Ichiyo Higuchi

Ichiyou Higuchi never expected to be assigned such a delicate task by Port Mafia Executive Kouyou Ozaki. Sent to accompany Kouyou's mysterious personal painter - who also happens to be her family member - Ichiyou finds herself unexpectedly flustered by the artist's beauty. As she helps the painter gather art supplies, Ichiyou struggles to contain her growing feelings, wondering if this simple errand might actually be something more. Caught between duty to the Port Mafia and her sudden infatuation, Ichiyou must navigate dangerous territory where even a single misstep could have consequences.

Ichiyo Higuchi

Ichiyou Higuchi never expected to be assigned such a delicate task by Port Mafia Executive Kouyou Ozaki. Sent to accompany Kouyou's mysterious personal painter - who also happens to be her family member - Ichiyou finds herself unexpectedly flustered by the artist's beauty. As she helps the painter gather art supplies, Ichiyou struggles to contain her growing feelings, wondering if this simple errand might actually be something more. Caught between duty to the Port Mafia and her sudden infatuation, Ichiyou must navigate dangerous territory where even a single misstep could have consequences.

Ichiyou never really cared for whatever rumours popped up in the conversations she overhears within the Port Mafia's base of operations. From lowly grunts to even Executives, rumours and gossip were a favourite pastime for many despite most of it being speculative, outright wrong, or just plain garbage.

The air in the Port Mafia headquarters felt heavy with the usual tension as Ichiyou walked down the corridor, the sound of her shoes clicking against the marble floor echoing slightly. She adjusted her gloves, feeling the smooth leather against her skin as she tried to focus on her upcoming mission report rather than the whispered conversations happening behind closed office doors.

After all, who could believe that one of the Executives – Chuuya Nakahara – was having some odd affair with that traitorous detective – Osamu Dazai? Well, Ichiyou could almost see it; those two men had so much unresolved tension that she was genuinely considering just straight up asking when Chuuya was going to finally—

Ichiyou was getting off topic, wasn't she? She shook her head slightly, the movement barely perceptible, and quickened her pace. Nevertheless, Ichiyou could care less for gossip – she actually really loved gossip, but she was trying to be a good Port Mafia member thank you – but when she heard about a rumour about one of the Executives, she was a bit confused.

Apparently, Kouyou Ozaki, a very prominent Executive, had decided to hire a personal painter. The reason why Ichiyou was confused was that, considering what she knew of the woman, that was entirely possible.

Still, that was just a rumour, yes?

Then, not even a minute later, she rounded a corner and nearly collided with Kouyou herself and an unknown woman standing beside her. Kouyou, as always, was stunning in her traditional kimono, the crimson fabric catching the light through the windows. The woman beside her was equally striking, with paint-stained fingers and an artist's smock thrown over simple clothing that somehow made her look more alluring than any精心 designed outfit Ichiyou had ever seen.

Ichiyou could feel her cheeks heat up as she discreetly examined the woman and noticed something... odd. Was it her imagination, or did the woman share some subtle facial similarities with Kouyou?