"The predator smiles"

February 6th, 2026

At Shigeyoshi residence - 7:01 AM

Morning sunlight streamed into the kitchen, the sizzle of eggs crackling in the pan as Ray moved about in a calm, almost meditative rhythm. A kettle whistled, steam rising.

Black coffee, like always. Just another morning.

Until his phone buzzed.

Ray glanced at the screen.

An unknown number.

"Who the hell calls someone in the morning?" He muttered to himself.

He answered. "Who's this?"

A giggle danced over the line. "Good morning to you too, son."

His brows furrowed. How the hell did she get my number? He debated ignoring it. But curiosity won.

"How did you get my number?" he asked bluntly.

"From your father, silly." Her voice was smooth, almost teasing, like silk over steel.

He sighed. "Right. What do you need?"

"Just like that? No morning greetings for your stepmom?"

"Good morning, stepmom," he said dryly.

Another soft chuckle. "Much, much better. Anyway, your father asked for some spare clothes. He left them in the house. Can you kindly deliver them to him at the hospital?"

"Alright. I'll be there soon." He hung up before she could say more.

Sankai Private Medical - 10:12 AM

A few hours later, Ray stepped through the hospital's polished glass doors, the bag of his father's clothes in hand. He didn't like hospitals. The smell of antiseptic, the faint beeping of monitors, the sterile feel. It reminded him of endings.

As he made his way through the corridors, he noticed something odd. Nurses, a few patients, even a couple of receptionists - women, all glancing at him.

Quick looks, some longer than others. A few smiled. One even brushed her hair behind her ear with exaggerated gentleness.

Ray sighed and kept walking.

When the elevator dinged open, he stepped inside. The elevator rose, stopped, and opened again.

There she was.

Reina.

A black tank top. Tiny denim shorts. Her toned, muscled legs crossed, lollipop in her mouth. Her eyes widened with interest the moment they met his.

A mischievous smirk curled her lips.

"My, my. What a great sight in the morning," she purred, licking her lollipop slowly.

"Reina," he said with a nod, neutral but not unfriendly.

"You here to see Dad?"

He lifted the bag. "Brought him clothes."

She stepped into the elevator, their bodies brushing slightly. Her perfume hit him—spiced berries and sweetness. Her breath smelled like cherry lollipop.

Reina quickly noticed that some women were glancing at Ray. She looked around left and right.

She leaned a little closer. "You know..." Her voice dropped to a whisper. "I think some of the nurses are checking you out. Looks like I'm not the only one who wants a piece of you."

Ray let out a soft scoff. "Lucky me."

Reina leaned near his ear. "It feels exciting, thrilling even... knowing I have competition. Makes me want to chase you more."

Then she looked Ray from his head to foot, like a predator, full of hormones. "See your sexy ass around, Ray."

Then she walked straight to the hospital's entrance.

He ran a hand through his hair. "Women."

Room 317

Ray entered. His father, Shinjo, lay in bed, slightly elevated, pale but alert.

Ray placed the clothes on the table and sat beside his father's bed. "Brought what you asked."

Shinjo barely looked at him. "Took you long enough."

"I had things to do."

"We all have things to do, boy."

"What exactly do you do beside reading playboy magazines and regretting everything in this bed?" Ray said, being a smartass.

Shinjo scoffed, holding a closed playboy magazines on his hand.

"Fair enough."

They sat in silence for a moment. The faint hum of machines filled the space.

"You eating properly?" Shinjo asked, eyes never leaving the window.

Ray didn't answer.

The door opened.

Sakura entered. She wore a sleek black dress, designer sunglasses perched atop her head. In one hand was her phone, the other holding a fancy designer bag.

"Shinjo," she said calmly. "Honey, I've paid half of the initial hospital bill."

Shinjo glanced sharply at her. "How much?"

"Millions." Her tone was casual.

"Tch. These damn hospitals are bloodsuckers."

"They will dry me until I'm fucking six feet down under." He added, complaining.

Sakura walked toward them. Her heels clicked on the linoleum floor. She gently placed her hand on Ray's shoulder.

"Don't worry," she said softly. "It's for your health."

Then she turned to Ray, locking eyes with him. Her hand slid down his back. "Right, stepson?"

Then her hand suddenly went lower.

Ray stiffened as her hand caressed his ass. He cleared his throat and shifted forward.

"Is there something else you need, Dad?" Ray asked quickly, trying to break the tension.

Shinjo raised an eyebrow, amused.

"Matter of fact, there is. I need you to accompany your sister to school today."

Ray blinked. "Who?"

"Arashi."

Ray exhaled sharply, as if punched by the name.

Sakura smiled. "She'll be thrilled."

"Last time we met, she looked like she hates me and my soul." Ray uttered.

"Don't be like that. She's a good person. You just have to know her better." Sakura vouched for Arashi.

"Why can't she go alone?"

Shinjo looked at him. "She's special. She's... fragile. We need someone to watch over her.

Ray looked away.

Sakura stepped closer, standing beside him now. Her presence almost suffocating.

"You'll go, right?" she asked sweetly.

He didn't answer.

Sakura leaned in, lips near his ear. "Do it for your father... or do it for me. Either way, it will make me very happy."

"Tsk!" Ray expressed his annoyance.

"Hand me the keys to your sports car." Ray said. It wasn't a request. It was a command to Sakura.