Our New Lives

Takina’s POV

Several weeks have passed since LycoReco settled in Hawaii. After rescuing Chisato on that island, she somehow dragged all of us to this new place. Still, I wasn’t surprised when everyone at the café agreed to leave their lives in Japan just because Chisato felt like it. In a way, I think we’re all happy that she can finally be a little more selfish with what she wants.

The LycoReco coffee truck is really cute, I have to admit, and the people in Hawaii are nice. I’m still not used to the heat, but this is much better than the life I once imagined for myself. Those months when we thought Chisato wouldn’t survive, when her heart was slowly deteriorating… Where would I be now?

"Takina! Are you coming with me later? I’m going to check out a new apartment—I hope this one is the right one!"

Chisato calls out to me from outside the coffee truck, leaning over the counter. She’s wearing white shorts and a gray t-shirt—pretty simple for her, considering she’s been dressing in some very peculiar Hawaiian outfits lately.

"Chisato, I think you should just settle for one of the shelters Commander Kusunoki arranged for us instead of trying to build a new one."

Since we arrived, we’ve been living separately in some temporary shelters that were set up for us.

"Takina, those places look like interrogation rooms. I don’t understand how you’re okay living in those underground holes."

"I’d rather have a good underground hole than wake up to some lunatic dropping a bomb on me in my sleep. You should prefer that too."

Chisato is far too trusting.

"And what are you going to do if someone weird shows up at your house?"

"I’ll adapt the shelter to my needs like I did with the ones in Japan. I just need the right building for it, and I think today’s might be perfect."

Her determination is impossible to beat. Seriously.

"Okay, okay. I’ll go with you."

"Hehe, of course! You’re my partner!"

Chisato leans over the counter and grabs my hand. She’s just holding my hand, but my heart speeds up, just like every time she’s close.

Chisato… this is bad. I’m not sure if you really know how I feel. Even though we had that talk on the beach the day I found you—where it almost felt like a confession—our relationship hasn’t changed much since then.

Suddenly, Chisato lets go of my hand, and I feel her soft touch on my face.

"Are you okay, Takina?"

I look up, and in her eyes, I see genuine concern.

"I’m perfectly fine. Just thinking about what flowers we’ll buy when someone murders you in your sleep in your new little house."

"What?! You really don’t get it, Takina."

Chisato leans in close to my face, flashing a big smile. I can’t stop myself from blushing—and though I’m not entirely sure, I think she is too.

"My partner would never let that happen!"

The way she smiles at me and the way those words leave her lips make my heart skip a beat.

I quickly turn away. "Of course! I wouldn’t let that happen!"

If Chisato were standing right in front of me, my face would completely give me away.

"Alright then, partner. I’m counting on you."

"Still, Chisato, do you even have the money for the shelter renovations? We’ve been ignoring DA’s requests for weeks now..."

After moving to Hawaii, Manager Mika negotiated with Commander Kusunoki to keep handling DA cases from abroad. Now, LycoReco assists with international missions that could impact Japan. That’s why we arranged to stay in these shelters. The café profits are decent, but they’re far from enough to support the kind of life Licorys agents need—especially Chisato, who gets targeted every three weeks. Ever since her information was leaked, the attacks haven’t stopped.

"Hmmm, Takina, let’s quit the DA and go to university instead."

Chisato really hates taking orders from the commander.

"That would only put you in more debt, Chisato. Besides, even I’m starting to worry that Kusunoki will take away our shelters if we keep ignoring the mission requests."

"Ugh, fine, fine. We’ll work tonight, then. I’m sure this apartment is the one. And I’ll need the deposit to sign the contract."

Chisato grinned widely.

"See you at 8 PM?"

"See you at 8 PM, partner."

As Chisato left, I watched her silhouette disappear into the bustling crowd along the boardwalk where our coffee truck was stationed. I’d have to prepare for tonight. After weeks without working as Licorys, I had to admit—I was a little worried that we were getting too used to this peaceful life.

