Frozen Rose (Langa x reader)

Chapter 49

(Y/n)'s POV

I walked along the crowded streets, a small bag resting on my shoulder. My black miniskirt swayed each time I took a step. The unconventional turtleneck with off-shoulder sleeves made my skin itch ever so slightly.

Joe walked beside me, dressed in a suit appropriate for security guards. His face was stoic, though it softened once meeting my gaze for the briefest moment. There would be no friendly interaction between us.

A finely-dressed man approached us, inclining his head in greeting. I offered a polite smile, wondering why I had agreed to do this. The man gestured for us to follow him into the tall, modern skyscraper.

~Flashback~

"You want me to do what?!"
"Come on, please? You've helped your uncle before with these kind of things," said Jun.
"Yeah but those were exciting things. This time you want me to flirt with some hotshot son of a millionaire while searching for the item that was stolen from you guys?"
"They won't let us in. They know our faces but not yours."
"Whose fault was it that this thing was stolen?"
"Uhh l-let's not talk about that."

A sigh escaped my lips. I knew that they couldn't simply waltz in and threaten them. Although the yakuza had connections, I doubted it could save them from the wrath of a millionaire and their many, many friends.

"(Y/n), it was your uncle's ring. The ring that was bought for an unnameable price," said the leader.
"Tch."
"Sorry," Jun muttered.
"What'd you need me for?" Joe asked as he arrived with Langa and Reki trailing behind.
"You're going to act as her guard."
"(Y/n), no," was all Langa said.
"Who told you about this?"
"Jun did," Reki replied.
"It's dangerous," Langa said again.

Laughter escaped my throat before Reki looked at me like I had lost my mind. Joe rubbed his eyes, likely regrettably reminiscing the times we would go on undercover missions back when my uncle was still here.

I gave a curt nod to Jun's father. A relieved yet stern smile broke out over his face. Langa immediately gripped my sleeve but I wouldn't falter. Reki slipped his hand over mine as reassurance washed over me.

~Flashback end~

We entered a lavish office fitted with the latest furniture. The colour scheme was dark and elegant, perfectly fitting for someone of this status. A large oak desk was placed near the floor-to-ceiling windows while plush armchairs littered the room in an orderly fashion.

The man bowed before taking his leave. It was only then that I noticed a boy around my age standing near the bookshelf. He looked up from his book, smiling a heart-melting smile that would make any girl swoon.

"Hello, you must be Reito-san's daughter," he greeted.

Indeed I was Reito-san's daughter. This man did not exist however. Jun had simply asked Cherry to wear a disguise and befriend the boy's father as a CEO of a make-up brand. A small smile graced my face at remembering how Cherry really did look like a rich, elegant man with the disguise, having to fight off hoards of women.

"My name's Haruka. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"I'm Azuto. The pleasure is mine," he replied.

I walked over to him, peering at the book in his hands. His emerald green eyes washed over me in surprise as I took it and began flipping through the pages. A soft chuckle escaped him.

"Is something the matter?"
"No, you just surprised me. I didn't expect you to enjoy reading," he exclaimed.
"This is my favourite book. Besides, you surprised me too. The articles said you were an arrogant playboy who could win a girl with a single word."
"Ah...that is...does your body guard have to be here for this?"

I glanced at Joe, who stood silently by the door. I motioned for him to leave before he gave a nod to imply he got the message: to search for the ring. Azuto motioned for me to sit down. The armchair was as soft as a cloud, the cushion so plush I almost sank into it.

"My father wants to advertise the fact that he has a strong, charming son who's great with money and women, not a reserved boy who loves reading and writing music," he explained matter-of-factly.
"I see...and your mother?"
"She passed away when I was seven. My stepmother...well, she doesn't much care for me."
"...if it makes you feel any better, you do have a charming smile so the articles aren't entirely wrong."

He laughed, somewhat surprising me. I hadn't expected him to, only anticipating a half-hearted smile. A grin tugged at my lips before I could help myself. I wasn't supposed to be myself, I had to be an elegant daughter of a famous CEO.

"What about your parents?" he asked.
"Before I answer that, I need to ask you something. Do you care for your father? Do you agree with his ways?"
"He's my own blood. I do care for him but if he has committed a crime, I wouldn't hesitate to report him. As for his thinking...I'd think that's rather obvious, is it not?"
"Then I'm going to be honest with you."

He stayed quiet to let me continue.

"My real name's not Reito Haruka. It's (L/n) (Y/n). That man, 'Reito-san', is not my father. He's my friend. Truth is, your father stole something from my late uncle."
"He...did mention something about a yakuza ring..." he started, clearly still dumbfounded.
"My uncle was the leader of a yakuza gang. I came here to retrieve the ring your father stole. It does not belong to him."
"Wait, slow down. You're saying you're currently on a secret mission to retrieve this valuable ring from my father and you came here in disguise to do so?"
"Yeah, basically."
"Then that guard...?"
"He's my friend, acting as a guard."
"These friends of yours...are they a part of the yakuza?"
"No, the guard is a restaurant owner. Reito-san is a calligrapher."
"Count me in."
"Eh?"
"This is like something from an action novel! And besides, if my father has wronged you, only right to give him the appropriate punishment."
"*smiles* You're just surprising me more and more."