Renjiro's hand hovered over his phone as he reread the message. His fingers itched to type a reply, but his mind raced with questions. Who was the target this time? And why now?
The teacher's voice droned on in the background, a steady hum that faded into nothingness as Renjiro's thoughts drowned it out.
"Renjiro, are you okay?" Aiko whispered, her concerned voice breaking through his haze.
He forced a smile. "Yeah. Just tired."
She didn't look convinced but let it go.
The truth was, Renjiro didn't have time to explain. His eyes darted to the classroom window, catching a reflection in the glass. A man in a suit stood across the street, pretending to read a newspaper. The subtle earpiece gave him away.
Agency backup or a watcher?
Renjiro slipped his phone into his pocket and raised his hand. "Sensei, may I go to the nurse? I'm feeling sick."
"Go ahead," the teacher said, barely looking up from his notes.
As Renjiro walked out of the room, he could feel Aiko's gaze on him. She always worried too much.
---
In the quiet hallway, Renjiro moved quickly but calmly. His steps led him to the rooftop, where he pulled out his phone again. The target's file had been sent.
A picture of a man flashed on the screen—Katsuro Nakamura, a tech CEO suspected of selling sensitive data to foreign powers. The assignment was simple: locate him, assess the threat, and neutralize him if necessary.
"Simple" wasn't the right word. Nothing ever was in this life.
Renjiro sighed, leaning against the railing. He stared out at the Tokyo skyline, wondering if this was what his life would always be—missions, lies, and secrets.
But before he could wallow too long, his phone buzzed again.
"He's close. Don't fail."