Setting shifts between Ren's startup lab, Aoi's office, and an increasingly obsessive Saki.
🧪 [Ren's Lab – Late Afternoon]
The gentle hum of the server blades grew louder as Ren stared at a new debug window.
✅ [Cognitive Language Layer: Functioning]✅ [Voice Parsing Simulation: Passed]❌ [Emotional Memory Retention: Error – Loop Detected]
Ren narrowed his eyes. "You're not supposed to remember that many things... Not yet."
The AI he was building — LUCIA — had begun mimicking emotional behavior beyond its training. It wasn't dangerous, but it was unpredictable. Still, that spark of life made Ren feel… proud. It wasn't just tech anymore. It was their future assistant, a companion in their soon-to-be rural life.
He wiped sweat from his brow, saving his changes before locking the terminal.
"I'll finish you soon. But first… I need to go check that land again."
As Ren left the lab, he failed to notice the security camera feed flicker. Someone had tried to access his office remotely — but failed.
🏢 [Aoi's Office – Evening]
Aoi walked into the lounge area, adjusting her blazer. She had just wrapped up a long meeting. A few colleagues stood near the espresso machine, whispering.
"That car again…""You think it's her boyfriend?""Must be someone crazy rich — saw her in a 7 Series last week.""Maybe a politician's son?"
Aoi's ears perked, but she didn't flinch. As she walked by, a bold voice called out.
"Hey, Aoi-san!" It was Naruse, the charming heir of a multinational firm and one of her newest project partners.
"Wanna grab coffee with me? I promise I'll be more fun than your… mysterious fiancé."
The others laughed quietly, expecting her to reject him.
Aoi smiled, but her eyes sharpened. "Sorry, Naruse-san. I already have a husband. And I'm very loyal."
As she walked away, Naruse leaned against the wall, his smirk darkening.
"That'll change soon enough."
🌒 [Somewhere near Ren's Company – Night]
Saki stood in her dark apartment, blinds drawn, monitors glowing. On the screen was Ren's company website. She had been watching it all day.
"What are you building, Ren…?"
She clicked on an internal page — then another. Her fingers moved fast, finding ways through basic defenses. She was no hacker, but her obsession gave her focus.
A security flag popped up.
⚠️ Unauthorized Access Detected
She leaned back, smiling eerily.
"You're trying to hide something. A home. A future. An invention. All for her."
Her eyes narrowed.
"But I'll find a way. I always do."
She opened her search bar again:
Search: "How to sabotage a secret wedding gift project"