YOSUKE ■ ■ ■ ■
We returned to the room where the explosion had shaken the walls. The invader was tied to a chair, ropes digging into his arms. His head hung low, still unconscious.
Now, all we could do was wait.
Minutes passed. Still nothing.
"Hey," I muttered, glancing at Taro, "want to chat for a bit?"
He nodded. "Yes. What's on your mind?"
"Those kids…" I gave a faint smile. "You were right about them."
Taro studied me for a moment, a knowing look in his eyes. "I see you're enjoying your time with them."
I tilted my head back, staring at the ceiling. "It's strange. I felt something I've never felt before. Like… having a family. For the first time in my life."
Taro's voice softened. "I never met your parents, Yosuke. But I know—they would have been proud of you."
His gaze locked with mine. There was a heaviness in his tone as he continued: "You didn't grow up with a family, but when I found you, I made you part of mine. Blood doesn't matter. You can still build one of your own."
I stayed silent, my thoughts a storm.
Then he added, almost casually, "So you better do it. I'd like to be a grandfather before I die."
I huffed a small laugh, ready to reply—but he moved behind the invader's chair and gestured for silence.
The man stirred. His eyes fluttered open, confusion flashing across his face as he realized where he was. He jerked against the ropes, but it was useless.
I stepped forward, my voice low and cold. "I'd recommend cooperating. Otherwise, you die here."
He screamed, panic overtaking him. My hand snapped to his jaw, gripping it with just enough force to let him feel the promise of death.
"Keep this up, and the pain you felt before will be nothing compared to what comes next." My eyes bore into his. Despair filled his.
I released him, my tone sharp. "Who sent you?"
"I… I can't tell you that."
My hand closed around his throat, anger tightening my grip. "Who the fuck sent you?"
He gasped, words struggling out. "I-I don't… know his name!"
I shoved him back against the chair and let go, my voice like ice. "Then what are you doing here?"
He swallowed hard, trembling. "I'm… an assassin. From Sora Village. Well known there… for my work. One night, outside the village… a man in a mask appeared. He ordered me to kill someone staying in this motel."
My jaw tightened. "And who exactly are you after?"
His eyes flicked to me, filled with fear. "The name is… Koi."
SAI SHINU
After Yosuke and Taro left with the invader, Jiro also slipped out. That left me alone with Yuri.
She sat on the floor, her back pressed against the wall, her breathing shaky. The events of the night weighed heavy on her.
I walked over and quietly closed the door, then sat beside her. "Are you okay?" I asked softly.
She leaned into me, resting her head on my shoulder. Her hand found mine and held it tightly. "Tell me why…" Her voice cracked. "Why is it that after all this time we finally meet, something insane happens again?"
I wrapped my arm around her, gently stroking her hair. "Because what happens between us isn't decided by the gods. It's decided by us—me and you."
Her eyes lifted to mine. At first, they had been clouded with fear. But now, I saw something else—warmth. Trust.
And then, without warning, the system rang out. A glowing screen appeared before us.
CHARACTER PROFILE
Name: Yuri Koi
Age: 20
Class: Unknown
Title: None
Weapon: None
Skills: Healing