Clover. ➳S. Hoshina

☘︎ ݁˖ Eight

By the time everyone is asleep, resting after the long training session, your feet lead you to the quiet library area, a book pressed against your chest and a tumbler in your other hand. Apart from your training, reading books and researching about Kaijus has become a part of your routine, potentially providing insights that will help you for future battles.

You settle into an empty seat, open the book you borrowed, and place your iced coffee on the table with a straw in the tumbler. As you immerse yourself in reading where you left off, a shadow suddenly emerges, causing you to turn and see Kafka standing there. "Oh, it's you Y/n, here to read too?" he asks with his usual smile.

"Yeah, Hakua was too loud tonight. She's tired and snores too loudly, so I just came here because It's peaceful here." You explain as he takes a seat across from you.

"So you're reading about Kaijus as well," he remarks, glancing at the book in your hands. "Guide to Kaijus, 89th edition. Good choice." He nods approvingly. "How about you, Kafka? What brings you here?" you inquire, noticing him setting up his laptop.

"Just doing my part, I have to work twice as hard," Kafka replies with determination on his face. He is fully aware that he couldn't rely on his mysterious Kaiju ability all the time. He knew that with his knowledge, he can aid every battle he will be in just like what he did during the test.

An hour passes in silence as you both focus on your tasks. Finishing a few chapters, you start to feel your eyes getting heavy and stifle a yawn, deciding it's time to call it a night. Glancing over at Kafka, who is now sound asleep with a slight drool, you decide not to disturb him and let him rest.

You browse through the shelves for more interesting articles to read the next day when a familiar voice startles you. "You're really working hard," states the Vice Captain, leaning casually against the doorway.

"I believe strength requires intelligence, sir," you respond respectfully as he steps into the room, arms folded. His eyes briefly settle on Kafka, a faint smile crossing his face at the sight of his sleeping subordinate.

"Remember, sleep is part of the job too." He add, meeting your gaze as he approaches, standing closer than expected. He looked down to your chest as his eyes landed on shining clover necklace. He extends a silver key towards you. "You have two hours," he says, handing it over. Your fingers brush briefly as you feel nostalgic.

"Make sure Kafka wakes up. If not, lock him up, and remember to turn off the lights,"

"Also, there should be a limit to getting along with the other officers."  He took a few steps but then paused.You remained silent because you fully understand what he meant.

In this line of work, people could die at any time." He added. He just remembered how you cried the least time and couldn't eat properly for weeks because you witnessed a close friend of yours die during work and didn't even manage to retrieve her remains because she was swallowed whole by the gigantic monster.  This is at least he could do to remind you of something.

Before you could utter a word for response, the blaring alarms cut through the air, startling Kafka awake. Captain Hoshina stands before him. "Captain Hoshina!" Kafka snaps to attention, quickly wiping his mouth.

"Speak of the devil," the Vice Captain remarks with a smirk, The two of you looked around with a little shock written on your faces.

" Let's go, it's your first mission." You glanced at the captain who has a smirk on his face then turned your eyes towards determined Kafka as he sweat dropped.

As you silently ride on the truck, a tense atmosphere swirls around the cramped space. Nervous officers glance at each other, some visibly excited. Understandably so, as this marks your first mission together.

After a brief ten-minute ride, you arrive at Sagamihara. Assigned to Sector F with Reno and Furuhashi under Ikaruga Platoon, you stand by, listening to Vice Captain Hoshina's instructions through your earpiece.

While your platoon is on the top of the building, on stand by. You watch the honju move slowly but ominously, each step leaving a destructive mark on the city. Towering over buildings, this mushroom-like kaiju reproduces yoju relentlessly. It's an unnamed fungal type, its weaknesses still a mystery.

The cold night breeze flew the few strands of your hair tied in a loose bun, brushing against your face.

"Any questions?" asks the captain over the earpiece, pausing for a response. Silence speaks louder than words; everyone comprehends the instructions crystal clear. "Good."

"No matter how high your training scores, they won't save lives here. Show me what you're made of on the battlefield," Vice Captain Hoshina's voice adds, igniting determination and excitement among the recruits.

"Let's go!" Furuhashi pumps his fist, shouting at the top of his lungs. Reno and the rest follow suit, their battle cries echoing across different corners.