The Narrator: Kiyozawa's Confession
"My hands are stained with the blood of countless children—innocents I've kidnapped solely for monetary gain. To be honest, their fates never crossed my mind; their well-being was of no concern to me. I have no choice but to continue this heinous cycle, all to repay the man who took me in as his own. Once I've amassed enough wealth, I'll buy our way out—him, myself, and everyone else—from this demonic life. I can only hope a better future awaits us all."
(At the Angels of Slaughter Base) (Gyakusatsu no Tenshi)
Kiyozawa leaned against the doorframe, covertly observing his boss engaged in a hushed conversation with another Yakuza leader.
Zentaro: "Kiyozawa."
He muttered, having caught his adopted son eavesdropping.
The Boss of the Shie Hassaikai froze momentarily as the room fell silent. Kiyozawa stepped inside, his crimson eyes eerily calm.
Zentaro: "You know better than to eavesdrop."
He said sharply, his gaze piercing.
Kiyozawa: "Sorry, boss."
He replied, his focus shifting to the visitor. The Boss of the Shie Hassaikai's eyes widened in recognition as he studied the young man's features.
The Boss of the Shie Hassaikai: "You look remarkably like Chisaki."
He remarked, his eyes narrowing. He seemed convinced the two shared a blood relation.
Kiyozawa remained silent, his brow furrowing in confusion at the mention of the name.
Zentaro: "I'm hosting a little gathering tonight."
He announced, turning back to his guest.
Zentaro: "And I expect both you and your associate, Chisaki, to be in attendance."
His tone left no room for refusal.
The Boss of the Shie Hassaikai: "Understood."
He replied calmly.
The Boss of the Shie Hassaikai: "I'll be there with Chisaki. See you soon."
He offered a respectful nod before departing, his expression thoughtful as he considered the potential connection between Kiyozawa and his own subordinate.
Once the door clicked shut, Kiyozawa turned to Zentarō.
Kiyozawa: "What were you two discussing?"
Zentaro: "None of your business."
He replied curtly. He turned away, signaling the end of the inquiry, but then paused with a smirk.
Zentaro: "By the way, are you bringing a date to the party?"
Kiyozawa: "A date?"
He stammered, his cheeks flushing.
Kiyozawa: "Who would even consider dating me?"
Zentaro: "What about Amaya?"
He suggested it casually.
Zentaro: "She might be willing to accompany you."
His tone was light and teasing, gauging the boy's reaction.
Kiyozawa: "Fine, I'll ask her."
He agreed reluctantly, his face still burning pink.
Zentaro: "Who knows."
He chuckled, enjoying the rare sight of his son's embarrassment.
Zentaro: "Maybe you two will finally realize what's been right under your noses and actually consider marriage."
Kiyozawa tensed, his face turning a deep scarlet.
Kiyozawa: "I-I should go prepare for the party."
He stammered, making a quick exit to hide his mortification.
(One Hour Later: The Preparations).
Kiyozawa bustled around the venue, arranging tables and chairs with swift, efficient movements. Despite his focus, his mind was a whirlwind. Around him, other members were helping, their laughter echoing through the hall.
Amaya: "Hey, Kiyozawa!"
She called out with a warm smile. She walked toward him, unaware of the teasing he'd endured earlier.
Kiyozawa's heart hammered against his ribs.
Kiyozawa: "H-hi."
He managed, pretending to be occupied by unnecessarily adjusting a chair.
Amaya: "Your father told me you'd be here setting up."
She said, leaning against a nearby table. She crossed her arms, watching him fumble with a smile.
Amaya: "I thought I'd come by and see how things were going."
Kiyozawa: "It's going great..."
He replied, avoiding her eyes. His fingers fidgeted nervously with the furniture. Taking a deep breath to steady his voice, he finally looked up.
Kiyozawa: "The party is tonight... would you like to go with me?"
Amaya's smile softened.
Amaya: "I'd love to."
She said, her eyes sparkling. She reached out and gave his arm a playful squeeze, leaning in closer.
Amaya: "Consider me your date for the night."
Kiyozawa felt like his face might actually catch fire.
Kiyozawa: "So this is like... a date-date?"
Amaya: "Yeah."
