Pairing: Yandere!Nanami Kento Γ— Reader (Modern AU)


Genre: Dark fiction, Psychological thriller, Yandere, Manipulation, Luxury/Wealth dynamics, Slow-burn corruption


Word count: 5.5k


Warnings:

Dark themes, yandere behavior, obsession, manipulation, gaslighting, emotional dependency, financial control (sugar daddy dynamics), family neglect, implied captivity themes, toxic relationship, psychological torment, mild physical intimacy, possessiveness, power imbalance, hidden intentions, deceit, mention of lies, unhealthy romance.


Please DO NOT read if you're uncomfortable with yandere dynamics, toxic/abusive relationships, manipulation, or psychological torment. Reader discretion is strongly advised.

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The night air was thick with humidity and the scent of blooming plum blossoms as you lay entwined with Kento in his opulent bedroom, the silken sheets tangled around your naked bodies. His muscular chest heaved with each labored breath, glistening with a sheen of sweat from their passionate lovemaking. You could feel his heart pounding against your own as he held you close, his strong arms encircling your waist possessively.

Nanami's eyes, usually so intense and piercing, now gazed at you with a tender warmth that made your heart flutter. He reached up to gently caress your cheek, his calloused fingers brushing against your heated skin and leaving a trail of tingling sensation in their wake. A slow, sensual smile played on his sensual lips as he leaned in closer, his breath ghosting over your own.

"Mm, you're exquisite, my dear..." He murmured, his deep voice low and husky with desire. "Absolutely breathtaking... I could make love to you for hours and never grow tired of this."

His words sent shivers down your spine, and you felt your body trembling with anticipation for his next touch, his next caress. You arched your back slightly, pressing your ample bosom against his hard, muscular chest as you gazed up at him with hooded eyes, a coy smile playing on your own lips.

"Uhm, are you sure?" you purred, trailing a finger down his chiseled jawline. "Can you keep going?"

Nanami's eyes darkened with lust at your bold words, a wicked grin spreading across his handsome face. He rolled you both over suddenly, pinning you beneath his powerful frame as he settled between your thighs. You gasped, realising the sudden shift. "W..wait!"

Nanami felt your body tense beneath him, sensing your sudden distress. He paused, his grin fading into a look of gentle concern as he gazed down at you with soft, caring eyes. His hands, which had been roaming your curves, now stilled and cupped your face tenderly, his thumbs brushing away the tears that had started to well up.

He leaned down, pressing a soft, chaste kiss to your forehead before nuzzling his nose against yours, his breath warm and comforting against your skin. When he spoke, his voice was a low, flirty murmur, yet laced with a gentleness that soothed your frayed nerves.

"Shhh, don't worry baby girl..." He cooes, his lips curling into a playful smirk. "I got it all covered, sweetheart. Your little womb is safe with me, don't you fret."

He punctuated his words with a soft, sensual kiss to the sensitive skin just below your ear, making you shiver. One hand drifted down to rest possessively on your lower belly, his fingers splaying across your stomach in a protective gesture before he moved in slowly, biting his lower lips to keep himself sane from rutting into you like a wild animal. "Fuck... I fucking love this. You. So much baby..."

-


You never thought your friends' teasing would come true.

They used to laugh at your thrift-store shoes and faded bag, mocking half-jokes that "only a sugar daddy can save you." You'd roll your eyes, insisting that wasn't your style. You didn't need some stranger's money-you'd manage. Somehow.

But managing had become harder than you ever admitted. After your parents' situation forced you into your uncle and aunt's home, the arrangement quickly turned brittle. They had mouths of their own to feed, bills of their own to pay, and your aunt didn't sugarcoat it when she finally said, "You're grown now-if you want anything, do it on your own. We can't provide for you anymore."

So you scraped together part-time jobs, lived off instant noodles, tried to juggle studies with exhaustion. Rent piling up, bills staring back, family still calling you with emergencies you couldn't afford to help with. Each day, the weight pressed heavier, and though you tried to laugh it off, deep down you'd begun to wonder if life would ever get easier.

