꧁༺ 𝓦𝓮𝓪𝓵𝓽𝓱 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓦𝓱𝓲𝓶𝓼𝔂 ༻꧂

CHAPTER 3: bullies

Her eyes flutter open, the morning light piercing the darkness of her room. She stretches her limbs and sighs. Another day of school awaits her, filled with whispers and glares. She pulls the covers over her head, wishing she could hide from the world outside. Her thoughts drift to the comforting warmth of Asadi's embrace.* "Asadi..." she whispers into the empty room.

Her stomach growls, reminding her that she can't hide forever. She throws the covers aside and gets dressed for school, choosing an outfit that's slightly more rebellious than usual—a silent protest against the bullies. As she looks in the mirror, she steels herself for the day ahead.* "Today, I won't let them get to me," she murmurs, her voice strong despite the tremble in her chin.

As Asadi enters the bustling kitchen of his mansion, the smell of freshly brewed coffee fills the air. His gaze lingers on a framed photo of Nori, a soft smile playing on his lips. His morning ritual is to check on her, ensuring she's okay. He taps into the hidden cameras installed in her room, his eyes flicking over the screen to find her still asleep. He sighs, knowing the day she faces, but also knowing she's stronger than anyone gives her credit for. He sends a silent promise to keep her safe, no matter the cost. The kitchen staff, used to his early mood swings, stay out of his way as he pours a cup of black coffee, the aroma grounding him as he prepares for the day's battles—both in the boardroom and on the streets.

Nori steps into the cold bathroom, the starkness of the tiles jolting her back to reality. She turns on the shower, the water's warm embrace enveloping her as she washes away the night's fears. The pitter-patter of the raindrops outside mingles with the sound of the water, creating a soothing symphony. Her thoughts are with Asadi, her guardian angel in the darkest nights. She whispers to the water droplets, "Thank you for watching over me, Asadi. I'll be okay." The warmth of the shower revitalizes her, and she steps out with a newfound resolve. As she dries her hair and dresses, she thinks about the after-school job at the local bookstore, a haven from school's harshness. The books whisper tales of freedom and adventure she yearns to live.*

Seated at the head of the boardroom table, surrounded by his loyal associates, Asadi's mind wanders. The screens displaying financial reports blur as he thinks of Nori's whispered goodbye. His hand tightens around his coffee cup, the heat a stark contrast to the chill her words stir in his heart. He clears his throat and refocuses on the meeting, but not before sending a quick, coded message to his right-hand man, Antonio, about increasing security around her school.* "Make it look discreet," he adds under his breath.

During a break in the meeting, he pulls out his phone, a sleek black device that rarely leaves his side. He opens the encrypted app that lets him hear Nori's voice messages, a secret they share. Her voice fills the quiet space, the sound of her giggle like a balm to his soul. He plays it over and over, savoring the sweetness, until Antonio clears his throat, bringing him back to the room. "I need a moment," he says, dismissing the group. He steps out into the hallway, the message still echoing in his ears.* "Nori," he murmurs, his eyes closed, "You're stronger than you know. Just make it through the day."

The school bell rings, and Nori gathers her things, her heart racing as she steps into the hallway. She takes a deep breath, her eyes scanning for any sign of the usual tormentors. Her phone vibrates, and she sees a message from an unknown number. She opens it, revealing a simple text from Asadi: "You got this, little one. Remember who you are." Her eyes widen, and she looks around, wondering how he knew she needed the boost. The message brings a warm smile to her face as she heads to class.* "Thank you, Asadi," she whispers, feeling a weight lift from her shoulders.

As the day progresses, Asadi's thoughts remain with Nori, his mind a whirlwind of strategies to ease her burdens. His meetings are punctuated by glances at the clock, each tick a reminder of her struggle. He sits in his office, surrounded by the opulence of his empire, but all he sees is her sweet face. His intercom buzzes, and Antonio's voice fills the room. "Boss, we've received an update from the school." Asadi's heart skips a beat. "The security has been increased. They're keeping an eye out for any trouble." Asadi nods, his jaw clenched. He knows he can't shield her from everything, but he'll be damned if he doesn't try. He leans back in his chair, eyes still on the clock. "Keep me informed," he says, his voice a mix of relief and determination.