The hum of the lab's machines filled the room as Masato adjusted his equipment, his attention divided between his monitors and 01, who sat wrapped in Sato's blazer. Aria perched on the edge of a desk, swinging her legs slightly as she glanced between Sato and Masato.
Footsteps echoed down the hall, followed by a familiar voice. "Masato! Still burying yourself in work, huh?"
Masato glanced up from his screen, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Daichi. You're a bit early for our usual catch-up."
Daichi Sukawara strode into the lab, his tailored suit and confident stride immediately commanding attention. His easy grin widened as his gaze landed on Sato. "Well, look who's here. The prodigal loner."
Sato's lips twitched into the faintest of smiles. "Daichi."
"Still as chatty as ever," Daichi teased, clasping Sato's shoulder briefly. "Good to see you."
Sato nodded, his tone light but clipped. "Likewise."
Daichi's gaze shifted to Aria, his grin softening. "And Aria—long time no see. You've grown up since the last time I saw you."
Aria smiled politely, tilting her head. "I didn't think you'd remember me."
"Of course I do. You're hard to forget," Daichi replied smoothly before turning his attention to 01. His sharp eyes lingered on her, curiosity flickering in their depths. "And who's this?"
"01," she said quietly, her fingers tightening around the edges of the blazer.
"01," Daichi repeated, his tone gentle but probing. "Unique name. What brings her here?"
Masato stepped forward, gesturing toward Sato. "Sato and Aria brought her from Kanagawa."
Daichi's brow lifted slightly. "Kanagawa? What were you doing there?"
"It's complicated," Aria said quickly, her tone firm but polite.
Daichi nodded slowly, his gaze flicking back to 01. "Well, you're in good hands now. Masato will take care of you."
01 studied him cautiously, unsure of what to make of his kindness. Sato's eyes narrowed slightly, though he said nothing.
Daichi turned back to Sato, a grin still tugging at his lips. "You're playing the hero these days, huh?"
"Something like that," Sato replied, his voice dry but without malice.
"Well, good to see you're not completely antisocial," Daichi said with a laugh before looking at Masato. "I'll leave you to your work. We can catch up later."
As Daichi walked out, his footsteps fading down the hall, Masato glanced at Sato. "You're not going to yell at me for letting him waltz in here, are you?"
Sato's gaze lingered on the door for a moment. "No. It's fine."
But his tone carried a hint of something unreadable, leaving Masato and Aria to exchange a brief glance.
Masato set his tablet down on the counter, his expression thoughtful as he faced the group. "The tests are done," he said calmly, looking at 01. "And I have some answers—though not all of them."
Sato shifted from where he stood near the wall, stepping forward slightly. Aria moved closer to 01, who sat on the stool, clutching Sato's oversized blazer tightly around her. She looked at Masato with wide, apprehensive eyes.
"Physically, you're fine," Masato began, glancing at the tablet. "You're healthy, and everything appears to be functioning as it should. However, there are some irregularities—particularly with your memory."
01 blinked, her grip tightening on the blazer. "Irregularities?" she repeated.
Masato nodded. "Your memory loss is likely due to the conditions you were in before you woke up. From what I can gather, you were kept in a cloning incubator for an extended period. Those devices aren't meant to sustain someone indefinitely, especially not beyond the intended growth and development cycle."
"So… the incubator did this to me?" 01 asked, her voice trembling slightly.
"It's possible," Masato explained. "Being suspended in that kind of state for so long could cause gaps in memory formation. Your brain was active, but not in a way that allows for normal cognitive development. It's similar to how deep sleep affects memory consolidation—except in your case, the process was interrupted entirely."
01 lowered her gaze, her fingers curling into the blazer's fabric. "I don't remember anything. Not who I am, not why I was there... nothing."
Aria placed a hand gently on her shoulder, standing beside her. "Do you remember anything at all? Little flashes, maybe?"
01 hesitated, her eyes narrowing as she tried to recall. "Sometimes… I see things. Images. Shadows moving, or voices saying something I can't make out. But it's all blurry, like trying to remember a dream after you wake up."
Masato leaned forward slightly, his tone measured. "That's normal for someone who's been in stasis for as long as you have. Your memories might return slowly over time, but there's no guarantee. It depends on how much your brain was able to retain."
"And if they don't come back?" 01 whispered, her voice barely audible. "What happens then?"
Sato, who had been silent until now, spoke up, his tone firm. "Then you move forward. You focus on who you are now and leave the rest behind."
