*BEEP* *BEEP* *BEEP*

The continuous tone made by the alarm clock on his phone interrupts Akiri's peaceful sleep as he was forced awake by the intruding noise, and the boy then reaches over to his phone to shut off the alarm.

A moment later, he got up and yawns while stretching his tired arms in the air as his eyes slowly open to the confusion that he is in a much cleaner room, lying on a much more comfortable bed.

As his mind gradually grew awake, he started to recall yesterday's events. Him rushing over to get on a plane to Tokyo, arriving too late at the scene, his meeting with the commander, and his reunion with Mizuki, Mika and Chisato.

He then began to wonder how he ended up sleeping on the bed and started to remember the events that led up to it.

(Flashback)

Mika: Sorry it's a bit cramped. We don't actually have a lot of rooms left, especially since there's a reassignee coming tomorrow

After hanging out with Chisato for a few more hours, it was finally time for her to end her shift and she went back home. After saying their goodbyes, Akiri is now seen standing in front of the open door of his new bedroom, looking in with Mika next to him.

There's only a single bed in the corner with a wardrobe directly in front of it. There wasn't much room for anything else save for a small bedside table tucked closely next to the bed. Other than that, the room seems tidy and clean.

Mika: I hope you won't mind

Akiri: No, this is fine. Better than what I had anyway

The boy said as he entered the room and sat on the bed, getting a feel of the soft mattress.

Mika: Well, I'll let you settle in for tonight. Let me know if you need anything

Akiri: Right. Thanks, Sensei

With that, Mika closes the door and walks downstairs.

Akiri took a moment and glanced around the tiny room he was given and took a deep breath. Looking around, he wouldn't necessarily call it cramped. He'd prefer the word cosy instead.

As he places his smartphone on the small bedside table, he then remembered what Mika had said earlier and he checked under his bed. Sure enough, he finds a silver medium-sized travel bag tucked underneath and he pulled it out.

After inputting the usual code, he unlocks the bag and opened it up to see that it was full of folded clothes. On top, he finds a paper note with a familiar handwriting.

"Some extra clothes for you. And I also found your old favourite. Brings back memories doesn't it?"

"- Karin"

He begins to unpack the clothes. There's a set of the same outfit he's wearing at the moment, and some casual shirts and jeans for when he wants to go out in regular civilian clothing.

After neatly placing his clothes in the wardrobe, the only thing left in the bag is a matte black metal case. The build is really durable and has a bit of weight to it.

Opening the latches, he opened the case to see a pistol secured inside with foam paddings keeping the gun in place.

An all-black HK P30L with a rail-mounted compensator attached. At the side are three empty magazines for it and a box of 9mm ammo completes the set.

The condition of the pistol was not brand new. There were clear signs of wear all over the weapon, indicating that it's been used a lot before. The mere sight of the gun started to make Akiri's mind wander elsewhere, loud gunshots are heard, echoing in his mind, followed by flashes of light blinding him.

He quickly closed the case shut. It is at that moment he realized that he is breathing heavily and felt that he is sweating, his hands are trembling. He then closed his eyes and focused on slowing his breathing, taking deep, controlled breaths to calm himself down.

The boy puts the case back into the travel bag and closed it before pushing it back to hide it under the bed. He shook his head, as if to get his mind back to reality and he throws himself onto the bed, trying to relax.

(Flashback over)

That was the last thing the boy could recall. It seems that he had unknowingly drifted off to sleep while lying idly on his bed.

With a sigh, he pushed himself out of bed and started to make his way towards the shared bathroom to do his business and get ready for the day.

(Timeskip)

After a short shower, he came back to his room and dressed in his work attire, the dark blue-coloured yukata given to him a day prior. After making sure that he looks presentable, he heads downstairs to start his new day.

Mika: Good morning, Akiri

Mika, who is already in the kitchen, was the first one to greet him.

Akiri: Morning, Sensei. Morning, Mizuki-san

Mizuki: Morning

Mizuki replied, sitting at the bar table. The boy then started to glance around the area, as if looking for someone.

Akiri: Where's Chisato?

Mizuki: She almost never arrives on time. Probably overslept again-

Chisato: Good morning everyone!

The door suddenly swings open, ringing the bell and they saw Chisato entering the café with a cheerful smile on her face, dressed in her Lycoris uniform, and Mizuki seemed shocked to see her.

