The school day began as a bright, ordinary morning, but for Takuma and his newly assigned team, it was anything but ordinary. The air buzzed with curiosity as students sneaked glances at Sora, Kaede, and Hikari. Their striking appearances and unique energy had made them the center of attention, and Takuma could already feel the weight of the spotlight.
The first class of the day was math. Takuma sat in his shared desk arrangement, casually flipping through his notes while Sora doodled in her notebook. Kaede tapped her pencil against her desk, clearly bored, while Hikari was already immersed in the textbook, her sharp mind absorbing formulas like a sponge.
“You’re seriously taking this class seriously?” Kaede whispered to Hikari, her voice dripping with mock disbelief.
“Unlike you, I don’t rely on luck,” Hikari shot back, not looking up from the page.
Sora giggled, trying to stifle the sound with her hand. “You two are like cats and dogs.”
“More like oil and water,” Takuma muttered under his breath, earning a sharp glance from Kaede and a faint smirk from Hikari.
The teacher, Mr. Tanaka, cleared his throat. “Takuma, care to share with the class what’s so amusing?”
Takuma straightened in his seat, his face unreadable. “Nothing, Sensei. Just some, uh, team dynamics.”
Mr. Tanaka raised an eyebrow but moved on, though not without giving Takuma’s group a lingering look.
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Lunch Break
The cafeteria was its usual chaos of clinking trays and overlapping chatter. Takuma led his team to an empty table by the window, away from prying eyes. Miu joined them moments later, her tray balanced precariously in her hands.
“So,” Miu began, sliding into a seat beside Takuma, “what’s the deal with all of you? You’re way too comfortable around each other for people who just met.”
Kaede grinned mischievously. “Oh, Takuma’s just that charming. Isn’t that right, boss?”
Takuma rolled his eyes, stabbing at his food with his chopsticks. “Yeah, sure. Something like that.”
Hikari sighed, clearly annoyed by Kaede’s teasing. “We work together. That’s all there is to it.”
Miu wasn’t convinced. Her gaze shifted to Sora, who was busy marveling at the colorful variety of food on her tray. “Sora, what about you? What do you think of all this?”
Sora looked up, her cheeks slightly pink. “Oh, um, it’s really nice! I’ve never had lunch like this before. I mean, I never even went to school until now, so this is all new to me.”
Miu blinked in surprise. “Never went to school? How’s that possible?”
“It’s a long story,” Sora replied softly, her tone brushing away further questions.
The table fell quiet for a moment before Kaede broke the silence. “Well, what’s important is that we’re here now. Right, Takuma?”
He nodded, his expression thoughtful. “Right. And we need to stay focused. This isn’t just about fitting in here—it’s about being ready for what comes next.”
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Gym Class
The afternoon brought gym class, a welcome distraction for the group. The teacher had divided the students into teams for a game of dodgeball, and Takuma’s team found themselves together against Miu and her classmates.
“Don’t hold back,” Miu called out, her competitive spirit blazing.
Kaede laughed, spinning a ball in her hand. “Oh, we won’t. You might regret asking for that.”
The game was fast-paced and intense. Sora, surprisingly agile, darted around the court like a leaf caught in the wind, dodging every throw. Hikari played strategically, calculating angles and catching balls to eliminate opponents. Kaede, true to her personality, was a wildcard—hurling balls with reckless force, often aiming more for shock value than accuracy.
Takuma, as usual, was calm and controlled, his every move efficient and precise.
Miu was no slouch, though. She matched Takuma’s intensity, firing a ball straight at him. He caught it with ease, raising an eyebrow. “You’ll have to try harder than that.”
The game ended with Takuma’s team victorious, leaving Miu panting but grinning. “Fine. You win this round. But next time, you’re going down.”
Kaede smirked, throwing an arm around Takuma’s shoulders. “Not likely. We’re unstoppable.”
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After School
As the school day wound down, Takuma found himself walking down the hallway with Miu. She glanced at him, her expression a mix of curiosity and concern.
“Hey, Takuma,” she began hesitantly, “you’ve been kind of distant lately. Is everything okay?”
Takuma paused, his mind racing for a response. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just... adjusting to everything. You know how it is.”
Miu didn’t look convinced, but she didn’t push further. “Alright. But if something’s wrong, you can talk to me. You know that, right?”
He nodded, offering her a faint smile. “Thanks, Miu. I appreciate it.”
