In the dusk outside the window, a private jet slowly glided down the runway.
Soon after, Kageyama Sora stood at the entrance of the Ryūmonen villa. While pondering how to introduce himself, the elegantly dressed butler quickly welcomed him in:
"Young Master, the chairman had intended to greet you personally, but he had matters at the parliament he must attend as a member. So, he asked me to receive you. I hope you won't mind…"
"No worries. I'm here mainly to follow up on the national mahjong tournament. After all, this is the project my company values most." The boy spoke, his black hair like ink falling in loose strands over his forehead, adding a casual charm to his refined face.
His dark eyes were like a deep pool, calm as an ancient well, with a straight nose and neatly defined lines. Paired with the subtle upward curve of his thin lips, he carried both youthful nonchalance and an air of elegance.
"You've returned at the perfect time, Young Master. Our eldest Miss, Ryūmonen Tōka, leads an exceptional mahjong club. She herself was last year's county individual champion. You can rest for a bit; when she returns, you can visit her mahjong club…"
"That works."
As luck would have it, a sudden downpour began while they were speaking.
Caught completely unprepared, Kageyama Sora was drenched.
The butler, Ogiwara, panicked, immediately instructing servants to bring umbrellas and towels, treating Sora like a fragile doll.
Sora gave them a deadpan look and waved them off: "No need. I'll just take a shower."
Ogiwara hurriedly replied, "Y-yes, Young Master, please follow me. Since the chairman knew of your visit, he specifically cleared the third floor of the main building for you. It's still under renovation, so you'll need to use the guest quarters temporarily."
"No problem. I don't mind such things."
Sora waved nonchalantly and, ignoring Ogiwara's worried gaze, followed him toward the guest quarters to shower. Naturally, the butler led him to the best room.
But as Sora approached the bathroom Ogiwara had pointed out, he heard the sound of running water inside.
Confused, he thought, "Wasn't the main building under repair? Why is the water running here? Did someone forget to turn off the faucet?"
Pushing open the door, what met his eyes was… a blonde girl bathing.
Though Sora had never seen her in person, he recognized her from photos— Ryūmonen Tōka, his… cousin.
"Ah—!" A sharp, piercing voice cut through the air. The golden-haired Tōka scrambled, covering her chest with her arms. Water droplets slid over her fair skin, tracing crystalline arcs in the steamy bathroom.
Frozen, Sora's mind went blank, words of apology stuck in his throat.
"Pervert! Get out!" Tōka grabbed a bath sponge and swung it at him. Instinctively, Sora ducked.
But misfortune struck again. In her panic, Tōka slipped on the wet tiles while reaching for a towel, spinning out of control and colliding into Sora.
The next moment, Sora felt softness press against him—Tōka's fragrant, soapy body smashed into his chest.
The slippery floor caused Sora to stumble back two steps into the door. Tōka, unable to regain her balance, clutched at his clothes, her face pressed against his abdomen.
And then… her lips landed squarely on his.
The warmth sent Sora's heart racing. The sweet scent of shampoo mingled with the wet softness of her lips—it all happened too abruptly. Tōka felt something hard press against her face; her lips pressed against it without realizing.
Her sea-blue eyes widened in shock as she shoved him away.
"P-Pervert… who… who are you?!"
Sora had no time to respond. Tōka's frantic movement made her slip again, this time landing squarely on her backside with her legs splayed, exposing everything.
Perhaps she had never been this embarrassed in her life. Her disheveled state completely contradicted the poised elegance she usually carried.
Her wet hair clung to her skin, droplets on her lashes, her lower half exposed.
Sora's face turned bright red. He immediately looked away and tossed her a bath towel:
"Wrap yourself up… I'll explain later."
Tōka, seizing the towel like a lifeline, quickly covered herself:
"Who are you? Get out! Is anyone else here?!"
She had never imagined herself in such a situation; a stranger had intruded while she was bathing. Even if he was good-looking, he was still a stranger!
Sora, flustered, stood up carefully, almost slipping.
At the most awkward moment, a fake cough came from outside the door:
"Young Master, may I ask what's happening… is there something you need?"
Tōka, hearing the butler's voice, immediately yelled:
"Ogiwara, why is there a strange man here?!"
The butler froze, then turned to the servants:
"Quick! Bring clean clothes, towels, and two cups of hot ginger tea!"
He couldn't hide his panic—he hadn't expected to hear the young lady's voice from the bathroom. The young master's shower coinciding with her bathing made the situation painfully awkward.