The Yakuza's flower

Unwanted arrangements & Explanations

Hanayama's POV

Something wasn't right.

I hadn't seen Ume in days.

At first, I thought she was just busy. Work, and other things —she had a life outside of me. I didn't question it.

But then she stopped answering my calls.

Stopped texting.

Kizaki told me she was fine. That she was at her apartment, that Kozue was around.

That should've been enough.

But it wasn't.

Something was off.

And I didn't like it.

I was still thinking about it when I stepped into the private meeting room—another waste of my time that my grandfather had set up.

The old man had been talking about family legacy more than usual. About responsibilities. About the future.

I should've seen it coming.

And now, I was sitting across from her.

The woman my grandfather wanted me to marry.

Her name was Sayaka Yamanoi. Daughter of an old, respected yakuza family. She was beautiful—too perfect. She was poised, beautiful, and trained for this life.

She greeted me with a polite nod. "Hanayama-san."

I flicked my lighter open. Lit a cigarette. Took a slow drag and didn't answer

My grandfather sat at the head of the table, watching everything with quiet satisfaction. "Sayaka is a well-bred woman," he said smoothly. "Disciplined. Smart. Loyal. A perfect match for you."

Perfect match.

I flicked the ash from my cigarette. "I don't need a match."

Grandfather chuckled, shaking his head. "A man like you doesn't get to choose, Kaoru."

Sayaka didn't react.

Of course she didn't. She had probably known about this arrangement for a while.

I leaned back in my seat, my fingers drumming against the table. "You've wasted her time, then. I don't need a wife."

Grandfather's expression didn't change. "You need a future."

I exhaled smoke, my fingers tightening slightly.

Ume's face flashed in my mind.

Her voice, soft and teasing.
The way she laughed when she thought I wasn't looking.
The warmth of her pressed against me when she fell asleep first.

I had a future.

And it wasn't here.

A flicker of something passed behind her polished demeanor. A quick glance at my grandfather.

But I wasn't playing along with this bullshit.

"If that's all, I have things to do."

Grandfather's voice came low, warning. "This is a serious offer."

I met his gaze. "And I seriously don't care."

I stood up. "If that's all, I'm leaving."

Grandfather's voice came sharp. "Sit down."
I didn't.

Syaka sighed, finally speaking. "For what it's worth, Hanayama-san... I never intended to force this. But our families—"

"Can handle their own business."