FLASHBACK.....
It was the time when Akira was 20 years old and Aki was 25. Mr. Leo was still alive back then.
That morning, around 10:00 AM, the family had gathered at the main residence—the grand mansion where Akira's entire family lived under one roof. This was the same estate featured in Chapter 1, the ancestral home of the Leos, where his parents, siblings, and loyal staff resided. Not to be confused with the apartment Akira moved into after his marriage, this mansion stood as the heart of the family's legacy.
Everyone was seated around the long 10-seater dining table: Mr. Leo at the head, with Astra, Rose, Mickey, and Aoi spread out casually across the seats. Behind Mr. Leo stood his two trusted guards—Aki, his right-hand man, and Frank, the left.
They were in the middle of breakfast when Akira, having just woken up, walked in and quietly took the seat beside his father—the one they often referred to as the "host 2" chair.
Leo glared at Akira.
"Ohh, look who's here. Finally up, huh?"
Akira simply glanced at Leo without a word and continued eating.
Leo's tone turned furious.
"You brat, have you seen the time? It's already way past breakfast! And where were you last night? Drinking again, huh?"
Akira stayed silent, his annoyance visible.
Leo slammed his hand on the table.
"Answer me!"
Without a word, Akira's rage exploded—he threw his knife toward Leo from his seat. The sharp blade missed Mr. Leo's face by just an inch, embedding itself in the wall behind. Leo's eyes widened in shock.
Akira stood up, not bothering to finish his breakfast.
"YOU WAIT AND WATCH, OLD MAN!"
He stormed off, fuming with rage as he rushed back to his room. Leo dabbed his forehead with a handkerchief, wiping the sweat from his brow.
"...Aki," he ordered, "Go and teach that brat a lesson."
Moments later, Aki entered Akira's room. Inside, Akira was throwing and smashing things in pure fury.
"Young Master…" Aki called calmly.
Akira turned around sharply.
"You old man's dog. What do you want, huh? Oh, he sent you to control me too?"
Aki frowned. "It's not that, Young Master. I think you need to calm down."
Akira's glare sharpened.
"You teaching me what to do now?!"
Then suddenly, Aki stepped forward and hugged him tightly.
Akira froze, confused and frustrated.
"What the hell are you doing, you dog?!"
He tried to push Aki away—pulling at his hair and shirt—but Aki only held him tighter.
"You need to be loved," Aki said gently. "It's okay, Young Master."
"Huh?! What nonsense! I'm fine—let go of me!"
"Not until you're actually fine."
Akira kept yelling.
"What the hell is wrong with you?!"
But after a few minutes, his resistance started to fade. His grip loosened slightly from Aki's shirt.
"…sigh. I'm fine now."
Aki pulled back a little and smiled.
"Really?"
Akira gave a slight nod.
"Hmm."
Aki let go.
"Good then, Young Master. Why don't you have breakfast?"
Akira looked away.
"No, I won't go out. No need for breakfast."
Aki just smiled and stepped aside, revealing a table that had been set in Akira's room with delicious food.
Akira blinked in surprise.
"Oh…"
He sat down on the bed and began to eat quietly while Aki and a servant stood nearby watching him.
A voice echoed from outside the room.
"Aki! Come fast—we're leaving!"
Aki flinched.
"Yes, Chief. Coming!"
As he turned to go, Akira called out.
"Wait… What is your name?"
Aki smiled warmly.
"It's Aki, Young Master."
He bowed quickly and rushed outside to escort Leo.
Akira whispered under his breath,
"Aki… hmm…"
---
At Business Class – University
In the first row of a lecture hall, Akira sat scribbling on a piece of paper, his mind clearly elsewhere.
He didn't even realize he was still in class.
On the paper:
Akira + Aki
He traced a heart around the names, completely immersed.
Teacher:
"Akira, answer this next question."
Startled, Akira stood up suddenly and started answering automatically—though his paper still sat on the desk, the heart around Akira + Aki clearly visible.
---
Meanwhile at Leo's Office
Leo sighed in frustration.
"Aki, go and get that idiot from the university."
"Yes, Chief," Aki replied, bowing respectfully.
---
Outside the University
Akira walked out of the building, surrounded by students. His eyes landed on Aki, who stood beside a black car, waiting for him. Akira's eyes widened just a little—he blushed faintly.