Mizuki: Eh?! Chisato is early today?!

Chisato: You didn't need to be that surprised...

Chisato's gaze then lands on Akiri, and her eyes lit up as she saw him wearing the café's work attire.

Chisato: Akiri, you look so good!

Akiri: Oh, uh. Thanks

Chisato: Hold on, I'm going to change and we'll take a picture together!

She rushes into the employee changing room and Mika lets out a chuckle.

Mizuki: Ah... So that's why she came early...

Akiri: Hm? What do you mean?

Mizuki: Nothing

Mika: Come, Akiri. I'll show you what you'll be doing in the kitchen

He heard Mika call from the entrance of the kitchen and he lets out a sigh, as the moment that he was dreading for has arrived.

Mika: Don't look so grim. I'll just be asking you to clean the dishes and tidy up the café a bit. You know, hard labour stuff

Akiri: Can't you get Mizuki-san or Chisato to do that?

Mizuki: Sorry, I'll be busy serving customers. A top-grade waitress like me is in high demand you know?

Akiri: All you do is sit around drinking booze all day...

The boy muttered quietly under his breath.

Mika: I can't possibly ask these girls to do hard labour

Mizuki: That's right. And Chisato's job is to attend to the clients. Besides, did you forget how terrible she is in the kitchen?

Akiri: Oh, yeah... I forgot about that...

Chisato: Hm? What are you guys talking about?

They turn their heads and saw that Chisato had just exited the changing room, now wearing her work attire. A red yukata with lime green and grey accents.

Akiri: Hey, you look pretty good as well

Chisato: Really? Thanks

She said with a giggle.

Chisato: Akiri, here!

She went and pulled him over close to her while getting her phone out with her other hand, turning on the camera app as she points the front camera towards her and Akiri.

Chisato: Say cheese

Not being used to having pictures taken, he only smiled at the camera while making a peace sign with his hand and Chisato also smiled before pressing the shutter button, taking the picture.

Akiri: You better not post that to social media or something

Chisato: I already did

Akiri: What?!

She showed him her phone and sure enough, the picture of him with Chisato is already posted online on the café's social media account.

Akiri: Delete that right now! Kusunoki-san is gonna kill me if she sees that

Chisato: Relax. Do you really think she has social media?

Akiri: Gimme that!

He went to snatch Chisato's phone, but the girl was quick to react, moving her hand at the right moment.

Chisato: You're getting slower, Akiri~

She said playfully with a smug grin. He tries again, much faster this time, but Chisato moves out of the way, sidestepping effortlessly, as if she was already expecting the move.

Chisato: You want it? You gotta catch me first

She teased him further, sticking out a tongue and he clenches his fist in frustration.

Akiri: Chisato...!

Mika: Alright, break it up you two, before you make a mess of my café

The man interrupted and the two silently looked at Mika for a second before sharing a look with each other and they broke into laughter together while the man raised an eyebrow in confusion.

Mika: What's so funny?

Akiri: It's been a while since you scolded us like that, Sensei

Chisato: Yeah

She said, wiping a tear off her face from laughing too hard, while Mika only chuckled.

Akiri: And I see you haven't changed much

Chisato: He he. I can say the same to you

Mika: Anyway, we'll be opening soon. Chisato, I need you to run to the store and get me these

He hands Chisato a piece of paper. On it, is a list of items for the girl to get.

Chisato: On it, Sensei! I'll see you later, Akiri

With a wave, Chisato exits the café and sets off while Akiri then followed Mika into the kitchen.

(Timeskip)

For the next few minutes, Akiri was tasked with washing some dishes that were left in the sink since yesterday. After taking care of those, he was instructed to tidy up the kitchen area, reorganizing ingredients and sorting some of the cooking utensils, among other things.

Currently, the boy is seen sitting at the bar quietly after finishing his work in the kitchen with his head resting on the table. Nearby on the table, he had placed his phone and is seemingly waiting for something as he kept staring blankly at it.

Mika: Hey, Akiri, I need you to clean the tables

Mika then came out of the kitchen to see the boy sitting there silently.

Mika: Waiting for a call from HQ?

Akiri: Yeah...

Mika: The situation is still being investigated. It'll be a while until Kusunoki could give you new orders

Akiri: Then she can just give me another assignment meanwhile, can't she?

