Nao stepped out of the car and looked up at the towering Vermillion Corporation building. Raviel followed closely behind, his eyes scanning the skyscrapers around them.
"Whoa…" Raviel muttered, clearly in awe. "In this century, everything looks so different. These structures… they reach the sky."
Nao raised an eyebrow and gave a teasing smirk. "You sound like an old man. Seriously, how old are you, Raviel?"
Raviel glanced at him and smiled faintly. "I don't know."
Nao blinked. "What... you don't know?"
Before Raviel could say more, Mr. Den appeared with his usual professional tone. "Mr. Nao, this way, please."
They entered the elevator, the doors sliding shut behind them with a soft chime.
—
Meanwhile, Elias slowly made his way toward the school canteen. His hands were slightly shaky, and anxiety fluttered in his chest. Should I go or just skip it...? he thought nervously.
As he neared the entrance, a group of girls noticed him. "Elias!" one of them called out.
He turned toward them. The girls smiled sweetly and one asked, "That guy who talked to you in class… is he your friend? He's so handsome!"
Before Elias could even answer, Adrian suddenly appeared beside him.
"My honey, why are you so late?" Adrian said smoothly, wrapping an arm around Elias's waist. "I've been waiting forever."
The girls gasped, stunned. Adrian offered them a polite smile. "Excuse us," he said, tugging Elias away by the hand.
They entered the canteen together. Elias looked up at Adrian in shock. "Why... why did you just call me honey?"
Adrian leaned closer, his voice dropping to a seductive murmur. "You took responsibility for my breakup. That means you're mine now. My honey…" he smirked, "and I really want to lick you."
Elias's entire face turned red with embarrassment, his heart pounding.
Adrian didn't let up—he pulled out a chair for Elias and said, "Sit down."
Without a word, Elias obeyed, still stunned by Adrian's boldness. Even though lunch was served, Elias couldn't eat. His appetite was completely gone.
Raviel and Nao entered the office, drawing the attention of the entire staff. Every employee bowed respectfully as Nao passed, and he returned their gesture with a polite smile. Raviel followed silently, his eyes scanning the modern office with quiet curiosity.
Inside the main office, Nao sat down at his desk with a calm expression and began to go through the stack of files Mr. Den had prepared. Mr. Den gave him a short bow before quietly leaving the room, closing the door behind him.
Raviel's eyes never left Nao.
Feeling the stare, Nao spoke without looking up. "I told you not to look at me like that."
Raviel only nodded. "Yes, my young master."
Nao stood and walked toward the window to gather his thoughts, but his foot caught the edge of a rug and he slipped. In a flash, Raviel was at his side, catching him before he could fall.
Their faces were inches apart.
Nao's breathing quickened as he stared into Raviel's eyes. Their lips were barely a breath away. Raviel's voice was low, barely a whisper.
"Your heartbeat... it's so fast, my young master."
Nao pulled back quickly, flustered. "I–I need some fresh air," he stammered.
As he turned away, his thoughts ran wild. He had never felt like this before. But something had definitely changed.
Something—or someone—special had entered his life.
Nao stepped out onto the balcony attached to his office, the breeze brushing against his face as he tried to calm the pounding in his chest. He leaned on the railing, closing his eyes for a moment.
Inside, Raviel stood still, watching through the glass. His eyes softened as he saw Nao's flushed expression, the wind playing with his hair.
Nao whispered to himself, "What is happening to me...?"
Just then, Mr. Den returned with a knock and entered after a brief pause.
"Mr. Nao," he said gently, "The board is ready for your introduction."
Nao turned, regaining his composure. "Alright. Let's go."
He walked back inside, and Raviel stepped toward him.
"I'm coming with you," Raviel said firmly.
Nao looked up at him and gave a small nod. "Just don't stare at me like that in front of everyone."
Raviel smirked, "I'll try."
Together, they walked through the halls. People turned to glance—some out of respect for Nao, others out of sheer curiosity about the strikingly beautiful man beside him.
As they entered the conference room, whispers began to rise.
"Who is he?"
"Is he Nao's bodyguard… or something more?"
Nao ignored the murmurs and stood confidently at the head of the long table. Raviel stood silently behind him like a shadow, calm yet dangerous.
Mr. Den introduced Nao to the board members. "Ladies and gentlemen, as of today, Nao Vermillion officially assumes his role as the heir and head of the Vermillion family business."
Everyone clapped politely, but not all expressions were genuine.
Among them sat a man in a dark suit, eyes narrowing. He pulled out his phone and texted someone:
"He's here. With someone dangerous-looking. Update Issadora."
The real game had just begun.