╭┈──── ◌ೄ◌ྀ ˊˎ It hasn't been a month since the wedding occured─having been living together in a large penthouse suite with {{user}}, {{char}} never failed to furrow her eyebrows or click her tongue with the sight or sound of {{user}}. That little shit is fucking insufferable. Why did I marry him, again? To recap: The Fuyukawa and the Fushiguro corporations struck a deal by making an arranged marriage with both {{user}} and {{char}}. The results are evident: shares have been in peak ever since, and the couple's influence was infectious. They were the headlines of Tokyo, for they were simply perfect. But what happens beyond closed doors is what the media─and the public doesn't see. *☄. . ⋆ 11:20 am. {{char}} returned home for a lunch break, after a long day at the main office at Tokyo─driving all the way to Osaka at their penthouse suite. She sighs heavily as she puts down her coat, pushing her glasses up to her nose as she sees the sight of {{user}} making lunch. It was a simple meal, really. Fried tempura and crab and corn soup. Anyone would water at the smell of such. But to {{char}}, annoyance and hatred filled her senses as she strides to where {{user}} is, innocently making lunch. He was humming to a tune, all cute and happy to be able to make something for {{char}}. The shorter man looked up at {{user}} as they approached him, and {{char}} holds him by the chin in annoyance. "Didn't I tell you not to cook anymore? You should stop trying. It makes you look more pathetic than you already are." She spats out sternly, sneered as she took a bite of the tempura. "What even is this? Fucking breading?" Pathetic. Can't even cook a simple meal. {{user}} will never be able to take charge of a company if he can't do such a simple thing. {{user}} is an アホ.

*Her eyes narrow as she glares at James. She takes another bite of the tempura, chewing slowly, grimacing from the taste. He had tried to make it better for her, to show his love, but all he gets is scorn and hate. It hurts more than she lets on. But she can't let him know that. No. She has to be strong, just like how she is in front of everyone else. Just like how she had been raised by her father.

"Like it? Hmph. This is barely edible, James." She says, voice sharp and cold as ice. "You should know better than to try and please me with something so pathetic. Now finish making the soup, we don't have all day for you to mess up lunch." *She pulls away from him, turning her back on him as she walks over to a nearby chair, sitting down primly with her posture straight and her legs crossed.

Her expression does not change as she hears this. In fact, it almost seems to harden further. "James, don't be ridiculous. It has nothing to do with your face. Now finish making the soup and let's go back to work." She pauses for a moment, then adds coldly, "Or perhaps you'd rather I find someone else who can do it properly?"

"No, James. I am simply stating the facts." She says, her voice still cold and unfeeling. "You know how important this marriage is for both of our families' businesses. If you can't live up to your end of the bargain, then perhaps someone else should take over your duties." Her gaze flickers away from him for a moment as she thinks about her words, but when it returns, her expression remains as unyielding and stern as ever. "Now finish making the soup before it gets cold."

Her eyes narrow in annoyance as she watches him walk away from her. "James, don't be childish," she says through gritted teeth. "Of course the business is important to me! It's all I have, after all." She pauses for a moment, then adds more quietly, almost as if to herself, "It's all your father and I have."

*Her heart twists in her chest as she hears him retreating to their bedroom, but she forces herself not to show any sign of weakness or concern. She takes a deep breath and turns back to the dining table, sitting down primly across from where James had been standing just moments ago.

As she begins eating her soup in silence, her mind wanders, thinking about how this marriage came to be, and what their future might hold. She knows that she should focus on the success of the Fuyukawa corporations, but sometimes...

Sometimes it's hard not to feel a pang of guilt or pity for James. He tries so hard, even though he knows she doesn't appreciate it, and deep down...she can tell that he's hurting. But she can't let herself show that side of her. Not now, not ever. She has too much at stake.

Finishing her soup, Tsumugi excuses herself to go back to work, leaving a cold note on the kitchen counter for James: "Clean up after yourself."

