PRICELESS| HARUTO AND ASAHI FF

• Twenty •

Asahi’s eyes narrowed as he glared at Kozuki, feeling the weight of his friends’ lives hanging on every word. His voice was calm, controlled, but the fury simmering beneath was unmistakable. “What do you want from us?”

Kozuki’s lips curled into a slow, predatory smirk, clearly savoring the tension in the room. He took a deliberate step forward, his dark eyes scanning each of them with a glint of malice. “Good question, Asahi. I was waiting for you to ask—and in that bold tone of yours.” He let his gaze linger on each of their faces, relishing their unease as if it were the finest delicacy. “I want revenge, of course. Or have you conveniently forgotten?”

The word “revenge” seemed to ripple through the group like an electric current. Yoshi, standing at Asahi’s side, frowned and shot a wary look at Mashiho, both of them trying to make sense of Kozuki’s twisted motives. They had sensed Kozuki’s venomous energy from the start, but none of them had anticipated this level of hostility.

“Revenge?” Yoshi echoed, his voice barely above a whisper as his brows knitted in confusion.

" What kind of revenge you are talking about  kozuki? " Mashiho sneered as rage established in him.

Kozuki’s face twisted, his grin hardening into something bitter and cruel. “ Revenge for my son’s life,” he spat, his voice low and dripping with venom. The room seemed to grow colder as his glare darkened, memories of old wounds flickering in his eyes.

Asahi’s entire posture changed. He took a step forward, instinctively placing himself between Kozuki and his friends, his fists clenching tightly at his sides. His face was like stone, his gaze locked on Kozuki with a protective fury. “Listen, Kozuki, if it’s revenge you’re after, then come after me. This is between us. Leave them out of it,” he demanded, his voice thick with anger and an unspoken threat. “If anything happens to them, I swear, I’ll make you regret it.”

Kozuki chuckled darkly, the sound filling the air with an ominous weight. His eyes gleamed with something that looked like pleasure—a twisted delight in Asahi’s defiance. “Ah, always the hero, aren’t you, Asahi?” he taunted, his tone mocking, but his gaze cold and calculating. “But it’s far too late for that. I already have what I want—you and all your precious friends, trapped in my little game.” He paused, letting the silence stretch before snapping his fingers.

In an instant, a dozen henchmen emerged from the shadows, their faces hard and expressionless, like statues molded for obedience. They lined the walls, forming an impenetrable line between the group and any hope of escape.

Ji Hyun felt a wave of fear crash over her. Her hand instinctively reached for Haruto’s, fingers trembling as they interlocked with his. She squeezed his hand, seeking comfort in his presence, her face pale as she whispered, “Haruto…” Her voice quivered, barely concealing her panic.

Haruto’s reaction was immediate. He drew her close, wrapping one arm protectively around her while his other hand enveloped hers, holding tight. His eyes, usually soft in her presence, had hardened, flickering with a fierce resolve as he murmured, “Ji Hyun, don’t worry. I won’t let anyone harm you. I swear.” His words, calm and steady, were like a shield against her fear, a quiet promise she clung to. Yet, she couldn’t ignore the anxiety that gnawed at her, her pulse racing in her ears.

Kozuki watched their exchange, a twisted grin stretching across his face. “Touching, isn’t it?” he sneered, his voice dripping with mock sympathy. “But unfortunately, it’s not up to you, Haruto.” He clapped his hands, the sound reverberating through the tense silence. “Now, let’s get this show started. I want a little drama… a little worry from you all.” His gaze flicked to his men as he gave a curt nod. “Bring me the girl.”