“...yes. If you accomplish this without a hindrance, I would gladly recommend you for a promotion.”

Gakushuu laughed incredulously, as if someone just underestimated him over the phone.

“Are you doubting me? Remember, I made you who you are today. And anytime, I can take all of it away. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a warning. It’s a threat.”

He turned the call off, sighing in despair. If only he did not get involved in this affair, he would have continued his search in peace. He doesn’t know why, but it seemed that he trusted Karma more than he thought, entrusting his personal matter, and all.

He stopped signing his paperworks for a moment when his phone vibrated. He simpered and smiled, reading the contents.

project:SALUTATION Floor Plan & Trigger Location

https//: frmthsnndngbss.krng.au

He could still remember why he ended up on the position he is standing right now. Why he ended up signing a truce with his rival and the sister he never had. Why he chose to gamble his life rather than staying on his planned out career.

It all started with them, the E-Class. But, it first emerged with Akabane Karma, who was his lifetime rival, and Shiota Nagisa, who had a close resemblance to the girl he first loved and lost. Alas, it was not the time for his story to be told.

His trance was broken when his phone rang.

“Hello, this is Asano Gakushuu speaking,” the strawberry blond answered.

[Asano-kun.]

“Karasuma-san? Is there a new mission for me?” he asked, although he has a slight view on what it is all about.

[Actually, it’s for the Meijin, and for Nagisa-san.]

“Let me guess, it’s connected to the Ameno-Kaneki Bombing three years ago, and you want me to convince Nagisa to reconsider. Am I right?”

Karasuma sighed in defeat. [I knew nothing could slip past you. Would you be so kind to lend us a hand? I just want all of this to finally end. You know, to give them  a peace of mind.]

He always wondered how everyone else would react if they learn that Karma was alive.

“I won’t lend a hand,” Gakushuu said nonchalantly.

[What? I don’t understand—]

“It’s because you won‘t need my help convincing her anymore. By this time, I can deduce that she will be on her way to the agency and carry on the mission.”

[That is kind of reassuring.]

“However,” the young Asano cut off once again. “Her trust on her team might become a different story. The fear of another betrayal is difficult to ward off, especially at such an environment.”

The ravenet cleared his throat and spoke. [I see. I will take that into account and will see you in an hour.]

“Yes, Karasuma-san.”

Before he could end the call, Karasuma followed. [Tell me, Asano-kun. Your loyalty still lies on your service, correct?]

Gakushuu was taken aback for a moment. “Honestly speaking, I don’t know anymore. However, one thing is for sure. I don’t do treachery.” With that, the call ended.

Still, there was something that continued running through his mind.

‘I'm sorry, but it seems that my loyalty belongs to someone else now.’

—•—

“This time, we have three goals. Our main priority will be capturing Ichigo Ameno preferably alive,” Karasuma started by the time the official team was completed. “I don't care if he’s unconscious, barely breathing, or even mutilated. Just make sure he is alive.” 

“Next will be making sure the reunion will go smoothly. We have received a tip from an anonymous source that someone other than Ameno is trying to recreate the bombing three years ago. Their main targets are probably the elite guests, Asano Gakushuu-kun the party's main sponsor, and Shiota Nagisa-chan.” Unknown to them, Irina eyed them suspiciously. There was something definitely wrong here. But, she immediately switched her mood, going back to her easy-going, flirtatious persona. “Since Shiota-chan here was originally hired to guard Asano-kun, Isogai, Kataoka, Itona, and Ritsu will proceed on apprehending Ameno. Yukimura, Sugino, and Manami will take care of the guests.”

“What about Nagisa-chan then?” Manami accidentally blurted out her thoughts but decided to disregard her shock and continued. “If she protects Gakushuu-kun, who will protect her?”

“I don’t need protection, Okuda,” the bluenette answered rather coldly.

Silence reigned inside Hades for a moment.

“Ahem,” Karasuma cleared his throat to get their attention back. “I think she is more than capable in taking care of herself. Now, I have a personal request, not as your Chief, but as a part of our family.”

“What is it, Karasuma-sensei?”

“Please don't do anything stupid.”

—•—

“Nagisa-chan.”

‘Oh, Okuda. Just one of the people I didn’t want to do anything with anymore.’

Nagisa kept quiet, yet her breathing was starting to get unstable.

“I know you probably resent me and the others, but I'd like to have my feelings reach you, because I can't keep it all to myself anymore.”

“Actually, right now I don't think I could bring myself to face you,” the bluenette said.

“Do you really hate us that much?”

“Nah,” Nagisa shook her head then placed her hands behind her, fiddling. “I'm just torn between caring, and not giving a single damn to all of you.”

Manami gulped. Nagisa's straightforwardness was new to her, and the latter clearly demonstrated how deep her resentment was to the Meijin. Just then, Tomohito suddenly entered the scene, adding to the tension.

“Now that's just mean, Nagisa.” He flashed a prideful grin. “What about what we have gone through the years? Would you just throw it all away?”

“I mean, we did share a unique and unbreakable bond, didn't we?” Akari inserted.

“Hey.” Yuuma’s arms wrapped around Tomohito and Akari as he greeted. “Are we celebrating an early reunion or something?”

“Shut it, ikemen-kun,” said Megu who followed behind him.

The rest laughed at her retort, and the tension between them decreased. However, all good things don’t last long.

“Why?” Nagisa suddenly muttered.

The others looked at her with curiosity, but did not say anything.

“Why are we acting like this? Like there was nothing wrong? That we were still friends?” the latter asked.

“Nagisa-chan...”

“Don’t speak, Okuda. And you,” she threw a deathly glare towards them, emphasizing her hate. “Don’t you dare think I’ve forgiven you. I will never forget what you've done, even if we were old friends.”

“Stop acting like you're the only one who’s hurt here!”

Megu yelled, to which Nagisa answered with a mocking laugh.

“I'm not. But you killed me that day. The day you betrayed me was the day you killed my beliefs and my trust in you. Remember, Karma wasn't the only one you took away from me. You took away my freedom in the process. Now, I won’t run from you anymore. Because you are below me.

And that is my resolve.”

—•—

【 edited. 】