???: Thank you, come again!

Spoke the cashier as Akiri walks out of a convenience store, carrying a small plastic bag full of food items.

It was dark out, and eerily silent, only the sounds of crickets and the low hum of the neon sign of the store can be heard.

He started to head back towards the café, but he only took a few steps until all of a sudden, the quiet was disrupted by a sharp, thunderous combustion, echoing from afar. Being all too familiar with the sound, he immediately recognized it to be the sound of a gunshot, coming from a standard 9mm pistol.

Feeling a sense of urgency, he didn't waste any time and started to rush towards the direction where he heard the sound.

He runs down the street and turns the corner. His eyes widened in shock as he sees a girl lying in the middle of the road in a pool of blood. Seeing the familiar beige-coloured uniform, he knew that was a Third Lycoris.

He runs over to tend to her, but in the back of his mind, he knew from the amount of blood pooling around her that it was too late for her.

His assumptions were proven true when he took a closer look at her, and a grimace crossed his face at the devastating sight. Her body was riddled with bullet holes, as though she had been shot repeatedly, mercilessly.

From that sight alone, he can tell that whoever was responsible for this must harbor a deep-seated grudge against the girl or the organization she was a part of.

Akiri: ...

The boy took a deep breath to calm his rising anger as he then pulled out his phone and started to call someone.

A brief moment later, the other person picked up.

Kusunoki: What is it?

It was Commander Kusunoki.

Akiri: I got a Third Lycoris here... She's dead

Kusunoki: Another one?

Akiri: What do you mean "another one"?

There was a brief moment of silence, Kusunoki seems hesitant to answer.

Kusunoki: There have been three Lycoris reported dead in the past month... This makes four

Akiri: And you didn't bother to tell me this?

Kusunoki: I'll send the cleaning team to your location

Akiri: Don't change the subj-!

Kusunoki: Akiri, initiate Mode S alert protocol. Lay low, stay close to Chisato

Akiri: Mode S, huh...?

He glances at the dead body in front of him and he clenches his fists, tightening his grip on his phone.

Akiri: You expect me to hide like a coward while there're Lycoris are out there getting killed...?

Kusunoki: That is an order, Akiri. We'll handle this

Without waiting for an answer, she hung up, leaving him in total silence. The boy silently lowers his hand and places his phone into his pocket and he then takes a deep breath to calm himself.

He gives a final glance at the corpse before turning around and walking away from the scene with his head lowered and his hands in his pocket.

(Timeskip)

*knock* *knock *knock*

The repeated sound interrupted Akiri's sleep as he was unceremoniously woken up.

Takina: Akiri?

He recognized Takina's voice immediately.

Akiri: Yeah?

Takina: I need to talk to you. It's urgent

The boy slowly got up from his bed and stretched out his arms for a brief moment before getting up on his feet.

He still felt tired, but he powered through as he walked towards the door and opened it to see Takina standing in front, fully dressed in her Lycoris uniform.

Takina: We have a situation

Akiri: Mode S alert protocol, right?

Takina: Yes

She nodded.

Takina: I need you to tell me where Chisato's house is

Akiri: Which one?

Takina: Huh?

Akiri: She has three. Well, as far as I know. I'm not surprised if she has more now

Takina: Then, whichever one she's likely to be in right now

Akiri: That would be...

(Timeskip)

Chisato: Huh? Lycoris are?

Takina: All four were attacked during solo operations

Currently, Chisato is inside her apartment, still dressed in her pyjamas while on a call with Takina.

Chisato: How were their covers blown?

Takina: We don't know. It may be related to the Radiata hacking incident. And also...

Chisato went and poured herself a glass of cold water.

Takina: "This month's checkup was yesterday." is what Yamagishi-sensei told me

Chisato: Ah, that's right...

Takina: So you didn't go?

Chisato: Well, you see...

She glanced over at the state of her living room. It was a complete mess, snacks and opened DVD containers are littered on the floor, a clue as to what the girl has been busy with the last few days.

Takina: Starting today, I think we should constantly stick together as a group

Chisato: Hm? Wait, we're already paired up at the café every day...

Just as she said that, she heard the chime of the doorbell coming from the front door.

She took a brief moment to go up to the door and she opened it to see that it was Takina, carrying a duffel bag with her. Next to her, Akiri stands with a frown on his face, also carrying a bag.

Takina: At night, we'll take turns sleeping

Chisato: Eh?

