Fuki: HQ, this is Alpha Team. We're in position

Currently, under the shine of the morning sun, a Lycoris squad consisting of one First and three Second Lycoris are seen standing behind the cover of a wall with their pistols on the ready.

The red uniformed Lycoris is peeking around the corner, seeing a group of armed men guarding the front door of an abandoned factory.

Sakura: Come on, let's go already

The brown-haired Second Lycoris was getting impatient.

Fuki: HQ hasn't given the order yet

Sakura: What's taking so long?

Erika: Maybe we're waiting for backup?

Erika Janome, the Second Lycoris with short ginger hair meekly spoke out.

Hibana: The briefing never mentioned that we'll be having backup

Hibana Kagari, the Second Lycoris with blonde hair replied.

Kusunoki: (coms) Alpha, hold position

The commander's voice came through on their earpiece.

At the control room of headquarters, commander Kusunoki is overseeing the operation, watching everything from the large screen in the room.

She then pressed one of the buttons on the console in front of her and leaned close to a microphone.

Kusunoki: Akiri. What's your status?

Akiri: (coms) I'm in position. Awaiting orders

Akiri's voice came through the speakers of the mission control room.

Kusunoki: Alright. You may begin

Akiri: (coms) Copy

Back with the Lycoris squad, they are still standing by behind cover, waiting for further instructions to come.

Sakura: How much longer are we gonna-

Her sentence was cut short as they saw that one of the guards was shot down, making the others panic as they started to look around, haphazardly waving their guns around.

Sakura: What the?

Erika: A sniper?

Kusunoki: (coms) Alpha, begin operation

Fuki: Copy

While the guards were distracted, Fuki quickly turned the corner and started shooting the guards down and the others in her squad followed as they took out the guards one by one.

The armed men had no chance to retaliate as they were completely overwhelmed and soon, they all drop to the ground, lifeless.

Fuki: Let's move

She ordered her squad and they moved towards the door in tight formation.

Fuki: We're moving in

She got in front of the metal door and kicked it as hard as she can right under where the lock is, making the door swing right open.

Her squadmates quickly rushes in and did a sweep, shooting down some more armed men that were caught completely off guard.

Once the men are taken care of, they searched around the area some more to confirm that all hostile are neutralized.

Sakura: All clear

Fuki: As usual, I'll take point. Sakura, you're with me. Erika, Hibana, watch our six

The others nodded and with Fuki and Sakura leading, the team moved in further into the factory.

The squad proceeded to do a sweep and clear the building, no corner of any room was left unchecked. They moved together as one unit, as efficiently as a well-oiled machine.

As they encountered any retaliating forces along the way, the Lycoris made quick work of them, taking them down with only a few shots from their pistol.

However, the girls noticed something strange as they were clearing out the building. Some of the men are already dead on the ground for some reason. They can tell that they are killed only recently as their blood is still pouring out of their heads.

While it was certainly a suspicious and confusing sight, the girls continued on their mission.

Eventually, they reached a metal-reinforced door at the end of a hallway.

Erika: This should be the last room we haven't checked

Fuki: Right. Hibana, the charge

Hibana nodded and she pulled out a C-4 explosive from her bag and stuck it on the door.

The team moved behind cover as Hibana pulled out a detonator. She glanced at Fuki for confirmation, who gave a firm nod and she pressed the button to detonate.

The explosive blast from the bomb forces the door open as it was ripped out of its hinges. From the smoke of the explosion, Alpha Team rushes through and immediately shoots down anyone guarding the room without hesitation.

It didn't take long for the firefight to end with all the armed men getting taken out.

Sakura: Well, that was easy

Sakura remarked as she reloads her pistol with a fresh magazine.

Fuki: They clearly weren't trained professionals. Their reaction time was sluggish, and their aim was horrible

Looking at the corner of the room, they see a stack of large wooden crates.

Sakura: Those might be the weapons

The four walked up to the crates and Fuki opens one of them only to find that there was nothing in it.

Fuki: It's empty

Hibana walked up to another one and open it.

Hibana: This one is empty too

Fuki: Looks like another dead end...

Sakura: Damn it!

Sakura slams the lid shut in frustration.

As the Lycoris were inspecting the crates, one of the men on the floor suddenly started to move without them noticing and he reached for his pistol and started to aim towards Sakura.

Fuki then saw the man from the corner of her eyes and her eyes widened in panic.

Fuki: Sakura!

