Daichi escorted Mahiru to his mansion, leaving her in awe of its grandeur. The imposing residence was heavily guarded, its perimeter surrounded by vigilant sentinels.
Exiting his car, Daichi gallantly opened the door for Mahiru, who couldn't help but inquire, "Where are we?"
"Welcome to my home. Please, step out." Daichi responded with a gentle smile.
Obliging, Mahiru followed as Daichi took her hand and guided her through the open gates, leading her inside the magnificent estate.
Inside, they were met by a man with striking white hair and attire, sporting a white suit accented by black gloves.
As they entered, Daichi addressed the man, "Mr. Nagito, please cancel all my appointments. Scrub the meeting with my father, and call off my piano class."
With purposeful strides, Daichi and Mahiru proceeded forward, with Nagito trailing closely behind, attending to their needs.
Daichi led Mahiru to his private gym, where he promptly removed his shirt.
"What are you doing?" Perplexed, Mahiru questioned.
"Just give me 30 minutes," Daichi said calmly. "I need to work out. You can sit and wait."
As Daichi commenced his exercise routine, Mahiru settled into a chair, feeling uneasy under the gaze of the man named Nagito, his eyes fixed on her, causing her discomfort.
"Please, Daichi, let me go," Mahiru implored, her voice trembling as she looked at him with desperate eyes.
"No," Daichi responded coldly, his tone laced with a cruel arrogance.
Growing increasingly upset, Mahiru couldn't shake the feeling of discomfort caused by Nagito's lingering gaze.
Gathering her courage, she turned to Daichi and asked, "Can I ask you something?"
"What is it?" Daichi replied, curious.
Mahiru hesitated for a moment before inquiring, "Who is he?"
Daichi offered an explanation, saying, "His name is Nagito. He's been my caretaker, more like a guardian, for longer than I can remember."
"Where are your parents?" Mahiru inquired further.
"They reside in different countries," Daichi responded. "We manage to meet only once a month."
Mahiru remained silent and seemed stunned after hearing this…..
After half an hour of workout Daichi approached Mahiru and simply stated, "Let's go," taking her hand as they departed.
Meanwhile, Nagito followed a few steps behind, his demeanor serious. "Sir, would you like me to arrange a special dinner for the two of you?" he asked, his tone measured and respectful.
"No, we will eat outside. For now, I just want snacks," Daichi responded.
"As you wish," Nagito complied, acknowledging Daichi's decision.
Daichi then guided Mahiru to his bedroom, with Nagito accompanying them.
As they entered Daichi's bedroom, He instructed, "I'm going to take a bath. Nagito, make sure she doesn't attempt to escape."
Nagito reassured him, "Don't worry, sir. Your command will be followed."
As Daichi went to bathe, Nagito ordered snacks on the telephone for two and continued to gaze at Mahiru.
"Why are you staring at me?" Mahiru questioned, feeling uneasy under Nagito's gaze.
"Who are you?" Nagito asked, his curiosity sharp.
"Maybe it's best to ask him about me," Mahiru replied, skillfully redirecting.
"I can't ask him questions. You must tell me—who are you?" Nagito pressed insistently.
"He's my classmate," Mahiru clarified after a moment of hesitation.
Curious, Nagito continued, "Tell me about your relationship."
"What? No, we're not involved in any kind of relationship," Mahiru quickly clarified.
"So why did he bring you here? He's never brought any girl here before," Nagito probed.
Mahiru's eyes widened in shock. "What do you mean? Am I the first girl Daichi has ever brought here?"
"Yes," Nagito confirmed. "He's never shown interest in anyone before. So why do you? Tell me the truth."
"I honestly don't know why he brought me here," Mahiru replied, her voice filled with uncertainty.
Nagito's skepticism was palpable. "I can tell what kind of woman you are—only interested in his wealth."
Mahiru stood up, her voice resolute. "What are you saying? I barely know him, and I have no interest in his wealth."
"Just stay away from him," Nagito warned, his tone growing stern and protective. "It's for your own good. He's like a son to me, and this is my final warning. Keep your distance."
Stunned by Nagito's revelation, Mahiru tried to grasp the situation. "What? I don't understand," she said, her confusion evident.
As Mahiru struggled to make sense of Nagito's warning, a knock interrupted their conversation.
With composed demeanor, Nagito granted entry to a servant carrying a tray laden with an assortment of snacks.
Motioning towards Daichi's bed, Nagito directed the servant to place the snacks on Daichi's bed. Servant placed the tray of Daichi's bed and left the room.
Turning his attention back to Mahiru, Nagito reiterated sternly, "I hope this is the last encounter between us. Do not attempt to communicate with Daichi again. You may eat now."
Feeling bewildered and disoriented by Nagito's words, Mahiru remained perplexed as Nagito continued to fix his gaze upon her.
After some time Daichi came out shirtless, settled onto his bed, motioning for Mahiru to join him with a gentle pat next to him saying, "Come, sit here."
Though initially hesitant, Mahiru eventually acquiesced and took a seat beside him.
"Eat," Daichi urged casually.
Mahiru eats a snack as Daichi inquires, "Have you contacted your mother?"
"No," Mahiru replied, "No, I forgot, give me your phone to call her?"
Daichi nodded, "Certainly. Nagito, fetch my phone from the car." he commanded.
Acknowledging Daichi's request, Nagito nodded and promptly exited the room, affirming, "As you wish, sir."
"Why are you doing this?" Mahiru questioned Daichi's motives.
"Because we're friends," Daichi replied casually.
Firmly, Mahiru countered, "No, I don't want to be your friend."
Daichi paused, fixing his gaze on Mahiru with unwavering intensity. "Whether you acknowledge it or not, I've already considered you a friend. Acceptance is your only option."
Mahiru met his stare with defiance. "I refuse to accept it."
"Your acceptance isn't required," Daichi said decisively. "I've already made that choice, and that's all that matters."
Mahiru replied firmly, "You can't treat me like your servant."
Daichi locked eyes with her, his tone calm but probing. "Do you honestly believe I'm treating you that way?"
Mahiru's expression hardened with anger as she continued to glare at him.
A sudden knock interrupted their exchange. Daichi invited the visitor in, and Nagito entered, presenting Daichi with his phone.
Daichi handed the phone to Mahiru, instructing her, "Go ahead, call your mom. Let her know you'll be coming home after dinner."
Dialing her mother's number, Mahiru waited until her mother answered.
"Hello, mother," she began, "Yes, I'm doing well. I apologize for being with my friend; I'll come home after dinner. Yes, I'll have dinner with you."
While Mahiru was in the midst of the conversation, Daichi abruptly seized the phone from her grasp, placing it on his own ear, interjecting, "Hello, Aunt."
Startled, Mahiru reached out to retrieve the phone, but Daichi swiftly blocked her with his hand.
He signaled to Nagito, who moved to restrain Mahiru, using his hand to cover her mouth and prevent her from speaking.
Assuring Mahiru's mother, Daichi spoke calmly into the phone,
"Yes, your daughter is here with me so please don't worry…..I'm her friend, and she's perfectly safe. Both Mahiru and I will join you for dinner…..We'll be there shortly. Is that alright?"
After hearing her mother's response, Daichi responded warmly, "That's very kind of you. We'll arrive in 15 minutes. Thank you, and please don't worry."
Ending the call, Daichi turned to Mahiru. With a subtle signal, he directed Nagito to release her, and Nagito complied.
Left in a state of shock, Mahiru could only stare in disbelief.