Secret Weapon

Chapter 1

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╰─➤ 📆Friday, March 15〔🌏〕Japan  🌙hour; 9:00pm  🌸Spring

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The clock ticked on as the night passed like every other. Under the dim glow of the bar's neon lights, a young woman moved with practiced ease, tending to her various duties. She was 22, a dedicated college student of psychology at the local university, juggling her academic life with multiple part-time jobs. Tonight, she was working the midnight shift alone, serving drinks and cocktails while managing the checkout.

The bar was buzzing with energy, filled with people celebrating, chatting and laughing. Amid the cacophony, she worked with trained efficiency, her hands a blur as she mixed and served drinks. She had no time to notice the details of each face that came up to the bar; she simply did her job, like always. She had just finished making a cappuccino for herself, hoping the caffeine would keep her alert enough through the long hours ahead. With a sigh she leaned against the counter, glancing around the room, when a group of guys entered the bar, their laughter and animated conversation cutting through the general din. They were clearly in high spirits, and as they approached inside the bar, two of them broke away from the group and made their way over to her. The others made their way to a corner booth, their excitement evident in their animated conversation.

"Hey, can I get a beer please?" one of them asked, his voice carrying a friendly tone.

"I want a Piña Colada!" one of the guys said, his voice bursting with energy, the kind that seemed to naturally fill any room he entered. His grin was wide, almost childlike, and his eyes sparkled with the same kind of enthusiasm. His messy hair, framing his face in a way that made him look constantly on the verge of mischief. Everything about him radiated liveliness, like he was always one step away from turning the mundane into something fun.

She glanced up briefly, acknowledging the request with a nod before turning to grab the bottle and combining the drinks. Even as she worked, her expression remained calm and serious, in stark contrast to the boisterous energy radiating from across the bar.

Beside him, another guy leaned in slightly, his demeanor much more composed, though there was a thoughtful intensity behind his gaze. His dark hair, neatly tousled, framed sharp features that hinted at a quiet confidence. While his friend exuded carefree energy, this one had a focus about him, the kind of person who analyzes everything, even the simplest interactions. His posture was relaxed, yet there was something about the way he observed his surroundings that suggested he was always thinking one step ahead.

She handed them the drinks they asked for, her mind already shifting to the next task at hand. The two guys, Bachira and Isagi, thanked her and took a sip of their drinks. They exchanged a look, turning their attention back to her, noticing how quiet and slightly serious she was, surprised by her quiet approach. "Busy night, huh?" Isagi said, leaning slightly against the long bar table.

"They always are." She replied with a serious tone, flashing a quick glance at him before moving to fill another order across the table. Despite her busy night, there was something about them that slightly caught her attention. They seemed genuinely interested, not just in their drinks, but in talking to her. It was a rare thing, and she found herself pausing for a moment longer than usual.