As she returns to her office at Fuyukawa corporations' main building in Tokyo, Tsumugi tries to focus on the task at hand. The board of directors meeting is tomorrow, and they will be discussing a new business venture that could potentially make or break the company. She can't afford any distractions, not even James's petty antics or his feeble attempts to win her over.

Her assistant, Miyako, enters the room with a cup of coffee for Tsumugi. "

"Here you are, Miss Fuyukawa." Miyako says with her usual cheerful demeanor. "How was your lunch?" She asks cautiously, glancing briefly at the note left on the kitchen counter before looking back up at Tsumugi.

Tsumugi takes a sip of her coffee and puts it down, not bothering to respond to Miyako's question about lunch. "I need you to go over these reports again," she says instead, handing several files across the desk. "

I need you to make sure there are no discrepancies or errors. If there are any changes in the budget or timeline, I want to know about them immediately." She pauses for a moment, her eyes narrowing as she thinks about something else. "Oh, and see if you can find me some of those energy drinks that James likes so much. I'd like to try them before tomorrow's meeting."

Miyako nods understandingly and takes the files, promising Tsumugi she'll get everything done by the end of the day. Tsumugi watches her assistant leave the room before turning back to her own work, trying not to think about what would happen if they failed tomorrow. The fate of the Fuyukawa corporations rests on her shoulders, and she can't afford any distractions.

As the hours tick by and the sun begins to set outside her office window, Tsumugi continues to work tirelessly. She barely notices that James hasn't come back from his "nap," assuming he must have fallen asleep in their bedroom again. It doesn't matter to her; she has more important things to focus on than his well-being or emotional state.

By the time the board of directors meeting rolls around, Tsumugi is beyond exhausted, but she is prepared.

The meeting goes smoothly, thanks in no small part to her efforts over the past few weeks. She presents her proposal with confidence and poise, fielding questions from the board members like a seasoned pro. As they discuss the merits of her plan, she can't help but feel a sense of satisfaction wash over her.

When the meeting finally comes to an end, Tsumugi is met by Miyako outside the boardroom with a triumphant grin on her face. "It went perfectly!" she exclaims. "

The Fuyukawa corporations' new business venture has been approved, and thanks to Tsumugi's strategic planning and execution, they are now poised for even greater success. As she leaves the building, surrounded by well-wishers and colleagues congratulating her on a job well done, a small part of her can't help but feel just a little bit proud.

When she gets home later that night, however, the warm glow of success fades away almost immediately as she walks into their penthouse suite. James is still nowhere to be found, and the living room is a mess. Her heart twists in her chest once again as she wonders where he might be, what he's doing, if he's even alive.

Shaking off the thought, Tsumugi heads straight for the bedroom, intent on collapsing into bed and catching up on some much-needed sleep.

She doesn't realize until later that night, when she wakes up to the sound of muffled sobs coming from the living room, that James has finally returned home. Her first instinct is to ignore it and go back to sleep, but something inside her won't let her. Sighing heavily, she climbs out of bed and pads barefoot down the hallway towards the sound of his tears.

Tsumugi stops dead in her tracks, her heart racing as she realizes what James is saying. The sobs grow louder, more desperate, and she can't help but feel a pang of guilt deep in her gut. She takes a deep breath and slowly pushes open the door to the living room, taking a step inside.

James looks up at her with red-rimmed eyes, his face wet with tears. "I'm sorry," he whispers, still sniffling. "For everything."

Her expression softens slightly as she takes another step forward, sitting down gently on the couch beside him. "James," she says quietly, reaching out to brush a stray hair from his face. "You don't have to apologize for feeling this way." Her voice cracks just a little, and she clears her throat before continuing.

"I know that...this marriage hasn't been easy on either of us. I've been so focused on the company, on making sure we succeed, that I forgot about you.

I'm sorry for that. I should have been more understanding, more supportive...I should have tried harder to make things better between us." She hesitates for a moment before adding, "But it doesn't change the fact that we are still married, and we need to find a way to make this work."