After all, Majima’s body was never recovered that day…

And the Alan Institute still exists.

I couldn’t help but wonder—was Yoshisan the only one after Chisato? Could there be someone even more determined to turn her into a killing machine?

I should focus on my skills instead. I need to be the support Chisato needs.

Chisato is my First Licorys.

And beyond that… Chisato is special to me.

Closing time arrived before I knew it. Mizuki and Kurumi were helping out, too.

"Takina, isn’t it time for you to meet up with Chisato?" Mizuki asked as she finished counting the cash register.

"Yeah, I think so. We planned to meet after my shift, but she’s not here yet."

I took my phone out of my shorts pocket and checked the time—only to see a new message from Chisato.

"I managed to reschedule my apartment visit. Just like I thought—it’s perfect! See you at 8 PM for our mission. Let’s get that money!"

"Well, looks like Chisato doesn’t need me to go with her after all."

"Ohh, did she replace you?" Kurumi teased. "I wonder if she went with that girl who always hangs around the café during her shifts."

Kurumi… always saying the most annoying things.

"I don’t know what you’re talking about. Even if Chisato has other friends, I’m her partner."

"Yeah, that’s true. But you’re just that, right? A partner?"

"Kurumi, shut up before Takina stuffs you in your own suitcase and ships you back to Japan. Help clean for once in your life!"

"Ehh, I already told you, my contributions to this team are digital!"

Their argument faded into the background as my thoughts took over.

It was true—Chisato is my partner.

But there are different kinds of relationships… Family, friendship, and…

"Takina!"

"Eh?! What?!"

Mizuki’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

"It’s already 7:30. Won’t you be late to meet Chisato?"

Damn, I lost track of time.

"Yeah, you’re right. I’m going! See you tomorrow!"

I rushed toward Shelter No. 2, which currently serves as our base for Licorys operations. Chisato is waiting for me there. Time for another successful mission.

After a 20-minute trip, I arrived without any issues. From the outside, it looked like just another gas station—these hideouts are pretty clever.

I entered through the main door, greeting the usual clerk at the counter—Sumika-san, our DA intelligence agent in disguise. She’s lived in Hawaii most of her life, so no one questions her presence here.

I headed to the storage room and pressed a hidden button under one of the shelves, revealing a secret door leading to an elevator.

As the doors opened, I saw the central operations table—a large circular console linked to Radiata.

Mika was already there, reviewing mission details.

"Ah, Takina, right on time!" he smiled as I approached.

"I do what I can. Chisato’s not here yet?"

"What do you think?"

Mika’s tone said it all.

"Do you know where she is?"

"She should be on her way… She texted me earlier about the apartment visit."

"I see, I see… Well, let’s hope she gets here on ti—"

Mika’s words were cut short by Radiata’s emergency alarm.

But not just any alarm.

Chisato’s heart monitor.

"Chisato! Where is she?!"

Radiata’s screens immediately displayed her location.

She was right outside the shelter.

I ran as fast as I could.

Chisato, hold on! I’m coming for you!

"Takina, wait! She’s moving! Fast!"

What?! Is someone taking her?!

The elevator doors slammed open—revealing Sumika and Chisato.

The sight before me made my stomach drop.

Chisato was covered in blood.

She was still conscious… but barely.

"I made it on time, guys…" Chisato speaks, her mouth filling with blood.

"Takina! Mika! Chisato’s hurt! We need to stop the bleeding—now!" Sumika-san screams, her voice shaking with fear as she holds Chisato. I can tell she’s terrified.

I rush to take her from Sumika’s arms.

"Chisato! What happened?!"

I help Sumika bring her to the main table while Mika scrambles to find the medical supplies to treat her.

"I’m sorry for keeping you waiting, Takina…"

Soft words escape Chisato’s lips just before she collapses unconscious on the table.

And just like that, my heart drops to the floor too.