Secret Weapon

Chapter 4

🗓️ Sunday, March 17 〔 🌏 〕Japan ☀️hour; 11:46am 🌸Spring
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As ____ began to walk out, Reo suddenly called out, "Wait!" He quickly walked over to her, with Nagi and Kunigami following close behind.

"Is there anything we can do to help?" Reo asked, his voice filled with genuine concern. "With your work or analysis or.... anything?"

Kunigami nodded in agreement. "Yeah, we feel bad for adding to your workload. Maybe we could lend a hand somehow?"

____ hesitated, caught off guard by their offer. She looked at the three of them, considering for a moment. Finally she said softly, "If you'd like.... you could come to my apartment. I could use some help organizing my notes on the team."

The three players exchanged surprised glances before nodding in agreement.

As they followed ____ to her apartment, the mood grew slightly somber.

When she stopped in front of the door, she hesitated and spoke quietly. "It is a bit messy.... I usually never invite anyone to my apartment..." She opened the door, and the state of her living state became apparent. The apartment was small, dimly lit, and slightly messy. A worn couch and chairs were the main furnishing. Papers and books scattered across various surfaces, evidence of her constant studying and work.

Reo, who grew accustomed to luxury and confrontation, looked around, and couldn't hide his discomfort at the conditions. His eyes widened slightly as he took in the crample space, and he shifted uncomfortably in place. Without thinking, he spoke up, slightly surprised.

"You live here?!" he asked.

Kunigami, who was beside him, smacked the back of his head slightly at his comment, glaring at him for being inconsiderate and insensitive of the situation.

Reo's head hung low and looked slightly ashamed of his comment and sudden outburst. "Sorry... I didn't mean that..."

Even Nagi, usually indifferent, looked around with a hint of surprise in his eyes.

____, at their reactions, felt a ting of embarrassment. "It's not much.... but it's everything I can afford now." She said quietly, not turning to face them, her usual composure slipping slightly.

Reo, realizing his reaction might have been hurtful and insensitive, quickly composed himself. "No, no... it's uhm.... cozy!" he said, trying to sound sincere. "Where should we start with the notes?"

____ gestured to a small table covered in papers. "Although I need to clean up a bit...." she added.

Reo nodded and faintly smiled. "I'll help, don't worry" And the others nodded as well.

She hesitated slightly, but nodded in agreement. "That's... thoughtful of you. Thank you."

As they gathered around the small table, Kunigami started organizing the scattered books and papers, while Nagi quietly collected empty coffee cups and food wrappers. Reo began straightening up the living area, carefully arranging the worn furniture to maximize the limited space.

As they worked, she looked on with a mix of gratitude and slight embarrassment. "You really don't have to do this..." She said quietly.

"It's no problem," Kunigami reassured her, shrugging softly.