6 | Unexpected Encounters

Riku barely had time to process Emiko's arrival before Miyuki set her cup down with an amused smirk, her sharp eyes glinting as she looked between the two of them.

Miyuki crossing her legs, tilting her head slightly

So, Riku, just how many girls are you planning to have business with?

Riku groaned, rubbing his temples as he slumped further into the couch.

Riku exhausted

I don't even know why she's here. Emiko, you do realize my life has been absolute chaos since you handed me that first envelope, right?

Emiko, as composed as ever, sat gracefully on the armchair across from him, placing the envelope on the table between them.

Emiko ignoring his complaint

You're not the only one being watched, Riku. This isn't just about you.

Miyuki raised an eyebrow at that, clearly intrigued.

Miyuki

Oh? Sounds serious. Do tell.

Emiko glanced at Miyuki before focusing back on Riku.

Emiko

This letter contains information you need to know. And I suggest you read it before things escalate.

Riku sighed, staring at the envelope as if it might explode. The last thing he wanted was more complications, but ignoring Emiko never ended well. Just as he reached for it, the doorbell rang.

Riku freezing

Oh, come on. Who now?

Miyuki grinned, clearly enjoying his suffering.

Miyuki

Maybe another girl coming to claim her spot?

Riku shot her a glare before dragging himself to the door. When he opened it, his brain momentarily shut down.

Standing there, dressed in business attire with a confident smirk, was none other than Aiko.

Aiko adjusting her glasses

Good. You're home. This saves me the trouble of tracking you down.

Riku staring blankly

I… What are you doing here?

Aiko stepping inside without waiting for permission

I have something important to discuss.

As she walked past him, her gaze landed on Emiko and Miyuki, her usual unreadable expression faltering for a split second.

Aiko pausing

I see you're already entertaining company.

Riku shutting the door, utterly done with the universe

Yeah. It's a whole party.

Miyuki clapped her hands together, laughing.

Miyuki

This just keeps getting better. So, Aiko, what brings you here? Another lecture about discipline?

Aiko ignoring her, focusing on Riku instead

Your name has been circulating in some interesting places. I need to know if you're aware of it or if you're as clueless as you look.

Riku deadpan

You're going to have to be more specific. My name's been circulating in gossip, sports events, and apparently among rich businesswomen now.

Aiko giving him an unimpressed look

I'm talking about something far more concerning.

She placed a document on the table next to Emiko's envelope.

Aiko

Someone is digging into your background. And they're not being subtle about it.

The room went silent. Even Miyuki's playful expression faded. Riku, who had been expecting another ridiculous problem, felt a cold weight settle in his chest.

Riku quietly

Who?

Aiko adjusting her glasses

That's what I'm trying to find out. But whoever it is, they have resources.

Emiko leaned back, arms crossed.

Emiko

Looks like your situation just got worse.

Miyuki tapping her chin

Well, well. Seems like you're more interesting than I thought, Riku.

Riku dragging a hand down his face

I just wanted a normal high school life.

Aiko giving him a sharp look

Too late for that.

As the weight of the situation sank in, Riku realized that whatever was happening wasn't just bad luck—it was something bigger. And whether he liked it or not, he was at the center of it.

And judging by the way things were going, his so-called peaceful life was about to become a distant memory.

--End--