After that whole café mess, Ayumi and Kudo left together, leaving Oshi cowering in his seat, shoulders trembling, eyes distant.
Like the professional spy I am, I continued tailing him for the rest of the day. But honestly… he didn't do much.
He stopped by a convenience store, bought two ice creams, then wandered to a bridge. He rested his elbows on the railing and began eating the two ice creams, as he silently stared at the sunset.
From behind a pole, I watched him carefully. For a second, I really thought he might jump. But thankfully… he didn't.
After that, he just went home. His place wasn't too big or too small—an average two-story house, a little worn down but cozy.
He opened the door and called out, "I'm home."
No response. Just silence.
He went upstairs, changed into his casual clothes, then climbed into bed and fell asleep early.
From a tree outside his window, I observed until the lights went out. Nothing else happened.
So, I left.
The Next Day.
Back in my school uniform, I walked down the streets toward the school gates.
It's so boring just following someone. I thought this would've been more fun, I muttered in my head.
As I stepped into the classroom, everyone's eyes turned toward me.
"…What? Am I a celebrity or something?" I muttered, confused.
As I approached my seat, I noticed two people standing right in front of it.
One had straight yellow hair, the other had slicked-back black hair and an intimidating aura.
The blond one grinned when he spotted me. "Are you the one named Kabe?"
"Who's asking?" I replied plainly.
"My name's Ryuuji," he said. "Rumor has it you beat up my little brother yesterday. That true?"
"What? Me? Nah, I'm a peaceful guy," I said with a smirk, as I crossing my arms.
He chuckled. "Relax, I'm not here to fight you."
My brows furrowed. "Then why are you here?"
"I'm here to recruit you. Into our gang—The Red Dragons."
The room went completely silent. Even the air seemed to tense.
I let the silence hang for a second before answering. "Nah, I'm good."
His grin vanished. His expression hardened.
He walked up slowly—then without warning, BAM!—his fist smashed into my face.
Pain exploded through my cheek, and I hit the floor. His punch was no joke. I could already feel a bruise forming.
I forced myself back up, clutching my jaw.
He's gonna blow my cover… What should I do?
Then, an idea struck me.
I straightened up, bowed deeply, and said, "I'm sorry for beating up your brother."
Ryuuji smirked. "Finally, you know how to act in front of someone stronger than you."
If I wanted to, I could destroy him right here… but my cover comes first, I thought, head still bowed.
He patted my head mockingly. "I'll let you rethink that offer," he said, before turning and walking out of the room.
I let out a long sigh. All I wanted to do was finish my mission. And now I'm trapped between two gangs trying to recruit me?
"Hey, are you okay, man?" a voice asked.
I looked up. Oshi stood beside me, concern written all over his face.
"Yeah, I'm fine."
"Hey, can I ask you something?" I said.
"Yeah, what's up?"
"Why are these gangs so desperate to recruit me?" I asked.
Oshi sat beside me, lowering his voice. "The White Fangs and the Red Dragons are about to go to war. The peace between them's been held together by a thin thread—and that thread just snapped."
Before I could respond, the door slammed open.
"Everyone, take your seats," the teacher announced. "Class is starting again."
Later that day.
School had ended, and I was back in my professional spy outfit. Day two of Operation "Find the Culprit" was underway.
I followed Oshi again—back to the same café where the argument happened yesterday.
This time, he sat alone, quietly drinking coffee. His face was blank, but behind that stillness was something darker—emptiness.
He stayed there for about half an hour before heading to the same convenience store, buying two ice creams, and walked to the bridge.
Same place. Same sunset. Same routine.
I crouched behind the same pole as before, sighing. "Do something already," I muttered under my breath.
That's when I felt it—this weird, crawling sensation on my back. Like someone was watching me.
I turned around.
For a moment, nothing. Then, from a dark alley between two stores… I saw it.
A single eye. Peeking from the shadows, watching me.
I reacted instantly—opened a portal beneath me and reappeared at the alley's entrance.
But when I got there—nothing. The alley was completely empty. Just trash cans, damp walls, and a rat scurrying away.
"Who was that…?" I mumbled, scanning the corners.
I didn't notice it at first—but while I was distracted, Oshi had climbed over the railing. He now stood on the narrow edge of the bridge, looking down at the long drop below.
His lips trembled. "I'm done," he whispered. "I'm done with this… done with all of them."
Then, he leaned forward. Too far.
The wind caught his hair as he began to fall.
A faint smile crossed his face.
If I could be reincarnated… I'd want to be a bird. Free. No orders. No judgment from others. A perfect life…