Frozen Rose (Langa x reader)

Chapter 50

(Y/n)'s POV

I followed Azuto down the winding corridors and into the modern elevators. A large window presented a view of the city below as I stared in awe. My hands gripped the railing as I peeked down.

"Are you scared of heights?" he asked.
"No, not particularly."
"You're really unlike any other girl I've ever met," he said softly.
"I hope you're not trying to flirt with me."
"*blush* T-that wasn't my intention! Please forgive me. I only meant to say that most girls I've met only cared about fashion, money and boys. They seemed to want me only because of my looks and reputation."
"Oh..."

He offered a smile, trying to diffuse the seriousness that had risen. I leaned against the railing, resting my chin on my hand. Azuto turned to watch the view with me.

"I'm surprised no one else is getting on this elevator."
"It's a private one, accessible only by my parents and I," he answered.
"Well, thank you for showing me this view."
"You're very welcome."

It wasn't long before we arrived on the ground level. The doors opened to reveal a gorgeous woman adorning a bright red dress that reached just above her knees. Azuto smiled a polite, cold smile whilst the woman stared at him in scorn.

We stepped out and around her, seeing as how she was intent on blocking our path. His tall, broad frame hid me from view as he offered a word in greeting to this mysterious woman.

"Hello," he said.
"Address me properly, boy. It's Sayu-sama," she exclaimed.
"I'm sorry, Sayu-sama."
"Where are you going?"
"I have some business to attend to. Please pay me no mind."
"Who's the girl? Another victim to your charms? Now that your father has officially declared you a playboy, you wanna try and play the part? You disgust me."

Azuto immediately grabbed onto my arm, sensing that I was about to fight back. She could not see however, how much he was shaking, how tight his fingers were clenched. He kept his hand behind his back and on my arm, although I was uncertain if it was to reassure me or himself.

"Well then."

He bowed before hurriedly leading me away. His expression gave nothing away though the mood around him was dark. Joe was waiting for us outside as I had called him earlier to explain the situation.

"Yo," Joe greeted.
"I heard you're (L/n)'s friend?" Azuto asked.
"My name's Kojiro."
"Pleasure to meet you."
"You're real formal, aren't you? No need to do that with me."
"I'm sorry."

A sigh escaped Joe's lips before we were standing in front of a luxurious car. Azuto opened the door for me, gesturing for me to get in. I muttered a quiet 'thank you' and got in. He slid into the spot beside mine whilst Joe took the passenger seat.

"Where to, Azuto-sama?" asked the driver.
"Home."

I glanced at the boy beside me as he stared out the window. His light brown hair fell over his eyes, glowing vibrantly in the sunlight. I nudged his arm, his demeanour immediately changing from cold rich heir to warm-hearted music lover.

"Who was that lady earlier?"
"My stepmother," he replied stoically.
"Oh...sorry."
"No, I'm ashamed you had to see that. Forgive me."

~After you arrive~

Joe and I marvelled at the mansion that stood before us. The front yard itself was the size of the enormous house, with a driveway that seemed to wind around statues and ponds that spotted the gardens.

The interior was even more elegant, if such a thing was possible. Elaborate paintings adorned the cream walls, plush carpeting and smooth tiles covering the floor. Decorative pieces were placed around the house, adorning the look of a comfortable museum.

"My father's office is this way," said Azuto.
"Damn, this house would cost millions," commented Joe.
"If I had the authority, I would give it to you."

Joe laughed though I wasn't sure if Azuto was joking or if he harboured unspoken feelings he'd like to rid himself of by giving away this house. We entered a room five times the size of my own. There was even a fireplace.

"Is this the ring you're looking for?"

We turned towards the voice, coming face to face with a man that bore a striking resemblance to Azuto, only he was years older. In his hand was my uncle's ring, which he was twirling around his fingers.

"Father," Azuto muttered.
"Did you not think I'd have people watching you? Who are they? How dare you take them to my house," he stated angrily.
"You stole that ring. It belongs to them."
"You are my son. Why are you standing up for them?"
"I'll call the cops-"
"And would they believe your friends or me?"

Guards immediately surrounded us. Two took Azuto by his arms, forcing back into 'safety', an illusory term for his prison. He fought, straining against them but it seemed that his strength was not enough to break free.

Joe and I stood back to back, glaring at the man staring at us with an arrogant grin. The first guard charged at Joe, who effortlessly flipped him onto his back and knocked him out.

I punched a guard aiming to hit his blind spot and twisted his arm back to render it useless. Another came running at me before I ducked under their arm and kicked their back. He stumbled into a guard Joe had swung away.

"Who the hell are you people?! Why can you fight like that? Don't tell me Reito isn't even a real person..." said the angry millionaire.
"Father, please stop!" Azuto yelled though his eyes harboured shock from seeing the two of us fight like seasoned soldiers.
"Ne, you really don't know who I am, do you? You probably don't even know the value of that ring," I exclaimed, feigned anger and superiority sneaking into my voice.
"Oi, what are you doing?" Joe hissed.
"Give it back."
"Or else what, girl?" questioned Azuto's father.

I gambled against my luck and called the one person I knew who could get us out of this situation if he so chose, hating that I had to place my fate in his hands.

"Hello? Ainosuke-sama?"