Lurking Desire | Rindou Haitani | Ran Haitani

10|eyes

"Your girlfriend, isn't she?" The shooter sneered, taking a step closer. "Or did you pick up a slut in the club?" His leer was directed at you, but the boy's grip tightened, his body a protective barrier between you and the man with the gun.

Sanzu, or the pink-haired boy as you knew him, threw his head back and laughed, a sound so unhinged that it sent a shiver down your spine. "Oh, she's not mine," he said, his eyes glinting with something dark and dangerous. "But I'll be sure to introduce you when the time is right." His voice was cold, his laughter like shattered glass in the tense silence that had descended over the club.

The shooter's eyes narrowed, his grip on his gun tightening. You could see the veins in his neck pulsing as he took in the sight of Sanzu's unruffled demeanor, the gun in his hand, and the protective way he held you against the bar. It was a standoff, a dance of death played out in the strobing lights of a nightclub that had gone from a place of refuge to a battleground. And then, as suddenly as it had started, the shooter's bravado crumbled. He took a step back, his eyes wide with fear as Sanzu whispered something into his ear.

The shooter's hand shook as he lowered his gun, his voice trembling as he spoke. "You...forgive us?" It was a question, a plea, and a declaration of defeat all rolled into one. Sanzu's laughter grew louder, the sound echoing through the now-silent club. The shooter's eyes darted around the room, looking for an escape as the reality of his situation sank in. He was outmatched, outgunned, and out of his depth.

"Oh, I forgive you," Sanzu murmured, his voice dropping to a whisper that seemed to carry on the very air itself. "But my dear Leader, won't be so forgiving" The mention of a leader sent a fresh wave of terror through the shooter's eyes, and he took a stumbling step back, his hand reaching out as if to ward off an invisible attack.

The pink-haired boy, now revealed to be Sanzu Haruchiyo, pulled you closer, his arm like a steel band around your waist. "Come," he said, his tone still light and playful despite the chaos around you, "Let's not keep them waiting." He steered you through the debris-filled club, his steps sure and swift. You stumbled along, your mind racing with questions and fear. Who was he? What kind of world had you stumbled into?

As you emerged onto the sidewalk, the cool night air washed over you, a stark contrast to the sticky heat of the club. Sanzu stopped, turning to face you. "You can ask for anything," he said, his eyes meeting yours with a strange intensity. "One thing, and I'll make it happen."

You thought deeply, the wheels turning in your head. A fake boyfriend. It was a crazy idea, but in the chaos of your life, it just might be the one thing that could give you the upper hand against Rindou. "Okay," you murmured, the words feeling strange in your mouth. "I need you to pretend to be my boyfriend."

Sanzu's smile grew wider, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Anything for you, my dear," he said, his grip on your hand tightening. "But I have one condition." You raised an eyebrow, waiting for the catch. "You must do exactly as I say," he continued, his tone serious. "And never, ever, speak of what you saw tonight."

You nodded, the alcohol clouding your judgment but also giving you a surprising amount of courage. "Deal," you slurred, holding out your hand to seal the pact. Sanzu took it, his grip firm, his eyes never leaving yours. For a moment, you felt a spark of something dangerous-exhilaration, perhaps? But you pushed the thought aside. This was just a game, a means to an end. You needed someone to make Rindou back off, and this mysterious boy with the gun and the strange sense of humor seemed like the perfect candidate.

The next day was a blur of hangover and confusion. The events of the night before felt like a fever dream, but the memory of Sanzu's cold grip was all too real. Your mother bustled around the apartment, packing her suitcases with an energy you hadn't seen in months. She was glowing, and it was hard not to feel a twinge of envy at her happiness. "We're leaving tomorrow for the Bahamas," she said, tossing a pair of sunglasses into her bag. "It'll just be me and your dad" yes, you call Mr. Hiroshi Haitani dad from now on.

You nodded, trying to keep the nausea at bay. "That sounds nice," you mumbled, trying to force a smile. Inside, you were a mess of nerves. How could you tell her about Rindou? How could you let her go with him, knowing what he was capable of? But the words remained lodged in your throat, a heavy weight that threatened to choke you.

The next day dragged on like a never-ending nightmare. Each second felt like an eternity as you waited for the moment you'd have to introduce Sanzu to your family. You'd barely slept, plagued by the events of the club and the looming dinner. What had you gotten yourself into?

Your mother was a tornado of excitement, her voice echoing through the apartment as she packed for the Bahamas. Her happiness was a knife in your heart, knowing she was about to marry into a family that held such dark secrets. You could see the love in her eyes when she talked about Mr. Haitani, and you felt a strange mix of anger and pity. How could she not know?

Ran's invitation for dinner had been a surprise, but you couldn't refuse. The thought of being alone with your thoughts was too much to bear, and the idea of bringing Sanzu, your supposed boyfriend, gave you a glimmer of hope. Maybe with him by your side, you could keep the Haitani brothers at bay, at least for a little while longer. You had no idea what you'd do when the facade crumbled-it was a temporary solution to a permanent problem.