Chapter Text
"Broooooo!!!" Belle launches herself onto the back cushion of the sofa, landing with a dramatic bounce as her upper body flops over the front. Her arms dangle loosely, head tilted upside down as she grins. "Whatcha doin'?"
Wise exhales softly, lowering his phone with a lazy flick of his wrist. "Nothing in particular, really..." he mutters, absentmindedly raking a hand through his messy silver hair.
After a brief pause, he glances at the screen again. "Although... Eleven has been messaging me more often lately," he adds, his tone neutral, but the slight furrow in his brow betrays his thoughts.
Belle’s grin widens like a cat spotting its prey. "Oh, ho! Now that’s interesting," she coos, her voice dripping with mischief.
Without missing a beat, she kicks off from the backrest, tumbling forward in an unnecessarily acrobatic roll, somehow landing upright on the cushions, legs crossed as if she planned it all along. She shoots Wise a knowing look, waggling her brows.
Wise sighs, sinking a little deeper into his seat. "We were just talking about Inky, you know, the black cat of Six Street?" he says as if that alone should dismiss any assumptions. He glances away, rubbing his temple.
"It’s been getting significantly closer to her lately… and, well… to me too, I guess." His voice trails off at the end.
Without a hint of warning, Belle lunges forward and snatches Wise’s phone right out of his hand. "Yoink!" she chirps, already spinning away before he can react.
Wise flinches, his brain playing catch-up for a split second before he bolts upright. "Hey-!" He reaches out, but Belle is quicker, darting to the side and holding the phone high above her head, just out of his grasp.
"Hah! Too slow!" Belle cackles, shifting the phone from hand to hand like a game of keep-away.
Despite her best efforts, Wise easily towers over her, and she has to stretch onto her tiptoes to keep the device from his grasp.
Even then, it's only a matter of time before he overpowers her. But that doesn't stop her from flicking her eyes across the screen, curiosity sparkling in her gaze as she starts reading the chat.
(16:33) Soldier 11 : Burning Nebula, are you there?
(16:35) Wise : Hey, something the matter? Did something happen?
(16:37) Soldier 11 : Why do you always assume there’s a problem when I contact you?
(16:38) Wise : Sorry! It’s just… well, with your line of work, I guess I worry a little
(16:39) Soldier 11 : I see
(16:41) Soldier 11 : I just wanted to check in. How’s your day going?
(16:42) Wise : Pretty normal. Would’ve liked to get a few more sales in, though…
(16:43) Soldier 11 : Understandable. Mind if I drop by late tonight?
(16:45) Wise : Would you like to rent a movie, 11? If you have something specific in mind, I’ll set it aside for you
(16:46) Soldier 11 : No preference. Could you pick one for me?
(16:47) Wise : Very well
(16:49) Soldier 11 : I’m getting called for duty. See you then, Crimson Twilight
(16:50) Wise : … is calling me by my name that impossible?
(16:50) Soldier 11 : I’m just playing, see you later tonight, Wise
(16:50) Wise : right, cya ♡⸜(˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶)⸝♡
Wise lets out a deep, exasperated groan, rubbing his temples as Belle ‘having thoroughly invaded his privacy’ finally relents and hands his phone back.
He snatches it from her grasp with a sharp glare, but it’s clear she’s far too amused to care.
After all, she had just finished reading through his entire conversation with Soldier 11, one of the first agents they had ever partnered with. Belle flashes a wicked grin, elbowing Wise lightly.
"Wow. She acts way less like a soldier when she’s talking to you. All I ever get from her is that deadpan ‘mission-focused’ face," she says, shaking her head in exaggerated disbelief.
"But you? She actually texts you like a normal person. Suspicious…"
Wise sighs, leaning back against the couch. "We’ve hung out quite a few times. Apparently, I’m the only one who actually took her food recommendations seriously," he mutters.
And somehow… some way… every single time they met, the menu always involved something spicy.
Not just spicy.
Catastrophically, mouth-incineratingly spicy. It got so bad that, at some point, his taste buds just gave in and adapted.
"And now," Wise continues, staring blankly at the floor as if coming to terms with some great existential truth, "I’m one of the only friends she has who can remotely handle her level of spice… to some degree.”
”Not only that… I think I actually like the burning sensation now." His voice is hollow, filled with quiet disbelief.
This is the same Wise who once thought eating spicy chips was living on the edge. And now? Now he was this close to ordering ghost pepper curry without hesitation.
Belle bursts out laughing, doubling over as she clutches her stomach.
"Hah! This is hilarious! Your friendship with her must be really solid if it’s changed your entire spice tolerance," she teases, stretching her arms above her head with a satisfied sigh.
But, in truth, she couldn’t really blame him.
Ever since they had started working with Eleven, she had quickly become one of their go-to agents for commissions. It made sense that Wise, in his own way, had built a connection with her.