Aria frowned, glancing at Sato. "That's easy for you to say. She deserves to know who she is."
"And if finding out hurts her more than not knowing?" Sato countered, his gaze sharp but steady. "Sometimes the past is better left buried."
Masato stepped in before the argument could escalate, raising a hand. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves," he said calmly. "The important thing is that 01 is stable. She's not in immediate danger, and we can take things one step at a time."
01 looked up at him hesitantly. "So… you don't know who I am either?"
Masato shook his head, offering a reassuring smile. "Not yet. But we'll figure it out. For now, you need rest. Your body's been through a lot, and your mind needs time to adjust."
Aria leaned closer, her voice soft. "He's right. You're safe here, and we'll help you figure things out."
01 studied their faces for a moment before nodding slowly. "Okay," she said, her voice small. "Thank you."
Masato straightened, his tone turning more professional. "I'll keep monitoring you, and if anything changes, I'll let you know. But for now, try to focus on recovering."
The soft hiss of the automatic doors sounded as Aria led 01 toward the exit, her voice light. "Come on, I'll show you where you can rest."
Before they could step through, Sato's hand landed firmly on Aria's shoulder, stopping her.
"Where do you think you're going?" His voice was calm but edged with authority.
Aria turned, her frustration clear. "I'm taking her to her room."
Sato met her gaze evenly. "I hope you haven't forgotten about the chat we were going to have."
Aria sighed heavily. "Seriously? Right now?"
"Yeah. Now." Sato's tone left no room for argument.
Aria glanced apologetically at 01. "I'll be right back. Just sit tight, okay?"
01 blinked, her grip on Sato's blazer tightening. "Is everything okay?"
"It's fine," Aria said quickly, forcing a smile before following Sato back into the hallway. The doors slid shut behind them with a faint hiss.
Sato stopped a few steps away, arms crossed. Aria already had hers folded defensively, her brows drawn tight.
"You really don't think before you act, do you?" Sato said, his tone steady but not unkind.
Aria scowled. "I stumbled on it, okay? I got curious."
"And you thought wandering into a collapsing facility alone was smart?" Sato countered, shaking his head. "You don't know what could've been in there."
"I was fine," Aria muttered, looking away.
"You were lucky," Sato said, his tone softening slightly. "You can't keep putting yourself in situations like that."
Aria glanced up, caught off guard by the subtle concern in his voice. "I just wanted to help…"
Sato exhaled through his nose, easing up. "Next time, think first." He turned back toward the lab, his voice quieter now. "Get her settled."
When Aria returned, 01 looked up from the examination table with faint concern. "Did he yell at you?"
Aria forced a grin. "Sato doesn't yell. He just… talks a lot."
01 tilted her head. "He doesn't seem very nice."
Aria shrugged as she motioned for 01 to follow. "He's not as bad as he looks. Come on."
The quiet hum of the facility followed them down a side hallway, where Aria stopped in front of a room. The automatic doors slid open, revealing a small, simple space: a cot, a desk, and a flickering lamp.
"This is yours," Aria said warmly. "It's not much, but you're safe here."
01 stepped in hesitantly, her wide eyes scanning the room. "Really? For me?"
"Yep," Aria replied, setting a folded blanket on the cot. "Get some rest."
01 sat down slowly, pulling the blanket closer. "Thank you… for everything."
Aria smiled, leaning casually against the doorway. "Don't mention it. I'm just glad you're okay."
As Aria turned to leave, the doors slid shut softly behind her. She lingered outside for a moment, leaning against the wall and exhaling a quiet sigh.
"…I think too much," she muttered under her breath, a small smile tugging at her lips as she walked down the hallway.
The quiet room stirred as Sato walked in, his footsteps drawing 01's attention. She sat on the edge of the cot, his blazer neatly folded in her lap. When she saw him, she quickly straightened, holding it out with both hands.
"Here," she said softly. "Thank you for letting me use it."
Sato stopped in front of her, glancing at the carefully folded blazer before taking it back. "You didn't need to fold it," he muttered, though there was no irritation in his tone.
"It was the least I could do," 01 replied, her voice gentle and timid.
Sato stared at her for a moment, something unreadable flickering in his expression. Without responding, he turned to the desk nearby, setting down a tray with a water bottle and a sandwich wrapped in paper.
01 tilted her head, watching him. "What's this?"