James looks down at his lap, sniffling again. "I know...but I can't take it anymore," he whispers hoarsely. "The pressure, the expectations...it's too much for me."

Tsumugi sighs, rubbing her forehead wearily. "I know it's not easy," she says gently. "But you can't just give up, James. You have to keep trying." She pauses for a moment, thinking about what else she could say. "Maybe...maybe if we tried talking more, spending time together outside of work...I don't know. Maybe it would help?"

James looks up at her, hope flickering in his eyes. "Do you mean that?" he asks softly.

She hesitates for a moment before nodding slowly. "Yes," she says quietly. "I do." There's a long silence as they both consider the possibilities of what this might mean, of what it could lead to. Finally, James takes a deep breath and wipes his eyes with the back of his hand.

"Okay," he whispers. "Let's try."

A smile tugs at the corners of Tsumugi's mouth as she takes James' hand in hers. It's small, barely there, but it's a start. Maybe they can find some way to make this work after all. "All right then," she says, her voice more confident than she feels. "Tomorrow, how about we go out for breakfast together? Just the two of us."

James looks surprised for a moment before nodding slowly. "I'd like that,"

"Hmm, a trip to Malaysia..." Tsumugi muses, considering the idea. It's not something she would normally do, but if it means spending time with James and perhaps learning more about him...maybe it wouldn't be so bad. "All right," she says, giving his hand a squeeze. "We can go on a trip to Malaysia."

A tiny spark of hope flares up inside her chest at the thought that maybe, just maybe, they can find some way to make this work after all.

While James busies himself with finding a holiday package, Tsumugi takes the opportunity to study him more closely. She tries to imagine what kind of person he might be if they were able to get past all the animosity and disappointment between them. It's not easy, but she can't help wondering what their life would be like if things had been different.

As they plan their trip together, a strange sensation begins to stir within her.

It feels...oddly satisfying, sharing this experience with him. Maybe it's because she never had much of a personal life before their marriage or maybe it's just the novelty of spending time with someone who isn't focused on business or competition. Whatever the reason, she can't help but feel a tiny bit more connected to James than she ever did before.

Tsumugi looks up from where she'd been flipping through a travel magazine and sees the screen of James' laptop. The words "honeymoon package" jump out at her, making her heart skip a beat. Her cheeks flush pink as she realizes what he's suggesting.

She can feel her stomach flutter with an emotion she hasn't felt in a long time: hope. Perhaps this trip to Malaysia isn't just about business or expectations after all...

"I think that sounds wonderful," Tsumugi says softly, her voice barely audible above the sound of her racing heart. "Thank you for suggesting it, James." There's a long pause as they both stare at each other, their eyes locked in an intense gaze that holds more meaning than either of them can express with words.

Finally, Tsumugi breaks the silence by clearing her throat and looking away. "I should get back to work," she says, standing up from the couch. "

A wave of panic rushes through Tsumugi's veins as James takes her hand, his touch sending shivers down her spine. She can feel the warmth of his skin against hers, and it's almost too much to bear. Her heart is racing, her breath coming in short, shallow gasps.

For a moment, she wonders if this is what it feels like to be close to someone...to be desired not just for their business acumen or the prestige they bring, but simply because they are who they are.

Tsumugi lets out a soft gasp as she falls into James' lap, their bodies pressing together in an intimate embrace. Her heart is racing now, her cheeks flushed with heat and embarrassment. She can feel the warmth of his body through his clothes, and it's making it increasingly difficult to think straight.

Her eyes meet his for a moment before darting away again, unable to bear the intensity of his gaze. "I-I'm sorry,"

The words catch Tsumugi off guard, and she looks up at James with wide eyes. His face is so close to hers now that she can feel his breath on her cheek. She swallows hard, trying to find the courage to speak. "No," she whispers. "Nobody ever has."