She confirmed with a playful chuckle.
Amaya: "Like a date."
She brushed her hand against his elbow as she moved past him to help with the decorations, the touch lingering just a second too long.
(In his mind)
"So this is... our first date? First date... with Amaya... Holy smokes."
(Out of his mind).
(Meanwhile: Shie Hassaikai Headquarters).
Overhaul waited impatiently for his boss to return. When the door finally swung open, he stood up, smoothing his clothes and composing his features.
The Boss of the Shie Hassaikai: "Chisaki, we're attending a party tonight. Get a suit and bring a date."
He commanded sharply.
Overhaul blinked, stunned.
Overhaul: "Wait, a date?"
The Boss of the Shie Hassaikai: "Yes, a date."
He confirmed, his expression stern.
The Boss of the Shie Hassaikai: "You're expected to show up with someone on your arm."
Overhaul: "But who would even want to go out with me?"
He asked, his voice tinged with genuine disbelief.
The Boss chuckled darkly.
The Boss of the Shie Hassaikai: "That's not my problem. Find someone—anyone—and bring them. Tonight."
Reluctantly, Overhaul nodded.
Overhaul: "Yes, sir."
Knowing he had to move fast, Overhaul headed to a bustling street, donning his leather jacket and dark glasses to obscure his identity. He scanned the crowd for an "easy target" when a woman approached him.
Kanako: "Wow, hi!"
She exclaimed cheerfully, waving with a bright smile.
Overhaul was caught off guard by her confidence. Before he could even formulate a plan, she was batting her eyelashes at him.
Kanako: "You're cute."
She giggled.
Kanako: "And actually, yeah... I do want to go out. With you."
She linked her arm through his, catching him entirely by surprise.
Overhaul: "There's a party tonight."
He said, trying to sound casual.
Overhaul: "Would you like to go with me?"
Kanako: "You're going to that Yakuza party, right?"
She asked, her voice dropping to a flirtatious whisper.
Kanako: "I'll go with you. I was attending anyway, and I could use a handsome date."
Overhaul's eyebrows shot up behind his glasses. A perfect coincidence.
Overhaul: "Alright then."
He agreed, his voice softening with relief.
As she turned to leave, Overhaul called out.
Kanako: "Wait! How are we going to introduce ourselves? Those guys will ask how we know each other."
She offered a confident smirk.
Kanako: "I'm from the Gyakusatsu no Tenshi. And you?"
She paused, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
Kanako: "Which Yakuza family are you affiliated with?"
Overhaul: "I'm from the Shie Hassaikai."
He stated gruffly, watching her closely for any sign of fear or recognition.
Kanako: "Shie Hassaikai."
She repeated slowly, the name rolling off her tongue as her brain scrambled to place it. She had intentionally stayed ignorant of rival families to keep her cover clean, but she couldn't let him see her hesitate.
Kanako: "Right. I think I've heard of them."
Overhaul: "So."
He said, his voice dropping an octave.
Overhaul: "We'll introduce ourselves as members of rival clans?"
Kanako: "On second thought..."
She leaned in, her voice becoming a low, flirtatious purr. She looked up at him, his permanent scowl making her even more certain of her play.
Kanako: "What if we tell everyone we're secret lovers? You know, to make it more convincing?"
Overhaul paused, considering.
Overhaul: "I suppose. Let's say we were friends who became... something more. That way, it won't raise eyebrows if we're seen together throughout the night."
His expression softened just a fraction, a rare crack in his icy exterior.
Kanako: "Perfect."
She smiled, satisfied. She stepped into his personal space, closing the gap until she could feel the heat radiating from him.
Kanako: "So, remember: we're passionate secret lovers from rival houses who can't keep our hands off each other. Got it?"
Overhaul nodded firmly, his gaze steady and serious.
Overhaul: "Got it. We'll make it look real."
Kanako: "Anyway, I have a dress to buy."
She said with a playful wink. She went on her tiptoes and pressed a soft, lingering kiss to his forehead—a calculated display of affection.
Kanako: "See you later, sweetie."
Overhaul froze. His eyes widened, and for a heartbeat, his pulse spiked at the unexpected touch. He stood paralyzed as she walked away, the phantom sensation of her lips still cooling on his skin.
