Chapter 23 – The Cost of Success

The office lights buzzed faintly as Taro scrolled through his final report, double-checking every detail. His fingers ached from typing, his shoulders stiff from hours at his desk, but he barely noticed.

Because he had done it.

The project was a success.

His work had been sent up to the higher-ups, and the feedback was instant—impressive, efficient, flawless. The kind of work that got people noticed. The kind that proved he deserved to be here.

Yet, as he leaned back in his chair, exhaustion creeping into his bones, the weight pressing on his chest didn't ease. If anything, it only grew heavier.

Because now, he had expectations to meet.

A sharp knock pulled him from his thoughts.

Rylan stepped inside, hands in his pockets, a small smirk playing on his lips. "Well done, Taro. I knew you had it in you."

Taro sat up straighter, his heart kicking up just a bit. "Thank you."

Rylan walked to the desk, glancing over the reports. "This is only the beginning. Now that you've proven yourself, people are going to expect even more from you. No mistakes. No hesitation."

Taro swallowed, nodding.

Rylan clapped a hand on his shoulder. "Don't let me down."

Then he was gone.

Taro let out a slow breath, rubbing his face. He should be happy. This was what he wanted. What he needed.

So why did it feel like a rope tightening around his neck?

---

A Night of Celebration

That evening, the team gathered in a sleek, upscale lounge for a small success party. The atmosphere buzzed with energy, glasses clinking, laughter spilling through the air.

"Taro, you really pulled it off," one of his coworkers said, raising a glass in his direction. "To our future star!"

A few people clapped, and Taro forced a smile, lifting his drink. He should be enjoying this—this was what he wanted, right? The recognition, the success, the proof that he belonged here.

Yet, a part of him felt… detached. As if he were watching from the outside, like an actor in someone else's victory.

Then the room fell quiet for a split second, and when Taro turned—

Rylan had arrived.

A ripple of surprise went through the group as Rylan strolled in, looking entirely at ease. His presence immediately shifted the atmosphere.

One of Taro's coworkers let out a nervous chuckle. "Didn't expect to see you here, sir."

Rylan smirked. "I like to keep an eye on my promising employees." His gaze flickered to Taro. "And I heard there was something worth celebrating."

Taro straightened instinctively. "I—I appreciate that."

Rylan picked up an empty glass, pouring himself a drink as he turned back to the group. "You all did well. But let's not get too comfortable. A victory only matters if you can follow it up with another."

The energy of the party had shifted the moment Rylan arrived. People were more careful with their words, their laughs quieter, their eyes flickering toward him with a mix of admiration and unease.

But Taro?

Taro was basking in the moment.

As the night went on, he stuck close to Rylan, eager to keep the conversation going, eager to keep the connection alive.

At one point, after another round of drinks, Taro turned to Rylan with a slightly flushed face and a spark of excitement in his eyes.

"You know," he started, his voice lighter than usual, "I really wouldn't have made it this far without you."

Rylan smirked, taking a slow sip of his drink. "Is that so?"

"I mean it." Taro leaned in slightly. "I want to introduce you to my family. They should know about the person who's helped me so much."

There was a beat of silence.

Then, Rylan's smirk deepened, his fingers tapping idly against his glass. "Your family, huh?"

Taro nodded. "Yeah, I—" He hesitated for a second before adding, "And my friends."

That caught Rylan's full attention. His gaze sharpened, though his expression remained unreadable.

Taro didn't notice. He was too caught up in his own thoughts.

"You always talk about taking chances, right?" Taro grinned. "I think they should see that, too. Maybe they'll understand why I admire you so much."

Rylan let out a soft hum, swirling the whiskey in his glass.

Then, as if it were a casual decision, he said, "Yeah. I'd like that."

Taro's chest swelled with pride.

"I want to meet your family." Rylan's voice was smooth, controlled. Then, almost as an afterthought, he added, "And your friends."

Taro beamed, completely unaware of the true reason Rylan had agreed.

Because now, he had a perfect excuse to see Elian.

And Elian wouldn't even see it coming.

---

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