Wavelengths Apart

Chapter 7

WARNING: There is a spicy scene in this chapter. I will give another warning right before the spicy scene and an all-clear message after. 

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Kita resisted the urge to scan the bar. As if reading her thoughts, Hikaru continued, voice low so as not to attract any attention, "They're just walking in now. They're heading up to this floor and aiming for a booth—actually, this one."

Kita blinked a couple of times in surprise. No matter how many times she saw Hikaru's Quirk in action she was still impressed by his capabilities. Even with all the distracting noise and thoughts from the clubgoers he was able to pick out the MPI dealers' thoughts before they even set foot in the club.

"So, what's the plan?" Hikaru asked, a bead of sweat trickling down his temple. Another sign that this place was wearing him down.

Kita mentally pushed aside all her conflicted feelings. Right now, the only thing that mattered was capturing the drug dealers, securing the MPI, and above all making sure no civilians got hurt in the process. "We wait for them to get settled and start the handover. The local authorities are on standby. Once we've got them secured, the police will take over and make the official arrest. Do you think you can use your Quirk to restrain them in the meantime? I know this club is taking a toll on you already. I wouldn't ask unless it was absolutely necessary."

Hikaru nodded his agreement. "I should be able to handle it, no worries."

Kita wanted to believe him, but the glazed look in his eyes suggested he was nearing his limit. She frowned, noting the damp strands of hair sticking to his forehead. She felt a pang of guilt for asking more from him while he was already clearly in pain.

"Come on, have a little faith," Hikaru said, sensing her apprehension. His reassuring smile made Kita's stomach do a little flip.

"If you say so," she replied, turning her gaze toward the door to avoid looking at Hikaru. The table between them suddenly felt like it wasn't enough space. She scanned the crowd, but it was no use; the MPI dealers were lost among the mass of writhing bodies.

"They're heading up the stairs now," Hikaru murmured, his voice low. Kita resisted the urge to glance towards the stairs, but she could hear their heavy footsteps clanging against the metal steps despite the pounding music. Her ears twitched at the sound of two voices reaching their floor.

"Aww, our usual spot is taken," a feminine voice whined.

"Let's just grab a seat at the bar," a younger male voice responded, his attempt at casualness betrayed by a hint of nervousness.

Kita shifted her gaze to the bar. The woman, in a tight, short red dress and matching heels, looked like any other party girl, but Kita was certain she was the distributor. The guy, on the other hand, couldn't have been more than twenty, barely old enough to get into the club. The duo sat down at the bar on two black wooden stools. The woman began rattling off her drink order to the bartender, while the guy glanced around, checking his surroundings. Kita quickly looked back at Hikaru to avoid drawing any suspicion.

Kita had no idea what their Quirks might be or if they had any gear to help them stay under the radar. Discussing the mission openly was too risky. She knew what needed to be done but wished there was another way. With a deep breath, she lifted her hand and set it on the table, her fingers trembling slightly as she reached out towards Hikaru. She hoped the look she gave him conveyed the intent behind her actions.

Hikaru looked down at her outstretched hand, lips pressing together, then back at Kita. She didn't move, didn't breathe, as he reached out and curled his fingers around hers. Kita's heart skipped a beat. The warmth of his touch was both familiar and disconcerting, sending a jolt of electricity through her. She fought to keep her expression neutral, but the contact stirred a whirlwind of emotions she had been trying to suppress. Her mind flashed back to the times they had shared this touch in the past, back when things were simpler and before everything had fallen apart.