September 26.

"Guess I'll see you later, Jean."

"Yeah… Ai really persuaded me."

"You know, I should be the one who's more worried. That's basically a social gathering where I know only 5 or less percent of people."

"Hahahaha… You certainly look big but you're still the same old introvert even after six years."

"The reason why I can talk to you normally is because I've known you for those six years…"

"Well, I say you're loose screws are what's giving you the very small communication push."

"A man turning 21 who still hasn't overcome his social inability…"

"Can't say I can relate.

Anyway, I'll head out now."

"Yeah. See you tonight."

"Wait, why are you here in a Saturday again, Gin?"

"I just grabbed something I forgot."

…

Sometimes I open my eyes in a Saturday morning still forgetting that I have the weekend off for the past few months now. Though, I have to be honest that I always work at my own pace and do what I want at work even as a sous chef of this restaurant. But at least, those are the only few times where I have to say my apologies to my boss.

So anyway… Anna suddenly told me that I was invited to a dinner hosted by the… Kagurazaka of all people. That indeed came to me as a surprise but for my little sister to befriend probably a 17 year-old millionaire is also a surprise on its own. But notwithstanding, she clearly told me that the lass herself planned out the gathering as a means to appreciate the work of their employees, to which Takezo Kagurazaka was never known for.

That is however not my main concern. The question is why I was invited. I would be sighing in relief if I was told that it's just because Anna was also invited so I will just act as her guardian, but I didn't hear anything as a reason. And so I am forced to be left on my greatest suspicion. I wouldn't be surprised if they were able to ascertain of my nameless identity, knowing the societal power they have. Information is basically obtained in exchange for a great sum.

But as such, I really wanted to ascertain why, so I came to our family house from the restaurant and barged in Anna's room to ask her once and for all.

"Pfft… Ahahahahahaha…! Now I know why Nee-chan calls you an idiot, Nii…!"

"W-Whaat…? Am I missing something?"

"More like, you're forgetting something, you idiot brother!"

"That's the second time you've called me an idiot and it hurts my soul."

"Oh my word… I don't know what to say…"

I forgive her blatant rudeness since she looks like she's enjoying herself.

…

But I came back to my house without uttering a single word upon opening my front door.

"Welcome back, Potato."

I wonder why… I came home from Giotto's with the sun almost in its zenith of the day, but I came back to my very house as if it was already late in the night even though that is absolutely not the case…

"You sure are making an indescribable face right now."

"…

How is it that I always embarrass myself…"

Roll the skit.

My legs gave out to the intensity of the revelation I was enlightened with and my knees slammed on my polished but non-reflective granite floor as I lament on my very own.

It hurts me that Rin is walking closer and closer to my pathetic being with a stale and uninterested look. However… her ever so slight concern is enough to shower me with delight.

"So, what happened?"

"Oh, my love…! Hear thy dearest's cries…!"

.

.

.

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA…! Are you an idiot, Gin?! Ahahahahahaha…!"

You know, I am quite extremely forgiving right now. She looks like she is enjoying herself more than Anna while kicking pretty much air on the couch. But seeing her with such happiness…

"I am once again showered with delight…"

"Shut up for a second, Potato. I'm having one of the moments of my life."

After what Anna told me earlier, I realized that there might be something wrong with my mind today.

"Uggghhh… It's so obvious but I still forgot about that…

Of course Ms. Sora would be right there when I wore my mask in the school trip… How could I not realize that after all those months?!"

"Can't blame you for being in the middle of urgency. But now that I think of it, I'm surprised the others in the same grade didn't look at you when Tenth mentioned you in graduation."

"Well, that was a great time.

Anyway, I left the pork boiling for a while now. How's it coming to?"

"Almost there."

~ ~ ~

"By the way, Rin, slacks or skirt?"

"Slacks, dude. That may be some kind of a social event where us plebeians shouldn't really be stepping to their world, but that doesn't mean that we would see women on gowns in an appreciation gathering."

