Maverick (Blank)
Chapter 31: NGNL Collaboration Event (5)
On an evening at 7:00 PM, all collaboration members were currently at their dining tables.
As usual, Viera with her manager, along with Emma; Boyka with Leon. What was different was Blank, this time sitting among the main media team.
Leon teased Boyka. "Has Kaelan distanced himself from us?" Boyka ate his meat. "Not really."
Blank and his teammates chatted among themselves. Lirie started the topic. "Hey, aren't there supposed to be two tour guides?"
Blank glanced. "That's right, why is there only one?" Robert picked up his fork. "That's because the schedules are different."
"Oh, is that so? When will the other one be on duty?"
"When we go to Italea." Blank took a sip of water. "Meaning he's from Italea?"
"No, he's from the village of Sweas. It's just that the information says he also works in Italea."
Viera glanced at Blank. "Kaelan, do you have time later?" A voice was heard from the side at the opposite table. Blank was startled. (What's this?)
"Yeah, I'll have time later. What's up?"
"Bring your camera, okay." Blank fell silent. (Oh, I get it.) A nod answered yes.
After they finished eating, Team Viera and Emma went up to the main room first. Blank and his media team friends also followed using the elevator.
Footsteps entered the elevator. Navas patted Blank. "Kaelan, how did you get to know Viera?"
Lirie leaned closer. "Yeah, we want to get close to her too."
Blank held his chin. "I used to work for someone famous, a friend of Viera's. I don't know, maybe I was recommended and eventually recruited."
Lirie tilted her head. "Who?"
"Reynald."
Lirie grabbed both of Blank's shoulders and shook him. "Unfair! Viera, and now Reynald too!?" Blank turned his face away. "Ah, that..." They all chatted inside the elevator until they reached the main room.
Upon arrival, Blank went to his room and rested briefly. He opened his phone and checked the news.
(Nothing strange. The name 'Leonardo' and other news have completely disappeared.) Blank leaned his shoulder against the wall. (Why? There's always something unexpected after I came to the city.)
His body curled up, his eyes almost closed. Instantly, he slapped his face. "Don't sleep. I have a side job."
Blank stood up and looked in the mirror. "Hmm... I'll change clothes first." He took a white hoodie from the closet and put it on. "Well, this is warmer, and it belonged to Brother Kaeri anyway."
The door opened, and he walked slowly toward the central room. The plush sofa welcomed him, and he waited there. (Honestly, this place is so comfortable. It's the first time.)
The elevator door opened. Viera waved her hand. "Oh, you're already here, Kaelan?" Blank turned quickly. "Viera? Where were you, anyway?" Viera stepped out of the elevator. "I just came from the laundry place with Boyka and Willie."
"I thought you could just buy clothes anywhere here without needing to wash them."
"Haha, no. I don't want to overspend this month."
Blank stood up. "Is that so? So, where are we going? I brought the camera."
"Oh, that. Let's go to the mall."
(...)
Blank fell silent. (Seriously?)
After some time, Blank and Viera really went to the mall, escorted by Boyka behind them. Camera in hand, ready to be an extra worker. (Quite tiring, but since I'm getting paid, oh well.)
Viera wore comfortable clothes with a white hat on. Even so, she kept smiling. "You look happy. Why?"
"You don't know, dressing like this in public in Chean B is very difficult." Blank held his chin. "Ah, right."
(Viera is also a celebrity. It's natural that in another city, she feels more at ease.) Blank glanced. "So, where's the destination?"
"Let's go to a cafe. We still have an hour from now."
"Yeah, sure. Is that okay?"
"It's okay. We have Mr. Boyka here."
They chatted while walking, but before they arrived, Blank said, "Sorry, Viera, I need to go to the restroom first."
"Alright. The cafe is on the third floor over there." Viera pointed to the cafe with many plants inside.
"Okay."
Blank went to the restroom to relieve himself. As he entered, someone opened the door and accidentally bumped into Blank.
Thud.
Their shoulders collided unintentionally. Blank lowered his head.
"Ah, sorry-sorry. It was an accident, sir."
The young man, dressed neatly but now disheveled, didn't look toward Blank at all. "It's okay. Be careful next time."
That was Jarvis. He didn't know Blank was alone. Since they had already parted ways, Blank finished his business and returned to find Viera.
On the other side, Jarvis walked in the opposite direction toward an outdoor cafe on the second floor. The young man took out his phone and called someone. The voice became audible.
[Yo! I'm already in the village of Sweas with Neo.]
"Is that so? Good. I want to know how you got information about this NGNL event, Gru."
[Oh, that. It's because the tour guide in Italea, named Novan, was blabbering on the bus by himself.]
"Haha, so there's luck like that, huh."
[The world is on our side. And how's your role there?]
"If there are no problems, it should be safe. Do you know anything about Willie, the first tour guide?"
