The car cruised down the quiet, dimly lit streets, the hum of the engine filling the silence between Asuka and Haruto.
The air was thick with unspoken thoughts, each of them lost in their own minds.
The aftermath of the incident with Isamu a couple of days ago hung over them, though neither seemed eager to break the stillness.
It was Haruto who finally shattered the silence. "What do you think your brother wants with us?" His voice carried a casual curiosity, though a playful grin tugged at his lips.
"Think he'll scold me? You know, for giving your ex a bit of a makeover?"
Asuka smirked faintly, her fingers tightening slightly on the steering wheel as she maneuvered the car toward the parking lot of an impressive high-rise building.
"Renji? Maybe." Her tone was clipped, indifferent. "I'm not exactly close with my brother."
The car came to a smooth halt, and Asuka turned off the ignition. Her gaze shifted to Haruto, arms folding across her chest as she leaned back against the seat.
"I don't know why he called both of us, but... you were a bit much with Isamu."
Haruto scoffed, leaning his head against the headrest, his expression unreadable. "Too much?" he repeated with a shrug.
"You don't know what 'too much' is, Asuka. Trust me." His voice dropped, carrying a trace of bitterness.
"Every time I see him, my rage boils over. I can't help it."
A soft laugh escaped Asuka as she tilted her head, a teasing smile gracing her lips. "So... it was revenge for me, huh?"
Her tone was light, but her eyes carried a depth of understanding.
"As expected of a gang member. You don't let anything slide, do you?"
Haruto raised an eyebrow at her, watching as she unbuckled her seatbelt with practiced ease. She grabbed her bag, pausing to flash him a sly grin.
"But, you know, I want to start fresh with you. So, maybe stay out of trouble long enough for us to get married, alright? No police at our wedding, Haruto."
Her playful jab drew a chuckle from him. "Marriage now, huh?" Haruto teased, offering his hand as he stepped out of the car.
"I'm still in high school, Asuka. It's impossible for me to stay out of trouble. But the police? It's not that hard."
Renji sat casually on a plush white sofa, one leg crossed over the other.
Beside him was a gleaming trolley stacked with expensive bottles of alcohol.
A glass of scotch rested in his hand, the amber liquid catching the warm glow of the fireplace that made the spacious room feel unexpectedly cozy.
"Come in. Sit wherever you're comfortable," Renji said, gesturing with his glass.
Asuka and Haruto took their seats across from him. Sheleaned back, crossing her legs, and eyed the scotch in her brother's hand.
"Still haven't solved your alcohol problem, I see," she remarked, reaching over to the trolley.
She selected a bottle of red wine and poured herself a glass.
Renji chuckled, taking a sip of his scotch. "It's funny hearing that from you, considering you're drinking right now. If Hayase had said it, I might have considered quitting."
He turned his gaze to Haruto. "Want a glass, Hayase?" he offered with a faint grin.
Haruto shook his head firmly. "No, I'm not twenty yet."
Renji's eyebrows shot up in surprise before he let out a hearty laugh. "Aren't you part of a gang? And here I thought rules didn't apply to you lot!"
Asuka leaned forward, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "Don't be too surprised, brother. This boy doesn't smoke either."
Renji roared with laughter, his amusement filling the room. "You've got yourself a real straight arrow, haven't you?"
The siblings' teasing made Haruto's ears flush red. He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, a sheepish smile tugging at his lips as he endured their playful ribbing.
It was clear that the Furukawa siblings expressed their affection through jest, and despite himself, Haruto couldn't help but feel a little warmth in their company.
After a comfortable silence lingered for a while, Asuka finally broke it, swirling the wine in her glass as she spoke.
"So, brother, why did you call us here?"
Renji leaned forward, placing his scotch glass gently on the sleek glass table.
"It's about that... video," he said, his voice steady but probing.
His gaze flicked between them, sharp and discerning. "The porn video. Is it true? Are the people in it... both of you?"