As the meeting for the launch of Nexus Revo 4.0 concluded, attendees began to disperse, exchanging polite farewells and discussing various aspects of the upcoming event. Mariko was surrounded by her colleagues and associates, receiving commendations and suggestions on her latest creation.
Kenji, however, had other plans. His fascination with Moriko had only grown stronger since their conversation in the canteen. He found her intriguing, a stark contrast to Mariko, even though they were identical twins. Perhaps it was Moriko's unique style and demeanor that piqued his interest.
Approaching the twins, Kenji extended a warm invitation. "Mariko, Moriko, thank you for having us today. I'd like to extend an invitation for dinner tonight. It would be a great opportunity for us to get to know each other better."
Mariko smiled graciously and was about to respond when Moriko chimed in. "Dinner sounds great. Count us in, Kenji. Lead the way."
Kenji nodded, his enthusiasm evident. He found himself drawn to Moriko's confident and charismatic aura, a contrast to Mariko's professional demeanor. "Excellent. I'll arrange everything, and we'll make it an evening to remember."
As they left the venue together, Kenji couldn't help but feel that there was more to Moriko than met the eye, and he was eager to unravel the mysteries behind her captivating persona.
Unbeknownst to the trio, a pair of watchful eyes were discreetly observing their every move from a dimly lit corner of the room. Hidden in the shadows, the observer remained undetected, their presence concealed by the darkness that veiled them.
-----
Jiro sat alone in his dimly lit home, the air thick with tension. He had been on edge since the encounter with Mariko's sister, Moriko. His mind was in turmoil, and he couldn't shake the image of Moriko's face as she confronted him, her determination and fearlessness etched in his memory.
As he brooded in solitude, his phone suddenly rang, shattering the silence. He picked it up, his voice laced with annoyance as he answered the call. It was one of his subordinates, delivering unwelcome news.
"Mariko," the voice on the other end began, "she's been invited to dinner by Kenji Hisatomi, her long-time colleague and business partner."
Jiro's jaw clenched as he heard the name. Kenji, his older half-brother, was a thorn in his side. Not only had he been their mother's favored son, but he also enjoyed a closeness with Mariko that Jiro could only dream of.
"Kenji," Jiro muttered under his breath, his irritation evident. He couldn't help but envy the man who was now sharing a meal with the woman he was obsessed with, a woman he could only stalk from a distance.
The news of Mariko's dinner invitation ignited a simmering anger within Jiro. He knew he had to tread carefully and find a way to undermine Kenji's presence in Mariko's life. Determination burning in his eyes, Jiro wasted no time. He quickly got dressed, opting for a sleek and dark ensemble that exuded an air of authority. As he left his home and stepped into the night, he couldn't shake the thought of Mariko being with his older half-brother, Kenji. The mere idea of it was maddening.
Jiro knew the restaurant where Kenji and Mariko were dining. The journey to the venue was a mix of impatience and anticipation, his mind racing with thoughts of what he would do when he saw them together.
The restaurant's entrance came into view, and Jiro slowed his pace. He took a moment to compose himself, ensuring that his appearance exuded confidence and authority. His eyes scanned the area as he entered, searching for the familiar faces of his brother and the woman who had captured his heart.
The dimly lit interior of the restaurant was alive with activity, the clinking of glasses and murmurs of conversations filling the air. And then, he saw them.
Mariko and Kenji were seated at a corner table, engrossed in conversation. Jiro's presence had gone unnoticed as he stood in the shadows, observing the two of them. The sight of Mariko's smile and the way Kenji leaned in closer to her ignited a surge of jealousy within him.
He knew he had to make his presence felt, he had to introduce himself. Jiro took a step forward, his intent clear. Tonight, he wouldn't let Kenji take Mariko's attention away from him.
Jiro was ready to make his move, his heart pounding with the anticipation of introducing himself to Mariko and surprising Kenji. He took a step forward, determined to make his presence known when suddenly, a voice whispered in his ear, freezing him in his tracks.
"What the fuck are you doing here? Didn't I make myself clear last time?"
Jiro's body tensed, his heart racing as he heard those words. The voice was unmistakable, and it sent shivers down his spine. Slowly, he turned around to see who had spoken to him, and there she was, Moriko, with that sweet smile on her face.
His breath caught in his throat as he locked eyes with her, feeling a strange mixture of surprise, confusion, and attraction. It was as if time had stood still, and he was once again captivated by her presence.
Moriko's smile remained, a contrast to the stern words she had just spoken. Her eyes bore into his, and Jiro found himself momentarily at a loss for words. What was she doing here? And why did she have such an effect on him, even after all that had transpired?
As the seconds passed, the din of the restaurant continued around them, oblivious to the tension that hung in the air. Jiro knew he had to respond, but he couldn't deny the powerful attraction he felt for the woman before him, even if she was Mariko's twin, the one who had discovered his stalking.
With a deep breath, he finally managed to find his voice. "I... I came here to see someone," he replied, his eyes never leaving Moriko's. "I didn't expect to run into you."
Moriko's smile vanished as she hissed at Jiro's response, her eyes narrowing with skepticism. She leaned in closer, her voice barely audible as she whispered with a hint of annoyance, "You're not just a stalker but a liar, eh?"
She was not buying his excuse, not for a second. Moriko was a seasoned warrior, and she had a keen sense for deception. She had caught Jiro in the act before, and she wasn't about to let him off the hook now.
With a determined look, Moriko straightened up and spoke more firmly, "Listen, stalker. You need to back off and leave this restaurant. I don't want my sister and her stalker in the same place at the same time. You've caused enough trouble already."
Her words carried a stern warning, and Moriko's gaze bore into Jiro's as she awaited his response.
Jiro's mind raced as he considered the implications of Moriko's threat. She was not one to be trifled with. He couldn't afford to have his true identity exposed, especially not in front of Kenji and Mariko. Panic set in, and in a desperate bid to avoid a scene, he made a sudden move. Without warning, he reached out and firmly grasped Moriko's wrist, pulling her closer.
Before Moriko could react, Jiro swiftly swept her off her feet, carrying her in a princess-style hold as if they were lovers eloping. He moved with surprising speed and determination, heading towards the restaurant's exit. He knew that creating a scene here would only draw more attention, and he couldn't risk that.
As he carried Moriko away, he whispered in her ear, "I don't have time for this now. We'll talk later, but not here." His voice was low and urgent, his eyes locked onto hers, silently pleading with her to cooperate for the time being.
Moriko was taken aback by this unexpected turn of events, caught off guard by Jiro's bold move. She couldn't help but feel a mix of surprise and curiosity, wondering what he had in mind. Nonetheless, she allowed herself to be carried away, keeping her wits about her as she prepared to confront Jiro once they were in a more private setting.