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

Asuka raised a brow, clearly not buying his feigned innocence. "Another lie," she said with a dramatic sigh.

"Even saints lie, Haruto. You're no exception." Turning to the staff, she added with a bright smile, "We'll take the Private Spa Suite."

The staff maintained her professional demeanor, though her gaze flickered with the slightest hint of amusement at the exchange.

"Excellent choice. Please have a seat in our lounge while we prepare the suite. It will be ready in approximately ten minutes. In the meantime, feel free to enjoy the refreshments and our massage chairs."

"Thank you," Haruto said with a polite nod before turning to Asuka.

The two made their way to the lounge area, a cozy space outfitted with plush seating and a row of massage chairs.

Asuka immediately headed for one, her movements fluid as she eased into the chair.

"Ahh, this is nice," she murmured, reclining as the chair's rollers began working along her back.

She shot Haruto with a sidelong glance.

"So, are you ready to spill your secrets, or should I turn up the heat once we're in the suite?"

Haruto settled into the chair beside her, "You really don't let up, do you?"

Asuka laughed softly, closing her eyes as she relaxed further into the rhythmic motions of the massage chair.

"Not when it's this much fun."Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Haruto leaned back, letting the chair knead away the tension in his shoulders. For now he decided to shut up as the more he talked, the more she would know the lie behind him.

After about ten minutes, the staff returned. "Your private romantic spa is ready for use," she informed them with a warm smile, bowing slightly before motioning for them to follow her.

As they walked through the spa's corridors, soft instrumental music played in the background, mingling with the faint aroma of essential oils.

Haruto let his gaze wander, taking in the luxurious setting.

Well, it was expected as this spa cost more than even the room for a day.

The staff paused at a set of double doors, pushing them open with a smooth motion.

The room was spacious and felt cozy with soft music humming in the background.

Dim lighting casts a warm glow, accentuating the soft textures of the décor. Aromatherapy candles flickered in various corners, their flames dancing gently, releasing a calming blend of chamomile and citrus into the air.

"This is our private spa suite," the staff began, her tone practiced but enthusiastic.

"As per your request, the aromatherapy is designed for ultimate relaxation. The room features two massage tables and a half-open design leading to a secluded backyard with a heated jacuzzi."

She gestured toward the sliding glass doors that revealed the bubbling jacuzzi, surrounded by a small, well-manicured garden.

Haruto's eyes briefly lingered on the jacuzzi before scanning the rest of the room.

A small table was set with a bottle of champagne chilling in a silver bucket, alongside two crystal glasses and a tray of artfully arranged snacks—chocolates, fresh fruits, and delicate pastries.

The staff moved toward a side table and picked up a flyer, handing it to Asuka. "This outlines the usual steps for couples to enjoy their spa experience, but of course, you're welcome to modify it as you see fit."

"Additionally, we offer optional hot stone massages or other services. Should you require assistance, simply ring the bell." She pointed to a sleek, silver bell on the table.

With a graceful bow, she concluded, "Please enjoy your private spa."

Her steps were light and measured as she left the room, the doors closing behind her with a soft click.

Asuka let out a small hum of approval, her eyes sweeping across the room. "Now, this is impressive," she said, her lips curving into a satisfied smile.

Her gaze landed on the champagne, and her expression turned playful. "We should take this to the jacuzzi."

She picked up the bottle, holding it out toward Haruto with a sly grin. "Won't you help me open it?"

Haruto, trying to keep his mind from wandering back to thoughts of Mari, took the bottle from her hands.

He was just worried that the girl would wake up and wander around the hotel and they would pass each other.

'It would be awkward,' he thought, 'I need to activate that skill when I am done with Asuka,'

The cork popped with a satisfying sound, and a faint mist of chilled champagne rose from the neck of the bottle.

He tilted it carefully, pouring the golden liquid into the waiting glass Asuka held out.

She swirled the glass lazily before bringing it to her lips, taking a slow sip. Her eyes fluttered shut, and she exhaled a contented sigh.

"Ah, now that hits the spot." She opened her eyes, the mischief returning.

"Want me to pour you some?"

Haruto shook his head, placing the bottle on the table. "I'm not twenty yet, remember? No alcohol for me."

