Netori: I Shall Steal All Of My Enemies' Women For Revenge!

Haruto leaned against the school gate, eyes scanning the stream of students leaving the building. His gaze lingered on the familiar wavy hair he hadn't seen yet.

After a few minutes, Ayaka finally appeared, walking alone. The moment her vibrant green eyes met his, she smiled softly and made her way toward him.

"Is it really okay for you to pick me up like this? Won't your girlfriend get jealous?" she teased as a greeting, her tone light but playful.

Haruto smirked, shoving his hands into his pockets. "Don't worry about it. Let's go."

Without waiting for a reply, he turned and started walking. Ayaka fell into step beside him, leading the way through the quiet streets.

Haruto followed her in silence, curious but saying nothing as they approached a staircase leading up to a temple hidden behind a small forest near the school.

"We're going to a temple?" Haruto asked, glancing up at the stone steps.

He hadn't even realized there was a temple in this area — it was tucked away so well it almost felt like a secret.

Ayaka nodded, a serene expression on her face. "Yup. I love coming here. The air is fresh, and the scenery is beautiful." Without waiting for him, she began climbing the stairs.

Haruto trailed behind, taking in the surroundings. As they passed through the torii gate — its bright red frame standing tall against the backdrop of trees — he felt a shift in the atmosphere.

The gate marked the transition from the mundane to the sacred, and the quiet serenity of the temple grounds enveloped them like a soft breeze.

They walked past the main temple and continued behind it, stopping in front of a massive ginkgo tree.

Its golden-yellow leaves shimmered in the autumn sunlight, casting a dappled glow on the ground beneath it.

Haruto's steps slowed as he took in the sight, a flicker of awe crossing his usually impassive face.

The tree was ancient and majestic, its sprawling branches reaching toward the sky. It reminded him of a sacred tree Jin had once shown him.

Ayaka sat on a small bench beneath the tree, patting the spot next to her. "Come on. The air here feels different, doesn't it?"

Haruto joined her, leaning back and letting the crisp autumn breeze wash over him.

The golden leaves rustled softly in the wind, and for a moment, neither of them spoke, simply enjoying the tranquility of the place.

"So, what did you want to talk about?"

Ayaka asked suddenly, breaking the silence. Her tone was calm, but her eyes remained distant. "Does it have something to do with Ren?"

Haruto nodded, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah… You know, after our last conversation, I thought you'd sever your ties with him."

A bitter smile tugged at Ayaka's lips. "I wanted to. But my prince wasn't there for me, was he?"

Her voice dripped with sarcasm, a sharp reminder that he was supposed to be that prince.

Haruto looked away, guilt gnawing at his chest as the wind scattered more leaves around them.

Ayaka let out a sigh and glanced at the tree. "Ren's like a giant spider, weaving an intricate web. Once you're trapped, it's impossible to get out. No matter how hard you struggle, the threads stick to you."

Haruto clenched his fists, remembering Erika — another victim ensnared in Ren's web. She had been like a butterfly, beautiful and fragile, crushed under the weight of that same trap.

"Is he still… touching you?"

Haruto asked, his voice low but serious. The thought of anyone laying their hands on Ayaka made his blood boil.

Ayaka tilted her head, her smile turning playful yet unsettling. "Are you jealous, my prince? If you hate it so much, why don't you cut the web and set me free?"

Her words made him uncomfortable, and he shifted awkwardly. "I'll try…" It was all he could muster.

Despite his anger, doubts lingered about their complicated relationship. Haruka didn't like her and he promise to not get close to her anymore, he didn't want to broke promise with his sister. Experience new stories on empire

Ayaka's gaze darkened as she muttered something under her breath. "Is my suffering not enough for you to act?"

Haruto frowned. "Huh? What did you say?"

"Nothing." She shook her head quickly, forcing a smile.

"I know this isn't why you came to see me. Just tell me, Haruto. What do you need?"

He hesitated, his throat tightening. "I… I need your help."

Ayaka's expression softened. "With what?"

Haruto took a deep breath. "The Crown of Ito."

Ayaka's hands trembled slightly as she gripped the hem of her shirt. "The Crown of Ito… It's that massive porn operation, isn't it?"

