Chapter 4 ARRANGED FUTURES

The morning headlines were relentless:

TOKYO'S GOLDEN COUPLE? Reiji Takamura & Reika Mori poised to redefine power pair politics.

Reiji stood in his father's private office, the headline glowing across three screens while aides buzzed outside like hornets.

"Image matters more than love," Satoru Takamura said, sipping tea. "Your face, her name, and the wedding are all a promise to the public."

Reiji kept his expression still. "Is that what you told Mother?"

Satoru didn't flinch. "Your mother understood what legacy meant. Do you?"

Reiji's jaw clenched. "I understand expectations. That doesn't mean I accept them."

"Then lie better," Satoru replied, sharp and effortless.

Later – The Mori Estate

Reiji and Reika sat side by side on a sunlit veranda surrounded by reporters. A public luncheon, arranged for appearances.

"I hope you're not allergic to forced affection," Reika said through a flawless smile.

"Not yet," Reiji murmured. "Though I might develop a rash."

She leaned closer for the cameras. "We're so in love," she said sweetly, under her breath.

"I'm practically glowing," Reiji deadpanned.

The press ate it up.

A few feet away, Misaki Watanabe stood with a clipboard and sunglasses, pretending to manage PR. She wasn't looking at Reiji.

She was watching Reika.

Reika gave her a single glance-a flicker-and then turned her gaze back to the cameras.

Later, inside the house, away from prying eyes, Reika disappeared down a hall.

Reiji waited five minutes, then followed quietly-not out of suspicion, but concern. He paused at the edge of the library, where he heard her voice, soft and low.

"...you shouldn't have come."

A man's voice responded. Calm, grounded.

"I had to. You haven't answered my calls."

Reiji turned the corner.

Reika stood facing a tall man in a black coat, his back to Reiji. Broad shoulders, quiet stance, voice like steady rain.

"Kaito," she whispered. "This isn't the place."

"You're not a prisoner," Kaito Shiranami said. "You don't have to keep pretending."

Reiji stepped into the room. "Apparently none of us do."

Reika turned sharply, her face pale, but she didn't deny anything.

Kaito turned, meeting Reiji's gaze. He didn't flinch. "Takamura-san."

"You're Reika's brother's best friend," Reiji said quietly. "I remember you. From school."

Reika crossed her arms. "It's not what it looks like."

Reiji raised a brow. "It looks like someone else is as tired of pretending as I am."

Kaito didn't blink. "I care about her. I'm not ashamed of it."

"Good," Reiji said. "Because one of us should be allowed to be honest."

Reika sighed, stepping between them. "This doesn't leave this room."

"I'm not the threat," Reiji said, then added, more softly, "Be careful. My father wouldn't blink before burning both of you down to protect the family's image."

Kaito nodded, then looked at Reika. "Call me when you're ready to stop living someone else's life."

He left through the garden door. Silence settled between Reika and Reiji.

"Well," she said. "You were always good at catching people off guard."

"I wasn't trying to. I was just... walking."

Reika laughed bitterly. "That's the problem with us. We're always just walking into cages, thinking they're rooms."

Reiji looked out the window where Kaito had gone. "At least one of us has a key."

Reika turned to him. "You met someone, didn't you?"

He didn't answer. But the way his hand twitched-like it wanted to reach for something not there-was answer enough.

She smiled. Not smug. Not sad. Just human. "You should be careful too."

"I am."

"No," she said. "You're still wearing the mask."

Reiji looked away.

Outside, the press continued snapping pictures of empty chairs and arranged fruit platters. The perfect couple would return soon.

But in here, the cracks were starting to show.