"That was a long sentence. You still breathing?"

"Yeah, dude."

"I wonder what's wrong with our heads today…"

Aside from Anna slapping my abysmal memory and stupidity to my face, she explained some stuff that is to be expected later tonight.

But as a preface, even an empty guy like me knew the character of the greatest mogul in the country. He is not the type to be very generous, and so I would assume that most of the plans came from her daughter's crafty mind (in a good way). Apparently, the company even sponsored the attire of the employees, perhaps under Ms. Sora's personal orders, meaning that they would be distinguishable from the crowd with their common wear. This is some kind of a large dinner event, but that in itself is already amazing.

"How about you, Potato?"

"Well… I'm probably going with a very ordinary set with black and white. But of course, there's no way I wouldn't wear the tie you gave me on the 20th."

"I totally expected you to say that.

Anyway, is it really fine for me to tag along with you and Anna?"

"She said that it was a big ok even though I was the only one invited. But besides, you have a strange connection with her."

"Don't call it strange! I just can't help but tease that pretty girl back in Yona!"

"Hey. You tend to hug Anna or Naru at the tip of a hat, so don't do that later."

"I'll try my best not to," she stiffly said. "Anyway, you're just going there for the food right?"

"Okay, don't misinterpret that, readers. I'm a culinarian so I know what I'm doing. I'll be taking internal notes to share to Hiro tomorrow. Even restaurant workers hold conference calls, you know."

"That is if you would actually remember them after you wake up."

"Don't rub it in…!"

▪ ▪ ▪

In lieu of the event that is about to happen today, especially that the gathering that we are going to attend to is not entirely a humble one, a rule suddenly popped on my head.

In truth, I've never really attended such events except for weddings and things that are along the same lines, so I don't really know how I should act in this kind of special occasions. I have only seen the same kinds of events in anime, which is honestly not a very good foundation as a reference to a real life one, so I am under (potentially) somewhat idiotic impressions.

So the first rule that came to my head is not relating to table manners or how I would present myself to fellow guests, but about the dress code instead. At least thanks to our graduation, I was put to an impression that in this kind of gatherings, (perhaps) one shall only wear clothing with neutral colors or tones that are close to that like brown or any hue which shade is on the darker levels. Hence why I am very conscious when I'm going to wear cocktail attire. Even I was surprised to my self-discovery that there is actually a very small part of me that cares about my appearance.

Well, didn't I talk a lot.

▪ ▪ ▪

Blimey, I want to go home; this place isn't just for me to dwell in even if for a negligible moment.

"Of all the times in your life that you're going to regret, Potato, you're too late this time."

I've already expected it. I have seen the imagery in my mind more than a hundred times. The image looks so grand that even I doubt my own vocabulary if this should still be called a dinner gathering or something else that my mind could not comprehend.

Cobalt Hotel—ahahahahahahahahahahahahaha, look at this, the greatest, the most premium hotel found in this province. And here I am crashing in to its biggest hotel hall as if I'm some kind of an alien that was banished from my home planet. But well, technically, Exiles are banished from this world, so what gives?

Or rather, I am a monkey among them.

The three of us then stepped inside with an invitation at a trembling hand which is mine. This tower itself is basically giving me anxiety from the outside and the inside is outright giving me more creeps for being an out of place, insignificant bug inside this huge building.

And please worry not for constantly hearing me degrade myself. I've never thought of even owning a building like this or anything that material as I value my humility and others'. Me saying anything that tries to destroy my morale does not. At this point, they are merely my expression of my goof now.

I also would like to apologize in advance if this is going to persist in a while in this chapter as honestly, being in such an unfamiliar place is putting me off somewhat.

"Our warmest welcome."

Not even taking another three steps inside the very venue, we have already been fronted in the reception by the host of this dinner, Ms. Sora Kagurazaka.

"Has she been doing this for all the guests…?"

"Good evening, Sora," unfazed by the grandeur all over unlike me, my social sister greeted in behalf of us three.

