21. Alive

The next morning, Kazuki was having breakfast when he heard the phone ring.
- "Moshi moshi."
- "Kaa-chan, good morning, did I wake you up?"
- "Rai...Ha...Haruka, no. Of course not. I don't think you will ever be able to wake me up."
- "Don't be mean!" - she giggled.
- "Well, then, what's up?"
- "So today we are on leave, correct?"
- "Yes."
- "Do you want to do something together after lunch?"
- "Um, what exactly?"
- "I have some ideas, I found a place where we can watch a movie and then have dinner together. What about it?"
- "Not bad I guess" - he paused - "but you know how I feel about dinners and all."
- "Don't worry, I got you covered!" - she lifted her finger - "I found a place where we can have some real food this time!"
- "Wow" - Kazuki's eyes widened - "won't it be too expensive?"
- "Don't worry, I am prepared for that. We will be okay." - Kazuki sighed:
- "I must admit I'm not sure, but you sure are convincing, Haruka. I'm in."
- "Great! I will come for you at 3pm."
- "Alright."
- "And be sure to wear some good clothes!"
- "Okay."
- "Byyyeeee."
- "Bye." - despite that, Kazuki spent his morning and lunch time just with a little exercise and relaxing, like he did on most days off.

At 3pm sharp, Kazuki heard the bell. He got up and opened the door. Haruka got in with her index finger on her lip. Then, she gestured, asking if his NCID was off. Kazuki nodded. Haruka sighed, with her hand on her chest. Then, she said:
- "Hey Kaa-chan! Are you ready!?" - she was smiling, full of confidence. She was wearing a flowery dress and white elegant sneakers - "Looking good, huh?"
- "Well thank you" - he paused - "you too, and, I am ready, I guess..."
- "What's up?"
- "Well, I am thinking, this is kind of a date isn't it?"
- "Well, of course."
- "Um, shouldn't we try to sort things out first?" - Haruka pouted before saying:
- "Do you really feel like sorting things out today? After that mission?" - he looked down. Then he looked at her, shaking his head:
- "No, you are right, forget it."
- "Then, get your helmet and let's go! I drive!" - she was smiling again, and they left the apartment. Haruka got Kazuki's motorcycle and they rode away.

Soon, they arrived on a seemingly abandoned building, with a single brown door etched in the gray concrete. They got out, removed their helmets and walked to it. Haruka knocked on the door thrice. A man in a suit opened the door slightly and asked:
- "Do you have access cards?"
- "Yes, we do" - Haruka replied and gave him two cards. Kazuki looked at this suspiciously.
- "It's alright, come in." - the man and replied and both came in. As they passed through him, he continued - "long live the revolution!"
- "Long live the revolution!" - Haruka said to Kazuki's dismay. As they walked in the dimly lit corridor, Kazuki approached her and whispered:
- "Where the hell are we going?"
- "Inside a rebel haven."
- "What? A rebel haven? Are you crazy?" - Kazuki looked around uncomfortably - "we are enemies, how can we go inside?"
- "I am ready to answer that. First, we are only enemies of the rebel philosophy and maybe their leaders, not of their people. Second, nobody knows us here, so we are safe."
- "Alright" - he was still frowning - "still not really convincing."
- "And third. Do you know anywhere else we can eat real food without going bankrupt and actually watching a real movie for a change?"
- "Um" - Kazuki puffed - "still this feels terribly wrong. I am not even going to talk about the rules, we are breaking a dozen already" - he was gesticulating - "but isn't having fun in a rebel haven too much?"
- "Look" - Haruka stopped, held his right hand with both her hands and stared at him - "don't you trust me, Kaa-chan? I believe this is going to be really fun and good for us and I don't think we will risk anything serious on our work. Please, don't you trust me?" - Kazuki hesitated. He tried to look away, but Haruka's green eyes and her smile were too captivating. His muscles were tense, his face was tense. Then, he breathed out and lowered his head. He said:
- "Okay. You got me, I will trust you. Let's go."
- "Let's go! " - her smile was now radiant and she took him to the end of the corridor, to a dark grey elevator.

Haruka and Kazuki rode the elevator. It seemed terribly old and kept grumbling and clanking for the entire trip, which took a few minutes. When it opened, however, a completely new vision overwhelmed them.

- "Welcome to Alicia City." - said a voice on the elevator.

In front of them was a sprawling underground city. There were asphalt streets, bright buildings with metallic coating and people walking all over the place. The height of the city was about 13 stories, not as large as the kilometers to reach the sky, but incredibly expansive for an underground structure. The roof was blue and with bright lights simulating a blue sky, an even trees lived intertwined in the streets.
- "What is that?" - Kazuki's jaw was on the floor and he couldn't even move.
- "Well" - Haruka also was letting that all sink in - "this is the underground city of Alicia, or at least what's left of it."
- "Can you" - he paused - "explain it a little better?"
- "Yeah sure" - now Haruka had a straight back and lifted her finger - "on the 20th century there was a project to build an underground city below Tokyo aiming at sustainable development, safety and other issues. The project did start, but had lots of comings and goings and remained unfinished. After the disaster of the brumes, some people were able to find the remains of the project and restructure it. The parts of it which are still usable are what we now call rebel havens." - she paused and Kazuki looked at her - "here story gets blurry, I am not sure when it became specifically a thing of the rebels, or exactly how it all happened, but here we are. There are many unconnected remains of Alicia Town, and most of them became rebel havens."
- "Well, I cannot deny this is nothing less than amazing." - he hesitated - "and what are we going to do exactly?"
- "First we are going to watch a movie!" - Haruka got his hand - "let's go!"

