Embracing my stalker - Chapter 10- Reward

Soon, the car came to a gentle stop, a fair distance away from where Amaye lived.

Haruto knew without her telling him. She likely felt uncomfortable being picked up right in front of her house—especially with all the neighborhood aunties who thrived on gossip.

That’s why he asked, “Can I introduce myself to your mother?”

Amaye blinked, taken aback. “Why so suddenly?”

“Well… I’ll be picking you up regularly, right? So rather than making you face awkward questions every day, it’s better if I meet her. Let her know about us.”

“‘About us’?” Amaye raised her brows, clearly caught off guard.

Haruto scratched his cheek, a little embarrassed. “I mean… I’m okay with being called your friend or future husband…whateber you like.”

Her eyes widened at his shameless remark, a touch of panic rising. “N-No, don’t say that! Let’s take things slow for now.”

Haruto’s shoulders slumped dramatically. “Oh… so you don’t want me to meet your mom?”

Seeing the sudden gloom on his face, Amaye’s heart skipped several beats. Her resolve almost wavered.

Almost.

“Haruto-kun… we’re still figuring out what we are. Let’s give it some time, okay?”

Haruto’s lips curled into a small, knowing smile. “So… that means you wouldn’t mind going on a date with me again tomorrow?”

Amaye blinked. “Tomorrow? But we just had such a good time today.”

They had spent the day playing at the arcade and wandering around with no rush, no pressure.

And for the first time in what felt like forever, Amaye saw him smile—genuinely, brightly. That same smile from high school. The same boy she had once admired from afar. A smile that once left her breathless… and still did.

She found herself staring until—

“Amaye.”

Her name, spoken gently, pulled her back to the present.

Haruto reached out, holding her hand with quiet tenderness. “Like I said, I just want to spend as much time with you as I can. So please… for now, let me be selfish.”

He brought her hand to his chest. “Please give me the time to return your kindness—and your love.”

Amaye couldn’t bring herself to say anything. Her voice was trapped behind the emotions swelling in her chest.

How could any woman in the world say no to eyes that sincere?

After a few moments, she gave a small nod. “…Alright. But, could you not bring your car tomorrow? It… really draws too much attention.”

Haruto’s face lit up. “Understood. Then I’ll see you at nine.”

She smiled back and nodded.

Nine in the morning was unusually early for a date, but… she didn’t mind.

Because it wasn’t just him who wanted to spend more time with the other.

Not long after, they both stepped out of the car. And despite her initial protest, Haruto insisted on walking her all the way to her apartment.

At the entrance, she turned around to look at him with a soft smile.

Her small dimples appeared, adding a hint of adorable charm to her already glowing face.

“I had fun today,” she said. “And… I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”

Haruto simply smiled, watching her quietly as she turned and hurried up the stairs.

Once she disappeared from view, he returned to his car and drove off.

Amaye had liked him since high school.

But Haruto never realized she was the same quiet girl who always sat in the corner of the classroom.

Why she fell for him, he didn’t know.

But what he did know… was that she’d been watching over him for a long time.

Not just as Blaze—but as Amaye, too.

There were still so many things he didn’t know about her. So many questions left unasked.

Maybe it had started as gratitude, but the more time he spent with her, the more he regretted never noticing her before.

Amaye was simply perfect.

Sweet. Kind. Honest. And bold when it mattered.

To some, it might seem like he was pursuing her a bit too intensely.

But as long as it didn’t make her uncomfortable… he would keep walking toward her.

Soon, Haruto’s car rolled up to the mansion gates. As he slowed down, he spotted someone standing across from the entrance—pacing, clearly waiting for someone.

Haruto pulled the car to the side and stepped out.

The young man standing there noticed him immediately. His expression twisted into a scowl as Haruto approached.

“Haruto,” he said, voice tight. “I sent you the photo like we agreed. Now hand over the money.”

Haruto stared at him coldly, his gaze unreadable.

“That wasn’t enough,” he said flatly. “I want men in those pictures too.”

Daiki flinched, clearly not expecting that response.

He had already gone far enough, sending Haruto photos of Yumeko in bed. But now, this man was demanding more—pictures that included whoever had been with her.

“H-How am I supposed to get something like that?!” Daiki snapped, panic rising in his voice. “Just give me—”

“Daiki,” Haruto cut him off, his tone turning deadly quiet, “do I need to remind you that your father is still in critical condition? Or… do you not want him to recover?”

The color drained from Daiki’s face in an instant. His lips trembled, but no words came out.

Haruto stepped in close and placed a hand on his shoulder, his touch deceptively gentle.

“Get me what I want,” he said smoothly. “And I’ll reward you generously.”

With that, he turned and walked toward the mansion without looking back.

His mind was set.

He was going to sever every single thread that could tie him to Yumeko.

No matter how cruel the method.

******

A/N:- Thanks for reading.