And then-him.

It was a tiring evening when you bumped into someone on the subway stairs, late from class and rushing, muttering a breathless "Sorry!" before disappearing into the crowd. You hadn't even seen his face properly. Just the brush of his shoulder against yours, the faint scent of cologne, and then he was gone.

You would have forgotten the moment completely... if you hadn't seen him again the next day.

At first, you thought it was a coincidence. Maybe he just worked nearby, maybe he always caught the same line. He didn't look like a creep, didn't stare too long, didn't make you feel watched. His presence was quiet, grounded. Safe.

Until one evening, he approached you.

"You forgot this."

You blinked, puzzled, as he held out a neatly folded handkerchief.

Your brows furrowed. "I... what?"

He placed it gently into your palm, his expression calm, unreadable. "When you bumped into me."

You stared down at the cloth in your hand. Did that happen? You didn't remember dropping anything. But the way he said it, steady and certain, left no room for doubt. You could only murmur a soft, "Thank you," before giving a small, awkward smile.

That was how it began. Conversations slipped into the spaces of your commute, his voice low and even, easy to listen to after the long fatigue of class. You learned his name-Nanami. He always spoke like every word had been carefully considered before leaving his lips, and that made you relax. Around him, you never felt rushed.

It started small.

A ride home here, a coffee slipped into your hand there. You told yourself it was nothing-that Nanami was just polite, that maybe he treated everyone this way. But then the little gestures began to multiply.

One evening, you noticed the scarf around your neck wasn't yours. It was warmer, softer, far too expensive to be from your student budget. "You'll catch a cold otherwise," Nanami had said, already looping it around you before you could protest. When you tried to give it back the next day, he shook his head once. "Keep it."

Then came the umbrella-sleek, sturdy, obviously imported. Then a leather-bound planner you hadn't asked for but desperately needed. Then a set of pens so refined you were afraid to even touch them.

It built slowly, like water filling a glass.

You never asked for anything. That was the strangest part. Somehow, he always knew. You'd mention in passing how your shoes were wearing thin, and the next week, a pristine pair would be waiting in a discreet bag, his only explanation a calm, "They'll last longer."

When you tried to refuse, cheeks burning, he'd only give you that steady look-one that made you feel childish for resisting. "Why deny yourself something so small?" he'd ask, voice even, leaving no room for your protest to stand.

The first time he handed you his black card, your fingers actually trembled.

"I-I can't take this," you stammered, holding it out like it was on fire.

"Of course you can." His tone was gentle, but unyielding. He slid it back into your palm, closing your hand around it with his own. "Buy whatever you like."

"I don't... I've never-Nanami-san, this is too much-"

"You deserve more than scraps," he cut in quietly. His gaze was calm, steady, as though he were merely stating a fact. "Don't limit yourself."

Your stomach twisted with guilt and longing all at once. The card weighed heavily in your pocket all day, and you nearly convinced yourself not to use it. But the moment you swiped it at a boutique you'd only ever admired from afar, when the cashier didn't look at you with pity but with respect-something inside you shifted.

The world began to feel softer around you.

Day by day, you found yourself less hesitant. A handbag here, shoes that actually fit comfortably, meals that weren't instant noodles. It felt wrong at first, indulgent and foreign. But Nanami never looked disappointed. He only looked... satisfied. As though he'd been waiting for you to finally accept what he offered.

Slowly, you stopped flinching when he handed you shopping bags. You stopped stammering apologies when he insisted on paying. You even stopped feeling guilty about slipping his card into your wallet.

Because each time you resisted, he was there with that quiet, immovable patience-never raising his voice, never scolding, just... waiting. Until giving in felt easier than fighting.

And you didn't realize it at first, but somewhere along the line, his generosity had become a habit. Your habit.

He spoiled you so thoroughly, so gently, that dependence wrapped around your ribs like silk, tight and invisible.

One rainy evening, after the announcement echoed through the station speakers about heavy delays, he glanced at you. "They've suspended trains for at least another hour. Let me drop you off instead."

