Three days had passed since Himitsu had taken rest.
Yet, even after all that time, something still felt wrong.
Anyone who looked at him could tell—he didn't seem well. His body appeared fine, but his mind was restless. A strange uneasiness clung to him no matter where he went. Whether he stayed inside his house or stepped outside, the same feeling followed him.
It felt as if someone had been watching him.
Following him.
For three straight days.
Himitsu stood near the window, his expression tense.
This isn't normal, he thought.
Someone has been following me… I'm sure of it.
He clenched his fists.
And whoever it is, they're fast. Clever. This doesn't feel like an ordinary person.
It could even be an enemy.
His eyes darkened.
This isn't my imagination.
For a moment, he closed his eyes and took a slow breath.
"…Enough," he muttered. "Thinking about it won't help."
After a brief pause, he decided, Maybe I should go outside for a walk. Clear my head.
Himitsu stepped out of his house and began walking through the streets of Lunaris.
That was his first mistake.
The moment people noticed him, especially the girls, the atmosphere changed instantly.
Before he could react, several young women surrounded him, forming a loose circle around him. Some giggled, others whispered excitedly. A few even stepped forward shyly, offering small gifts.
Himitsu had always been popular. Strong, calm, and handsome—he had unknowingly become a favorite among many.
But today, he wasn't in the mood.
His shoulders stiffened.
…Now this is a new kind of trouble, he thought as he tilted his head upward in quiet frustration.
Just as he was searching for a way to escape the crowd—
His eyes caught something.
Behind a nearby wall, there was movement.
Subtle.
Careful.
But unmistakable.
Himitsu's expression sharpened instantly.
Without thinking, he leaped forward in a single motion, landing atop the wall with effortless agility.
On the other side—
A figure dressed entirely in black froze for a split second.
Long hair flowed down her back. Her face was hidden behind a mask.
So it was you.
The moment their eyes met, the girl turned and ran.
"Huh—!" Himitsu reacted immediately, jumping down and chasing after her.
She was fast.
Very fast.
They raced through narrow paths, her footsteps light but hurried. Himitsu stayed close behind, his instincts fully awake.
Suddenly—
Her foot slipped.
"—!"
She stumbled forward, losing her balance. As she fell, the mask covering her face slipped away.
Her eyes widened in panic.
She quickly tried to get up and run again—
But it was too late.
Himitsu grabbed her ankle firmly, stopping her escape.
"You've been troubling me for days," he said coldly. "You won't get away now."
She froze.
He tightened his grip slightly and demanded, "Who are you?"
Slowly… hesitantly… the girl turned her face toward him.
The moment Himitsu saw her face—
His eyes widened in pure shock.
"…You?"
The girl standing before him was none other than—
Aira.