𝙏𝙖𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙚 | 𝐓𝐨𝐣𝐢 𝐅𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐮𝐫𝐨

- Chapter 27 -

Time passes, and an hour has elapsed since Helia first entered the party. The party is in full swing, and the ambiance is lively.

Guests are laughing, chatting, and enjoying themselves. Helia, on the other hand, maintains her focus, diligently attending to her duties whenever needed.

As the evening progresses, a few guests approach her with requests or questions. She attends to their needs, providing assistance and guidance whenever necessary.

With her back partially exposed due to the design of her dress, she can't help but notice that some guests are stealing glances at her scars.

Their expressions betray a hint of surprise or shock, as they take in the markings on her skin. The stares serve as a constant reminder of the scars that mark her back, creating a sense of unease.

[...]

Toji, being a member of the clan, is present at the party as well, though not willingly. He downs a few drinks, his distaste for such events quite evident.

Despite his reluctance, he understands the importance of his presence, especially as the heir of the clan.

He stands off to the side, observing the festivities with mild disinterest, his eyes occasionally darting around the room.

He is lost in thought, recalling his latest interactions with Helia. He realizes that he hasn't been particularly kind or considerate towards her lately.

The guilt and regret of his actions weigh on his mind, and he responds by downing a few more drinks in quick succession, as if he's trying to drown out his conscience with alcohol.

His inner conflict rages on within him. He's frustrated with himself for feeling remorse and guilt regarding her situation, but his emotions get the better of him despite his best efforts to suppress them.

In an attempt to numb the nagging feelings, he chugs down a few more drinks, trying to drown out his emotions with alcohol. However, the alcohol seems to intensify his turmoil rather than lighten it.

[...]

Helia is still standing and waits for a guest in need of her assistance, she overhears a guest addressing her.

"Hey you."

The sound of their voice snaps her out of her thoughts, and she turns her attention to them, preparing to provide whatever service they require.

She's surprised to see that it's Naoya. She looks at him with a mix of surprise and unease. She knows that he is a very important member of the clan, but she had heard bad thing about him.

Naoya's gaze is fixed on the scars on her back, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. He doesn't soften his words, bluntly stating his observation.

"Damn, those are some serious scars you've got there. Must've hurt like hell."

His unapologetic remark leaves Helia feeling taken aback and embarrassed. She finds herself at a loss for words, unsure how to respond to his blunt and tactless comment about her scars.

His smirk lingers on his face as he continues to address her, his tone indifferent and slightly mocking.

"You must have messed up big time to end up with scars like. Can't imagine what you could've done to deserve that kind of treatment."

Despite her urge to defend herself or protest at his insensitive remark, she bites her tongue and maintain a polite attitude.

Recognizing his status within the clan, she understands the necessity to remain respectful and attentive to his needs.