"Food," Sato said simply, adjusting the blazer over his arm.
01 blinked, surprised. "For me?"
"yes." He avoided her gaze, busying himself by adjusting something on the desk that didn't need fixing.
"Thank you," she said quietly, almost as if the words felt foreign to her. She picked up the water carefully, her fingers hesitating before opening the cap.
Sato turned back to look at her. "You… helped me earlier," she said, her voice softer now. "Why?"
Sato frowned faintly, as though the question caught him off guard. "You needed it."
01 looked at him with wide eyes. "But I thought you didn't like me."
Sato exhaled slowly, rubbing the back of his neck as if uncomfortable with the entire conversation. "You're not wrong. But that doesn't mean I'm going to leave someone in trouble."
Her lips parted slightly, surprised by the admission. She looked down at the blanket Aria had left folded beside her, holding the water close. "I don't know why you're being kind to me… but I'm glad you're here."
Sato glanced at her briefly, the hard edge of his usual expression softening just a little. "Get some rest. You need it."
He turned toward the door, his movements quieter this time.
01 watched him, holding the water bottle tightly in her lap as she whispered, "Thank you."
Sato paused for just a moment at the doorway, his silhouette framed by the soft glow of the hallway light. He didn't look back as he muttered, "Don't mention it," before stepping out and letting the door slide shut behind him.
01 sat in the stillness of the room, clutching the water and glancing at the neatly folded blanket. For the first time since waking up, the room didn't feel quite so empty.
Her eyes wandered to the blanket Aria had left folded neatly earlier. With a quiet sigh, 01 picked it up and wrapped it around her shoulders. It smelled faintly of laundry soap, a small reminder of normalcy she couldn't quite place.
"Does he really hate me…?" she muttered to herself, her voice barely more than a whisper.
The question lingered in the still air as she stared at her bare feet dangling just above the floor. There was no answer—just the occasional creak of the old pipes running through the building.
After a moment, her gaze shifted to the small desk in the corner of the room, where a tray sat untouched—Sato's earlier offering of food. Hesitantly, she stood up, the blanket trailing behind her like a cloak.
She pulled the chair out softly, wincing at the faint scrape it made against the floor. Sitting down, she unwrapped the sandwich Sato had brought her. It was simple—bread, a few slices of meat, and cheese—but the gesture still surprised her.
He doesn't like me, does he? she thought again. But something about the way he'd placed the tray so carefully contradicted the sharp words he'd used earlier.
01 took a small bite, chewing slowly as her thoughts swirled. For the first time, she let herself think back to when she woke up in the incubator:
The suffocating cold.The broken glass.The sounds of voices, of gunfire…
Her hand trembled slightly as she set the sandwich down, appetite fading.
Suddenly, A soft knock.
"01?"
The voice made her jump, but she recognized it immediately. Aria.
01's shoulders sagged in relief, and she hurried to put her hand on the scanner to open the door. Aria stood in the hallway, holding a steaming mug of tea and smiling warmly.
"Sorry, did I scare you?" Aria asked, stepping into the room.
01 shook her head quickly, though her hands were still trembling slightly. "No… I just—"
Aria set the mug down on the desk, her expression softening as she noticed 01's pale face. "You look like you've seen a ghost."
01 hesitated, gripping the blanket tighter. "I heard… something outside the door."
Aria tilted her head curiously. "I didn't see anyone when I came in. it's the building. This place makes weird noises sometimes."
01 bit her lip, still uncertain, but nodded. "Maybe…"
Aria smiled, trying to lighten the mood. "Well, I brought you tea. It's chamomile—Masato says it helps you sleep."
01 blinked at her, the unexpected kindness tugging at something deep in her chest. "Thank you…"
Aria sat down on the edge of the cot, watching 01 quietly. "You're not alone here, okay? I know it's hard right now, but things will get better."
01 looked at her for a long moment before sitting down beside her. "Why are you being so nice to me?"
Aria smiled softly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Because you deserve it."
01 stared at her, the words lingering in her mind. For a moment, the two of them sat there in silence, the mug of tea cooling slightly on the desk.
*The next day*
Aria sat slouched in one of the worn chairs in the facility's lobby, her phone resting idly in her hand. The rhythmic tapping of her foot against the floor was the only sound breaking the silence as she stared at the clock on the wall.
"Finally," she muttered to herself as the automatic doors slid open.
