Chapter 13: May I go home now?

"Number 056, get in!"

"Eek!?"

I’m smacked on the butt and shoved through the iron bars. The cold, unyielding concrete floor delivers a second merciless blow to my poor, precious rear. They confiscated my weapons, but at least they didn’t take my clothes. Thanks to that, the padding on my backside saved me. Without it, I might’ve died instantly.

Hi, it’s me. Fuyuhi Kou.

After that, the Valkyrie girl—my lovely connection, drenched in corruption and favoritism—picked me up just as arranged and dragged me straight into prison… No, technically “correctional custody.” And now that I’ve been thrown in here, I should be regretting accepting the job so lightly—except I’m not. Not even a little.

"Heh heh heh."

Because… my mental fortitude is SUPER-ALLOY DX LEVEL!

I didn’t grow up in Arius for nothing. I’ve slept not only on freezing concrete, but outdoors in storms where rain and wind ripped at me, and I’ve huddled in waterlogged trenches during training. Something like this? Child’s play.

Honestly, this might as well be heaven. First, I lived in a rusted sheet-metal shack in Arius. Then after joining the Helmet Gang, I “upgraded” to abandoned buildings and tents in parks. And now? An actual facility! They even give you three meals a day. How luxurious. Sure, losing my freedom is a little annoying, but with service like this, how could I possibly complain?

"Sorry, Helmet Gang… but this must be what winning at life feels like."

"So you’re the new one?"

"Wh—huh!?"

I was in the middle of striking a cool little pose, hand on my face—thinking not bad—when a voice came from the back of the cell, completely hidden in the darkness. I thought I was alone, so I whip around with my face burning from embarrassment, trying to look effortlessly calm. This is what it means to be a professional.

"Oh, I didn’t expect someone to be here already."

"My apologies. Did I startle you?"

"No, no. It’s my fault for not noticing."

"Is that so…? Ah, right. I haven’t introduced myself."

With that, she stepped out of the dark.

A navy cap, a white coat, and long, beautiful hair. Less “cute girl” and more “handsome heroine,” the kind of beauty that hits you like a shockwave. But not because she resembled the mercenary hired by the enemy—the one I’d been briefed on beforehand.

No. It shocked me because I knew her. Her hair, her face, her voice—everything.

"Joumae Saori…?"

"What? You know me—no, wrong. I’m not Joumae Saori. I’m… U-Umisaki… Sa–Sayuri."

Flustered, she quickly grabbed a mask and put it on to hide her face.

No way. Not a chance. I could never mistake her. It’s her. The Arius terrorist who once appeared on TV… and the family I struggled through so much with. Joumae Saori herself.

"O-oh, sorry. You just looked a lot like someone I saw on TV…"

"I get that a lot. It’s troublesome for me as well."

She’s clearly panicking over the resemblance, but I’m just as panicked—maybe more. Did she notice? Did she sense it? That I’m Fuyuhi Kou? That I’m the filthy traitor who ran away and left them behind?

But… why am I afraid of her knowing? Wasn’t I planning to go see them? I made excuses about preparation, but I already knew the truth. I shouldn’t run anymore. I should go meet them—right now. I was told that by that strange older man. I should choose the path I won’t regret.

But… I’m not ready. Not supplies or allies—my heart isn’t ready. When I see them again, what will they say? Will they curse me? Welcome me? Maybe they’ve forgotten me entirely. No matter what words they throw at me, I’m not prepared to face them yet.

"So, what about you?"

"Ah… right, yeah."

I’m not ready to face them yet.

"My name is… Horii. Horii Nonaka. It’ll only be for a short while—I hope—but let’s get along until then."

"Nonaka… very well. I look forward to it."

We shake hands firmly.

Even through her gloves, her warmth feels nostalgic.

"I’m glad you’re here. No matter how comfy this place is, being alone gets lonely, you know?"

"—!"

…Wow, her face really is gorgeous.

Huh? Wasn’t this supposed to be the emotional, sentimental part? Yeah, well. It’s not like I don’t have things weighing on my mind. Actually, I have too many things weighing on my mind. But if distracting thoughts sneak in, that’s not my fault. Her face is just that good. You should all pay attention—you’ll fall for her too. Her skin is unbelievably smooth, her hair silky and light… I thought this back in Arius as well, but how is she that pretty? Is it natural? Are Kivotos girls genetically overpowered in the “beauty” stat?

But… um… how long are we supposed to keep shaking hands?

"…What’s wrong? I’d really appreciate it if you could let go of my hand soon…"

"…"

"Um, Sayuri… san?"

"……Kou?"

"I’d really like you to let go now… huh?"

—Huh?

"Kou… Kou! Is it you, Kou!?"

"W-wait, Saori—"

"You’re alive! I wanted to see you, for so long! After you left home, after the Student Council fell, I even begged Beatrice to help search for you and we still couldn’t find you. Where have you been? All this time—"

"W-wait. Wait! Y-you’re scaring me!?"

"…I… I’m sorry, Kou, but I…"

"Um… I get that this Kou person is important to you, but…"

"A-ah, right. You’re our precious family member. While you were gone, I tried so hard to take your place, but I couldn’t. We really do need you—"

"I’m not this Kou person."

"…What?"

"I said, I’m not her. I’m Nonaka. Horii Nonaka. This should be our first meeting, right? Miss Umisaki Sayuri?"

Still holding my wrist tightly, she looks down at me with a desperate expression. I meet her eyes with a composed face, forcing myself to stay calm. Funny how seeing someone more panicked than you makes it strangely easy to keep your cool.

"……That’s… impossible."

"Um, hey—"

"Impossible. I wouldn’t mistake you. Kou, you—!"

"Ouch!"

"!? S-sorry, Kou!"

Taking advantage of the loosened grip, I yank my hand free.

"I told you, you’re wrong. I’m Horii Nonaka. I don’t know who this Kou person is or what they mean to you, but aren’t you tired? Mistaking a stranger for someone precious to you… I think you should get some sleep, Sayuri-san. It’s getting late."

"…"

"Sigh…"

She doesn’t respond. Maybe she’s finally calmed down, because after I lie down, she doesn’t say another word.

…Is this okay? I didn’t mess up, did I?

But now, thanks to that, I’m stuck being “Horii Nonaka” around her for a while instead of Fuyuhi Kou. Even though logically, I know I should tell her the truth immediately—that I should apologize, properly. And yet, even if it was in the moment, I lied. I ran away again. From her. From all of them. And worst of all, the fact that I felt relieved—relieved that I had a way to escape again—makes me hate myself.

Ahhh… So I’m sharing a room with her until I finish the job? Now that it’s too late, I really am starting to regret taking this assignment. Maybe they can still revoke it and let me go home.

By the way…

"………"

Um, Saori-san? Why are you staring at me like that? You really should go to sleep, you know. It’s late.