Overhaul: "I..."
He started, but the words died in his throat. He watched her retreat, his confusion warring with a flicker of something much softer.
(The Shopping Mall).
Meanwhile, at the mall, Amaya was lost in a sea of silk and lace. Her mind was entirely on Kiyozawa. Every dress she saw, she imagined through his eyes, her cheeks warming at the thought of impressing him.
Lost in her daydreams, she accidentally collided with another shopper. Amaya stumbled, nearly hitting the floor, but a pair of hands caught her by the shoulders.
Kanako: "Watch where you're going!"
She snapped irritably. Then, her voice shifted as recognition set in.
Kanako: "Amaya?"
Amaya straightened her dress, looking up in surprise.
Amaya: "Kanako! I'm so sorry."
Kanako released her, blinking in shock.
Kanako: "What are you doing here?"
Amaya: "Looks like we had the same idea."
She said with a shy smile, her embarrassment fading into the comfort of a friend.
Kanako's sharp expression softened, and she offered a hesitant smile in return.
Kanako: "I guess so. Buying a dress for the party? I bet you're looking to impress my brother."
She crossed her arms, a knowing smirk playing on her lips.
Amaya's face turned a brilliant shade of pink.
Amaya: "Maybe..."
Kanako: "He likes you."
She stated bluntly, her smirk widening.
Kanako: "He gets all flustered and awkward the second you walk into the room. It's painfully obvious."
Amaya's heart skipped a beat. She bit her lip, her hope finally outweighed her nerves.
Amaya: "Do you... do you really think there's a chance for us? To actually be together?"
Kanako looked at her thoughtfully for a moment, then nodded decisively.
Kanako: "I think there's definitely potential. Just don't let him overthink it."
(The Venue).
Back at the venue, the festive atmosphere felt miles away from Kiyozawa's reality. He stood in a corner, his thumb scrolling through a series of grim messages on his phone—kidnapping requests from Ashton. He let out a heavy sigh, sliding the phone into his pocket as he adjusted a centerpiece on the final table. Tonight was supposed to be about elegance and diplomacy, but the weight of his "work" felt like lead in his chest. His phone buzzed again—another message from Ashton.
Zentaro: "So, I heard you're taking Amaya dancing tonight."
He echoed through the hall.
Kiyozawa nearly jumped out of his skin. He spun around to find Zentarō standing behind him, looking amused.
Zentaro: "Better find a sharp suit."
He teased.
Zentaro: "You don't want to look like a subordinate on your first date."
Kiyozawa: "I know, Boss—I mean, Dad..."
He muttered, his fingers flying to clear his notifications and hide Ashton's text. He forced a sheepish grin, his heart racing for an entirely different reason now. He hated the double life, especially when the warmth of his family felt so close, yet so far from the darkness of his "heinous acts."
Zentarō's expression shifted, the teasing light in his eyes hardening into something more formidable.
Zentaro: "Better not do anything you'll regret."
He said sternly, his gaze narrowing as he studied his son. It was the look of a man who knew the shadows of their world all too well—and wanted, perhaps desperately, to keep his son from being swallowed by them. Kiyozawa felt the weight of the phone in his pocket like a Brand of Cain.
Kiyozawa: "I understand."
He replied, nodding solemnly. He met his father's eyes, offering a mask of sincerity that felt heavier with every passing second.
He genuinely didn't want to disappoint Zentarō, nor did he want to invite the danger that followed Ashton's "requests." But as he tucked the phone away, he knew the silence was only temporary. Ashton's messages would have to wait.
Two hours later, the gala was in full swing, the muffled roar of jazz and clinking crystal spilling out from the ballroom. Kiyozawa stood near the entrance, the cool night air doing little to soothe the frantic fluttering in his chest. He had traded his tactical gear for a sharp, charcoal-black suit, the scent of expensive cologne clinging to his skin. In his hand, he gripped a single, velvet-red rose—a splash of color against the dark night.When the sleek black limousine purred to a halt, Kiyozawa felt the air leave his lungs.
Amaya stepped out with effortless grace. Her black gown hugged her silhouette perfectly, trailing slightly behind her like a shadow. Her silver hair cascaded down her back in silken waves, a striking contrast to the piercing red eyes that immediately locked onto his. To Kiyozawa, she didn't just look beautiful; she looked ethereal.
