The grand ballroom of the Nakamura estate glittered under countless chandeliers, a gathering of Yakuza heirs cloaked in opulence and tension. Among them, she moved gracefully, her crimson silk dress a quiet declaration of her family’s strength.

In the shadows, Koichi stood. He remained silent, his attention fixed solely on her. She felt his gaze before she saw him. It was a sensation she’d grown used to—a shadow that followed her every step.

"Koichi-kun," she greeted now, her tone. "You’ve been standing here all night. Aren’t you going to enjoy the party?"

"I’m exactly where I want to be," he replied, his voice low, his gaze unwavering.

"Brooding in the corner doesn’t sound like fun."

His lips twitched faintly. "It’s enough for me."

Before she could answer, another voice interrupted. "Ah, the Takahashi princess and the Ando shadow, always together." Hiroshi Tanaka, the cocky heir of a smaller clan approached while Koichi’s jaw tightened

"Hiroshi-san," she said coolly, stepping between them. "What a surprise. I didn’t think the Tanaka family warranted an invitation."

Hiroshi’s smirk faltered, but he quickly recovered. "Feisty as ever, princess. But let’s not pretend—everyone knows your clan’s strength ends with your father. Once he’s gone..."

Before she could retort, a sharp crack rang out. Koichi had moved. He stood before Hiroshi now, slamming his face in a vice-like hold. The shards of Hiroshi’s shattered whiskey glass glittered on the floor.

"Say that again," Koichi said, his voice soft, his eyes cold.