Rei’s Promise

Chapter 8

– The Little Wife Learns to Cook

The next morning, the headquarters felt more peaceful. For the first time, Rei had slept soundly without vigilance—because Hana was beside him.

But when Rei opened his eyes, the bed was empty. His heart skipped. “Hana?” he called softly.

Suddenly, a commotion came from the kitchen. “Ahhh! Don’t burn, don’t burn! The fire—too high!”

Rei rushed over. His eyes widened at the sight: Hana stood in an oversized apron that nearly covered her legs, her hair tied messily, cheeks dusted with flour, while the pan in front of her was nearly on fire.

“Hana!” Rei quickly stepped in and turned off the stove.

Hana turned to him, her eyes sparkling even in panic. “My dear husband! I… I was trying to make breakfast for you…”

Rei glanced at the charred pan, then back at Hana’s sheepish smile. “You almost burned the entire headquarters.”

Hana puffed her cheeks. “Don’t be mad… I just want to be a good wife. The perfect wife for my dear husband…”

Rei fell silent. Those words, so innocent yet earnest, melted his anger. Instead, warmth spread through him. He sighed and brushed the flour from her hair. “You don’t need to force yourself. Just being by my side is more than enough.”

Hana shook her head firmly. “No! I want to learn. I want to make breakfast for you every morning. My dear husband must eat from my hands.”

Rei gave a faint smile, finally giving in. “Alright. But let me teach you.”

They began cooking together. Hana held the spoon too high, poured too much salt, and even cracked an egg outside the bowl. Rei calmly corrected each mistake, though more than once he had to hold back his laughter.

Hana caught him and scowled. “Don’t laugh! I’m serious about this.”

Rei leaned closer, locking eyes with her. “I’m not laughing. I’m just… happy. Because now I get to see this side of you every day.”

Her cheeks flushed, and she quickly looked away. “Then… don’t ever leave me, my dear husband.”

Rei lifted her chin, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. “I’ll never leave you.”

At last, they managed a simple breakfast: a crooked omelet and warm rice. Hana presented it proudly. “This is my first creation! Let’s eat, my dear husband!”

Rei stared at the plate for a long while before taking a bite. His face stayed expressionless, but his eyes softened. “It’s good.”

Hana beamed, satisfied with her effort. She sat beside him, leaning on his shoulder.

And that morning, the shadowy headquarters transformed into a home—filled with laughter and the small, stubborn love of a little wife learning to be “the perfect bride.”

– Secret Getaway

A few days after the wedding, Rei finally gave a surprising order to his subordinates.

“We will suspend all operations for three days.”

The entire headquarters fell silent. For an organization of their size, it was unthinkable. But no one dared to object. The reason was simple: it was their boss’s wish.

Hana looked at Rei, eyes sparkling. “We’re… going on vacation?”

Rei gave a faint smile and nodded. “Yes. You need rest. We need time for just the two of us.”

They set out in a simple black car, without a large convoy, only accompanied by a driver who was dismissed once they reached a small seaside town. From there, Rei held Hana’s hand and led her on a quiet walk.

Hana wore a light white dress, her hair loose and dancing in the sea breeze. She turned to Rei, cheeks flushed. “My dear husband… are we really on vacation? I feel like I’m dreaming.”

Rei looked at her for a long moment before replying. “This is real. And it’s ours alone.”

At a small traditional inn, Hana immediately leapt onto the bed, her face full of excitement. “Waaah, it’s so comfy! My dear husband, come here, quick!”

Rei sighed, but couldn’t resist when Hana pulled him down beside her. She rolled onto him, hugging him tightly. “I don’t want to let go. For three full days, I want to stay like this.”

“Then… I’ll grant your wish,” Rei said, stroking her back.

Their days were filled with simple moments: walking on the beach, eating local food, and talking without interruption. Hana often ran along the sand, then returned to Rei to hug him while laughing.

“My dear husband! Look! This shell is so pretty!”

Rei smiled faintly, letting Hana press the shell to his chest as if it were treasure. “If you like it, then it’s precious.”

At night, they sat on the inn’s veranda, gazing at the moonlit sea. Hana leaned on Rei’s shoulder, eyes drowsy. “If only time could stop. Just me and my dear husband.”

Rei watched her fall asleep against him. His cold heart seemed to melt completely. He whispered a vow that only the waves could hear.

“As long as I live… you will always be the only one I love.”

