Riku walked through the crowded streets, the city lights casting long shadows as the sun dipped below the horizon. He had grown accustomed to the flow of people, their lives intersecting briefly with his, unaware of the secrets he carried. But today, his thoughts were consumed by Yuki's case and the dark web of connections her enemies held. It would be messy—like always.
His phone buzzed in his pocket, and he pulled it out to see a familiar name flash on the screen: Kenta. A slight smile crossed his lips as he remembered their last encounter. Kenta's arc had come to a close, but now, another player had entered the stage.
Riku pressed the answer button. "What is it?"
Kenta's voice was more relaxed than usual. "I've been thinking... about what you said. About paying a price."
Riku's brow furrowed. "What about it?"
Kenta paused before speaking again. "You said everyone pays a price. What about you, Riku? Why do you do this? What's your story?"
Riku's expression darkened as the memories he had locked away threatened to surface. He kept his voice steady. "You're just a client, Kenta. My past has nothing to do with your case."
"But—"
"I'm not your friend," Riku interrupted, his tone sharp. "I helped you because you paid the price. That's the only reason. Don't make the mistake of thinking there's more to it."
The silence on the other end was telling. After a moment, Kenta sighed. "I see. I won't ask again. Thanks for everything, Riku."
Riku hung up, sliding his phone back into his pocket. Kenta's curiosity wasn't unusual, but it was dangerous. The less people knew about him, the better. His past was a burden he carried alone.
As he continued walking, the noise of the city fading into the background, Riku's phone buzzed again. This time, it was a message from Yusei Tetsuya, his old friend who worked as a police officer but helped him from the shadows. It was a simple message, but one that piqued Riku's interest:
"Got something on Okada. Meet me tonight. Usual place."
Riku's lips curled into a smirk. Yusei was always reliable, even if his job as a cop meant they operated in different worlds. They shared a mutual understanding—Yusei couldn't officially help, but his moral compass often led him to bend the rules.
Later that night, Riku found himself at the familiar rooftop where he and Yusei often met. The air was cool, the city's lights twinkling below. Yusei leaned against the railing, his hands in his pockets, a sly grin on his face.
"You're late," Yusei said, though his tone was teasing.
Riku shrugged. "Traffic."
Yusei chuckled and pulled out a small envelope from his jacket. "Got something for you. Okada's connections run deeper than we thought. This isn't just a revenge case, Riku. You're walking into a hornet's nest."
Riku took the envelope and flipped through its contents—documents, photographs, and a list of names. It was worse than he had anticipated. Okada wasn't just involved in shady business deals—he had ties to organized crime, powerful figures who wouldn't go down easily.
"Looks like I've got my work cut out for me," Riku muttered.
"You always do," Yusei replied, though there was a hint of concern in his voice. "Just be careful. These people... they don't play by the same rules. You're going to need more than just strategy to get through this one."
Riku nodded, pocketing the envelope. "I've dealt with worse."
Yusei's gaze lingered on Riku, his expression unreadable. "You ever think about just walking away from all this? You could live a normal life, you know."
Riku glanced at him, his face unreadable. "And do what, Yusei? Settle down, get a day job? You know me better than that."
Yusei sighed, shaking his head. "Yeah, I guess I do. Just remember, even you have limits, Riku. One day, this life is going to catch up to you."
Riku didn't respond. He had heard those words before. But for now, there was work to be done, and Yuki's case was only the beginning of what lay ahead.
End of Chapter 12