You hesitated. "Ah... no, it's fine. I'll wait."

"The rain will only get worse," he replied calmly. "It's late already. Don't trouble yourself unnecessarily." His tone wasn't forceful, but it carried that quiet authority you found difficult to argue with. After a beat, you nodded.

Inside the car, you sat stiff at first, clutching your bag, watching the streetlights blur through the rain on the windows. Nanami drove with the same composure he spoke with, making occasional comments-about the weather, about the subway system, about how reckless students could be with their health. His voice filled the silence in a way that didn't feel invasive.

But then a thought struck you, and you turned toward him, frowning slightly.

"You have a car... then why do you take the subway?"

For the first time, his composure broke-not in discomfort, but in quiet amusement. He glanced at you briefly, lips tugging in a faint smile. Then, softly, he chuckled.

"To see you, silly."

The words hung in the air like a spark, catching you off guard. Your cheeks heated instantly, heart pounding against your ribs. There was nothing dangerous in his voice, nothing menacing. Just a calm honesty that sent warmth curling in your chest. No one had ever said something like that to you.

And so, the routine continued. His presence slipped seamlessly into your life-sometimes with coffee on tired mornings, sometimes with quiet car rides home, sometimes with thoughtful little things you hadn't even realized you needed. Day by day, you found yourself spoiled. Cared for. Owned.

"Technically... he's my sugar daddy, isn't he?" you once caught yourself thinking.

Now-

"Princess."

The gentle word tugged you from your thoughts. You blinked, realizing you were still inside his car. The street outside your apartment blurred under the streetlight glow. Nanami had parked quietly, waiting for you to notice.

"Oh-sorry! We're here already!? Thank you for the ride!" You scrambled to unbuckle your seatbelt, reaching for the door handle.

But before you could step out, his calm voice stopped you.

"Aren't you forgetting something?"

You froze, glancing back at him. His expression was as unreadable as always, but the faint lift of his brow made your cheeks burn. Your lips parted, hesitation curling in your stomach-before you leaned in and pressed a shy kiss to his cheek.

He didn't move, only let the faintest smirk slip as you pulled away. "Good girl."

You swallowed hard, heat rushing to your face, before muttering a quick "Uhm... Goodnight," and slipping out into the night air.

As his car pulled away, you stood on the curb, bag clutched tightly, already rehearsing the excuse you'd give your aunt and uncle for why you came home in a stranger's car again.

Because no one could know.

Not yet.

-


You pushed the door open as quietly as possible, hoping to slip upstairs before anyone noticed. The house was dim except for the yellow glow of the living room lamp. Maybe your aunt and uncle had already gone to bed-

"Where were you?"

You froze.

Your aunt stood at the end of the hallway, arms crossed, foot tapping lightly against the floor. Her sharp eyes narrowed the moment they landed on you, and your mouth went dry.

"I-" You gripped the strap of your bag tighter, scrambling for an excuse. "I stayed late at the library... group work, you know, it ran longer than I thought."

Her lips curved into a humorless smile. "Oh really? The library, hm?" She took a slow step forward, tilting her head. "Because I saw a car idling outside just a minute ago. A very nice car. And I've seen him around you more than once these past few days."

Your stomach dropped. Heat crawled up the back of your neck. You tried to laugh, weak and shaky. "Ah... maybe you're mistaken-"

"Don't play dumb with me." Her eyes flicked down, scanning you with a predator's precision. For a moment, she seemed ready to scold you further, but then she paused. Her gaze locked on your ears.

Her tone shifted instantly. "Wait. Are those... gold?"

Your breath caught. Without thinking, you raised a hand to your earlobe, fingertips brushing against the delicate studs Nanami had slipped into your palm just yesterday with a quiet 'These suit you better.' You hadn't even realized you'd worn them home.

Your aunt's brows arched higher. "He bought you those, didn't he?"

You shifted your weight from foot to foot, eyes falling to the floor. It was pointless to deny it. "...Yes."

