𝐑𝐎𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐎 𝐘𝐎𝐔⭑.ᐟ 𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐎𝐔 (✔)

chapter 09

Bonten Headquarters, Tokyo

By the time we returned from the warehouse, the world outside had fallen into that quiet, weightless hour before sunrise, when everything felt slower and slightly unreal. The adrenaline that had carried me through the mission was beginning to wear off, leaving behind a dull exhaustion that settled deep into my body.

I didn't linger.

As soon as we stepped inside, I made my way down the hallway and into my room, shutting the door behind me as the silence wrapped around me. The night had been loud in every possible way, and the sudden quiet felt almost unfamiliar.

Without thinking too much about it, I headed straight for the shower, letting the warm water run over me as I stood there, eyes closed, allowing the tension in my shoulders to slowly loosen. The camellia oil scent, clean and floral deepened in my nostrils, I loved that smell. The steady sound drowned out everything else, clearing my head in a way nothing else could.

For a few minutes, there was nothing to focus on. No voices. No expectations. No violence. It felt so surreal compared to North Korea, it felt like a dream from a long slumber.

Just the heat of the water and the quiet hum of exhaustion.

When I finally stepped out, changing into something comfortable, red checkered pajama pants, loose blank tank and my slippers. The clock read just past four in the morning. I stretched slightly, rolling my shoulders before letting out a small yawn, my body beginning to feel heavy again. As I opened the bathroom door, the cold AC air hit my body, it felt refreshing and new.

I was about to collapse onto my bed when something crossed my mind.

Rindou.

I paused. Right.

He was staying over tonight, or this morning...?

The thought didn't hit me in any dramatic way, just a quiet reminder that he was somewhere nearby instead of gone like usual. Still, it felt... different, in a way I didn't bother to examine too closely.

I glanced at the door for a second before looking away, grabbing my phone as if that would distract me. It didn't.

After a moment, I set it down again. "...Whatever."

It not I really cared, he can sleep without AC and, it wasn't even summer. Before I could overthink it, I stepped out of my room and walked down the hallway, stopping in front of his door. I knocked lightly, waiting for a response.

Nothing.

I frowned slightly, tilting my head as I listened. Somewhere nearby, faint sounds echoed through the hall, low voices, muffled laughter, and something else that made me immediately regret paying attention.

Ran.

I clicked my tongue quietly and knocked again, this time a little louder, but when there was still no answer, I exhaled and pushed the door open.

"Rindou, are you-"

I stopped. The room was empty.

For a second, I just stood there, blinking as I took in the space. It was neat, almost too neat, everything placed exactly where it should be, with nothing out of place. It suited him.

Then I heard it.

Water running.

My gaze shifted toward the bathroom door, and I let out a quiet "oh" under my breath, realising he was still inside.

I hesitated briefly, but instead of leaving, I stepped further into the room, my attention drifting as I absentmindedly traced my fingers along the edge of his desk. The surface was clean, smooth, untouched, and I found myself lingering there for no real reason. The organised manga novels sat on his desk, in order, along with a white minimalistic Muji desk lamp.