Sato stepped inside, his usual stoic expression intact, though his movements seemed slightly more relaxed. He glanced at Aria, noting her impatient posture.
"Took you long enough," Aria said, sitting up straighter and crossing her arms.
Sato raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Miss me that much?"
Aria rolled her eyes. "Forget it," she muttered, standing up and gesturing toward him. "Did you bring the clothes I asked for?"
Without a word, Sato reached into the bag slung over his shoulder and pulled out a neatly folded set of clothes, handing them to her. Aria's expression softened as she took them.
"Perfect," she said, smiling slightly. "This should help 01 feel more comfortable."
Sato shrugged, already turning back toward the exit. "Have fun with that," he said over his shoulder, his tone casual.
Aria frowned, her irritation bubbling up again. "Where are you going?" she called after him.
Pausing just before the doors, Sato glanced back at her. "I told you—01's your responsibility, not mine."
Aria huffed in frustration, clutching the clothes to her chest as she watched him leave. But before Sato could step outside, the doors hissed open again, and Akuri strolled in, her cheerful energy filling the room instantly.
"Hey, Sato!" Akuri called, her voice bright and carefree. "What's up? Wanna hit the arcade? I've got a new high score to show off!"
Sato turned to her, his expression softening into a faint smile, slipping seamlessly into his role as the dependable "childhood friend." "Sounds tempting," he said, his tone light, "but I've got some things I need to take care of. Maybe next time."
Akuri pouted slightly but quickly brightened again. "Alright, but you owe me," she said, pointing at him playfully.
"Next time," Sato confirmed with a nod before stepping past her and out the door.
Akuri stood there for a moment, watching him leave, her grin unwavering. But when she turned back toward Aria, she caught the girl staring at her in open shock.
"What?" Akuri asked, tilting her head curiously. "Is there something on my face?"
Aria flinched, quickly masking her stunned expression with a nervous smile. "No, no! Nothing at all."
Akuri shrugged it off, her energy undiminished. "Anyway, you want to come with me? The arcade's way more fun with two people!"
Aria hesitated, her smile tightening. "I'd love to, but, uh… I kind of have something I need to do."
Akuri looked confused. "What could be more important than crushing it at the arcade?" she asked, crossing her arms and eyeing Aria suspiciously.
Before Aria could fumble for an answer, the sound of footsteps approaching made both girls turn. 01 appeared at the edge of the hallway, her expression curious as she glanced between them.
Panic shot through Aria. She instinctively moved to block 01 from view, holding the folded clothes tightly against her chest as she gave Akuri a nervous smile. "I'm terribly sorry, Akuri," she blurted out, her voice strained.
Akuri raised an eyebrow, her curiosity growing. "What's going on here?"
Sato walked briskly through the bustling city streets, his hands tucked into his jacket pockets. The afternoon sun cast long shadows, and the faint hum of distant traffic filled the air. His expression was unreadable, but his mind was a whirlwind of thoughts.
Someone was after her. That much was clear. But who? And why?
Stopping at a small, inconspicuous café, Sato slipped inside. He picked a seat at the back, away from prying eyes, and pulled out his phone. A few taps brought up a secure messaging app he rarely used. He stared at the screen for a moment before typing a message to an old contact.
Sato: Need intel on any recent operations involving abandoned facilities in Shibuya. Specifically, Kanagawa Research. Discreet.
He hit send and leaned back, letting out a slow breath. His fingers drummed against the table as he scanned the café, his instincts keeping him on edge. He couldn't shake the feeling that someone might be watching him.
Moments later, his phone vibrated with a reply.
Contact: You're digging into something dangerous, Manami. What's this about?
Sato frowned, typing back quickly.
Sato: That's my business. Can you help or not?
The response came almost immediately.
Contact: I'll see what I can find. Might take some time. You sure you want to go down this road?
Sato smirked faintly, though there was no humor in it.
Sato: Just get me the info.
He pocketed the phone and sat in silence for a moment, his thoughts drifting back to 01. Her confusion, her fear—it all seemed genuine. But that didn't mean she wasn't dangerous. Clones were unpredictable. He had learned that the hard way.
And yet…
He shook his head, refusing to dwell on the growing knot of uncertainty in his chest. He had a job to do, and sentimentality wasn't part of it.
As he left the café, his phone buzzed again. Checking the screen, he saw a single line from his contact.
Contact: Be careful, Sato. Not everyone asking questions gets answers they like.
He pocketed the phone and stepped back into the busy street.