Just as the thought of their earliest partners crosses Wise’s mind, the staff-only door slams open with enough force to rattle the hinges.
"MANAGEEERRRR!!!!"
Billy rockets into the room like a whirlwind of excitement, his robotic limbs moving faster than the speed of sound.
"Tell me! TELL ME! you’ve got it! The new STAR. LIGHT. KNIGHT. The New Rising Star Special edition! Do you have it?! Do ya?!" His voice practically glitches from sheer enthusiasm.
Wise barely has time to process the incoming storm that is Billy before slowly turning his gaze toward Belle, silently asking if she was going to handle this one.
Belle just chuckles, unfazed. "Relax, Billy. Didn’t I tell you I’d set it aside just for you?" she says, hopping off the sofa.
She strides toward a well-stocked cabinet filled with rows of neatly arranged movie cases, her fingers effortlessly skimming through them as she searches for Billy’s long-awaited treasure.
"Hi, managers," comes a much calmer voice as Anby steps inside, offering a small, polite wave.
Unlike Billy’s high-energy entrance, her movements are composed, deliberate, like she’s analyzing the atmosphere before engaging.
Moments later, Nicole saunters in, her every step radiating effortless confidence.
"Heeey~ managers," she hums, a smirk tugging at her lips as she drapes herself onto the sofa’s armrest with the grace of someone who absolutely owns the space.
There’s a distinct air of sass behind her every move, as if she’s both greeting them and announcing her presence.
Before Wise can even process the new arrivals, a blur of red and black streaks through the air. In a blink, something warm and shockingly heavy lands directly onto his lap.
"Hellooo, Manager!" Nekomata practically purrs, draping herself across Wise’s legs like she belongs there. She stretches out on her stomach, tail flicking lazily behind her as she rests her chin on her arms.
"I’m in desperate need of some attention," she declares, her voice drenched in playful mischief.
Nicole’s eye twitches ever so slightly as she watches Nekomata make herself far too comfortable on Wise’s lap. Her fingers tighten around the edge of the sofa’s armrest.
Meanwhile, Wise exhales slowly, already knowing resistance is futile. With the air of a man who has long accepted his fate, he lifts a hand and begins to scratch behind Nekomata’s ears.
Almost instantly, she melts, her ears flicking forward as a deep, satisfied purr rumbles from her chest. Her tail sways in slow, lazy arcs, proof that she’s exactly where she wants to be.
With a triumphant grin, Belle raises the tape high like it’s the ultimate prize. "Tadahhh~!" she announces, presenting Starlight Knight: The New Rising Star - Special Edition in all its glory.
Billy freezes. For a split second, there is complete stillness, then he bursts into an uncontrollable frenzy.
"OH MY! OH MY!" he screeches, practically vibrating with excitement as he snatches the tape from her hands. His movements so fast they blur as he clutches his long-awaited treasure.
"THANK YOU SO MUCH, MANAGEERRRR!!!" Billy practically radiates joy, his limbs twitching as if his excitement is too much for his frame to handle. If he could cry, he probably would.
Belle lets out a tired sigh, hands on her hips as she watches the spectacle unfold. "Yeah, yeah. No problem," she says with a knowing smirk. "Though, normally, you’d be pestering Wise to set things aside for you."
Billy’s wild movements stop instantly. He straightens up with mechanical precision, clearing his throat.
"That would normally be correct," he admits, adjusting his jacket with exaggerated importance. "However… Wise refused to answer. So, logically, I messaged you instead."
Wise exhales through his nose, pinching the bridge of his nose like a man who’s simply had enough.
"Just so we’re all clear," he says, voice flat, "Billy messaged me at four in the morning."
He levels a tired gaze at Belle. "And the only person I could imagine being awake at that hour... is you, playing games."
Belle gasps, clutching her chest as if Wise had just stabbed her through the heart.
"Augh! Brother, how could you?" she cries, staggering back like a tragic heroine in a stage play. "Your words… they cut me!"
Then, after a beat, she slumps slightly and huffs. "...Even if you aren’t wrong."
Wise shakes his head, a smirk tugging at his lips.
He wasn’t exactly surprised by Billy’s enthusiasm, but the rest of them showing up together was a little less expected.
"Alright, I get why Billy’s here, but what about the rest of you?" he asks, absentmindedly continuing to scratch behind Nekomata’s ears.
Nekomata lets out a soft, satisfied purr, her tail flicking in lazy arcs. If Wise had any complaints about his current predicament, she certainly wasn’t letting him voice them.
"Well," Nicole begins, flipping her hair over her shoulder, "since we actually have a little extra cash this month, we figured it’d be nice to treat you two to dinner tonight." Her tone is casual, almost like it’s no big deal, but there’s a hint of expectation in her gaze.
"Ooooh~?" Belle coos, leaning forward with an all-too-knowing glint in her eyes.