Everything appeared to happen in slow motion as Fuki raises her gun to shoot, but the man already had a finger on the trigger, the barrel of his gun already pointed straight at Sakura.

Suddenly, a bullet shot through the window of the room and hits the man right in the head, killing him instantly as he drops to the ground, and Sakura was saved.

Sakura: That... That was close...

She said, still in shock and disbelief as to what happened.

Fuki: Idiot! Pay attention. You could've gotten killed!

Erika: Thank goodness that sniper took care of it

They all looked through the window where the bullet came from, however, there were no signs of the shooter anywhere.

Sakura: Yeah... I gotta thank her later. Whoever she is...

Fuki: Come on. Let's get out of here

With that, the girls walked out of the scene and started making their way to where they entered from.

Meanwhile, a few distances away from the abandoned factory, Akiri Shiranobu is seen on the rooftop of a tall apartment building in a prone position with an AWM sniper rifle, with a suppressor attached at the muzzle.

Akiri: That's the last one. Did they get anything?

Kusunoki: (coms) Unfortunately no. It's another red herring

Akiri: Well shit...

A month has passed since the attack at the train station. Since then, Akiri was hard at work, joining every operation to investigate the group behind the attack.

However, his efforts were to no avail as every single investigation all lead to a dead end.

With a grunt, the boy got up on his feet and using the sling on his sniper rifle, he carries the weapon on his back.

Akiri then suddenly began to cough uncontrollably and he covered his mouth. After a moment, the coughing finally stopped as he took a few breaths.

Kusunoki: (coms) You okay?

Akiri: Yeah, I'm fine. I'm heading back now...

Kusunoki: (coms) Alright. You get some rest. We'll update you if we find anything new

The communication ended and Akiri started to walk away.

As the boy was walking, he briefly looked at his hand which he used to cover his mouth to see that there was blood on it.

Akiri: ...

(Timeskip)

Chisato: Thank you, come again!

Chisato closes the cash register as she cheerfully waved goodbye to a customer who is just exiting the café.

The girl hums a happy tune as she used this spare time to browse through a social media app on her phone.

But her moment of relaxation was short as she hears the chime of a bell, indicating that the front door is opened and she immediately puts her phone back in her pocket before putting on a smile to greet the entering customer.

Chisato: Welcome-

She paused in surprise as she saw that it was Akiri, entering the café carrying a rather large case, which she assumes stores a weapon inside.

Chisato: Akiri?

She noticed that the boy looked completely exhausted, his breathing a little heavier than normal, his shoulders slumped and his eyes looked like they are barely staying up.

Chisato: Hey, you don't look so good

Akiri: I'm fine... I just need some... Rest...

He started feeling light-headed as his then legs gave in and he drops straight down to the floor, causing Chisato to run towards him in a panic.

Chisato: Akiri!

Her distressed shout was the last thing he heard before everything went black.

(Timeskip)

Akiri slowly stirs awake and saw the familiar ceiling of his bedroom. The sunlight is beaming through the open window, which is also letting in a gentle breeze.

Akiri: What the...? What happened...?

He didn't remember going to his room and sleeping, and he tried to recall the events before.

???: Hey, you're finally up

He heard a familiar voice and slowly turns his head to see that it was Karin, standing next to his bed.

Akiri: Karin...? What are you-

Karin: Might wanna keep it down

She whispers as she gestures with her head towards the side of his bed. Akiri follows her gaze and there, he sees that Chisato is sleeping soundly on a chair with her head resting on the edge of his bed.

Karin: She hasn't left your side all night

Akiri: All night?

Karin: You don't remember? Chisato said you collapsed when you entered the café yesterday. She and her friend carried you here and called me over

Akiri: I... collapsed...?

Karin: Yeah

The boy fell silent as he lowered his head with furrowed eyebrows as if he is having trouble believing her.

Karin: You're getting worse... And it also didn't help that you were working your ass off 24/7 in the operation

Akiri: You knew?

Karin: I'm part of the Intel department, of course I know

He then suddenly felt some shuffling from his bed and he looks down to see that Chisato is stirring awake.

Chisato: Akiri? Are you up?

She asked groggily while rubbing the sleep off her tired eyes.

Akiri: Yeah. I'm fine now

She stretches her arms up as she releases a long yawn.

Chisato: That's good

She then quickly reached out her hand towards him and started pulling on his ear.

Chisato: You had me worried sick, you know that?!