Kiyozawa: "For you."
He murmured, his voice thick with a sudden, betraying shyness. A faint dusting of pink crept across his cheekbones as he held out the rose. Up close, the reality of her beauty hit him even harder, sending his pulse into a frantic sprint.
Kiyozawa: "Amaya... you look breathtaking."
Amaya's lips curved into a soft, genuine smile. She took the flower, her fingers brushing against his as she brought it to her nose to inhale the fragrance. Her eyes swept over him, lingering on the way the tailored suit accentuated his frame.
Amaya: "You look quite handsome yourself, Kiyozawa."
She countered, her voice like velvet. She tucked the rose into the crook of her arm and looked at him expectantly.
Amaya: "Shall we?"
Kiyozawa: "Yeah."
He managed, finding his voice. He offered his arm with a formal, slightly stiff bow—a gesture of old-school chivalry that felt right for the night.
As they crossed the threshold into the glittering ballroom together, a swell of pride rose in his chest. The room was filled with powerful figures and dangerous men, but as far as Kiyozawa was concerned, the most stunning woman in the room was the one resting her hand on his arm.
(Outside the venue)
Overhaul adjusted his cuffs, his movements uncharacteristically stiff. His hair was styled with precision, and his tailored suit fit like a second skin, but his mind was elsewhere. He couldn't shake the phantom sensation of Kanako's kiss on his forehead or the teasing lilt of her voice calling him "sweetie." He told himself it was just a mission, but his pulse suggested otherwise.
Kanako: "Hey there."
The soft greeting pulled him from his thoughts. Kanako appeared like a vision draped in deep amethyst. The purple silk of her dress complemented her dark hair and red eyes perfectly, making her look like royalty amidst the Yakuza shadows. She moved toward him, the rhythmic click of her heels on the pavement drawing his gaze.
Overhaul: "You look... great."
He said, his voice sounding slightly rougher than intended. His eyes traveled over her, noting how the dress accentuated every curve. For a fleeting second, the "act" felt dangerously real.
Overhaul: "Really stunning."
Kanako: "You look quite handsome yourself."
She replied. Her smile was genuine, her own red eyes sparkling as she took in his sophisticated silhouette. Despite her own role-play, her heart gave a traitorous skip at the sight of him.
Overhaul: "Thank you."
He muttered, a rare, faint flush creeping up his neck. He offered his arm, the gesture feeling far more natural than he cared to admit.
Overhaul: "Shall we?"
Inside, the atmosphere was thick with the scent of expensive tobacco and quiet power plays.
The Boss of the Shie Hassaikai: "Where is your son, Kiyozawa?"
He asked, his dark eyes scanning the crowd with interest.
Zentarō smiled smoothly, gesturing toward the dance floor.
Zentaro: "Kiyozawa is right here, with Amaya."
The Boss of the Shie Hassaikai: "And this is Chisaki."
He countered, presenting Overhaul and Kanako as they joined the circle.
Zentaro: "A pleasure to meet you, Chisaki."
He greeted warmly, extending a hand.
Zentaro: "I'm Zentarō. And this..."
He turned, beckoning the younger couple over.
Zentaro: "Is my son, Kiyozawa. Come here, you two."
Kiyozawa approached with Amaya at his side, but as he drew closer, his brow furrowed. He saw Kanako—his own sister—clinging possessively to the arm of a tall, imposing stranger in an expensive suit.
Kanako: "Hey, Kiyozawa!"
She chirped, her smile bright as she tightened her hold on Overhaul's arm, leaning into him to sell the "lover" persona.
Overhaul's eyes narrowed, his golden gaze locking onto Kiyozawa's crimson ones. A jolt of pure shock electrified the air. Up close, the resemblance was undeniable—the same jawline, the same sharp intensity, the same presence. It was like looking into a mirror.
Amaya stood frozen, her gaze darting back and forth between the two men.
(In her mind)
"Whoa... I'm seeing twins!"
The silence between the two men stretched, heavy and thick with unspoken questions, as the rest of the party seemed to fade into the background.
(Out of her mind).
This will continue in the next chapter.