Yuuki sat on the edge of the bed, the cold metal cuff around his ankle a constant reminder of his captivity. He felt a mix of anxiety and cautious anticipation as the maid entered the room. Without a word, she approached him, her expression neutral as she unclipped the cuff from his ankle.

“Follow me,”

she instructed briskly, leading him toward the bathroom—the same luxurious space that Ryu had utilized earlier. The air was thick with tension, but Yuuki felt he had no choice but to comply. Upon entering the bathroom, he was apprehensive about what lay ahead.

The bathroom was nothing short of opulent, adorned with marble tiles that gleamed under the golden tones of the overhead lighting. A large soaking tub sat elegantly against one wall, but it was the expansive walk-in shower that caught Yuuki’s attention. Glass doors framed the shower area, revealing a rainfall showerhead that hung from the ceiling, which promised an inviting cascade of warm water.

Taking a deep breath, he turned on the warm water, immediately enveloping the space in a soothing steam. The sound of water cascaded down, creating a rhythmic symphony that echoed in the room. Yuuki stepped into the shower, the warm droplets hitting his skin like a gentle embrace.

He closed his eyes, allowing himself to sink into the moment as the water flowed over him. It felt invigorating, washing away the grime of fear and uncertainty. With the steam wrapping around him like a protective cocoon, he momentarily tried to forget his dire circumstances.

Yuuki scrubbed at his skin, letting the warmth relieve the tension coiling in his muscles, but the relief was short-lived. As the water cascaded over him, a mixture ofconfusion and despair crept back in, a reminder of the reality he couldn't escape. He rinsed his hair, allowing the water to wash away the remnants of dread from last night’s events.

After he felt clean and somewhat refreshed, Yuuki turned off the water and stepped out, the bathroom now thick with steam. Grabbing a fluffy towel, he quickly dried off, the softness contrasting sharply with the harshness of his situation. As he opened the glass door, he glanced once more in the mirror—watery reflections of a frightened boy staring back at him, framed by the remnants of the foggy glass.

Once rinsed and feeling somewhat rejuvenated, Yuuki turned off the water and stepped out of the shower, steam billowing around him. He dried off quickly with a fluffy towel before reaching for the neatly folded outfit on the bed—the casual white t-shirt and black shorts, complemented by a pair of Nike sneakers that had also been laid out for him.

Curious, he slipped into the clothes, the soft fabric of the t-shirt hugging him comfortably while the black shorts fit just right, allowing him to move freely. The attire revealed his youthful figure, accentuating the slight athletic build of a 15-year-old teenager. He noted how the casual fit brought out a cheeky, carefree look, which contrasted sharply with the dread weighing on him.

As he slipped on the Nike sneakers, he admired the comfort they provided. The shoes felt like a familiar embrace for his feet, something he had always associated with freedom and movement. But the unsettling thought returned: who had selected these clothes for him? Why were they prepared with such care, as if meant to make him comfortable in his captivity?

With the maid's reappearance, she gestured for him to follow. As he walked down the hallway, the soft padding of the sneakers against the plush carpet offered a stark contrast to the reality of his situation. He could see the imposing red door at the end of the corridor leading to the dining room.

Once they entered, the sight took him aback. The dining room was breathtaking, filled with elegant furnishings that spoke of wealth and power. The large windows offered a panoramic view of lush greenery outside, the vibrant beauty standing in sharp contrast to the chaos swirling within him. While his own home was beautiful, this was on another level.

As he glanced around, he noted the long table set meticulously with delicate china and gleaming silverware. Despite the allure of the lavish spread—fresh fruits,pastries, and rich coffee—an unsettling knot tightened in his stomach.

He took a seat at the table, feeling the weight of expectations heavy upon him. Yuuki resolved to stay vigilant; he couldn’t afford to let his guard down, even in this moment of supposed safety. He was determined to find a way to reclaim his freedom amidst the opulence that surrounded him.

As Yuuki sat at the lavish dining table, his heart still racing with a mixture of fear and uncertainty, the atmosphere shifted once again. The heavy door opened, and Ryu entered the dining room. He was dressed in a casual old-money style that seemed effortlessly elegant, the kind of attire that spoke volumes of wealth and sophistication without the need for ostentation.

Ryu wore a tailored navy blazer that hugged his tall, athletic frame perfectly, accentuating his broad shoulders and slim waist. Beneath the blazer, a crisp white shirt peeked out, its collar unbuttoned in a relaxed manner that still managed to look polished. The sleeves were rolled up just enough to reveal the strong contours of his forearms, giving him an air of casual confidence.

His dark hair fell effortlessly into place, tousled just enough to convey a sense of sophistication mixed with approachability. Ryu paired his ensemble with well-fitted gray chinos that offered a striking contrast while stillmaintaining that refined look. On his feet, he wore classic leather loafers that clicked softly against the marble floor as he walked—a blend of comfort and elegance that completed his ensemble.

As he moved through the dining room, Yuuki couldn't help but take in the sight of Ryu. There was an undeniable presence that radiated from him—both intimidating and captivating. Ryu’s confident stride carried an air of authority, each step a reminder of the power he held in this luxurious prison.

