𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐎𝐍𝐋𝐘 | ᴋᴜᴢᴜʀʏᴜ ꜰᴜʏᴜʜɪᴋᴏ x ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ

~𝟏𝟗~

The next morning, Fuyuhiko was summoned to his father's office. The message came through with an urgency that left no room for delay. As he made his way to the office, he could feel the weight of the previous night's events hanging over him, a gnawing tension that only grew with each step.

When he entered the office, the atmosphere was thick with anger. Mr Kuzuryu sat behind his large mahogany desk, his face a stormy mask of frustration. The usually calm and collected patriarch was seething, his anger palpable even before Fuyuhiko had fully crossed the threshold.

"Sit down, Fuyuhiko." Mr Kuzuryu said sharply, his voice cold and controlled, but with an undercurrent of menace.

Fuyuhiko complied, sliding into the chair opposite his father, his face a carefully constructed mask of neutrality. He knew this was coming, and there was little he could say to defend himself. The incident from the previous night had clearly reached his father's ears, and Mr Kuzuryu was not known for his patience when it came to family matters.

"I've just received a full account of last night's events." Mr Kuzuryu began, his tone icy. "From what I understand, you allowed Hannah to leave the manor late at night by herself. And not only that, but she ended up in a situation that could have been dangerous."

Fuyuhiko kept his gaze fixed firmly on the desk, his knuckles white as he clenched his hands. "Yes, sir."

"You're aware of the risks involved with her being out alone, especially given her status and the potential threats from outside parties?" Mr Kuzuryu continued, his voice rising in intensity. "The Togami heir's safety is paramount. You were entrusted with her protection while her father and clan are away!"

Fuyuhiko shifted uncomfortably in his seat, trying to find a way to defend himself. "Father, I did try to keep Hannah in the manor. She was being stubborn and refused to listen to me. I even warned her about the risks. And last night, Peko and I took care of her, made sure she was safe and dry."

He hoped his attempt at justification would soften his father's stance, but Mr Kuzuryu's expression remained icy, his patience clearly running thin.

"I don't care about your excuses." Mr Kuzuryu snapped, his voice sharp and unforgiving. "The fact remains that you allowed her to leave the manor under your watch. The consequences of that are serious, and the fact that you're making excuses only shows how little you understand the gravity of the situation."

Fuyuhiko nodded, his silence betraying the weight of his guilt. He knew he had made a mistake, and there was no use trying to deflect blame or make excuses. "I understand."

Mr Kuzuryu leaned forward, his eyes boring into Fuyuhiko's. "Understand? This isn't just about understanding. This is about consequences! You jeopardized not only Hannah's safety but also the standing and reputation of the Kuzuryu family. You've made us look incompetent-!"

Before Fuyuhiko could respond, Mr Kuzuryu stood abruptly, his anger boiling over. In a swift, harsh motion, he slapped Fuyuhiko across the face. The sound echoed in the room, leaving Fuyuhiko stunned.

His head whipped to the side from the force, his cheek stinging from the impact. He stared at his father, wide-eyed and silent, the shock evident on his face. He had never expected such a severe reaction.

Mr Kuzuryu's gaze was cold and unyielding. "Do not think that you can defend yourself with feeble justifications." he said, his voice low and dangerous. "Your failure to protect Hannah has put us all at risk. The next time you fail, it won't just be a slap."

Fuyuhiko touched his stinging cheek, the shock slowly fading into a deep, burning shame. His mouth was dry, and he struggled to form words, the weight of his father's anger settling heavily on him. He knew better than to argue further. His father's discipline was always harsh, but this was more than he had anticipated.