I don't know what's going on (Bonten x F!reader)

8

The days went by in a blur, the incident with Mikey nearly forgotten, if not for Ran and Sanzu constantly reminding me of it. Friday arrived, and once again, a meeting was held to finalize everything for the night.

As usual, I stood behind Mikey, but this time, I noticed an extra seat at the table, which made me raise my brows. Was it for me, or were we expecting a guest?

Mikey glanced at me over his shoulder and gestured with a slight nudge of his head towards the seat. I hesitated for a moment before walking over and sitting down. To my surprise, the chair was extremely comfortable. The other executives took their seats as well, except for Kokonoi, who remained standing to address the group.

"So," Kokonoi began, "we've been invited to an underground auction and exhibition for weapons. There'll likely be corrupt politicians and police officers in attendance. Our goal is to strike deals that will expand our organization and gain more territory." His eyes swept over everyone, ensuring that the gravity of the situation was understood.

"It starts at 11 p.m. sharp and ends at 2:30 a.m. Some people will stay for the afterparty—probably popping pills, paying for women's services, and doing whatever else they please," he continued, glancing at the paper in his hand. A few strands of his silver hair fell in front of his face, and he occasionally flicked them back.

Kokonoi then turned his attention to me, signaling that what he was about to say next was important. "The reason you have to act as a girlfriend tonight is because no assistants or any subordinates are allowed at the event, only executives and their plus-ones. And the only acceptable plus-ones are girlfriends or allies."

I hummed in acknowledgment, resting my head on my hand as I leaned on the armrest.

"We need you to keep an eye out. While we all stay vigilant, you've proven yourself to be particularly keen, often noticing things the rest of us miss." I nodded again, then asked, "Who am I going to be with tonight?"

The room fell silent for a moment.

". . . Sanzu," Kokonoi finally said.

My eyes landed on Sanzu, who was already staring at me. I glanced back at Kokonoi. "Okay," I replied, though I sounded more uncertain than I intended. Rindou snickered at my response, probably hoping to rile Sanzu up.

"Ran wouldn't be suitable," Kokonoi continued, "given his reputation with women. Takeomi was never an option, to begin with-" Kokonoi's unintentional jab at Takeomi made a few heads turn. "Mochi wasn't interested, and Kakucho would be too flustered, which would come off as unnatural."

Am I tweaking, or did Kakucho pout at that?

"As for Rindou," Kokonoi said with a dismissive wave, "we excluded him because of his earlier outburst, claiming only he could do it. I'd be too focused on negotiations to pay you any attention, and the boss, well, he's the boss. I think that speaks for itself." Kokonoi's tone was flat, almost disinterested, as he listed the reasons.

"That leaves us with Sanzu. Yes, he's known as the 'mad dog,' but, somehow, he was the most suitable choice." Kokonoi's tone was slightly unsure but carried his usual sass. I nodded slowly, repeating, "Okay."

Sanzu is too unpredictable for me. One moment, he's yelling, and the next, he's trying to annoy me. He can switch from being completely unserious to deadly serious in an instant. How am I supposed to act as his girlfriend? What exactly am I supposed to do?

Sanzu, who was watching me with that intensity he always had- did he even realize he did that?- noticed me lost in thought.

"Just stay close to me and keep an eye out," he said in a serious tone, though not in a way that felt threatening. There was a steadiness to his voice that caught me off guard, almost as if he were reassuring me.