Bounded by Secrets

"Strings and Shadows"

Antonio stepped out of the leading car with an air of arrogance. He was impeccably dressed, his sharp suit complementing his well-groomed appearance. Kevin greeted him warmly, his face lighting up with approval.

"Antonio! Welcome, my boy," Kevin exclaimed, shaking his hand firmly. "I've been looking forward to this meeting."

Antonio smiled, exuding confidence. "It's an honor to meet you again, Mr. Kevin. I'm eager to grow my business alongside yours. And, of course, to meet Light," he added with a sly grin.

Light stiffened at the mention of her name but kept her composure, knowing Kevin would tolerate no dissent.

When Antonio's gaze shifted to Jack, his smile turned into a smirk. "Ah, Jack. I didn't expect to see you here. How's the mission life treating you? Or should I say... the *delicate* life?"

Jack's jaw tightened, his dislike for Antonio growing by the second. "I'm managing," he replied curtly, avoiding Kevin's disapproving stare.

Antonio chuckled, clearly enjoying himself. "I have to say, Jack, your appearance is always... unique. The hair, the pale skin, the way you carry yourself-it's almost like you're trying to audition for a fantasy movie."

Jack's fists clenched, his patience wearing thin. He wanted nothing more than to punch Antonio's smug face, but Kevin's unspoken rules were ironclad: *Never hit your elders.*

Antonio, sensing Jack's restraint, continued, "And the outfit-did you lose a bet or something? Or is this just your way of standing out?"

Jack's glare could have burned a hole through the wall, but he bit his tongue. Kevin, oblivious to Jack's frustration, laughed along with Antonio.

"Antonio, you're too much," Kevin said, patting him on the shoulder. "But that's the kind of energy I like. Light needs a strong man like you, someone who knows what he wants."

Jack couldn't take it anymore. He turned on his heel and stormed out of the room, his blood boiling. As he walked away, he muttered under his breath, "If he becomes part of this family, I swear I'm moving out."

---
Jack arrived at Ren's headquarters, running straight to his room. Meanwhile, in the practice hall, Mayumi was stuck on a high shelf near the ceiling, shouting for help. A bright light illuminated the room, making her predicament all the more noticeable.

Kaki, Gaku, and Asahi entered the hall, looking up at Mayumi with mixed expressions of confusion and amusement.

Kaki smirked and teased, "Mayu, I never knew you wanted to fly at this height."

The boys burst into laughter, while Mayumi glared down at them.

"Bro, just shut up!" Mayumi snapped. "I can't let you insult me like this. I threw my necklace up here and climbed a ladder to get it, but Jack took the ladder for some reason!"

Kaki chuckled, crossing his arms. "Oh, so that's the story. Well, now it looks like the situation is to bring you back down."

"It's obvious, Kaki!" Mayumi huffed. "I don't want to stay up here!"

Asahi stepped forward with a grin. "How about you jump? I'll catch you."

Mayumi shot him a glare. "I can't trust you, bro!"

Kaki and Gaku erupted into laughter again, and Gaku added, "Then maybe you should just settle up there and make it your new home."

Fuming, Mayumi grabbed a nearby ball and threw it at Gaku's face, hitting him squarely. The others burst into laughter as Gaku recoiled.

Kaki wiped a tear from his eye. "Shall we bring a ladder? But, uh... from where?"

"Guys, do something fast!" Asahi said, glancing at his watch. "There's a meeting here in a few minutes!"