Agent Zero

Chapter 9 - It's Complicated

Kai (June 26, 2025, 8:54 AM)

It had been days since Leo's trial ended, and Mitski gave the whole team a few days off before we got back to the case.

Two days ago...

I paced nervously outside the library, the cool breeze doing little to ease my apprehension. I ran a hand through my hair, trying to steady my thoughts. After the incident with Bonnie, I realized how much I misjudged her and I wanted to make things right.

I spotted Bonnie sitting alone on a bench, her gaze fixed on the ground. Taking a deep breath, I approached her cautiously. "Hey, Bonnie. Can we talk?" Bonnie looked up, her expression unreadable.

"Sure," she said, her tone as indifferent as ever. I swallowed hard, my heart pounding in my chest.

"I know we've had our issues," I began, struggling to keep my voice steady. "I've been a jerk. I was wrong about you. I thought... Well, I thought a lot of things that weren't true. And for that, I'm really sorry."

Bonnie raised an eyebrow but said nothing. The silence between us was heavy, and I could feel the weight of my words lingering in the air.

"I didn't understand you," I continued, trying to find the right words. "I was quick to judge. I see that now. And I hope you can forgive me." The tension seemed to settle for a moment, and I took a deep breath before adding, "I was wondering if... if you'd like to go out with me sometime? Just us. Maybe dinner or something?"

Bonnie's eyes widened slightly, surprise flickering across her face. She looked at me, her usual nonchalance momentarily disrupted. After a few seconds that felt like an eternity, she replied.

"Sure. Fine with me." My heart skipped a beat, a mix of relief and disbelief washing over me.

"Really? I mean, great. I mean, thanks." As she walked away, her bag over her shoulder, the knot of anxiety in my stomach slowly began to unwind. Despite the awkwardness and uncertainty, I felt a bit of hope. Joy even. I was happy.

The day after...

I arrived at Starstruck Cafe a little early, my stomach doing flips. The place was cozy, with twinkling fairy lights strung around and soft jazz playing in the background. I picked a corner table, hoping the secluded spot would make things less awkward. If she had stood me up, I would understand, but I stared intently at my phone, making sure I didn't miss anything. Mitski was behind our table, watching us in case. I had to ask him to help me, even though he knew nothing about first dates.

I haven't told her yet, but I still remember the first time I saw her—the first time I fell. It was when she walked into the room four years ago, and I saw, not a strange face like I did with the others, but a familiar one. The one of few faces that wanted me. As a kid, I already grew up here but I wasn't that popular before. Boys and girls didn't cheer for me the way they cheered now.

And I was a crybaby, and there was one time we were playing outside and sand got into my eyes. There were no teachers around and it felt like hell, for a little kid like me, probably 6 years old. There was a tap on my shoulder and there she was—Bonnie Auclair. We were in the same art class, but I never noticed her until that moment. She handed me her handkerchief, and I recall she said:

"Stop being a crybaby and wipe your face like a real man."

I didn't know what she went through that such a young girl already spoke so rudely, but all of us had to grow up too early. I know that all too well.

When Bonnie walked in, I felt my heart race a little. She looked around for a moment before spotting me and gave a small nod. I stood up awkwardly, not sure whether to pull out her chair or just say hi. I ended up mumbling, "Hey."