Burn that Picture - S.H & R.H x Reader AU

Prologue

Four years ago.

"Say something, please... Do you want me to go?"

"Up to you."

Y/n gazed out the airplane window, replaying her last memory in Japan. She never thought she'd return, a place haunted by painful memories.

"What are you smiling about?" a man asked, noticing her grin as she stared out the window.

Startled, she turned to face him. "Oh, nothing, I just remembered something funny," she said, shaking her head with a laugh.

"Does this funny memory have anything to do with your ex?"

"Oh my gosh, Koko! Zip your mouth. What if my husband hears you?" she whispered urgently, glancing around to ensure her husband wasn't nearby.

The cabin was empty.

"It's been four years, Y/n. You still think about that Haitani?"

Koko's words struck a chord. Four years had passed since she last saw Ran Haitani, yet his name resurfaced in her mind unexpectedly. She pondered why, after so long, he still had a hold on her thoughts.

Four years...

In that time, she had become a successful engineer and married a wealthy businessman with global enterprises. Across from her sat her husband's accountant, Kokonoi.

"Remind me, why are we going back to Japan again?" she asked, changing the topic.

"Hmm, to finalize an agreement between Sanzu and Manjiro to build the world's largest amusement park," Koko replied.

It sounded whimsical, but the project's funding was serious business, prompting their immediate return to Japan.

"So it's not my job. Why do I have to tag along?" Y/n's sarcasm was evident, seeking a playful response from Koko.

"Because you're the boss's wife."

"Arranged wife," she corrected.

"Arranged wife of four years," Koko echoed.

"You're acting as if that means anything. Come on, isn't it all business?"

"Marriage is not a joke, Y/n."

Rolling her eyes, Y/n decided to drop the subject. She didn't want to discuss her situation.

Four years of marriage, formed not by love but by business. Despite her husband's care, it felt obligatory, devoid of true affection.

"Koko, I need you to review these documents," a voice interrupted, and Y/n's eyes landed on the man holding a folder out to Koko.

"Sure, boss," Koko said, standing up to switch seats.

Her eyes then fixed on the man beside her—her husband, Sanzu Haruchiyo.

"How's the flight? We're landing soon," Sanzu asked, sitting where Koko had been.

"The flight was okay. Thanks for making sure I'm comfortable, Haru."

"Anything for my wife."

Sanzu was serious about his wife, never showing his playful side around her. Despite the arranged nature of their marriage, he treated her with respect, though their interactions lacked romance to avoid making her uncomfortable.

As the plane landed, they were immediately swarmed by paparazzi. Sanzu, an influential man in America, was used to this but always tried to shield Y/n from it.

"Didn't I strictly demand no cameras? What happened?!" Sanzu's irritation was clear.

"Yes, sir, but the number of paparazzi was overwhelming. Our men couldn't handle them," one of his guards explained, pushing people aside.

Sanzu covered Y/n's face with his arm, guiding her through the chaos.

"You and your team better get your act together. You're all fired," he snapped.

After nearly ten minutes of struggling through the crowd, they finally reached their waiting van. Y/n adjusted herself, feeling disheveled from the commotion.

"Sorry, I didn't know this would happen," Sanzu said, checking her for any signs of distress.

"I'm okay. It was just unexpected, but thanks," she replied.

Y/n leaned back, closing her eyes, the earlier chaos still stressing her out.

Sanzu, meanwhile, started discussing business with Koko. Time was short to plan their project.

Elsewhere...

"Multi-millionaire Sanzu Haruchiyo and his wife have just landed at Haneda Airport after securing a major deal with Brazil's top CEO this month..."

"Oh, so they're back?"

"Yes, Mr. Haitani. My son-in-law is currently collaborating with Manjiro on a project..."

"I heard it's a significant venture, Mr. L/n."

"Indeed. Since they'll be staying here a while, I recommend my daughter for this project. She's an excellent engineer."

"Top of her class, with numerous successful projects in America and Europe. I'm sure you won't be disappointed," the man assured.

A smirk appeared on Ran Haitani's lips. "Give her this contract. I'll sign her up immediately."