As she walked away, Takuma’s smile faded. He looked over his shoulder at the trio of girls waiting for him near the gate. His new team. His new responsibility.
For better or worse, this was his new reality. And he wasn’t sure how long he could keep it separate from his old one.
As the school gates came into view, Takuma noticed Miu slowing her pace, clearly mustering the courage to speak. Finally, she broke the silence.
“Takuma,” she began, her voice softer than usual but edged with concern. “You’ve been acting... different lately. Distant. Like you’re trying to keep everyone at arm’s length.”
Takuma glanced at her, his usual calm demeanor faltering for a moment. “It’s nothing. Just... a lot on my mind.”
Miu wasn’t buying it. Her gaze hardened, and she crossed her arms. “That’s not good enough. You can’t keep brushing me off like this. We’ve only known each other for a month, but I thought we were friends. So why are you suddenly shutting me out?”
He stopped walking, turning to face her fully. The bustling sounds of other students heading home faded into the background. “Miu, it’s not about you. It’s just something I have to deal with on my own. I can’t risk dragging you into it.”
“Risk?” she echoed, narrowing her eyes. “That’s the same thing you said before when Daichi showed up out of nowhere. What are you involved in that’s so dangerous?”
Takuma sighed, running a hand through his hair. “It’s complicated, Miu. I can’t explain it. Not yet.”
“And those three girls?” she pressed, glancing toward the trio waiting for him near the gate. “Who are they? Why do they suddenly seem so attached to you?”
“They’re... teammates,” Takuma said after a pause, choosing his words carefully. “We’re working on something together, that’s all.”
“Teammates? In what?” she asked, her tone skeptical. “You’re not in any clubs, and last I checked, school projects don’t involve shadowy meetings or secretive girls showing up out of nowhere.”
“It’s not something you need to worry about,” he said firmly, his tone final. “They’re just helping me with something outside of school. That’s all I can say.”
Miu’s expression softened slightly, but her worry was still evident. “You know, you’re not as good at lying as you think. But fine. If you’re not going to tell me the truth, at least promise me you’ll be careful.”
“I promise,” he said, though the weight of his words felt heavier than usual.
----------------------------------------
As they reached the gate, Takuma saw Kaede waving dramatically, while Sora and Hikari waited more subtly, their presence still managing to draw attention from passing students.
“Are you coming or what, boss?” Kaede called out, grinning.
Miu’s gaze flickered between Takuma and the girls, her brows furrowing. “Boss? They call you boss now?”
“It’s just a nickname,” Takuma said quickly, already moving toward his team. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Miu.”
She watched him leave, her unease growing with each passing moment. “Something’s not right,” she murmured to herself, gripping the strap of her bag tightly.
As Takuma joined the three girls and walked away, Miu stood rooted in place, her thoughts racing. Whatever he was involved in, she wasn’t going to sit back and let him handle it alone—not if it meant losing the person she’d started to care about.
As Takuma, Sora, Hikari, and Kaede approached the school gate, the rumble of a sleek, black vehicle caught their attention. The car's polished surface gleamed under the afternoon sun, drawing curious glances from nearby students. The vehicle slowed to a stop right in front of them, its tinted windows making it impossible to see inside.
Takuma’s sharp eyes narrowed. He wasn’t expecting this. The window on the driver’s side rolled down smoothly, revealing a young woman in a sharp black uniform, her expression calm and professional.
“Takuma,” she said, her voice carrying an air of authority. “The higher-ups sent me. Hop in.”
Sora leaned closer, peering into the car. “Oh, it’s Yumi! The organization’s designated driver,” she said, her tone light.
Kaede, ever the curious one, smirked. “Fancy picking us up from school. What’s the occasion?”
Hikari nudged Kaede with a warning look. “Let’s just get in. This probably isn’t for fun.”
Takuma didn’t need to be told twice. He opened the door and motioned for the others to follow. “Let’s go.”
Unbeknownst to them, Miu had lingered near the school gate, her curiosity piqued when she spotted the black car. From her hidden vantage point, she watched Takuma and the girls climb in without hesitation. Her grip tightened on her bag. What are they involved in?
----------------------------------------
The ride to the HQ was quiet, the hum of the car filling the space. Takuma noticed Yumi’s unusually serious demeanor. “So, any updates on the database issue?” he asked, breaking the silence.
Yumi shook her head slightly. “Still down. The tech teams are working around the clock, but nothing yet. Until it’s resolved, all missions are on hold.”
