After a long talk with Nekomata, Nicole was now certain—nothing had happened.

Nicole patted Nekomata on the shoulder and said, "That's good. Just make sure to keep me updated next time. I definitely won't let Sol go back to his room again."

She had failed this time, but at least Sol hadn't done anything to Nekomata.

Next time, she wouldn't rely on luck. She would stop Sol, no matter what.

"Mm-hmm, I'll report everything to you 'truthfully'."

Nekomata nodded repeatedly, though she was muttering in her heart.

Nicole, boss… don't blame me. I've already become one of the people you're after.

Thinking that way made it feel awkward just to stand near Nicole. Quickly, she said, "Boss Nicole, I'll go make breakfast for everyone!"

Before Nicole could respond, a blur of black darted toward the kitchen.

"How strange… Nekomata's acting weird today. Is she still scared of Sol?"

Nicole frowned slightly, watching Nekomata move about in the kitchen.

Whatever. If she's that scared, I'll just take her out with me later to get her mind off things.

Before long, breakfast was ready. The group sat down together, the atmosphere seemingly peaceful.

Sol kept serving Nekomata dishes with an easy smile, looking relaxed and not angry at all.

In contrast, Nekomata was visibly tense, sneaking glances at Nicole every few seconds and barely tasting her food.

Nicole watched the two and sighed inwardly. So, it really wasn't Sol's fault… Nekomata's just too nervous.

"Nicole, want to go out for a walk?" Sol lifted a hand toward her.

Nicole had been a bit jealous lately, so he figured it was time to give her some attention.

"No, I've got things to do today." Nicole shook her head, a hint of regret on her face. "The funds for the orphanage need planning. Maybe another day."

"Oh, and I'll take Nekomata with me. She's pretty handy to have around."

Since her identity was already known among the team, there was no reason to hide anymore.

And taking Nekomata with her would at least keep her away from Sol for a while—so she wouldn't get bullied again.

"Oh." Sol nodded, then turned toward Anby and Billy. "Anby, Billy, want to hit the arcade?"

"No problem," Anby replied calmly.

It wasn't exactly her favorite kind of activity, but since Sol enjoyed it, she didn't mind going along. It was still a way to relax.

"Sol, boss, I'd love to, but…" Billy scratched his head, a bit sheepish. "I've gotta go grab Monica's new magazine, and later I promised a friend in the Outer Ring I'd drive for him. Gotta make some extra cash."

The pay at the Cunning Hares wasn't bad, but his expenses were monstrous—gun maintenance, Starlight Knight merchandise, Monica collectibles…

Sometimes, his collection hobby cost even more than the upkeep of his weapons. His display case alone could make any otaku's jaw drop.

"Alright, next time then. Today it'll just be Anby and me," Sol said, then smiled at Anby. "If it's just us, how about a movie instead?"

"Sure. That new one, 'Gangland Mirage,' should be good," Anby said, eyes brightening. "Cold atmosphere, combat, intrigue, loyalty, betrayal… it's layered and engaging."

For her, games were a decent way to unwind, but movies offered something deeper.

"Then that's settled." Sol smiled. "Sounds great—and your taste is always spot on."

"Then let's go together." Anby hesitated just a second, then looked at him seriously, amber eyes gleaming. "This time, it's on me."

Sol was caught off guard by her sincerity. Gently ruffling her silver hair, he chuckled. "Alright."

The two headed to the nearest subway and made their way to Lumina Square.

Before long, the pair sat in Gravity Cinema, sharing a tub of popcorn as the movie began.

On screen, a law enforcer went undercover in a crime syndicate, outsmarting both the gang and a traitor within the police.

The plot was intense and full of twists, ending with a spectacular fight sequence.

Anby watched with rapt attention, totally absorbed, her popcorn forgotten for a long time.

Sol, less impressed by the formulaic cop drama, found more joy in feeding her.

He pinched a piece of popcorn and held it to her lips, smiling as she unconsciously opened her mouth and ate it.

She looked so dazed—like a little goldfish blowing bubbles.

Sometimes, when there was a bit of caramel left on his fingers, that goldfish would flick out her tongue to lick it clean.

The simple act amused Sol endlessly.

Couples sitting nearby exchanged knowing smiles and started mimicking them.

Only the poor singles behind them felt like they'd been stabbed in the chest.

Why… why do people have to flirt during a crime movie?

Isn't there an animal rescue hotline for this kind of cruelty?

Two of the single guys looked at each other and, with a sigh, started feeding each other popcorn instead. Bro… it's not ideal, but it'll do.

Two hours later, the movie ended.

"The officer who infiltrated the gang—he was so brave, fighting among all those criminals," Anby said softly, still staring at the credits.

"The last one," Sol said, picking up the final piece of popcorn and holding it to her lips.

"Mm."

Anby automatically opened her mouth and ate it.

But his fingertips brushed her tongue—and she instinctively gave a small lick to catch the last bit of caramel.

Even with her innocence, she knew that was a bit too intimate.

It felt… nice, though. But it didn't feel right toward Nicole.

Her cheeks flushed faintly as she turned to him. "Sorry… I made it hard for you to enjoy the movie."

"No need to apologize. I had a great time," Sol said, standing up with a smile. "Come on, let's walk around a bit, grab lunch."

"Okay."

Anby nodded, trying to stay calm.

She wasn't very hungry, though—especially after spotting two empty popcorn tubs on the table.

Clearly, all that popcorn had ended up in her stomach.

Sigh… sorry, Nicole.

...

On the other side of Lumina Square—

A woman moved carefully through the crowd, feigning calm while ducking from store to store.

Ramen shop. Coffeehouse. Flower boutique…

No matter where she went, she could feel someone following her.

And knowing what that woman was capable of, she was sure it wasn't paranoia.

Some Thiren infiltrator had slipped into the gang, sabotaging several operations from within. If she hadn't spotted the clues herself, she'd still be in the dark like the boss.

She weaved through the crowd, hoping to lose the tail. She had to make it back—to expose everything!

"How rare… someone acting more like a rat than I am."

A low, playful voice came from behind. The Thiren in the gray coat smiled—charming, but dangerous.

"Then I suppose it's time I played the cat for once."