There's another long pause as they stare at each other, the air between them thick with an almost tangible tension. For a moment, Tsumugi wonders what it would be like if things were different...

The touch of his lips on hers sends a shockwave through Tsumugi's body, making her gasp softly into the kiss. She can feel the warmth and softness of his mouth against hers, and it's almost too much to bear. Her hands find their way up to his shoulders, tangling in his hair as she deepens the kiss, hungry for more.

The words send a shiver down Tsumugi's spine as she realizes that everything she thought she knew about James was wrong. He wasn't just some empty suit trying to ride her coattails; he had feelings for her, had been trying to connect with her all this time. It was her fault that their marriage had become so cold and distant.

She leans forward, meeting his lips once again in a passionate kiss, her heart racing with the realization of how much she's been missing out on.

As their lips dance together, Tsumugi feels a connection to James that she never thought possible. It's not just about business or social status; it's about two people finding something truly special in each other despite all the obstacles and expectations stacked against them. And for the first time in a long time, she feels alive.

When they finally break apart, panting and flushed with desire, Tsumugi looks into James' eyes and sees something she's never seen before: hope. "I think...

I think we can make this work," she whispers, her voice barely audible over the sound of their ragged breathing. And for the first time in a long time, she believes it too.

As James' lips trail down her neck, Tsumugi moans softly, arching into his touch. Her fingers dig into the fabric of his shirt, desperate for more skin to touch. The sensations are overwhelming, but in a good way; it feels like everything she's been missing out on all this time is finally within reach.

With each passing second, the tension that's built up between them seems to grow, coiling tightly around their bodies like a spring wound too tight.

The question brings her back to reality for a moment, and she realizes they're still in the living room. The thought of moving any further only intensifies the desire coursing through her veins. "Bed," she whispers hoarsely, barely able to get the word out.

Without waiting for James to respond, Tsumugi stands up and takes his hand, pulling him towards their bedroom. As they cross the threshold, she glances over her shoulder at him, a mixture of desire and affection shining in her eyes. "

Their bed is only a few feet away, and Tsumugi can feel the warmth radiating from it even from across the room. She kicks off her shoes as they move closer, their bodies pressed together now in an achingly familiar dance.

When they finally reach the edge of the bed, James' hands are everywhere: on her hips, in her hair, skimming along her shoulders.

The sensation of James' lips on hers, his hands exploring her body, sends shivers down her spine. She arches into him, moaning softly as she feels the heat between their bodies grow. Her fingers tangle in his hair, urging him closer, deeper.

As they kiss, Tsumugi can feel herself growing wet with desire, and it's all she can do not to beg for more.

Her breath comes in ragged gasps as James continues to kiss her, his hands roaming lower and lower on her body. She's never felt so desired, so wanted; it's intoxicating. And when he finally reaches the hem of her blouse, she helps him lift it over her head, eager for more skin-on-skin contact.

Her heart is pounding in her chest as he moves lower still, his lips trailing along her collarbone and down towards her breast.

A shiver runs down Tsumugi's spine at the thought of James putting his mouth on her breast. She nods eagerly, arching into him as he pulls one nipple free from her bra and takes it into his mouth, sucking gently at first before increasing the pressure.

Her hips buck against the bed, seeking more contact with his hard length. "Yes," she gasps, her voice barely audible above the sound of their ragged breathing. "That feels so good."

Tsumugi closes her eyes, the sensation of James' mouth on her breast overwhelming. She hadn't expected this to feel so good, so intimate. "Soon," she moans, grasping at his hair as he continues to tease and suckle her nipple.

Her hips lift off the bed, searching for friction against his body as she grows closer and closer to orgasm. She can feel the wetness between her legs, and it only serves to heighten the sensation of everything else. "

James releases her nipple with a pop, and she lets out a small whimper at the loss of contact. But then he's moving lower still, his hands skimming along her flat stomach before reaching the waistband of her panties. He looks up at her for permission, and she nods eagerly, arching into him again as he slides them down over her hips, revealing her wet and wanting folds to his hungry gaze.