Takina: Until we can guarantee we're safe, we'll be sticking with each other 24/7

She invited herself in and placed her duffel bag on the floor as Chisato then lit up in joy.

Chisato: Are you saying we're going to have a sleepover?!

Akiri: No, it's called a tactical retreat

Chisato: Which is another word for sleepover

The boy only lets out a sigh.

Akiri: ...Fine. Whatever you wanna call it

She notices the frown on his face and she then leans closer to the boy with a curious look.

Chisato: Why do you look so down? We're finally having a sleepover together after so long, you should be excited

Akiri: Excited is the last thing I'm feeling right now

Chisato: Don't tell me you're still mad about what happened last time

Akiri: That marker ink wouldn't get off my face for a whole week!

Chisato: It's your fault for falling asleep first

As the two conversed, Takina walked further inside.

Takina: So this is a professional's living space...

The two turned their heads to see Takina looking around the completely barren living room.

Chisato: Ah, that's not it. Over here

She then leads them to the corner of the room and pushes on the wall, revealing a hidden revolving door with a ladder that leads down to the lower floor.

They then went down with her, and were met by a similar-looking room as the one above, only this one looks a bit more occupied.

Chisato: You can sit wherever you like

Akiri: I see that you're still too lazy to clean...

The two individuals glanced in horror at the chaotic state of Chisato's living room, strewn with scattered belongings and disorderly clutter.

Chisato: You both are fine with iced coffee, right?

Chisato asked as she went behind the kitchen area, grabbing some cups from one of the drawers.

Takina: What is this?

Chisato: A lot can happen when you're in this business for so long. This is safehouse number one. I have three others

Takina: Safehouse?

Akiri: Privilege for being a top Lycoris

Takina then took another glance at the messy living room.

Takina: ...

(Timeskip)

Currently, the three are gathered at the dining table, with Takina presenting to them a timetable of sorts, divided into days and tasks, along with the names of the person assigned to the tasks.

Takina: Since we're going to live together, I've split up our chores equally

Chisato: That's no fun

Takina: No fun? Then...

She places her finger on her chin.

Takina: Would you prefer rock paper scissors against me?

Chisato: Oh! I like that idea!

She then turns towards Akiri, who is quietly cleaning his Sig Sauer pistol with a towel.

Chisato: What about you, Akiri? Wanna join in?

Akiri: Nah, just leave mine as is

He waves dismissively.

Akiri: You girls have fun

Takina noticed that the boy had a smirk on his face for a split second.

The girls then proceeded to play a game of rock paper scissors to decide how they will split the chores between them.

Chisato: First comes rock! Rock paper scissors!
Takina: First comes rock! Rock paper scissors!

As they play, Takina finds herself losing over and over again. It is as if Chisato could predict the future, as she managed to win each and every round.

The black-haired girl was left with a look of complete shock and disbelief as most of the slots in the timetable are filled with her name. Takina ended up having to do all the chores that were previously assigned to Chisato.

(Timeskip)

Chisato: Greetings, my fellow workers!

Chisato walks into café Lyco Reco filled with her usual glee.

Takina: Good morning
Akiri: Morning

Akiri and Takina follow from behind.

Mizuki: I heard all about it. Sounds like a real hassle

Mizuki says from behind the counter, referring to the fact that the three had to stay close together and lay low.

Chisato: Well, we're not DA, so I'm sure we're fine

Akiri: Don't jinx it...

The three headed to the back and they then overheard someone talking.

Mika: I think it'd help prevent any future casualties

They turn to see that Mika is speaking to someone on the phone. In the room behind him, they could see Kurumi lying on the floor. She seems to be just lazing around.

Mika: Ah, is that so? Understood

The man had a serious look on his face until he then ended the call and placed down the phone.

Chisato: Was that Kusunoki-san?

Takina: Will the commander offer any information?

Mika: It's top secret apparently

Chisato: Of course. The almighty DA's got a lot of secrets

Kurumi: It's fine I'll just take a peek for myself

She said before rolling over to her computer.

(Timeskip)

Currently, the three are back at Chisato's safehouse.

Akiri and Takina are busy with their assigned chores, with Takina cleaning the dishes in the kitchen while Akiri is clearing the dining table after sharing dinner made by the boy.

Meanwhile, Chisato has all the time to herself as she is watching a comedy show on the TV.

Takina: Statistically, you'd expect to win a third of the time at rock-paper-scissors...

Takina muttered, the girl seemed to have not come to terms with the results.

