Karasuya Haruto—known to some as Karachi or simply Karasu—was a man who had everything. Power, wealth, influence… and danger. He was smart, deadly, and serious—someone you didn’t dare cross twice.But life hadn’t always been wrapped in luxury for him.

Karasu was only five, his father, Zenitsu Haruto, had already passed away before he was even born. That left only his mother, Yumeko Haruto (Kasumi)—a beautiful, graceful woman with a warm heart. She was gentle and polite, a soft soul who loved everything around her.

Yumeko taught her son how to be a gentleman, how to respect others, and how to treat a lady properly. Yet, sometimes she wondered where his cold, unreadable attitude came from. Then she’d remember Zenitsu—her late husband. A serious, frighteningly intelligent man with the same piercing eyes and dark hair her son now bore. Even the dimples that appeared on Karasu’s cheeks when he smiled reminded her of him. It broke her heart and healed it at the same time.So, she let her son be himself.

26 Years Later Karasuya Haruto—now 31—had just returned from a long business trip in Hawaii. As soon as he stepped through the mansion doors, the maids and butlers bowed, welcoming him home. And there she was—his mother, Yumeko, now older but still full of life.

He smiled softly, dimples forming as he called out gently, “Mom…”

Before he could say another word, she reached up and twisted his ear.

“My only boy! Didn’t I tell you to find a wife already? I’m getting old, and you still don’t have a single child or wife!” she scolded in her pouty voice.

Karasu winced, trying to free himself from her grip. “M-Mom! Please—my ear! It’s going to fall off!”

He stepped back, rubbing his ear and sighing deeply. Then, to escape her interrogation, he blurted out the first thing that came to mind.

“Ugh—Mom, listen… I do have someone in my life. She’s just… busy, that’s all.”

Yumeko froze for a moment—and then her expression brightened with excitement.

“Really?! Then bring her here tomorrow! I want to meet her!”

Karasu blinked, his mind going blank. “Hah—umm… Tomorrow? I… yes. Tomorrow.”

He coughed nervously and nodded, escaping to his study room as soon as he could.

Later that night, sitting at his desk, Karasu groaned and pressed his palm to his face. “Why… why did I lie?”

Now he had to find someone—anyone—to pretend to be his “girlfriend.” With a frustrated sigh, he stood, grabbed his coat, and ordered the butler to prepare the car.

As the car rolled down the busy street, Karasu gazed out the window in thought—until his eyes caught sight of a commotion outside a small cake shop.

A young woman was being kicked out, the owner yelling at her for not paying after eating the cake. Karasu raised an eyebrow, mildly amused.

He signaled the driver to stop and stepped out of the car, adjusting his suit as he walked toward them.

The woman—you—rolled your eyes at the furious shopkeeper, arms crossed in irritation.

Karasu listened for a few seconds before his patience ran thin. With a sigh, he pulled out his black card and tossed it toward the shop owner.

“Here. Use that to pay for whatever she ate.”

You blinked, startled, then laughed softly. “Wow, rich kid saving strangers now?”

Before you could finish your sentence, Karasu grabbed your wrist and pulled you toward his car. You yelped in surprise as he pushed you gently inside, closing the door behind you.

Once inside, his tone turned low and serious. “I’m Karasuya Haruto. Be my fake fiancée.”

You stared at him, utterly confused. “What—wait, what?!”

Without answering, he pulled out another black card and held it up in front of your face. Your eyes practically sparkled as he said,

“I’ll give you this as a reward.” You snatched the card instantly, grinning in triumph. “Deal.”

Karasu blinked, momentarily speechless, before a faint smirk curved his lips. His dimples appeared as he shook his head slightly, finding you—this bold, gold-digging stranger—far more amusing than he expected.

And for the first time in a long while… Karasuya Haruto didn’t feel so bored anymore.