The city's noise buzzed around him, but his senses remained sharp. Something about the café—about that message—itched at the back of his mind.
Glancing at a shop window's reflection, he caught sight of a man standing too still on the corner. Dressed in plain clothes, he blended into the crowd, but his eyes were fixed on Sato.
Sato turned down the next street, his pace steady but his mind alert. A few turns later, the same figure appeared in another reflection.
Someone's following me.
He adjusted his path, weaving through a group of tourists and cutting across the crosswalk just as the signal changed. The sound of car horns and frustrated shouts filled the air as he moved into an alley.
Sato's hand rested on his jacket's inner pocket as his eyes scanned the dim corridor. He stepped behind a dumpster, waiting. The seconds stretched long until the faint sound of footsteps reached his ears.
Got you.
The man rounded the corner, and Sato moved quickly, grabbing his wrist and shoving him against the wall.
"Who sent you?" Sato hissed, his voice low but deadly.
The man's eyes widened, but he stayed silent. Sato's grip tightened.
"You've got one chance," Sato growled. "Talk."
The man's lips pressed into a thin line, and his hand darted toward his waistband. Sato reacted faster, slamming the man's wrist against the wall and disarming him.
But before Sato could press further, a commotion erupted at the alley's entrance—a small group of bystanders, drawn by the noise. The man seized the distraction and shoved Sato back, darting out into the crowd.
Sato cursed under his breath, watching his lead vanish into the throng of people. Sato quickly heads through back into the crowed. What the hell was that?
Sato had been watching the crowd closely, his instincts on high alert. The person who had slipped out of his grasp in the alley wasn't just anyone—they had to be connected to the larger mystery.
As he moved through the bustling street, his sharp eyes caught a familiar figure weaving through the throng. The man was quick, ducking into another alley.
Sato didn't hesitate.
He kept his distance, blending into the flow of pedestrians until the alley grew quieter. He stepped lightly, the sound of his shoes muted against the pavement. The man ahead paused, glancing over his shoulder, and Sato pressed himself against the wall.
He knows he's being followed.
Sato moved with precision, closing the gap until he was close enough to strike. With a swift motion, he grabbed the man by the collar and spun him against the wall, his arm pinning the man's shoulder.
"Who are you working for?" Sato demanded, his voice low but firm.
The man smirked despite his position, his eyes darting to the side. Sato didn't like the look. He turned his head just in time to dodge a strike from another assailant—a second man, coming from the shadows. Sato shifted quickly, releasing the first man to block the attack.
The alley erupted into a brief but fierce fight. Sato moved with practiced precision, dodging blows and countering with sharp strikes. The two men were skilled, but Sato was relentless.
One of the attackers stumbled, and Sato capitalized, slamming him against the wall and disarming him. The other man hesitated, clearly assessing whether to continue the fight. Before Sato could act, the sound of approaching sirens filled the air, and the second man bolted, disappearing into the crowd.
Sato turned back to the first man, who groaned as he tried to recover. Grabbing the man's collar again, Sato pulled him close.
"You've got one chance," Sato said coldly. "Talk."
But before the man could answer, a sharp whistle sounded from the end of the alley. Sato glanced up to see another figure watching them, silhouetted against the streetlights. The man in his grasp used the distraction to slip free, darting after his accomplice.
Sato cursed under his breath, watching them disappear. The whistleblower lingered for a moment, giving Sato a nod before vanishing into the crowed.
The sound of approaching footsteps made him glance back, his sharp instincts flaring. A pair of police officers entered the alley, their hands hovering near their belts.
"Hey! You there—stop right where you are!" one of them barked, his voice firm but cautious.
Sato didn't move. Instead, he slowly reached into the inner pocket of his blazer. The officers stiffened, their hands darting toward their holsters.
"Don't even think about it," the other officer warned, his tone laced with tension.
Without a word, Sato pulled something out and held it up, his eyes still fixed on the spot where the men had vanished. The object gleamed faintly under the streetlight as he turned it just enough for the officers to see.
Their reactions were immediate. Both froze, their hands dropping from their holsters. The first officer exchanged a glance with his partner, his earlier bravado replaced by uncertainty.
"Sir, we didn't realize…" the second officer stammered, his voice faltering.
Sato's grip tightened around the object as he finally turned his gaze to the officers, his expression unreadable. "Forget you saw me," he said, his voice low but commanding.
