𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐲𝐧

c h a p. 5

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The sunlight streamed through the large windows, casting a golden glow over the sleek modern kitchen. Arsyne sat at the counter, her nails tapping against the screen of her phone, texting Asa if she got home safe, eyes squinting against the brightness that seemed to intensify her pounding headache.

Akira's shirt hung loosely over her small frame, paired with his sweatpants that bunched up at her ankles. Every beat of her heart echoed through her skull, the dull throb making her feel dizzy and nauseous. Each small movement she'd make made her dizzy and want to go back to sleep, so she put her phone down before getting too nauseous.

Akira moved around the kitchen with an easy grace, the scent of sizzling bacon, fluffy pancakes, and fresh fruit filling the air. His shirtless form was a distraction she didn't need, his chiseled muscles flexing with every movement and the few tattoos he had accentuated his attractive appearance.

He was only wearing pants, making her more nervous than she'd ever felt in his presence due to the obvious print that was calling out to her. There was a comfortable silence between them as he assembled their plates, but it was a silence that only he seemed at ease with.

Arsyne couldn't remember anything after the body shots. She was too afraid to ask, the anxiety gnawing at her insides.

"I can hear your thoughts running rampant in that pretty little head of yours," Akira teased, glancing over his shoulder with a smirk. "What's wrong, princess?"

'Princess?' She thought to herself, 'That was new.'

She tried to find a way to subtly express her raging emotions without offending him, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of his shirt. "So, uh... last night," she began, her voice shaky with fear. "Did we...?"

Akira handed her a plate of pancakes and fruit, making her notice she didn't have any bacon or eggs as she didn't eat pork or like eggs. "Did we fuck? No...you threw up on me when we got here," he said with a playful glint in his eye.

Arsyne's eyes widened in horror, giving a grimace of appall. "Oh my god, oh god! I'm so sorry! I...I should go!" she blurted out, mortified. She stood up to leave, desperate to escape the embarrassment, but the sudden movement sent a sharp pain through her head. She groaned, her hand resting on her forehead. Akira watched her, biting back a laugh as she sank back onto the stool.

Akira placed a glass of water and some pain relievers in front of her, his expression softening. "Relax, princess. I'm kidding," he said, his tone gentle. "You just knocked out as soon as I got you in the car. I didn't know your apartment password, so I brought you here. I didn't want to cause you any discomfort, so I put you in the guest room with some clothes to change into and a new toothbrush."

Arsyne sighed in relief, taking the pain relievers and drinking the water. "Thank you," she said sincerely for everything he's done. "You didn't have to do all that."

He shrugged, a hint of a blush creeping up his neck. "Don't mention it," he mumbled, avoiding her gaze. He rubbed the back of his neck before clearing his throat. He nodded for her to start eating so the pills could work quicker.

They both dug into their breakfast, the initial awkwardness melting away as they laughed and talked. When they finished eating, Akira leaned back in his chair. "You can go up and shower if you want. I put your clothes in the wash and dryer."

"Thanks," Arsyne said, smiling at him. "For everything, Saito."

"If you want to call me by a name, call me by my first," He recites with a smile making Arsyne let off a breath of laughter. "But like I said before, don't mention it," he repeated, this time with a light blush. "Like seriously, please don't."

Arsyne chuckled and headed upstairs to shower. She wrapped her locs as best as she could with her claw clip but was unsuccessful as a few strands escaped. She used the loofah and coconut and bergamot-smelling body wash which smelled lovely. The hot water was a welcome relief, washing away the remnants of her hangover. She wrapped herself in a towel and stepped out of the bathroom, expecting to find the clothes he promised her on the bed. But they weren't there, and neither were the clothes she was wearing before.

"Akira?" she called out from the room, not hearing a response she opened the door and tried again. With no response she walked towards the stairs, trying a few more times so she didn't get seen half-naked by him. There was no answer. She headed downstairs, the sound of the dryer catching her attention. Just as she reached the bottom step, the front door swung open.

Standing in the doorway was a woman with short black hair with grey streaks in a bob, a black mid-thigh coat with fur accents that hugged her figure perfectly, going well with the Cesare Paciotti black dagger pumps, her expression a mix of horror and disbelief. Arsyne froze, her heart pounding.

"Akira?" the woman called out, on the verge of screaming.

Akira walked in from the balcony, his phone in hand. "You called, princess?"

His steps faltered as he took in the scene. His mother stood in the doorway, her eyes wide with shock as she stared at Arsyne in nothing but a towel. Arsyne's cheeks burned with embarrassment, and she clutched the towel tighter around her. Wanting to immediately run away but stayed in fear of the towel falling off her full chest.

"Mother," Akira started, stepping forward with a sigh. "You usually call before you abruptly storm into my home-"

"Do not start with me boy," His mother's eyes narrowed, her tone sharp. "Akira, what is going on here? Actually, don't answer that. Who is she?!"

Arsyne glanced at Akira, her eyes pleading for help. "I...I was just getting my clothes from the dryer," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.

Akira sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Mother, this is Arsyne. That's all you need to know and that's all that concerns you."

"Last name." The woman demanded as she looked back to the brown-skinned girl, her eyes looking her up and down, analysing every feature.

"Zer-" she started but was interrupted as Akira stood in front of her blocking her from his mother's gaze.

"I think it's best you leave," he says with a cold look. "I'll be sure to tell Father that you're back from Milan. He'd love to know why you're a week late. Don't you think?"

His tone and choice of words implied that Akira knew exactly why and what happened in Milan. As his parents were always keeping tabs on him, he was doing the same. It came in handy when he needed favours.

His mother looked between the two of them, her expression balancing, she smiled falsely at her son. "Mh, no need," she said, though her tone was still wary. "Just... make sure she gets home safely."

Arsyne bowed in respect even if she could only see a part of her from Akira's figure. "Thank you," she said, her voice trembling.

Akira's mother turned to leave, pausing at the door. "And Akira," she added, "I have your best interests at heart. You're my son, after all."

As the door closed behind her, Arsyne let out a breath she didn't realise she'd been holding. Akira walked into the next room the dryer and walked out with a sigh, his expression apologetic. "I'm sorry about that," he said, handing her the freshly dried clothes. "She can be... intense."

Arsyne managed a small smile. "It's okay," she said, taking the clothes from him. "Thanks for everything, really."

Akira nodded, his eyes softening. "Anytime, Arsyne."

She headed back upstairs to change, her mind still reeling from the morning's events. As she dressed, she couldn't help but feel that things between her and Akira had shifted. There was a new understanding, a deeper connection that hadn't been there before. And as much as it scared her, it also thrilled her.

When she finally came back down, Akira was waiting for her, a warm smile on his face. "Ready to go?" he asked.

Arsyne nodded, feeling a strange sense of anticipation. "Yeah," she said. "Let's go."

As they walked out of the penthouse together, Arsyne couldn't help but wonder what the future held for them. One thing was certain, though: her life had just gotten a lot more complicated.

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