Sector 10

Chapter 5

My phone read 12:36am as I waited outside a small ramen bar, sniper strapped to my back. This street was hidden behind the lights of most of the skyscrapers in this sector because it sat on the outskirts of another plaza. It was much more traditional and warmly lit, like a market. I kept my eyes on my phone and listened to the subtle chatter and thumping of the shoes of people walking by the shop. It was a relatively small, stand-up bar and the chefs could be heard behind the counter, frying all sorts of delectable foods. The smell was divine.

I wouldn't have minded waiting if it wasn't for the shady man seated at the end of the long counter, silently guzzling his broth down. Every so often, I caught him sneaking a look at me with greedy eyes. I was glad I wore the jacket.

Jon had sent me a text, asking to hang out at a ramen bar he had "discovered." The shop had caught my eye every so often on missions, but I never stopped to eat here.

To my relief, Jon finally showed up looking as prim and proper as ever. This time, he wore a crimson suit jacket with black pants. I spotted him making his way through a small sea of people and he gave me a friendly smile when he saw me. When he finally made his way to the bar, he cocked his head. "You know, I was hoping I could see you in something that wasn't your army clothes," he said.

"I assure you; you're never going to see me out of this jacket."

"Suit yourself."

As we both ordered two bowls of ramen at the counter, the shady man left with his hands stuffed in his pockets, leaving behind his now-empty bowl. Jon and I both sat down, side-by-side. The awkward silence grew while we waited for our ramen. I was never good at starting conversations, especially ones that weren't formal. I had just started to fiddle with the rim of my hood when Jon perked up a conversation: "So, your name's Silver. Is that your actual name or nickname because of your hair?"

I didn't really know what to tell him. "It's... a nickname."

"When will I get to know your real name?" he responded.

"When I trust you."

I could tell this weighed on him for a second, but he brushed it off. What can he expect? After a few seconds, the short waitress shuffled towards us. She timidly handed us two bowls of exquisite-smelling ramen. My stomach growled and my eyes lit up. The bowl contained pork, sprouts, narutomaki and noodles swimming in brown, flavourful broth. Jon and I immediately wolfed down our hearty meal, slurping and gulping. The broth was warm, and the toppings tasted like they had been cooked with much love. As the last spoonful of broth left our bowls, Jon surveyed me more. "So, what do you do for a living, Silver?"

If I was thinking straight, I would've told him a much vaguer answer, but I don't think I've eaten like this in quite a while. I had been involuntarily enfeebled with a single, delicious bowl of ramen. I replied, "I work for a syndicate member. I think you can assume the rest."

He puckered his lips into a thinking position. People tended to avoid making any interaction with the syndicate. Except magnates, that is. "Impressive. Can I see that sniper of yours?"

He looked genuinely interested but I hesitantly told him no. This gun was precious. He looked slightly disappointed for a second, but quickly sprouted up a smile when he saw me looking, dimples dotting the sides of his mouth.

Then my phone buzzed. My next target had arrived at the location I predicted. Before I even realised, Jon was already paying for the meal, including mine. He walked back to me, stuffing the receipt in his pocket while looking at his phone.

"Hey, I've got to go pick someone up again, you wanna tag along?" he said.

"Sorry, I have somewhere I need to be right now," I stood there awkwardly as I motioned to my sniper with my head. It was nice to feel needed in a way that didn't have industry appeal, I had to admit.

Thankfully, he nodded in an understanding way. He stuffed his hands in his suit pockets as we both turned away and began our separate ways. I was fumbling with my pistol when I heard him say "wait." I twisted my neck to see him, my body only half-following my head.

"You wanna go on a date later?"

Woah. That was sudden. Jon was nervously looking at me, waiting for an answer. I felt bad for making him wait for one because all I could say was, "I'll text you."

The answer was clearly not the one he was hoping for, but it was better than no. He nodded his head vigorously then swivelled back around and walked his destination. I watched him for a few seconds before leaving as well.

Under my hood, I smiled. It was nice to be liked.

---

About three hours later, I was standing on my soft carpet again with the same bright lights shining through my window. One of the few subtly beautiful views I haven't gotten sick of. I rarely turn on the lights in my room because I never really needed to. I was already in an oversized, vintage tee that read TOKYO and shorts. I massaged the back of the neck, rolling my head around. It probably wasn't the best thing to always have my head trained to the ground, but I hate having things wrapped around my face; it feels like I'm being suffocated. That's why I use the hood so much in order to hide my face.

I sat myself along the edge of my bed so I could take in the city. My city. After twenty years I'm sure I knew Sector 10 inside and out.

I could see myself running through the brick alleyways when I was younger. Dirty water leaked through the roof and the walls were lit up with a flickering orange. In my left hand was a packet of food. My other hand was wrapped around another hand. It belonged to a girl with short black hair. Her eyes were wide, scared, and glassy. I comforted her, beckoning her to continue. But before she had time to open her mouth to say something, reality beat her to it.

I looked upon the tall, neon buildings, majestic yet demeaning. Oh, how their eccentric appearance covered up the horrid veracity of the underground.

I took out my phone and opened Jon's direct messages.

Silver: The answer is yes.