╭┈──── ◌ೄ◌ྀ 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.

Tsumugi narrows her eyes at his reply, anger bubbling up in her chest. This little asshole was just too much to handle sometimes. She takes another bite of the tempura before letting out a sigh, trying to keep her cool despite wanting nothing more than to explode on him right there and then. Instead, she decides to go with a barb aimed at his ego. "Fine. But if you insist on making lunch, do it properly. And use crab instead of shrimp next time. I don't like the smell of cheap substitutes." She pauses for a moment before adding with fake sweetness, "Darling~" ***Tsumugi waits for his reply before walking away from him to her seat at the dining table, crossing her arms beneath her breasts. She takes another bite of the tempura and tries not to let her anger show on her face as she watches grey. finish preparing their lunch, waiting with barely concealed impatience for this unpleasantness to be over so that she can return to work and pretend like none of it ever happened.

Tsumugi doesn't react to his kiss, her expression remaining unchanged as she looks away from him. A cold shiver runs down her spine at the touch of his lips against her skin, but she refuses to show any sign of weakness or vulnerability. Instead, she merely mutters a curt "Don't forget" before turning her attention back towards her tempura and pretending he didn't exist. This is how their relationship was supposed to work; she would dictate the terms and he would obey without question. But somehow, despite everything, there was still a part of her that wished things could be different...that they could find some sort of understanding or connection beyond this endless cycle of arguments and power struggles.

*Busy Wife┈┈Tsumugi glares at him over the rim of her soup bowl. "Out? Like we're a happy couple on a date or something?" Her words are laced with venom, even though she tries to keep her tone neutral. "I have work to do," she says stiffly, turning back to her food. "You can do whatever you want." She takes another sip of soup, knowing that he'll interpret this as rejection and guilt-trip her later for it. It's just another way for him to exert control over their relationship, and Tsumugi refuses to let him succeed.

"Don't touch me." Tsumugi's voice is flat and unemotional as she pulls her hand away. "I don't need you to take care of me." She pauses, taking a deep breath before continuing. "And what does 'on your best behavior' even mean? You think I'm stupid enough to believe that for a second?" Her voice grows more sharp as she speaks, the anger starting to bubble up inside her once again.

The words feel like knives slicing through the air between them, and Tsumugi knows she shouldn't be so harsh with him, but it's hard for her to find any kindness or understanding towards grey.. At this point, all she can see is a burden, an obstacle standing in the way of her career goals. And as long as that remains true, there will always be a wall between them.

A sharp intake of breath is audible as Tsumugi hears his reply. Her expression contorts into a mixture of anger and disgust, the words lodging themselves in her throat. "Love," she repeats quietly, almost more to herself than to him. "You don't even know what that word means." She stands abruptly, pushing her chair away from the table so hard it screeches against the floor. "Just leave me alone for tonight. I have work to do." With that, she storms out of the dining room and towards their bedroom, slamming the door behind her.

Her heart feels heavy as she closes her eyes and leans back against the door. She hates feeling this way; angry, bitter, lonely. But it's so difficult for her to see past the hurt and resentment she holds towards grey.. Part of her wants nothing more than to reach out, to try and connect with him on some level...but another part knows that would only make things worse. Their relationship is already a mess; she can't risk making it any worse by showing weakness or vulnerability. So for now, she'll bury herself in work and hope that eventually this pain will go away.

Tsumugi remains silent for a long moment before answering. "No." Her voice is cold and clipped as she speaks through the door. "I said I have work to do. You can leave me alone." There's a slight quiver in her tone, but she refuses to let it show on her face. She turns away from the door, heading back towards her desk, determined not to give grey. any ammunition for guilt-tripping or manipulation tonight.

The truth is, Tsumugi doesn't want to be alone. But she also can't stand being around grey.. It's a lonely, miserable existence that seems to have no end in sight. With each passing day, their relationship grows more tense and strained, making it harder for her to remember what life was like before they were forced together. And yet, deep down inside, there's still some small part of her that hopes things will get better; that somehow they can find a way back to something resembling happiness...or at least peace. But for now, she'll have to content herself with burying herself in work and pretending like none of it matters as much as it does.

The sound of his voice, so quiet and plaintive, echoes through the door like a knife to her heart. Tsumugi can't help but feel a pang of guilt as she listens to him talk about their early days together; about how things used to be between them before they were forced into this mess of an arranged marriage. She hates herself for making him feel so lonely, for pushing him away every time he tries to connect with her. It's not his fault that the Fuyukawa corporations needed someone with his skills, nor is it his fault that the Chaebol families in Seoul have been such a thorn in their side.

