The rooftop, bathed in the cold neon glow, felt strangely intimate as Seki and Aiko stood hand in hand. He could feel the tremor in her fingers, the lingering fear that clung to her like a shadow. He gently squeezed her hand, a silent promise of protection.
"We need to get out of here," he said, his voice low and urgent. "This isn't safe."
He led her across the rooftop, towards a small access door that led to a stairwell. They descended in silence, the only sound the echo of their footsteps on the concrete steps.
He led her through a labyrinth of corridors and back alleys, his knowledge of the city's hidden pathways proving invaluable. He was taking her to a safe house, a small, nondescript apartment in a quiet residential district. It was one of the few remnants of his former life, a place he had kept secret, even from his closest associates.
As they walked, Seki studied Aiko. She was younger than he had initially thought, perhaps in her early twenties. Her face, though pale and drawn, held a hint of defiance, a spark of intelligence that shone through the fear. He could see why Tanaka wanted her silenced. She was a threat, a potential disruptor, and those in power rarely tolerated such individuals.
They reached the apartment building, a drab concrete structure that blended seamlessly with its surroundings. Seki unlocked the door, ushering Aiko inside. The apartment was small, sparsely furnished, but clean and secure. He led her to the living room, gesturing for her to sit on the worn couch.
"You're safe here," he said, his voice reassuring. "No one will find you."
Aiko looked around the apartment, her eyes taking in the simple furnishings, the faded photographs on the walls, the worn books on the shelves. "Who are you?" She asked, her voice barely a whisper.
Seki hesitated, unsure how to answer. He couldn't tell her the truth, not yet. "I'm someone who can help you," he said finally.
Aiko nodded slowly, her eyes filled with a mixture of gratitude and suspicion. "Why are you helping me?" she asked again.
Seki sighed. "Because I know what it's like to be caught in a web of lies and deceit," he said, his voice heavy with unspoken truths.
"Because I know what it's like to be hunted."
He sat down opposite her, his gaze meeting hers. "Tell me about the information you have," he said. "Tell me why Tanaka wants you dead."
Aiko hesitated, her fingers nervously twisting a strand of her hair. "It's about a project," she said finally, her voice low and hesitant. "A secret project that could change everything."
She took a deep breath, her eyes fixed on Seki's. "It's called Project Chimera," she said.