Chapter 32: A Father's Favor
Mina stood in front of her full-length mirror, adjusting her collar. Her pale purple eyes reflected a girl who looked like she belonged to the elite—but felt like an outsider. Her white hair was cut short, ending just above her shoulders in sharp, stylish layers. She wore a tight white T-shirt under a cropped black jacket, paired with sleek black trousers.
She was checking her reflection when the heavy oak door to her room swung open. Kimo stepped in, leaning against the frame. He wasn't wearing his usual dusty trainer's gear; he looked surprisingly composed.
"Mina, are you ready?" Kimo asked, his voice unusually calm.
Mina turned, her eyes wide with surprise. "Yes, Dad."
"Then move it. Your brother is already waiting in the car. We're going shopping, and we're already behind schedule," Kimo said, turning to leave before she could respond.
Mina stood frozen for a moment, a small smile tugging at her lips. He spoke to me... normally today, she thought, her heart feeling a rare spark of hope. Maybe his mood is finally changing. Maybe he's starting to see me again.
The Sector 4 Apartment: Dinner Time
Back in their small kitchen, Ren was sweating, but he felt proud. He carefully carried two steaming bowls to the small dining table where Hana was already seated, her eyes bright with hunger.
"I present to you," Ren said with a flourish, "Homemade Ramen and Gyoza."
Hana gasped. "Ren! My favorites! You actually made them?"
"I told you I've improved," Ren said, sitting across from her.
Snow, the white cat, was busy in the corner, crunching on something with great enthusiasm. Hana squinted at the cat's bowl. "Wait... what is Snow eating?"
"Oh, I gave her a little bit of the chicken," Ren said casually.
"ARE YOU INSANE?!" Hana shrieked. "Ren, do you know how expensive chicken is in this district? That was supposed to be our protein for three days!"
Ren waved her off with a grin. "Don't worry about the money. I'm a 'police officer' now, remember? I'm the one earning. Just eat."
Hana grumbled, but the smell of the ramen was too tempting. She picked up her chopsticks, blew on a large spoonful of noodles and broth, and took a massive bite.
For three seconds, she was silent.
Then, her face turned a bright, alarming shade of red. Her eyes bugged out, and she let out a strangled sound. She stood up so fast her chair fell backward, and she sprinted to the kitchen sink, spitting the food out and frantically gulping down water straight from the tap.
After what seemed like an eternity, she gasped for air, wiped her mouth, and marched back to the table. She looked at the bowl, then at Ren, her expression a mix of betrayal and horror.
"Ren..." she croaked, her voice raspy. "What... in the name of the Kings... did you put in that broth?"