Fragile. II

Wednesday.

“Hey, Felix, what’s keeping you busy?” I approached him. Upon seeing me, he set his dumbbell down on the floor.

If he used both hands to write instead of training, he’d finish work twice as fast…

This was the second dawn without our comrade and leader, much like the previous one. Our mission now was to keep the ship afloat in these stormy waters, rather than daring to set sail.

That meant taking extra shifts between all of us in order to fulfil Shinpei’s role. Also meant trying to understand why his implants would fail all of a sudden, they usually last more than half a century…

“Oh, hey, Hiro. What brings you to my side?” He smiled as usual.

“My dear friend, I’m glad to see you’re still smiling despite the adversity…”

“Of course, I think it’s the same for everyone…” He glanced at everyone; they were working as usual. “Since we found out Shinpei’s condition was just a scare, I suppose we all assumed we’ll pull through together…”

How poetic… I am so proud…

“I’ll give you that.”

“How’re your cases going?”

“They are going fine.” I clapped once. “Well, now that we’ve concluded the pleasantries between colleagues, I wanted to ask you something, Felix.”

“Huh? What?”

“This afternoon, I was thinking of visiting Shinpei in the hospital. Even though he’s on the mend, I think it wouldn’t hurt to stop by. Want to come along?”

“Hmm, I think I’m busy this afternoon…”

“We could grab some drinks afterward…”

“Don’t push it,” he chuckled while shaking his head. “I’d love to, but I’ve got a meeting with Irina and Ilya in Division 1…”

I see… Just as I suspected…

“Oh, really?” I tried to pry a little more. “A new case with Division 1?”

“Don’t think I know much more than you… I assume it’s something like that…” he commented.

“In that case, good luck, my friend…” I joked before leaving.

“Thanks, thanks. Send my regards to Shinpei, alright? I don’t want you hogging all the boss’s love…”

“Don’t say that. I’ll bring him flowers, but you know he’s always had a soft spot for you…” I headed to the terrace for some fresh air.

So, a meeting in Division 1… Considering Shinpei’s health, it’s no surprise there’s pressure in that direction. Even if he recovers, it’s clear there are forces eager to push him aside and secure their own positions…

I let the breeze and the view refresh my spirit.

Oh, dear Shinpei Yamamoto… I wonder if I, your loyal servant, will be able to truly navigate the waves of darkness rolling in from the shadows of the other divisions…