As Kazuki walked, pulled by Haruka, he paid attention to the people. They seemed mostly relaxed, there seemed to be less of a hurry than in the Tokyo he knew. Quickly, Haruka pulled him to the side to avoid two teens with skateboards who went in their direction. "I will try not to enjoy this place. After all these people have chosen to oppose the good government we have" - he thought to himself. Absorbed in his thoughts, he was surprised when Haruka stopped in front of the cinema.

It was a rather simple concrete building with small revolving doors, a balcony covered by a red awning and a queue.
- "Can I choose the movie?" - Haruka asked with shining smile and eyes.
- "Yes, of course."
- "Two tickets please."
- "Here you go" - the attendant replied.
- "Thank you" - Haruka pulled Kazuki inside the cinema room. It was a simple screening room with a large screen, and many rows of seats. They got two seats in the middle and waited for the start. As the movie started their hands met above the armrest.

Haruka and Kazuki were captivated by the film. For its two hours, there was nothing, but them and the silver screen. It all reached a peak when the two main characters went into the pool together. The discovery, the shots, the transparency and the deep intimacy and vulnerability left Haruka and Kazuki in awe. They were not in their bodies, there was only the silver screen. They could feel the shivers. There was something in that movie or in themselves, actually a connection between the movie and them. In that moment, it was like everything was worth it, living and experiencing, watching and feeling. Tears ran down their eyes as water splashed across the pool and the characters bodies. How long it was? They did not know, neither them nor the characters. It was a mystery, undefinable, ineffable, but it existed and was awe inspiring.

They left the cinema room trying to hide their crying, but burst into laughing as they saw each other's tears. After all, who cared? It was their tears, something they could share, and only them. After laughing, sharing a hug from the side and drying their tears, Haruka got Kazuki's hand again and looked at him. Her eyes seemed to be looking for acceptance. He looked at her, he thought she was going to tell him something. She said:
- "Let's eat now!" - she again smiled she took him to a close by restaurant, called Burajiro Pagode featuring a simple facade with its name in yellow and green letters and a singular entrance with stairs.

The restaurant had a lively atmosphere. Its walls were grey and illuminated by bright yellow lights, also became yellow. There were lots of simple wooden tables and chairs with colorful tablecloths, those tables were surrounding an empty space which served as a dance floor, mostly for couples. They sat on of the tables near the corner where they could see the entire restaurant. A waiter dressed in a cheap waistcoat came to serve them:
- "Hello and welcome to the Burajiro Pagode, the best place for meat in Alicia's City. Is this your first time here?"
- "Yes" - they both replied.
- "Here we specialize in Brazilian inspired barbecue, all on skewers. Please take a look at our menu." - Haruka and Kazuki looked at it - "you can ask for a few skewers and then ask for more, feel free to think."
- "I already know what I want!" - said Haruka - "I want one skewer of chicken hearts. Also, I'd like one sake drink with the fruit of the season."
- "Great, nice picks from you miss. And the gentleman?" - he looked at Kazuki.
- "Well. I will go with the same drink as hers and a plain meat skewer."
- "Good choices. And pleasing your lady with the drink, smart. - Haruka laughed and Kazuki blushed - "I will be right back."
- "Thank you" - they replied. Kazuki gave Haruka a side look and said:
- "Haruka, what is the fruit of the season?"
- "I have no idea."
- "And why have you chosen it?"
- "Because it is the one that is fresh. If you want real fruit, you wait for the seasons."
- "Really?"
- "Yes! I always liked to research how things were before the brumes came."
- "Nice. Great to have you as my guide them" - Haruka blinked to him.

Soon, the waiter arrived with their drinks and skewers. They received two large hourglass shaped glass cups with a pale pinkish yellow colour and the two wood skewers with the meat.
- "It is a beautiful drink" - he said, picking it up.
- "It is. Let's have a toast?"
- "To what?"
- "Per ora e per il momento che verrà. For this moment and the moments to come."
- "Beautiful words." - he looked at her - "as always from such a beautiful girl!"
- "Kanpai!" - she smiled to him, they toasted and sipped their drinks. Kazuki's eyes widened:
- "What is that? That is superb!"
- "This is sake. And peach. Nice to meet you!"
- "Nice to meet you, beautiful drink! I am going to wish more later" - he drank a good gulp.
- "Don't go to fast" - she giggled - "enjoy your flavours!"
- "Well then" - he picked up the meat skewer. - "let's try this." - he bit it. Time seemed to stop, as Kazuki chewed it, it was not really soft, but was salty and umami and warm and the flavours filled his mouth. - "so... that is... meat...?"
- "Yes. And this is actually pretty cheap meat, I cannot fathom what the truly rich people eat." - Haruka picked up her skewer and ate of the hearts. It was tender and succulent and umami. The veins were a bit chewy, but the overall experience made her say - "so these are the chicken hearts they talk about. Okay these are amazing, I could never have imagined that."
- "Can I taste it?"
- "Only if I taste yours too." - Haruka pretended to lower her head and blinked.
- "Of course." - they leaned forwards, approached their skewers, got close and took a piece of each other's skewers. They enjoyed for over a minute the sensation of tasting for the first time those delectable delicacies.