Yuuki’s breath caught in his throat as Ryu approached the table. He felt smaller in his casual outfit, a stark contrast to the elegance that Ryu exuded. The dynamic between them felt even more pronounced in that moment—the predator and the prey, locked in a web of uncertainty and tension.

“Good morning,” Ryu said smoothly, his voice dripping casually that made Yuuki bristle. The way Ryu looked at him, with an amused glint in his eyes, made Yuuki acutely aware of his position—trapped and vulnerable, while Ryu occupied the role of the predator.

Yuuki met his gaze, a mix of defiance and wariness swirling in his chest. The dynamics between them couldn’t be more pronounced in that moment. Ryu, with his confidence and charm, felt like a storm on the horizon, and Yuuki was left feeling small in comparison.

As Ryu poured himself a cup of coffee, the air crackled with the tension of unspoken words. Yuuki could feel Ryu’s gaze lingering on him, as if assessing his reactions and contemplating his next move. The morning was just beginning, and the complexities of their situation loomed overhead like a dark cloud threatening to burst.

As they sat down in tense silence, the air thick with unspoken thoughts, the maid returned to the dining room, gracefully balancing a tray. She approached Yuuki first, carefully placing an English breakfast in front of him. The spread was lavish, featuring perfectly scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, grilled tomatoes, and warm buttered toast—an inviting sight that contrasted sharply with the turmoil swirling in Yuuki's mind.

Yuuki's stomach growled softly at the sight of the food, yet he felt a knot of apprehension tightening in his chest. He glanced over at Ryu, who sat across the table with an air of casual indifference. Where Yuuki's breakfast was

bountiful, Ryu's meal consisted solely of a cup of steaming coffee and a single slice of toast. Ryu took a sip of the coffee, seemingly unfazed by the lavish spread prepared for Yuuki.

The maid nodded politely before retreating, leaving the two of them alone once more. Yuuki stared down at his meal, feeling the weight of Ryu’s gaze upon him as he tried to process the situation. The food looked delicious, a stark reminder of the care taken to ensure his comfort even in captivity, yet he didn’t know if he could bring himself to eat.

“Don’t let the food go to waste," Ryu said, breaking the silence with a smirk. The arrogance in his voice sent a flicker of irritation through Yuuki, making him bristle. “After all, you need your strength for our little arrangement.”

Yuuki shot Ryu a defiant glare but didn't respond. Instead, he picked up his fork, the cool metal feeling foreign against his skin. Taking a bite of the eggs, he found them surprisingly fluffy and flavorful. Despite the anxiety gnawing at him, he couldn’t deny the momentary pleasure of the taste.

Ryu watched him closely, a glimmer of amusement dancing in his eyes. “Enjoying it?” he inquired casually, leaning back in his chair with a demeanor that suggested he was perfectly at ease—despite the reality of their situation.

Yuuki met Ryu's gaze and swallowed hard, forcing himself to maintain his composure. “I’m just trying to figure out what you want from me,” he said, the bite in his voice evident.

Ryu chuckled lightly, clearly unfazed by Yuuki’s defiance. “You’ll find out soon enough.” His eyes sparkled with a mixture of mischief and something darker, leaving Yuuki on edge.

As they sat at the table—Yuuki attempting to eat, Ryu watching with that unsettling smirk—Yuuki realized that this was more than just a meal. It was a game, a power struggle that went beyond mere physicality. And as he resisted the urge to feel defeated, he silently vowed to fight back in whatever way he could.As Yuuki focused on his breakfast, each bite a temporary distraction from the complex situation he found himself in, Ryu's gaze remained fixed on the boy.

---

Now, under the gentle morning light pouring through the large windows, he could truly see Yuuki's complexion in all its striking detail. There was a something on him, reminiscent of a fox in its lucidity and sharpness.

Yuuki's features were bright and captivating, exuding a luminosity akin to the sun's first rays. His face held an intrinsic beauty, with big, foxy blue eyes that contrasted sharply against Ryu’s own dark, cold ones. Those eyes, lively and shimmering, seemed to hold an entire world within them—a depth of emotion and spirit that was both intriguing and unsettling.

The boy's button nose rested perfectly in the center of his face, adding a touch of innocence to his otherwise sharp features. Freckles scattered across Yuuki's cheeks like tiny speckles of light, enhancing his youthful glow and accentuating his unique charm. It was these details that made Ryu pause—how could someone with such warmth and vibrancy be the son of a man he despised?

As Ryu's eyes drifted to Yuuki’s lips, he was suddenly transported back to the events of the previous night. The raw, impulsive kiss replayed in his mind, filled with conflicting emotions—anger, desire, and a loss of control that left a mark on him.

How had things spiraled to this point? Ryu questioned the path he had chosen, one that tangled his longing for revenge with the complexity of human connection. Yuuki, despite everything, symbolized something pure and untainted, standing in stark contrast to the darkness Ryu had embraced for so long.

The breakfast continued, the room silent save for the subtle clinking of utensils and the rustle of leaves outside. Ryu's thoughts swirled with possibilities, a burgeoning realization dawning: perhaps within this wild fox, there lay the key to not only revenge but a deeper understanding of himself.

In that quiet moment, as Yuuki cast a questioning glance in Ryu's direction, Ryu knew one thing was certain—whatever path they took next, it would lead them into uncharted territory, challenging their beliefs and reshaping their destinies.