And just like that, her entire demeanor transformed. The sharpness in her face melted into something almost gleeful. "Ahh, why didn't you say so earlier!" She clapped her hands together, voice rising with sudden excitement. "Why didn't you invite him inside, hmm? Never do that again, do you hear me? You should have brought him in!"

Your mouth fell open. "W-What? No, it's not like that, he's-he's just-"

"Just what?" she cut you off, eyes glittering now. "Clearly not just anything if he's spoiling you with expensive jewelry. We should get to know him better. Don't you think so?"

Panic surged in your chest. You shook your head quickly. "He's... busy. Really busy. It's hard to catch him outside of classes and work. I don't think-"

"Oh, I know, I know!" she waved off your protests as though they were nothing. "Maybe this weekend? No, no-how about tomorrow? Yes, tomorrow is better. I'll speak with your uncle about arranging something. A dinner, perhaps. That way we can welcome him properly into the family."

"Wait, what-tomorrow? I never said-"

"Perfect." She spun on her heel, already heading down the hallway, muttering excitedly about food and plans. "I'll talk to your uncle about the menu. Don't you dare come home late tomorrow."

And just like that, she was gone.

You stood rooted to the spot, speechless, a sigh escaping before you even realized it. You pressed a hand to your forehead, groaning softly, and dragged yourself upstairs to your room.

The moment you set your bag down, your phone buzzed on the desk. A notification glowed across the screen.

Nanami.

Your heart stuttered when you read it.

Tomorrow. 6 p.m.

As if he had known. As if he had already decided.

-


The next day passed in a blur. You dressed with unusual care, hands trembling slightly as you fixed your hair, slipped on shoes that felt a little too new. When you stepped into the kitchen to grab your bag, the smell of frying onions clung to the air, your aunt busy at the stove.

She looked over her shoulder, eyes lighting up. "Ah, all ready?" Her smile was wide, satisfied. "Remember what's tonight. Don't you dare forget to bring him here afterward."

Your fingers tightened around the strap of your bag. "...Right."

A low scoff came from the table, where your uncle sat with the newspaper half-folded. He didn't bother looking up. "Tsk. He's just a scam. Ain't no way some rich guy would get with you anyway."

The words cut clean, sharper than he probably even meant them. They landed heavy in your chest, like stones pulling you down. You dropped your gaze to the tiled floor, shoulders curling inward. A painful little reminder of reality, perhaps. Of who you were compared to someone like him.

"Enough." Your aunt's voice snapped like a whip. She slammed the ladle onto the counter, glaring at her husband. "Don't you ruin this for her. Let her do whatever she wants-it's a good opportunity for us."

She'd whisper before turning back toward you. "Go on now. Don't be late!"

You nodded quickly, slipping out the door before your throat could tighten further. The weight of their voices clung to you as you stepped into the cool evening air.

By the time you reached the usual place, the sight of Nanami's car waiting exactly where it always did made your heart stutter. As if he had been waiting just for you, as if there was no world outside this little pocket of routine. He was already out of the car, opening the door for you with that calm, unreadable expression.

"Good evening," he said softly.

You slid into the seat, setting your bag down quietly. The door closed with a muted thud. The car smelled faintly of his cologne, steady and grounding, yet you couldn't shake the heaviness from earlier.

Nanami glanced at you as he adjusted the wheel. His gaze lingered a second too long. "Not feeling good?"

Your breath caught. For a moment, you thought he could see right through you. You shook your head quickly, forcing a small smile. "No... nothing like that."

He didn't press. He only reached for your hand, his touch warm, steady, and brought it up to his lips. The brush of his mouth against your knuckles was soft, deliberate, as though promising things you couldn't even name. He lingered there for a heartbeat before letting go, the silence that followed far more comforting than words.

The city lights passed by in a blur outside. You leaned your head lightly against the glass, watching them smear into ribbons of gold. Inside your chest, thoughts turned over one after another, restless.

Maybe... maybe if I could move out. Maybe then things would be easier.

You turned your head slightly, glancing at Nanami. His profile was calm, eyes fixed on the road, hands steady on the wheel.

