Traces

Takina’s POV

LycoReco is a peaceful place to work—at least, if you focus on the café façade. Things are a bit different here in Hawaii since we don’t have an actual storefront like we did back in Japan. Sometimes, I miss that. It’s hard—and strange—to admit, but I really grew fond of the regular customers who used to visit us.

When we decided to leave, there was a big farewell. Chisato was genuinely crying, hugging everyone tightly. At the time, I didn’t understand why she wanted to go if it hurt her so much, but now I understand the reason behind that decision far better.

The information in front of me is overwhelming as I stare at the screen, looking at the encrypted link Kurumi sent me just moments ago. After months of digging through the depths of the web in search of any clue about the Alan Institute, Kurumi has finally found something close to a lead.

“I don’t know if I should show you this… but I thought it made more sense to send it to you first.”

That’s what Kurumi wrote in the email.

When I opened the content, I found screenshots of a conversation in what seems to be a forum deep within the dark web. It doesn't explicitly mention the Alan Institute, but it’s filled with euphemisms that are more than concerning. They discuss “special projects” involving terms like “prodigy children,” “international assignments,” and “field trials.”

But the most alarming part is one of the highlighted comments:

User: OWL_07
Date: 3 days ago
“New batch of candidates transferred to site HI080-04. Initial evaluation completed. Unit Alpha-Child showed remarkable effectiveness. Constant monitoring required to avoid incidents like the discarded unit in Japan.”

HI080... That’s Hawaii’s country code. It might just be a coincidence… but again, that’s a very convenient one.
Did Chisato know about this? Is this why she chose Hawaii of all places?
And if she didn’t know… how will she react?
Could it be that the Alan Institute followed her here?

I understand why Kurumi hesitated to show this directly to Chisato. But I can’t help thinking this might not even surprise her.

I reply to Kurumi:

“I’ll take care of it. Thanks for trusting me.”

The Alan Institute makes my stomach turn. I know no one has suffered more because of them than Chisato, but she’s always so forgiving. Me, on the other hand... I can’t stand them. And I have no problem killing every last one of those ignorant bastards who took part in the twisted mission they forced on her.
Even if they didn’t participate directly—if they knew what was happening and let it continue—that’s enough. Those are my enemies.

I know Chisato wants to dismantle the Institute…
But I want to burn it to the ground.

No more stupid “missions” that involve breaking someone’s heart—literally—just to satisfy their deranged ideology.

Still… how would she react to this?

I'm not even sure if she knew when we moved here. But after the incident with that kid a few weeks ago, I guess she must be starting to suspect something.

And if I hide this from her… wouldn't I be doing the same thing as everyone else in her life who kept things from her “for her own good”? Even Mika did that once. She forgave him, but… how much more of that could she take?

At the end of the day, I want to be her ally. I want to be by her side no matter what happens.
I want to protect her.

But maybe…
My desire to be her partner is stronger than my desire to protect her.

“Chisato, I’m coming over. Wait for me.”

I hit send without thinking twice.

When I arrive at Chisato’s place, she opens the door before I can even knock.

“Takina! I was waiting for you,” she says, smiling so brightly it nearly knocks the breath out of me.

She must’ve been watching the cameras, waiting for me to show up. That thought alone makes me nervous.

“Thanks. Excuse me,” I say, stepping inside and following her down the hallway to the real apartment.

At the hidden entrance, she offers me her hand to help me down the stairs—just like the first time I came here. I don’t need her help. She knows I don’t.

So why does she offer it?
I don’t really get it.
But what I understand even less is why I accept it.

And even less than that—
Why I was secretly hoping she’d do it.

I try to push those thoughts out of my mind.
Now’s not the time.
I came here for a reason.

“So, Takina, to what do I owe the honor of your visit? Did something happen?”

“I wouldn’t say something happened, exactly…”

We sit down on the couch in the living room.

“Ah! You missed me, then!” Chisato says, scooting closer until our legs are lightly touching.

The contact catches me off guard, and it’s hard to hide the effect it has on me.

“No! Well… that’s not the important part.”
I regain my focus, remembering why I came and the weight of what I’m about to share.

“Kurumi found something I want to show you,” I say, pulling out my phone.

With nervous fingers, I hand it to her.

I can tell she’s processing something heavy… but surprise isn’t one of her reactions.

“Did you already know about this, Chisato? When you chose Hawaii?”

There’s silence for a moment before she finally speaks.

“I’d heard something a long time ago… an old lead from when I was still searching for the man who saved me. But back then, I couldn’t leave LycoReco. I couldn’t even leave the country.”

She pauses—
The tension in the room tightens.

“But really… these people just don’t know when to stop.”

Her tone, her expression, everything about her is different.
She’s angry.

“Takina, for a long time, I thought my mission was to help people. Even if it was just in small ways, through daily acts of kindness. Even if it had nothing to do with the missions we do as Lycoris. But now… I finally feel like I have a main mission. I have to stop this.”

She holds up the phone again.

Behind the screen, I can see the slight shimmer of tears in her eyes, barely held back.

“Chisato.”

I say her name gently, moving even closer.

I take the phone from her hands and grasp them instead, holding them firmly.

“You know the one thing you can be sure of?”

She blinks, caught off guard.

“Uh… that we’re all going to die?” she replies, uncertain.

“Close. You’re missing the most important part.” I stare straight into her eyes.

“The one thing you can be sure of is that no matter where you go… I’ll be there.
Even if you’re walking toward death— I’ll be right there beside you.”

I don’t break eye contact for a second.

It’s hard not to get lost in her gaze, but I can see her blushing at my words.

It’s cute.
Really, really cute.

“Takina… of course you’re right. After all, I’ve got the most competent partner in all of DA!”

Chisato finally relaxes.

“So, Takina, will you follow me wherever this takes us?”

“I’m already ready to go.”