Chapter 21: Who Is He?! Boyfriend?!

Honk, honk.

A fiery red sports car roared through the airport's driveway, pulling up in front of the two figures who commanded attention without even trying.

Onlookers exchanged hushed whispers.

Who are these people?

It wasn't just their looks or presence—it was everything about them. The car alone was enough to confirm their status.

The latest model from Vermillion Bird, a brand owned by the White Phoenix Empire. A car so exclusive that even billionaires had to wait months for delivery.

Ethan begrudgingly admitted—the car was a masterpiece. As a man, how could he not appreciate it?

But what he didn't appreciate was the man who stepped out of it.

Tall. Well-built. Handsome.

Dressed in a sleek black shirt that hugged his lean frame and crisp white pants, the newcomer exuded confidence.

And then he smiled—a dazzling, practiced kind of smile, the type that infuriated Ethan.

"Sweetheart!" The man waved enthusiastically.

Sweetheart?!

Ethan's mind screeched to a halt.

Lillie, completely unfazed, nodded. "Haruka. Good to see you."

"Jeez, is that how you greet your boyfriend? No hug? No smile?" Haruka pouted.

Boyfriend?!

Oh, hell no.

"You're not my boyfriend, Haruka," Lillie corrected coolly. "Don't go around saying things like that. You'll cause misunderstandings."

Haruka shrugged, then stuck his tongue out playfully.

A sudden, sharp chill filled the air.

Haruka stiffened, an eerie sensation crawling up his spine. The unmistakable presence of killing intent.

And it was coming from—

Oh.

Haruka turned his head slightly and met Ethan's glare.

Dark. Venomous. Possessive.

This man wants to murder me.

Haruka scratched the back of his neck, laughing awkwardly.

"So," he said, trying to lighten the mood. "You must be Lillie's acquaintance?"

His smirk was deliberately mischievous as he emphasized the word.

Ethan's jaw twitched.

"Lillie doesn't keep acquaintances around for long," Haruka continued, casually studying Ethan's expression.

He had a feeling—no, he knew—this man was more than just an acquaintance.

This is interesting.

"Ethan," came the terse reply, his name practically gritted through his teeth.

Haruka's grin widened. Oh, I like this guy already.

"Here, let me help you with your luggage," Haruka offered smoothly, reaching for Lillie's suitcase.

But before he could even graze the handle—

Snatch!

Ethan ripped the suitcase out of Lillie's grasp so fast that she nearly stumbled forward.

Lillie barely had time to react before Ethan's arm shot out, steadying her protectively against his chest.

Haruka blinked. Wow.

Ethan's voice was low and dangerous.

"That won't be necessary."

Haruka stared at him, then slowly raised his hands in mock surrender.

"Gomen, gomen," he chuckled.

But Ethan wasn't amused.

"Don't even think about touching a single hair on my wife," he growled.

Haruka's eyes widened before he suddenly burst out laughing.

"Kami-sama! This is gold!" He clutched his stomach, nearly doubling over. "You're married?!"

Heads turned as people started staring at him like he'd lost his mind.

Noticing the attention, Haruka composed himself, though his body still trembled from suppressed laughter.

Meanwhile, Lillie's expression darkened, her gaze flicking between Ethan and Haruka with clear irritation.

"He's not my husband," she said coldly. "He's the man my family arranged for me to marry."

Ethan's chest tightened.

Is saying 'fiancé' or even 'future husband' so difficult?

Even Haruka cocked a brow. "Why the complicated wording? Can't you just say 'fiancé'?"

Ethan shot him a glare. Thank you, finally someone with sense.

Haruka, still grinning, crossed his arms.

"Lillie, I have to say… this is absolutely hilarious."

He already had a good idea of who this man was.

So this is Ethan Li.

Lillie's so-called enemy and rival.

Her husband-to-be.

Oh, the gods must be having a field day with this one.

"Alright," Haruka said, raising a hand. "Let's clear things up. First off, I'm not Lillie's rumored secret lover. I'm just her bestie."

Ethan remained unconvinced, arms crossed and glare unwavering.

Haruka sighed dramatically. "Okay, fine. My full name is Fujikawa Haruka. And just to make things crystal clear—"

She smirked.

"I'm female."

Silence.

Ethan narrowed his eyes. "So?"

Haruka blinked.

"…Eh?"