That afternoon, the Tokyo sky began to turn a reddish orange, sweeping the horizon with a warmth that contrasted with the cold feeling in my chest. I stood on the balcony of my new apartment, gazing into the distance while enjoying the evening breeze sweeping across my face.

Felix stood beside me, his hands resting casually on the balcony railing. He didn’t speak immediately, just stared in the same direction as me, as if waiting for the right moment.

After a moment of silence, Felix spoke in a calm yet attentive tone. “Kai, you’ve never told me about Ben.”

Those words instantly made my chest feel tight. I took a deep breath, trying to calm the emotions that were beginning to stir. The name Ben always brought with it an unhealed wound, a wound that gnawed at me every single day.

“I... I’ve been with Ben since we were kids in the same orphanage,” I answered softly, my voice sounding hoarse. “We grew up together, sharing the same dreams. We wanted to get out of that orphanage, work hard, and one day start our own business or shop.”

I smiled bitterly, remembering all those memories. “Ben was always optimistic. He said that one day we would have a place where people could come and feel comfortable. A small shop, maybe a bookstore or a simple cafe. That was our dream.”

Felix listened intently, not interrupting.

I continued, my voice beginning to tremble. “But that night... that night at the club...” I clenched my fists, remembering the terrible moments still vividly etched in my memory. “I saw our dreams shatter into pieces. I saw Ben... shot by Draco. Right before my eyes.”

My tears almost spilled, but I held them back. “I couldn’t do anything. I could only stand and watch him die. That’s why... I have to avenge him.”

Felix nodded slowly, his face full of empathy. “I understand, Kai. But you must remember, vengeance can make you strong, but it can also destroy you if left unchecked.”

***

Before I could answer, suddenly a black crow landed on the railing between us. Its sharp eyes stared at Felix as if carrying an important message.

Felix frowned, then noticed the bird’s leg. A small, neatly rolled piece of paper was tied there. He carefully removed the paper, unfolded it, and read its contents quickly.

His expression turned serious. “Kai, I have to go now. There’s an urgent mission.”

I nodded, though there was a hint of disappointment in my chest. “Be careful.”

Felix patted my shoulder briefly, then quickly left the apartment with swift steps.

***

After Felix left, the apartment felt so quiet. It was just me alone with the thoughts starting to spin wildly in my head.

I decided to take a shower, trying to calm my troubled mind. The warm water flowed over my body, but it couldn’t wash away the restlessness that continued to haunt me.

After finishing, I stepped out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around my waist. My gaze reflexively fell upon the large mirror on the wall.

There, I saw my own reflection a tired face, eyes filled with pent up anger.

Suddenly, the voice in my head spoke, loud and piercing.

“You shouldn’t be living comfortably in this apartment, Kai. You shouldn’t be relaxing while Ben lies in the ground. You must avenge him. Now!”

My hands clenched tightly. The anger burned, igniting every fiber of my patience.

I couldn’t stay still any longer.

***

Without a second thought, I changed clothes quickly a black jacket, jeans, and comfortable shoes for moving around. I grabbed my apartment keys and went straight out.

The evening streets were still bustling with people returning from work. I ran quickly towards the Black Crow headquarters building, The Perch.

My mind was set on one thing: finding Felix and asking to join this mission. I had to do something. I couldn’t just sit still and wait.

As I was nearly at the headquarters building, I saw Felix exiting the main door. He walked briskly towards a black car waiting in front of the building.

I wanted to call out to him, but something stopped me. Instinct made me stay silent and follow him.

The black car drove away from the headquarters area. I ran after it, but of course, I couldn’t match the car’s speed.

I kept running, my breath starting to gasp, but the determination in my chest didn’t fade.

At a street corner, I saw an old motorcycle, still running, parked in front of a book stall. The owner was probably inside the shop for a moment.

Without thinking, I jumped onto the motorcycle and sped off.

Forgive me, I thought inwardly to the unknown owner.

I rode the motorcycle at high speed, following the trail of Felix’s black car, which was now quite far ahead. Adrenaline pumped hard through my body, and for the first time in a long while, I felt alive felt like I was doing something real.

Felix’s car turned into a quieter street, heading towards an industrial area on the outskirts of the city. I continued to follow from a safe distance, making sure not to be too conspicuous.

Finally, the car stopped in front of an old building a frozen meat shop that looked like it had been out of operation for a long time. The place was dark, silent, and felt suspicious.

I parked the motorcycle behind a stack of old shipping containers, then got off and walked slowly towards the building.

Felix got out of the car, stood for a moment as if making sure no one was following him, then stepped inside the shop.

I hid behind a wall, my heart pounding.

What is Felix doing in a place like this?

Curiosity and anger swirled chaotically in my chest. I knew I had crossed a line, but I didn’t care anymore.

I had to know. I had to see for myself what was happening.

With slow and careful steps, I began to approach the door of the frozen meat shop.

TO BE CONTINUED