Kaede groaned dramatically, slumping back in her seat. “So, we’re just sitting ducks? That’s boring.”
Sora frowned, her hands clasped tightly on her lap. “It’s frustrating, but it’s not like we can do anything about it.”
Hikari leaned her head against the window, her voice soft. “The downtime isn’t so bad. We can use it to prepare, train, or... relax, I guess.”
Takuma nodded thoughtfully, though the lack of action didn’t sit well with him. He glanced at Yumi. “If nothing’s happening, why the urgent pickup?”
Yumi’s eyes flickered to the rearview mirror. “Orders from above. They wanted you at HQ, just in case something came through.”
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When they arrived at HQ, the group stepped out of the vehicle and made their way inside. The halls of the organization’s sprawling facility buzzed with subdued activity. Without any pressing missions, the atmosphere felt more like a calm before the storm.
“Alright,” Kaede said, stretching her arms above her head. “Since we’re stuck here with nothing to do, how about we find something fun?”
Sora tilted her head, a small smile playing on her lips. “Like what? This isn’t exactly a playground.”
Kaede grinned mischievously. “Come on, it’s a massive HQ. There’s gotta be something interesting to do—like exploring the restricted areas.”
Hikari sighed, shaking her head. “You’re going to get us in trouble.”
Takuma smirked faintly, the idea not entirely unappealing. “Let’s start with something less risky. There’s a training simulation room on the third floor. Might as well use the time to sharpen our skills.”
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“Boooring,” Kaede teased, but she followed anyway, Sora and Hikari close behind.
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As they reached the simulation room, Takuma activated the system, its holographic interface lighting up the space. “Alright, let’s make this interesting,” he said, selecting a cooperative scenario.
The girls exchanged competitive glances, each eager to prove themselves. Kaede leaned closer to Takuma. “Hope you’re ready to see what we’re made of, boss.”
Sora’s eyes sparkled with determination. “Let’s give it everything we’ve got.”
Hikari nodded silently, her quiet resolve speaking volumes.
As the simulation began, the team found themselves immersed in a high-stakes scenario, navigating obstacles, combating holographic foes, and relying on each other’s strengths to succeed. The tension of the real world melted away, replaced by the thrill of the challenge.
Unknown to them, Miu had found her way to the HQ’s perimeter, her suspicions growing. Standing just outside the restricted entrance, she whispered to herself, “What’s really going on in there, Takuma?”
Inside the simulation room, Takuma and his team were laser-focused, though frustration was starting to bubble under the surface. The holographic environment presented one challenge after another, each more grueling than the last.
“Kaede, cover the left flank!” Takuma shouted, dodging an incoming virtual projectile.
“I’m trying, but these holographic soldiers don’t miss!” Kaede yelled back, frantically firing her simulated weapon.
Sora crouched behind an obstacle, sweat beading on her forehead. “We’re out of sync. If we keep acting individually, we’re never going to get through this section!”
Hikari nodded, her quiet voice cutting through the chaos. “We need a strategy. This isn’t just about skill—it’s about coordination.”
Takuma paused to take stock of the situation. She was right. Their failures weren’t from a lack of effort but from a lack of unity. “Alright, new plan,” he said, rallying the team. “Hikari, you take point with Kaede. Sora, you’re on support. Let’s try to push through as a unit.”
The team nodded, determination flickering in their eyes. They reset the simulation, ready to try again.
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Meanwhile, outside HQ, a lone security guard patrolling the perimeter noticed Miu approaching. His eyes widened as he realized she wasn’t authorized to be anywhere near the facility. He quickly activated his communicator, speaking in a hushed tone. “Code 9. Civilian approaching HQ perimeter.”
The message immediately reached the owner, who was seated in his expansive office reviewing mission logs. His expression darkened, and he pressed a concealed button under his desk. A hidden alert spread through the building, signaling personnel to switch to the “business mode” protocol.
Through the intercom system, his calm but firm voice resonated across the facility. “Attention all staff. Code 9 is active. A civilian is approaching the perimeter. Engage business mode. Hide all sensitive operations and make the facility appear as an ordinary corporate building. You know the drill.”
Around HQ, the seamless transformation began. Dangerous equipment was quickly concealed behind sliding walls. Training simulations powered down, replaced by harmless displays of mundane data. Even the front desk receptionist switched into a professional demeanor, her attire subtly shifting to match the appearance of an ordinary business office.
