A week had slipped by since Akashi's induction into Neon's squad. During this time, Akashi found himself relegated to the role of a mere tool boy, tasked with menial chores like cleaning equipment and ensuring every corner of the facility was immaculately sterile. The weariness etched on his face spoke volumes about the toll this relentless routine had taken on him.
As Akashi approached Neon, who was engrossed in some experimental procedure, a mixture of exhaustion and frustration weighed heavily on his shoulders. The incessant repetition of mundane tasks had begun to wear down even his typically stoic demeanor.
"Have there been any developments regarding the technology I'll be utilizing?" he inquired, his voice carrying a note of weariness and longing for something more substantial.
At the sound of Akashi's voice, Neon executed a swift 180-degree turn, her focus abruptly shifting from her work to him. Yet, before she could respond, Akashi dared to breach the invisible barrier between them, gently placing his hand on her shoulder.
Neon let out an involuntary squeal, startled by the unexpected contact. Her eyes widened with a mix of surprise and fear as she turned to face Akashi, her expression betraying her inner turmoil. In that brief moment, Akashi could sense her vulnerability, a stark contrast to the confident facade she typically wore.
"S-sorry, I completely forgot," she stammered, her voice trembling slightly under the weight of her oversight. Neon's usual composure seemed to falter in the face of Akashi's unexpected gesture, revealing a vulnerability that caught him off guard.
As Neon recoiled from the unexpected touch, she couldn't help but feel a surge of strength emanating from Akashi's hand, a subtle pressure that caused a twinge of discomfort in her shoulder. Caught off guard, she struggled to maintain her composure in the face of this unexpected sensation, her mind racing to make sense of the conflicting emotions swirling within her.
Meanwhile, Akashi wore an annoyed smirk, his features a mask of controlled irritation as he observed Neon's reaction. With practiced ease, he sought to rein in his emotions, his smirk faltering momentarily before regaining its composure.
"If I remember correctly," Akashi interjected, his tone laced with a hint of sarcasm, "I've been meticulously cleaning the Teknozai as you emphasised the fragility of the equipment being developed."
Neon's guilty expression didn't escape Akashi's notice, but instead of dwelling on it, he let out a resigned sigh. "Sooner or later, I'll have to head out on a mission," he remarked, his tone carrying the weight of inevitability. "I trust the equipment to you, Ms. Neon."
The unexpected honorific caught Neon off guard, prompting her to whip around with a shocked expression. "Ms.?" she echoed, her voice tinged with disbelief as she turned to face Akashi.
As Neon processed the significance of being addressed with such respect, a spark of excitement ignited within her. With a wide grin, she exclaimed, "Don't worry, Akashi! I'll have your equipment ready in no time!"
Her enthusiasm was palpable, a stark contrast to her usual composed demeanour. It was evident that being acknowledged as "Ms." instead of being mistaken for a child had struck a chord with her, filling her with a newfound sense of pride and purpose.
Akashi walked briskly towards the bright white door of the Teknozai, his footsteps echoing softly against the sterile walls. With practiced ease, he raised his hand and uttered the command, "Open, Eden." In response, the wall parted, revealing the corridor beyond.
Exiting the Teknozai, Akashi set off towards his quarters, his mind preoccupied with thoughts of the day's events. However, his reverie was interrupted as he neared his room and found Lucien waiting for him outside the door.
With his usual impassive expression, Akashi greeted Lucien with a simple question. "What took you so long?"
Lucien, ever the dutiful general, offered a succinct explanation. "As a general of the 5th division, I still have tasks to tend to," he replied evenly.
Akashi nodded in understanding before opening the door to his room, allowing both of them to enter. As the door closed behind them, Lucien wasted no time in getting to the heart of the matter.
Lucien withdrew a crumpled piece of paper from his pocket, unfolding it to reveal a single word written boldly across its surface: "Alex."
Akashi's gaze flicked to the paper, his expression unreadable as he absorbed the significance of the name. The tension in the air seemed to thicken as the weight of unspoken threats and unfulfilled promises hung between them.
"What's the meaning of this?" Lucien demanded, his voice sharp with an undercurrent of urgency.
Akashi met Lucien's gaze evenly, his expression betraying none of the urgency he felt. "I've been attempting to reach you through the bird messenger system developed by the science squad led by Neon," he explained calmly. "However, it seems my messages have gone unanswered. It appears a slight alteration was necessary to capture your attention."
A flicker of apprehension crossed Lucien's features, though he quickly masked it with a facade of indifference. "I've been occupied with matters of importance," he replied curtly, his tone bordering on dismissive.
Akashi's eyes narrowed slightly, his patience wearing thin. "Your brother's safety is not a matter to be taken lightly," he reminded Lucien, his voice tinged with a hint of warning.
Lucien's facade faltered momentarily, a flash of guilt crossing his features before he regained his composure. "I assure you, his safety is of utmost importance to me," he retorted, though his words lacked conviction.
Akashi's voice broke the silence, cutting through the tension like a blade. "Regardless of your lack of cooperation," he began, his tone steady but tinged with a hint of frustration, "there's something important we need to discuss: Scarlett Hyolgun."
Lucien's brow furrowed in confusion at the unexpected topic. "The captain?" he questioned, his tone betraying his uncertainty.
Without hesitation, Akashi settled onto the floor, his back against the wall, adopting a relaxed yet attentive posture. He drew one leg close to his chest, resting his arm on his knee as he spoke. "I'm curious," he admitted, his gaze fixed on Lucien, "about how you and Scarlett Hyolgun first crossed paths, and how you earned her trust to become one of her most trusted generals."