scratch that ✦ kunikida doppo

𝖕𝖗𝖔𝖑𝖔𝖌𝖚𝖊 - 0

   My hair stood on end, a shiver raced down my spine and a lump came to my throat. Why? Why did I agree to take this mission?   
My heart began pounding. After seeing the mess I involuntarily created with my own hands, I screamed. I can't handle this anymore.   
The jobs I accepted from the Port Mafia used to be nothing. As the boss and executives saw how useful the ability I have was, they began to move me up in the ranks and give me worse missions, meeting people that were very intimidating.

    Let me explain my ability. I called it 'Open Secrets.' It gives me the ability to read into the memories and past of anyone. I'm able to read whoever I lay a hand on. This ability has no exceptions unless the person is anti-gifted. However, I've never heard of such a case. Using my ability can be overwhelming when I absorb too much information at once, causing stress and headaches. The Mafia saw potential and used me when they needed to sniff out enemies. I would become a spy of sorts, and upon simply shaking their hand as a greeting I could learn who they really were.

    "(Y/N)..." A faint, masculine voice followed by a few coughs were heard from behind me. I turned at the voice.
    "Huh? Who is it?!" I shouted, turning quickly into a fighting stance.   
I tensed up after I realized who it was. The man was Akutagawa, an acquaintance of mine.    
I then loosened up, remembering we were on the same side. I let out a sigh and walked towards him.
    "I can't do this anymore, Akutagawa," I stated as I stopped beside him.   
"What do you expect me to do about that?" He responded.   
"Tell the boss I resign," I swiftly left the scene.

    Days later, I found myself wandering the streets of Yokohama. It was a sunny afternoon. I glanced up from where I was walking to see a small cafe at the base of a very large office building. I gave the cafe a quick look through the window, smiling to myself as the atmosphere seemed nice.   
    I took a step inside and smiled again as the doorbell chimed.   
I noticed a sign that read 'Please seat yourself,' so I went ahead and took a seat at a chair by the window.
    "Are you ready to order?" A black-haired lady came by and smiled sweetly at me with a notebook in hand.   
"I'll just take a (drink of choice), please," I responded while I held the drink menu in my hands.  
  "Of course!" She politely beamed, scribbling down my order.  
  "Will that be all?"
    "Yes, thank you," I said, dismissing her.   
I fumbled through the bag I had with me for a book and took it out to begin reading.   
Moments later, my drink arrived and I nodded 'thank you' to the waitress.    
I kept reading the book as I sipped my drink and eventually frowned to myself when it was finished.
I closed my book and stood up, making my way out the door.

    I found myself back at my apartment that night. I sighed as I entered my room and collapsed right onto the bed. I dozed off very quickly, even forgetting to change out of my normal attire.

    The following weeks all followed the same schedule. I ended up becoming a regular at that cafe.

    However, the next series of events began a long journey I will never forget.