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Back in the simulation room, Takuma and his team were finally gaining ground. “We’re making progress!” Kaede exclaimed, taking out a virtual enemy with precision.
“Keep it up! Don’t get cocky!” Takuma warned, though his tone carried a hint of pride.
Suddenly, the simulation room’s lights flickered, and the holograms froze mid-action. Takuma’s brow furrowed. “What’s going on now?”
Before he could voice another question, a voice came through the intercom. “Attention simulation participants. All activities are temporarily suspended. Please remain where you are.”
“What the hell?” Kaede muttered, looking around in confusion.
Sora’s gaze shifted to Takuma. “Is this related to the database issue?”
“No,” Takuma said, his tone sharp. “This feels different.”
Unbeknownst to them, Miu was closing in on the building’s entrance, her curiosity pulling her forward. “What kind of ‘business’ has security guards like that?” she murmured to herself, eyeing the guards stationed near the door.
Inside HQ, the owner watched Miu’s approach on a surveillance feed, his expression neutral but his mind racing. She’s too close. If she gets inside… He activated his communicator. “Takuma. Your ‘friend’ is here. Handle it discreetly if necessary.”
Takuma’s eyes widened as the message reached him. “Miu,” he whispered under his breath, his mind racing.
The team looked at him expectantly. “What’s going on?” Hikari asked.
Takuma clenched his fists, already formulating a plan. “Stay here. I’ll deal with it.”
As he left the room, his thoughts churned. Miu, what are you doing here? You’re getting too close to something you shouldn’t.
Takuma's footsteps echoed in the hallway as he approached the entrance, where Miu stood just outside the building, her eyes scanning the area. Her gaze met his, and her expression shifted from curiosity to concern.
“Takuma,” she called, walking toward him, her voice tentative. “I... I saw you leave with those girls. I had to know what was going on. Why didn’t you tell me? Why are you hiding this from me?”
Takuma’s jaw clenched, his fists tightening at his sides. He could feel the familiar pulse of anger in his veins, a heat that was starting to cloud his judgment. Why does she have to be so persistent? he thought, his heart pounding in his chest. It would be so easy to tell her the truth, but the truth was far too dangerous. And if he let her in now, if she got too close, the consequences would be even worse.
Miu took a step closer, her brow furrowing. “Takuma, what’s going on? You’ve been acting so distant, like I’m a stranger to you. And now... now I see you’re involved with them.” She motioned toward the building behind him, her eyes wide with disbelief. “What is this place? Who are they?”
Takuma stood there, fists clenched, his anger simmering just beneath the surface. He knew that if he didn’t do something soon, he’d lose control. He didn’t want to hurt Miu. He never wanted to hurt her—but sometimes, keeping her safe meant doing exactly that.
“Get out of here, Miu,” Takuma said, his voice low and controlled, though it carried a sharp edge. “You don’t belong here. This isn’t your fight.” His eyes, cold and distant, stared down at her, the anger making his words cut like knives.
Miu flinched, a sharp breath escaping her as if she had been struck. “Takuma… I’m your friend! I’m just trying to understand—”
He stepped back, his heart racing as the words left his mouth, each one feeling like a betrayal. “You don’t get it,” he spat, his voice rising slightly. “This isn’t some high school drama where we can just pretend everything is fine. There are things happening here that you don’t want to know about. You don’t need to be involved. It’s not safe for you!”
The words hung heavy in the air, suffocating the space between them. Takuma could see the pain in Miu’s eyes, the hurt slowly turning to confusion and doubt. She stood frozen, as if the world had shifted beneath her feet.
“I’m doing this for you, Miu,” he said, his tone softer now, though it held an unmistakable finality. “You don’t understand the danger. If you stay, it’ll only get worse. I’m trying to protect you.”
Miu’s lips parted, her chest rising and falling as she fought to hold back tears. She wanted to argue, to demand answers, but her voice failed her. All she could do was stand there, feeling the weight of his words crash down on her.
Takuma took a step back, his face hardening once again. He knew he was pushing her away, and part of him hated himself for it. But it was necessary. For both of their sakes.
“I don’t want to see you here again,” Takuma said, his voice cold, the finality of his words cutting through her. “Go home, Miu. This... this isn’t your battle. And it never will be.”
Miu blinked, her eyes stinging, but she nodded silently, though the pain in her heart was evident. She turned slowly, walking away, her footsteps heavy and hesitant, each one feeling like a step farther from the person she had once trusted most.
