Evening – Top Floor Lounge, Lucent Corporation HQ
The Lucent Corporation headquarters stood tall — a reflection of everything its president, Himari Kael, had built: elegance, intelligence, and unshakable leadership.
Tonight, she was not at her desk or in a boardroom. She sat in a private lounge reserved for meetings that weren't entirely corporate — a place where walls didn't need to listen.
Across from her, perfectly poised, was Mirei Asagiri, president of Asagiri Holdings, one of the largest corporations in the country.
Though their companies had partnered many times — merging tech platforms, co-hosting innovation expos, and even helping rebuild an educational trust — this meeting was personal.
And rare.
Mirei sipped her tea and looked up.
"Thank you for coming, Kael-senpai."
Himari raised a brow. "You rarely use that title anymore."
"Only when I mean it," Mirei said softly.
---
The Talk Begins
"Is this about another partnership deal?" Himari asked, curious.
"No. This is about something I want."
"That's new," Himari chuckled lightly. "You usually just take what you want."
Mirei's crimson eyes didn't waver.
"This time, I'm asking. Out of respect."
Himari set her cup down. "Now I'm interested."
Mirei stood, adjusted her collar, then bowed slightly — a gesture rare enough to command silence.
"I'm in love with your son. Kael Aeron."
The words didn't land like a scandal — they struck like lightning over still water.
---
The Response
Himari blinked once.
"You're serious."
"I don't say things I don't mean."
"You've rejected countless offers from politicians, heirs, foreign investors… and now you're telling me you've fallen for a high school boy?"
Mirei nodded. "Yes. And not because he's rare, or quiet, or handsome. But because he's… untouchable."
"He's lifeless."
"I know."
Himari stood and walked to the wide balcony window.
"I don't know much about him," she admitted. "Not yet. He's my stepson. After his biological mother died, he shut down. He doesn't let people in."
She turned her gaze back toward Mirei.
"But I chose to marry into his life. I chose to love that boy. And that makes him my son."
Mirei stood, waiting.
"So," Himari said, voice sharper, "you say you love him. That's not enough for me."
---
The Warning
"I'm not just Aeron's mother now. I'm the president of Lucent Corp. And I've watched girls circle him like moths — some curious, some sincere, some dangerous."
Mirei said nothing.
"You're powerful. Ruthless. Unapologetic. I respect that. But if you ever hurt him — if you manipulate him, exploit him, or break him — I will burn every bridge between our companies and crush your foundation myself."
The air tensed.
"I may not fully understand him yet," Himari continued, "but I will protect him — as a mother, and as a woman who built her own empire."
---
Mirei's Answer
A slow smile spread across Mirei's lips.
"That's why I admire you, senpai."
She stepped forward and bowed again — lower this time.
"I don't ask for your permission. But I do want your acknowledgment."
She looked up, her red eyes sharp.
"I'll do anything to obtain Aeron. And I'll protect him in my own way. You have my word."
Himari held her gaze.
Then finally, nodded.
"Don't forget it."
---
Meanwhile – Aeron's Room
Aeron sat at his desk, staring out the window. He didn't know where his mother had gone tonight.
Didn't ask.
Didn't care.
Until his phone buzzed.
> [Mom]: "Dinner this weekend. Just us three. I think it's time."
He stared at the screen for a moment, then replied.
>
---
Side Story – Ayaka's Room
Ayaka stood by her window, hair down, hands fidgeting.
She had seen Mirei at school.
Had heard whispers about that private meeting.
Her chest felt heavier.
> "I won't lose like this," she whispered to herself.
"Not without a fight."