ACT.1
Their First Assignment

The site was an old multi-tenant building.
The paint on the outer walls had peeled away, and a rusted sign creaked faintly in the night wind.

Takeshi stopped and looked up at the building.

“…Yuto.
A short reply came from behind him.

“Yes.
That was enough.
His voice wasn’t shaking. His breathing was steady.

Takeshi stepped forward.

“I’ll go in first. You stay three steps behind. Watch the right.
“Understood.
Yuto didn’t hesitate.
At his immediate response, Takeshi felt a faint ache deep in his chest.

—A voice that trusts me.

The sound of their footsteps on the stairs echoed unnaturally loud.
Second floor. A presence. Soft footsteps.

Takeshi clenched his fist and signaled with his hand.

Stop.

Yuto halted instantly.

For just a moment, Takeshi hesitated.

Should he go in alone?
Or should they move together?

—Don’t think.

Cutting off the thought, Takeshi stepped forward.

The door opened.
Before the man inside could fully turn around, Takeshi was already within striking distance.

A brief exchange.
The sound of a body hitting the floor.

Silence.

Takeshi turned back at once.

“…You okay?
“Yes. No problems.
Yuto was slightly short of breath, but he was smiling.

“Your judgment was fast, senpai.
Takeshi didn’t reply.
Instead, he averted his gaze and checked the next room.

The operation was a success.
No damage. No injuries.

After they left the building, the cool night air wrapped around them.

Yuto spoke quietly.

“…I was nervous. My first assignment.
“Yeah.
“But…
Yuto continued, a little embarrassed.

“With you in front of me, senpai, I knew I’d be okay.
Takeshi didn’t stop walking.
He only clenched his fist slightly, just for an instant.

—I know those words.

Once before.
In the same voice.
At the same distance.

Still facing forward, Takeshi said,

“It’ll be the same next time. I’ll take the lead.
Yuto looked surprised for a moment, then nodded.

“Yes. I’ll follow you.
Takeshi said nothing.
He simply kept his stride steady.

No hesitation.
Never again.

That was the only vow
Takeshi made to himself
during this first assignment.