"They implant people into every level of society — girls and women who have no way to escape once they're caught."

"How much do you know?" Haruto pressed, leaning in.

"Do you know where their base is?"

Ayaka's voice faltered as she answered. "I know… because I experienced it myself."

Her words were barely above a whisper, but they hit Haruto like a punch to the gut.

"Ayaka…" His heart twisted as he reached out, rubbing her back gently. "Forget it. You don't have to talk about it. I don't want to make you relieve that pain."

But Ayaka shook her head, her eyes burning with newfound resolve. "No, it's fine. I'll be strong. I want to help you."

Haruto stared at her, taken aback.

"You want to destroy Ren, don't you?" she said, meeting his gaze with unwavering determination.

"How did you—?"

"I guessed." She smiled faintly.

"I can see it in your eyes. That fire… That hatred. And the fact that you know about the Crown of Ito means you've been investigating on your own."

She took his hand, squeezing it gently. "If you want to take Ren down, I want to help. For all the girls he's destroyed. For the lives he's shattered."

"And for my prince, who looks at me like I'm about to break." Ayaka reached up and gently brushed her fingers over Haruto's eyes.

Her touch lingered as she smiled softly. "I'll do whatever you ask, Haruto. But… I have one request."

Haruto swallowed, his voice rough. "What is it? I'll do whatever you need."

Ayaka's lips curved into a wistful smile. "Please… kiss me."

Haruto blinked in surprise. "That's all you want?"

She nodded. "I once read a story about a princess cursed to be a frog. When her true love kissed her, the curse broke, and she became beautiful again."

She leaned closer, her voice trembling. "Haruto… I'm a dirty frog now. My soul is scarred and ugly. Will you kiss me… and make me feel beautiful again?"

Haruto stared at her, his chest tightening. Slowly, he cupped her face, tilting her chin up. "Of course."

His lips met hers gently, a soft kiss filled with unspoken emotions. The wind rustled the ginkgo tree, golden leaves swirling around them like fragments of a dream.

The kiss lingered, time slowing as they held each other close. When they finally parted, Ayaka's cheeks were flushed, and Haruto's heart pounded in his chest like he was a nervous boy experiencing his first kiss.

He touched his lips, dazed. "What a weird feeling…" he murmured, his voice barely audible.

Haruto allowed himself to relax, feeling a rare moment of peace — until a familiar voice shattered the quiet.

"Brother… What are you doing here with her?"

Haruto turned toward the temple, and there she was. Haruka, her eyes blazing with fury as she took in the sight of him with Ayaka.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

Haruto stood up quickly, his heart pounding. "Haruka, I'm just talking with her—"

Ayaka rose as well, her lips curving into a playful smirk. "He's right. There's no need to be jealous."

That smirk only fueled Haruka's anger. Her gaze hardened as she strode toward Haruto, grabbing his wrist and pulling him away from Ayaka and the temple grounds without a word.

"Haruka, wait! I can explain—"

She stopped abruptly, turning to face him. Her expression was cold, her voice steady but cutting.

"You don't have to explain. I know exactly what you're doing."

Haruto froze, dread settling in his chest. He'd seen this before — the way she'd shut down when she was hurt, the way she'd avoid him or cry and beg him to stay away from Ayaka.

He braced himself for more of the same.

But this time was different.

Haruka's sharp gaze locked onto him, unwavering. "Brother… If she can capture your heart and become your girlfriend, then I hope you'll allow me to do the same."

His eyes widened in shock. "What are you saying?"

Before he could react, Haruka stepped closer, cupping his face with both hands. Her lips pressed against his in a sudden, forceful kiss — wiping away any lingering sensation from his kiss with Ayaka.

Haruto stumbled back, stunned, his mind racing.

Haruka pulled away, her eyes fierce and resolute. "I won't hold back anymore." Her voice trembled with emotion, but her determination was clear.

"I hope you'll let yourself fall in love with me, just like you fall for all your girls and women."

She stepped even closer, her presence overwhelming. "And this time… I won't back down."

Her words echoed in the air between them, a declaration that left Haruto speechless.