Akiri: Sure, if you two are on equal grounds, that would be the case

Akiri spoke as he came to place a stack of plates in the sink.

Takina: What do you mean?

Akiri: You fell for her trick

Takina: Trick?

Suddenly, Chisato's phone started to sound an alarm and she reached over to silence it.

Chisato: More goons here, huh?

Akiri: They probably followed us here

Chisato stood up and stretched her arms upwards while Akiri was seen grabbing a baseball bat.

Akiri: Perfect timing. I needed to let out a bit of steam

Chisato: Don't overdo it

She said before grabbing her pistol from the table and racking the slide with an excited demeanor.

Meanwhile, just on the floor above two intruders with guns have just broken into the decoy room, but they were confused at the totally empty room.

???: Hey, there's no one here!

???: But I saw them enter this place just now!

???: Damn it, where are they?

Unknown to them, Akiri and Chisato have just entered from the hidden door and they snuck up to the intruders.

Akiri: You picked the wrong house, fool!

Akiri came up to one of them and started hitting him with a baseball bat while Chisato chased the other guy around while shooting her gun.

It was over in less than a minute as the two intruders were then thrown out the balcony window, but fortunately for them, they landed on a soft pile of garbage bags which cushioned their fall.

Chisato then walked out the balcony and pointed her pistol at the guys, causing them to panic and they ran away from the scene, screaming in terror.

Chisato: Gotta replace these windows again

She mutters nonchalantly as she walks back inside where Takina is waiting.

Takina: Is that why you need safe houses?

Chisato: Pretty much. Guys like them are no problem, but before I used to have Lily Bell after me

Takina: Lily Bell?

Chisato: They're like the boy version of Lycoris. It's also where this guy came from

She pointed her thumb towards Akiri and he just rolled his eyes.

Takina: Just what do you two usually get yourselves into?

Chisato: Who knows? I couldn't say

Akiri: Trust me, it's better if you didn't know

With that brief interaction, the three went back down to the safehouse. However, unknown to them, there was a remote-controlled drone watching them from a distance outside.

(Timeskip)

The next day, the three are back at the café. Akiri and Chisato are looking at what Kurumi had found regarding the recent attacks on Lycoris agents.

Kurumi: The subway attack and the attack on Lycoris both used the guns from back then

Akiri: Yeah, I figured that would be the case... it's too much of a coincidence

Chisato: Back then?

Akiri: The weapons deal, remember?

Kurumi pulled up two familiar photos, the selfie from the client and the upscaled image of the arms deal.

Chisato: Oh. So are they the ones who hacked DA back then as well?

Akiri: Possibly

Kurumi flinched immediately at the mention of the hacking incident and she started to stutter.

Kurumi: I-I'm not sure about that...

Akiri and Chisato glance at her with a curious look.

Kurumi: I mean... I'll look into it further

Chisato: But how exactly are they identifying the Lycoris?

Kurumi: Dunno, still can't say. But maybe they've figured out that uniform of yours

Chisato: Oh, I see

Akiri: That's what I've been saying this whole time, but the commander wouldn't listen

Meanwhile, Takina is sitting idly in the main room of the café. Mika and Mizuki are also there, and they noticed that the girl had a troubled look on her face.

Mizuki: Is there something bugging you?

Takina: I just can't win...

Mizuki: Huh?

Takina: We decided who does the chores with rock-paper-scissors, but I haven't won against Chisato even once

Mizuki and Mika glanced at each other before turning back to Takina.

Mizuki: Are you playing with "first comes rock"?

Mika: You'll never beat Chisato that way

Takina: What?

Mizuki: Akiri didn't tell you anything?

Takina: He mentioned that there was some kind of trick

Mika: That's exactly it. From looking at the motion of her opponent's clothes and muscles, Chisato can determine what their next action will be

Mizuki: She can make out whether you'll change your move or not. From then on, it would be a simple matter of choosing the right response. If you stick with rock, she'll throw out paper, of course. If she knows you'll change, she can throw out scissors and never lose. In other words, you'll draw with her a third of the time!

Mika: With zero chance of winning

Mizuki: Akiri figured out that, to beat Chisato at rock-paper-scissors, you need to stop starting with rock and beat her on the initial throw. If you draw, then you're done for, and if you start with the same move, you'll never beat her!

Takina looked completely shocked at the revelation and the fact that she never had a chance to begin with.

Chisato: I'm off to make a delivery to the yakuza boss!

Chisato exclaimed as she and Akiri came out from the back, with the girl wearing a bright yellow poncho to cover her red Lycoris uniform.