Aki was dressed in a sharp black suit with a white shirt, his eyes hidden behind sunglasses. Akira had never seen his full face or even his eye color.
Girls in the crowd noticed too.
"Ohh, who is this new guard?"
"Aww, he is so cute!"
Akira, trying not to react, kept a poker face.
"Let's go."
They both got into the car. Akira sat in the backseat while Aki took the wheel. Adjusting the rearview mirror slightly, Aki glanced at Akira through it.
"Your friends are nice, Young Master."
Akira, looking out the window, replied coldly.
"They are not my friends."
"Oh…" Aki said softly.
From the rearview mirror, Aki kept sneaking glances at Akira—his face calm, but the faint blush on his cheeks betrayed him. He was clearly trying hard to hide it.
As the car rolled smoothly down the driveway, Akira sat quietly in the backseat, his posture stiff and unreadable. Without any body movement, he threw a sharp glance toward the rearview mirror.
"Can you stop staring?" he said coldly.
Aki flinched.
"Ha… ha, yes, Young Master."
From behind his sunglasses, Aki's ears turned visibly red. Akira noticed and couldn't help but smile faintly to himself, his eyes still on the window, pretending not to care.
When they reached the mansion—where the entire family lived—two excited younger siblings were already waiting. Mickey and Aoi, both around fifteen or sixteen, ran up to Akira the moment he stepped out of the car.
"Brother! You're back! How was the day?" Mickey beamed.
Akira gently patted both their heads.
"Same as usual."
Mickey and Aoi giggled, wrapping around him.
Aoi tugged his arm, pushing from behind playfully.
"Brother, let's have lunch!"
Mickey pulled his hand enthusiastically.
"Yeah, come on!"
Akira chuckled a little, resisting slightly.
"At least let me wash my hands first."
---
Lunch Table – Mansion
Astra sat gracefully at the table and smiled warmly at her son.
"Akira, look. Today all your favourite dishes have been prepared."
Akira glanced around.
"Mom, where is Yuke?"
Astra replied gently,
"He's studying. He has his exams next week, so…"
Akira immediately stood up and started gathering a few plates.
"Then I will take food to him."
---
Inside Yuke's Room
Akira entered with the plates in hand. Yuke, hunched over his books and buried in notes, lifted his head in surprise. His face lit up.
"Brother! What are you doing here?"
Akira placed the plates down on the bed.
"Came to feed you lunch."
Yuke blinked, a little shocked.
"Oh, it's already lunch time? I didn't notice…"
Akira patted his younger brother's shoulder.
"That's okay. You take care of your exams. I'll take care of your diet."
Wink.
Yuke chuckled softly and nodded. He sat down on the bed and began eating.
"Brother, why don't you eat with me?"
Akira considered for a moment.
"Okay."
As they both ate in silence, Yuke suddenly spoke.
"Brother, how was the business class?"
Akira, chewing, replied casually.
"Hmm. Good."
Yuke grinned mischievously.
"Brother, you know… I got my hands on a very interesting thing."
Akira looked at him, raising an eyebrow.
"What?"
Yuke leaned closer, lowering his voice like he was revealing a secret.
"That a person is coming tomorrow to see you. You know… marriage proposal."
Akira's brows furrowed immediately.
"Nonsense. I will deny."
Yuke laughed, already expecting the reaction.
"I know you will do that, but I'm warning you—it's Dad's friend's son, so…"
Akira smirked with a slight scoff, unfazed.
After finishing their food, Yuke leaned back and sighed.
"Ahh… I'm so full."
Akira stood up.
"I am going."
Yuke suddenly grabbed Akira's face and kissed his cheek.
"Okay."
Akira recoiled in disgust.
"Eww! How many times have I told you not to kiss me?! Gross!"
Yuke smiled with no remorse.
"But whenever I look at your soft cheeks, I want to give them a kiss, you know?"
Akira scoffed again.
"Ehh."
He opened the door and walked out, shaking his head in disapproval.
…..
A man in an expensive suit, Mr. Jihun, walked in with his son—an 18-year-old boy, handsome and glowing with youth. Both of them wore excited smiles as they approached Mr. Leo in the grand family hall.
"Look, Mr. Jihun," Leo grinned, extending his hand warmly. "If your son and my son get married, then guess how much profit it will bring to our businesses."
