He perched on the edge of the bed, the icy metal cuff encircling his ankle a constant, jarring reminder of his captivity. As the maid entered the room, a mix of trepidation and cautious anticipation swirled within him. Her expression was a mask of neutrality as she approached him, her movements economical and precise. Without a word, she unclipped the cuff from his ankle, the metal releasing its grip with a soft click.

"Follow me," she instructed, her voice brisk, as she led him toward the bathroom. The same luxurious space that Ryu had occupied earlier now seemed to loom before him, its opulence a stark contrast to the fear and uncertainty that churned within. The air was heavy with tension, and Yuuki felt the weight of his captivity bearing down upon him, leaving him no choice but to comply.

As he entered the bathroom, his apprehension grew. The space was a masterclass in opulence, with marble tiles that gleamed like polished gemstones under the warm, golden light. The large soaking tub sat elegantly against one wall, but it was the expansive walk-in shower that drew his attention. Glass doors framed the shower area, revealing a rainfall showerhead that hung from the ceiling like a promise of serenity.

With a deep breath, He stepped into the shower, the warm droplets enveloping him like a gentle caress. He closed his eyes, allowing himself to sink into the moment as the water flowed over him, washing away the grime of fear and uncertainty. The steam wrapped around him like a protective cocoon, and for a fleeting instant, he forgot his dire circumstances. The warmth seeped into his muscles, relieving the tension that had been coiled within him.

As he scrubbed at his skin, the water worked its magic, easing the knots of fear and anxiety that had taken up residence within him. But the relief was short-lived, and as the water cascaded over him, a mixture of confusion and despair crept back in, a jarring reminder of the reality he is in. He rinsed his hair, allowing the water to wash away the remnants of dread from the previous night's events.

After he felt clean and somewhat refreshed, he turned off the water and stepped out, the bathroom now thick with steam. He grabbed a fluffy towel and quickly dried off. As he opened the glass door, he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror, a watery reflection of a frightened boy, framed by the remnants of the foggy glass.

With a sense of trepidation, Yuuki reached for the neatly folded outfit on the bed. A casual white t-shirt, black shorts, and a pair of sneakers that had been laid out for him. The clothes seemed to loom before him. Curious, he slipped into the clothes, the soft fabric of the t-shirt hugging him comfortably while the black shorts fit just right, allowing him to move freely. The attire revealed his youthful figure, accentuating the slight athletic build of a 16-year-old teenager. He noted how the casual fit brought out a cheeky, carefree look, which contrasted sharply with the dread weighing on him.

As he slipped on the sneakers, he admired the comfort they provided. The shoes felt like a familiar embrace for his feet, something he had always associated with freedom and movement. But the unsettling thought returned, who had selected these clothes for him? Why were they prepared with such care, as if meant to make him comfortable in his captivity?

 The maid's return was heralded by the soft rustle of her uniform, and she beckoned him to follow with a discreet gesture. He trailed behind her, the plush carpet muffled the sound of his footsteps as the soft padding of the sneakers walked by. The hallway stretched out before them, a seemingly endless corridor that ultimately led to a imposing red door, its bold color a stark announcement of the dining room that lay beyond.

 Once they entered, the sight took him aback. The dining room was breathtaking, filled with elegant furnishings that spoke of wealth and power. The large windows offered a panoramic view of lush greenery outside, the vibrant beauty standing. While his own home was beautiful, this was on another level.

 As he glanced around, he noted the long table set meticulously with delicate china and gleaming silverware. Despite the allure of the lavish spread of fresh fruits, pastries, and rich coffee. He took a seat at the table, feeling the weight of expectations heavy upon him. Yuuki resolved to stay vigilant, he couldn’t afford to let his guard down, even in this moment of supposed safety.

As Yuuki sat at the lavish dining table, his heart still racing with a mixture of fear and uncertainty, the atmosphere shifted once again. The heavy door opened, and Ryu entered the dining room. He was dressed in a casual style that seemed effortlessly elegant, the kind of attire that spoke volumes of wealth and sophistication without the need for ostentation.

Ryu wore a tailored navy blazer that hugged his tall, athletic frame perfectly, accentuating his broad shoulders and slim waist. Beneath the blazer, a crisp white shirt peeked out, its collar unbuttoned in a relaxed manner that still managed to look polished. The sleeves were rolled up just enough to reveal the strong contours of his forearms, giving him an air of casual confidence.

 His dark hair fell effortlessly into place, tousled just enough to convey a sense of sophistication mixed with approachability. Ryu paired his ensemble with well-fitted gray chinos that offered a striking contrast while still maintaining that refined look. On his feet, he wore classic leather loafers that clicked softly against the marble floor as he walked with a blend of comfort and elegance that completed his ensemble.

 As he moved through the dining room, Yuuki couldn't help but take in the sight of the older man. Ryu exuded a presence that was impossible to ignore, a potent blend of charisma and darkness that seemed to seep from every pore. His confident stride was a masterclass in understated power, each deliberate step a testament to the authority he wielded within the gilded confines of this luxurious prison.

Yuuki’s breath caught in his throat as Ryu approached the table. He felt smaller in his casual outfit. The dynamic between them felt even more pronounced in that moment which is a reminder of the predator and the prey, locked in a web of uncertainty and tension.