However, she then saw that everyone was looking at her silently with judging looks on their faces.

Chisato: What?

Takina: No, it's nothing

Chisato: Huh? Come on, tell me

Takina: Just hurry up and get to delivering already. I'll be ready to leave in a minute

Takina said somewhat sulkily as she stood up and removed her hairband.

Chisato: Ah, it's okay. Kurumi told me that our uniform's the giveaway

Takina: Our Lycoris uniforms?

Chisato: That's right. But they won't have a clue with this!

She raises her arms, showing off her yellow poncho. She seems to take pride in the idea she had thought of, although the others didn't share her confidence.

Akiri: I think that would draw even more attention...

Mika: And you won't be able to pull out your gun in plain clothes

Mizuki: I hope the police arrest you

Chisato: I know that much! That's why I'm wearing it underneath, see?

She lifts the poncho to reveal the red Lycoris uniform she is wearing underneath.

Takina: Then I'll do the same

Chisato: No, I'll be fine by myself. And Akiri, I can't wait to see what's for dinner!

Akiri: Yeah, yeah... Get going

He waved his hands dismissively as she went to the front door and opened it.

Chisato: Catch ya later!

With that, she walked out the door and closed it behind her.

(Timeskip)

It has been a while since Chisato had left and the others only minded their own business, idly waiting around until the silence was then broken by someone screaming in panic.

Kurumi came running to them from the back, holding her tablet and showing it to them.

Kurumi: Look at this!

The screen of her tablet shows an image of a squad of Lycoris agents in formation about to breach a door.

Kurumi: This is DA drone footage from the arms deal!

She zooms in closer to see their faces.

Akiri: Wait, that girl...

Akiri seems to have recognized one of the girls.

Kurumi: These are the four that were murdered! The culprit knew their faces because this got leaked!

Mizuki: What? How did that get leaked?

Mika: The hacking incident back them, huh?

Akiri: Some data must've gotten pulled out by the hacker. Is that the motive behind the hack?

Takina: But DA still hasn't been able to track down the hacker

Mizuki: I bet it's a friend of yours! Why don't you go see who it is?

Kurumi then had a look of guilt on her face.

Mizuki: What is it?

Akiri: It's you, isn't it?

Takina: Huh?

Everyone looks at Akiri in shock while Kurumi only nodded.

Kurumi: Yes... It was me back then

Mizuki: What?!

Mika: What's the meaning of this?

Kurumi: I hacked DA for a job. I had to get closer to that client

Mizuki: Wait, so you were the one who supplied those terrorists with weapons?!

Kurumi: No, I'm not! I just infiltrated DA security at the time like I was told

Mizuki: Is that so? Well, thanks to you, unknown terrorists got their hands on a pile of guns, and Takina ended up discharged!

Mika: That's enough, cut it out, Mizuki

Akiri: Kurumi, other than those four, who else got compromised?

Kurumi: Hey, where's Chisato?

Takina: She's off on a delivery

Kurumi: Uh oh...

Mizuki: Uh oh? What, uh oh?

She then switched the photo and showed them a different one. They were completely shocked as they saw that it was an image of Chisato.

Mika: That's not good

Akiri: Takina, get changed, now

Akiri quickly rushed upstairs to his room while Takina went to the changing room at the back and the two changed into their Lycoris uniforms.

Akiri slips on his blazer after putting on his t-shirt and trousers. Just before he exited his room, his gaze fell on the pistol case stored under his bed.

Akiri: ...

Takina came out of the changing room, dressed in her uniform, and saw that Mika's call with Chisato ended abruptly and a moment later, Akiri came down from the stairs.

Akiri: Takina, we'll check the usual route to the yakuza office

Takina: Right!

They then rushed out the front door without wasting another minute.

Mika: Kurumi, find Chisato!

Kurumi: Got it!

All of them went straight into action, Kurumi sending out her drone while Mizuki went to grab her car keys.

(Timeskip)

After following Chisato's path to where she was going, Akiri and Takina came across the girl's yellow poncho and phone in the middle of the road.

Takina quickly got on her phone and contacted Kurumi.

Takina: We found Chisato's poncho and phone!

Kurumi: I'll hack into the cameras around the city as well

Meanwhile, Akiri was looking around the scene and he saw small chunks of red rubber on the ground and he then knelt down to it.

Akiri: It's her non-lethal bullets... She might've gotten away

Takina: Where do you think she's heading?

