†***Rumour***
And it's true'
The business world called her a legend.
Natsumi Arisaka.
CEO of Arisaka Futures.
A goddess in the boardroom. Ruthless in negotiations. Impeccable taste. A reputation colder than winter steel.
She built her company from the ground up. A private financial empire. Stocks. Assets. Even military tech contracts. People whispered that she never lost a deal. They also whispered she had no heart.
And for the last six months, her company had been bleeding money like an open wound.
Unknown to the world, her empire was crumbling.
And she was furious.
Standing at the highest floor of the Arisaka Tower, Natsumi crossed her arms and stared at a dozen holographic reports blinking red.
"Three departments in deficit. Shareholder value down 18%. External acquisition interest: Skywell Corp, Arisaka Bank, and—"
She paused.
"Kurosawa Holdings?"
Her eyes narrowed.
"Kurosawa… Who the hell is that?"
Behind her, her loyal assistant spoke cautiously. "He's new. A rumored prodigy. No photos. No interviews. But he owns Sakura Café, Otaku Tech, and something called—uh—Secretaries of Seduction Incorporated."
Natsumi's lip twitched. "Ridiculous."
And yet…
All three of those subsidiaries had risen in value overnight. Public interest. Online popularity. Rumors of a mysterious CEO that "radiated charm" and "saved companies with a single word."
She scoffed. "Another male idiot with luck."
But deep inside, something flickered.
A challenge.
And she hated losing.
—
Meanwhile, Takeshi Kurosawa stood in front of his mirror wearing a black tailored suit. Fuyumi adjusted his collar gently while Kana tossed a pair of shades at him.
"Bro, you're gonna be the star of this gala. You might as well flex that CEO glow."
Tonight was the International CEO Gala at Rose Zenith Hotel. A gathering of top business leaders from around the world. Takeshi was nervous.
His system pinged:
[Quest: "The Dance of Rivals Begins"]
Objective: Make a powerful rival notice you
Bonus: Save a falling empire and turn enemy into ally
Difficulty: Legendary
Reward: ???
Warning: Romantic Possibility Detected
He gulped.
—
Later that night…
The ballroom shimmered with gold and crystal. Suits. Gowns. Laughs. Quiet power games behind polite smiles.
And then she entered.
Natsumi Arisaka.
Wearing a sleek black dress, long black gloves, her hair tied back in an elegant twist, and eyes that could freeze volcanoes. Her presence silenced the room.
Takeshi turned—and for a moment—their eyes met.
It was electricity.
Natsumi stared. This was the so-called Kurosawa? A nervous, handsome guy surrounded by beautiful women—and yet with calm, observing eyes?
She approached.
"You're Kurosawa," she said coldly.
Takeshi straightened. "You're Arisaka. I've heard… a lot."
She smirked faintly. "I've heard nothing. So I'll judge you myself."
And just like that, they danced. Not with feet—but words.
They debated stock markets over champagne. Challenged each other on growth strategies. Teased each other about leadership styles.
"Your company names are juvenile," Natsumi said.
"You wear control like armor," Takeshi replied, "but I think there's a heart under all that frost."
For a moment—she didn't respond.
Then she looked away. "You're dangerous."
[System Alert: Emotional Instability Detected in Rival CEO]
[Attraction Triggered: 1%]
[Bond Path Unlocked: "Iron Rose" – Status: Resistant]
—
Days passed.
Natsumi's company continued to fall.
Sharks circled.
Then—it happened.
Skywell Corp made a hostile takeover bid on Arisaka Futures. The board panicked. Natsumi refused help. She would not beg. She would burn alone if needed.
Until one night, an emergency shareholder vote was called.
And Takeshi arrived.
Uninvited.
Wearing a simple black suit, flanked by Akiko and Kana.
"I'm here to buy a majority stake," he said. "And save your company."
Gasps echoed.
Natsumi stood, fury burning in her eyes. "I didn't ask for your help."
"I know," he said calmly. "But I'm not doing it for you. I'm doing it because I respect what you built. And I hate seeing brilliance collapse."
She stared at him for a long time.
And then… she sat down.
Silent.
The board voted.
Takeshi became the majority shareholder.
Arisaka Futures… survived.
[System Update: New Division Acquired – Arisaka Futures]
[New Partner Added: Natsumi Arisaka – Rival CEO Type]
[Relationship: Cold / Conflicted / Curious]
[Attraction: 7%]
[Hidden Affection Trait: "Lonely Queen" – Longs for someone strong enough to challenge her]
—
Later, as the boardroom emptied, Natsumi stood alone on the rooftop.
Takeshi found her there.
"You hate me right now," he said.
She didn't deny it. "You humiliated me."
"You're welcome."
"…Why do I feel like I lost something important… and gained something terrifying?"
He didn't answer. Just looked at her, eyes gentle.
"I don't care if you ever forgive me. But I won't let you fall."
She stared at him for a long time.
And for the first time, her voice cracked.
"I've been alone a long time."
He nodded. "So have I."
The wind blew quietly around them.
And something began.
Not love.
Not yet.
But a spark.
Something rare. Dangerous. Beautiful.