Luca:
Ethan walked upstairs without another word.
The sound of his footsteps faded into the quiet hallway.
Luca remained standing in the living room, his hands resting on his hips as he exhaled slowly.
"…They're really a headache," he muttered under his breath.
He walked toward the window and looked outside into the dark night.
His thoughts weren't calm.
Not at all.
Yuna.
Ethan.
The way they looked at each other.
The way things were moving too fast… and yet felt like they had been building for years.
Luca ran a hand through his hair.
"If Yuna loves him that much…" he murmured quietly, "…maybe I should just give up."
The words didn't come easily.
He had spent years protecting her.
Keeping her away from danger.
From this world.
His world.
Ethan's world.
He leaned his head back slightly.
"Ethan can protect her," he admitted to himself.
That much was true.
If there was anyone capable enough, ruthless enough, powerful enough to keep Yuna safe—
It was Ethan.
But then his expression hardened slightly.
"…But I'm not sure if he loves her."
That was the real problem.
Luca knew Ethan better than anyone.
Or at least he believed he did.
"I've seen him for years," he continued in his thoughts. "He doesn't feel things the way normal people do."
Ethan didn't hesitate.
Didn't break.
Didn't attach.
He made decisions without emotions.
Cold.
Precise.
Dangerous.
"He sees people as blood… as targets… as business."
Luca's jaw tightened slightly.
"So what is Yuna to him?"
That question stayed in his mind.
After a long silence, he finally let out a breath.
"…Let's give it a try."
His voice was quiet.
Almost reluctant.
"But Ethan…"
His eyes darkened slightly.
"…you better be careful now."
---
The next morning
Sunlight filled the dining area.
The atmosphere was calm, but there was something different in the air.
Yuna walked in first, her hair loosely tied, looking relaxed.
"Good morning," she said softly.
Luca was already seated.
"Morning."
A few seconds later, Ethan entered.
His expression was as calm as always.
He took his seat without saying much.
The table was set.
Breakfast was served.
For a moment, the three of them ate in silence.
Then—
Luca placed his fork down.
"I have something to tell both of you."
Yuna looked up immediately.
"What is it?"
Ethan didn't speak, but his attention shifted to Luca.
Luca leaned back slightly in his chair.
His expression was serious.
"I've been thinking."
Yuna's brows furrowed slightly.
"About what?"
Luca looked at her first.
Then at Ethan.
"About you two."
The air changed instantly.
Yuna's heart skipped slightly.
Ethan remained still.
Luca continued calmly,
"I'm not blind."
His gaze moved between them.
"I can see what's going on."
Yuna hesitated.
"Luca—"
He raised a hand gently, stopping her.
"Let me finish."
His tone wasn't angry.
It was controlled.
Measured.
"I've spent years protecting you," he said to Yuna. "And I won't stop doing that."
Then his eyes shifted to Ethan.
"But I also know… if there's anyone capable of protecting her better than me…"
A pause.
"…it's you."
Yuna looked surprised.
Ethan's expression didn't change, but he was listening carefully.
Luca leaned forward slightly.
"So I'm not going to stop you two."
Yuna's eyes widened.
"…What?"
"But—" Luca added immediately.
The word carried weight.
His gaze locked onto Ethan.
"If you're going to stay around her…"
His voice lowered slightly.
"Then you don't get to be careless anymore."
Silence filled the table.
Luca's next words were firm.
"I don't care about your business."
"I don't care about your enemies."
"But if anything happens to her because of you…"
His eyes hardened.
"…I won't forgive you."
Ethan met his gaze.
No hesitation.
"No one will touch her," Ethan said calmly.
Luca studied him for a moment.
Then he nodded slightly.
"We'll see."
Yuna sat there quietly, trying to process everything.
"…So… you're okay with this?" she asked softly.
Luca looked at her.
"I'm not okay with it."
A small pause.
"But I'm accepting it."
Yuna's expression softened.
"Thank you…"
Luca sighed lightly.
"Don't thank me yet."
Then he added,
"This doesn't mean you can do whatever you want."
Yuna smiled a little.
"I know."
Luca leaned back again.
"Good."
For the first time—
The tension between them eased slightly.
But deep down, all three of them knew—
This was just the beginning of something much bigger.