Haruto sat in the back of a sleek black car, his head resting against the cool window. He watched as the buildings blurred by, the city unfolding in a haze of motion.
Reika glanced at him, her long, midnight-black hair spilling over her shoulder.
"Haruto," she said, her tone sharp but controlled. "You've been gone for six whole days."
A pause hung between them, thick with unspoken words.
"Is there nothing you're going to say?"
Her eyes narrowed as she stared at him, but her voice remained calm—too calm.
"You left your phone and bank card behind. So tell me," she continued, "where were you?"
Haruto met her gaze, his response slow and steady. "I'm here now, so it's fine. I'm 17, I can do what I want."
Reika's gaze tightened, her lips pressing into a thin line. She exhaled slowly, looking out the window.
"True," she said, her voice a breath of air. "But don't just disappear without saying anything."
Haruto closed his eyes, his expression unreadable.
"Sure," he murmured.
---
One year ago…
The soft hum of a TV played in the background, distant but constant. A girl sat on a blue couch, the light from the screen flickering against her pale skin. She had white hair, black bangs framing her sharp red eyes. A small mole adorned the curve of her neck. Her black slip dress had a daring slit on the right thigh, and her beige cardigan hung loosely over her shoulders. Black T-strap heels completed the ensemble, exuding an effortless elegance.
On the coffee table in front of her sat two cups. She bit into a cookie, its red-topped surface cracking under her teeth. The sound of the crunch was almost satisfying.
Haruto sat beside her, his black attire and white shoes making him seem out of place yet entirely at home. His gaze softened as he watched her.
"Here you are... Velmaria?"
She glanced at him with a sly smile. "Miss me that much?"
Haruto smirked, taking the remote from her hand. "Give it back," she protested, trying to snatch it from him.
With a quick movement, Haruto pulled his arm away, teasing her. She leaned in, trying to get closer, but when she pushed, their lips met unexpectedly.
Velmaria pulled back, lightly hitting him on the chest, though there was no anger in the gesture.
"Idiot."
Haruto grinned, pressing the button on the remote, switching to a horror movie.
Velmaria curled up on the couch, pulling a pillow tightly against her chest.
"Hey," she said, her voice smooth and chilling, "You know I don't like this childish drivel."
A jump scare flashed on screen, and Velmaria flinched, pulling the pillow over her face.
Haruto smirked, tugging it away and sitting it beside him, opening his arms.
"Come on," he said.
With a soft smile, Velmaria leaned into his embrace, burying her face against his chest. Her cheeks flushed a soft pink.
Haruto wrapped his arms around her, holding her close.
Velmaria tilted her head up, looking into his eyes before planting a soft kiss on his lips.
"We'll be together forever, Haruto," she whispered with a smile that cut through the air like a blade. "That's not a wish... it's an inevitability."
Haruto's lips curled into a smile. "Yes. Forever."
---
The car came to a stop, jolting Haruto from his memories.
"We've arrived, Miss Reika," the driver announced.
Haruto opened his eyes, the moment quickly slipping away.
Reika nodded, stepping out of the car. The door opened for her as she exited, her hair flowing gently in the breeze.
Haruto followed, standing tall next to her. He was dressed in a pristine three-piece suit, a black overcoat resting casually over his shoulders. His hair was tied back in a neat ponytail, and the sharp plaid tie completed the look—refined, composed, and slightly intimidating.
Before them stood a grand gate, leading into a sprawling mansion. The lights inside shimmered, casting a golden glow into the night.
Two bodyguards stood by the gate, each dressed in dark suits and black sunglasses.
"We've been expecting you," one of the bodyguards said.
The gate swung open, and Haruto and Reika stepped forward.
---
Inside, the mansion was alive with chatter. Tables filled the room, stacked with drinks and snacks, people laughing and conversing in low murmurs. Soft music drifted in the background, creating a relaxed atmosphere.
At one of the tables, an older man with short black hair and blue eyes exchanged a quiet conversation with a woman who shared his age. Her long white hair and red eyes gave her an almost ethereal presence.