“Good morning,” Ryu said smoothly, his voice dripping casually that made Yuuki bristle. The way Ryu looked at him, with an amused glint in his eyes, made Yuuki acutely aware of his position trapped and vulnerable, while Ryu occupied the role of the predator.

Yuuki met his gaze, a mix of defiance and wariness swirling in his chest. The dynamics between them couldn’t be more pronounced in that moment. Ryu, with his confidence and charm, felt like a storm on the horizon, and Yuuki was left feeling small in comparison.

As Ryu poured himself a cup of coffee, the air crackled with the tension of unspoken words. Yuuki could feel Ryu’s gaze lingering on him, as if assessing his reactions and contemplating his next move. The morning was just beginning, and the complexities of their situation loomed overhead like a dark cloud threatening to burst.

As they sat down in tense silence, the air thick with unspoken thoughts, the maid returned to the dining room, gracefully balancing a tray. She approached Yuuki first, carefully placing an English breakfast in front of him. The spread was lavish, featuring perfectly scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, grilled tomatoes, and warm buttered toast.

Yuuki's stomach growled softly at the sight of the food, yet he felt a knot of apprehension tightening in his chest. He glanced over at Ryu, who sat across the table with an air of casual indifference. Where Yuuki's breakfast was

bountiful, Ryu's meal consisted solely of a cup of steaming coffee and a single slice of toast. Ryu took a sip of the coffee, seemingly unfazed by the lavish spread prepared for Yuuki.

The maid nodded politely before retreating, leaving the two of them alone once more. Yuuki stared down at his meal, feeling the weight of Ryu’s gaze upon him as he tried to process the situation. The food looked delicious, yet he didn’t know if he could bring himself to eat.

“Don’t let the food go to waste," Ryu said, breaking the silence with a smirk. The arrogance in his voice sent a flicker of irritation through Yuuki, making him bristle. “After all, you need your strength for our little arrangement.”

Yuuki shot Ryu a defiant glare but didn't respond. Instead, he picked up his fork, the cool metal feeling foreign against his skin. Taking a bite of the eggs, he found them surprisingly fluffy and flavorful. Despite the anxiety gnawing at him, he couldn’t deny the momentary pleasure of the taste.

Ryu watched him closely, a glimmer of amusement dancing in his eyes. “Enjoying it?” he inquired casually, leaning back in his chair with a demeanor that suggested he was perfectly at ease despite the reality of their situation.

Yuuki met Ryu's gaze and swallowed hard, forcing himself to maintain his composure. “I’m just trying to figure out what you want from me,” he said, the bite in his voice evident. The hell I'm going to enjoy this, he thought.

Ryu chuckled lightly, clearly unfazed by Yuuki’s defiance. “You’ll find out soon enough.” His eyes sparkled with a mixture of mischief and something darker, leaving Yuuki on edge.

 As they sat at the table, the air was thick with tension, the only sound the clinking of silverware against china. Yuuki's attempts to eat were mechanical, his mind consumed by the weight of his circumstances, while Ryu's gaze lingered on him, a smirk playing on his lips that sent a shiver down on his spine. It was then that Yuuki realized this meal was not just a simple act of sustenance, but a calculated move in a much larger game - a game of power, control, and manipulation.

Now under the gentle morning light streamed through the large windows, casting a warm glow over the room, Ryu's gaze was drawn to Yuuki's face, illuminated in all its striking detail. There was something undeniably captivating about his features, a sharpness and lucidity that evoked the image of a fox, cunning and mesmerizing. The soft light danced across his skin, highlighting the delicate contours of his face, and Ryu found himself entranced by the sight.

Yuuki's features were bright and captivating, exuding a luminosity akin to the sun's first rays. His face held an intrinsic beauty, with big, foxy almond shaped blue eyes that contrasted sharply against his own dark, cold ones. Those eyes, lively and shimmering, seemed to hold an entire world within them. he couldn't help but wonder what they would look like after he had broken the boy, after he had crushed the spirit that burned so brightly within the eyes. Would they lose their luster, their sparkle dimmed by the weight of defeat and submission? Or would they retain their fire, burning with a fierce and defiant light, even in the darkest depths of despair?

The boy's button nose rested perfectly in the center of his face, adding a touch of innocence to his otherwise sharp features. Freckles scattered across his cheeks like tiny speckles of light, enhancing his youthful glow and accentuating his unique charm. It was these details that made Ryu pause. How could someone with such warmth and vibrancy be the son of a man he despised?

As Ryu's gaze wandered to Yuuki's lips, the memory raw and impulsive kiss from the previous night came flooding back, a maelstrom of emotions swirling in its wake. The recollection was a jarring mix of anger, desire, and a loss of control that still lingered, a palpable reminder of the chaos that had erupted between them. The kiss had been a primal, impulsive act, one that had left an indelible mark on his lips, forcing him to confront the tangled web of his own emotions. How had things spiraled to that point?

In that quiet moment, the breakfast continued. The only sounds the soft clinking of silverware against china and the gentle rustle of leaves outside, a serene backdrop that belied the turmoil brewing within. In the silence, Yuuki's eyes met Ryu's, a questioning glance that seemed to hold a thousand unspoken words. In that fleeting moment, Ryu knew that their journey was about to take a dramatic turn, one that would propel them into uncharted territory, challenging the very foundations of their beliefs and reshaping their destinies in ways they could hardly imagine.