They enjoyed their drinks and meat and asked for more. As they were finishing their second drinks, Haruka started gazing at Kazuki. When he looked at her, she averted her eyes. Kazuki noticed she seemed nervous.
- "Is everything alright, Haruka?" - she was startled. Her eyes widened.
- "Yes, all okay..."
- "Really? You can tell me. Whatever is going on, you can trust me." - she touched her arms:
- "There is just this... thing I'd like to tell you..." - her expression changed to a calmer one - "would you like to dance with me?" - now she was smiling and offered her hand. He got it, got up and said:
- "Of course, Haruka" - he held her hand and brought her to the dance floor.

A strong groove and everybody was having fun, that was the spirit on the dance floor. Kazuki danced a bit, but mostly he was flabbergasted by Haruka's joy and energy. When the song's tempo slowed down, he took her and said:
- "You are really good with that."
- "What can I say? I've always enjoyed dancing" - still upbeat, they enjoyed the rhythm and harmony as they danced around shaking their hands and spinning. When the song ended, they looked at each other smiling, almost giggling. Next a slow ballad started. First, they looked around and then at each other. They got closer and held hands. Slowly, while they swayed and waltzed across the place, they could feel their breathing and hearts. The song went by quickly. Then the band started play Saturn Sea. As they continued dancing, they felt they smiled like fools and their hearts raced. Whispering, Haruka started singing on his ear:
- "Two agents" - and he also sang:
- "Saving all the world"
- "Will they stick around"
- "Forever" - and with that, they shared a kiss. Only when the song ended, they released their embrace, smiling and taking a deep breath.

They returned to the table for a short rest, when Kazuki looked on a clock:
- "Well, it is quite late now Do you think it is time to go back?"
- "Noooo. Let's dance a bit more."
- "How about we pay, share another dance and then go."
- "Alright. But I..." - she paused - "I wish I could spend more time with you."
- "Don't worry." - he was calm and confident - "This is just the beginning. We have all the time in the world."
- "Yay!" - they paid the bill, returned to the dance floor and shared another dance and kiss before leaving.

Holding hands, they made their way back through Alicia City mostly silently. Regardless of any thoughts, they enjoyed just being together. This same way, they rode the elevator and the motorcycle back to their condominium. In front of it, Kazuki said:
- "I have to tell you, Haruka, I had a blast today. I don't think I" - he paused - "have ever felt so much alive like today. So." - he looked at her - "thank you." - Haruka's heart raced, as she looked at him.
- "Kaa-chan, thank you. I loved it too." - still, Kazuki said:
- "Do you want to tell me something? You seem a bit spaced out." - Haruka was startled, but then took a deep breath and said:
- "I have something to tell ... or rather, something to ask of you?"
- "Sure, go ahead."
- "I've loved our time together, I loved every second of it. I feel like I'm finally alive after so many years" - she looked down - "but I feel afraid. There so much that we still don't know. How will we deal with the rules and we don't know everything, well" - she hesitated - "what I want to ask is... do you promise to stick with me and sort these things together?" - she looked at him, hopeful - "regardless of the challenges we might face?" - he was confident and straightforward:
- "Of course Haruka! As I've always remained by your side. Right now more than ever. I am going to tell you the truth. I don't know what is love. But it might be what I am feeling right now. I love you Haruka." - these words washed over her. It took a good minute before she replied:
- "I don't know what love is either. " - she gazed at him - "but I want to find out. Let's take it slow and together. And" - he got closer as she said - "find our" - she closed her eyes - "own way" - they kissed again. This time, they relaxed and took a final moment to be together. When they separated he said:
- "Well, let's call it a day then. Tomorrow, life continues and we will find our own way."
- "Yes, we will" - both looked confidently.
- "Good night, Haruka."
- "Good night, Kaa-chan." - they retired to their apartments for the night.

***

Back at NUMO's office, the operator was again at the Colonel's office, sitting in front of him.
- "Operator-san, I have received and read your report on Raikubo Haruka. It is deeply worrying. The things you found out. We will have to do something about it."
- "Yes, sir, I agree."
- "And you also reported their relationship is getting closer. That is most unfortunate."
- "Yes, and all indicates that they went on a date today." - the Colonel sighed and said:
- "That only makes solving this issue even more urgent."
- "Colonel, sir. Despite all that, they will be safe right? We don't need anything too drastic, do we?"
- "Don't worry, Operator-san, they will be safe. I already have a plan to sort this out. As always, I just ask your cooperation and discretion."
- "Yes, sir, I am glad about this, I trust you."
- "That's what I'd like to hear. Dismissed." - she saluted him and left his office.