𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐎𝐍𝐋𝐘 | ᴋᴜᴢᴜʀʏᴜ ꜰᴜʏᴜʜɪᴋᴏ x ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ

~𝟒𝟔~

Fuyuhiko stood in the foyer of the Kuzuryu manor, adjusting his jacket as he prepared to leave for one of the clan's facilities. This building, a secured location filled with meeting rooms and surveillance equipment, served as a strategic hub for the clan's operations. The air was tense with anticipation of the day's work ahead.

His mind was focused on the task ahead, ensuring everything would go smoothly. The rest of his men were gathered, finalizing their own preparations when Riku approached him, a mischievous grin on his face.

"Hey, boss." Riku said casually, glancing over his shoulder to make sure no one was listening too closely. "What about Hannah? Think she could come along today?"

Fuyuhiko shot him a sharp look, already knowing where this was going. "Absolutely not." he said bluntly. "It's too dangerous, and she'll just get in the way. This isn't some field trip."

Riku frowned, undeterred. "Come on, boss. She's been cooped up in the manor for days now. You know she needs a change of scenery. Besides, she's been good lately. She can just sit in a corner and do her schoolwork or something. She won't be a problem."

Fuyuhiko sighed deeply, his mind torn. On one hand, he knew Riku had a point, Hannah had been restless, and keeping her locked away all the time wasn't helping. But on the other hand, he couldn't risk her getting caught up in the dangerous work of the clan. He rubbed his temples, clearly annoyed.

"Riku, this isn't just a simple meeting or a casual visit. There's always a chance something could go wrong, and if she's there... she's a liability." Fuyuhiko muttered, his voice edged with frustration.

Riku, ever persistent, raised an eyebrow. "She doesn't need to be involved in anything dangerous. She can stay out of the way. I'll even keep an eye on her if you're worried. But you know it's not good for her to stay locked up in the manor all the time. It's driving her nuts."

Fuyuhiko hesitated, glancing toward the hallway where Hannah was likely somewhere in her room. He hated the thought of her feeling trapped, even if he was only trying to protect her. His shoulders tensed as he weighed his options.

Finally, he let out a reluctant sigh. "Fine," he muttered, waving a hand in resignation. "But she stays out of the way. I don't want her wandering around or sticking her nose into anything. And if there's even a hint of trouble, she's out of there. Got it?"

Riku grinned, nodding enthusiastically. "Got it, boss. I'll make sure she behaves."

Fuyuhiko shot him a look. "I mean it, Riku. If anything happens, you're the one responsible for getting her out. She stays in the background, does her schoolwork, and nothing more."

"Yeah, yeah," Riku replied, already turning to head down the hallway to find Hannah. "I'll go let her know."

As Riku disappeared around the corner, Fuyuhiko let out another sigh, his gaze narrowing as he mentally prepared for the day ahead. This was a risk, and deep down, he wasn't entirely sure if he'd made the right choice. But there was no turning back now.

Moments later, Hannah appeared, following Riku into the foyer with an excited, hopeful look in her eyes. She had her backpack slung over her shoulder, the strap nearly slipping off as she tried to act casual. "So... I can come?" she asked, looking up at Fuyuhiko with a mixture of curiosity and excitement.

"Yeah, but don't get too comfortable." Fuyuhiko replied gruffly. "You're going to stay in one place, do your schoolwork, and you're not getting involved in anything. Understand?"

Hannah smiled, giving him a small nod. "I get it. I'll be good, promise." She flashed him a grin, clearly pleased to be allowed out of the manor.

Fuyuhiko gave her a final, lingering look, his stern demeanor never wavering. "You'd better be." he muttered before turning toward the door, leading the way to the waiting car outside.