Date with Emi

Ryo leaned against the wall in Emi's small but cozy apartment, his eyes scanning the room with mild interest as he waited for her to finish getting ready. The place was a mix of personal and professional—company files stacked on the desk, a laptop left open on the dining table, and a few stray documents scattered across the couch. But what really caught his eye was something unexpected. Left over the back of a chair were several pieces of lacy and simple underwear, casually left out in the open.

He raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips as he thought about how meticulous and organized Emi usually was. This was definitely out of character and he couldn't deny that he enjoyed seen this side of her.

Just as he was about to turn away, Emi rushed out of her bedroom, her face flushed with embarrassment. "Oh my god!" she exclaimed, quickly grabbing the underwear and hastily stuffing them into a drawer. "I—I'm not usually like this! I was just... getting ready in a hurry, and the house got a little messy."

Ryo chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "No need to explain. I'm just here to pick you up, remember? Let's just say I didn't see anything."

Emi bit her lip, still blushing furiously. "Just give me a little more time, okay? I promise I'll be quick!"

Ryo nodded, watching as she disappeared back into her room. He couldn't help but smile at the unexpected glimpse into her personal life. Despite the awkwardness, there was something lovely about seeing her flustered like that.

An hour later, Ryo was starting to wonder what was taking so long when the door to Emi's bedroom finally opened. She stepped out, and Ryo's breath caught in his throat. Emi had chosen a sleeveless blouse that complimented her graceful shoulders and a skirt that fell just above her knees. The outfit was simple but elegant, and the way she carried herself made it even more stunning.

"You look... amazing," Ryo said, his voice genuinely appreciative.

Emi blushed, ducking her head slightly. "Thank you," she murmured. Then she looked him over, noticing that Ryo was dressed in his usual attire—crisp, full-coverage clothes that were perfectly tailored but also predictably modest. She couldn't help but feel a little disappointed, wishing he had worn something different and unusal for their date.

"You look good too, as always," she said, forcing a smile.

"Thanks," Ryo replied, his tone polite but distant. He glanced at his watch. "Ready to go?"

"Yeah," Emi nodded, grabbing her purse. As they stepped out of the apartment, she asked, "So, where are we going for our date?"

Ryo smiled mysteriously. "It's a secret."

Emi raised an eyebrow, intrigued but also suspicious. In her mind, she imagined Ryo taking her to some luxurious, high-end restaurant—perhaps a star hotel where everything was immaculate and the food was served in tiny, artful portions. But when they finally arrived at their destination, Emi found herself standing in the middle of a bustling Christmas market, surrounded by colorful stalls and the scent of street food.

"Takoyaki?" Emi said in disbelief as Ryo handed her a plate full of Octopus balls and bonito flakes.

Ryo grinned, clearly enjoying her reaction. "Why not? It's the perfect food for a night like this."

Emi took a bite, the crispy exterior and tender octopus filling her mouth with warmth. "I just didn't expect this from you," she admitted, laughing softly. "I thought we'd be going somewhere fancy."

Ryo chuckled, taking a bite of his own takoyaki. "I wanted to experience something different with you. Something more... real." His eyes softened as he looked at her. "It's something I've been dreaming about for a while."

Emi's heart fluttered at his words. "Really? I didn't think you were the type to dream about eating street food."

"Well," Ryo shrugged, his smile turning mischievous, "there's a lot you don't know about me. We can slowly get to know each other."

Emi also smiled at his words, but she understood that they no longer had their old relationship, where it was simply just professional. She felt like he was truly getting close to her both mentally and physically.

They wandered through the market, sampling various treats like karaage and sweet mochi, and sipping on beer from the local vendors. The night was filled with laughter, light teasing, and moments of quiet closeness as they walked side by side, occasionally brushing against each other in the crowded streets.

As midnight approached, they found themselves at the foot of a shrine, sitting on the stone ledge, exhausted from all the walking and eating. Emi leaned back, sighing contentedly. "This was... really nice," she said, her voice soft with contentment.

Ryo looked at her, slightly surprised by how relaxed she seemed. "You sound like you didn't expect to enjoy it."

"I did, but you know it's not the same kind of fun in luxury hotels.," Emi admitted, her cheeks flushing slightly. "I thought you'd take me to some expensive hotel, wine and dine me in style. But this... this was better."

Ryo smiled, a genuine warmth in his eyes. "I'm glad you liked it. Sometimes, the simplest things are the most memorable."

Emi nodded, feeling a rare sense of peace as she rested her head on Ryo's shoulder. "I guess you're right." She hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure," Ryo replied, his voice gentle.

"What's going on with you and that woman called Akemi?" Emi asked, her tone casual but her eyes searching.

Ryo stiffened slightly but didn't move away. "It's... complicated."

Emi frowned, lifting her head to look at him. "Complicated how?"

Ryo sighed, looking up at the sky. "There are rumors, I'm sure you've heard them. But she is not a woman I want to be with... and but still she is not something I can ignore."

Emi's heart sank, the words hitting her harder than she expected. "Is that why you asked me out tonight? To... what, distract yourself from her? Am I just a distraction to you, president?"

Ryo shook his head, his expression serious. "No. I asked you out because I wanted to spend time with you. But... I can't start a relationship with you, not now. Not while things are the way they are. I don't want to let you down."

Emi felt a pang of disappointment mixed with confusion. "Then why did you tell me this? Why confess if you don't want to be with me?"

Ryo didn't answer immediately, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon. Finally, he spoke, his voice low. "I like you, Emi. I really do. But I don't want to drag you into something messy. You deserve better than that. I want to be with you and I didn't want to keep my feelings hidden. I'm sorry for draggin you into my messy life."

Emi's eyes narrowed, trying to read his expression. "What's so messy that you can't even explain it?"

Ryo remained silent, his jaw tight as he looked down at her. Then, without another word, he stood up, extending a hand to help her up. "Come on, it's late. I'll take you home."

Emi hesitated, searching his face for answers she wasn't getting. But eventually, she took his hand and allowed him to pull her to her feet. They walked back to the car in silence, the festive sounds of the market fading into the background as they made their way to the parking lot.

Ryo's car, a sleek, new model Toyota, gleamed under the streetlights. He opened the door for her, and she slipped inside, still feeling the weight of his earlier words. As Ryo started the engine, Emi couldn't help but steal glances at him, trying to decipher the emotions behind his stoic facade.

"Is he being threatened or something? Why can't he just leave that woman? I need to find out about this," She thought, as the engine started to make noises.

But just as they pulled out of the parking lot, a sudden impact jolted them both forward. Emi gasped, her hand gripping the seatbelt as she turned to see two cars and several bikes closing in on them, their headlights blinding in the rearview mirror.

"What the—" Ryo cursed under his breath, his knuckles white as he gripped the steering wheel. "Emi, tighten your seatbelt. Now."

He knew he had lot of enemies, but none were supposed to know about his presence here, which truly confused him about the gang that is following him.

Emi's heart pounded in her chest as she fumbled with the seatbelt, her mind racing with fear and confusion. "Ryo, what's going on?"

"Just do it!" Ryo snapped, his eyes darting to the mirrors as he tried to navigate through the narrow streets, the sound of roaring engines filling the air.

Emi's hands trembled as she finally secured her seatbelt, her eyes wide with terror as she realized they were being chased.