The officers hesitated but eventually nodded, stepping back without another word. Sato pocketed the item and strode past them, his mind already turning to his next move.
I'll find out who's behind this. One way or another.
*back at the facility*
01 sat uneasily on the edge of the bed, her fingers nervously gripping the edge of the mattress. Her eyes darted between Aria, who stood nearby with a visibly defeated look, and Akuri, whose confident stance and intrigued expression filled the room with energy.
Akuri broke the silence, her tone casual but probing. "Alright, so… what's the deal here? Why does she look like me?"
Aria let out a heavy sigh, lifting her hand to gesture toward Akuri. "This is Akuri," she began, her tone resigned. "She's the test subject. The one the cloning project started with."
01's brows knitted together as she stared at Akuri, the words slowly sinking in. "The test subject?" she repeated, her voice laced with confusion.
"That's right," Akuri said, stepping closer with a grin. "The original. Which makes me your big sister, I guess."
Aria glanced at Akuri and added, "As for why the cloning project was done… I don't know." Her tone carried a tinge of bitterness, but she avoided elaborating.
01's gaze shifted back to Akuri, her expression a mix of awe and wariness. "Big sister?" she asked hesitantly, as if the term felt foreign.
Akuri tilted her head with a confident smirk. "Yeah, that's me. You know, the first, the best, and apparently the only one who's not completely clueless," she teased.
01 blinked, unsure of how to respond. "I… don't remember anything," she admitted quietly, her fingers tightening their grip on the edge of the bed.
Akuri crouched slightly to meet 01's gaze. "That's okay. If you're anything like me—and obviously you are—you'll figure it out."
01's lips quivered into a small, hesitant smile. "Thank you… big sister."
Aria, still standing off to the side, let out another sigh. "Akuri, maybe take it easy? She's been through a lot."
Akuri straightened up and placed her hands on her hips. "Relax, Aria. I'm just trying to make her feel at home. She's part of the family now, right?"
"Family…" 01 echoed softly, her voice barely above a whisper. The word seemed strange to her, but for the first time, she felt a flicker of warmth amidst the confusion.
"Exactly!" Akuri said, clapping her hands together. "And with me around, you'll be just fine."
01's smile grew faintly, though her eyes still held a hint of uncertainty.
The room was quiet as Aria held out a set of neatly folded clothes to 01. Her tone was warm as she said, "Here. These should be more comfortable than what you're wearing now."
01 looked at the clothes with wide eyes, then up at Aria, uncertainty flickering across her face. After a brief pause, she reached out carefully, taking the bundle. "Thank you," she murmured, her voice soft but sincere.
Aria gave her an encouraging nod. "No need to thank me. Let's just get you changed so you can feel more comfortable."
Akuri tilted her head, watching the interaction with a grin. "Need a hand?" she asked, her tone casual but tinged with curiosity.
Before 01 could respond, Aria gave Akuri a pointed look. "Of course you're helping."
Akuri shrugged playfully. "Fine by me."
Inside the small room, Aria folded the discarded clothing neatly while Akuri adjusted the blazer on 01's shoulders. The room was lit by the soft glow of the overhead light, casting a warm ambiance.
"There we go," Akuri said with a satisfied grin, stepping back to take a look. "Now you're looking sharp!"
01 shifted uncomfortably, tugging lightly at the pleats of the black skirt. The crisp white shirt, dark red blazer, and black tights felt foreign, though the material was soft against her skin. Her long blonde hair, tied back and draped over her shoulder like Akuri's, framed her face neatly.
"It's… nice," 01 said hesitantly, her gaze flickering between Aria and Akuri. "But it doesn't feel like me."
Aria smiled gently, brushing some stray threads from the blazer. "You'll get used to it. Sometimes, a little change can help."
Akuri placed her hands on her hips, nodding in approval. "Trust me, you look great. No one's going to second-guess you looking like this."
01 looked down, her fingers brushing the red ribbon tied at her collar. "It feels like I'm pretending to be someone else," she admitted quietly.
"Everyone feels that way sometimes," Aria said, her tone encouraging. "But you're not pretending. You're figuring things out, and that's okay."
Akuri clapped her hands together, breaking the moment of reflection. "Alright, enough brooding! Let's take her out. She needs to see the world, and I need an excuse to grab something sweet."
01 blinked, looking up at her. "Go out? Where?"
Akuri beamed, already pulling the door open. "You'll see! Let's show you around. The city's way more exciting than sitting in this room."
