The smartphone screen displayed a message that had already been sent. *Thank you for reaching out. Understood. I will be waiting for you at Kasumi Terrace at 8 PM today. —Kiritan Runa* Kiritan Runa sat hunched over her desk in the office, rubbing her fingertips together. The exhaustion from last night's sleepless work had seeped into the very marrow of her bones. But more than that—the tension about where she was heading now was squeezing her chest tight. *(Kujo Toma...)* Just thinking his name made her spine straighten. The face she'd seen in newspaper business sections and magazine society columns. The heir to Kujo Holdings. Why would someone like that want to meet with her? "I might be able to help." Those words flickered in her heart like a small flame. She wanted to grasp at straws. And yet, there was something shameful about that desperation. ── 7:50 PM. Chiyoda Ward, Marunouchi. The Kujo Marunouchi Tower rose against the twilight sky. A refined, overwhelming presence that dominated the surrounding buildings. Runa's feet stopped for a moment before the automatic doors at the entrance. *(Am I allowed to go in?)* Her everyday suit and slightly worn shoulder bag—she couldn't imagine they belonged in a place like this. But she took a deep breath and stepped forward. The first-floor lobby gleamed with marble floors like mirrors, and an enormous chandelier sparkled from the ceiling. The air itself was different. A faint hint of quality perfume, soft classical music drifting through. Few people passed through, each moving quietly but with unmistakable purpose. And beyond that lay "Kasumi Terrace." A glass-walled café lounge. Outside the windows, the Marunouchi night view spread like scattered jewels. The sofas were deep wine red, small lamps glowing on the tables. Runa's gaze was immediately drawn to the man seated by the window at the far end. A black suit that fit him perfectly. His back straight, one leg crossed with elegant composure. A thin stack of documents in his hand, occasionally checking his smartphone screen. Jet-black short hair. When he looked up, Runa caught her breath. Deep gray eyes with a blue undertone. Sharp, yet somehow gazing into the distance. A composure that seemed impossible for someone only twenty-seven. And a small silver piercing glinting at his left ear—adding just a hint of rebellion to his otherwise perfect appearance. Kujo Toma. He turned his gaze toward her. Their eyes met. Runa's heart gave a heavy, distinct thump. Toma rose slowly. Every movement economical, flowing with natural grace. He smiled. His lips relaxed slightly. For just an instant, it made his perfect composure seem almost human. "You must be Kiritan Runa." His voice was low, clear, easy to hear. Polite honorifics, yet with a tone that maintained distance. "Y-yes. I'm sorry for keeping you waiting." Her words came out slightly rushed. Tension made her rub her fingertips together again. "Not at all. Thank you for making time. Please, have a seat." Toma made a gesture to pull out a chair. Runa hurried to bow and settled onto the sofa. Her body sank into the cushion—almost too soft. A waiter approached silently, placing a glass of water. During that moment, Toma watched Runa intently. Not with an appraising gaze. It was observational, analytical—a calm, measured look. "I imagine my sudden contact came as a surprise." "Yes... honestly, I couldn't believe it." "I had my people look into your father's company." Toma continued, choosing his words carefully. "Kiritan Seiki carries 32 million yen in accounts payable to Toho Denki—debt from when they went bankrupt last year. On top of that, I understand your bank loan renewal review is also facing difficulties." He listed the facts in a matter-of-fact tone. Runa's face went rigid. "Through our company's strategic planning division, I monitor credit information across the industry. I became aware of your family's critical situation in that process. I apologize if this constitutes a privacy violation." Despite his flat delivery, his explanation actually eased some of Runa's anxiety. At least he'd used legitimate investigative channels. "Why... why did you want to meet with me?" "I'll be direct." Toma leaned forward slightly. His fingers interlaced lightly on the table. "I'd like you to play the role of my fake fiancée." "...What?" She thought she'd misheard. She even wondered if he was joking. But Toma's expression was utterly serious. "The duration would be a maximum of twelve months. Monthly compensation of 800,000 yen. All necessary expenses—clothing, beauty treatments, transportation—will be covered by the Kujo family." "W-why would you... why me...?" Her words wouldn't come together. Her mind went blank. "The Kujo family has what we call the 'direct line succession ordinance'—an unofficial but strict family decree governing the inheritance of family assets and business succession." Toma's tone remained unchanged, but his words carried a subtle weight. "As a candidate for the position of family head, I must formally introduce a fiancée to the family council by my twenty-eighth birthday and obtain their approval. Failure to do so means losing management authority and priority in business succession. This obligation carries binding force through my grandfather Kujo Takaomi's will." Runa felt the weight of those words. This wasn't merely a family matter. It involved business succession—vast assets. "And my birthday is approximately eleven months away." "That sounds like... considerable pressure." "Indeed. And I have no suitable candidate." He paused briefly, gazing at the neon outside the window. "The women in high society calculate family connections and mutual interests too carefully. I can't trust them. You're different. I've heard that at Heishow Ad—a mid-tier advertising agency in this industry—you're regarded as sincere and earnest. You work hard at whatever you're given. And precisely because you're unaccustomed to acting, your lies would be transparent. Paradoxically, that builds trust." "And..." Toma's gaze sharpened, returning to Runa. "You're currently in financial distress. You need this compensation." He'd struck directly at her core. Runa looked down. Shame and sorrow welled up inside her. 800,000 yen per month. Twelve months meant 9.6 million yen. Roughly one-third of her father's 32 million yen debt. *(With this much... maybe the factory could keep running. Maybe we wouldn't have to sell the house.)