"Where is our daughter?" the man asked, a hint of concern in his voice.
The woman, Yuna, took a sip of red wine, her eyes soft yet calculating. "Don't worry, darling."
The man frowned. "What if something happens to her?"
Yuna met his gaze. "Yuki is with her. There's nothing to fear."
The man sighed, reluctantly accepting her reassurance.
---
The door opened, and Haruto and Reika stepped inside. Eyes turned toward them, whispers spreading like wildfire.
"No way. Isn't that Reika?" one person murmured.
"That's Haruto. He's like a genius, right? Mastered everything he's ever done."
Reika scanned the room, searching for something—or someone.
With a determined stride, she walked toward the couple standing at the table. Haruto followed silently, his expression unreadable.
When they reached the table, Reika stopped in front of the older couple, offering a small smile. Her voice was graceful, warm, but her confidence rang through like a family heirloom.
"Ah, it's been far too long, Sir Eravan, Lady Yuna. I'm pleased to see you both again."
Eravan, the man, waved his hand nervously. "No need to bow, Lady Reika."
Yuna, her red eyes gleaming with familiarity, tilted her head with a soft laugh. "Our families have known each other for a long time. Formalities are unnecessary."
Yuna says in a suppressed tone is that you Haruto
Haruto say it's me
Eravan say HUH?! That you Haruto you've changed a lot
Reika smiled but remained poised, her gaze turning to Haruto as she crossed her arms, her head tilting slightly. "Of course he has. He's a Satoru. We don't stay small forever."
Eravan chuckled. "That runs in the bloodline. Your father changed all the time, too."
Yuna's smile softened as she looked at Haruto. "Haruto, are you looking for Velmaria? If I had to guess, you want answers from her."
Haruto's gaze sharpened. "Yes. Is she here?"
Eravan nodded. "She is. She may be upstairs, where the younger crowd is."
Haruto turned without another word. "I'll head up now. Take care."
Yuna sighed. "Ah, young love."
Reika and Eravan shared a knowing glance.
---
Haruto climbed the stairs, reaching the top and glancing around. He noticed another party, this one much livelier. People in fashionable clothing were mingling, playing drinking games, and laughing together.
As he was about to continue, a voice called out to him.
"Haruto."
He turned.
Velmaria stood before him, her presence commanding attention.
She wore a luxurious white fur coat draped over her slender frame, the fabric hanging loosely over a black leather dress that hugged her curves. The slit along her thigh revealed delicate lace straps underneath, adding a daring contrast to her icy elegance. A choker adorned her neck, her sharp red nails glinting in the light, and the aura of dominance surrounding her was unmistakable.
"It's been a while, huh... Haruto?" Her voice was soft, but distant—almost as if it belonged to someone else entirely.
Haruto closed the distance between them, standing directly in front of her. His eyes softened slightly.
"It has... Velmaria," he said, his voice trailing off, as if there was more to say—but he didn't have the words just yet.
---
Velmaria took a quiet breath. Her voice, soft but steady, reached out across the space between them.
"There's something I need to tell you, Haruto."
The way she said his name—gentle, almost trembling—made his heart skip a beat.
Haruto's eyes widened slightly, and just for a second, a sad glint flickered within them…
As if he already knew.
As if he'd known for a while now, and just hadn't wanted to admit it.
"I've thought about it a lot," Velmaria continued, her voice calm—too calm.
She paused. The silence between them felt like a blade hovering just before the drop.
"And... I want to end our relationship."
There was no rage. No tears. Just… mercy.
The kind that still managed to kill.
"What...?!" Haruto gasped, shock cracking his voice.
His fists clenched, breath shaking. He forced himself to exhale slowly, grounding himself.
Then, quieter—barely a whisper:
"Just… tell me why."
He looked down. The ground seemed far more forgiving than her gaze.
Velmaria hesitated. Her voice wavered, but only slightly.
She forced it steady.
"I'm sorry."
"If I told you… it'd only hurt you more."
"So… please. Just let me go."
Haruto's throat tightened.
