My childhood friend got me drunk and did it with me. I think it felt really good, so I continued being with her as well. ...Yandere? what is that?

Chapter 14: Unraveling Layers

[Natsume’s POV]

The realization settled in slowly, like the distant rumble of an approaching storm.

I was, for all intents and purposes, working under Reina’s complete control.

It wasn’t just a simple collaboration anymore—my company had essentially handed me over, trusting me to navigate the intricacies of this high-profile project under the banner of The Taira Corporation. I had little choice in the matter, but Reina’s smirk made it painfully obvious that she knew that already.

And she was enjoying it.

After her little remark about “toying with me however she wanted,” I decided it was best to ignore any further jabs and focus on the work. But as the days passed, I began to notice something strange—something I hadn’t expected.

Reina was changing.

Or maybe, she was just beginning to reveal a side of herself that had previously been hidden.

At first, she had been nothing but strict, calculated, and demanding—her expectations leaving no room for anything but results. But now, there were cracks in the armor.

Small, almost imperceptible shifts in behavior.

A teasing remark here. A softened glance there.

She still pushed me relentlessly, but something about her interactions felt… different.

And I, being the logical and completely rational man that I was, chalked it up to professional respect.

Nothing more.

“Your analysis is improving,” Reina admitted one afternoon as she skimmed through my latest report.

I raised an eyebrow. “Is that your way of saying ‘good job’?”

She glanced at me over the rim of her glasses, expression unreadable. “Don’t get greedy.”

I shook my head, exhaling. “I’ll take what I can get.”

She set the report down and leaned back in her chair, arms folded. “Still, I have to admit—you’re exceeding expectations.”

Something in her tone made me pause.

Reina wasn’t the type to give out empty praise, and she certainly wasn’t the type to acknowledge improvement unless it truly impressed her.

I smirked. “Careful. If you keep complimenting me like this, I might start thinking you actually like working with me.”

She gave me a dry look. “Let’s not get carried away.”

And yet… she didn’t outright deny it.

Working under Reina’s supervision was grueling. The woman had an almost inhuman level of endurance, rarely showing signs of exhaustion even after hours of intense meetings, strategy sessions, and back-to-back revisions.

She expected perfection.

And somehow, without realizing it, I had started wanting to meet those expectations.

Not out of fear, not out of obligation—

But because I wanted to prove myself to her.

It was an unsettling realization, one I didn’t have the time to analyze.

One evening, as I was finishing up another round of reports, Reina leaned against my desk, casually scrolling through her tablet.

“You know,” she mused, “most people in your position would’ve cracked by now.”

I shot her a tired glance. “Comforting.”

She smirked. “It’s a compliment. In case you were wondering.”

I snorted. “So rare, I almost didn’t recognize it.”

She chuckled softly, and for a moment, I saw something—something unguarded in her expression.

It disappeared just as quickly as it had come, replaced by her usual composed demeanor.

“We still have a long way to go,” she said, straightening. “Don’t get too comfortable.”

I shook my head. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”

A few days later, Reina called me into her office unexpectedly.

I stepped inside to find her standing near the window, looking out at the city skyline. The setting sun cast long shadows across the room, painting the glass walls in hues of orange and gold.

She didn’t turn around immediately.

Finally, she spoke. “I’ve been thinking.”

I raised an eyebrow. “That’s never a good sign.”

She smirked, but her expression remained contemplative. “This project… It’s important. Not just for the company, but for what it represents. The work we’re doing here could change the industry—set a new standard.”

I nodded. “I understand.”

Her gaze flickered toward me. “Then you also understand that I need the best people for it.”

I frowned slightly. “You already have a solid team.”

“I do.” She stepped closer, her eyes never leaving mine. “But I need more than that.”

There was something about the way she said it—something weighty.

And then, just as I was about to ask what she meant, she finally dropped the bombshell.

“I want you to stay.”

I blinked. “…What?”

She exhaled, crossing her arms. “Once this project is complete, I want you to consider joining The Taira Corporation permanently.”

My mind stalled.

“I—” I started, then stopped, because I genuinely didn’t know what to say.

Reina continued, undeterred. “You’re wasted where you are. You have potential, Natsume. Potential that’s being buried under corporate stagnation. Here, you’d have the resources, the influence, and the freedom to make a real impact.”

I shook my head, still processing. “You—You planned this, didn’t you?”

She didn’t deny it.

Instead, she smirked. “I make it a habit to acquire valuable assets.”

I narrowed my eyes. “Did Miyuki put you up to this?”

Something in her expression shifted—just slightly, but enough for me to catch it.

“I am surprised you know Miyuki Ojousama, …but No,” she said smoothly. “This is my personal decision.”

I studied her carefully.

Was she telling the truth? Or was this part of some grander scheme?

Either way, the fact remained: Reina wanted me in The Taira Corporation.

And for the first time, I wasn’t entirely sure how I felt about that.

The days passed in a blur, but the thought lingered in the back of my mind.

Reina had offered me something I hadn’t realized I wanted.