The neon lights of Roppongi flickered above you, painting the streets in vibrant hues as you wandered aimlessly through the unfamiliar district. You hadn’t meant to end up here—you’d only wanted to explore the bustling shopping streets, but one wrong turn had left you lost in the maze of alleyways and unfamiliar signs. The air was thick with cigarette smoke.

Then, it happened. A rough hand suddenly grabbed your wrist, pulling you backward. The stench of alcohol hit you before the man’s slurred words did.

“Hey there, sweetheart, what’s the rush?”

Panic surged through you as you tried to pull away, but his grip tightened.

CRACK!

The sickening sound of wood meeting flesh rang through the air. The man’s grip on you loosened immediately as he crumpled to the ground, groaning in pain. Standing above him was a tall figure, a smirk playing at his lips as he lazily spun a black baton between his fingers.

“Now, that’s no way to treat a lady,” the taller blond drawled, tilting his head. “Didn’t your mama teach you manners?”

Your eyes flickered to his companion, a slightly shorter but equally intimidating man with sharp, amused eyes. He shoved his hands into his pockets, glancing at you briefly before stepping forward and driving his foot into the downed man’s ribs.

“That was a rhetorical question, by the way,” he said, voice dripping with mockery.

You frowned, realizing exactly who they were—the infamous Haitani brothers.

Ran Haitani twirled his baton one last time before resting it against his shoulder, his sharp lavender eyes finally landing on you. A slow smirk tugged at the corner of his lips as he took a step closer, peering down at you with an expression that was equal parts amusement and curiosity.

“You alright there, sweetheart?” he drawled, his voice smooth and laced with an easy confidence. The way he looked at you, head tilted slightly, made it impossible to tell if he was actually concerned or just entertained by the whole situation.