Love Him...Forever

Threads of Jealousy

"You should probably rest too. You're spacing out a lot—maybe you're already tired," Yuzuru said. Shine could tell he was displeased, especially after the way she and Allen had looked at each other earlier.

"I'm really sorry about that. You have my full attention now. And besides, it's only 10 p.m. here," Shine said, doing her best to keep their conversation going.

"By the way... I noticed Min and Allen are really close?"

"Ah, yes! But I don't mind it—if that's what you're wondering. Like I told you before, I get 'jello' when it comes to things like that."

"Because you're an only child," Yuzuru completed her thought.

Shine nodded.

"I'm jeal—" Yuzuru stopped mid-sentence when Mommy Hanyu knocked and entered the room. Yuzuru turned around.

"Yuzu, the JSF just called. You need to call them back," she said in Japanese.

Yuzuru nodded. She left, and he turned back to Shine.

"Sorry about that. But I really think it's time for you to rest. You still have work tomorrow. Besides, I have to call the JSF back."

Shine couldn't hide the disappointment on her face and pouted.

"We'll talk again," Yuzuru said, trying to make her smile.

"I promise," he added, raising his hand like he was swearing an oath.

Shine smiled a little, though she wasn't ready to end their call.

They said their goodbyes, and Shine closed her laptop.

It was 2 a.m. when Shine woke up feeling thirsty. She walked downstairs for a glass of water—only to find Allen talking to someone. As the figure became clearer, Shine frowned.

Mikka.

"Why is Allen talking to her? And at this hour?" her inner self said, arms crossed.

"Hana!" Allen called, surprised to see her.

"Mikka? Why are you here this early?" Shine asked, frowning as she approached.

"I have something to tell you," Mikka said with a smile.

"To ME? What is it? And how do you even know where I live?" Shine asked, taking the empty seat next to Allen. She couldn't hide how displeased she was.

"I know you don't want me here, but I'm here to warn you. Mr. Black is on the move—and even we can't track him."

"Mr. Black?" Shine repeated internally.

"The scarred man at the party, Hana," Allen answered her unspoken question, emphasizing her name.

Shine's frown deepened.

"But why tell us?" Shine asked, suspicious.

"Because... we're friends," Mikka said sweetly.

"Damn it. Why does she look so beautiful when she smiles? Well... at least she's here and not in Japan. Good. Yuzuru's safe," Shine muttered internally.

"Thank you," Shine said aloud, though her expression remained skeptical.

"I know you don't trust me. But I want Yuzuru to be happy. I told you—I love him. And I don't want to see him hurt."

"I don't remember having any conversation with you," Shine lied, though she clearly remembered Mikka handing her that photo.

"Really, Shine? You're sticking to that story?" Mikka mocked.