The next day...
Mariko was up early, bustling around the kitchen as she prepared a bountiful breakfast for herself and her twin sister, Moriko. Originally, Moriko had planned to use her vacation to travel back to their family hometown, but the stalking incident had abruptly altered their plans. Instead of returning to the province, Moriko had volunteered to be Mariko's personal security, a decision Mariko greatly appreciated.
The sisters had always been close, and Mariko was grateful to have Moriko by her side during this unsettling time. As she set the table with delicious dishes, she couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for her sister's unwavering support and protection.
When Moriko joined her at the breakfast table, Mariko smiled warmly at her twin.
"Looks like my hard work last night blessed me with this chance."
Moriko appreciated Mariko's effort in preparing breakfast, something she had taken on herself ever since they lost their parents. The division of tasks between the sisters had always been clear: Moriko was the one who excelled in physical prowess, while Mariko possessed a sharp intellect. Together, they complemented each other perfectly, a formidable duo in both beauty and abilities.
"You know, sis, I'm excited to taste your cooking. You're the brains, and I'm the brawn, but we make a pretty unbeatable team, don't we?"
Mariko chuckled, touched by her sister's words and the unspoken bond they shared.
"We certainly do, Mori. We've always got each other's backs."
As Mariko poured coffee for her twin sister and set their breakfast on the table, she couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. The question that had been lingering in her mind finally found its way out.
"Anyway, are you sure you'll be hanging around me all day today?"
"Nope, not just for today, but for the rest of my stay here. I'll stay with you for two months before flying back to Italy." Moriko quickly replied, giving her sister assurance.
Mariko's initial dissatisfaction with her sister's answer was mixed with guilt. She knew that her own situation had disrupted Moriko's vacation plans, and she couldn't help but feel responsible.
"Mori, I'm sorry for ruining your vacation plans. You should be enjoying your time in our hometown, not worrying about my safety." Guilt was evident on Mariko's face.
Moriko reached out and gently squeezed Mariko's hand. With a reassuring smile and sincere tone she said, "Mari, family comes first. Your safety and well-being are my top priorities right now. Besides, aren't you happy that we get to make the most of these two months together?"
Mariko squeezed back Moriko's hands tightly, her eyes filled with gratitude and love.
"Thank you, Mori. You're the coolest and most loving sister in the world. I promise, we'll mobilize my security and pursue all necessary legal steps to thwart that stalker of mine."
Moriko nodded in agreement, her determination unwavering. They then enjoyed their breakfast together.
------
Meanwhile...
In a dimly lit, smoky underground club tucked away in the heart of the North and West Prefecture, Jiro, known as the Lord of the territory, was holding a clandestine meeting with a newly arriving gang. As the ruler of his turf, he had a reputation to uphold, and anyone who dared encroach on his territory would be met with both respect and a display of his authority.
Seated at the head of a long, polished wooden table, Jiro exuded an air of quiet confidence, his sharp eyes scanning the faces of the newcomers. His loyal men flanked him on either side, a testament to the unwavering loyalty he had earned over the years.
Jiro had always been a formidable figure in the underground world, and his enemies knew better than to underestimate him. He had no family, no known weaknesses, and he had used that to his advantage. But everything had changed when he had encountered someone who would unwittingly become his Achilles' heel.
As the meeting progressed, Jiro listened attentively to the newcomers, his mind sharp and analytical. He was aware that while his own men were fiercely loyal, there were always those who sought to challenge his authority or bring him down.
However, his thoughts occasionally drifted to 'Mariko,' the woman who had entered his life like an unexpected storm, causing him to become a fool in love. It was a vulnerability he had never experienced before, one that both intrigued and worried him.
As the meeting continued in the dimly lit underground club, Jiro's mind couldn't help but wander back to the moment when his obsession had begun, the day he had first laid eyes on 'Mariko' during a lively festival.
The memories of that day played out in his mind like a vivid movie, momentarily pulling him away from the harsh reality of the underground world.
It had been a vibrant spring evening, and the festival lights had bathed the streets in a warm, colorful glow. Jiro had been walking through the bustling crowd, his senses alive with the energy of the festivities. His life had always been shrouded in shadows, but for a brief moment, he had allowed himself to be a part of something brighter.
And then, amidst the throngs of revelers, he had seen her—Mariko. She had stood out like a beacon of light in the darkness, her laughter infectious and her smile captivating. Her presence had drawn him in like a moth to a flame, and he had been unable to tear his gaze away.
The memory of her dancing in the streets, the colorful yukata swirling around her, had left an indelible mark on his heart. In that moment, he had known that his life had changed forever, that he had become a fool in love.
Jiro's obsession with 'Mariko' had taken root that day, and it had grown into a tangled web of emotions that he couldn't escape. As he recalled that fateful festival, he couldn't help but wonder how one chance encounter had transformed his world and made him question everything he had ever known.