That short trip became an eternal memory—the place where shadow and light found the peace they had always sought.

– Returning to a New Life

The three-day getaway finally ended. Rei and Hana returned to the headquarters—a place usually cold and intimidating.

But this time, something was different.

As soon as Hana stepped inside, the troops stared with mixed expressions. They were used to seeing their boss radiating killing intent… but now, he returned holding hands with a petite girl who beamed with joy.

“My dear husband! Come on, I want to decorate our room!” Hana chirped, tugging Rei’s hand in front of hundreds of eyes.

The troops nearly dropped their weapons in shock. The boss… being called “my dear husband”?

Rei cast a brief glance, his eyes saying “any problem?”—and everyone immediately lowered their heads.

Inside the room, Hana grew busy. She laid out a floral tablecloth, placed colorful cushions, and even hung sheer curtains by the window.

Rei stood at the door, arms crossed. “Hana, this is a mafia headquarters, not a dollhouse.”

Hana turned with a bright smile. “Now this is also our home. My dear husband needs warmth. I’ll make this place cozy!”

And indeed, over the next few days, the headquarters underwent a “domestic revolution”:

The once-cold kitchen now smelled of Hana’s cakes (though sometimes burnt).

The grand meeting room was filled with small flower vases.

Even the dark halls had bunny-patterned rugs.

The troops could only watch in disbelief. Some even whispered:

“Boss… is like a househusband now?” “If my wife was that cute, I’d do the same.”

Rei remained cold before his men, but whenever Hana smiled and said, “My dear husband, taste my cake!”, he could never refuse.

That night, as they rested, Hana lay on Rei’s chest and murmured softly. “Am I troubling you, making everything so different?”

Rei stroked her hair gently. “No. In fact… thanks to you, this place feels alive.”

Hana smiled faintly and closed her eyes. The once-dreaded headquarters had truly become a home—because of one little wife who was innocent, stubborn, and full of love.

– The Little Madam and the Confused Troops

That morning, the headquarters was in chaos again—not because of a major operation, but because of one petite figure bustling about in the kitchen.

“Miss—ah, I mean, Madam! Please don’t lift that pot yourself!” one subordinate shouted, panicked as Hana struggled to lift a soup pot bigger than her body.

Hana turned with a bright smile. “Don’t worry! I want to cook soup for everyone. You all work so hard every day. I should repay your kindness.”

The soldiers exchanged awkward looks. None of them had ever imagined: a headquarters once filled with shouts and gunfire now brimmed with cooking aromas and the cheerful voice of a little woman.

Hana was clumsy—nearly pouring salt by the handful, almost dropping the ladle multiple times. But every time, two or three soldiers rushed to help.

“Let me, Madam!”

“I’ll stir for you, Madam!”

“Please don’t go near the stove, it’s dangerous!”

Soon, the kitchen was crowded with dozens of armed men now busy… helping Hana cook.

By noon, Hana stood proudly at the large table. Warm soup, rice, and a few simple dishes were ready.

“This is… our first meal together!” Hana announced with a beaming face.

At first, the troops hesitated. They were used to instant meals, not the handiwork of the boss’s wife. But once the first spoonful touched their lips, silence fell.

“This is… delicious.”

“So warm.”

“It feels like… eating at home.”

Some even unconsciously shed tears.

Rei, sitting at the end of the table, observed with his usual cold gaze. But in his heart, he knew: only Hana could make his ruthless troops feel “at home.”

That afternoon, Hana strolled through the yard. Some soldiers were practicing shooting, and Hana clapped her hands.

“Wow! You’re amazing! But… don’t forget ear protection, or it’ll hurt!”

The troops froze. No one had ever scolded them so gently. Some even missed their shots in embarrassment.

From that day on, a new title spread among the troops: “The Little Madam.” Not just because of her status, but because of the charm that made them want to protect her at all costs.

That night, Hana told Rei everything with sparkling eyes as she leaned on the sofa.

“My dear husband! Your men are so kind. They helped me cook, and some even said my food was delicious!”

Rei just looked at her and nodded slowly. “They’re not kind. They’re afraid of me. But… somehow, with you, they become ordinary people.”

Hana smiled softly. “That’s because they have hearts, just like you. I just want everyone here to feel l

ike they have a home.”

Rei fell silent, staring at Hana for a long moment. In that silence, he realized—his wife wasn’t only changing him, but the entire world around him.