Akiri: She's smart. She knows we're looking for her, so she'll be going somewhere she could easily be seen, an open space

Takina: Then... the park?

Akiri: Exactly

The two then quickly made their way to the park and sure enough, there was Chisato, being surrounded by a large group of guys, pointing the headlights of their vans towards the girl as she was being helplessly beaten up by a man with green hair.

The girl seems to be blinded, unable to open her eyes due to it being covered by blood.

Takina: Chisato!

Takina pulled out her gun and was about to fire, but Akiri then grabbed her arm, stopping her.

Akiri: Stay back...

Takina: Akiri-san?

The boy's eyes are locked on the man with green hair that was beating Chisato.

Akiri: Stay back... He's mine...

He growled, his voice firmer, there was a subtle undertone of aggression and tightly controlled anger tinged his words, lending an air of intensity to the atmosphere which sent a chill down Takina's spine. She almost couldn't recognize who the boy in front of her was.

Chisato was knocked down to the ground, the girl could only helplessly crawl back but stopped when she heard the man cocking back the hammer of his revolver.

???: What's your mission? That thing

He motions to the Alan Institute pendant on her chest.

???: An Alan Lycoris. You're a real interesting one

As he applies pressure to the trigger, his gun is abruptly knocked out from his grasp by a well-placed bullet, preventing him from firing.

He looks to the source of the intriguing gunshot to see a lone boy emerging from the shadows, slowly walking over towards them with a smoking gun raised and a deadly glare.

As the goons raised their guns towards the boy, Akiri swiftly retrieved a second pistol from his back, a modified Heckler & Koch P30L.

Chisato's eyes widened and her gaze became transfixed on the weapon before her, triggering an onslaught of unpleasant memories that cascaded through her mind like a relentless wave.

In a display of lightning-fast reflexes, he unleashed a barrage of lethal shots, each one finding its mark in the heads of his enemies. Their lives were brutally extinguished before they even had a chance to react, while the remaining individuals immediately went to cover to escape Akiri's deadly prowess.

The green-haired man stood paralyzed, his eyes wide with shock and disbelief, unable to process the unfolding scene before him. He was left rooted to the spot, gripped by an overwhelming fear as the boy approached closer and closer.

???: Who... Who the hell are you...?

The boy only stayed silent and pointed his gun at the man as he could only stare down the barrel of the weapon.

Chisato: Akiri, stop!

Chisato yelled as she positioned herself between Akiri and the man, her arms outstretched and held firmly at her sides.

Akiri: Chisato?

Chisato: Stop... Please... That's enough

Akiri saw tears in the corner of her eyes, making him lower his guns.

Having regained his composure and seeing the opportunity, the green-haired man quickly turned away and rolled into cover while the rest of his men went out and started shooting at Akiri and Chisato.

Their shots missed their targets and as they kept shooting, some of them were then shot in the legs, incapacitating them and Chisato looked to see that it was Takina, shooting from the bushes.

Chisato: Takina!

They then hear the sound of a car approaching and they see a familiar red SUV speeding over towards them. The vehicle then slid to a halt in front of the two and the rear passenger door opened from inside.

Mika: You two, get in!

Chisato immediately jumps in where Mika is while Akiri goes in the front passenger seat. From the other side, Takina ran over and jumped inside the car, squeezing herself in.

Chisato: It's cramped...

Takina: Can't you scoot over a bit?

Mika: Mizuki, step on it!

Mizuki: Got it!

She shifts the car into gear and launches it forwards before flicking the steering wheel to turn the car around.

???: You're not escaping, Alan Lycoris!

The man with green hair shouted as his men shot at the escaping car, but their bullets were unable to pierce through the vehicle.

As they drive away, they then see that another car is speeding towards them, heading on a collision course to stop them from escaping. But Mizuki was able to swerve around it at the last second.

Takina: They're pulling out the big guns!

Takina shouted and they turned to see that one of the goons had brought out an RPG-7 and was aiming it towards them.

Takina: I'm out of ammo!

Chisato: We're done for!

Akiri: Mizuki, turn the car, drive straight to him

Mizuki: What?! Are you crazy?!

Akiri: Just do it!

Mizuki did as he said and steered the car towards the shooter while the boy then peeks out the window, aiming his pistol forwards.

He holds his breath, looking down the iron sight before firing a shot, which knocks the rocket launcher off target and the man accidentally fires the weapon, sending a rocket-propelled grenade flying towards the car which the green-haired man was trying to enter.

