Arknights: Double U And I

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W's P.O.V

My heavy footsteps echo through a rundown alley as I slightly tilt my head down, feeling exhausted after another day of work from the Reunion. I am not discontent about my career, but it still took tolls on my energy which is quite bothersome. I could not help but to reminisce each time my mental fatigue kicks in, like a system to refresh itself.

Where the past, sweet childhood moments together with him in this memorable alley. The joy we shared together regardless of the city's gloomy state, as our laughter filled the atmosphere. Unbeknownst to us, we became the colour of the streets. Painting the black and white of the scenery with our emotions, drawing out smiles from the residences who watch our bizarre aura combined.

Every action we did felt like an adventure within our own world, just two children indulging themselves in their innocent view on life. It was as if nothing could stop us from doing anything we want, excluding crime activities. Even if we have little wealth in our possession, happiness does not always have a price tag.

I turn my head to the left almost instinctively and saw a blurry ugly sketch of childish faces on the wall. A small smile crossed my tired expression feeling nostalgia from the drawing.

I rub off the smudges from it with my glove as my name revealed under the doodle of a girl. Next to it, is a doodle of a boy with the name 'Vidé' under the drawing.

Both of the doodles have a scrawny smile drew from the edge to the other. I reach out for an old mechanical pencil which I always bring and darken the line of the smiles. After a few seconds, the doodle looks fresh again and I stored away my pencil into my pocket.

*BBZZZ*

My communication earpiece vibrates indicating that someone is calling me, which I press a button on it to receive.

"Hello hello? W is speaking, how can I help you~, " I cheerfully greeted.

"Quit that habit W, judging from your tone... you're tired after doing that task, " A familiar cold voice replied.

The caller's monotone voice is familiar to me. One of the Reunion's ringleaders, widely known as 'Crownslayer'. She looks cold from far but in a fight, she is quite feisty.

"Jeez... you can't discard my habit! Uuu... besides, that task is like the usual one anyway, " I playfully explained while pocketing my hands

"Setting up long-range charges at 500 spots in Chernobog for 1 day? with only a few people? That is more than usual, "  Crownslayer retorts and sound a bit worried about me.

I found myself reacted a bit to her words realising that she does have a point. I am denying her but, I need to use a facade to mask my weaknesses from others. Yet, it did the opposite effect instead.

"And that habit... sometimes I could feel it's fake but at some part, you convinced me that it might be your actual personality, " She frankly said.

Another spot on deduction but there are some corrections I need to comment about it...

"Hehehe~ rest assure, this is my actual self speaking, " I do not know which is fake or not anymore.

This question has pondered my mind ever since I developed this facade which seems to slowly merge with my real persona... or even take over it.

Besides that, being called by a fellow ringleader member is quite suspicious in my opinion. Knowing Crownslayer, she would not just call anyone without any reason which is related to the Reunion.

Dragging this conversation would waste time, "Go straight to the point Crownslayer, your call is always something from Talulah. "

"Talulah- yes, you're right, " A small giggle could be heard from her which causes me to grin.