Asuka's laugh was light, teasing. "But you're old enough to sleep with another man's wife?"

Her words landed playfully, and Haruto smirked in response, reaching for chocolate from the tray. The moment he bit into it, his expression soured, and he quickly set the rest down.

"Ugh, why is this so bitter?"

Asuka chuckled, swirling her champagne again. "That's bonbon chocolate. It's filled with alcohol. You're clearly not cut out for this stuff, no matter how much you try to act the part."

Her gaze sharpened, locking onto him. "Though with that tattoo on your back, you do look the part of a gang member. Are you?"

Haruto froze for a fraction of a second before masking his unease with a casual grin.

"You're too sharp, Asuka. You scare me sometimes."

She leaned forward, resting her chin in her hand. "Maybe it's because my son is in a gang too? Do you know it, Haruto? Are you in the same one?"

Her voice was light, almost playful, but her eyes were piercing as if searching for the truth.

Haruto's mind raced. 'Did Kota tell her something? Or is she guessing?'

He thought back to Kota's battered face after Mari shared about his perverted personality of stalking her and putting hidden cameras all over her room.

"What do you mean?" Haruto asked cautiously, masking his discomfort with a feigned air of confusion.

"Did something happen to Kota?"

Asuka sighed, her hand hovering over the tray before selecting a chocolate-dipped strawberry. She bit into it delicately, chewing slowly before speaking.

"He's in the hospital. He's always coming home with bruises and wounds, but this time… it was serious."

Her tone was unsettlingly calm, as though she were discussing a trivial inconvenience rather than her son's hospitalization. Haruto's brow furrowed.

'Why isn't she more concerned? Shouldn't she be at his side instead of here?'

But she wasn't. Her demeanor remained unnervingly relaxed, her focus more on the champagne than the fact that her son had been hospitalized.

'So what Mari said was true,' Haruto thought grimly.

'Kota isn't loved by his parents.'

He felt pity crossed his mind before being snuffed out by his resentment. 'But it's still his fault he turned out the way he did. That bastard brought it on himself.'

Haruto cleared his throat, forcing his voice to stay steady. "Maybe he's being bullied," he suggested.

"I've heard gangs from other schools have been shaking down students for money lately."

"Maybe," Asuka mused, though her tone was skeptical. She swirled the champagne in her glass again, her eyes narrowing slightly.

"But then, how do you explain the new tattoo on his arm? Seems like he's chosen a side, doesn't it?"

Haruto felt his chest tighten. 'Damn it, she doesn't miss anything.'

Haruto closed his eyes for a moment, steadying his thoughts. 'She's sharp, I need to tell her half the truth, I just can't lie to her over and over again.'

"He's been in trouble at school," Haruto admitted, choosing his words carefully.

"A girl shared proof that he has been stalking her for years and even put hidden cameras in her room. That's what I know."

Asuka's expression darkened slightly, a faint shadow of disappointment crossing her face.

"That boy… If only he focused on something productive, like studying or being rich. Maybe then he wouldn't have to stoop to such things to get a girl's attention."

Her detached tone sent a chill through Haruto. He studied her carefully, searching for any flicker of maternal concern, but found none.

"Asuka," he asked quietly, "do you… hate Kota?"

She tilted her head, her lips curving into a faint smile. "I don't hate him. I just don't feel anything for him."

Her honesty left Haruto momentarily speechless, though he could feel a bit of sorrow in those emerald eyes.

She turned her gaze toward the jacuzzi, the flickering light of the candles reflecting in her eyes.

"He's an unwanted child," she said softly. "I can't love him."

Her words resonated with certain, as though she had long come to terms with this truth.

"Is it because of your husband?" Haruto asked, the question slipping out before he could stop himself.

"Perhaps," she replied, her voice carrying a hint of bitterness.

She gazed at Haruto for a long time, her mouth was open as if wanted to say something but she ended up closing it.

"But does it matter now?"

She suddenly leaned closer, her playful smirk returning. "Enough about him. Why don't we enjoy the jacuzzi?"

Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she added, "Or maybe… you'd prefer to do something else first? Your fingers look wrinkled already."

She narrowed her gaze, her grin widening. "Did you have some fun with another woman in a hot spring before meeting me?"