#21.3 The clue unravels

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Thiya gets wide-eyed, noticing Seyon has masked the number plate of his car. In her haste earlier, she couldn't notice. Catching her clueless gaze in that split-second, Seyon chuckles. She throws him a glare.

They get into his car, settled in the front; carefully remove their disguises upon Thiya verifies the puzzle box isn't bugged

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They get into his car, settled in the front; carefully remove their disguises upon Thiya verifies the puzzle box isn't bugged.

A Japanese-style puzzle box! Thiya exclaims, looking at the intricate patterns, chunks of wooden pieces needing to be moved in a certain way for the box to unlock and reveal what's inside. This should be fun. Or it's not...

Seyon gives her a light, encouraging shoulder pat. "You're the brain genius. Let's try opening that box."

Driving for a couple of minutes, he pulls to a stop in a deserted alley far from Aran's house. Thiya looks at him in awe for a second and breaks into a smile. "We aren't waiting to do this in hall 57? I like this."

They chuckle in unison. She gets to work, Seyon praising her hacking skills. She keeps quiet, not wanting to react to everything he says. Thirty minutes grappling with the complicated mechanisms, she is on the brink of quitting. Seyon still encourages her, "you got this!"

She suppresses a smile with a shake of her head, glancing at him

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She suppresses a smile with a shake of her head, glancing at him. "Seyon, these are old fashion mechanisms, not computer codes, know that? You're wasting your praise. Sorry."

Seyon bops her head oh so faintly. It's scorching hot outside, the sun shining bright and fierce. He's sure he they are dehydrated, hungry and sweaty. Their blazers lie in the backseat, they are wearing pure, chic linen. His car ac is saving grace, but until how long on an empty stomach? They will need their fluids too, to keep working.

"Hurry and open that box so we can have our lunch. And a few hydrating drinks."

"Lunch? Seyon? You think I can solve this puzzle that quickly?"

Thiya's incredulous voice rings in the car's interior.

"It's my belief, Thiya. Not thinking. You can. You are capable.'"

Feeling touched, Thiya redoubles her efforts. After a few random taps and turns, she hears the satisfying click of the box unlocking.

"It opened! Aran's treasures are... A few acrylic stands and stickers, of his favourite actors, yeah."

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