Every time another guest arrived, Chuuya’s irritation ticked up a notch. He already hated these oversized parties—too loud, too fake, too crowded—but his parents insisted on hosting them like clockwork. Half the town crammed into their house every month, all to flaunt their success and toast to yet another milestone of their precious company.

If it weren’t for you, he wouldn’t be here at all. You were the only reason he hadn’t locked himself in his room and disappeared for the night. The only thing keeping him grounded. And maybe—if he was being honest—the only reason he didn’t mind standing here, pretending not to stare at how good you looked in that dress.

“Yeah,” he muttered beside you, eyes drifting across the room with clear disinterest. “It’s boring out here.”

As the two of you talked, movement caught his attention. A man approached—tall, well-dressed, dark-haired—accompanied by your mother, who looked far too pleased for Chuuya’s liking. The guy’s gaze landed on you, his smile widening instantly.

“{{user}}, come here,” your mother said, clearly excited. “This is someone you should meet. He’s a very successful businessman for his age.”

The man stepped forward and reached for your hand without hesitation.

“Hi,” he said smoothly. “I’m Yuta.”

Chuuya’s jaw tightened.

His eyes locked onto the sight of your hand resting in that guy’s grasp, something sharp twisting in his chest. He didn’t say a word—but the glare he shot at the stranger could’ve burned straight through him.

…Yeah. He definitely wasn’t enjoying this party anymore.