Aria hesitated, her brows knitting. "Akuri, are you sure that's a good idea? She's still adjusting."
"She'll be fine," Akuri said dismissively, waving a hand. "You can tag along and babysit if it makes you feel better."
01 glanced between the two, her curiosity outweighing her hesitation. "I'd like to see more," she said, her voice steady but cautious.
Aria sighed, her protective instincts battling her better judgment. Finally, she gave a small nod. "Okay. But we're sticking to the quieter areas."
Akuri pumped her fist in excitement. "Great! Let's go before Sato shows up and gives us a lecture."
Aria gave her a side-eye glare but didn't argue, following as Akuri led the way out of the room.
The city was a kaleidoscope of light and motion, a world that felt alive with possibilities. Akuri darted ahead, her energy boundless as she pointed at holographic billboards, bustling stalls, and sleek, self-driving cars.
"Look at this one!" Akuri exclaimed, stopping in front of a massive display where a neon phoenix spiraled into the air before dissolving into glowing embers. "How do they even do that?"
01 lingered nearby, her gaze flickering between the display and the crowd around them. Her steps were slower, more hesitant. Everything here felt unfamiliar—intimidating, even—but there was something exciting about it, too.
"It's impressive, isn't it?" Aria said gently, stepping up beside 01. Her voice carried the kind of warmth that could make anyone feel at ease. "This is one of the most lively parts of the city. Akuri comes here whenever she wants to cause trouble."
"Hey!" Akuri turned, hands on her hips but grinning nonetheless. "I don't cause trouble. I create opportunities for fun."
"Sure you do," Aria replied, a faint smile tugging at her lips.
Akuri rolled her eyes dramatically and grabbed 01's hand. "Come on! You've been cooped up long enough. Let's grab something to eat."
They made their way to a bustling street lined with food vendors. Automated stalls buzzed with activity, their robotic arms expertly preparing skewers, bowls of noodles, and colorful desserts. Akuri was already placing an order before Aria or 01 could speak.
"You've got to try this," Akuri said, holding up a skewer of grilled meat. "It's the best thing here."
01 hesitated, looking to Aria for reassurance.
"It's fine," Aria said with a calm smile. "She's right—this place is known for its street food. Go ahead."
Tentatively, 01 took a bite, her eyes widening as the flavor hit her. "It's… really good."
"Told you!" Akuri said proudly, already grabbing another skewer for herself. "Stick with me, and you'll never go hungry."
Aria laughed softly, her tone light. "Or you'll never stop eating."
The trio wandered further into the city, the energy of the crowd washing over them. At every turn, Akuri found something new to marvel at—a performer juggling glowing orbs, a vendor selling iridescent flowers, a fountain whose water danced in time with soft music.
"This is one of my favorite places," Aria said as they reached a quiet plaza surrounded by glowing trees. Their branches shimmered with soft light, casting a gentle glow over the cobblestone path. "It's peaceful here, isn't it?"
01 nodded, her gaze drifting upward. "It's beautiful."
Akuri flopped onto a nearby bench, stretching her arms behind her head. "Yeah, yeah, peaceful and pretty. But the lookout point's way better. Let's go!"
Aria chuckled, shaking her head. "You'll never slow down, will you?"
"Nope!" Akuri said, jumping up and pulling 01 along. "Come on, you'll love it."
Sato walked along the crowded sidewalk, his school uniform blending seamlessly with the flow of students and office workers. The city's vibrant hum surrounded him—honking cars, snippets of conversation, and the occasional blare of music from a nearby storefront. But his thoughts drowned out the noise.
The earlier fight played over in his mind. The two men had moved with precision, their coordination too good to be random. Whoever sent them had a purpose. The question was: what?
He brushed his hand over the faint tear in his shirt sleeve and frowned. It wasn't just about him. The way they moved, the way they tested his reactions—it felt like they were looking for something specific. Or someone.
Could they be tied to what happened to 01?
The thought sent a chill through him. It wasn't impossible. If someone had gone to such lengths to target her before, they could still be after her now. And if they were, it meant she wasn't as safe as he wanted to believe.
Sato pulled out his phone, his pace steady as he scrolled through his contact list. He tapped Aria's name and held the phone to his ear. The call connected after a few rings.
"Aria," her familiar voice answered, calm as ever.
"I've got something," Sato said, his tone clipped. "Two guys jumped me earlier. Skilled. Coordinated. They weren't amateurs."
