Chapter 13: Jun’s Interest
The midday sun streamed through the expansive windows of the study, casting long, golden rectangles across the dark mahogany desk. Jun sat in the oversized leather chair, the silence of the mansion surrounding him. Before him lay the leather-bound booklet, the pages filled with the profiles of the Academy’s most elite women.
He didn’t browse with the wide-eyed wonder of a typical candidate. Instead, he worked with a focused, almost clinical efficiency. He flipped through the pages, his eyes scanning the data—talents, backgrounds, and biological markers. With a steady hand, he began to remove several pages, sliding them out of the binder and setting them aside. He wasn’t looking for a collection of trophies; he was looking for specific pieces that would fit into the life he intended to build here.
As the clock neared noon, the sound of the front door opening echoed through the house, followed by the rhythmic click of heels on the hardwood.
Jun leaned back in his chair, a small, knowing smile playing on his lips. He didn’t have to look at the clock to know it was time.
A moment later, the study door opened. Sora stepped inside, and for a heartbeat, Jun simply stared. She had traded her rigid academy uniform for a casual yet impeccably tailored ensemble—a soft, cream-colored knit dress that clung to her voluptuous curves, accentuating her hourglass figure without being overly revealing. Her hair was styled in loose, elegant waves, and her expression was a mixture of shyness and anticipation.
Beside her stood Akane. The maid was dressed in a simple, refined outfit, her posture straight and her expression observant. She looked at Jun with a mixture of curiosity and respect, her eyes scanning the man who had managed to completely unravel her mistress.
“Jun-sama,” Sora greeted him, her voice soft and melodic. “I’ve returned.”
“Welcome back, Sora,” Jun replied, his voice smooth and welcoming. He stood up, his gaze lingering on her for a moment. “You look… wonderful. A very different look from this morning.”
Sora’s cheeks immediately flared a soft pink. She looked down, her fingers twisting slightly at the hem of her dress. “I… I thought you might prefer something more relaxed for the afternoon,” she murmured.
Jun chuckled, his eyes shifting to Akane. “And you must be Akane. Sora mentioned you were her most trusted aide.”
Akane bowed gracefully, a small, respectful smile on her lips. “It is an honor to meet you, Jun-sama. Sora-sama has spoken very highly of you.”
“The pleasure is mine,” Jun replied, his tone warm.
As the three of them stood in the study, the atmosphere was light, but Sora seemed to feel the need for a formal reset. She straightened her posture, her expression shifting into a mask of professional dignity, though her eyes remained soft.
“Jun-sama,” she began, her voice regaining its authoritative edge. “Since we are now living in the same household, I feel it is only right that I introduce myself properly. I am Sora Tsukamoto. I am the acting CEO of the Tsukama Group. As you may know, the Tsukama Group is a prominent pillar of Japanese industry, controlling nearly fifty percent of the electronics market in Japan.”
She spoke with the poise of a woman born to lead, her voice carrying the weight of a corporate empire. It was a statement of power, a reminder of the prestige she brought to his side.
Jun didn’t look impressed by the title. Instead, he took a step toward her, closing the distance between them. He reached out, his hand gently cupping her chin and tilting her face upward so she had to look directly into his eyes.
“That’s an impressive resume, Sora,” Jun murmured, his voice low and intimate. “But to be honest… I’m not particularly interested in the CEO of the Tsukama Group.”
Sora blinked, her breath hitching. For a second, a flash of uncertainty crossed her face. “You… you aren’t?”
Jun smiled, his thumb grazing her lower lip in a slow, deliberate motion. “No. I’m far more interested in Sora. The woman who blushes when I tease her, the woman who wants to be mine… the woman who is standing right here in front of me.”
The effect was instantaneous. Sora’s composure shattered. The “CEO” vanished, replaced by a girl who was completely smitten. Her face exploded into a vivid crimson, and she let out a small, breathless gasp. She tried to pull back, but her body remained frozen, captivated by the intensity of his gaze.
“You… you are such a smooth talker,” she complained, though her voice was trembling with pleasure. “How can you say such things so casually?”
Akane watched the interaction, a look of genuine happiness crossing her face. She had spent years by Sora’s side, seeing her struggle with the burdens of her family’s expectations and the loneliness of the “Iron Lady” persona. Seeing Sora being treated not as a tool of power, but as a woman desired for who she was, brought a sense of relief to Akane. She knew that Jun was exactly what Sora needed.
Jun let go of her chin, but he didn’t step away. He looked at the clock and then back to the two women.
“Speaking of the afternoon,” Jun said, his voice returning to its usual relaxed tone, “I was wondering what the plan for dinner was. I’m starting to get hungry.”
Sora quickly recovered, a bright, eager smile lighting up her face. She looked almost proud. “Don’t worry, Jun-sama. I’ve already taken care of that. I’ve prepared a special dinner for the three of us.”
“Is that so?” Jun teased, a playful glint in his eye. “I’ll have to see if the cooking is as impressive as your corporate portfolio.”
Sora let out a small, indignant huff, though she was beaming. “I assure you, Jun-sama, you will be very satisfied.”
With a gesture, Sora led the way out of the study and toward the dining room. As they walked, Jun noticed the way Sora walked—with a renewed sense of confidence and happiness. She wasn’t just his guide or his partner; she was a woman who felt seen and valued.
As they entered the dining room, a lavish spread of food was already waiting for them on the table. The aroma of home-cooked meals filled the air, a stark contrast to the sterile luxury of the Academy’s halls.
Jun took his seat at the head of the table, with Sora and Akane sitting beside him. As he looked at the two women—the devoted, blushing CEO and the curious, loyal aide—he felt a surge of satisfaction.
The Academy had given him a mansion and a catalog of the elite, but the real prize was the connection he was building. He didn’t need a hundred girls; he just needed the right ones. And as he looked at Sora, he knew he had already found the perfect start.