Mr. Jihun nodded, pleased. "Indeed, Mr. Leo. But where is your son?"
Leo looked around.
"Oh yes—AKIRA!! AKIRA!!... Bring him here!"
One of the guards responded immediately.
"Yes, Chief."
Just as the guard was about to open the room door, it burst open with a loud thud.
Akira stepped out, fresh from the shower, wearing nothing but a towel wrapped around his waist. His hair damp, his chest glistening, his expression one of pure irritation.
"What?" he snarled, striding toward Leo.
Gasps echoed throughout the hall. Family members and guests turned red, either blushing or scandalized. Mr. Jihun's son nearly fainted at the sight.
Leo's eyes widened in horror, his face trying to stay calm under pressure.
"What is this?! Where are your clothes?!" He whispered to akira.
Akira growled, "I was in the shower, okay?"
Leo tried to keep his temper in check. "Then why did you come out with no clothes?!"
"Because someone was screaming. I thought you were dying, that's why you were calling me," Akira shot back.
Leo leaned closer and whispered angrily, "You brat. Get back to your room and dress properly."
Without another word, Akira turned and stormed off.
Leo turned to the guests, adjusting his collar and forcing a smile.
"Ahm, pardon him, Mr. Jihun. Why don't we have a seat?"
Mr. Jihun cleared his throat awkwardly. "Ahm, no worries, Mr. Leo. Youth… haha."
The two families sat together in the lounge, sipping drinks and nibbling sweets while waiting for Akira to return.
Soon, Akira came back—this time dressed with a casual confidence that screamed trouble. He wore a red silk shirt with the top two buttons open, revealing a hint of his well-toned chest, sleeves rolled up, a luxury watch around his wrist, and perfectly tailored black pants.
He walked toward them, calm and composed, and took a seat on the couch beside his father.
Leo began, "Akira, meet him. He is—"
But Mr. Jihun interrupted eagerly, "Akira, I'm Jihun."
Akira shook hands.
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Jihun. What brings you here today?"
Jihun chuckled, "Look, I am the biggest enterp—"
"Uh, I didn't ask who you are," Akira interrupted, deadpan. "Let's come to the agenda."
Jihun blinked, caught off guard.
"Ah ha ha… I like your confidence. So, Akira, what do you think of my son?"
His son smiled bashfully and looked toward Akira with rosey cheeks .
"I like Akira! Dad, he is so handsome, and that body… breathtaking. I love him!"
Mr. Leo grinned. "That's wonderful news then!"
Mr. Jihun added, beaming, "Indeed, Mr. Leo."
Suddenly, Akira slapped his hand on the table and stood up.
"But it's a no from my side."
Jihun's eyes widened. "What?!"
Leo leapt to his feet, furious. "What did you say, you brat?!"
Without looking back, Akira walked toward his room.
"You never told me, old man."
Jihun, now standing, turned to Leo, visibly betrayed.
"What, Mr. Leo? You told us your son knows about this proposal? You lied to us?"
Leo gave an awkward smile. "Actually, Mr. Jihun…"
Jihun cut him off, now angry but composed.
"Son, get up. We are leaving. I can't believe you were trying to make bonds on a lie, Mr. Leo."
With that, the two stormed out of the mansion.
Leo trembled in rage.
"Frank! Bring my gun! Today I will kill this brat!"
Frank, Leo's left-hand man, nodded. "Yes, Boss."
But before he could move, Astra stepped in between.
"Don't make a decision in a rush," he said calmly.
Leo growled, "Didn't you see what he did?!"
Rose, Leo's second wife, chimed in with a sarcastic smile, "So, you're saying your son was right to disrespect his father?"
Astra went silent, then said softly, "I'm not talking about who is right or wrong. It's just…" he bit his lip. "If my son made a mistake, I will bow and apologize on his behalf."
Just as Astra was about to bow—
The door to Akira's room creaked open slightly. His voice rang out through the hallway.
"Mom, don't apologise in front of these liars!"
Astra froze. Leo's face turned crimson with rage. Without hesitation, he picked up a nearby dining chair and hurled it at Akira's door.
The chair shattered against the wood, but Akira had already slammed the door shut. A moment later, he opened the gap again—just long enough to show his middle finger.
Another chair came flying.
Astra gasped. "Stop it!"
