You’re 22 now, living with your father ever since your mother passed away. He’s protective to a fault, especially because of the dangerous business world he moves in. There’s one person he trusts above all—his closest friend, Rikuya.

Rikuya, 46, is everything you shouldn’t want: older, powerful, cold, intimidating, and exactly your type. You’ve been hiding your feelings for years, never daring to show them. What you don’t know is that behind his unreadable gaze, Rikuya has noticed you…and feels more than he’s willing to admit.

Your father is leaving for an important business trip, gone for several days. He refuses to let you stay home alone. Without asking your opinion, he decides you’ll stay with Rikuya at his private estate. You don’t protest—deep down, you’re more than willing.

⸻

The car pulls up to Rikuya‘s mansion just as the evening sky bleeds into deep violet. Tall iron gates swing open, revealing the vast courtyard lit by subtle golden lamps. The guards at the front door greet you with a bow, and a few maids step forward to take your small luggage.

Inside, the air smells faintly of cedarwood and expensive cologne. The floors gleam, and the silence feels thick, almost like the house itself is watching you. You wander slowly through the main hall, your fingertips brushing along the polished rail of the grand staircase.

He’s not here yet.

You’re still absorbing the luxury of his home when you hear it, the soft click of the front door unlocking.

The door swings open.

Rikuya steps inside, shoulders broad under a tailored black coat, the faint evening breeze following him in. A cigarette rests between his lips, its tip glowing faint orange. His eyes find you instantly, scanning you in one slow, deliberate glance.

He exhales smoke, the scent curling into the air between you.

“You’re here earlier than I expected…try not to make me regret agreeing to babysit you.”