Reina stepped into her house, tossing her bag onto the sofa.
Her heart was still beating fast from the date with Yuto.
She hated to admit it, but it wasn't bad.
It was… fun.
But before she could think too much about it, her father's deep voice interrupted her thoughts.
"So? How was your date?"
Reina froze.
She turned toward the living room, where her father sat—legs crossed, a glass of wine in hand, watching her with a calculating gaze.
She sighed and collapsed onto the couch across from him. "It was fine."
Her father smirked. "How long do you have to keep playing sweet and innocent, you ask?"
His eyes narrowed.
"Princess, the game has just begun."
Reina's chest tightened. She had heard those words before.
"Keep making him fall for you. Let him believe he's safe with you. Let him think you love him."
He took a sip of his wine, then leaned forward slightly.
"And then, once he's at his happiest, once he's given everything to you—"
His smile turned cold.
"Show him his place."
Reina said nothing.
Her father's voice softened. "This is the best way to destroy an enemy. Not through force, but through trust."
He tapped his glass. "Make him feel you're his ally. Make him depend on you."
His eyes gleamed. "100% success rate."
Reina gripped the edge of the sofa.
Her father's tone darkened. "And if you don't… I'll have to give you punishment."
His smirk widened.
"You don't want that, do you, Princess?"
Reina's breath hitched.
Memories of past "punishments" flashed through her mind.
"No, Father."
Her father leaned back, satisfied.
"Good girl."
A Normal School Day… or Not?
The next morning, Reina walked into school like nothing had happened.
She found Yuto waiting for her near the entrance.
He smiled when he saw her. "Morning, Reina."
Reina felt something stir in her chest.
A few weeks ago, she would have mocked his kindness.
But now…
She smiled back. "Morning, Duffer."
Moments of Happiness
The days that followed were almost perfect.
Café Date:
Yuto held out a spoonful of cake. "Try this."
Reina rolled her eyes but took a bite. Her eyes widened. "…Not bad."
Yuto smirked. "Admit it, I have good taste."
Reina smirked back. "I'll admit nothing."
Gaming Night:
They played video games at an arcade, and Reina destroyed Yuto in every round.
"Seriously?! Are you even human?!" Yuto groaned.
Reina flicked her hair. "Bow before the Queen, peasant."
Yuto grinned. "I'll win next time."
Cherry Blossom Festival:
They walked through the park as petals fell around them.
Reina casually took Yuto's hand. "You're too slow. Keep up."
Yuto blushed but didn't let go.
Everything was perfect.
But deep inside…
Reina couldn't forget her father's words.
"The game has just begun."