Mika: She wants you to remain on standby in case anything happens. You know that perfectly well

The boy couldn't respond, so he only lets out a frustrated sigh.

Akiri: I can't be wasting my time like this. I should be out there

Mika: And do what? Your "mission"?

Akiri: ...

Once again, he wasn't able to answer right away and kept silent for a moment.

Mika: You wouldn't tell Chisato, but I already know what you've been doing these past two years

The boy only lets out a sigh.

Akiri: I'm not going to stop anytime soon...

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a bronze coin. There is the engraving of an owl engraved on the face of it; the insignia of the mysterious Alan Institute. The boy stared at the small circular object in his hand with narrowed eyes.

Akiri: Because this is why I'm alive... My mission

Mika: Akiri...

The boy inhales deeply and breathes out as he then places the coin back in his pocket.

Akiri: ...I'll go clean the tables

He stood up and grabbed a cleaning cloth before going to do his work, leaving Mika to look at the boy silently before going back into the kitchen.

(Timeskip)

A few more minutes pass, and Akiri is now seen hard at work, quietly wiping the tables of the café with a wet cloth. Meanwhile, Mika was occupied in the kitchen and Mizuki is only sitting idly at the bar.

In the background, a small television is currently showing the live news, reporting about the latest talented individual who has found success thanks to the help of the Alan Institute.

Mizuki: And yet, someone with the talent to become a good mother is still being thwarted by an obstacle called marriage!

She complains as she slams her hand on the wedding magazine she's been reading.

At that moment, the reporter stated that there have been individuals that are voicing their dissatisfaction towards the mentioned institute.

Mizuki: Yeah, I'm dissatisfied! Why don't you give me support and donate a good man my way right now?!

She kept shouting at the TV, and Akiri only stared at her with a deadpanned look as he kept on wiping the table.

He then heard the bell ring, signifying that someone had entered the café and he saw a girl with long black hair walk in. She is dressed in the all too familiar navy blue Second Lycoris uniform, dragging a travel bag with her. She also had a white patch on her left cheek, seemingly covering up an injury.

She quietly approaches Mizuki, who is completely unaware of the new girl's presence.

???: Excuse me

The girl talked in a somewhat monotone voice.

Mizuki finally noticed the girl standing next to her, and saw the Lycoris uniform she is wearing.

Mizuki: Who're you?

???: I've been assigned here from today. Takina Inoue reporting

The TV suddenly shuts off and it was Mika who came over from the kitchen, holding the remote.

Mika: So you're here, Takina

Hearing the name, Mizuki recalls what Mika had told both her and Akiri just yesterday.

Mizuki: Ah. The Lycoris who got dismissed by DA

Takina: I haven't been dismissed

The girl now identified as Takina immediately corrected her.

Takina: I am temporarily reassigned. I was ordered to learn from you, Chisato-san

Takina said, looking at Mizuki, and both Mizuki and Mika then briefly shared a look.

Takina: While I do not wish for this transfer, it's an honour to be able to learn from Tokyo's top Lycoris. I would like to better myself in this field and regain my position back at headquarters

Mika: That thing is not Chisato

He said motioning to Mizuki with his head.

Mizuki: Don't call me "thing"!

Takina then turned and looked at Mika.

Mizuki: Not that old man, either!

From the corner of her eye, she spots Akiri, who had just finished cleaning the tables and is walking over to them and she then turns her head towards him.

Mizuki: And definitely not him!

Mika: I'm Mika, the supervisor here

Mika introduced himself and raised a hand for a handshake.

Takina: Takina Inoue

The girl introduces herself once more out of courtesy and they shook hands. Mika then went on to introduce the others.

Mika: This is Mizuki, former DA. She was in the Intelligence Division

The young woman only gave a small wave.

Takina: Former...

Mizuki: I got fed up with it. That sick organization that takes in orphans, turning them into hitmen like you Lycoris

Mika: And this here is Akiri

He said as firmly pats the boy on the back.

Mika: He is uh... He's an analyst

Akiri: Really? That's the best you could come up with?

He whispered just loud enough for Mika to hear, who then lightly hits the boy with his elbow.

Akiri: Y-Yeah, that I am...

Mika: He's been assigned to this post just yesterday, so he's relatively new here as well

Mika informed and Takina only nodded.