"Good evening too. I'm glad that you made it tonight."

"Thank you for inviting us, Ms. Sora. Perhaps Anna has told you about me?"

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

"Yes. It is nice to meet you, Mr. Gin," and we shook hands.

I just had to drop this; I am actually cringing whenever I am addressed like that. My deepest apologies, Ms. Sora.

"Maybe we have met briefly, but I'm Ringo Akanami."

"I-Indeed…"

"She totally remembers that time."

"Then, please come in and enjoy yourselves."

"Thank you."

…

Surely this ain't normal. Each table has their own coat hangers.

"Actually, when did you buy that trench coat, Rin?"

"I just bought this recently, you know. But Ms. Sora is on another level… That dress looks so great on her!"

"You sure don't like to dress cutely but you like cute things…"

"What in the world did you do to Sora for her to react like that anyway, Nee-chan?"

"I happened to tease her at some point…"

And while we are settling on the lovely clothed table, my observing eyes managed to stumble upon the sight of two people which the infiltrator of my mental realm knows.

"Good evening, Mrs. Marianne. It has been a while."

"Aomine…?"

«When was the last time did the chairwoman of the Carnation Group meet Aomine Sanshoin? Marianne was stupefied on how much the child has brightened up in contrast to when he had disdainful gazes—which truly has been a few years.

In her mind, she had a thousand things to say not only to him but to the entire family behind the youth, but her mouth can only speak nary a word.»

"I'm afraid that old wounds leave a scar, but I am fine now, Mrs. Marianne. In the first place… you didn't have to be so guilty about it. It was me who brought upon my own faults to myself.

A child simply didn't have the aware ability to decline.

Well then… we are grateful for your invitation."

«They parted ways very abruptly, but both of them felt like a heavy burden has been taken out of them, once and for all.»

…

"Geh. You're also here, Gin?"

"Yes. And I just heard a 'geh.' Thank you very much."

I'd be lying if I didn't say that Nagi's presence in this gathering wasn't surprising. I guess my mind was too out of it earlier to realize that Ms. Sora is also friends with Ai-san and Naru. Thus why Nagi and Shiro are also here.

Then minutes after Nagi and company joined us in our table, the invited Hikari indeed came with Jean and even Haru-san to boot.

And on top of everything…

"F-Full house…?" Akira stood by our table with his eyes twitching in awe.

"…

Now color me unexpected."

This is definitely more than a full house. The table is large enough for ten people to fit comfortably without butting elbows.

On the side note, Dad still doesn't know about- I guess there really is nothing happening, as I am trusting Anna on her words. So as a test, I subtly swapped seats with Anna to obtain a format where Anna and Akira are sitting on adjacent seats. At this point, I am being presumptuous to act like a father; but at least I have a shortcoming as a reason why.

What happened shortly after? Subject Anna has taken in the fact that she is beside Subject Akira and is showing subtle acts of fluster; while the latter subject is not showing any reactions. But since the observer (me) is an overthinker, I would assume that Subject Akira has at least something in his mind right now.

"Anyway, didn't expect you to also be invited here," Nagi opened towards the unexpected guest.

"Actually, it was supposed to be Dad that should be coming here, but work is piling up so I came as his representative… or so he told me as his excuse.

'It's a pain but it's a waste if no one goes so enjoy yourself,' is what he really said."

"I didn't expect the principal to be like that…" Naru wondered.

Eventually, the noise slowly muted as the host of tonight's event took grasp of the microphone and began her opening speech. In contrast, maybe 75% of the population of this country knows the company president's character, so it was no surprise that he didn't give a speech similar to the personal and congratulatory one that Ms. Sora gave. Even I know that the chairman is not one to speak from a script but from the sincerity of thoughts instead.

That in my opinion is a very respectable consideration.

