The clock showed 07:00. Hiroki wore a black long sleeve shirt and black jeans; he stood in front of the entrance door and tried to wear his favorite white shoes. Yuu, who was still in her pyjamas, stood behind him with her arms crossed in front of her chest.
"Remember to wear your number bracelet, Hiroki," said Yuu while giving Hiroki a bracelet with 'HRK110' engraved.
"Okay." Hiroki turned around to face Yuu and took the bracelet from Yuu's hand.
"Ah! I have a gift for you." Yuu hastily ran toward the research room and came out with a pair of earrings on her hand.
"Here, it's a gift. Please make sure to always wear it." Yuu passed the earrings. Hiroki took the earrings from Yuu's hand and gazed at it.
"Is this for me?" Hiroki lifted his gaze from the earrings to Yuu.
"Yes," said Yuu, smiling. Hiroki was surprised and hugged Yuu.
"Thank you very much! I will treasure it!" said Hiroki. Yuu was startled and returned his hug.
"You need to go now." Yuu patted Hiroki's back, and he released Yuu.
Hiroki hastily wore the earrings and smiled. "I will go first." He opened the door and went out.
"You sure are good at lying now, Yuu." Jer appeared beside Yuu.
"That's one of your ideas, too, Jer." Yuu glanced at Jer.
"Make sure to check what he heard." Yuu walked toward the kitchen.
"Understood." Jer disappeared.
Yuu opened a can of teabags and picked a green tag; she turned to the mug cabinet and grabbed a mug and put the teabag inside. She reached a sugar can and scooped five spoonfuls of sugar. The hot-water kettle suddenly whistled. Yuu poured the hot water into the mug.
"Thank you, Jer." Yuu smiled.
Jer suddenly appeared on the dining table. "I hate to disturb you on your tea time, but I have received an urgent call from the leader."
Yuu stopped her hand and lifted her head, surprised by what she heard; she dashed to the research room and sat down. A panel appeared on her right side, and she pressed on the call button; suddenly, a round table hologram appeared before her, and the light dimmed. There were ten black shadows sitting on antique-looking chairs.
"You still keep that disgusting hobby of yours, Mr. L," said one of the black shadows on the right side.
"Don't you think these antique chairs actually bring out the tension, Mrs. C?" said another black shadow, which must be Mr. L.
"Tsk," Mrs. C clicked her tongue.
"Now I assume that everyone is present?" Mr. L started the conversation. He seemed to have glanced at everyone inside the room. These black shadows made one hard to guess each others' movements. "I hope you are in better health now, Ms. Y." Mr. L locked his gaze on Yuu.
"I'm fine. I'm sorry for worrying you, Mr. L." Yuu turned away to avoid Mr. L's gaze.
"You should know how to take care of your own health, Ms. Y," said another black shadow on the left.
"Now, now, Mr. R." Mr. L waved his hand and cut in, "We all know Ms. Y has had poor health since birth." Mr. L tapped twice. "Let's end the chit-chat here and begin our meeting."
Yuu grabbed the arm of her chair hard and desperately wished for Hiroki to not come back any minute sooner.