PRICELESS| HARUTO AND ASAHI FF

• seventeen •

A woman with an air of authority, her silhouette framed against the distant hills, stepped into Asahi' s chamber. He had been deeply engrossed in calculations, preparing intricate details for an upcoming deal. Her sudden entrance was accompanied by two bodyguards, clad entirely in black, their presence as imposing as the darkest night.

Asahi looked up briefly, his eyes narrowing at the unexpected intrusion, but without a word, he returned to his work, seemingly unbothered by the disruption. The woman, undeterred, crossed her arms over her chest and spoke with a cold resolve, "I'll be staying here," she announced. "Unless you sign the contract that was made seven years ago."

With a calm yet determined demeanor, she walked to the chair opposite Asahi and seated herself. She watched him intently, waiting for his response. However, Asahi remained focused on his calculations, meticulously planning the next steps of a significant agreement with another nation's leader.

The room was filled with an unspoken tension, a silent battle of wills. The woman’s demand hung in the air, a stark reminder of past promises and unfinished business. Asahi, known for his unyielding nature and strategic mind, seemed unmoved. Yet, beneath the calm surface, calculations of a different kind were unfolding in his mind, considering the implications of the contract and the woman’s presence.

This encounter was more than just a negotiation; it was a clash of past and present, of promises and expectations. The woman’s resolve hinted at a history, perhaps of agreements unfulfilled or ambitions unmet. Asahi' s indifference, whether genuine or feigned, suggested a deeper complexity to the situation, one that was bound to unravel as the conversation progressed.

Subsequently, the guards took care of her belongings, carefully handling the items she had brought with her. She glanced at her wristwatch and, with a hint of impatience, said, "If you don't have anything more to say, I think I'll visit the mansion and our room. After all, we will be living under the same roof, honey."

With that, she stood up gracefully and headed towards the door, preparing to leave the room. Her footsteps echoed softly in the hallway as she approached the door to punch out.

Meanwhile, Asahi was busy organizing some papers, but his mind was preoccupied with a storm of thoughts. He was debating internally whether to accept her as his wife, a decision that weighed heavily on him. Seven years ago, their fathers had signed a contract agreeing to their marriage, a bond meant to unite their families. However, their parents had made it clear that they didn't want their children to separate easily, hoping that they would live their lives together and grow to love each other.

Asahi 's thoughts were a jumble of doubt and obligation. The contract had been signed long ago, but now that they were finally meeting, he couldn't help but feel the gravity of the situation. He knew they were bound by the agreement, yet he couldn't shake off the uncertainty about their future together.

The room fell silent as she left, leaving Asahi alone with his thoughts. The weight of the impending changes hung in the air, thick with unspoken emotions and the uncertain road ahead.

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After their unexpected kiss, Haruto still remained on top of Ji Hyun, gazing down at her with love in his eyes. This tender expression revealed feelings that she had been unaware of until this moment. As Ji Hyun met his gaze, she struggled to maintain eye contact, her eyes tracing the details of his face. She noticed his strong, determined eyes, which were now filled with an unmistakable affection. Her gaze lingered on his straight-bridged nose and finally settled on his lips, which had just kissed her with a passion that was both intense and gentle.

Haruto smirked, a playful glint in his eyes. "Want more, Ji Hyun?" he teased, clicking his tongue. Ji Hyun' s eyes widened in surprise, her eyebrows shooting up as she looked at him with a mixture of shock and curiosity. She felt a strange flutter in her chest as she asked, "What did you say?"