Mood swing

Renji stared intently at the paper in his hand, the company's monthly financial report that Fujita, his driver and trusted confidant, had given him earlier that morning. Before this, he had asked one of the office employees to revise the report due to numerous errors scattered throughout.

Even though he was reading and reviewing a corporate financial document, his clothes made it clear that the young man was still a student. From the school uniform he wore and the emblem on the front of his blazer, it was evident that this handsome young man was a student at the elite high school Empire Gakuen.

Empire Gakuen was an exclusive school for the children of the wealthy, the upper class. However, to attend this prestigious school, one not only had to come from a wealthy family—given the famously high tuition fees and the international-standard facilities—but also needed to have excellent academic performance.

Among the many students at Empire Gakuen, Renji Ishikawa was one of the school's proudest students and the idol of all the girls there. It was no wonder he was as popular as a celebrity. Just one look at his appearance and face made anyone fall for him at first sight.

Besides his good looks, Renji was the grandson of the school's owner and the primary heir to the massive Ishikawa Corporation. In short, Renji was the complete package—perfect boyfriend and future husband material and always the top candidate for the ideal son-in-law.

Dozens of love letters and gifts from the girls at school were constantly sent his way, but he rejected them all, even throwing them in the trash. He had repeatedly stated that he wasn't interested in anyone and didn't want to form any relationship with any girl. This was because, in secret, he had already married the woman of his dreams and was now eagerly awaiting the birth of their child. His marital status was intentionally kept private because he disliked airing his personal life, which would only become fodder for gossip and news hunters.

"Fujita," Renji called out flatly from the car's back seat, his eyes still focused on the bold numbers printed on the A4-sized paper encased in a light brown folder.

"Yes, young master," Fujita said with a focused eye, looking ahead of the road. 

"Keep an eye on Aira. Watch out for the strangers who approach her. If anything suspicious and dangerous happens immediately." 

"Does this have anything to do with Mr. Big?" asked Fujita to try to mention the incident some time ago.

Renji squeezed the paper on the hand until it was scrapped. The look in his eyes turned cold as well. "The old man wants to declare war on me after I tried to propose a partnership."

"Is Young Master Tetsuya also involved in this matter?" Fujita asked, seeking confirmation.

"Honestly, I didn't want to involve him, but he ended up getting himself tangled in my problems," Renji explained, detailing the current situation. 

"I only made a simple request—to marry the woman I love and spend the rest of my life with her. But that heartless old man demanded that I leave my wife and child to become engaged to the daughter of the Kenzaki family," he said, his eyes filled with deep hatred.

"I am truly impressed by the attitude of the young master, who remains steadfast in his principles." Fujita praised with deep respect.

"Better to die defending the people we love than to be a coward who runs away from responsibility. And now I understand why my brother did what he did." His thoughts drifted to the dark events of ten years ago, which had taken everything and everyone he loved away from Renji. Renji's face looked somber, his eyes filled with deep sorrow and resentment. He leaned his head back on the chair, his face tilted upward, his right hand covering his eyes as a tear soon fell, wetting his cheek.

Years had passed since that incident, yet it still made Renji's heartache as if pierced by thousands of knives because of the longing mixed with grief from losing his loved ones. Wasn't his grandfather guilty enough for being the trigger of the dark tragedy of the massacre carried out by Sora Ishikawa, Renji's brother?

All of that was due to his grandfather's ambition and selfishness in pursuing power, to the point of being willing to sacrifice anyone, including his family members.

"Young master," Fujita called anxiously, filled with fear, as Renji suddenly fell silent.

"How much longer until we reach the school?" Renji said with a slightly choked voice.

"The school's main gate is starting to come into view."

Renji immediately sat up straight, wiping away his tears to not appear as he had just cried, although his nose was slightly red. His expression turned flat or stoic, a stark contrast to the fragile and wounded look he had just moments ago.

"After dropping me off, pick up Aira, take her to Asahi Cafe, and watch over her while I'm away."

"Understood, young master." The car driven by Fujita began to enter the school grounds after passing through the main gate of Empire Gakuen. Students were also seen arriving and filling the schoolyard as they were all required to be in class on time. Being even a minute late would mean missing the entire day's lessons, as discipline and punctuality were strictly enforced here.

Just before getting out, Renji straightened his clothes, grabbed his school bag beside him, and got out after Fujita opened the door.

"Remember my earlier orders, Fujita," Renji said in as low a voice as possible so as not to be overheard by others.

"Yes, young master."

"Good. Then I'll head in."

Fujita bowed. "I hope you have a pleasant day."

Renji walked into the school building, where girls eagerly awaited his arrival.