[No, no information. And our movements are limited when abroad. It could be dangerous if there's internal family conflict.]
"Hmm... I hope the first tour guide is normal."
[Well, you've been doing the mission well so far. I guess this time it won't be difficult.]
"Yeah, then see you later."
[Okay.]
The call ended. Jarvis leaned his body against the wooden chair, looking at the night sky. The wind began to blow. "Poor girl."
Elsewhere, Blank was seen photographing Viera sitting with her coffee cup until finished.
"Here are the photos."
Viera sipped her coffee. "That's good. Thank you." Her hand offered a cup of coffee. "This is for you."
Blank widened his eyes. "Really?" Viera nodded. Blank sat and began drinking the coffee on his table.
Blank started asking, "Viera, what's your ultimate goal?" Viera held her chin. "Ultimate goal..."
Blank chuckled softly. "Yeah, you already have everything, right?" Viera pursed her lips. "Hmm... Maybe you first, Kaelan."
Blank swirled his coffee cup. "I just want to find my brother."
"Really? You have a brother?"
A smile was etched on his face. "Yes, but it's been a very long time since I found him."
"What's his name?"
"Kaeri."
Viera tilted her gaze. "I feel like I've heard that name." Blank turned quickly. "Really?"
Viera tapped her fingers on the table and held her temple with her left hand. "Yes, the CEO of NGNL once invited a 30-year-old man. He mentioned that name."
Blank furrowed his brow. (He should be around Brother Kaeri's age. That must be his colleague in the same group as Mr. Son. I need to find out.)
"What's his name?" Viera tapped her temple. "Demma." Blank sighed heavily. (I don't know that name.)
"What is Demma like?" Viera shook her head. "I only overheard; I didn't see his face." Blank leaned back. (Phew...)
"Viera, what exactly is the relationship between NGNL and Leonardo? I'm a bit curious." Viera wiped her lips. "He's the CEO's idol, they say."
Blank looked weak. (What kind of information is this now.)
"Ah, is that so? Oh, by the way, have you thought about your goal now, Viera?"
Viera pulled her collar down and showed her collarbone. Blank closed his eyes. "Viera, what are you—" but his eyes looked again. There were cut marks, scars on her body.
"Viera... You have scars?" Viera shook her head. "I don't remember anything before I was 7." Blank lowered his head. "Is that so? There must be a reason for that."
"Sorry, Viera. That must be unpleasant for you." Viera smiled. "That's not a problem." Blank rubbed his neck. "But why are you willing to tell me all that?"
Viera waved both hands. "Because Kaelan is a good person." Blank scratched his arm. "I don't understand." Viera chuckled softly. "Haha, forget it."
Blank sipped his coffee again. Viera swirled her cup and lowered her head. "Hey, Kaelan, do you believe in people's predictions?"
Blank shook his head. "Not really. I'm threatened by what exactly? And wouldn't it be cool if the savior is you, Viera?"
Viera chuckled softly. "Haha, is that so."
Blank took one sip and his movement stopped. His eyes looked at Viera. "What if... you believe the predictions and are really protecting me now?"
Viera crossed her arms. "No, that's not it."
Blank smiled until his eyes closed. "Alright, protect me, Viera." Viera's face turned red. "Stop it. Are you taking advantage?" Blank laughed, covering his mouth. "Haha, that's funny. I didn't expect you to actually believe that."
Viera clenched her hand and furrowed her brow. Her finger pointed. "Hey, you dare tease me? I'll kill you." Her face grew redder. Blank raised his hands. "Haha, Viera, you don't suit saying things like that."
They laughed together until the time showed 9:00 PM. Even though the coffee wasn't finished, they got up and were about to leave the cafe.
Blank returned with Viera and Boyka. They all went back to their respective rooms to rest. Everything went well tonight.
---
However, in a laundry place, Willie was looking at his clothes. "These are dry now." His gaze shifted to the far end of the laundry place. His teeth showed. (Viera's clothes are there, haha.)
He walked closer and opened the washing machine door. Several piles of clothes were there. His face leaned in. (Oh my, these still smell nice. Why are they washed?)
His hand took one piece of clothing and put it into his own basket. Willie bit his lip. (Lucky I accompanied her here.) Willie left the room.
---
Stars adorned the dark night sky. Wind blew from the west, making leaves rustle. In the city of Chean A, Kiki was sitting at a wooden desk before him.
Photos were displayed on the desk; Viera's face was among them. "Viera, sometimes I'm confused about where to start telling your story." He leaned back on a black chair. "I'm curious about child No. 1."
Kiki walked toward a wall inscribed with 'Agero Leonardo Davea'. The corners of his lips raised. "Of course, it's you, No. 1."
Kiki placed a card over that name, and a small wall began to move. A door was visible, and Kiki opened it.
