Out Of The Hamster's Wheel

Osaka—Kakogawa Ward Municipal Services Building.

At the bottom floor, near the coffee shop, Enji was speaking quietly with two other figures: a dark-skinned, muscular man, and a girl with tousled brown hair.

“For such things to happen this early. Boy, it's going to be a mess.” Enji’s voice lacked its usual mocking tone.

“I-It wasn't only the vice p-president, a bunch of o-other politicians too.” The girl explained, sweat beading along her face. Her hair swayed as she trembled.

She wore a messy white blouse. One side of her trousers rode up, exposing her pale right calf.

“Not just politicians—most of them contributed to the Faithful countermeasures improvements in the military.” The muscular man added.

“They died exactly after that broadcast hijack speech. Some Faithful terrorist organizations likely had a hand in this.” He wore a tight black shirt that highlighted his build.

“I wonder if America’s BND division has made any moves yet.” Enji said, before glancing over his shoulder.

“Oh, Sarai-kun, Mitsu-chan!” He waved.

“What's up? What are you three talking about?” Mitsu asked, hands on hips.

“W-Why are you acting like you w-weren’t watching us…” The anxious girl’s eyes looked sideways as she spoke.

“What did you just say?”

“Eeek! N-Nothing!” She hid behind Enji in panic.

“Save me… T-Tatsu-san…” whispered the anxious girl.

Why is she so stressed? Sarai wondered.

“Sarai-kun, I suppose you're officially one of us now.” Enji tapped Sarai's shoulder, “Welcome to the team!” He smiled.

He turned. “Eiri-chan, Malik, this is Sarai, the new kid I told you about. He's a special one.” He patted Sarai's head. “Take care of him!”

“Nice to meet you, young man!” said Malik, his smile shining behind the thumbs up.

This guy is suspiciously cheerful.

“N-Nice to meet you… Sarai-kun…” Eiri said, not even looking at the new member.

“Nice to meet you, Eiri-san, Malik-san.” Sarai bowed politely.

Enji’s expression shifted into a serious one; he clapped his hands for attention. “Alright, I already told everyone about this. Sarai, Mitsu, listen carefully—

“No need, I already know about it. You do realize how many eyes I have.” Mitsu's voice cut Enji’s speech.

Many eyes? Does she have eyes beyond the agency? Sarai was utterly confused, yet he succeeded in hiding it, partially.

“Well, it's getting late. Most members have already left.” Enji pulled out his flip phone and checked the time. "Tomorrow, we will have a meeting early in the morning to discuss the news.”

“Sarai… Uh, you don't have a place at the moment, right?” Enj asked, rubbing his chin.

“No. Don't worry, I'll handle myself.”

“Are you sure about that? You can stay with me. I have no roommates.”

I'd rather die.

At the side, Eiri stared at Sarai, before hesitatingly muttering, “Sorry, I-I have a roommate too…” 

"Wait… WAIT!”

“She already left!” Eiri screamed before sprinting out of the building.

“Eiri-san, wait! I'll drive you back.” yelled Malik, “Guys, we meet tomorrow!” He ran after the paranoid Eiri.

That girl is messed up… Sarai watched the two vanish into the streets.

“Sarai, you can stay at my place. I have a big apartment.” Mitsu wore her black coat.

I don't want to stay with her, she's unpredictable… But I don't think I can calm down with the fact that she's watching me. If I'm going to be watched anyway, let it be face-to-face. Sarai paused for a second before nodding gracefully.

“Heh, I was wishing to spend time with him, but sure. Take care of my student!” Enji winked.

“I'm not your student, and I don't want to stay with you.”

“Why?”

“You’re a creepy pervert.”

“What?... Oh, I see what you're doing.” Enji’s shocked expression shifted onto a deliberate, understanding one. He approached Sarai and whispered in his ear, “She's 26, and you’re 17. Give up, buddy.”

What is he…

“What the fuck is in your head?!” screamed Sarai, clearly embarrassed.

“Hahaha, it's as clear as day!” Enji smacked him.

“Quit it, you two. Let's head to the metro.” Mitsu walked toward the exit.

“I'm not going home right now. I have some unfinished business. You two can go.” Enji said, his eyes staring at the ground.

“Sure. Sarai, let's move.”

“Okay—” A low grumble echoed in Sarai's gut.

“Eh… Mitsu-san, would you mind…”

Mitsu chuckled, “I know a good burger place nearby. Let's go.”

She's definitely better than Enji!

The two exited the building. They sought their destination, claimed by the shiny street lights.

Inside the building, Enji was standing alone beside the closed coffee shop.

He scrabbled in his pocket for his flip phone, pulled it out, and snapped it open.

Then, he punched in a number on the keypad and called.

Beep-beep-beep 

Answer already... He thought, pressing his lips into a tight, pale line. Quite the worried face that was.

…

Kakogawa underground subway station was flooded with accelerating footsteps.

Most citizens were shackled to the familiar rhythm of falling back home at night, a few escaping that hamster wheel of a life.

As the train emerged from the tunnel, a metallic screech faded into a low, rattling hush.

The doors slid open, allowing the train to exchange rushing citizens with the station.

Amid the sea of hurrying commuters loomed Scarnetti in a gray vest. His gloomy expression unshakeable, his dark blue hair gleaming under the sterile lights.

He swam through the crowd coming in his direction, making sure not to bump into anyone.

Definitely safer than driving alone, but the number of people is a nightmare. This thought cut through his mind.

All of a sudden, Scarnetti felt his heart hammering his chest, and his left eye was subconsciously drawn to a random passerby at his left side.

A black-haired young man wearing a loose, black tracksuit. From his neck hung a purple relic that resembled a pendulum pendant.

Scarnetti froze, but not for long. Almost instinctively, driven by a deep sense of humility and familiarity, he found himself stepping toward the young man, and a peculiar urge to speak to him overwhelmed his temper.

Although suppressing such desires was something he managed easily, Scarnetti’s posture suggested struggle.

“Mitsu-san, thank you so much for the food. I really haven't eaten in a while.” The words came from the young man.

“You've been thanking me for so long. Drop the formality already.” A woman who seemed young replied to him.

SKREEEE—CHHHHH!

“Let's get in fast before seats are taken. I'm tired.” The woman briskly walked toward the train.

To Scarnetti's surprise, the young man didn't follow her. Instead—Dum. Dum. Dum—he stared at him, his heart pounding like drums in response.

Immediately, the young man vanished into the train.

Scarnetti, not knowing whether to laugh or cry, stood amidst the press of bodies like a hammered iron nail.

He felt a crawling warmth in his spine, and an irresistible, familiar urge to harm himself invaded his mind.

As he watched the train vanish inside the tunnel, Scarnetti was swallowed by the swarm of moving people, like a drop in the ocean.

“To think… you were this close,” he whispered.

A tear slid down his left eye.