A Costa Rican Paradise - Part III

Chisato’s POV

The journey back after escaping the cartel’s hideout is far easier than the rest of the mission.

Before returning to the open plains where Mizuki is waiting for us, we ditch the stolen vehicle in the forest and continue on foot to avoid being tracked.

When we finally arrive at the warehouse near the plane, Mizuki is already there—looking impatient.

"Hey, you two took forever. We thought you got captured."

She says that, but I’m pretty sure if they had actually believed it, they would’ve deployed an entire rescue team to get us back.

"What happened is that we take our jobs seriously and do things carefully. As you can see, we didn’t come back with the whole mafia on our tail."

I respond while heading toward the plane.

"Whatever you say, Chisato. Let’s get out of here."

I glance at Takina, walking beside me with the briefcase in hand.

Our hands almost brush against each other.

"In the end, we didn’t have time to go sightseeing, Takina."

"Yeah, but there was nothing we could do. We were working."

"Let’s come back another day. We’ll see the best of the city—together."

Without thinking, I take her hand.

Takina tenses slightly at my touch, and I catch the slight blush on her cheeks.

"Yeah… another time, then."

She replies, avoiding direct eye contact.

I know holding her hand makes her nervous.

Now that I’ve said what I wanted, I should let go.

But something inside me doesn’t want to.

Walking hand in hand with her feels right.

I don’t think I can keep running from my feelings much longer.

As a Lycoris, I never had much time to think about anything close to romance. Even less after spending my youth obsessing over finding the person who once helped me.

Now that I’ve let go of that past, and now that I know my new purpose, maybe it’s time to start thinking about other aspects of my life, too.

After all, thanks to this new heart, I finally have the chance to plan—or at least dream—of a future.

We board the plane as I get lost in my own thoughts.

When I finally release Takina’s hand and sink into my seat, I feel something warm and wet on my stomach.

When I look down, my jacket and shirt are quickly being soaked in blood.

"Oh, crap. Right now?"

The pain that had been masked by adrenaline finally starts making itself known.

"What’s wrong, Chisa—"

Takina cuts herself off when she sees the scene before her. Judging by her expression, it must look worse than it actually is.

"Your wound!"

Takina jumps from her seat, immediately moving to check on me.

"Remember when I said I’d need help after the mission?" I chuckle, trying to ease her tension.

"I think the time is now."

"You’re unbelievable, Chisato. You’re lucky this didn’t happen during the mission!"

"It’s not luck, Takina!"

She looks up at me, confused.

"I told you—"

"I’d show you just how reliable and professional your First Lycoris is."

Takina’s face softens at my words, and she gives me a warm smile.

"That’s true. Once again, you showed me how amazing you can be, Chisato-senpai."

Takina and I always seem to be moving in opposite directions.

While she relaxes and begins to express her emotions more openly,

I become a bundle of nerves— With a heart that doesn’t beat but feels like it’s about to explode.

And so, I hide everything behind my eyes.