On the other hand, this is indeed an employee appreciation affair, but this is also a dinner. Well, I am just a second-rate chef who doesn't experience fine dining and a proper three-course meal, but I noticed something on the entree:

Usually, or perhaps stereotypically, high class or five star dining is serving food that only constitutes something like 40% of the plate or less, and then you will get an order of half-pound burger in a nearby burger joint just to completely stuff your stomach and actually say "I'm full."

I'm sorry, I think I said too much.

But the point is, this is not the case in this dinner, and the dishes presented to us by hardworking waiters are actually something that will make us say the quote I just said. Well, shameless thought—this looks like taking a page from a certain restaurant.

"Seems like this is okay to do so…"

I mentioned earlier that I will report my findings to Hiro as a point of reference for tomorrow's meeting, and it seems like no one is being slammed with an NG hammer for taking pictures of the food. And so I pulled out my phone and pointed the lens on the dish but…

I am that person who carries a phone with an archaic single camera on the back, and it seems that the hardware is not working for me.

"…

Hey, Rin. Can you lend me your phone for a sec?"

"Here."

Let there be snaps, "Thanks. Can you send me a copy on my cloud later?"

"Wh… Shiro~ Can you take a look at this picture?"

"…! So it wasn't a fluke that you won the competition, Gin!"

"Eh? What? I don't understand…?"

…

It was my phone so I was a little worried, so I promptly came to the restroom to check what is actually going on. I opened the camera app anew but it suddenly worked.

"Did the new camera unit that Marco installed start acting up…?"

But while I was going to leave the men's room and got uncomfortably near to the door, the camera broke again. Suspicions began, and once I stepped back, the camera worked again.

"Oregano, how are things on your side? I see, good."

"Coda, no one has suspected any weird changes, right? Thanks."

"The operation shall continue, then."

While I was suspecting my camera, I suddenly heard voices coming from two people, male and female, where their tone tells that they have their guard up. So as though anyone who came out of the toilet, I whistled and came out of the restroom and found that they were still in the hallway.

(!)

I immediately sensed hostility and stepped back quite far before the man charged at me.

"Woah, woah, woah…! What's going on?!" I then raised my hands. "Wait, you're also guests on the function hall, right…?"

"Seems like we made some mistake," the woman whispered.

"Hahh… I'm sorry about that. I thought you were a bodyguard because of your attire."

"A-Ahhh… I guess I really do look like that…"

"…

Y-You can now lower your hands…?"

"Uhh, sorry? You are currently clutching on your knife and I thought you were going for my neck earlier… and the woman behind you is planning to throw immobilizing needles at me…"

"H-How did he know…? Could it be…?"

"Then… 'A diamond can only break a diamond.'"

"…? I don't think I caught on that…? Well, I guess in terms of Mohs scale that's true…?"

"S-So… you're not a fellow spy?"

". . .

What?"

Why do always get dragged into these things…

"Y-Yo, you guys are spies…? Woah, first time seeing one…

Then, are you guys behind the camera jamming?"

"…?!

No one should know about that!"

"Okay, let's calm down for a sec and let me explain. The two of you nearly attacked me without hesitation under an array of security cameras and we didn't get an alarm… then my phone's camera also broke earlier."

"Phones shouldn't be included in the jamming. What's going on?"

"Are you by chance… jamming cameras with a certain level of infrared?"

"Yes. The security cameras here have many algorithms with the use of IR."

"I see…

But is it really fine to tell a stranger like me?"

"Well, we can just silence you later if you do anything."

"…! Okay, anyway… my phone camera actually is a third-party installation that's why it has a specific IR in it.

…

But let's cut to the chase—are you spies here to assassinate the Kagurazaka?"

"Opposite. There are people from competing companies that have that purpose. We weren't hired and we're only doing this on our own accord. But if we succeeded with the mission, we'll get a bonus.

We are actually here to protect the Kagurazaka.

…"

«Although the spies were, in first impressions, very capable of suppressing their emotions in fact, Gin's disturbed look that showed in a dime gave their limbs a weak flinch as they can't properly discern if it was anger or something else.«

"Mr. Spy… May I borrow your knife? I will keep my word that I won't use it against you."

