Five years of waiting finally paid off.
I became an international volleyball player and accepted the Japanese university's invitation. Fortunately, my father's East Asian branch was based here, with its headquarters in Japan.
Two birds, one stone.
I can fulfill my own dream — and my father's demands — while giving Allura the happy life she deserves.
No matter what it takes.
I landed in Japan and was greeted by the Japan Volleyball Association. I shook hands and exchanged pleasantries before heading to the college to meet my team.
They were amazing people — talented, disciplined, and welcoming.
Afterward, I drove to the base.
It turned out it was located close to where my queen lived.
When I entered the building, the butler bowed low.
"Greetings, young master," he said.
I nodded and walked straight to the tech room.
"Sai. Report," I ordered.
Sai — the Japanese guy my old man had assigned to "babysit" me — handed me a folder. He found installed cameras in her house.
Apparently, her parents had noticed our late-night calls and started keeping a closer eye on her.
I clenched my fists so hard the folder crumpled.
I really, really wanted to torture them to death.
"Hack their cameras and delete whatever files they've collected," I barked. "Install better ones and route the controls to me. I'll keep watch myself. And sneak one of our men into her school to keep an eye on her there too. I'm meeting her today. Do I look alright?"
Sai glanced up, adjusted my hair wordlessly, then stepped back.
I grabbed my keys, got into my car, and headed straight to her school.
On the way, I called her.
"Yo! Allura, I came to pick you up from school. You must've seen the news by now," I said, trying to sound casual.
She didn't say anything.
Then — she hung up.
My stomach dropped.
Panic flared as I stood under the cherry blossom tree outside the gates, clutching my phone.
Then I heard her voice.
"GARY!"
I spun around, ready to flash her a joking grin — but stopped cold when I saw the tears in her eyes.
Something sharp twisted in my chest.
When she threw her arms around me, my soul practically floated out of my body.
I hugged her back tightly, resting my chin lightly on her head.
It was even worse than I'd thought.
We got into my car and sat quietly for a moment. I treated her like the queen she is — she deserved no less.
But when I saw that sad, distant look on her face, I forced myself to speak.
I ran the words through my mind three times before finally saying:
"I always had a feeling you weren't safe… that you were being neglected. I came here partly for my father's East Asian branch — its headquarters are in Japan — and also for better studies and better gameplay. The university clubs here are excellent. After graduation, I plan to join an SV team. But right now… how are you? You're hiding the scars under makeup, aren't you? Where's your home? I'll help you fix your injuries."
…Great. Way to go, me.
That's what you say to the girl you love the first time you meet her in person? Really?
She looked up at me then, her eyes wide, shimmering, on the verge of tears again.
"Idiot," I muttered under my breath.
Still — she nodded faintly and gave me directions to her house.
Okay. So far, everything was going fine.
JUST DON'T MESS THIS UP, YOU STUPID BRAIN AND TONGUE.
We reached her house. She typed in the password at the door — which, of course, I memorized instantly — and let me in.