Akiri: Ow! I'm sorry! Please let go, that really hurts

She releases her grip on his ear and he held it in pain.

Chisato: Serves you right. What happened out there?

Akiri: Nothing. I was just tired

Chisato: But for you to just suddenly collapse? They're not overworking you are they?

Akiri: You know the commander wouldn't do that

Chisato: Then...

Akiri: I told you, I was just tired. It's nothing serious

Chisato only stared at him quietly with narrowed eyes, not fully convinced. However, she then just lets out a sigh.

Chisato: You know, you've been acting weird lately, Akiri

Akiri: What do you mean?

Chisato: It's like you're keeping something from me. Something serious. You wouldn't do that to me, would you, Akiri?

She asked as she looked at him straight in the eye, and the boy stayed tight-lipped for a good few seconds while Karin looks on with uncertainty.

Akiri: Of course I won't. It's nothing serious, Chisato

The boy flashed a smile, but the girl still wasn't convinced.

Chisato: You promise?

He paused yet again, seemingly thinking about his answer.

Akiri: I promise

Chisato: Alright then... If you say so

Karin: Chisato-chan, can you leave us for a moment?

Karin interrupted.

Karin: I have some things to talk about with Akiri here for a bit

Chisato: Y-Yeah, of course

Although hesitant, Chisato gets up and starts to walk to the door. As she opens the door, she paused to look back at Akiri for a moment before walking out and closing the door shut, leaving the two alone.

Karin: She's been your closest friend for years now. I can't believe you could just lie straight to her face like that

Akiri: It's better this way

Karin: Do you really believe that?

Akiri: ...

The boy fell silent and Karin then let out a sigh.

Karin: Anyway, you've really done it this time...

Karin said as she took a seat next to him on the edge of his bed.

Karin: This might be the largest crisis our nation has ever faced, and you went and placed yourself right in the middle of it

Akiri: You told me to think about what I wanted to do in my final moments, right? Well, this is it. This is what I want to do

Karin: Want to? Or need to?

Akiri: It doesn't matter

Karin: It does, Akiri. It does to me

Akiri: ...

He fell quiet, and the room fell silent for a while.

Karin: Me, the commander, Mika, Mizuki, Chisato, we all want nothing but the best for you, why can't you see that?

Akiri: The best, huh...? Does someone like me deserve that?

Karin: You deserve it more than anyone I know

She said firmly and without hesitation and he fell silent once again.

Karin: You need to start thinking about what you truly want. Or you'll regret it when the time comes

Akiri: What I want? I've given up on that a long time ago...

Karin releases a sigh, seeing that he is still being stubborn and she reached down to the floor to grab something. She then placed a black case on the bed next to Akiri without saying anything.

Akiri: What's this?

He opened the case, and inside, were five vials of blue-coloured liquid.

Karin: Those are your antidote. Well, maybe not antidote exactly. It won't heal you, just slow down your condition from worsening

Akiri: Where did you get-

Karin: It's not much, but it'll buy you a decent amount of time. That is, if you use them wisely...

They both fell silent for a while as he knew exactly what Karin was implying.

Akiri: Right... Thanks

He said as he closed the case and placed it next to the bed.

He then started to lift himself up from the bed. However, he was stopped by Karin, who then pushed him back down on the bed.

Karin: And where do you think you're going?

Akiri: Uh... Work?

Karin: Absolutely not. You're going to take a rest for the day. I've already told Mika, so don't worry

Akiri: But-

Karin: And another thing. The commander has called off the investigation

Akiri: What? Why?

Karin: We've spent weeks trying to track them down, but as you saw firsthand, we kept running into dead ends. We're not getting anywhere if this keeps up

The boy fell silent, and Karin then continued.

Karin: So for now, field operations are put on hold. The Intel department will be focusing their search elsewhere while the Lycoris who participated in the operation are to wait for further orders. That includes you, Akiri

Akiri: Fine...

Karin: Good

She finally gets back up on her feet.

Karin: I have lots of work to do back at HQ. So, try not to do anything stupid while I'm gone

She didn't waste any time and walked straight towards the door, but not before stopping to say another few words to him.

Karin: You have a lot of people that care about you, Akiri. But you need to learn to care about yourself

With those words, she walked out and closes the door, leaving him to his own thoughts as he lies back down on his bed.

(Timeskip)

The next morning, Akiri walks downstairs fully clothed in his dark blue kimono, ready for his work shift at the café.

