PRICELESS| HARUTO AND ASAHI FF

• sixteen•

Just then, Haruto heard someone call his name. Startled, he turned around to see a minion dashing toward him, breathless and panting heavily. "Sir Asahi wants to see you now, sir!" the minion exclaimed, urgency clear in his voice.

Haruto's mind raced. *What now? Why is he calling me?* With a sense of unease, he began making his way toward Asahi 's den. The corridor seemed longer than usual, every step echoing in the quiet tension of the mansion. After a short but tense walk, he arrived at the door, knocked twice, and then entered the room.

The moment Haruto stepped inside, he was met with a sight that left him momentarily stunned. The atmosphere was charged with an unsettling tension. All eyes in the office were fixed on him—the leader, and several minions, each holding weapons. The armaments were not pointed at him, however, but at a young woman standing at the center of the room: Ji Hyun.

"What's going on?" Haruto demanded, his voice breaking the oppressive silence. He directed his question at Asahi, who was seated casually at the edge of his desk, a cold, calculating look in his eyes. It was clear that Asahi had been waiting for this moment, eager for Haruto's arrival. There was an expectation in the air, as if Asahi was anticipating answers or a confession.

Haruto's gaze shifted to Ji Hyun. Her eyes were wide with fear, darting between the menacing guns aimed at her. She looked terrified, her body trembling visibly. It was evident that the sight of the weapons, combined with the palpable hostility in the room, had shaken her to the core.

"Put the guns down; she's scared!" Haruto commanded the minions, his voice firm yet laced with concern. He couldn't bear to see her so frightened, and his protective instincts flared up.

Asahi's expression remained stern, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Why are you caring for her, Haruto?" he asked, his tone dripping with suspicion. "She's just a hostage, and she tried to escape."

Ji Hyun, her voice barely a whisper, tried to defend herself. "No, I didn't try to escape. Trust me, Haruto-san." Her voice trembled with fear and desperation. Tears welled up in her eyes, threatening to spill over as she pleaded with him, hoping he would believe her. Her fear was palpable, and it was clear she was terrified of the repercussions.

Asahi cut her off, his voice icy and dismissive. "I didn't ask for your opinion, so keep quiet and prepare for the consequences of your actions." His words were sharp and unyielding, slicing through the room and causing Ji Hyun to flinch. She looked helplessly at Haruto, her tears now flowing freely, each one a silent plea for mercy.

Haruto's face hardened with determination. He couldn't stand to see Ji Hyun in such a state. "Asahi, let her go. She is not our hostage anymore," he declared, his voice steady and resolute.

Asahi's eyes narrowed further, a dangerous glint in them. "Not our hostage anymore? What do you mean?" His voice was low and filled with skepticism. "Now you're going to help her just because she's crying? Remember, those could be crocodile tears." There was a coldness to his words, an insinuation that Ji Hyun might be manipulating the situation.

Haruto took a deep breath, steadying himself. He gestured for the minions to leave the room. "I need to speak with Asahi alone," he said, his voice calm but commanding. The minions hesitated for a moment, then reluctantly obeyed, filing out of the room and leaving the three of them in the tense silence.

Once the room was cleared, Haruto turned to Asahi. "Asahi, she's not just a hostage to me anymore. I love her and I do care about her. She's mine, and she will be staying with me," he declared, his voice firm and unwavering. He reached out, gently taking Ji Hyun's wrist and pulling her closer, a protective gesture that spoke volumes.

Asahi's eyes bore into Haruto's, a silent battle of wills taking place. "Well, if you want her, you'll have to pay the price," he said finally, his voice cold and unyielding. "She's still our hostage, after all." There was a finality to his words, a challenge that hung heavily in the air.