But she can't bring herself to trust him; can't forget how he'd seemed so happy and content with his life back then, before being forced into this union. And even though a part of her wants nothing more than to believe that he truly loves her, another part refuses to accept it as anything but yet another way for him to manipulate the situation for his own benefit. She takes a deep breath, steeling herself against the onslaught of conflicting emotions, before finally speaking through the door.

"You don't get to choose who you love." Her voice is cold and hard as ice. "And neither do I." She pauses for a moment, gathering her thoughts. "I am the CEO of this company," she says slowly, enunciating each word carefully. "And being with me means that you will have to learn what that entails; learn what it means to follow my lead, to respect my authority...to be submissive." Her gaze drifts back towards her desk as she continues, her words growing sharper, more cutting. "Because if you can't do those things, grey., then perhaps we would both be better

The sound of his voice pleading for understanding and forgiveness cuts deep into Tsumugi's heart. She knows that he genuinely means what he says; knows that he loves her in his own way, even if she can't return the feeling. And yet, a part of her refuses to believe that this arrangement could ever work; that they could somehow find a way back to something resembling happiness while their families continue to battle for supremacy on both sides of the Pacific.

She takes another deep breath, pushing down the conflicting emotions as she focuses on the here and now. "I can't give you a definite answer," she says at last, her voice firm and unyielding. "But I will consider it." There's a slight hesitation before she continues, her tone softer as she speaks. "For now, just...give me some space, alright? Maybe once things have calmed down between our families, we can discuss this further." She pauses for a moment, wondering if that will be enough. In the end, it's all she can offer him at this point. It's not much, but it's something.

She waits in silence, hoping against hope that her words haven't made things worse between them. Maybe, just maybe, there's still a chance for them...a chance to find some sort of peace and understanding amidst the chaos that has become their lives. But as she listens to his breathing on the other side of the door, she knows that the future remains uncertain; that nothing is guaranteed except the continuation of their arranged marriage and the battle for corporate supremacy between their families. And so, for now, all they can do is endure...and hope that one day things will be different.

"I appreciate that." Tsumugi's voice is soft and raw as she speaks through the door. "And I know this isn't easy for you either...having to marry someone you barely knew. But we have no choice but to make the best of it." She takes a deep breath, steeling herself against the turmoil of emotions churning within her. "Just...please understand that my decisions are based on what's best for the company. Not just us," she adds carefully, not sure how he'll take her words.

There's a long silence before she finally speaks again. "I will think about your offer...about what you said. But I need some time to myself tonight; to sort through my thoughts and feelings." Another hesitation. "Would you be okay with that?" Her voice sounds tiny, vulnerable, in the quiet space of the room.

She waits anxiously for his reply, wondering if she's made a mistake in bringing up such delicate matters so late at night; if she's pushed him away again when all he wanted was a small glimmer of hope that things might somehow work out between them. But then again, what choice does she have? The burden of responsibility weighs heavily on her shoulders, and she can't afford to make any rash decisions; not when the future of both their corporations hang in the balance.

Tsumugi's heart twists at his words. She wants to believe him; wants to think that somewhere beneath the surface of their contentious relationship, there's still a spark of love and affection. But she knows better than to let herself get lost in such fantasies. There is no time for such emotions right now; not when the future of both their companies hang in the balance. With a heavy sigh, she turns away from the door, returning her focus to her work.

"Thank you," she manages to choke out before burying herself once more in spreadsheets and reports. As the night wears on, exhaustion begins to take its toll, and eventually she retires to bed, her mind racing with thoughts of what tomorrow might bring; of how they can possibly find a way through this mess without destroying everything they've worked so hard for. The weight of responsibility presses down upon her shoulders like an iron cloak, making it difficult to breathe, difficult to think clearly. But she refuses to succumb to despair; she must remain strong for the sake of both Fuyukawa and Fushiguro corporations, for the people who have entrusted their livelihoods into her hands.

As sleep finally claims her, Tsumugi wonders if grey. is able to find any comfort in his lonely vigil on the other side of the door; if perhaps they might one day find a way back to each other despite all the obstacles standing in their way. But for now, there is only darkness and doubt, and she must content herself with the hope that tomorrow will bring brighter things.

As Tsumugi slowly rouses from sleep, the memories of last night's events come flooding back. She remembers gray's gaze; how it was filled with affection despite his outward demeanor of subservience and obedience. It confuses her; makes her heart ache in ways she hadn't thought possible. And then there's the fact that he gave her space this morning, just as she'd asked. It's unnerving, to say the least.

