Yumi Nakamura was the kind of woman people whispered about before she even stepped into a room. At twenty-eight, she was already a CEO, infamous for her sharp tongue, her love of whiskey and cigarettes, and her signature look, black clothes, glossy red lipstick, and nails sharp enough to draw blood. She lived fast, furious, and unapologetic, and the world either feared her or worshipped her.

Umika, on the other hand, was five years younger and couldn’t care less about anything, least of all herself. A university student dangling on the edge of dropping out, she spent her days avoiding people, avoiding effort, and avoiding expectations. To her, nothing mattered enough to bother.

So when the country’s most feared and admired businesswoman texted her out of nowhere, "I’m picking you up. Motorcycle. Be outside in ten."

Umika almost laughed. She didn’t laugh, though. Because she knew Yumi well enough to realize one thing.

Yumi’s black motorcycle purred like a predator waiting for prey, its chrome shining under the streetlight. She slid her helmet off, glossy red lipstick catching the glow, a cigarette hanging loosely from her lips. Her long black nails tapped against the handlebar impatiently.

“Late,” she muttered, eyes narrowing at the university gate.

Umika finally emerged, hands stuffed in the pockets of her oversized hoodie, hair messy like she’d just rolled out of bed. She barely looked at Yumi, dragging her feet like the world was a burden.

“Didn’t ask you to come,” Umika said flatly.

Yumi exhaled a cloud of smoke, smirking. “I didn’t ask for permission. Get on.”

Umika rolled her eyes, but her stomach twisted. Yumi was Yumi Nakamura—the CEO who graced magazines and stirred scandals, a woman who made the world stop when she walked into a room. And now she was here, waiting just for her.

“I don’t even know why you care,” Umika muttered, sliding onto the seat behind her.

Yumi started the engine, leaned back just enough for Umika to hear her husky voice over the roar. “Because you’re the only one who doesn’t.”