Maybe... if I could move in with him instead.

The thought startled you, sharp and dangerous, but it didn't leave. It lingered, pulsing quietly in the back of your mind, as though it had been waiting there all along.

-


The mall was alive with chatter, the air filled with the low hum of music, footsteps, and the occasional ring of laughter. You walked beside Nanami, half a step behind him as always. He never let you pay attention to the price tags. Instead, his gaze swept over everything like he already knew what would look good on you.

"This," he murmured, taking a delicate silk blouse off a rack, holding it against your frame for a second before handing it to the clerk. Then a pair of shoes caught his eyes. "And these. Try them."

Your arms filled quickly, and the pile of things he insisted on grew almost comical. Dresses you'd never even dare to touch before, jewelry sparkling under the store's lights, soft cashmere, leather-luxuries you'd only ever seen through glass.

"Nanami-san-" you began nervously as he slipped yet another box into the clerk's hands.

"Don't," he interrupted gently, his tone final but not unkind. His gaze lowered to meet yours, firm, steady. "I like seeing you in things I choose."

The heat in your cheeks was instant, impossible to hide.

Moments later, you found yourself ushered into a changing room with more outfits than you could handle. The small cubicle felt too warm as you tried on one after another, fabric whispering against your skin. You struggled with a dress that clung too tightly, muttering curses under your breath as you tugged at the zipper. Then came the sharp snap of your bra strap giving out.

"Shit," you whispered, panicked as the broken strap slid against your shoulder. You fumbled, trying to knot it, your fingers clumsy with frustration.

And then-

A hand brushed against your arm.

You froze, your entire body jolting as another arm slid around your waist from behind. You almost screamed, but a low, steady voice hushed against your ear.

"Shh. It's me."

Nanami.

Your heart lurched violently as you twisted your head to see him there, far too close, his calm presence filling the tiny space. "N-Nanami-san," you stammered, heat flooding your face. "What are you doing-? Why are you inside?"

"You were taking a long time." His voice was even, but the way his hand spread across your waist was far from casual. He leaned closer, his breath brushing against the back of your neck. "I was worried. Seems I was right."

His fingers skimmed over your bare shoulder, down to where the strap had broken. The brush of his skin against yours made you shudder involuntarily.

"I..." Your words caught, your throat too dry. "Nanami-san... not here..."

He hummed low in his throat, as though considering your protest, but pressed a soft kiss just above your shoulder blade anyway. The warmth of his lips sent sparks racing down your spine.

"You'll need another," he murmured against your skin. His fingers lingered, grazing lightly as if reluctant to pull away. "Wait here. I'll get one for you."

You could only nod, too flustered to argue. He finally stepped back, brushing his thumb once against your arm before leaving the changing room as quietly as he'd entered.

The second he was gone, you pressed a trembling hand against your chest. Your heartbeat was a wild, unsteady rhythm. You never expected him to do something like that-in public, of all places. Yet, instead of shame, a strange warmth pooled in your stomach. You didn't hate it. Not even a little.

By the time you emerged, Nanami was waiting, perfectly composed as though nothing had happened. He only handed you a small bag with a new piece inside, and you swallowed hard, unable to meet his gaze fully.

Later, the two of you strolled through the mall, shopping bags heavy in your hands, but he didn't let you carry them long. He passed you a cup of ice cream, the cold sweetness grounding you as he held the rest.

Back in the car, you licked a drip from the side of the cone, still trying to calm the flutter in your chest. Nanami fastened his seatbelt, glanced at you once, and said casually, "I was thinking of meeting your family."

Your spoon stilled mid-air. You blinked at him, caught off guard. "M-Meet... my family?"

He gave a simple nod, as if it was the most natural request in the world. "Yes. How about now?"

Your throat tightened. Of all things, you hadn't planned to tell him about your aunt and uncle waiting at home. The thought of them sitting across from Nanami-probing, judging, maybe even trying to use him-made your stomach twist. And yet... it wasn't like you could say no.

