**Chapter 6: The Missing Piece**

**The Next Day**

The office buzzed with its usual morning activity. Haari approached Rafta’s desk, carrying a stack of documents. The air was filled with the soft hum of conversations and the rhythmic clacking of keyboards. Rafta lounged in his chair, feet propped up on the desk, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth as he scrolled through his phone.

“Good morning, Rafta,” Haari said, placing the documents on Rafta’s desk.

“Good morning to you, Haari,” Rafta replied without looking up.

Oki walked by, offering a brief glance. “Good morning, Kichiro-san and Rafta.”

“Good morning, Oki-san. Do you know why Nicawa-san hasn’t arrived yet?” Haari asked, his voice laced with concern.

“I’m not sure. I tried calling her, but she’s not answering,” Oki said, her face showing clear worry.

“Maybe she has some personal business,” Rafta said with a casual shrug. He spun a pen between his fingers, his attention still on his desk.

“But she didn’t inform us of any leave, and she didn’t mention she wouldn’t be coming in,” Oki said, her anxiety palpable. “I think Rafta might be right—she could be tied up with something. We should concentrate on our work. Rafta, make sure you stay on task. If I catch you slacking off, there will be consequences.”

Rafta rolled his eyes, clearly unbothered. “Yeah, yeah. Quit overreacting first thing in the morning.”

“Rafta, can you tell me where to submit these documents?” Haari asked, his impatience evident.

Rafta glanced up, taking the documents with a nonchalant air. He flipped through them briefly, a grin spreading across his face. “Head to the 16th floor, desk number 5. There’s a new girl working there. She’s into spicy curry, her favorite place is Hoku Restaurant, and she lives in Sector 25 with her aunt. Go drop these off.”

“What? Why are you giving me personal details? I only asked for the location,” Haari said, frustration in his voice. “I don’t even know what she looks like, but I already feel sorry for her. God, keep her safe from him.”

“Wish guaranteed,” Rafta replied with a smirk.

Haari shook his head. “So, he’s watching us? I wonder what kind of afterlife he’s facing. Rafta, you’re definitely going to hell.”

With a sigh, Haari grabbed his jacket and left the office.

**In the Elevator**

As the elevator ascended, Haari leaned against the railing, deep in thought. The office floor was gradually emptying as employees took their lunch breaks. The elevator hummed softly, occasionally interrupted by the ding of passing floors.

“She seemed pretty. No wonder Rafta gathered so much info about her. Wait, come to think of it, we usually don’t have much reason to visit other floors. How did Rafta know so much? Was he not slacking off but exploring the building? If that’s the case, I’m more worried about the other girls,” Haari pondered. He glanced at his reflection in the elevator doors, his concern evident.

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**Arriving at His Department**

Haari stepped out of the elevator and walked down the corridor to his department. The office was unusually quiet and almost deserted.

“Huh? Where is everybody? It’s break time. I guess everyone’s out for lunch,” Haari said, surveying the empty space.

He sighed, feeling the weight of the day. “I’m exhausted. I should rest until the break ends.” He sank into his chair, closing his eyes and trying to relax amidst the faint aroma of leftover coffee.

**Evening**

The office was winding down for the day. Oki gathered her things and said, “Bye, Kichiro-san. See you later.”

“Yeah, bye, Habi-san,” Haari replied with a finality in his voice.

A few moments later, the doorbell rang, disrupting the quiet. Haari stood outside Ashi’s apartment, his nerves on edge.

“What should I say when she opens the door?” Haari wondered aloud, pacing anxiously.

**Haari’s Imagination**

The door opened.

“Huh, Kichiro-san, what are you doing here?” Ashi asked, surprised and slightly disheveled.

“I was just passing by and thought I’d check on you,” Haari said, attempting to sound casual.

“Ehh?” Ashi replied, puzzled.

**PRESENT**

“No, no, no, that won’t work. I need to think of something better. But why is she taking so long to open the door?” Haari muttered, pressing the doorbell repeatedly.

As he pressed the doorbell again and again, his anxiety grew with each unanswered ring. He glanced around the dimly lit hallway, its peeling beige wallpaper adding to his sense of urgency. The occasional distant sound of traffic seeped through the thin walls.

After several unsuccessful attempts, Haari’s frustration mounted. He leaned against the doorframe and tried again, the doorbell ringing loudly in the quiet hallway.

Suddenly, a neighbor’s door creaked open slightly, and an elderly woman peeked out, her face showing concern. “Ah, who are you?” she asked, her voice filled with curiosity and worry.

Haari quickly explained, his eyes darting nervously. “I’m Nicawa-san’s friend. I came to visit her, but she isn’t answering the door. I think she might be out.”

The elderly woman adjusted her glasses and frowned. “She hasn’t left her apartment since this morning. I’m her aunt. I live next door. She always comes over to share her food, but she didn’t today. I tried calling her several times, but she didn’t answer.”

Haari’s face paled. “Can I come into your apartment? I need to check something.”

The aunt hesitated but then nodded. “Sure.”

Haari thanked her and moved to the balcony. The aunt’s apartment was modest but cozy, with a worn sofa and a small coffee table stacked with newspapers. A potted plant stood by the window. Stepping out onto the balcony, Haari saw the old wicker chair and a few garden tools. He peered over the railing and spotted Ashi’s balcony directly across.

His heart sank when he noticed a foot sticking out from behind the glass door. “I’m so sorry, Nicawa-san,” he muttered under his breath.

“What are you trying to do?” the aunt asked from the doorway, worry in her voice.

Haari stood on the balcony of the aunt’s apartment, his gaze fixed on the gap between the two balconies. He gestured toward the narrow ledge.

“The door was locked. The only way into her room is through the balcony,” Haari explained, tension evident in his voice. He looked at the aunt, her face lined with worry. His brows were furrowed, and his lips were tight.

“But it’s dangerous,” the aunt protested. She clutched the doorframe with one hand, her other hand resting on her chest, her eyes wide with anxiety.

Haari’s gaze remained steady on the gap. He shook his head slightly, his expression determined despite the danger. “We don’t have another option,” he said firmly. He took a deep breath, preparing himself for the risky maneuver.

“Be careful, don’t fall!” the aunt urged, her voice trembling. She stepped forward, her eyes following Haari’s every move, her face a mix of fear and concern. “It’s dangerous, but if you think it’s necessary, I’ll try to find another way to help.”

“This is really important,” Haari said urgently. “I need to get across to her balcony. I’ll be careful, I promise.” He nodded, his face a mixture of resolve and worry. He took a cautious step toward the edge of the balcony, glancing down before turning his attention back to the narrow ledge. The old wicker chair creaked softly beneath him as he shifted his weight.

He steadied himself, beginning the careful journey across. Each step was deliberate, his heart racing with the effort of maintaining balance. His gaze shifted between the two balconies, the distant hum of traffic below mixing with the soft rustling of leaves from the potted plants.

Reaching the midpoint, the tension in the air was palpable. His grip on the railing was firm, knuckles white with effort. Haari paused for a moment, taking a deep breath before continuing.

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To be continued...