First Meeting

#HarutoKisaragiXMizukiAoyamaNewDrama

#StarCrossedLovers_NewDrama

#SCLShockingCast

Mizuki Aoyama scrolled through her phone again and again.

There was nothing new.

Her cold eyes reflected the bright blue glow of the screen as she leaned lazily against the backseat of her car. One hand threaded through her long pink hair, fingers tugging slightly in irritation, while the other loosely gripped her phone.

She dragged the screen down to trigger refresh, hoping something else would magically start trending.

She clicked her tongue, sharp and impatient. The hashtags were still dominating. Her name was everywhere. His name was everywhere. Their names together were everywhere.

Mizuki let out a slow breath through her nose, her jaw tightening. She was pissed as hell.

"You know sulking won't help, Aoyama," her manager spoke from the front seat.

Mizuki's eyes slowly lifted. Aoi was driving as usual. She had short black hair like obsidian, an oversized hoodie paired with jeans, and large black-rimmed glasses that covered half of her face. At first glance, no one would believe someone like her managed a B-list actress.

"I'm so pissed, Aoi," Mizuki said, her voice low. "If it weren't for the company pressuring me, I would have never accepted this drama."

The car turned off the main road.

Aoi shrugged. "If you ask me, this is a good opportunity. Your half-year hiatus really pushed you out of the spotlight, Mizuki. This is your last chance before this year's awards. Most importantly, this is the legendary Director Dazai we're talking about. Consider yourself lucky."

Mizuki groaned and threw her head back.
"That's not what I'm talking about."

"I know," Aoi replied. "It's about Haruto Kisaragi, right?"

The moment his name was spoken, Mizuki felt her nerves twitch.

"God, don't say his name," she snapped. "Please. It's unbearable."

Aoi parked the car and glanced back at her. "I still can't believe how you managed to have beef with someone you've never even met."

Mizuki was not the type to hold unreasonable grudges. If there was anyone to blame, it was Haruto Kisaragi.

Seven months ago, during a live show, he had crossed a line. At the time, one of Mizuki's dramas had been going viral for weeks. It was everywhere and everyone was talking about her and her co-star's performance.

When the host asked Haruto about her role, he replied casually,"I don't have any good opinions about it."

Did he not realize what would happen when an B class actor openly threw shade at another B class actor?

Mizuki later fired back at his self-praising comment about his recent drama with a single line. “Everyone has different standards for their work.”

That was enough to ignite the fire.

For seven straight months, the tension never died down between them.

When Haruto posted a photo from a sushi restaurant, Mizuki responded indirectly. She shared several posts about aquatic life and animal activism, her captions was vague but very obvious.

A week later, Mizuki posted a picture of herself at a barbecue place, laughing with friends. Haruto didn't miss the chance. He reshared one of the old posts from the activist's account. His comment was:"It's always the ones with dirty hands pointing fingers."

When Mizuki wore that stunning metallic dress, it caught everyone's attention. The fabric shone like steel under the lights.

Haruto, of course, had to respond. The next day, he posted a photo of his metal kitchen trash bin. His caption read:"Might need to change this. It's unpleasant to the eyes."

Fans immediately noticed. Everyone knew exactly who he was referring to.

That was just one of many small petty and childish battles between them.

The situation spiraled even further once the fans got involved.

One thing became painfully clear. Mizuki's fans hated Haruto. Haruto's fans hated Mizuki. And there was no sign of a truce anytime soon.

Mizuki shot her a glare and muttered, "That scum deserves it. He started everything."

Aoi sighed. "Fine. It was his fault. But this isn't what you should be focusing on right now. There is a bigger fish to fry." She paused. "Aria Nijino is about to pass your follower count."

Mizuki's eyes widened.
"That junior who can't even act?"

Aoi nodded at her words. Irritation surged through Mizuki again. She clenched her jaw, then finally exhaled.

"Fine," she muttered under her breath. "I'll work hard."

Aoi got out of the car first and walked around to open the door.

"Let's go. The script reading is about to start."

Mizuki nodded and stepped out, already dreading what the next three months would bring.

She lifted her gaze to the office building in front of her. It was simple yet elegant, painted in soft brown and white tones. A combination she could not deny she liked.

Mizuki adjusted her sunglasses as she walked inside. The blue suit she wore fit her perfectly, giving her an effortless glow. Her heels clicked sharply against the floor with each step.

There was no doubt about it. Mizuki Aoyama was stunning.

Her long pink hair flowed freely down her back. Her pale face held a calm expression, cat-like eyes hidden behind the blackish shade of the glasses. Mizuki had a high nose bridge and full lips completed her mature beauty, the kind that drew attention without trying.

As she walked through the office, many heads turned instinctively. Admiring gazes followed her every step. She finally reached the elevator.

Her manager stepped forward and pressed the button before turning back. "After this you need to return to the company and then—"

Mizuki waved her hand dismissively. "Can we talk about it later. Please."

Aoi sighed but nodded.

Ding.

They entered the elevator as the doors slid shut, and it began moving upward. Mizuki stood in the center, glancing down at her nails. Blue with thin white stripes. She squinted slightly.

She would change her nail art tomorrow.

Ding.

The elevator doors opened again.

"Haruto. The chairwoman wants to see you after this."

Suddenly, everyone froze.

Mizuki still had her head lowered, but she could feel the tension. Aoi stiffened behind her. The presence in front of her felt uncomfortable.

Slowly, Mizuki raised her eyes.

Her gaze locked onto his. Standing in front of her was Haruto Kisaragi.

Haruto Kisaragi was known for his gentle yet sharp appearance. He had pale skin, a defined jawline, eyes that usually carried warmth and mystery. Right now, that warmth was gone. His gaze was cold, sharp enough to cut stone.

For a brief moment, the elevator felt small to Mizuki.

The doors began to close. Mizuki clicked her tongue softly. She smirked and lifted her hand, blocking the doors before pressing the open button.

"Haruto," she said lazily. "Aren't you getting in? I don't want to be late because of you."

Haruto paused. Then he raised an eyebrow, his hands slipping into his pockets. A slow smile curved onto his lips as he stepped inside, his timid manager following after him.

He stopped beside Mizuki. Neither of them looked at the other. Both stared straight ahead.

The silence felt heavy inside the elevator. Only ragged breathing could be heard. Then Haruto spoke, his voice polite and almost mocking.

"It's very nice meeting you, Mizuki Aoyama."

Mizuki did not respond.

This was their first meeting offline.