Takuma watched her go, his chest tight. He should’ve felt relieved, but instead, an emptiness spread through him. A part of him wanted to run after her, to apologize, to explain. But the other part— the part that had gotten used to making hard decisions—remained rooted in place.
As Miu disappeared from his view, Takuma’s hands shook, not from fear, but from the weight of the choices he had made. This is for the best, he told himself, even though the voice inside him remained uncertain.
It would be a long time before he could face her again, and even longer before he could forgive himself.
Miu walked away from Takuma, her steps slow and heavy, as if each one carried the weight of the entire world. Her eyes blurred with tears, but she wiped them away angrily, refusing to let anyone see her cry. Why did he say that? she thought, her chest tight with hurt. I was just trying to help him. I just wanted to understand what he’s been keeping from me.
She stumbled as she walked down the street, the weight of his words pulling at her like chains. This isn’t your battle. It never will be. The words replayed in her mind, each one sinking deeper into her heart. She had never seen Takuma like this before. The warmth in his eyes had been replaced with something colder, distant—something that made her feel like a stranger in his life. The Takuma she knew, the one she’d been close to for years, had vanished behind a wall of secrets, and she didn’t know how to break through.
Tears finally fell, unbidden, as she leaned against a nearby streetlight, her body trembling with the emotion she could no longer keep at bay. She had trusted him. She had believed that whatever it was, whatever he was hiding, they could face it together. But now, Takuma had pushed her away, as if she were a burden. As if she didn’t matter.
Meanwhile, inside the Organization's headquarters, Takuma had already turned his back on the confrontation. Without a second thought, he entered the simulation room, where Sora, Hikari, and Kaede were already preparing for the next round of tests. His mind was clouded with the remnants of his harsh words to Miu, but he buried it deep inside, shoving the feeling aside as he focused on the task at hand.
“Alright,” Takuma said, his voice sharp and determined, though a hint of tension lingered just beneath the surface. He quickly joined his team, adjusting his gloves and prepping his equipment. Focus, focus, he mentally reminded himself. No time for distractions.
The simulator room was dark, the only light coming from the holographic displays that flickered in front of them. It was a place where reality and illusion blurred together, creating scenarios that tested every skill. Takuma’s mind had already shifted into the mode of strategy, assessing every potential outcome with his usual cold precision. Yet, no matter how hard he tried to push Miu out of his thoughts, she lingered like an unwanted shadow, tugging at the edges of his concentration.
Sora, noticing his distant expression, gave him a curious glance. “Hey, Takuma,” she said in a quiet voice, “you alright? You seem... off today.”
Takuma didn’t immediately respond, his focus remaining on the virtual environment in front of them. His mind was still partially wrapped in the conversation he’d had with Miu. He had pushed her away because it was necessary, but now, he couldn’t help but feel the sting of her absence.
She'll be fine. She’ll get over it, he told himself, though it didn’t feel convincing. I made the right choice.
Kaede, who had been silently observing, chimed in with a grin, trying to lighten the mood. “Maybe Takuma’s just too serious for his own good. I’ve never seen him this tense.”
Takuma didn’t react, but Hikari, ever the more observant one, narrowed her eyes slightly, as if she could see past his cold exterior. “You know,” she said, her voice quiet but not unkind, “if you’re worried about something, we’re here for you. We don’t bite.”
Takuma’s eyes flicked to Hikari, and for a moment, there was a flicker of vulnerability there—quick, fleeting, but enough for her to catch. He turned away before it could be seen, his jaw tight.
“Let’s just finish this test,” he said curtly, his voice lacking its usual warmth. "We’ve got work to do."
The next simulation began, and Takuma threw himself into it with fierce determination. The scenario was a high-risk infiltration mission, and his team was expected to get in, complete the objective, and get out without being detected. The stakes felt higher than usual, and Takuma couldn’t help but notice that, even as he led his team through each stage, there was something... off. He wasn’t operating at full capacity.
His movements were sharp but slightly disconnected, as though his body was working on autopilot while his mind lingered elsewhere. Kaede caught on quickly, as she always did. “Something’s up with you today, Takuma,” she remarked, her tone tinged with concern. “You’re... not yourself.”
“Let’s just focus on the mission,” Takuma snapped, his patience running thin. He didn’t want to talk about it. He didn’t want to think about it. Not now.
But despite his words, his actions betrayed him. He hesitated at a critical moment in the simulation—an opening he normally wouldn’t have missed. His team was forced to improvise, covering for him as they pressed forward.