You opened your mouth, but no words came out.

Nanami noticed, of course he did. His gaze softened, one hand reaching to rest briefly over yours on your lap. "Don't worry," he said quietly. "Everything will be fine."

-


The house smelled faintly of fried onions when Nanami walked in behind you. Your aunt practically flew from the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron, her face stretched into the widest smile you'd ever seen on her.

"Ohhh, so this is Nanami-san!" she gushed, already stepping forward with outstretched hands as though greeting a long-lost relative. "I've heard so much about you! Welcome, welcome, please sit-do you drink tea? Coffee? I can make snacks too, you must be tired from work-"

Nanami inclined his head politely, his expression composed. "Tea will do. Thank you."

Your aunt beamed, as if he'd just handed her gold, and bustled off with exaggerated eagerness. You could only sit stiffly beside him on the couch, trying not to fidget as your uncle leaned back in his chair across the room, arms crossed and lips pressed thin.

"So," your uncle began, his voice low and unimpressed. His gaze raked over Nanami's tailored suit, then over you. "You're the one hanging around my niece."

"Uncle..." you hissed, embarrassed, but he didn't look at you.

Nanami, unbothered, met the older man's stare with quiet steadiness. "Yes. That would be me."

Your uncle scoffed. "You rich types all look the same. Flashy cars, nice suits... all talk, no substance." He leaned forward, narrowing his eyes. "What's your intention here, eh? Playing around? Don't think you can just-"

"Dear!" Your aunt cut in sharply, returning with the tea tray and forcing a laugh. "Don't be so rude! Nanami-san is our guest!" She set the cups down with trembling hands, eyes darting nervously between the two men.

Nanami reached calmly into his briefcase and pulled out a folder. Without a word, he set it on the table in front of your uncle.

The room went silent.

Your uncle frowned, pulling the papers out, scanning them quickly. His eyes widened. Once. Then twice. His hand froze mid-turn.

"This..." His voice cracked slightly before he cleared his throat. "This is... property? You-?"

"Correct," Nanami interrupted smoothly, his tone calm as ever. "One of mine. I was considering letting it go. I thought perhaps your family might find better use for it."

Your aunt gasped audibly, her hands flying to her mouth. She glanced at the documents, then at Nanami, then at you, her entire demeanor shifting in an instant.

"My goodness! Nanami-san, you're too generous! Really, you shouldn't trouble yourself with us, but-oh, heavens, this means so much!" She was practically bowing now, her earlier warmth exploding into full-blown flattery. "You're truly... truly like family already!"

You sat frozen, lips parted slightly, your heart hammering. Did he really just... give them one of his properties? Why?

Your uncle, who only minutes ago had been ready to throw Nanami out, now looked pale, reverent even, clutching the papers like sacred scripture.

Nanami took a slow sip of his tea, unhurried, letting the silence stretch just enough before speaking again. "Actually," he said casually, "I was planning on taking YN with me to Bali. It's a great season to see the beach."

The words dropped like a stone in water.

You whipped your head toward him, eyes wide. "W-What?"

But before you could form a real protest, your aunt jumped in, her face glowing. "Bali! Oh, what a lovely idea! Perfect for her! Yes, yes-take her, no problem at all!" She waved her hand as if dismissing any thought of objection. "Go whenever you want, stay as long as you like. Really, we insist!"

Your uncle, now completely subdued, nodded eagerly. "Right, right. Go. Don't worry about us."

You sat there, dumbfounded, your throat tight, your hands curling into your skirt. Just like that... they don't care. Not even a second thought.

Nanami set his cup down gently, his lips curving in the faintest hint of a smile as he glanced at you. His eyes, however, were unreadable, deep and calm. He didn't need to speak for you to know what he was thinking.

He had already won.

And you-caught between shock, disbelief, and a strange, dangerous pull-you could only look back at him, your pulse pounding in your ears.

---

The next day-


Your aunt and uncle didn't even give you space to think. The moment Nanami stood and excused himself to wait by the car, they practically descended on you.

