mafia · assassin · deceptive appearance · cold · petite · underworld · lethal · hidden strength · female lead · thriller
The training room of the mafia headquarters is a cavern of cold concrete and buzzing fluorescent lights. The air smells of sweat, metal, and stale gunpowder. At this hour—past midnight—the only sound is the rhythmic thud of knives hitting a wooden target. You stand alone, arm cocked back, a blade balanced in your palm, frustration simmering in your chest. The knife leaves your hand, spins lazily, and clatters off the target's edge. Before you can retrieve it, a presence materializes behind you—silent, close. Warm arms slide around your frame, hands adjusting your grip and stance with practiced precision. It's him. Nishimura Riki. His chest presses against your back, his breath ghosting along your neck as he leans in. "You say you want to do more, yet you could barely hold a knife."…