"I see," he muttered, voice trembling.
"So... this is the end?"
Velmaria lifted her head to look at him. Her eyes flickered—almost like she was searching for the right lie to make it easier.
"...Probably yes."
A long pause. Then—
"Okay," Haruto said.
Velmaria blinked.
"...You're not going to stop me?"
He shook his head.
"No. This time... I accept your decision."
Her lips parted slightly, surprised.
"But you… you loved me so much. How can you just let me go?"
A bitter smile danced at the edge of Haruto's lips.
"Oh, I did. I loved you more than anything."
"And I probably won't ever love anyone like that again."
"But the person I fell in love with… she wouldn't have left me crying. She wouldn't have walked away while I begged her to stay."
He raised his gaze to meet hers. His eyes, once filled with warmth, now just… hurt.
"You made me feel worthless."
"I still love the memory of us—the dreams we shared, the plans we made. But I can't keep loving someone who clearly doesn't want me anymore."
Velmaria's eyes widened. Her gaze dropped to the ground. Her fingers clenched the edge of her black leather dress.
Tears slipped down her cheeks, silent as snow.
Her shoulders trembled.
And then, just barely audible—
"I... I was preg—"
A blur of yellow and blue flashed past Haruto.
A young man with golden hair and piercing blue eyes skidded to a stop in front of Velmaria. His hands gripped her shoulders, worry etched across his face.
"Lady Velmaria! What's wrong?"
Velmaria hastily wiped her tears, turning her face away.
"It's nothing, Yuki."
Yuki's gaze lingered on her face, seeing what she was trying to hide.
He turned sharply toward Haruto, expression stormy.
"What did you do to her?" he demanded.
"He did nothing, Yuki!" Velmaria snapped.
Yuki turned back to her, concern replacing the fire in his eyes.
"Let's go back."
He placed a hand gently on her shoulder. She nodded, eyes still glancing sideways at Haruto. As she walked, she hesitated.
Just before disappearing down the stairs, she whispered—only to herself—
"...I'm sorry, Haruto."
Haruto didn't move.
Didn't look up.
His eyes stared at the road like it could somehow give him answers.
"...Forever, huh? What bullshit," he muttered under his breath.
His voice softened.
"...Maybe it's for the best. I've already cut ties with my sisters, my friends..."
"I've gotten involved in things... darker things."
"In the future, my enemies won't just come for me. They'll come for anyone close to me."
His fists clenched. One tear slipped down his cheek. He wiped it away before it could fall.
"I'll finish what I came here to do."
He descended the stairs, each step heavier than the last.
---
Later.
In a quiet, pristine living room with white couches, a glass table, and the ticking of a clock echoing through the silence—
Haruto sat alone.
He pulled out his phone, stared at the screen for a moment, then pressed a contact.
The dial tone rang.
"Do you need something?" Reika's voice came through.
"No," Haruto said. "Just wanted to say… I'm leaving."
Silence.
"That's okay with me."
"And my sister… is she still the same?"
"Yes," Reika replied softly. "Are you going to visit her?"
"Yeah… Bye then."
"Bye."
The call ended.
Haruto leaned back against the couch, exhaling deeply as he stared at the ceiling.
---
Elsewhere.
A figure soared through the skies above a mountainous region—Vhalzareth, his massive black wings stretched wide behind him.
Landing with a quiet thud, the wings vanished into his back. Wind tugged at his long black hair as he stood tall, overlooking the massive fortress built between twin peaks.
Two orcs in polished silver armor raised their weapons.
"Who are you?!" one barked. "This place is closed to outsiders!"
But Vhalzareth didn't flinch.
A gloved finger touched his jaw. His voice was calm.
"The time I've spent under Lord Haruto's command… it's been nothing short of extraordinary."
"I could force others to serve him. Bend them to his will."
He paused, red eyes narrowing.
"But that's not his way. He leads by conviction—not control."
"If I betray that… I'll betray everything he's entrusted me with."
He took a step forward. The ground itself seemed to hush.
"No. I'll find another way. I won't disappoint him."