DECEPTION (Female Reader) [SAKAMOTO DAYS]

8: "Satisfaction"

Checking the staff schedule once more, I see cleaning time starts in thirty minutes. I need to return to Inez before my disguise fades-I've got about an hour left.

By the time the staff begins their rounds, Nagumo will likely be gone. He probably knows what I'm up to by now. He'll be cleaning the armory (where all the weapons and explosives are stored) since that's where the person he's disguised as has been assigned. 'The fire will grow stronger from there...'

The resort above is closed today, meaning no civilians will be around for now. That works in my favor.

As I entered Inez's room again, I took a deep breath and extended my hand toward her, offering a gentle smile. "Ms. Abe... How about we step outside for some fresh air? A little walk might help you relax. It's good for the soul, you know?" My voice was light, warm, as though this were a casual invitation and not part of the escape plan.

Inez, her face calm yet unreadable, looked at me for a moment before nodding slowly. She reached out, taking my hand. Her grip was firm, yet there was a vulnerability in it that I hadn't expected. We moved toward the door, slipping out of the room quietly.

As soon as we stepped into the corridor, a guard appeared in our path, his eyes narrowing at the sight of us. "Excuse me, miss, but Test Subject 'Fear' isn't permitted to leave her room unless it's for hygiene purposes."

I kept my expression steady, meeting his eyes with a cold seriousness. "She needs some fresh air." I said, my voice carrying a tone of authority. "I've heard there's a creek in the garden. I figured it might help her relax and feel more at ease." I gave a sharp nod, my hand tightening just slightly around Inez's.

The guard hesitated, glancing between Inez and me, unsure of what to do. I held my ground, giving nothing away. Eventually, he stepped aside, his brow furrowed but his posture softening.

"Make it quick." he muttered, allowing us to pass.

I gave him a curt nod and led Inez forward, a quiet smile playing on my lips. We were one step closer.

The garden was undeniably beautiful, but it felt stifling-boxed in by towering walls that turned the sanctuary into a cage. The lush greenery couldn't shake the sense of confinement. I glanced at Inez beside me; her calm expression remained, but there was a flicker of something: anticipation. She wasn't the same lost soul she'd been when we were younger. There was a sharper edge to her now, even if she was still haunted by the ghosts of her past.

Taking a deep breath, I kept up appearances as we walked. "Isn't it refreshing?" I said lightly, nodding toward the creek that trickled nearby. My mind was elsewhere though, scanning for exits, weaknesses in the walls, and security cameras.

We paused by a small bench. I let Inez sit while I pretended to inspect the flowers, though I was actually messaging Nagumo. Once I was done, I sat down beside her. "Ready?"

Inez didn't flinch. A small, almost imperceptible smile tugged at her lips, but I saw it. She wasn't just ready...she was amused.

I pocketed my phone and gently took her hand, signaling her to continue walking.

As we moved through the garden, the heavy walls pressing in around us, I kept a watchful eye on the guards patrolling nearby. The fire would spread soon... Just needed to wait for the right moment. I stole a glance at Inez, still as composed and unreadable as ever.

"So..." I teased, breaking the silence, "...your lover from that little simulated world-was she just a game piece, or did she actually manage to steal that cold heart of yours?"

Inez didn't react to my jab. She barely acknowledged it, keeping her gaze steady ahead as we passed a flowerbed. "Still poking into business that isn't yours, I see." she replied, her voice calm and measured.