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Saki served a cup of latte art and a slice of fruit cake to a black-haired man with a pale, bloodless complexion, or, as Saki often called him, 'pale face,' her rival and love competitor.

However, while Saki usually wore a sour and unfriendly expression toward the man, often engaging in small arguments with him—whether due to her oversensitivity or his tendency to provoke her emotions—this time, Saki mainly remained silent. Her gaze was filled with sorrow as she looked at the man, her heart overwhelmed with pity.

"Hey, why are you looking at me like that? Is there something wrong with me?" Tetsuya looked uncomfortable and didn't like being stared at like that, especially by Saki.

"Ah~ no," Saki replied awkwardly.

His dark eyes glanced at Saki with suspicion. "Did you put something in my drink?" he accused without evidence, staring at her suspiciously.

Sighing heavily, she answered honestly, "No."

Although Saki sympathized with Tetsuya's illness, his annoying attitude and behavior frustrated her. Saki decided to return to the kitchen to deliver the other orders, but suddenly, Tetsuya held her hand. "Wait, don't go yet."

Saki's eyes widened for a moment, but she quickly hid her shock and frustration at Tetsuya daring to grab her hand. "Is there something else you would like to order?" She planned to hold a notepad to write down his order.

"Not that." He replied.

Saki tried to smile sweetly, though it was forced because she had to maintain professionalism at work—after all, the guest was king, and she had to serve him as well and as kindly as possible, no matter who it was.

"I'm busy and don't have time to entertain you." Saki declined as best as she could.

"Sit for a while, and there's something I want to ask you, ugly girl."

Saki's eyes twitched, her irritation suddenly flooding her chest. If she hadn't remembered that Tetsuya was seriously ill, the wooden tray in her hand would have flown straight to his head for daring to call her ugly.

Saki felt foolish for earlier feeling concerned and worried about Tetsuya. Reluctantly sitting down in front of Tetsuya, her face twisted in annoyance, but Tetsuya seemed pleased with her expression rather than the pitiful glance she'd given him earlier, which made him feel uncomfortable.

"Do you think Issei-chan prefers a sports car or a regular car?" he asked casually as if showing off in front of Saki, who was just an ordinary worker with a modest salary. Saki squinted her eyes sharply, wanting to yank Tetsuya's hair until it was messy or pull his lips until they were swollen just because he was intentionally bragging in front of her.

How arrogant. Saki cursed in her mind.

Saki continued cursing and regretted delivering the order to this pale-faced man. She would have added a tablespoon of salt to Tetsuya's latte if she had known.

"Why are you silent?" Tetsuya muttered, exhaling quickly, then stood up from his chair. His aquamarine eyes looked at her lazily.

"Ask the person directly; don't ask me. Enjoy your meal, Young Master Tetsuya." Saki said in a slightly raised tone, emphasizing every word as she quickly walked away from Tetsuya's table, her face showing annoyance. As a result, her expression was so intimidating that no one dared to ask her anything, let alone cause any trouble.

"What a strange girl. I was asking." He huffed, sipping his latte.

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Later that evening, Aira felt something was off. Her heart was restless and uneasy, and even sleep felt uncomfortable as if something was bothering her, but she didn't know what.

Aira had tossed and turned for the past hour, trying various sleeping positions, but her eyes refused to close. Where had the sleepiness that had overtaken her after dinner gone? Renji even took care of washing the dishes and clearing the table.

She sighed quickly, her eyes glancing to the side where Renji usually lay. Still, she only found the pillow that Renji usually used to sleep on.

Usually, before going to bed, Renji would hug her, and she would rest her head comfortably on his broad chest, enjoying every heartbeat she heard like a lullaby. The musk scent from Renji's body was like aromatherapy for Aira, always helping her sleep soundly.

All these changes happened after they got married and after she became pregnant. However, this didn't make Aira resentful; instead, she was happy because she could be close to Renji. The reason Aira couldn't sleep tonight was also because Renji wasn't by her side. Feeling frustrated and upset, Aira left the room and looked for Renji.

Wearing soft, plush slippers shaped like a doll's head, Aira felt a tickling, gentle sensation on her feet as she walked quickly to Renji's study. When she arrived, she didn't immediately enter. She stood nervously in front of the door, unsure whether to go in, afraid she might disturb Renji while he was working.

But the urge of her pregnancy hormones was more potent than her shyness. Aira slowly opened the white-painted door and walked inside. When she scanned the room, she found Renji sitting at his desk with a laptop. Too focused, Renji didn't notice Aira's arrival.

"My husband," Aira called in a lovely voice.

