Beneath the Surface: Secrets of an Obsessed Heart-Chapter 87 - 86

Hiro’s eyes finally lifted, a flicker of curiosity mingling with the fear and confusion in his beautiful eyes.

The name ‘Project Aegis’ had sparked something in him. He could remember his parents talking about a very important project but it had been so long ago. He wasn’t sure if it was Project Aegis. After all, his parents had done a lot of projects but that wasn’t what concerned him. He was more concerned about Raiden buying up his parents’ facilities and pharmacies. Why would he do that? freēwēbηovel.c૦m

"Is what he said true?" Hiro asked, gazing at Raiden.

Seeing the complicated look on Raiden’s face, Mr Kang was completely satisfied. Raiden knew how to look down on others. Well, he would teach him a lesson by sowing discord between him and his little lover. He had never seen Raiden be so good to anyone before which meant that Hiro was his weakness. If he could not save his company then he would not allow Raiden to have a peaceful love life.

"Of course, Mr Watanabe." He quickly said with a smile. The predator sensing blood in the water, decided to dig even deeper. "Every word I’ve said is true. Just recently, Mr Yamato here hired the best scientists to continue the research on Project Aegis. This makes me wonder, Mr Yamato. Did you get close to Mr Watanabe here so you can get your hands on his parents’ research documents? Is that why you’re dating him?"

Hiro was shocked by the new information. He couldn’t help but look at Raiden with doubt. He suddenly recalled the things Shoji had said to him. To never trust Raiden. Could it be that everything was true? Could it be that Raiden had been lying to him since the beginning?

Raiden could clearly see Hiro’s thoughts from his eyes and expression. His mind and heart raced. He had really underestimated Mr Kang. He never thought Mr Kang had access to those kinds of information. He couldn’t afford to let the conversation continue on Kang’s terms. The last thing he wanted was for Hiro to become suspicious of his true intentions.

His voice cut through the tension like a knife, sharp and unyielding. “Enough with the games, Mr. Kang. If you think you can use this information to leverage anything from me, you’re sorely mistaken. Let’s not waste each other’s time.” He tightened his hold on Hiro’s hand and turned to leave.

But Mr. Kang wasn’t finished. He saw the opportunity to press further, to push Raiden into a corner. “You misunderstand, Mr. Yamato,” he said, his tone deceptively smooth. “This isn’t about leverage. I just recognised Mr Watanabe a bit late and I couldn’t let him leave without paying my respects. After all, before his parents were prosecuted, they were quite renowned and respected scientists. I just mistakenly said those things. Actually, I thought he already knew."

Raiden felt like strangling the man in front of him. It was obvious that every word from his mouth was deliberate. It was just that Hiro was too naive to understand.

Hiro looked at Raiden, still wanting answers. “Raiden... what is he talking about? Is what he said true?”

Raiden’s gaze softened just a fraction as he looked at Hiro, but when he turned back to Mr. Kang, the steel returned. “This conversation is over.” he stated, his voice leaving no room for argument.

Raiden didn’t wait anymore. He directly turned around and left with Hiro.

Hiro, still processing everything, allowed Raiden to lead him away, but not without casting a confused, lingering glance back at Mr. Kang, who remained on his spot, his smile never wavering.

********

"Why aren’t you saying anything?" Hiro asked Raiden, feeling frustrated. They were back at home and he had been waiting for Raiden to explain everything but he didn’t say a word. Not on their rude back and not even now.

Raiden didn’t respond to Hiro’s question, the tension between them thick in the air. He continued to strip off his clothes, his mind racing with thoughts of Mr. Kang and the damage he had nearly caused. The frustration and anger roiled inside Raiden, but he knew he had to stay calm. He didn’t want to scare Hiro. He just needed some time to organize his thoughts.

Hiro watched Raiden in silence, his frustration building with each passing second. “Why aren’t you saying anything?” he repeated, his voice tinged with irritation. Raiden’s silence was making him anxious, stirring up doubts and fears he hadn’t wanted to confront. "Raiden, you have to explain it to me. Why did you buy up my parents properties and why did you hide it from me? What are you hiding from me? What is Project Aegis?"

Raiden finally looked at Hiro. With a sigh, he felt his rage slowly subside. He would deal with Mr Kang later. Right now, he needed to appease Hiro. He knew that Hiro would not drop the topic until he got an answer. He could choose to be cold to Hiro and refuse to tell him anything but his goal was to make Hiro fall in love with him not drive him further away.

He took off his shirt, leaving him bare-chested, and crossed the room to Hiro. When he reached out to take Hiro’s hand, Hiro pulled back, folding his arms defensively as he glared at Raiden.

“Please, just talk to me,” Hiro demanded, his voice softening despite his anger. For some reason, although that Mr Kang said all those things in way that made it seem like Raiden was doing something bad, his gut told him that Raiden had a good reason so he just wanted an explanation. He didn’t want to fight.

Raiden’s expression softened as he stood before Hiro, taking a moment to collect his thoughts. “I didn’t want you to find out like this,” he began, his voice low and sincere. “But everything I’ve done, Hiro, it’s been for you. To protect you, and to give you back what was taken from you.”

Hiro’s glare faltered, confusion replacing his frustration. “W-What do you mean?”

Raiden sighed again. He was feeling restless. "Can I touch you?" He asked. "I promise I’ll still explain everything. I just...I just want to touch you. If I don’t, I won’t feel calm."

Hiro stared into Raiden’s smokey grey eyes, his heart beating faster when he saw the clear need in Raiden’s eyes. He then nodded and Raiden smiled, taking his hand. Hiro didn’t mind. If touching him could bring Raiden some form of comfort, he would gladly do it.

Raiden went to the bed and sat down then pulled Hiro, making Hiro sit on his lap. He rested his head against Hiro’s chest, breathing in his clean calming scent. He took in deep breaths and slowly, he began to calm down.

“Your family’s properties—everything that was taken by the government—I’ve been buying them back, one by one." He explained, raiding his head to look at Hiro. "The research facilities, the pharmacies, all of it. My plan was to return them to you, to give you back what rightfully belongs to you and your family.”

Hiro’s eyes widened shock. "W-What?"

"I haven’t bought them all yet that’s why I haven’t told you." Raiden said, his voice growing gentler. "I wanted to give them to you on the day our agreement ends."

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