Chisato: Hey, aren't you supposed to be off duty today?

Chisato, who is wiping down one of the tables noticed the boy.

Akiri: Well, I'm feeling better now

Chisato: Are you sure? You looked terrible yesterday

Akiri: I'm good now, see?

He did a few jumping jacks to demonstrate that he is indeed feeling better.

Akiri: All better

Chisato: Alright, if you say so. But you should take it easy for now

Akiri: Right

With that, he went to the kitchen and saw that there were some unwashed plates and cups near the sink and he started to get to work washing them.

The rest of the day went on as normal as it can be for them.

(Timeskip)

Chisato: Alright, everyone! I'll be explaining our next assignment!

That night, Chisato had gathered all the café staff in the main area as she stands in front of them with a tablet in her hand. She looks rather excited about this particular assignment.

Chisato: Looks like it's gonna be a really fun job!

Takina: You're not the one giving the briefing this time?

Takina asked Mizuki, who is sitting next to her.

Mizuki: Well, she looks really excited for this one

Chisato: Hey! Cut the chatter! And the squirrel up there!

She shouts to Kurumi, who is wearing a VR headset with a gaming controller in her hands.

Chisato: Are you playing video games?

Kurumi: Don't worry, I'm listening

Chisato then looks back at her tablet as she clears her throat.

Chisato: Our client is male, 72 years old, Japanese. His wife and daughter were killed, and with his own life in peril, he fled to the United States to take refuge ever since

Akiri: The US is the last place you want to go if you're being targeted by assassins

Akiri, who is sitting at the bar drinking coffee, remarked.

Chisato: He currently has uh... amy... Uhh...

She squints her eyes close to the screen of her tablet as she is clearly having trouble pronouncing the lengthy word.

Chisato: A-amyo...

Kurumi: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Takina: Does that mean he can't move on his own?

Akiri: It's a type of disease which causes loss of muscle control, so yeah. He probably can't

Chisato: Last year, he found out that he doesn't have much time left to live, so he wanted to have one last look around his homeland of Japan, and Tokyo to boot

Takina: So... Sightseeing?

Chisato: Brings a tear to your eye, doesn't it? In other words, there's still a chance his life is in danger, so we'll be his bodyguard!

Takina: Why would they still be after his life?

Akiri: Yeah. That doesn't make any sense

Mizuki: Well, he is a director of a large corporation, so he probably has his fair share of enemies. But the pay's real good to make up for it

Akiri: I don't know... This all seems fishy to me

Chisato: Do you have to be so doubtful about everything?

She looked at the boy with a frown.

Akiri: Well, someone needs to ask the questions around here

Takina: What are you suggesting?

Akiri: I'm saying that this story seems like one you'd see in a TV show. It all seems... Convenient

Mika: We should stay on our toes then

Mika said from the corner of the room as he was reading a newspaper.

Chisato: You guys are overthinking this. Back to topic, I can't imagine that he'd be in danger so soon after arriving in Japan. He says he'll leave the itinerary up to us, so I'll come up with the perfect travel plan

Kurumi: Then we could make a travel guidebook for him

Chisato: Good idea!

She approves of the idea as she snaps her fingers.

Akiri: I still don't have a good feeling about this

Chisato: If you're so opposed to the idea, no one's forcing you to take part

Akiri rolls his eyes as he lets out a defeated sigh.

Akiri: Fine, I'm in. It's not like I have anything better to do...

Chisato: Alright! Now, we're gonna need some coloured paper and markers. Akiri, you're helping me to draw stuff, you're much better than me at that

Akiri: Right

(Timeskip)

Akiri went back inside his room after a good few minutes of helping Chisato with her handmade travel guide.

The boy went straight to his bed drops down on the mattress and releases a long sigh as he then silently stared at the plain white ceiling of his bedroom.

His mind wandered back to the conversation he had with Karin just yesterday.

(Flashback)

Karin: You need to start thinking about what you truly want. Or you'll regret it when the time comes

(Flashback over)

The exact words repeated in his head like an echo.

Akiri: What I want...

He muttered as an image flashed in his head. He sees a girl with short blonde hair smiling sweetly at him. It was none other than Chisato Nishikigi.

Akiri: ...

He shook his head from side to side to push away the thoughts and he then turns on his bed.

Akiri: (thoughts) Someone as amazing as her shouldn't be with someone like me. She deserves someone better...

He lies on his bed in total silence until he eventually drifts off into sleep.