Project: Teotwawki

b

Our footsteps echoed, as the officers guide our path towards the main hall. The building felt eerie as we passed by empty offices of broken teams, and abandoned rooms. The government had disposed a lot of people; that the cheerful company had turned so melancholic.

The memories of A-Team had came to mind. Yuxin's leadership and well, her looks had became the rise of a stardom inside our division back then. She's really something to be honest, something I ridiculously fell for; Someone I loved without even knowing – my special someone back in the days.

We're welcomed by the staffs; neatly piled, facing us. I could smell the alcohol from my breath, and I didn't dare to utter a word. "Good morning," each of them bowed, and it somehow filled the satisfaction of being an executive.

"Where's Shuxin?" the chief of police murmured.

"Inside the office." a staff replied.

We trailed behind the officers as they walk through the solid tile.

The only well-lit area among the rest: window panes covered with venetian blinds, and a steel door that says 'Yu's Department'. From my spot, I could tell that it was very busy – with all the muffled voices inside – it seems like everyone was on panic mode.

The knob opened by itself and we're met by a beautiful young lady; obviously shock by the sudden guests. "Miss Yu," the chief of police saluted.

"What?" the lady queried, which I found so disrespectful. Liu Yuxin had never answered that way before.

"This is A-Team, President Shangguan would like to include them in your department." my eyes grew wider as I met Keyin's; did we heard it right? or we're just too drunk to hallucinate on random things?

"Really? okay come in, come in."

The officers had parted, leaving the middle aisle open. I'm not going first, and it reflects on my face. The other members too, but An Qi was quite calm. So she walked proudly, and we followed behind her.

We're addressed by empty chairs and bare desks. Where is everyone? I can't be wrong, I heard voices a while ago – actually, till now.

"Stupid speaker," my jaw almost drop open when the lady had clicked something from behind her; the noises were instantly gone. Everything is in pure silence now, and it had doomed on me; how gloomy the entire office was. "Hi, I'm Esther Yu. The head, chief, and basically every role in my department. That's why it was called Yu's Department."

Xiaotang bit her lower lip, as her eyes grow somewhat humorous. An Qi cleared her throat, plainly halting her laughs. "Nice to meet you, I'm An Qi. Assistant director of A-Team, handled by Director Liu Yuxin." it was the old introduction. I've never heard of that in months, and it somehow left me with wailing eyes.

"Zhao Xiaotang, Secretary. Handled by Director Liu Yuxin." why does her name sounds so majestic?

"Xie Keyin, Shaking Chloe. Chief Inspector of A-Team, handled by Liu Yuxin." Keyin smiled.

"I'm Kong Xueer, Snow Kong. Chief Investigator of A-Team, handled by Liu Yuxin." it felt different, knowing that Liu Yuxin was long gone.

"All of you are here, huddled by President Shangguan; for a special task." the chief of police announced. "All of you are on patrol in China town tomorrow morning."

"Isn't it too dangerous?" Esther rolled her eyes.

"No, it's nothing serious. It's just a skin disease." the police answered.

"I'm going to bring my team with PPE."

Xiaotang's nostrils had enlarged, visibly holding back her grins.

"You don't have a team." An Qi muttered.

"Well you guys are on my team now, and we're not going without protection." that's kinda sweet, and I felt the gentle care of Yuxin; but something was missing, and I know it's Liu Yuxin – herself.

"Thanks," Keyin beamed a smile.

"Tomorrow will be the day, so y'all should get ready." the officers left after the announcement.

We're stuck on our spot – totally lost. "Hey you, stay beside me." Esther pointed at Xiaotang. "And the rest of you can choose whatever seats you want."

"Nyay, special treatment." An Qi whispered.

"She likes Zhao-zhao." Keyin chuckled.

Liu Yuxin used to treat me like that before, but it goes the other way around. It was my poor self begging for her fucking attention, and she goes icy around my perimeter.

The same old Yuxin that I fell in love with; enamour for the typical Miss Liu.

Maybe that's why I like her. It's the thrill – the suspense of having to chase her excites me. I love the way she makes me mad, without her full awareness. I love to stare at her, when she doesn't know anything; though deep inside – I know she's fully aware of my emotions.

Why does everything reminds me of her?
It's been months – almost a year – and I'm still stuck on her mere existence.

She's probably living the best of her life now.

Why do I keep reminding myself about her; when she doesn't even care in the first place?

"Yu Zhang of 24 hours report.

20 people tested positive for an unknown sort of disease..." the rest were blocked out by deafening screams of people outside.

Esther hauled the venetian blinds, and it reveal flames. Fuming fires with fog of smokey-green everywhere, what happened?