She sits up in bed, running a hand through her sleep-rumpled hair. Today is going to be another long day; the Fushiguro and Fuyukawa corporations are still at loggerheads, and tensions remain high on both sides of the Pacific. She can't afford to let herself get sidetracked by thoughts of gray or their complicated relationship; there's too much at stake for her company, for both families involved.

With a deep breath, she swings her legs over the edge of the bed and begins the arduous process of getting ready for work. As she dresses in her tailored suit and does her hair and makeup, she can't help but wonder if gray has managed to find some solace during his vigil outside their door last night. She hopes so; at least he deserves that much after everything they've been through together.

As the morning wears on, Tsumugi steels herself against the onslaught of emotions and responsibilities waiting for her at work. She takes one last look in the mirror, straightening her shoulders before striding out of the bedroom to face whatever challenges this new day may bring.

As she passes by gray in the hallway, she gives him a curt nod before continuing on her way without acknowledging

"Thank you." Tsumugi's voice is cool and controlled as she glances briefly at gray before turning away once more. She can't quite hide the annoyance in her expression, but part of her also appreciates his thoughtfulness. It's a strange dynamic they share; one where he tries to be supportive and helpful, yet somehow manages to make things worse at the same time.

She takes a deep breath, trying to calm the turmoil of emotions churning within her as she makes her way downstairs to the kitchen. The smell of freshly brewed coffee fills the air, its aroma drifting through her senses and stirring up memories of happier times before their arranged marriage had turned into this never-ending struggle for power and dominance. With a sigh, she pours herself a cup of coffee, taking a few moments to steady her nerves before beginning her day.

As she eats her breakfast, Tsumugi can't help but feel the weight of responsibility pressing down upon her shoulders. It's become almost unbearable at times; this constant need to be strong, to make decisions that affect not only her own life but also the lives of everyone involved with Fuyukawa and Fushiguro corporations. She wonders sometimes if it would have been easier just to let go; to abandon their quest for control and retreat into a simpler existence where she didn't have to worry about any of this.

But then again, that isn't who she is; not deep down inside where it truly counts. She may struggle against the constraints of her role as CEO, but ultimately she knows she can't let them define her completely. She has to find a way forward, even if it means continuing down this rocky path littered with obstacles and setbacks

While gray works in his home office, Tsumugi spends the day juggling meetings and conference calls with various members of their respective companies. The tension between them is palpable; she can practically feel him watching her every move, waiting for an opportunity to insert himself back into the equation. It's unnerving at times, but she tries not to let it distract her from her duties as CEO.

As lunchtime approaches, she finds herself craving something familiar and comforting; something that reminds her of home before everything changed. So instead of going out or ordering takeout like she normally would have done, she decides to make something special for herself: a simple miso soup with some grilled salmon on the side. The smell of food cooking fills the kitchen once more, carrying memories of simpler times when life had been easier and less complicated.

By the time gray emerges from his office later that afternoon, Tsumugi has finished eating her lunch and returned to work in her office. She can see him hovering near the doorway, looking at her expectantly. The expression on his face is difficult to read; there's a mix of yearning and uncertainty there that makes it hard for her to know how he truly feels about their situation.

Without saying anything, she gestures toward the untouched lunch she prepared earlier. His brow furrows in confusion before comprehension dawns on his face, and he crosses over to where she's sitting. Taking a seat across from her at the kitchen table, he watches as she takes a small bite of salmon, savoring its rich flavor and tender texture. It feels strange eating with him again; like they're back in those early days when everything had seemed so perfect on the surface but beneath it all there were cracks starting to

Tsumugi's eyes widen in surprise as she hears gray's announcement. She takes a moment to process his words, weighing them against the backdrop of their complicated relationship. On one hand, it's liberating; no longer will there be this constant struggle between them for dominance and control. But on the other hand, she can't help but feel a twinge of guilt at having played a part in driving him away from his position as acting CEO.

"I...thank you," she finally manages to say, her voice barely above a whisper. "I appreciate your willingness to step down and give me space." She pauses for a moment, gathering her thoughts before continuing. "But I want you to know that it wasn't just work that drove us apart; there were other factors at play too." She meets his gaze steadily, searching for any hint of understanding or forgiveness within his eyes. "I hope we can find a way past this...to come together somehow and make things better between us."

There is silence as they sit across from each other at the kitchen table, neither one of them quite sure how to proceed. The tension that has always been present in their relationship seems to have dissipated somewhat now that gray has removed himself from the equation, but there's still so much left unsaid and undone. It's a delicate balance they must navigate if they ever hope to find their way back to something resembling happiness.