Renji shifted his gaze from the laptop screen, surprised to see Aira in his study, especially since she hadn't gone to bed. He remembered she had said she was sleepy earlier, so he had intentionally done his reports here, not wanting to disturb her rest.

"Why aren't you asleep?" He asked while extending his hand, which Aira warmly accepted.

"I can't sleep," Aira replied softly.

Renji lifted Aira into his lap, his dark eyes gazing longingly at his beautiful wife. "Did you have a bad dream or want something to eat?" Renji asked gently while stroking Aira's chubby cheek.

The twenty-five-year-old woman hugged Renji tightly. "I want you to stay with me while I sleep," she said sweetly.

Aira's cheeks were as red as a plum, so cute and tempting. Not needing to say much, Renji turned off his laptop after saving the report he had worked on. Meanwhile, Aira continued to cuddle up to Renji's lap, not wanting to let go of his embrace like a koala.

Aira's behavior tonight was exceptionally clingy, and Renji carried her back to the bedroom. When her clinginess showed, Aira acted just like a child, and Renji, whether he liked it or not, had to act maturely and play the role of a good husband. He needed to understand and accommodate his pregnant wife, who required a lot of attention due to her ever-changing moods.

After laying Aira down on the bed, Renji lay down beside her. But soon, Aira scooted closer and hugged him. "My husband," Aira called, resting her head on Renji's chest.

"Hm," Renji responded flatly.

"Sing me a lullaby." Aira requested in a pleading tone.

For a moment, Renji was silent before breaking into a broad smile or, instead, laughing at Aira's funny request. Had his wife forgotten what happened a few months before they married when they went karaoke together? At that time, Aira had forcibly snatched the microphone from his hand, even though Renji hadn't finished singing, and told him that his voice was terrible, unpleasant to hear, and hurt her ears. Aira didn't need to say that she wasn't good at singing. Luckily, she wasn't an artist and was expected to do everything perfectly, as their job was to entertain others. At that time, Renji wasn't angry or hurt by Aira's words because what she said was true.

"I'm not good at singing. How about I tell you a story instead?" Renji suggested.

"I don't want that!! I'm not a child who will go to sleep if told a bedtime story." Aira pouted with her cheeks puffed out, showing her frustration.

Aira let go of her embrace and turned her back to Renji, now angry and upset with him. After all, singing one song for her wasn't that difficult. She wasn't asking for anything unreasonable, like wanting sour mangoes in the morning or shaved ice at midnight. Renji said he loved her and would fulfill her wishes, so why was he refusing to sing now?

Renji sighed slowly. "Alright, I'll sing one song for you."

Aira immediately turned around, a broad smile appearing on her face. "Really?!"

Renji leaned his lips close to Aira's ear and began singing a lullaby that his mother used to sing to him. A minute later, Renji finished the song. He moved his face slightly back to observe his wife's reaction, and as expected, Aira's expression looked so cute.

"Your voice is so terrible, and it sounds like a cat caught in a door," Aira commented, her tone full of disappointment.

Renji chuckled softly, sure that Aira would comment the same way as she did back then. "Who was pouting earlier, asking me to sing, hmm?"

"So now you're blaming me?" Aira replied, not wanting to be blamed for her request.

"No. I'm the one at fault because my voice is terrible. Let's sleep now; I have to leave early tomorrow." Renji stretched his arms out, and Aira immediately moved closer.

Aira settled comfortably in Renji's embrace. "Good night, Anata." She said as she closed her eyes.

"Good night, my wife," Renji replied, kissing Aira's head. They both fell asleep, drifting off into their respective dreams, enjoying a peaceful and calm rest.

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Have you ever seen a genuine and handsome man cry right before your eyes?

If it were Saki, she would answer yes—in fact, such a scene was happening right before her. He was crying simply because of a scene in a movie where the main character died protecting someone they loved.

"Stop crying, pale face," Saki whispered, scolding the man beside her.

"You heartless woman, completely unmoved by such a touching scene," he retorted, tears streaming down his face.

Saki clenched her fists to control her emotions so she wouldn't accidentally hit Tetsuya.

Issei tightly gripped her hand. "Enough, darling, let him be," Issei said, trying to calm down his girlfriend, who was now seething with anger.

Saki stayed silent, her eyes still glaring sharply at Tetsuya.

If you were wondering why the three of them ended up at the cinema together, it was because Tetsuya had secretly followed them and ruined Saki and Issei's date.

Saki had imagined a romantic, intimate atmosphere for their date. Still, it was now destroyed, all because of that pale-faced guy.

Saki truly hated Tetsuya for being such a date-wrecker.

...