Himitsu observed Ryo quietly.
This wasn't the first time.
In fact, it wasn't even the fifth.
Every time Miko appeared, Ryo changed—subtly, yet noticeably. His posture stiffened, his shoulders tensed, his voice faltered just a little. His usual carefree confidence vanished, replaced by awkward pauses and restless movements.
Himitsu had noticed it long ago.
Ryo always became strange around Miko.
Nervous.
Flustered.
Almost… afraid.
And Himitsu knew why.
He likes her, Himitsu thought calmly.
He always has.
Yet, despite knowing this for years, Himitsu had never teased Ryo about it. He wasn't that kind of friend. Some feelings were too fragile to joke about.
Miko chatted cheerfully for a few moments before waving goodbye and walking away, her steps light and carefree. The moment she disappeared from sight, Ryo let out a long breath he hadn't realized he was holding.
Himitsu turned toward him.
"Why don't you just tell her?" he asked casually.
Ryo froze.
"…What?"
"You should tell her," Himitsu repeated. "That you like her."
Ryo nearly jumped out of his skin.
"W-What are you saying all of a sudden?!" he blurted out, panic written all over his face.
Himitsu raised an eyebrow. "I'm just saying the truth."
Ryo stared at him, eyes wide. "How do you even know that I like her?"
Himitsu shrugged lightly. "I've known for a long time."
Ryo's mouth fell open.
"Since when?"
"Since our academy days," Himitsu replied calmly. "Your expressions give you away. Anyone who watches you closely can tell."
Ryo clenched his fists.
"I can't tell her," he said quietly.
Himitsu looked at him more seriously now.
"I don't have that kind of courage," Ryo continued, his voice shaking. "Whenever she's in front of me, I panic. My mind goes blank. I don't know what to say, what to do… I just lose control."
He laughed bitterly.
"And besides… I already know what her answer will be."
Himitsu frowned slightly. "You do?"
Ryo nodded.
"She likes you."
Silence fell between them.
Himitsu blinked. "…What?"
"Don't act surprised," Ryo said with a weak smile. "Everyone knows. Miko is just like the others. She likes you."
Himitsu sighed.
"I don't like her."
Ryo scoffed. "Easy for you to say. Half of Lunaris is in love with you."
Himitsu crossed his arms. "That doesn't mean I return their feelings."
Ryo looked away. "Even if you don't… hearing it from your mouth would still hurt her. I don't want to be the reason she's sad."
Himitsu's expression hardened slightly.
"I don't care how she feels," he said bluntly. "Love and romance are meaningless distractions to me."
Ryo shot him an irritated look. "Of course you'd say that. When so many people chase after you, you don't have the luxury of thinking deeply about it."
Himitsu smirked faintly. "You should be happy. At least I don't like Miko."
Ryo hesitated. "That part… yes, I am. But still—I don't want to hurt her."
Before Himitsu could respond, a familiar authoritative presence interrupted them.
"Himitsu."
They both turned.
Kaiel stood nearby, his sharp eyes focused solely on Himitsu.
"I need to speak with you," Kaiel said.
Himitsu nodded and turned to Ryo. "We'll talk later."
"Yeah," Ryo replied. "Be careful."
Moments later, Himitsu was seated inside Kaiel's vehicle as it moved smoothly through the streets of Lunaris.
Himitsu glanced at Kaiel.
"You seem tense, sir," he said. "What happened?"
Kaiel's expression darkened.
"Solari has attacked one of our outer regions."
Himitsu's gaze sharpened instantly.
Solari—the enemy nation.
"We managed to suppress the attack," Kaiel continued, "but this wasn't a random incident."
"You think it's a warning?" Himitsu asked.
"Yes," Kaiel replied grimly. "They're testing us. Provoking us."
He clenched his jaw.
"Our relationship with Solari has always been fragile. If war breaks out between our nations, innocent people will suffer the most."
Himitsu looked out the window, his thoughts racing.
"That's why I've called for a meeting," Kaiel said. "We need to decide our next move—before Solari makes another strike."
Himitsu nodded slowly.
But deep inside, something stirred.
A strange unease.
Why now…?