Akiri: I'm Akiri Shiranobu. Nice to meet you, Takina-san

Takina: Likewise

The two shook hands and at that moment, they heard a loud voice coming from outside.

???: What a huge dog! It looks like a wolf!

Mizuki: Oh, and here comes the lady of the hour

The door opens up and Chisato came in, looking chirpy as ever, carrying two plastic bags filled with stuff in both hands.

Chisato: Hey, there! I'm back!

Akiri: Let me help you with that

Chisato: Ooh, such a gentleman

She teased and he only rolled his eyes at her as he took the bags off her hands and places them down behind the counter while Chisato pulls out her phone.

Chisato: Sensei, good news! The reviews on Tabemog says the wait staff here are cute! They're talking about me, right?

Mizuki: They're obviously talking about me!

Chisato: Your face is the only joke we need from you, drunkard

Chisato then had just noticed the new girl who was standing there quietly.

Chisato: Oh, a Lycoris. Wait, what happened to your face?

Mika: She's the Lycoris I mentioned yesterday. Don't you remember, Chisato?

Both girls turn towards him with surprised faces.

Mika: The two of you are partners starting today. Get along well with each other

Takina: So this is...

Chisato: So she's...

Chisato had a smile on her face as she quickly went to Takina and grabs her hands.

Chisato: Nice to meet ya, partner! I'm Chisato!

Takina: Takina Inoue. Nice to...

Chisato: Takina! We haven't met before, have we?

In her excitement, Chisato didn't let her finish her introduction properly as the blonde-haired girl leaned closer to Takina.

Takina: Ah, yes. I was just transferred from Kyoto last year

Chisato: Oh, a reassignee! You must be talented! How old are you?

Takina: I'm sixteen

Chisato: So me and Akiri are a year older. But, save the honorifics though, just call me Chi-sa-to!

Takina: Ah...

Chisato: What you did yesterday was amazing!

She said, mimicking holding a machine gun in her hands.

Chisato: Is that injury a badge of honour?

She refers to the white patch on Takina's cheek, to which, she then looks away with an irritated look on her face.

Takina: No...

After telling her that she was hit by a fellow Lycoris and mentioning her name, Chisato storms over to the shop's phone and started calling someone.

(Timeskip)

Mika: She's not quite what you expected, huh?

Currently, Takina is being served with a cup of coffee on the bar table.

Takina: No, that's not...

Chisato: Well, you didn't have to punch her!

Meanwhile, Chisato is on the phone, having quite a heated conversation with the person on the other side.

Takina then notices someone taking a seat next to her and she turns her head to see that it is Akiri.

Akiri: Chisato can be a bit overwhelming to some people, but I hope you can get along with her

Mika then served another cup of coffee on the table in front of Akiri, who then promptly thanked him before taking a sip.

Takina: Are you two close? I thought you were only assigned here yesterday

Akiri: Yeah, but we've already known each other for years. Same with Mika-sensei and Mizuki-san as well

Takina: I see

Akiri: She's a talented Lycoris. I'm sure you can learn a thing or two from her

Chisato: ...Buzz off, ya moron!

Chisato angrily slams down the phone, ending the conversation she was having.

Chisato: Alright! Let's head out to work, Takina!

The girl switches to a cheerful mood in an instant.

Takina: Okay

Chisato then notices that she was having a drink.

Chisato: Ah, we can leave after you enjoy Sensei's coffee. It's real good. I'll go and get changed, so take your time

She said as she looks at Akiri.

Chisato: Akiri, you get changed too, we're heading out!

Akiri: Do I have to...?

The boy was hesitant as he had just finished working all morning and is only now having the time to rest up.

Chisato: C'mon. Don't you wanna spend more time with me?

Chisato said, making a sad face at him, pursing her lips, to which he then rolled his eyes at her.

Akiri: Fine, as long as Sensei's okay with it. I'm still supposed to be working, you know

Mika: Go ahead. You've already done a lot today

Akiri: Right

Chisato briefly celebrated with a cheer and she then began to walk to the changing room while Akiri quickly finished his coffee before going upstairs. However, only a brief second passed before Chisato reappears again, peeking her head.

Chisato: Ah, Takina!

Takina: Yes?

Takina tightens her posture immediately, and the blonde girl had a wide grin on her face.

Chisato: Welcome to LycoReco!

She says with a giggle before finally entering the changing room while Takina only stared at where she was in silence.