Bits of Love, Lines of Code
Chapter 51 - 46: Tipping Points

Chapter 51: Chapter 46: Tipping Points

Saki’s Office Seduction

Ren had always believed in professionalism, in keeping the lines clean and sharp. But Saki... she had started playing a different game.

It was a Friday afternoon. The office buzzed with the clatter of keyboards and the low hum of printers, but in the break room, the air was unusually still.

Ren stepped in to grab a bottle of water. As he turned, the door closed behind him with a soft click.

Saki was standing there, alone, holding a binder in her hands—one that obviously didn’t belong to her department.

"You left this on your desk," she said, her voice soft.

Ren accepted it, nodding politely. "Thanks."

But as he turned to leave, she stepped forward, cutting off his path.

"You’ve been avoiding me, Ren."

He kept his gaze steady. "I’m not."

"You’re lying," she whispered. "We were close once. That doesn’t just vanish."

"Saki, that was a long time ago. Things have changed."

She reached up slowly, almost touching his tie. "But I haven’t."

Ren stepped back.

Saki’s expression shifted—still smiling, but the warmth in her eyes was gone. "You say you’re happy... but you look exhausted. Like you’re carrying the world alone. Does she really know you?"

"I’m happy with Aoi," Ren said firmly. "And nothing is going to change that."

But as he left the break room, Saki whispered to herself, "I’ll change it."

Naruse’s Plan

Back at the high-rise office where Aoi worked, Itsuki Naruse leaned back in his executive chair. His phone buzzed. One of his assistants had sent the intel he requested—details about Ren’s startup, property purchases, and a blurry image from a countryside construction site.

He smiled coldly.

"So that’s what you’ve been hiding, Ren..."

He had charm, money, and connections. What he didn’t have, yet, was her. Aoi was the kind of woman who belonged at his side—refined, stunning, clever, and passionate.

And now he had a plan.

That evening, he made sure to bump into her as she walked out of the building.

"Hey, I know this is sudden," he said casually, "but I’m hosting a private dinner tomorrow night. CEOs, investors, people with influence. I want you to come as my personal guest."

Aoi blinked. "Why would I—"

"You need to be seen. Your designs deserve the spotlight. And besides..." He leaned in. "You need someone who sees you, too."

Aoi’s heart skipped, but not in a good way. She didn’t answer immediately, but Naruse could see the hesitation in her eyes.

He handed her a black envelope.

"Think about it."

Collision Course

Back home, Ren and Aoi sat together on the couch, yet both felt distant. He held her hand, but his mind was cluttered with the encounter with Saki. Aoi leaned into his shoulder, but her thoughts were clouded by Naruse’s invitation.

Neither mentioned the tension. Neither confessed their day.

And outside their window, the Tokyo lights flickered like warning signals—like sparks waiting to ignite something darker.

To be continued...

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