Missing Melody (COMPLETED)

Missing 11: First Mission

SINJI'S POV

Sumakay kami sa isa pa niyang sasakyan—isang itim na sports car na mukhang hindi pa nagagalaw ni Thud. Tahimik lang kaming bumabaybay sa kalsada habang dahan-dahang naglalaho ang ingay ng lungsod. The orange glow of the sunset was hitting Senri's profile, making him look like he stepped straight out of a luxury magazine.

"Saan ba talaga tayo pupunta?" untag ko sa kanya. "Baka mamaya sa presinto ang bagsak natin dahil sa ginawa mo kay Thud."

He let out a low, melodic chuckle. "I told you; it's a place for just the two of us. And don't worry about Thud, he's used to it. Isa pa, he really needs to learn how to respect other people's property."

Huminto kami sa isang private hangar. My eyes widened. "Don't tell me..."

"We're taking the chopper, Princess."

Hindi na ako nakapagsalita nang alalayan niya ako paakyat. In a matter of minutes, we were soaring high above the lights of the city. The view was breathtaking, but what was more captivating was the way Senri looked at me—parang wala siyang ibang gustong makita kundi ako lang.

We landed on a cliffside overlooking a hidden cove. Pagbaba namin, may nakahanda nang simpleng picnic setup—white cloth on the grass, a basket of my favorite Italian food, and fairy lights draped over the nearby trees. It was simple yet sophisticated.

"You planned this," I accused him, but with a smile.

"I had to. After that mission briefing with your brother, I knew you'd be stressed. I want you to have this moment of peace before things get loud again."

Naupo kami at nagsimulang kumain. The sound of the waves crashing below was the only music we needed.

"Senri," tawag ko sa kanya habang nakatingin sa malayo. "Tungkol doon sa mission... Invading a palace? Seryoso ba talaga si Kuya? I mean, I'm improving, but a palace?"

Senri reached for my hand and interlaced his fingers with mine. His touch was warm and grounding. "Your brother wouldn't give you something he knows you can't handle. Besides, Rent and Cassius are the best in the field. And I'll be watching from the shadows, Sinji. I won't let a single hair on your head be touched."

I pouted. "Lagi na lang ba akong poprotektahan? I want to be useful, Senri. Gusto kong patunayan na hindi lang ako 'Prinsesa' na kailangang laging iligtas."

He moved closer, his face just inches from mine. I could smell the faint scent of his cologne mixed with the sea breeze.

"Being a princess doesn't mean you're weak, Sinji. It means you're the heart of this family. If the heart stops, everything else falls apart. That's why we protect you—not because you can't fight, but because you're the only reason we keep fighting."

My breath hitched. The intensity in his eyes was enough to make me forget about the mission, the mafia, and the chaos waiting for us back home.

He leaned in, his lips grazing mine in a soft, lingering kiss. It tasted like a promise—a promise that no matter how dangerous the world becomes, he would always be my safe harbor.

"Happy 19th birthday, again," he whispered against my lips. "I love you, Sinji."

"I love you too, Senri."

We stayed there for hours, talking about a future that didn't involve guns or missions. For a moment, we weren't a mafia heiress and a high-ranking member of an organization. We were just two people in love, trying to freeze time.

Pero alam ko, bukas paggising ko, kailangan ko nang harapin ang katotohanan. The folder was waiting. The mission was real. And the 'Palace' was about to meet the Princess of Bloodfist.