A Kiss Before the Storm
The conversation settled into silence.
Keith closed the file on the screen and leaned back slightly.
"That's enough for now," he said calmly.
"Some truths need time to breathe."
Vermouth crossed her arms, studying him.
"You know who the boss of the Zoo Organization is," she said.
"That wasn't a question."
Jodie nodded immediately, eyes sharp despite her exhaustion.
"You already figured it out, didn't you?"
Keith glanced at Jodie—and for a moment, the tension broke.
"…You look cute when you're serious like that," he said lightly.
Jodie froze.
Her ears turned red in an instant.
"W–What kind of comment is that at a time like this?!"
Vermouth smirked.
Keith chuckled once, then answered properly.
"Yes," he said.
"I know who the boss is."
Both women leaned in.
"But not now," Keith continued.
"I'll deal with him later—when the board is fully set."
He stood.
"For now, we're going home."
Runcandel Mansion
The mansion buzzed with life when they arrived.
Laughter echoed through the halls, the scent of warm food filling the air. It was less like a fortress and more like a family estate—something Jodie hadn't realized she missed until she stepped inside.
Keith gathered everyone in the main hall.
"Everyone," he announced,
"this is Jodie Starling."
Jodie straightened instinctively.
"She's family," Keith continued.
"The daughter of Andrew Starling."
The room shifted.
Keith turned toward three girls.
"Hidemi. Shiho. Akemi."
They looked up.
"She's your cousin."
For a heartbeat, silence—
Then Akemi smiled warmly and stepped forward.
"So… you're Uncle Andrew's daughter."
Shiho nodded politely, eyes observant but gentle.
"I'm Shiho Miyano."
Hidemi followed with a respectful bow.
"I'm Hidemi."
Jodie's throat tightened.
"…It's nice to finally meet you."
Vermouth placed a hand on Jodie's shoulder.
"Come on," she said softly.
"You belong here."
Lunch turned into something unexpectedly warm.
Stories were shared. Teasing followed. Sonoko laughed loudly. Ran listened with wide eyes. Yukiko's cheerfulness filled the table. Even Curaçao and Ethan Hunt relaxed slightly.
For the first time in her life, Jodie Starling felt something unfamiliar—
Belonging.
She laughed. She smiled.
And without realizing it, she kept glancing at Keith.
Evening – Outside the Hotel
The car stopped.
Keith stepped out and opened the door for her.
"This is you."
Jodie hesitated.
"…Can I see you again?"
Keith nodded easily.
"Of course."
He handed her a phone.
"That's my number.
If you want to visit the mansion—or meet your grandfather—just tell me."
Jodie clutched the phone.
"…Thank you."
Keith turned to leave.
Then—
Jodie grabbed his collar.
Before he could react, she pulled him down and pressed a quick, bold kiss to his lips.
It lasted barely a second.
She stepped back instantly, face burning red.
"T–That's for… giving me my family back," she said quickly.
Then she turned and fled toward the hotel entrance, nearly tripping in her haste.
Keith stood there, stunned.
He exhaled slowly.
"…How daring."
A faint smile touched his lips as he looked after her.
"And dangerous," he murmured.
"…I'm looking forward to it."