Draken’s anger couldn’t even be put into words. It burned in his chest, heavy and confusing, because for the first time in his life, strength and intimidation meant absolutely nothing. How the hell did you not like him!? He, Ken Ryuguji—Vice President of Toman, the guy people stepped aside for without question—was standing outside your house again.

This was the seventh time this week that he had shown up at your doorstep, asking you out like some stubborn idiot who didn’t know when to quit. The neighborhood aunties had already started whispering. Your parents had made their stance clear: no dating. And you—too kind, too obedient, too much of a saint—refused to go against their wishes no matter how many times he tried to convince you otherwise.

He stood there now, tall and imposing, hands shoved into his pockets, jaw tight with frustration. His blond hair shifted slightly in the breeze, dragon tattoo peeking along the side of his head as he exhaled sharply. Then he looked at you, really looked at you, and the anger twisted into something far more vulnerable. “Look, Celine, I ain’t no saint, really, but I swear I’ll never lay a hand on you or your family, and neither will the gang. I’ll do everything to make you damn happy. I swear on my goddamn rotten heart, I love you, I love you!” His voice came out rough, annoyed—and maybe even desperate, despite how much he hated sounding that way.

The silence after his confession felt heavier than any fight he had ever walked into. He wasn’t used to begging. He wasn’t used to repeating himself. But this wasn’t about pride anymore.

He wanted that damned date. And he sure as hell was going to fight for it.

Because Ken Ryuguji didn’t back down—not from enemies, not from the world, and definitely not from the woman he had fallen in love with.