By the end of the test, only Kaede’s quick thinking and Sora’s sharp reflexes had prevented them from failing. Takuma stood at the edge of the simulation room, his fists clenched at his sides, frustration simmering inside him.
“That was sloppy,” he muttered, though the words were directed more at himself than anyone else. He wasn’t angry with them, but with himself for letting Miu’s departure affect him.
He wasn’t supposed to care about her. He couldn’t afford to care. Not when there were bigger things at stake.
And yet, as he stared at the flickering screens of the simulation, all he could think about was Miu. How had things gotten so complicated?
Takuma took a deep breath, closing his eyes for a moment, shaking off the lingering weight of the earlier confrontation. His mind snapped back to its usual sharp focus, the flickering image of Miu’s hurt face fading from his thoughts. He wasn’t going to let emotions interfere with what needed to be done. Focus, focus, he repeated to himself like a mantra.
He turned to face his team, straightening his posture, shedding any sign of hesitation. "Alright," he said, his voice now back to its usual sharpness, "let’s get back on track. We’re starting over. No mistakes this time."
Sora, Kaede, and Hikari exchanged glances, sensing the shift in Takuma's demeanor. He was back to being the leader they knew, the one who never wavered. Sora cracked a small smile. "Now that's the Takuma we know."
"Let's do it," Kaede added, her eyes lighting up with renewed energy.
With a single nod, Takuma activated the simulation again, this time approaching it with his usual precision. His movements were smooth and calculated as he led them through the maze of challenges. The team worked seamlessly, their coordination perfect as if they had always been in sync. Takuma didn’t miss a beat, guiding them through each obstacle with ease. The hesitation, the slowness from before, was gone. It was like it had never happened at all.
Hikari glanced at Takuma as they moved through the next phase. Her gaze was observant, but she said nothing. She had learned by now that he was the kind of person who wouldn’t share his emotions, not unless it was absolutely necessary. And if Takuma had moved past the earlier incident, then she knew better than to press him. He had his way of handling things, even if it meant keeping everything locked inside.
Sora, on the other hand, looked relieved to see Takuma back to his usual self. He had always been the steady hand guiding them through their challenges. Seeing him falter had thrown her off, but now, she could trust in him again, just as she had from the very beginning.
The simulation progressed, and Takuma’s mind was clear—laser-focused on the task at hand. They breezed through the rest of the challenges with minimal difficulty. Each test, each puzzle, fell apart at their hands, one by one. By the time they completed the session, they had surpassed the highest difficulty levels without breaking a sweat.
"Impressive," Kaede said, her tone approving but still light. "That was the Takuma I’ve been hearing about. Good to have you back in form."
Takuma didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he scanned the simulation's results, noting their progress. The numbers were as high as they could get, and for a brief moment, the satisfaction of a perfect score washed over him. But as soon as the feeling surfaced, he shoved it away, burying it under the weight of the next task at hand. He couldn’t afford to bask in success when the bigger picture was still looming.
"You did great too," he said finally, acknowledging his team’s efforts. But there was no warmth in his voice, just a quiet acknowledgment of their hard work.
The team had noticed the subtle shift in Takuma's behavior. He was still distant, even if the facade of professionalism had returned. His mind wasn’t fully there with them, but they didn’t press him. They had learned by now that when Takuma was like this, there was a reason for it.
The simulation room doors slid open, and they all stepped out, the soft hum of the equipment fading behind them. Takuma led the group through the corridor, but as they walked, he couldn’t shake the nagging feeling in the back of his mind. What have I done?
It wasn’t the first time he’d made a decision he knew was going to affect someone else. Miu’s face—the hurt in her eyes—still lingered in his memory, but now, it felt like an inconvenience. She’ll figure it out.
But as the words echoed in his mind, Takuma felt a flicker of doubt. He had pushed Miu away for a reason, hadn’t he? To protect her. But as the team followed him, moving with that easy confidence they always had in the field, Takuma wondered if he had done more harm than good. Would she forgive him when she realized that he had purposely distanced himself from her?
Takuma didn’t know the answer to that. But right now, it didn’t matter. What mattered was the mission ahead, the team he was building, and the weight of the decisions he would have to make moving forward. He couldn’t afford to lose sight of that, not now.
As they entered the hallway leading out of the simulation room, Takuma glanced back at his team, watching their confident strides, their easy smiles. They trusted him. And he trusted them. That was all that mattered for now.
One step at a time.