Takina, Are You Okay?

Chisato’s POV

The wound in my abdomen feels warm. Everything happened so fast. I really let my guard down.

It’s the first time a child this young has ever attacked me, and I guess it’s something I hadn’t considered before. Can I hit a kid? Even if I only shoot them with special bullets, pulling the trigger on a child… That’s something I never imagined doing.

Seriously, what is the Alan Institute thinking? How could they give such an aggressive mission to a child? Then again… this wouldn’t be the first time.

"Chisato! You really should stay and rest!"

Takina’s voice pulls me out of my thoughts.

"You’re not even paying attention to the briefing. Obviously, you’re still shaken by what happened."

Takina always looks so composed, but lately, I can see all sorts of emotions on her face.

And while I have to admit I really like that… the look of concern she has now makes my chest ache. If that even makes sense…

"Sorry, sorry, but it’s fine. Really!"

I try to reassure her, but Takina looks far from convinced.

"Ah, Mika, you know I’ve been in way worse shape and still gone on missions!"

It’s true. Before Takina joined LycoReco, I used to get attacked even more often than I do now.

"Hmm, that’s true… though I didn’t like it back then either," Mika admits. But this is the Alan Institute we’re dealing with.

"Chisato, what if your wound reopens in the middle of a fight? You don’t expect me to handle that, do you?"

Takina… she’s so cautious.

"It won’t reopen, Takina! I promise."

"How can you promise me that?! Chisato, you make no sense at all!"

"Taki—"

"Please, Chisato!"

Takina’s voice cuts me off, and when I turn to look at her face, I see her struggling to hold back tears.

"…When your heart alarm went off, I really thought the worst."

"Takina…"

I reach out and gently wipe away the few tears that managed to escape her eyes.

"I’m sorry… I made you worry."

I don’t ever want to see Takina with such a sad expression again, especially not because of me.

"But… I have to admit something. It feels kind of special when you worry like this about me"

She really cares about me.

I see it in her eyes—she’s completely caught off guard by what I just said.

Suddenly, Takina grabs my hand and leans closer.

The sudden contact surprises me.

"Of course, Chisato. You’re my partner!"

Her eyes shine with determination as she speaks.

"My only partner. I don’t want anyone else."

Takina… you’re dangerous for me.

If you’re worried about the machine inside me stopping, maybe you should stop being so bold. Otherwise, you might just melt the piece of metal in my chest.

…As if I could ever say that out loud.

I don’t know why, but since the day Takina came for me, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about our conversation.

It felt different.

But… did it feel different for Takina too?

The truth is, I’ve been avoiding that conversation for a long time now.

Avoiding the feelings inside me.

I don’t know if I’m ready to face them.

"Takina, I really appreciate how much you care about me," I say, trying to comfort her.

"I promise I won’t do anything reckless. Especially if it means making you look that sad again."

"I know I look pretty banged up, but you need to trust me a little more. I’m your First Lycoris, after all! You can rely on your senpai a bit more!"

"Chisato…"

Takina’s expression shifts, and finally, I see a small smile form on her lips.

"Alright then. Show me what you can do, Chisato-senpai."

I don’t know why, but the moment I hear ‘Chisato-senpai’ come out of her mouth…

I swear my artificial heart stops again.

I can’t look away from the radiant smile Takina is giving me.

No matter how much I want to hide my face… I have no idea what kind of expression I’m making right now.

But I’m sure it’s not the face of a cool, reliable senpai.

Though… this is the most beautiful sight.

"Right, so, uh, yeah, leave it to your senpai!"

I try to regain my composure. And my cool.

"Can someone repeat the mission details?"

Mika, who had been silently observing our entire conversation, finally speaks up.

"Honestly, I should’ve expected this. Things always have to be explained twice here."

"The mission isn’t too difficult," Mika starts, as the screen displays our target locations.

"Our objective is to retrieve a special package stored in a safe house owned by a Costa Rican mafia."

"Luckily, we’re still on schedule. That gives Chisato some extra time to rest, but it’s crucial that we execute the operation tomorrow morning."

The briefing continues for a few more minutes, and we receive all the mission details on our phones.

Soon after, Mika leaves the room, and once again, it’s just Takina and me.

"Alright, partner."

I start to get up from the bed.

Takina moves to help me, but I gently signal that I don’t need it.

"Ready for another LycoReco mission?"

A small but genuine smile appears on Takina’s face.

"Of course, partner."

"Alright then, let’s give it our all, Takina!"