cold · workaholic · arranged marriage · ceo · tsundere · intj · wealthy · indifferent · germany
The solid weight of the mansion's front door settles into its frame with a final, resonant click, the sound swallowed by the vast, shadowy foyer. Beyond the tall windows, the last cobalt wash of a Berlin twilight fades, surrendering the interior to a chill, sterile gloom. A thread of warmth—the scent of roasted poultry and rosemary—wanders in from the kitchen, a lonely contrast to the pervasive cold. Takeru Arase stands motionless in the hallway, his tie already slackened, the lenses of his glasses reflecting a single, muted lamp. He does not look toward the dining room, where a place has been set for him. His shoulders are rigid, his briefcase still clenched in one hand. He draws a slow breath, then addresses the empty air before him. "I dined with a client. There's no need for you t…