"Go, go!" your aunt said, shoving a half-zipped suitcase toward you. "Don't waste his time! We already packed most of your clothes-what else do you need? Toothbrush? Makeup? We'll buy you new ones when you get back!"

"I-wait, packed?" Your voice trembled as you took the handle, staring at the luggage in disbelief. "You... already-"

"Of course," your aunt cut in, her eyes gleaming with urgency. "Do you know what an opportunity this is? Bali! You don't say no to that. Ever. So hurry up and change into something nice, hm? Don't embarrass us."

Your uncle muttered from the doorway, though his tone lacked its usual bite. "Don't dawdle, girl. He's waiting."

The words pressed down on you like weights. Your chest tightened, but your legs moved anyway, carrying you upstairs to grab what little you could think of. Ten minutes later, you were back at the door, your aunt practically pushing you outside, calling out cheerful goodbyes as though sending you off to summer camp.

Nanami was waiting by the car, calm as ever. He took the suitcase from you without a word, tucking it neatly into the trunk before opening your door. The moment you slid into the seat, his presence washed over you, steady, grounding.

The car purred to life, and as the city lights slipped past outside the window, his hand brushed yours lightly, resting over your knuckles. "Forget about them for now," he murmured, eyes still on the road. "You've been carrying too much. Just relax."

Your shoulders loosened despite yourself. You nodded faintly. "...Alright."

By the time you reached the airport, exhaustion weighed heavy on your body. The rush, the tension, the constant tugging of other people's expectations-it all caught up with you. Through check-in, through security, Nanami guided you quietly, always a step ahead, every detail handled before you even thought to worry. He carried your passport, your ticket, your bag, as if it was second nature.

Once seated on the plane, you let out a long, shaky sigh, your head tilting against the cool window. Nanami glanced at you, his voice a low murmur above the hum of the cabin. "Sleep. I'll wake you when we land."

You hesitated, then nodded. The weight of his words felt like permission. Slowly, you let your eyes flutter shut. His presence beside you, steady and composed, was the last thing you felt before slipping into slumber.

For the first time in a long time-it was peaceful.

-


Back at the house, your uncle sat at the dining table, the folder of property papers spread neatly before him. He held the phone pressed to his ear, speaking with the lawyer in a gruff tone.

"Yes, yes-just transfer the title under my name. Nanami-san gifted it to us, so make it quick."

On the other end, the lawyer hummed, the faint scratch of paper audible as he flipped through the documents. A pause. Then another.

"...I think there's been a mistake," the lawyer finally said, adjusting his glasses. "This company name-'Kaizen Holdings,' was it?-there's no record of such a company existing. Not here. Not anywhere."

Silence stretched across the kitchen.

Your uncle blinked, leaning forward. "...What?"

"I've checked twice already," the lawyer continued, his voice clipped, efficient. "The seal here is fabricated. The registration number doesn't match any corporate database. Legally speaking, this property doesn't exist."

The words hit like a hammer.

Your uncle sat frozen, knuckles whitening around the paper. Your aunt, hovering nearby, slowly shook her head, her lips parting in disbelief.

"W-What do you mean it doesn't exist?" she stammered. "He gave us the papers. He-he said-"

But the lawyer was firm. "I'm afraid, madam, these documents are meaningless."

The line went quiet after that, leaving only the soft hum of the disconnected call and the frantic rustle of papers that suddenly felt like nothing at all.

Your aunt and uncle exchanged a single look-fear creeping at the edges of their greed, but confusion overwhelming it.

And far above the clouds, you slept soundly, unaware of the storm beginning to unravel behind you.

Nanami sat with his arms folded loosely, his gaze steady on your profile. Your cheek pressed against the window, lashes fluttering faintly with each breath. Innocent. Trusting. His lips curved almost imperceptibly.

He slid his phone from his pocket, tilting it low. After a quiet beat, he pressed it to his ear, voice a low murmur that didn't disturb your sleep. A smirk ghosted across his mouth as he slipped the phone away again, his eyes never leaving your face.


"Got her."

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