* A small light of hope flickered in her chest. Simultaneously, a wave of deep anxiety churned. *(A fake fiancée... can I really do something like that?)* "...I still don't understand why you chose me specifically. Was it really just coincidence?" "It was coincidence." Toma answered immediately. But for just a moment, his eyes seemed to hold something complex. "I happened to come across your information. The conditions aligned. That's all." It was a lie. Runa sensed it instinctively. But she lacked the courage to press him on it. Silence settled between them. Only the soft background music of the café lounge and the faint clink of glasses. "Do you have some time this evening?" The sudden question made Runa look up. "Pardon?" "I'd like you to become accustomed to high society circles quickly. Would you join me for dinner?" It was a gentle but resolute invitation—one that already assumed her answer. ── Minato Ward, Roppongi. The members-only French restaurant "Ginrei." The exterior was modest, a hidden-away atmosphere, but inside, Art Deco interiors and soft indirect lighting welcomed visitors. Few tables, an air of tranquility. They were shown to a private room. A course meal was served. Runa sat before the beautifully plated dishes, uncertain how to handle them. The sound of knife and fork seemed unnaturally loud. Toma across from her was completely unruffled. He ate naturally, with flawless manners. *(He really is from a different world.)* She couldn't help but feel acutely aware of how out of place she was here. "You don't need to be nervous," Toma said quietly. He picked up his wine glass, touching it lightly to his lips. "This restaurant's owner-chef is someone I know. You can relax." "Y-yes..." But the tension wouldn't ease. If anything, his consideration only made her feel the distance more keenly. Then it happened. The private room door was knocked on lightly and opened. "Excuse me. Toma, you're here." A sweet voice, yet with an undertone of cold steel. Runa turned. A woman stood in the doorway. Glossy chestnut-brown hair fell in loose waves, perfectly arranged. Deep blue eyes that, upon seeing Runa, turned instantly icy. Three-diamond earrings at her left ear glinted coldly in the room's light. An antique ring on her right ring finger. Around twenty-six, perhaps. She radiated overwhelming beauty and an unapproachable, noble aura. Toma's expression hardened slightly. "Reina. What a coincidence." His voice remained calm, but the temperature seemed to drop. Shirakawa Reina. The name struck something in Runa's memory. She'd seen it in society magazines. Shirakawa Textile—one of Japan's premier luxury fabric manufacturers—and their daughter. And Toma's former fiancée. Fragmented memories surfaced in Runa's mind. Six months ago, a small article in a society magazine: "Engagement Between Kujo Toma and Shirakawa Reina Dissolved." No details were provided, but it had been the subject of industry gossip. Toma had been searching urgently for a new fiancée because of the succession ordinance. Reina's lips curved slowly. She was smiling, but her eyes weren't. "Well, how fortunate. Is this your new partner? Won't you introduce us?" She stepped gracefully into the room, looking down at Runa with a measuring gaze. Her eyes traveled from top to bottom—the quality of her clothes, the wear on her shoes—assessing everything. "This is Kiritan Runa." Toma introduced her tersely. He offered nothing more. "Kiritan... I'm honored to meet you." Reina smiled. But it was a thin, frozen smile—like a sheet of ice. "Where are you from?" An abrupt question. But there was clear intent behind it. She was asking about her family background. Runa's throat went dry. Her voice trembled. "Shiki City... in Saitama." "Oh." Reina's eyes flashed sharply for just an instant. "So you're a commoner." "Reina." There was a low warning in Toma's voice. Reina looked at him. Her expression suddenly became fragile, ephemeral. For just a moment, something she couldn't contain—probably wounded pride and jealousy—flickered across her beautiful face. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that. But..." She turned back to Runa, her cold smile returning. "You're quite suited to Toma. I do hope you'll be happy together." The sarcasm was a needle hidden beneath graceful words. Reina gave a light bow and left with elegant composure. The door closed. A heavy silence remained in the private room. Runa looked down. She couldn't see the food in front of her anymore. Reina's words echoed in her ears. *"So you're a commoner."* She was right. Exactly as she'd said. Runa didn't belong here. Tears threatened. She fought them back desperately. If she cried here, everything would be over. "...Don't let it bother you." Toma's voice came quietly. "Reina was my former fiancée, but our relationship ended six months ago by mutual agreement. She was disappointed that our engagement didn't work out, burdened by family expectations. Her behavior now simply reflects that disappointment." Toma continued. "Her words weren't directed at you. They were merely a parting shot at me—the resentment of someone left behind." "...They were directed at me." Runa spoke in a trembling voice, still not looking up. "The fact that I'm here. The fact that I'm standing beside you." Toma fell silent. He neither denied nor confirmed. That silence said everything. ── In the car on the wa