LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 201: Safest Place
After driving a safe distance from that cursed hotel, Haruto finally pulled over.
His hands gripped the wheel tightly, his jaw clenched as he turned to look at Ayaka.
His chest tightened at the sight of her.
Her face was bruised, her eyes swollen with deep blue marks.
Blood trickled from her nose, staining her lips, and her clothes—ripped, disheveled—barely covered her trembling body.
Haruto exhaled sharply, forcing down the violent urge bubbling inside him. Without a word, he took off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders.
"Here," he said, pulling out a handkerchief.
Ayaka reached for it with shaky hands, dabbing at her bleeding nose as silent tears rolled down her cheeks.
Then, without hesitation, Haruto pulled her into his arms.
Warm. Steady. Protective.
A choked sob broke from Ayaka's lips as she buried her face in his chest, gripping his shirt as though afraid he'd disappear.
"I'm sorry," Haruto murmured, his voice thick with guilt. "This happened because I pissed off Ren… I shouldn't have—"
Ayaka shook her head weakly against him. "No… he's always been like this. It's not your fault."
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Her voice trembled, fragile yet filled with relief. "Thank you for saving me, Haruto."
She inhaled deeply, taking in his scent—a mix of cologne and something uniquely him. The warmth of his embrace eased the terror still lingering in her bones.
Haruto pressed a soft kiss to the top of her head, his fingers rubbing gentle circles on her back. He held her until her sobs faded into quiet sniffles.
Then, carefully, he pulled away just enough to see her face.
"Let's go to the hospital," he said, cupping her cheek.
Ayaka flinched slightly from the touch, making Haruto's heart twist.
"I'm fine now," she whispered hastily. "It'll be bad if we go to the hospital… They might think you did this to me."
Haruto chuckled, but there was no humor in it. "You think I care? Let them. As long as you're okay, I don't give a damn what they think."
Ayaka sighed, knowing there was no arguing with him. Stubborn as always.
So, they drove straight to the emergency department.
While Ayaka was taken in for treatment, Haruto remained outside, leaning against the wall as he pulled out his phone.
It was vibrating nonstop.
He answered, only to be met with Enji's panicked voice.
"Where the hell are you?! What happened?! The video and voice recorder are broken because of that damned Ren!"
Haruto exhaled tiredly. "Calm down, Enji. We're at the hospital."
"Are you insane?! The hospital staff will report this to the police! Do you want them involved?!"
Haruto pinched the bridge of his nose. "Ah… about that."
"You should've called us! We could've taken her to a private clinic!" Enji's voice grew more exasperated.
Haruto scratched his neck. "Can't you handle it? Last time I was in the hospital with Daiki, nothing happened."
"YOU IDIOT! That was because of Senior Nakamura! He has connections with the police!"
Another voice came through the line—Arataki.
"Let it go, Enji. Let him rot in jail for a couple of days."
Haruto rolled his eyes. "Come on, Ren didn't see me. His people don't even know who I am. Just… do something about the police, alright?"
His voice softened. "I can't stand seeing her like this. What if she was someone you love or your sister? What would you do then?"
Silence.
Then, Enji sighed.
"Fine. But if Kikuchi finds out, we're all screwed."
The call ended. Haruto slipped his phone back into his pocket, exhaling sharply.
He glanced down at his hand—his knuckles were bleeding from gripping the wheel too tightly.
But none of that mattered.
Because all he could think about… was Ren.
And how much he wanted to kill him.
***
After Ayaka's treatment at the hospital, Haruto brought her home.
She let out a quiet sigh of relief upon stepping inside—the house was dark and silent, meaning her aunt was still out of town for work.
As she turned to thank Haruto, he suddenly spoke.
"Can I stay with you tonight?"
Ayaka blinked. His voice was calm, but his gaze held a quiet intensity.
"I'm worried Ren might come back for you." His fingers gently tilted her chin upward, forcing her to meet his eyes.
A warmth spread through her chest at his concern. She nodded. "Okay… but let me rest tonight, alright?"
Haruto chuckled. "Don't worry. I wouldn't have sex with someone who just got out of the hospital."
A smirk tugged at his lips. "But I was incredible yesterday, wasn't I? You had a hard time walking."
Ayaka froze, her face instantly burning. "Shut up!" she yelped before rushing up the stairs.
Haruto laughed, shaking his head before settling into the living room. He leaned back, stretching his arms with a satisfied sigh.
But then—grumble.
His stomach protested loudly.
"Ah… I haven't eaten dinner yet." He sighed, rubbing his abdomen before heading to the kitchen.
Opening the fridge, he scanned its contents with the confidence of someone who practically lived there.
"Hm… not bad." He murmured, noting the fresh vegetables and neatly packed meat.
"Haruto, are you hungry? Want me to cook for you?"
Ayaka's voice startled him slightly. He turned to see her standing behind him, freshly changed into a comfortable oversized shirt and shorts.
"No need." Haruto stepped forward, guiding her toward the dining table with a teasing smile.
"I'll do the cooking. What does the princess want for dinner?"
Ayaka tilted her head thoughtfully. "Hmm… I'm craving something Western. Maybe pasta?"
"Fettuccine alfredo, then." Haruto winked before rolling up his sleeves.
Within minutes, the kitchen filled with the rich aroma of butter, garlic, and cream.
The sound of sizzling echoed through the room as he expertly twirled the pasta in the sauce, plating two beautifully presented dishes.
Ayaka clapped her hands in delight. "Wow, you really can cook!"
Haruto smirked as he set the plates down. "Yeah, I do it for fun sometimes."
They ate together, the warmth of the meal complemented by their playful banter. Ayaka found herself laughing at his teasing remarks, the tension from earlier slowly melting away.
With Haruto here, she felt safe. Even if Ren tried to come after her again, she knew she wouldn't be alone.
But just as they finished eating, as Haruto stood by the sink washing dishes—
CRASH!
The glass shattered violently as something smashed through the window.
A tense silence fell over the house.
Then, a furious voice roared from outside.
"COME OUTSIDE, YOU BITCH! OR I'M GONNA WRECK YOUR HOUSE!"
Ayaka's breath hitched.
Haruto stilled, his fingers clenching around the dish. Slowly, he turned his head toward her.
Their eyes met.
It was Ren