Inside a room full of paintings and his memories, a cold and quiet atmosphere enveloped him. Kiki saw people gathered taking photos together—7 people in total.
His steps halted. "I miss this family." The name 'Kuhaku Group' was placed below the large photo.
Kiki walked around the room as large as a basketball court. The face of a black-haired young man in a suit was displayed. "Brother Leonardo, you helped me too much back then."
His hand touched Leonardo's photo. "I can't find any man who surpasses you." Kiki smiled. "What a shame. I'm not a main character like you."
Kiki walked slowly to the next photo—a woman with brown hair standing, her body more athletic than women her age. "Hey, Sister Tamisya, you were too hard on your own daughter. Her body has several scars."
Kiki folded both hands behind his back. "Leonardo was very humane outside missions."
Kiki looked at the ceiling. He felt the memories of his past when training with his seniors. This had happened so long ago.
[2012: 13 Years Ago]
Kiki, 23 years old, was sitting on a half-finished wooden chair in an open field full of orange soil and small grass. He saw a woman with arm muscles larger than a normal woman's. "Hey, Sister Tamisya, you're already 30 years old!"
Tamisya laughed. "Haha, Kiki, 30 years old should be the prime time." Kiki scratched his cheek. "That should be my age now."
Tamisya placed both hands on her hips. "Well, but you're too weak, Kiki." Kiki moved his right leg. "That's not fair if compared to you."
Tamisya punched the black punching bag in front of her. "Well, but we have to pick up someone." Veins were visible on her neck.
"Brother Leonardo, right? Could he be safe now?" Tamisya approached with lowered lips. "Don't you believe?" Kiki raised both hands. "I believe. It's just... It's been over 3 years since he disappeared..."
Tamisya put her hands in her pockets. "That's why we have to search for him. Maybe he's in trouble now." Kiki bit his lip. "But Sister Tamisya, then you could also be in danger."
Tamisya grabbed both of Kiki's shoulders. "Hey, who do you think I am?" Kiki closed his eyes. He couldn't bear to look into Tamisya's easily explosive red eyes. "Alright, alright. You're No. 2 in the Kuhaku Group."
Tamisya relaxed her grip. "The Kuhaku Group... It's not the same as before now." Her body straightened again. "Even though initially, we just wanted to create our own family."
Kiki nodded. "I understand. Oh, by the way, how is your daughter?"
Tamisya turned. "Her body is strong, but her heart is very fragile." Kiki spread both arms behind him. "Why?"
Tamisya sighed. "I gave her training portions, but sometimes she goes wild on her own and even starts hurting her body just to be able to rest."
Kiki sighed heavily. "Sister Tamisya, don't be too harsh. She's only 5 years old."
Tamisya crossed her arms. "She has to become strong, Kiki. She doesn't have a father."
"Isn't there still you as her mother?" Tamisya just fell silent. That made Kiki react and stand instantly. "Are you sure about saving Leonardo?"
Her eyes looked at Kiki. "I will make sure of it." Kiki clenched his fist tightly until veins were visible. "Hey, you could die. Then your daughter won't have parents."
Tamisya shook her head. She smiled. "She won't remember it." Kiki was startled. "Don't tell me..."
"I will entrust her to my younger sister. Isn't she the one who makes all the medicines, including memory erasers and instant sleeping pills?"
But Tamisya's gaze looked at the ground. "Maybe later my sister will be called 'Mom' by my daughter, but it's okay."
Kiki walked closer. He patted the woman's chest. "I will help take care of her. I will also revive the Kuhaku Group with Mr. Robenson to follow you."
Tamisya smiled. Her hand patted Kiki's hair. "You've grown up, Kiki." Her hand touched his chin. "I entrust my daughter to you too."
Kiki's eyes began to well up. His lips were bitten, and his gaze looked downward. "Hey, promise to return." Tamisya raised the corners of her lips with eyes closed perfectly. "Yes."
And on that day, Tamisya left Kiki, her daughter, and all the people who saw her as a strong woman. Everyone encouraged Tamisya, who left alone to search for a long-lost member of the Kuhaku Group with a heavy burden on her back.
Tamisya looked back. Everyone began shedding tears. Her hand waved. "See you again." That was Tamisya's last sentence, until finally... Her name never returned or was heard again.
[Back to the Present]
Kiki covered his face and held back tears flowing down his cheeks. "Fool..." Kiki held back his emotions even though his face was now red and his heart felt torn apart.
"Is it possible for No. 1 and No. 2 to return? I've sent the 3 best of this second generation..." His hand hit the desk in front. "But they also disappeared..."
"You were a good mother." His gaze lifted. "Come back. Your daughter is grown up now." Kiki stood alone in the room. All memories were inside. One thing Kiki knew clearly was that...
[Viera, Daughter of No. 2 of the Kuhaku Group]