It was a warm Saturday evening.
The sun had just begun to set, casting an orange glow over the city.
Renji adjusted the collar of his shirt as he walked toward the cozy restaurant where his best friend Daichi had invited him.
Daichi had been excited all week.
"You'll meet her today," he said.
"She's different. Older, smarter, and beautiful. I'm serious, bro—you'll be surprised."
Renji didn't know what to expect.
Daichi had dated a few girls before, but this time felt different.
He sounded serious. Maybe this one really was special.
When Renji arrived, he saw Daichi already sitting at a table near the window, smiling brightly.
Beside him sat a woman—elegant, graceful, and radiating confidence.
She wore a light beige dress that hugged her body perfectly.
Her long black hair flowed like silk over her shoulders, and her eyes held the calm of someone who had seen the world and mastered it.
"This is Sayaka," Daichi said proudly.
"My girlfriend."
Renji blinked in surprise.
He recognized the name.
Sayaka Himura.
The CEO of Himura Group, the most powerful business empire in Asia.
She owned international hotels, tech companies, and even luxury fashion brands.
Articles called her "The Queen of Asia."
She was not just rich—she was the richest woman in the entire continent.
And now, she was sitting across from him, smiling gently.
Sayaka offered her hand.
"Nice to meet you, Renji.
I've heard a lot about you."
Her voice was soft, warm, and confident—like someone who was used to being in control of everything… and everyone.
Renji shook her hand, hiding his shock.
She didn't act proud or cold.
In fact, her eyes held a kindness he didn't expect.
But still, it was strange.
A woman like her—powerful, beautiful, and mature—dating Daichi?
As they talked, Renji couldn't stop watching her.
Sayaka was intelligent, with sharp answers and deep thoughts.
She laughed at Daichi's jokes and listened closely when Renji spoke, making him feel like his words actually mattered.
At one point, Daichi stepped away to take a phone call.
Sayaka and Renji were alone for a moment.
"You seem surprised," she said, sipping her wine.
"I guess I didn't expect someone like you… with Daichi," Renji admitted honestly.
"No offense."
"None taken," she replied, smiling.
"I know how it looks. People talk about me like I'm some untouchable figure. But deep down, I'm just a woman who wants to feel something real."
Renji looked into her eyes and felt his heart skip.
That night, as he walked home alone, he tried to shake the thoughts away. She was beautiful. She was powerful. She was his best friend's girlfriend.
And yet, something had already started.