Business and Farewells

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After the family gathering, Yakimano and Y/N made their way to one of the yakuza bases — a hidden sanctuary with an unusual feature: an all-you-can-eat salad bar. It was an unexpected find in a place where serious deals were usually struck, but it had become a private ritual of theirs to come here, share a quiet meal, and let the outside world disappear for a little while.

They sat side by side, enjoying the fresh array of vegetables, toppings, and various dressings. Yakimano found himself relaxing, watching Y/N laugh as she assembled her salad with an overly generous pile of croutons. Moments like these, away from the chaos of their usual lives, were rare and precious.

But as they ate, Yakimano's phone buzzed. Glancing down, he saw the name flashing on the screen — a contact from the organization. Reluctantly, he answered, his expression darkening as he listened. The name "Mike Altair" came up, along with a sharp reminder of the urgency of the job. Mike had been a thorn in their side for too long, and Yakimano's orders were clear: he had to handle it immediately.

His jaw tightened as he ended the call. He hated having to leave her, especially when their time together was already so fleeting. But duty was duty.

"Let me guess... work?" Y/N asked, noticing the shift in his demeanor.

He sighed, nodding. "Yeah. It's urgent. I wouldn't leave if I didn't have to."

Y/N gave a small smile, understanding yet disappointed. "Well, I guess you'll just owe me another salad date soon."

Yakimano chuckled, reaching into his pocket and pulling out his black card. "Get whatever you want, alright? And don't hold back."

Y/N's eyes widened, and she shook her head vigorously. "No, no, I really don't need your money. I'm fine, Yakimano. Seriously."

He raised an eyebrow, a teasing smirk forming on his lips. "Y/N, you think I'm going to let you pay for your meal? No way. Take it. Just in case you feel like splurging."

She pushed the card back towards him, her expression firm. "I'm not taking your money. I appreciate the thought, but I can handle myself. I'm fine without it."

Yakimano leaned in closer, his tone serious. "Look, I know you're independent, and I respect that. But this isn't about you needing it. It's about me wanting to treat you. Just accept it, please."

Y/N sighed, the stubbornness fading a bit as she met his gaze. "I don't want you to feel like you have to take care of me. I can manage on my own."

He shook his head, his eyes softening. "You're not a burden, Y/N. I want to spoil you a little. Just let me do this, alright?"

She bit her lip, torn between her desire for independence and the warmth of his insistence. Finally, she relented, a small smile creeping onto her face. "Fine. But only this once. And only because it's a salad bar, so it won't break the bank."

Yakimano grinned, satisfied with her concession. "See? Wasn't that easy?" He leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss on her cheek, his heart lightening even as he prepared to leave. "I'll be back soon. Promise."

"Stay safe," she murmured, giving him a soft smile.

With one last glance at her, Yakimano turned and strode out of the base, his mind shifting into mission mode as he prepared to track down Mike Altair. And as he disappeared from sight, Y/N watched the door, already looking forward to the moment he'd walk back through it.

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