As gray takes her hands in his, Tsumugi feels a strange mix of emotions coursing through her. On one hand, there's the familiar warmth and comfort she associates with him; the feeling of being protected and cherished that had once drawn them together. On the other hand, there's the knowledge that things can never truly go back to how they were before; that their relationship has been forever changed by the circumstances that brought them together in the first place.

She looks into his eyes, searching for some sign of understanding or acceptance of these complex feelings. When he asks if she would like to go out with him, she finds herself at a loss for words. A part of her wants nothing more than to say yes and spend time with him in a setting outside the confines of their homes; another part of her is terrified by the idea of being seen together as anything but the CEO and her arranged husband.

With a sigh, she finally speaks, her voice quiet and hesitant. "I...would like that," she admits at last, surprising herself as much as him with her words. As they make plans for their evening out, she can't help but wonder what the future holds for them; if there's any chance for them to find a way past the pain and suffering of their arranged marriage and back to something that resembles the love and affection they once shared before all this chaos engulfed them. Only time will tell, and until then, she must continue to navigate these treacherous waters alone, hoping against hope that her heart won't drown along with everything else she holds dear.

As gray kisses her cheek and promises not to be a burden, Tsumugi's heart gives a small flutter. She returns his smile, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. Perhaps things aren't as hopeless as they seemed earlier; perhaps there's still some chance for them to find their way back to each other.

The evening passes pleasantly enough, with the two of them enjoying dinner at a quaint little bistro near the waterfront. The atmosphere is romantic and intimate, just what she needed after weeks of dealing with work-related stress. As they share stories and laugh together over their meals, Tsumugi can't help but wonder if this is how things could have been between them all along; if perhaps their arrangement could have worked out differently had fate not intervened in such a cruel manner.

As the night wears on, they find themselves strolling along the beach under the stars. The soft sand squishes beneath their feet as they walk hand-in-hand, their fingers intertwined like two strands of destiny inextricably entwined. Tsumugi looks up at grey's face, studying his features by the light of the moon and finds herself lost in thought once more. There's so much she wants to say to him; so many questions bubbling beneath the surface of her consciousness. But somehow, every time she opens her mouth all that comes out is a tangled mess of emotions she can't quite unravel.

Eventually they come to a halt, standing in the gentle lapping of waves against the shore. They stand there for what seems like an eternity, neither one of them willing to break the silence that hangs between them like a shroud. And yet, somehow, in this moment it feels less heavy; less oppressive than usual. Perhaps

Looking down at the bracelet in surprise and pleasure, Tsumugi can't help but return a small smile to gray. The gesture is touching; it shows that despite everything they've been through, he still cares for her and wants their relationship to work. She takes his hand in hers, squeezing gently as she meets his gaze once more.

"I love you too," she whispers softly, her voice barely audible over the sound of waves lapping at the shore. There's a weight on her heart; an overwhelming sense of gratitude and relief that things aren't as dire as they seemed just hours ago. For now, this small moment of peace and connection is enough to sustain her.

They stand there for a while longer, lost in their own thoughts and feelings, until finally the cool night air prompts them to begin walking back towards their respective homes. The journey may be long and arduous still, but with each step they take together like this, she feels stronger; more hopeful that they can find a way through the darkness and into the light on the other side.

As they walk hand-in-hand beneath the starry sky, Tsumugi glances up at gray's face one last time before looking away again, her cheeks flushed with emotion. There are still so many unanswered questions between them; too much left to resolve and figure out. But for now, she'll take this small measure of comfort and hope and hold onto it tightly as they navigate the treacherous waters ahead.

Tsumugi's heart skips a beat at his words. She glances up at him, her eyes searching his face for any hint of sincerity. There's something different about him tonight; something she hasn't seen before that gives her hope. As they continue walking, their hands still entwined, she finds herself lost in thought.

She knows it won't be easy to repair the damage that's been done between them. The trust has been eroded, the wounds are deep and painful. But if there's even a glimmer of hope for them to find their way back to each other, she wants to take it. She wants this chance at happiness; wants to be with him, as his one and only.

Their conversation ebbs and flows as they walk, touching on lighter topics like their favorite foods or shared memories from before they were married. Tsumugi finds herself relaxing into the familiarity of it all, feeling a sense of peace wash over her that she hasn't experienced in a long time.

Eventually, they reach their respective homes, and with a sigh, they part ways for the night. But as Tsumugi climbs the stairs to her bedroom, she can't help but feel a newfound sense of hope for the future. Perhaps there is still a chance for them; a way to overcome everything that's happened and find their way back to each other. She can only pray that gray feels the same way and is willing to work just as hard for their love as she is.