The rocket explodes, the force of the blast sends the man flying into the lake as team Lyco Reco makes their escape, leaving behind a fiery spectacle in their wake.

(Timeskip)

The team had made their way back to the café.

Mika had started to tend to Chisato's wounds while Akiri and Takina tended to the matter of the hacker in front of them, sitting down on the floor apologetically.

Mizuki: In other words, she's behind everything

Mizuki had given Chisato a run down of the situation whilst having a glass of beer.

Kurumi: C'mon! I helped you guys a lot of times before, didn't I?

Mizuki: Takina, you're the victim here, so give her a real earful!

Chisato: What are you gonna do, Takina? Let her have it!

Kurumi: I'm sorry, Takina

She bowed deeply, giving an honest-to-heart apology, and Takina then leaned closer to her and smiled softly.

Takina: That was the result of my own actions. It's not your fault, Kurumi

Kurumi could hardly believe what she was hearing, while Chisato only smiled at the sight.

Takina: But we're going to apprehend him. And you'll be helping us until that happens

Kurumi: Of course! I've already figured out his name!

She pulled out her tablet and showed it to them, smirking. The screen plays a video feed from earlier at the park, the goons were all chanting a name repeatedly.

???: Majima-san!

???: Majima-san!

Kurumi: Majima-san!

Akiri: That's all well and good, but...

They heard Akiri mutter and they all turned to the boy, his eyes convey sadness and dismay.

Akiri: Even if it's not directly, because of you, four Lycoris agents were murdered

Her gaze lowered, hearing his words, realization washed over her as the gravity of her actions began to sink in, and a sense of responsibility and reflection took hold. The others in the room also fell silent.

Kurumi: Akiri-san, I'm... I'm sorry

Akiri: Tell that to them, not me... And don't think you're out of this too

He then points to Chisato.

Akiri: I could've killed that Majima guy and ended it all right then and there. Why did you stop me?

Chisato then stood up and walked up to Akiri, looking at the boy straight in the eyes.

Chisato: Because of that...

She points towards the HK P30L the boy had placed on the table.

Chisato: Back then, when I saw you... You had that scary look in your eyes...

She recalls the moment the boy arrived at the scene, him ruthlessly killing off the goons one by one.

Chisato: I didn't see Akiri Shiranobu, I saw Subject X...

Akiri: Chisato, that's-

Chisato: I was scared... Scared that you might turn back into the old you. I don't want that, so I stopped you...

Her gaze lowers and he noticed that she looked like she was on the verge of tears, her arms trembling, her lips quivering.

Chisato: You promised me, remember? You promised me that you won't go back to how you were. You won't be their weapon anymore...

The others were dead silent, Mika and Mizuki briefly glanced at each other for a moment.

The boy, too, fell silent, his voice stifled by the sight of the girl standing before him, her tears welling up and streaming down her face.

Akiri: Hey, don't cry

Feeling guilty, the boy instinctively moves in closer to her, wrapping his arms around her in an embrace, trying his best to comfort her as she hugs him back and softly sobs into his chest.

Akiri: I'm sorry, Chisato. If there's anything I can do to make it up to you...

Chisato: Th-Then...

Akiri: What is it?

Chisato: You can stay up all night and watch this new show with me!

Akiri: Huh?

He looks down to the surprise of seeing that Chisato now had a wide grin on her face and he just lets out a defeated sigh.

Akiri: Fine...

Chisato: Alright! You better get ready, because I won't let you sleep tonight!

(Timeskip)

Akiri and Chisato are now back at Chisato's safehouse, and the two are seen on the couch together with an action show playing on the TV in front of them.

However, only a few hours into the night, Chisato had succumbed to exhaustion and fallen asleep, leaning her head against the boy's shoulder.

Akiri: All night long, huh?

The boy rolled his eyes and he then grabbed a remote to turn off the TV before pulling up a blanket and covering her with it.

Akiri: ...

His mind then drifts back to what Chisato said to him earlier at the café.

(Flashback)

Chisato: I was scared... Scared that you might turn back into the old you

(Flashback over)

He looks at the sleeping girl next to him, his gaze falling to the bandages wrapped around her arm that are covering her wounds from the fight, and he recalls the sight of her being beaten up by the green-haired man.

Akiri: (thoughts) Maybe the old me is what we need right now...

Moments later, a wave of weariness washed over him, his eyelids growing heavy with drowsiness. Overwhelmed by fatigue, he drifts into sleep.