Even if you say, 'I've finally realized how important you are to me,' you and I are already strangers. - 1

First Love 1

I remember clearly the day I first fell in love.

In the spring when she was 12 years old, the daughter of a distinguished and historic family was summoned by her father and went to his office in the mansion.

There, she met an incredibly handsome man.

Their eyes met, and when he gave her a gentle smile, she was instantly captivated.

With his glossy black hair and sharp, dignified eyes.

His sweet and refined features had an enchanting charm that could mesmerize any woman at a glance, yet his calm demeanor and gentle presence gave a sense of reassurance.

However, his tall, well-toned body was clearly trained, and the air around him was tense, leaving no opening.

Even now, looking back, there’s no doubt—he was the most exquisite man she had ever met in her life.

While she found herself staring at him in his dark suit, her father smiled in satisfaction.

“Haha. He’s such a fine man you’re left speechless, huh? Starting today, he’s your personal bodyguard.”

“…Huh?”

“You’ve turned twelve this year. Next year, you’ll enter middle school, and your range of activities will greatly expand. For your safety, I’ve decided to hire a bodyguard until the day you marry. He’s young but highly skilled. —Takano, this is my daughter, Tsubaki. Introduce yourself.”

“Yes, sir.”

At her father’s command, the young man briskly approached, knelt on one knee before her, looked up, and smiled.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. My name is Reiji Takano. I’m honored to make your acquaintance. From today, I’ll be in charge of your personal security. I look forward to serving you.”

His voice was a low, velvety tone. As she listened, entranced, her father gave her a look, urging her to respond. Snapping out of her daze, she opened her mouth to speak.

“I’m Tsubaki Ichijou. Nice to meet you. I look forward to working with you too, Mr. Takano.”

“There’s no need for honorifics with me. Please, just call me Takano.”

“But… you’re older than me…”

Unable to hide her confusion, her father gently said:

“Tsubaki, I understand you feel uncomfortable addressing an older man without honorifics. But by contract, I’m his employer, and he’s a servant. If you act too respectfully, it sets the wrong example for others. It’s important to clearly define your positions. It may feel awkward at first, but you’ll get used to it. Do your best—for the future’s sake.”

“…Understood.”

“Good. Then, to help you get to know each other, show him around the mansion. He hasn’t been here long. Takano, I’m counting on you to take good care of my daughter.”

“Understood. Leave it to me.”

Standing up smoothly, Reiji turned to her father and bowed, then looked back at her.

“Well then, my lady, shall we? Sorry to trouble you, but could I ask you to show me around?”

“Y-Yes.”

Naturally shy and reserved, Tsubaki was extremely nervous around Reiji, who had suddenly become her bodyguard.

Though she began showing him around the vast mansion as her father instructed, she couldn’t stop being overly aware of his presence following her.

His quiet attentiveness to her explanations only made her more uneasy, and finally, she gathered her courage to ask:

“Um… Takano, are you married? Or do you have a girlfriend?”