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Chapter 5: Tied to You by Fire and Asphalt
Ren Kurogane's POV
I watched her from the school gates, her silhouette shrinking as she walked away, that messy ponytail swaying like it had its own attitude. Airi Tanaka. The girl who's somehow made it past my walls without even trying.
The ride back to the estate was fast and reckless. I needed speed—needed the wind to cool the heat building inside me. Why the hell did she affect me like this? I've seen girls throw themselves at me. They cry when I ignore them. But Airi? She stares straight into my soul like I'm not even scary.
My father—Kaito Kurogane—didn't assign her to me for nothing. "Watch over her," he'd said. "She's more important than you realize."
I didn't question it then. But now? I'm starting to. Because this isn't just about a job anymore. It's personal. She's in my veins. And I hate it.
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Next Morning – Airi Tanaka's POV
"Mei, I swear, he's insane!" I hissed, clutching my milk tea like it was my lifeline.
Mei raised an eyebrow as she chewed her toast. "Insane… or insanely hot?"
"Both!" I groaned. "He just appears out of nowhere, says the most confusing things, and then acts like I belong to him!"
Mei leaned in, eyes twinkling. "Girl, you're living the plot of every dark romance manga. Own it."
"I don't want to be the heroine!" I cried. "I want peace. Sanity. A crush who doesn't drag me into mafia business!"
She laughed, but there was concern in her eyes. "You sure you're safe?"
I nodded slowly. "Oddly… yes. When I'm with him, it's like no one can touch me."
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Lunch Break – School Rooftop
I shouldn't have come.
But something pulled me up here. Curiosity. Maybe something more dangerous.
I pushed open the rooftop door—and there he was. Leaning against the railing, arms crossed, hair messy like he'd just fought the wind. That damn smirk curved his lips the moment he saw me.
"You're late," Ren said, voice low and amused.
"I didn't agree to meet," I snapped, hugging my arms.
"But you came." He took slow, deliberate steps toward me. "That's enough."
"I want answers," I said. "Why are you following me? Who told you to protect me?"
He didn't answer right away. Just stared. Those dark eyes scanned me like I was a puzzle he was desperate to solve.
When he finally spoke, his voice was colder. "I don't follow orders unless I want to."
"So… this is personal?"
Ren's jaw clenched. "Damn right it is."
The tension grew heavy, thick in the air between us. I stepped back instinctively.
"Don't," he growled, and in two strides he was in front of me. His hand shot out—this time not to my wrist. This time, his arm snaked around my waist and pulled me flush against his chest.
"R–Ren…" My breath hitched.
His face was close—so close I could feel his breath on my lips. "You're not running from me anymore. You're under my protection. No one touches you. No one looks at you unless I allow it."
I trembled, but I didn't pull away.
He smirked. "That's better."
Just when I thought he'd kiss me, he let go.
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Later that Day – School Courtyard
Mei spotted me as I descended the stairs, cheeks burning. "What happened up there?"
"Nothing!" I squeaked.
Mei narrowed her eyes. "That's a lie."
I was saved from interrogation by the roar of an engine. A sleek black bike came to a stop at the gate—Ren, of course, looking like every girl's sin.
He held out a helmet. "You're coming with me."
"In your dreams," I muttered.
He smirked. "Every night."
My face exploded in heat.
Students were staring now. Whispers surrounded us.
"Airi, who is that?"
"Is that… her boyfriend?"
"He's scary hot…"
"I'm not going anywhere with you," I whispered harshly.
"Yes, you are." He grabbed my hand and placed the helmet in it. "You either get on, or I throw you on. Your choice."
I threw a panicked glance at Mei, who gave me a thumbs-up like this was totally normal.
With a sigh, I climbed on.
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Highway – On the Bike
The wind screamed in my ears as Ren sped down the highway, weaving through traffic like it was child's play. I should've been scared—but I wasn't. I felt… free. His back was warm beneath my hands. I could feel his heartbeat through the leather of his jacket.
He glanced over his shoulder. "Hold tighter, Tanaka. I don't want you falling off. At least not today."
"You're impossible," I muttered, tightening my grip.
"I know."
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Mysterious Alley – After Ride
We stopped in a dim alley behind an old warehouse. Ren got off and yanked off his helmet, shaking out his hair. I followed, nerves jumping.
"Why are we here?" I asked.
He turned to me, serious now. "Because I need you to see what I really am."
Then he opened the side door, and I gasped. Inside was a table full of weapons. Maps. Red strings connecting photos on a wall. A whole mafia operation.
"You're showing me this… why?"
He stepped closer, eyes locked on mine. "Because I don't plan on letting you go. And if you're going to be tangled in my world, you need to understand the danger."
I shivered. "This isn't a game."
"I never play games," he murmured, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear.
Then the phone in his pocket buzzed. He checked it—and cursed.
"What?" I asked, heart thudding.
He didn't answer right away.
Then he turned to me, expression dark.
"Someone's watching you, Airi. And not just me."
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To Be Continued…
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