"Even if you won't, there is a needle waiting for you," thus he handed the knife that he was clutching from his back.

I examined what appears to be a very well made blade, took a pause and returned it to him.

"No, not this. Do you have another one?

I am not a spy, but I know that there are people in a similar line of work that holds a special knife that possibly holds sentimental value in their missions."

"…For an ordinary person, you sure know us. Then here," I was then handed an ordinary type, which I then snapped the blade to two.

"…!"

"Again, I am not a spy… but I am assuming that the attackers are already here. My family and friends are inside that function hall. Can I really sit still after hearing all of that?

Please let me help you prevent an incident."

"In exchange of…?"

"Erasing all of the data you probably scanned from me after the few seconds of our meeting."

A voluntarily chuckle then sounded in our silence.

"The cameras right now are jammed, but are hacked to show footage without our presence. Our clothes right now make us invisible to the cameras, including those who are in a meter radius from us."

"That means I'm also invisible…"

It's not everyday that a spy hands out information to a normal person, and so I am taking it as a message telling me that they are trusting me.

"That's a relief…

One last question. Are you two a couple?"

"Y-Yes… in real life, yes."

"Then I wish you two a good and peaceful relationship."

"Let's go back to the hall, then…! But let me tell you something; the first time I met this beautiful Ms. Agent, we were both aiming for our necks."

"W-What a lively relationship…"

…

This is not usually an option that I would prefer, but I decided to seal my mouth even in Rin's presence. If even a hint of suspicion is seen from her, then it could be very dangerous. But in spite of that, I was thankfully able to keep my cool even after knowing that this is literally a danger zone now. Still, I kept on scanning the movements of every single one inside this room, subtle or not; which I picked up from Ryota and Makoto's experiences.

Then suddenly, the gent spy approached me from my seat.

"If I recall correctly… are you the sous chef of Giotto's that was once in Japan? What is it… Mr. Gin Sakato…?"

"Ah, yes. That is me. Very pleased to meet you."

"Soo Han Yeon is the name. I'm from Atnic Tech."

"Korean… that's indeed a surprise."

"I bet that's not his real name."

"A glass if you wish?" he offered a glass of champagne which he abruptly pulled away.

"Oh. It seems you are with some youth."

"Yes, but I am of age. Thank you very much."

The conflict aside, this sparkling wine is better by light-years than those cheap ones lying around in my pantry.

Tap, tap "Well then. I have a few people to talk to. Here is my (probably pseudo) card."

"Thank you. And here is mine. Nice meeting you. (And please burn my card after.)"

Two pats on my back. A message that we discussed meaning that they are going to take the first step, and signifies that the mission is finally beginning.

"You know, Gin, I really think you should at least put a white hanky in your chest pocket otherwise anyone would mistake you for a bodyguard," Akira made a good point.

"Or an MiB. Where are your sunglasses and memory erasing device?" added Nagi.

"Ugh… My inexperience as an insignificant bug is showing…"

It has been almost half an hour since Mr. Spy declared, but I have not seen a move yet. Ms. Sora and her father have already given their word of acknowledgement to their staff present in the hall, and the juncture has now shifted to the taking of formal group photo per table. Since we are after a batch of uniform employees, it was a given that we shook their hands while we are standing by, up next to the podium.

Still, nothing suspicious has happened.

And if you're asking, shaking Takezo Kagurazaka's hand is nothing short of normal.

Actually, I may have spoken too soon.

A breathe of loud but brief gasps sounded all at once literally a minute after we all stepped down from the stage. It was indeed something to see a beautiful lass grab the guest behind her and throw him down.

"I-I-Ippon seoi nage?!" yes, Ai-san definitely said some kind of a jargon. I'm just guessing, so is it like a judo move or something…?

"Oi… oi… Is that the same girl that looked so frightened against a sniper?!"

Is the world moving fast, or is she simply talented even in martial arts…?