Leo shouted, "This brat! You see his attitude? Today I will fix him!" He barked to his guards.
"Go and get that rat out of his burrow!"
Four guards charged into Akira's room.
Minutes later, they were all thrown out, groaning on the floor.
Leo's eyes twitched in disbelief.
"Even four of you can't drag him out?! Aki! You go and drag him out in front of me!"
Aki stepped forward.
"Yes, Chief."
He approached Akira's room and tried the handle—it was locked.
Aki sighed, pulled out his strength, and broke the handle.
Inside the room, Akira turned in shock.
"How did you… huh? You broke the handle?! You dog!"
Aki stood firm. "I'm sorry, but can you please calm down?"
Akira stepped forward, furious.
"Who do you think you are, huh?!"
"Look, Young Master, it's already a worse situation. Try to understand."
Akira got closer, staring straight into Aki's face. His eyes scanned the dark sunglasses.
"Get lost. This is my room."
Aki frowned. "Akira, please try—"
"I said GET OUT!"
Aki's voice grew sharp. "Akira, look, I don't like that attitude. If I leave today, then you will regret it."
Akira's voice cracked with rage.
"GET OUT!"
Aki clenched his jaw.
"Fine. You wait and watch."
He stormed out, slamming the door behind him—and in one last act of spite, broke the inside handle as well.
Inside, Akira roared.
"Ahh! He broke my door!"
Outside in the hallway, Leo watched from the hall as Aki walked toward the main exit.
"Where is he going now?" Leo muttered to frank , puzzled.
The next morning,
The sun had barely filtered through the mansion curtains when the family gathered at the long dining table.
Leo looked up, his expression already sour.
"Oh look who is with us," he sneered, glaring at Akira. "Finally slept with peace after disrespecting me, huh?"
Astra sighed, gently rubbing his temples.
"Tsk... honey, can we not argue at the dining table, please?"
Leo went silent, inhaling deeply as he forced himself to calm down.
Akira walked in with a neutral face, took a plate of food, and sat down. His chair was angled away from the others, his posture casual, one hand holding the plate as he started eating quietly.
Without a word, he looked up through his lashes at Aki, who was standing just behind Leo alongside Frank.
Aki, catching his gaze, quickly turned his face.
"Hmph."
Akira frowned but said nothing.
Leo suddenly slammed his hand on the table.
"Where are your table manners, Akira?! Why are you eating with the plate in your hand and your chair facing the wrong direction, huh?"
"I like it this way." Akira responded coldly, without even glancing up.
He finished his food faster than anyone else at the table and stood up, dusting off his hands before strolling away.
Later, dressed up and ready for university, Akira walked toward the main hallway to put on his shoes. Just as he reached for the shoe rack, Aki arrived at the same time.
Their hands nearly brushed.
They looked at each other.
Then turned their faces away simultaneously.
"Hmph."
Aki muttered, "You take your shoes first, Young Master. Hmph."
Akira rolled his eyes, stepping back.
"No, these shoes are polluted now because you touched the rack. You know what—because of you, I can't go to university today. I'm leaving."
He turned and headed back into the house.
Aki stood there, frozen, frustration bubbling to the surface. He clenched his hands and raised one as if to grab Akira's neck.
Akira suddenly leaned back, turning just enough to catch the gesture.
"I saw that."
Aki turned his face, pretending to admire the ceiling.
"Ahm."
Akira took another step forward.
This time, Aki made a stabbing motion in the air like holding an imaginary knife.
Akira leaned back again.
"I saw that too."
Aki's face turned red from embarrassment and frustration.
"Annoying person…" he mumbled under his breath.
Akira leaned back once more, a smirk playing on his lips.
"I heard that too."
Aki stumped his feet against the floor like a kid losing a video game and stormed off.
At the main door, Leo stood with Frank and a few guards waiting. His arms were folded, his usual stern glare in place.
Leo looked at Aki, annoyed.
"Shoes, Aki."
Aki blinked. "What?"
Leo raised an eyebrow slowly. "I told you to bring my shoes."
Panic hit Aki's face instantly. "Ahh! Yes! I totally forgot—I'll go and get them now!"
He ran off in a hurry.
Leo and Frank exchanged glances, both sighing at the same time.
"What's gotten into him nowadays?" Leo muttered.