The sun rose on a Sunday, but for Emi, the night had never truly ended. Haruki's ultimatum from the night before had played on a loop in her mind, haunting her restless dreams. She sat at the breakfast table, her expression a mix of exhaustion and irritation, picking at her food with a visible scowl.
Since it was Sunday, the entire Kaminari clan was gathered. Kenzo, ever the diplomat, turned to his brother Jiro with a smile. "How is the company faring, Jiro? Is everything stable?"
Jiro beamed. "Better than ever, brother. Our profit margins have surged past 60 percent. The last few months have been an absolute goldmine."
Kenzo nodded in approval before turning to Tatsuya. "And your department?"
Tatsuya scratched his head modestly. "The Kami Restaurant is thriving. I've brought in a new team of world-class chefs and overhauled the quality standards. The revenue is reflecting the hard work."
"Excellent," Kenzo said. "But where is Izumi?"
"She's at our parents' old country house," Jiro replied. "Even though they are no longer with us, that place holds a peace that the city just can't offer."
Kenzo closed his eyes, a nostalgic smile touching his lips. "You're right. There's a soul in that old house."
Amaya leaned in, her eyes sparkling. "Dad, why don't we all head there today? Hana and Yuki have been dying for a trip to the countryside."
Kenzo looked at Emi, his 'little princess.' "What do you say, Emi? Will you join us?"
Emi forced a small, tired smile. "Yes, Grandpa. I'll go."
The plan was set: Kenzo would drive with his brothers, while Amaya followed with her children. But as they prepared to leave, a logistical snag hit. There was only one car left for the women.
Yuki and Hana scrambled into the backseat, but Emi stood frozen on the driveway.
"What's wrong, Emi?" Amaya asked gently. "Why aren't you getting in?"
Emi's cheeks flushed a bright pink. She looked away, muttering under her breath, "There's... there's no room. It's too cramped. I'll just take a cab."
Amaya saw right through her. "There's plenty of room, darling. But if you don't want to squeeze in with us, there's no need for a cab. Just call Haruki."
Hana poked her head out of the car window, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Oh! Mom, why doesn't Emi take my spot, and I'll wait for Haruki?"
"Shut up, Hana!" Emi snapped, her temper flaring. "Just get in the car and go with Mom!"
Before leaving, Amaya pulled Emi aside, her voice laced with maternal concern. "Emi, listen to me. Stay inside and keep the doors locked until Haruki arrives. Your father is still a shadow over this house. Don't take any risks."
The silence of the Kaminari Estate felt heavy once they left. Emi paced the halls, her anxiety growing. She had smashed her phone in a fit of rage the night before, so she was trapped without a way to reach the outside world—except for the old-fashioned house telephone.
She dialed Haruki's number with trembling fingers. He picked up on the second ring.
"Haruki... I'm alone at the estate. Please... come get me," she whispered, her voice uncharacteristically soft.
"I know," Haruki's voice came through, calm as ever. "Sir Kenzo mentioned the trip to the village. But why aren't you with them?"
"Stop asking questions and just get here!" Emi's voice cracked with a hint of fear. "I want to go to the village with you."
"Fine," Haruki sighed. "I'm on my way."
While waiting, Emi's nerves got the better of her. She paced the foyer, glancing at the clock every few seconds. "What is taking that idiot so long?"
Finally, the doorbell rang. Emi raced to the door and swung it open. A gust of cool wind hit her face, and there he stood.
Haruki had traded his usual uniform for casual wear—beige pants paired with a long-sleeved, skin-tight cream shirt. The combination accentuated his physique in a way Emi hadn't noticed before. He looked... devastatingly handsome.
Emi stared, momentarily lost in the sight of him. Haruki noticed her daze and snapped his fingers in front of her eyes. "Miss Emi? You okay?"
Emi's face went scarlet. She instantly threw up her shield of attitude, turning her head away. "Idiot! Why did you take so long?"
"My apologies," Haruki smiled. "I'll try to be faster next time."
"Just... come in," she muttered.
Inside the grand hall, Emi did something unexpected. Despite the house being full of servants, she went into the kitchen herself. Moments later, she returned with a tray and a steaming cup of tea.
"Drink this," she said, her cheeks still red as she set it on the table. "And tell me how it is."
Haruki looked surprised. "You made this yourself? We have staff for this, Miss Emi."
"Just drink it!" she barked.
Haruki took a sip. His expression went blank. He set the cup down slowly, his face a mask of stone. "Miss Emi... have you ever made tea before?"
"What? Is it not good?" she asked, her pride on the line.
Haruki forced a gentle smile. "It's... incredible. Actually, if there's more, please bring it. I want to drink it all. I can barely restrain myself."
Emi felt like she was walking on air. A radiant smile broke across her face. "You're so cute, Haruki! Wait right here, I'll fetch the rest!"
She skipped back to the kitchen, humming a tune. As she poured the remaining tea into a cup, she thought, If he likes it this much, I should try it too.
The second the liquid touched her tongue, her entire world darkened. She spat it out instantly, her face twisting in disgust. "Ugh! This is foul! It's horrendous! Did I really make this?"
A wave of realization hit her. She marched back into the hall, eyes narrowed. "Haruki! That tea was disgusting! Why did you lie to me?"
Haruki stood up, his smile turning apologetic. "I knew you'd find out. I just... I didn't want to hurt your feelings."
"I hate fake compliments!" Emi yelled. "If it was bad, you should have just been honest!"
Haruki's patience snapped. "Fine! You want the truth? I'll give it to you. That was the most atrocious tea I've ever had in my life! It tasted like someone poured the entire salt content of the ocean into a single cup. It was poisonous! If it were anyone else drinking that, they'd be meeting their ancestors right now. It was absolute garbage!"
The blunt, brutal truth pierced through Emi's fragile heart. Her eyes welled up with tears. Haruki's figure blurred as the water filled her vision. Before he could apologize, she collapsed to her knees and burst into uncontrollable sobs.
Haruki's heart skipped a beat. Cold sweat broke out on his forehead. Oh no... I messed up again. I have to do something!
Without thinking, Haruki stepped forward and pulled Emi into a firm, protective embrace. Emi buried her face into his chest, her muffled sobs soaking his shirt. Haruki didn't say a word; he just gently stroked her hair, letting her cry it out.
The servants in the hallway stood frozen, watching the scene in absolute shock.
Finally, Emi's crying slowed. She didn't pull away. Instead, she pressed her face deeper into his chest and whispered, "I love you, Haruki..."
Haruki's face turned a deep crimson. He didn't speak, but his hand never stopped stroking her hair, his touch filled with a tenderness that said more than words ever could.