But on a serious note… it seems that the ball has started to roll.

"Those with the same clothing as yours are on our side!!" I heard a shout, I felt a tap on my shoulder, and I saw a sprinting man all in a blink or two.

Thus, I observed. It is as the spy said. Suddenly, the men with the very same type of clothing as mine propagated as the atmosphere changed.

In hindsight, it made it very easy for me to wear a mask. I immediately put my trench coat on Rin's shoulders and took off my blazer so as to also be a shield for Anna.

Times like this is when I am very grateful to be extremely prepared as all my fabric are not normal.

Then out of the blue, Rin placed her hand on her shoulder for a few seconds which caught me by surprise. But it was not long until I realized her intention—it was Giotto's gesture, and so I nodded and gave her a thumbs up.

"This shouldn't take long. At least I hope."

The time came where I realized how this hall was plagued by so many attackers. While watching each other's backs, the apprehension continued as I take instructions on who is who from the gent spy, and not a single gunfire has been heard. They are truly incredible fellows. I thought, thorough preparations can lead to a zero casualty mission just like this.

But I think that if I voiced that out, that may lead to a rising of a red flag.

With no surprise, I now know who has the most ability to easily identify us Exiles. It wasn't the wealthy with information in exchange of a penny, but crafty spies that has their own ways of information gathering that is not in my language.

The evacuation of the guests began while the spies are diffusing the apprehended attackers one or more meters away from each other.

"Wh… What…?"

"This is a code called 'social distancing' just like in that universal protocol amid the outbreak."

"Ahh…"

"By the way, you move very unconventional. You're the one that confronted Teardrop, aren't you?"

"You even know that…? Spies are nasty people…"

"We hear that a lot."

(!)

In a matter of a hit-and-run, a bundle of trimmed hair floated on the air in front of me. It only took an instant, but the spy managed to crouch in a fast sprinting person that attempted to attack him with a knife. It became clear, an attacker has escaped his reins and began running towards… the guests…

This second of freeze is going to cost me.

I am not fast enough.

I don't know if I will be on time.

No matter how fast one is, there will always be a time where things can't be outrun… just like right now.

For some reason it felt like my body moved slower. Worse, my body froze for a literal second where I could have done so much in that time.

I ran, but not fast enough. My eyes began to see the slow motion late. I am still too far.

Perhaps this must be a wake-up call that no matter how great an ability I have, I am still weak. Then I began to think.

"Was me saving Rin just a fluke…?"

How can it make sense that I was able to save my partner but not my sister?

I may have failed.

I don't know what I should do now.

Should I continue?

Should I just stop running?

Should I just despair?

Yet I still kept running, even if I am just a slow, helpless, insignificant bug that can't even do anything right.

How was I different from the past me then? I am simply running aimlessly. Even in this slow motion, I can't think straight. I can't do any-

Perhaps I can't do anything right now…

…But someone can.

My aimlessness began to see its direction anew. It hasn't even been so long since it disappeared. It was astonishing that it came back so fast unlike the many times.

Truly, even at night I was able to peer at the moon which carries the light of the sun from the other side.

There is still hope.

I am no hero. I will not be able to save everyone. Even if I am able to fold a crane or change a storm's track, I am no special one. But at least this will be a lesson for me and do more than my best. And so I was left with an option to only watch the true hero of this day.

"Thank you… Akira."

In my lonely slow motion world, there was someone faster than me, even if just this once. The hero was holding on to the underside of his blazer, ready and successful on catching the blade. Still, he was being pushed down to submission, but his feet were not giving up against… until he won on the clash of strength and stood tall over the challenge.

Then… I stopped running.

I stopped in front of Akira who astonishingly standing formidably. I had so many realizations, but the one that stood out was that…

While I am weak, someone will be strong.

Unwittingly, my shoulders fell heavily on Akira's shoulders while my knees lost its strength and shivered to the rhythm of my fear and joy at the same time.

"Thank you… Akira…!!"