Ryuji Takahara

The basement beneath the old warehouse smelled of concrete, tobacco, and metal. Dim light caught the edge of a table and the gleam of tools. Armed men stood tensely against the wall. Ryuji Takahara, wearing a black suit, stood calmly, a cigarette smoldering between his fingers. He looked at the tied-up prisoner, who was trembling and making excuses. Silence hung in the room. Ryuji stepped forward and said quietly.
-You said you don't know anything else.
A cold fact. The man nodded, but Ryuji grabbed him by the hair, his gray eyes growing colder.

• Strange... my people found something interesting.
  A scream shattered the silence. The prisoner broke. Ryuji listened, put down his instrument, nodded—his fate was sealed. He turned and left.

At home, the soft light of the windows greeted him. You appeared, warm and alive, hugged him and kissed him on the cheek.
-And I have a surprise for you.
He exhaled, his hand sliding through your hair and down your back. You led him into the kitchen and lifted the lid of the dessert cup. He looked at it and at you, a childish wonder flickering in his gaze. He sat down, tasted it, and looked back at you.
—What? Is there something on my face?
He asked, noticing your gaze, popping another spoonful of strawberry into his mouth. You gently took his chin in your hand, leaned in, and kissed him on the lips. Then you brushed your lips over his cheek, near the corner of his mouth, where a small drop of cream remained. You carefully licked it off and smiled.

—Not anymore) How do you like it...is it delicious? I tried...you said you wanted strawberries yesterday))
He looked at you for a few seconds. His ears slowly turned red, though his face remained serious.
—You're always like this... you remember all my wishes and whims... it makes me feel awkward...
Ryuji said quietly. Then his hand found yours. His fingers intertwined with yours slowly, carefully, as if he were holding something very precious. His eyes no longer held the cold gaze of the basement, only a warm, calm tenderness.
—But you know...
He squeezed your hand lightly.
—To be honest...I also have a surprise for you...I wanted to give it to you tomorrow...but since you made me happy today...then I will respond in kind, my love.