replied, but the edge in his voice made it clear that it was far from nothing. "Saito is just trying to play games. He thinks he can use you to get to me, and I won't let that happen."

"But I don't understand." Hannah pressed, her brows furrowing. "What does he want from you? Why is he threatening me?"

Fuyuhiko stopped, turning to face her fully. He looked down into her eyes, searching for understanding. "He's trying to gain leverage over me, using you as a pawn. It's a power play, and I won't let him win. I promise I'll protect you, but you have to stay close to me. No more sneaking out or putting yourself in danger."

Hannah nodded, her heart racing at the thought of being used against Fuyuhiko. "I-I won't- I swear!"

"Good." he said, his voice firm but a hint of relief slipped into his tone. He resumed walking, keeping her close as they navigated the corridors of the facility.

As they approached the exit, Fuyuhiko opened the door, leading Hannah outside into the cool night air. The moon hung high above, illuminating their path as they walked toward the car waiting for them. The moment they stepped outside, Hannah felt a wave of relief wash over her; the tension of the building felt miles away.

Fuyuhiko guided her to the car and opened the door for her, ensuring she was safely seated before closing it and climbing in beside her. The driver, one of the clan members, started the engine, and they began to pull away from the facility.

In the car, Hannah turned to Fuyuhiko, her curiosity piqued. "What happened while I was studying? I could hear voices- but I didn't catch much." she asked, her tone light, but she could sense the underlying tension from earlier.

Fuyuhiko leaned back in his seat, his expression shifting as he considered his words. "I was sorting some things out, you know, business." he replied, avoiding her gaze for a moment. "Just the usual clan matters- dealing with territories, making sure everything's in line. It can get pretty tense."

Hannah frowned, sensing the tension behind his words. "Did anyone get hurt?" she pressed, concern knitting her brows together.

He paused for a heartbeat before responding, his jaw tightening slightly. "No one important." he said dismissively, but there was a hardness to his voice that made her uneasy.

"Fuyuhiko.." she said, her voice softening as she leaned closer, "You can't just brush this off. It's clear that something's going on, and I want to know that you're safe."

He exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. "I'm fine, really. It's just the usual clan politics. People getting rowdy and trying to assert dominance. It's nothing I can't handle."

"But it doesn't sound like nothing." she insisted, her worry palpable. "You don't have to protect me from the truth. I want to be involved too."

Fuyuhiko looked at her, a flicker of vulnerability crossing his face. "It's not about protecting you from the truth; it's about keeping you safe. There are lines I can't let you cross, and I won't let anyone hurt you. Especially not Saito."

Hannah nodded, trying to understand the weight of his responsibilities. "Is Saito really that bad?"

Fuyuhiko's jaw tightened at the mention of Saito's name. "He always is. Just a snake looking to stir up trouble. I don't want you to get involved with him, Hannah. He's manipulative and dangerous."

Hannah raised an eyebrow. "But you said it was just business. Why should I be worried?"

"Because Saito has a way of twisting things to get what he wants." Fuyuhiko replied sharply, turning his gaze to her. "He thrives on chaos. I need you to trust me when I say that it's better for you to stay out of it."

"I get it, but I'm not some damsel in distress." Hannah shot back, her tone defiant. "I can handle myself. I've been through my fair share of trouble."

Fuyuhiko sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration. "I know you're strong, but this isn't about strength. It's about the stakes we're dealing with. I can't let anything happen to you, especially not because of someone like him."

Hannah softened at his concern, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. "I just don't want to feel like I'm in a cage, Fuyuhiko. I want to be part of your world, not kept at arm's length."

Fuyuhiko looked at her, his expression a mix of admiration and worry. "I want you to be part of it too, but that means being cautious. The yakuza world is dangerous and I can't lose you to the games these people play."

Hannah felt a pang in her chest, recognizing the fear in his voice. "I promise to be careful, but I won't stop living my life. Just... promise me you'll keep me in the loop?"

"Always." he replied, a hint of relief washing over him as he took her hand. "Just remember, I'll do anything to keep you safe."

"I appreciate that, but I can stand by your side. You don't have to face this alone."

He softened at her words, and a small smile broke through his serious demeanor. "You really are something else, you know that?"

"Just trying to keep up with you." she replied, her smile matching his. "But seriously, if you ever need help or if there's something I can do, just let me know."

Fuyuhiko regarded her for a moment, admiration and concern warring in his expression. "Alright. But promise me you'll be careful. I don't want to see you caught up in any of this."

"I promise." Hannah said, her heart racing as she squeezed his hand. "And you have to promise me the same."

"Deal." he chuckled, finally relaxing into his seat as the car pulled up to the Kuzuryu manor. As they stepped out, the weight of the world still loomed over them, but in that moment, they had each other, and that was enough.