With each confident step he took into the restaurant, my anxiety escalated to a fever pitch.
Is this it?
Outwardly, I maintained a stoic façade, every emotion meticulously hidden. It's a cardinal rule for an assistant—never lose your composure. I merely adhered to the tenets instilled within me, though the gnawing pit in my stomach refused to be quelled.
Why is my life taking this unexpected turn? What missteps led to...
Before I could complete my self-interrogation, a pair of ebony eyes bore into me, snapping me from my reverie.
Instinctively, I withdrew slightly, but Ren-sama displayed no intention of permitting such distance.
"...Are you feeling alright? Should we perhaps postpone our dinner for another time?"
His kindness struck me with the same force as the initial time he expressed it. I found myself incapable of offering a coherent response, eventually shaking my head to assure him it was all right.
If... if Ren-sama chose to sever our connection, I would accept it. Despite the pain, and the impulse to cry and flee, I was no longer a child. Such drastic actions were beyond my reach.
I must confront this, no matter how it may wound me.
As his expression softened, I was taken aback by his ensuing gesture. He gently grasped a strand of my hair in his right hand, a tender smile gracing his features.
"Your silver hair is truly exquisite. I'd love to play with it more, were it not rather embarrassing in a public setting."
A blow to my heart—unexpected and profound. How did he, even as a young boy, wield such an enchanting charm?
Likely a by-product of his profession as an actor...
I was extremely weak to it.
However, I regulated my breath, grounding myself in the present. Focus. He is just a child. Such actions wouldn't incite genuine "happiness."
"...In any case. While we await our meal, there's something we need to discuss."
A chill traced my spine, my lips betraying a tremor.
Should I implore him to reconsider? Or perhaps remain silent?
Regardless of my decision, I suspected begging wouldn't bear much weight.
A deluge of words welled within me, but tragically, none escaped my lips.
In that charged moment, our eyes locked, ensnared by the allure of his gaze. Silence enveloped us, the unspoken words between us mingling in the air. Uncertain of how to navigate this situation, I refrained from action, acutely aware of the hazardous proximity between us.
Our lips neared dangerously close, a precarious proximity...
He inched nearer, his lips brushing my ear, his warm breath stirring my senses. The trembling coursing through me amplified, almost overwhelming.
I felt... weird.
"I want you to... gather information about a specific girl. Her name is Honoka, one of Instructor Kei's trainees. My curiosity was piqued when she talked back to me. Do you think you will be able to do that? Of course, I also asked Professor Kei to help on that matter, but I want to put my trust in you."
His whispered words, spoken from such proximity, stirred a flush across my cheeks. My ears were a little sensitive, after all.
Struggling to maintain my composure, I processed his request, but although my mind coldly analyzed it and wanted to give out a reply, my heart only held endless joy and relief.
So he didn't intend to discard me.
The realization enveloped me, drowning out his other words and intentions. None of it mattered in this moment.
"...Yes, Ren-sama, I'll carry out your request without fail."
I endeavored to respond in a measured tone, though my effort faltered. The situation, so unprecedented for someone with no history of contact with men, especially someone like Ren-sama, who exhibited genuine care for me... it proved undeniably...embarrassing.
He appeared to sense the awkwardness that had enveloped the atmosphere, retreating slightly while affectionately patting my head.
"Good. Thank you, Shiina."
At that moment, it was as if our roles were reversed. Was I the child between us?
Perhaps, in an unconventional way, that sentiment wasn't entirely misplaced...
What could I convey to that twisted bastard?
I needed a reason that would prevent his suspicions from being aroused...
Amid my contemplations, the dinner progressed as if nothing had transpired. Though a hint of self-consciousness lingered from our previous interaction, I diligently upheld the facade of an impeccable secretary, determined to ensure that Ren-sama would not detect my inner turmoil...
--- Ren's POV ---
The gears are in motion.
Up until now, I've been careful to shield any aspect that could be exploited against me from Shiina's eyes. However, for once, young Ren has unwittingly exposed a vulnerability.
His unexpected interest in this girl, Honoka, also known as the Queen Bee in my head, is a crack in his otherwise perfect facade. The rumor mill could easily spin tales of romance or vendetta stemming from this curiosity.
But such trivial matters don't concern me, for my reputation is enough to shield me against all that.
Nonetheless, there's the possibility my father might task Shiina with delving into the cause behind my sudden inquisitiveness. If my intent is perceived as romantic or vengeful, my father might leverage the Queen Bee against me.
The reaction—or lack thereof—of the Queen Bee and my father will be my litmus test.
Thus, if she fails this test, I will proceed to cut her off.
On the contrary, if the Queen Bee refrains from playing her hand, and my father remains oblivious, then I can infer that Shiina is indeed on my side.
It's a straightforward strategy, if I may say so myself.
I couldn't help but give out a really big grin to her, full of "sincerity".