"Are you alright?" Aria asked, a trace of concern in her voice.
"I'm fine," he replied, dodging around a group of tourists. "But here's the thing—they weren't trying to take me out. They were testing me."
"Testing you?" she echoed. "For what?"
"I don't know," Sato admitted, glancing at the reflections in a nearby shop window. "But it felt deliberate. And it got me thinking—the way they moved reminded me of the raid on the facility. They could be tied to the same group that went after 01."
Aria was quiet for a moment before responding. "That's a stretch."
"Maybe," Sato said, weaving around a woman walking her dog. "But it's a lead. If they're connected, it means she's still a target."
"How sure are you?" Aria asked, her tone soft but serious.
"I'm not," Sato admitted. "But I'm not taking chances. How's she doing?"
"She's fine," Aria replied, her voice lightening slightly. "We're showing her around the city. Akuri's keeping her entertained."
Sato snorted faintly. "Akuri's version of 'entertained' probably involves dragging her to every stall and shop in sight."
"You're not wrong," Aria said with a small laugh. "But 01 seems happy. She's getting a chance to breathe."
"Good," Sato said, his voice softening slightly. "Just keep an eye on her. If these guys are connected to her past, we can't afford to let them get close."
"You don't need to tell me that," Aria said firmly. "I'll keep her safe."
"I know you will," Sato replied. He slowed his pace as the crowd around him thinned. "I'll dig deeper on my end. Let you know if I find anything."
"Be careful," Aria said, her voice holding a rare note of concern.
Sato ended the call, slipping his phone back into his pocket. His gaze flicked briefly to the pedestrians around him, but none seemed out of place. Still, his instincts told him otherwise.
Whoever had sent those men wasn't done. And if they were after 01, Sato knew he'd have to find them before they made their next move.
Aria slipped her phone back into her pocket after the call with Sato, her calm demeanor masking the lingering tension from their conversation. She glanced at the bustling city around her, trying to refocus, but her thoughts were interrupted by Akuri's cheerful voice.
"Hey, Aria! What's wrong?" Akuri asked, her tone casual but curious. Aria turned to find Akuri standing behind her, grinning widely, with two skewers of grilled meat in each hand. Behind her, 01 stood with a slightly nervous expression, glancing between the skewers and the crowd.
Aria blinked, momentarily taken aback by the sight, and a dumbfounded grin spread across her face. "Are you just tagging along for food?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
Akuri's grin only widened as she extended one of the skewers toward Aria. "Nope! But hey, I got one for you."
Aria looked at the skewer, her grin softening into amusement. Before she could respond, a sharp voice cut through the chatter of the crowd.
"Excuse me," the voice said, cold and deliberate. "Are one of you named 01?"
The trio froze. Slowly, Aria turned her head to see a group of men standing in front of them, their dark jackets and hardened expressions sending a wave of unease through her. Her stomach twisted as she realized their intent.
Without hesitation, Aria stepped closer to 01, clamping her free hand over 01's mouth to silence her. "Stay quiet," she whispered under her breath, her voice barely audible.
Akuri tilted her head, clearly confused. "How do you know our—"
Before Akuri could finish her sentence, Aria panicked. She grabbed one of the skewers from Akuri's hand and shoved it into her mouth, cutting her off mid-question.
Akuri's muffled protest was accompanied by a glare, but she bit into the skewer anyway. 01's eyes widened, her nerves clearly rattled as she tried to process what was happening.
Aria forced a dumbfounded grin onto her face, trying to act casual despite the tension thrumming through her. "Don't worry about it," she said quickly, addressing Akuri. "Just eat your food."
Akuri chewed, her confusion momentarily replaced by her usual enthusiasm. She pulled the skewer from her mouth and grinned. "Well, at least it's good."
01 managed a nervous smile, her voice soft. "I don't know how she stomachs all that food."
Akuri shrugged, holding up another skewer. "Tis a skill, my friend."
Aria's dumbfounded smile remained fixed as she replied, "I don't think being a glutton is a skill, Akuri." Her voice carried an edge of exasperation, though her mind was racing for a way to handle the men watching them.
The group of men remained still, their presence heavy and imposing. Aria subtly shifted her weight, keeping 01 behind her while preparing for whatever was coming next. Her grip tightened slightly on her skewer as she shot a quick glance at Akuri, silently urging her to stay quiet.
This wasn't over.