My own mission

Chisato’s POV

We board the private jet that Mika and Kurumi arranged for the mission, with Mizuki as our pilot once again. The plane isn’t very big, but it’s fast, and that’s what matters most. A commercial flight from Hawaii to Costa Rica takes around 14 hours—I hope we can save some time by traveling this way.

"Hey, Mizuki, I really hope you don’t crash this thing. Are you sure you know how to fly these?"

At first glance, the controls look way more complicated than a helicopter’s.

"Shut up, Chisato. Don’t underestimate DA’s intelligence division. I’ve been on plenty of missions myself, and many of them involved flying planes."

"Hmm, and in none of those missions did you find someone to settle down with? What are you now, 30?"

"Chisato! Just because people keep trying to turn you into Swiss cheese doesn’t mean I’m going to feel sorry for you!"

Annoying Mizuki isn’t so bad—it definitely helps lighten my mood.

Across the aisle, Takina stares out the window. She seems more relaxed, but I know she’s still worried about the mission.

I need to be on my best behavior.

I can’t keep making Takina worry about me all the time—I’m supposed to be someone she can rely on.

I move toward Takina’s seat. As soon as she sees me shift, she reacts quickly, reaching out to help me sit down.

"Chisato, you should use this time to rest. Try not to move too much on the plane."

There it is again.

Takina is worried.

"Takina, I want you to know that I’m a very self-sufficient person."

"I know, I know, but… I can’t help feeling this way."

She lowers her gaze to her hands. I can tell it’s hard for her to share her feelings.

"Don’t worry. Just be ready."

"Be ready?"

"That’s right, because…"

I start to stand up, and Takina follows my movement with her eyes.

"After you see how cool and reliable I am, you might not be able to stop thinking about me."

I lean in, just inches from her face.

"I’ll make you feel safe."

Takina quickly looks away, turning almost completely toward the window.

"You better, Chisato…"

Even though I can’t see her face, I’m almost certain she’s completely red.

I wonder… would Takina react this way with anyone who got close to her personal space?

I need to be careful.

Not just because I don’t want to push Takina past her limit, but because…

I’m starting to like this dynamic with her a little too much.

I drop into a seat across the aisle and reach into my uniform pocket.

I pull out the Alan Institute emblem the boy left me.

What does this mean?

Was it some kind of message? A sign that I’m still a child of Alan?

Will someone else come to tell me to embrace my true talent again?

The talent for killing…

Takina is still looking out the window.

Beyond her, the darkness of the night stretches endlessly.

An empty void.

But even in the vastness of the dark, we find something to look at, something beautiful to admire.

Maybe today, the Alan Institute forced itself back into my life for the first time since Yoshi-san…

But even back then, I have nothing to regret.

After all, it was because of that past…

That I got so close to Takina.

I toy with the emblem in my hands, tracing the edges of the small owl.

For years, I tried to find meaning behind this symbol—or maybe, I just tried to force it to mean what I wanted it to mean.

I searched for someone who would tell me things the way I wanted to hear them.

My own judgment wasn’t enough to see beyond my own situation at the time.

And yet, the Institute is still recruiting children.

Still forcing them into the most absurd missions.

What have I been doing these past few months?

Hiding in Hawaii, as if there aren’t more people out there suffocating under the weight of expectations placed on them by delusional adults.

I only escaped that fate because I had people who helped me see things differently.

Because I was able to form new bonds.

Maybe I’m not the greatest assassin.

But if I have a mission, then…

It’s to destroy the Alan Institute.

Or at the very least, the version of it that imposes its will on the vulnerable.

Lost in thought, I don’t even realize when I fall asleep.

But the last thing on my mind is the mission I now know I have to fulfill—

To show the world that free will is enough.

And to be the Lycoris that Takina needs.

When I open my eyes again, the view outside the airplane window is completely different. The sun bathes the landscape, illuminating the lush mountains below.

Across from me, Takina is still asleep, her expression relaxed and peaceful.

That’s what I want.

I want her to feel at peace.

These past weeks have been filled with stress, with constant attacks, but that’s enough of that. Once this mission is over, I’ll focus on restoring the peace I want to give her—one psychotic institution at a time.

"This is your young and beautiful captain speaking. Attention all passengers, fasten your seatbelts because we’re about to land!"

Mizuki’s voice booms through the speakers, waking Takina.

She shifts in her seat, still adjusting to her surroundings.

I turn my gaze toward her, and she notices.

I’m about to look away when, at that very moment, Takina gives me the most beautiful smile.

I know my heart can’t beat.

But how am I supposed to describe this feeling in words?

Because I swear it just skipped a beat.

"Chisato, how are you feeling?"

Takina sits up, immediately focused on me.

"Let me check your wound."

"I feel much better! Good as new, don’t worry, Takina."

"Still, let me check. We should change your bandages before the mission."

She kneels beside my seat, her hands reaching for the edge of my jacket and shirt.

"Takina? You don’t have to worry—I’ll ask Mizuki for help before we leave."

I don’t know why, but the thought of Takina changing my bandages…

Really makes me nervous.

"Mizuki is busy, and I’m here. Just let me help."

Takina lifts my clothing and gently presses her hand against my wound, carefully removing the old bandage.

"Everything seems fine… but it’s still really red. I really wish you’d just rest, Chisato."

Her voice is soft, her fingers brushing against my skin.

"Chisato?"

Chisato’s wound looks okay, but I can’t stop worrying about her condition.

"Everything seems fine… but it’s still really red. I really wish you’d just rest, Chisato."

I lift my gaze—and suddenly freeze.

Chisato’s face is completely flushed, her hand half-covering it.

"What’s wrong? Did I hurt you?"

I glance back at her abdomen—specifically, where my hand is.

I hadn’t really paid attention before, but…

Chisato’s body is seriously beautiful.

She’s in amazing shape, and even though she’s injured, her abs are so well-defined…

Before I know it, my thoughts start drifting away from the actual objective.

"Ah! Right! The bandages! You must be uncomfortable with these bloody ones—I’ll replace them!"

I practically sprint to the back of the plane to grab the medical supplies.

What’s wrong with me?!

This isn’t the time for my feelings for Chisato.

We’re in the middle of a mission.

I need to control myself—or I won’t be able to support Chisato when she needs me.

But…

The image of her blushing under my touch lingers in my mind.

Could it be possible… that she was nervous too?

I return to my seat and find Chisato a bit more composed.

"Can I see the wound again?"

"Ah, yeah… just—make it quick, okay?"

Chisato usually isn’t very reserved, but maybe she’s just not used to this kind of attention from me.

Normally, it’s Mika or Mizuki who take care of her injuries.

That must be it.

I’m not used to this either.

I carefully finish replacing her bandages.

"Alright, all done. How does it feel?"

"Much better. Thanks, Takina."

"There’s no need to thank me, Chisato."

I’m just glad I could help.

"Hey, Takina… after the mission, I’ll probably need help with this again. Would you help me?"

For some reason, her request makes me nervous.

But in a good way.

Chisato rarely relies on me like this…

She’s asking for me, and only me.

"Of course. I’ll help as much as you need."

The plane touches down, gradually slowing to a stop.

Chisato stretches and grins.

"Alright, Takina. Let’s do this."