less than ten centimeters apart.
"Stay away from Mangetsu. For your sake… and for hers.
You probably don't understand yet.
I'm not someone a kid like you can handle.
The only reason you're still breathing… is because I've let you keep that life."
End of chapter...
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