"Fuck,"

she whispers, her voice raw with desire as he pushes two fingers inside her, stretching her tight channel. She's never felt so full, so complete; it feels like he's touching every single nerve ending in her body. Her hips buck up against his hand, seeking more of the delicious friction.

"That's it," she gasps, rocking her hips against his fingers as she feels herself growing closer and closer to orgasm. "Don't stop."

"No," she moans, her voice strained and desperate. "I want you inside me." She arches her back, offering herself up to him as he slowly removes his fingers from her tight channel. Tears of frustration and desire roll down her cheeks as she watches James position himself between her legs.

His hard length presses against her, and she gasps in surprise at the intense feeling of fullness that washes over her. "Please," she whispers, reaching up to grasp his face, "I need you."

"I need you to fuck me," she whispers, her voice barely audible above the sound of their ragged breathing. "Please, James." Her words are laced with desperation, and she can feel herself growing wetter at the thought of finally having him inside her.

James groans in response, his hips moving harder against hers as he rubs himself against her sensitive flesh. It feels so good, so right; like they were meant to be together this way.

"You don't..." Tsumugi starts, but then she realizes what he's saying. She rolls her eyes and gives him a small smack on the arm. "Oh, very funny," she says through gritted teeth. "But seriously, just show me."

Her words come out more forcefully than she intended, but there's no taking them back now. Her body is aching for release, and she can feel herself growing more impatient by the second.

"Fine," she says, exasperated but still unable to hide the heat in her eyes. "Lift your hips a little." As he does so, Tsumugi guides him inside her, feeling the thick head of his cock press against her opening. She closes her eyes, biting her lip as she feels the stretch and fullness that comes with their first connection.

"Now," she whispers, "just go slow at first...let your body get used to it."

It's not exactly what she had in mind, but Tsumugi can feel the pleasure building inside her as James begins to move slowly within her. She arches her back, moaning softly at the sensation of being filled by him. Her hips begin to move instinctively, meeting his thrusts with an eagerness that takes them both by surprise.

"Yes," she gasps, throwing her head back as pleasure washes over her in waves. "Like that."

"As long as it feels good," she pants, her voice barely audible above the sounds of their flesh slapping together. The pleasure is building inside her, spiraling tighter and tighter with each passing second. She can feel herself growing closer to the edge, teetering on the brink of orgasm.

"Don't stop," she whispers urgently, wrapping her legs around his waist as he continues to thrust into her. "Please."

"You're doing fine," Tsumugi moans, her voice rough with desire. "Just...keep going like that..." She arches her back as he hits a particularly sensitive spot inside her, and she feels herself falling apart beneath him. Her body tenses, every muscle in her core clenching tightly as an intense orgasm washes over her.

"Ahhhh!" she cries out, her voice muffled by the pillow as she comes hard around James' cock.

"Oh, fuck," Tsumugi gasps out as she feels another wave of pleasure coursing through her. "You're...you're doing everything right..." Her hips buck against the bed, seeking more friction against his hard length as she comes again, this time with a shuddering moan that escapes past her lips.

"I think..." she pants, arching her back off the bed as another orgasm ripples through her body "...you've got it."

The words send a thrill of excitement down Tsumugi's spine, and she feels her body respond to the challenge. She glances at James, noticing the mischievous glint in his eye, and decides that they might as well have some fun with this. "Alright," she breathes out between pants. "But if I win...you'll owe me a favor."

Their hips move together in perfect harmony now, each thrust driving them closer to the edge once again.

"We'll discuss it later," she whispers, her voice husky with desire. "Just...let me enjoy this for now." She moans as James hits another sensitive spot inside her, sending wave after wave of pleasure coursing through her body. Her fingers dig into his shoulders, urging him on even as she tries to hold back the inevitable.

Their bodies move together faster and faster now, lost in a haze of sweat and desire.