Axel walked aimlessly through the city, the late afternoon sun painting golden streaks along the pavement. He didn't have a destination in mind, but that didn't bother him. For once, he wasn't being followed, wasn't executing a mission, wasn't locked into brutal training or preparing to end someone's life.
For the first time in what felt like forever, he was just… walking.
He exhaled, the sound soft but filled with something unfamiliar—peace.
When was the last time I walked like this? No goal, no shadow of blood trailing behind me, no sharp orders in my earpiece? He couldn't recall.
In his past life, every step he took had been calculated. Whether stalking a target, or fleeing a scene, every movement was shaped by purpose. He was a tool—a weapon sharpened by the organization that raised him. A living ghost whose existence revolved around death.
But now, Axel could feel the concrete under his shoes, hear the flutter of a bird overhead, and feel the slight breeze against his skin. No handler watching. No code names echoing in his head. Just… himself.
And oddly, it felt freeing.
The city around him was alive—laughter echoing from alley cafés, children dragging their guardians along sidewalks, cars honking, and music drifting from open shop doors. He passed them all in silence, his expression unreadable but his senses wide open.
Eventually, a hollow growl from his stomach reminded him he hadn't eaten since morning.
With that in mind, Axel decided to find a place to eat before heading home. He turned onto a quieter street lined with small restaurants and was scanning signs when he noticed a girl standing a short distance away, staring directly at him.
At first, he ignored her. But as he moved, she didn't look away. In fact, she took a few steps closer, squinting like she was trying to confirm something.
Axel paused, arching an eyebrow. What's with her?
Then she opened her mouth, eyes wide with sudden recognition. "You must be Axel from Syren, right?!"
Her voice cut through the air with the sharpness of an excited fan who just struck gold.
"Who would've expected I'd run into a star while walking home?!" she added, her face lighting up.
Axel's body tensed slightly, and he instinctively looked down at his hands. His heart sank when he realized the disguise Jayvaughn had given him—cap, sunglasses, and face mask—was still inside his bag, untouched.
Dessie, he growled internally, damnyou.
If she hadn't ambushed him earlier, he wouldn't have forgotten. Now he was standing here, exposed.
But Axel quickly recovered. With a dazzling smile that could send anyone's heart racing—a skill that was part instinct, part training—he replied smoothly, "Hello. Nice to meet you."
The girl practically squealed. "Wow, you're so handsome! My friends said you're a little cutie, but I don't get any cuteness from you at all. Honestly, you're just cool. Like, really cool."
Axel blinked, and just like that, she earned points all because she she said he's cool.
A small smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. I like this kid.
But as he glanced around, he noticed a few passersby slowing down, their eyes flicking toward him with dawning recognition. The girl's voice was far from discreet, and people were starting to whisper.
Time to go.
He offered the girl another smile. "I have to leave now," he said softly. "There's somewhere I need to be."
"Oh! Go, go!" the girl said brightly. "Anyway, it was really nice meeting you!"
Axel gave her a polite nod, but didn't waste another second. People were already moving toward him. He turned and sprinted down the street, slipping through a narrow alley before emerging on another road. Safe, for now.
Catching his breath, he quickly pulled the cap over his hair, donned the sunglasses, and slid the mask over his face. Only then did he allow himself a moment to breathe.
He patted his chest and chuckled. "Thank God I'm quick. If I'd been any slower, I'd be mobbed right now. Being an idol is terrifying."
He shook his head and continued walking, eventually spotting a cozy-looking restaurant tucked between a bookstore and a flower shop. His stomach grumbled again as he stepped inside. The aroma of grilled meat and warm spices enveloped him, and he ordered without fanfare, sitting near the back to keep a low profile.
Lunch was quiet and filling, a rare moment of peace in a life filled with chaos. After finishing, Axel stepped back outside, pulling out his phone to book a ride home. He'd wandered far enough for one day.
As he waited on the sidewalk, a woman caught his attention.
She was walking in his direction, well-dressed and elegant, with sleek heels and a designer handbag swinging at her side. Her face was lowered, eyes glued to her phone screen, unaware of everything around her.
Axel's sharp eyes picked up something most wouldn't—the sound of tires accelerating, the glint of a black car whipping around the corner at full speed.
That car's not slowing down.
His gaze flicked to the woman.
She's about to step right into its path.
Without thinking, Axel ran.
Everything moved in seconds. The woman took a step forward. The car drew closer, horn blaring. Axel reached her, grabbed her arm, and pulled her with all his strength.
They hit the pavement just as the car whooshed past, missing them by inches.
Axel grunted as his side hit the ground. The woman landed beside him, stunned. The car didn't even stop—it kept going, vanishing down the road.
"Damn it," Axel muttered. "Bastard didn't even check if we were okay."
He turned to the woman, who was now sitting up and staring at him with wide eyes. "Are you alright?"
She nodded slowly. "Yes… I think so. I—" She paused, looking at him more closely. Her eyes darted to his face. "Your mask… it fell."
Axel touched his cheek, realizing with a jolt that his sunglasses and mask were gone, lost in the fall.
Perfect.
But the woman's expression was not one of suspicion—rather, it was maternal, even kind.
"I'm sorry, son," she said softly. "I wasn't paying attention. That was careless of me. Are you hurt?"
He shook his head. "I'm fine. Just be more careful next time. Don't text and walk."
She nodded earnestly. "I promise. I really mean it. Thank you for saving me. Let me repay you—how about lunch, on me?"
Axel gave her a lopsided smile. "I appreciate the offer, but I already ate. I'm good."
"Well, thank you again," the woman said warmly. "You're very kind."
Axel helped her to her feet just as his ride pulled up at the curb. He gave her a polite nod, stepped into the car, and leaned back against the seat with a sigh.
As the vehicle pulled away, he caught one last glimpse of the woman waving at him. He waved back out of reflex, but something gnawed at the edge of his thoughts.
That woman… she looked familiar. Where have I seen her before?
He closed his eyes, trying to search through the archives of his mind—but nothing came up. Her face sparked a strange sense of recognition, but no clear memory followed.
Strange, he thought. Maybe I'mjustimaginingit.
Deciding not to dwell on it, Axel let out a breath and rested his head against the window.