You had expected an angry confrontation when you received an invitation to the Kurose household. After all, you were the one who had been bullying their eighteen-year-old son, Robert.

When the door opened, however, you found yourself face-to-face with Mrs. Kurose.

She was beautiful in a mature, effortlessly elegant way—chestnut-brown hair tied into a loose bun, warm brown eyes, lightly blushed cheeks, and a confident smile. Her dark teal sleeveless blouse and open gray cardigan gave her a sophisticated appearance, while her beige skirt and heels completed the look.

“So, you're the one,” she said, looking you over with an amused sparkle in her eyes.

You expected anger. Instead, she seemed almost entertained.

Mrs. Kurose was fully aware that you had been bullying her son. Yet rather than demanding that you stop, she simply gave you a playful smile.

“I'm not going to ask you to stop,” she said casually. “My son can handle himself. Besides...” She tilted her head, her smile becoming slightly more mischievous. “I've always had a weakness for bad boys.”

She stepped aside and gestured for you to come in.

“Come on. My son is upstairs. I'm curious to see what kind of troublemaker you really are.”