"And let me guess… this is also a sneaky way to chip away at that little debt you owe us?" Her grin widens, playful yet devious, like a fox that just caught its prey in a trap.
Nicole scoffs, rolling her eyes as she crosses her arms tightly over her chest.
" Tch. You can take it or leave it," she mutters, snapping her head to the side, refusing to meet Belle’s teasing gaze. The way she lifts her chin slightly screams pride intact, but barely.
Belle giggles, straightening her jacket with an air of importance. "Well, if you insist~!" she sing-songs, flashing a cheeky grin.
"We’ll come along! Not like we’ve got anything better to do anyway." Then, with a sly tilt of her head, she adds, "Oh, and just to sweeten the deal… we’ll knock a whole 10% off your debt if you cover our meals, too."
Nicole grumbles under her breath… a whole 10%? That’s not something she can just ignore.
With a reluctant exhale, she throws on a confident grin, masking any hesitation. "Alright, fine!" she declares, as if she had intended to agree all along. No need to let them think they’d won too easily.
"Processing transaction… adjusting outrageous financial burden…" Fairy’s voice cuts through the room with its usual sass.
Then, with a deliberate pause, she announces, "Debt of the Cunning Hare lowered from 642,089 to 577,880. Wow. Such generosity."
Her tone is flat, but somehow still dripping with sarcasm, the artificial echo making it all the more dramatic.
Even with that discount, the number is still painfully high. It stings. Like a deep, existential kind of sting. But hey, at least it’s less painful now.
"Alright then!" Belle claps her hands together, practically bouncing on her heels. "Where are you taking us?"
Wise clears his throat, a quiet but deliberate sound. Belle blinks, tilting her head slightly as she processes the unspoken message. And then, it clicks.
Oh. Right.
Wise still has to meet up with Soldier 11 tonight. It’s probably not until late, but even so, it’s something he needs to keep in mind.
"Something on your mind, Wise?" Anby asks, tilting her head slightly, her sharp eyes studying him with quiet curiosity.
Wise shakes his head, running a hand through his hair. "Kind of," he admits. "But it’s fine. As long as we don’t drag dinner out too long, it shouldn’t be a problem."
"Understood. I’m going to set a reminder now, Master," Fairy intones, her voice crisp and efficient. "I will also update your schedule accordingly, factoring in travel time and your usual meeting time, spot, and duration for optimal accuracy."
For all of Fairy’s attitude, she was undeniably loyal to her Master. Belle huffed, crossing her arms as she shot Wise a side-eye.
Honestly? She was a little jealous. Sure, her relationship with Fairy had been improving lately, no more passive-aggressive error messages directed at her, at least… but still…
SIGH Why couldn’t she have a personal assistant? Someone to remind her of things, schedule appointments, and do all the annoying little tasks she hated? Life was so unfair.
"Thanks, Fairy. Alright, I’m good to go," Wise says, shifting slightly as he nudges Nekomata off his lap with a gentle but firm push.
Nekomata lets out an exaggerated huff, clearly displeased by the forced eviction. Still, she doesn’t protest too much. She stretches her arms high above her head.
"Mmm… that was nice, nya~" she purrs, flicking her tail playfully before hopping off the couch with a lazy grin.
Billy glances at Wise, then turns to Belle, his expression suddenly filled with deep, theatrical, yet genuine concern.
"Manager," he begins, voice laced with unnecessary gravity, "I must ask for your assistance. Can you keep my treasure safe for just a little longer?" He holds up the tape like it’s a priceless artifact.
"I fear that if it does not receive my full, undivided attention, disaster will strike… I may lose it!" His posture is rigid, his tone dramatic, as if he’s genuinely convinced the tape’s fate hangs in the balance.
Belle places a hand over her heart, mirroring Billy’s exaggerated seriousness. "Fear not, dear customer. Your sacred treasure shall remain unharmed in my care."
Grinning, she takes the tape with a flourish and carefully places it atop the movie cabinet, adjusting it ever so slightly, because obviously, such an important film deserves the perfect resting place.
With a satisfied nod, she dusts off her hands. "There. Safe and sound."
"Thanks, manager," Billy sighs dramatically, as if Belle had just lifted the weight of the world off his shoulders.
Then, with a sudden burst of energy, he throws one arm skyward, striking a heroic pose. "Alright! Let’s go to Lumina Square!" he declares, pointing toward the door with the exaggerated confidence of a commander leading an army into battle.
The group starts filing out of the video store, chatting amongst themselves, but Wise lingers for just a moment longer. He turns toward the small Bangboo stationed near the counter.
"Alright, 18, I’m heading out. Store’s in your hands, okay?"
"Ehn-nah!" 18 salutes with a sharp, determined nod, its little ears twitching in what could only be interpreted as pride.
Wise chuckles, giving the tiny worker an approving nod. "Great! I’ll be off now too. And if things get overwhelming, you have permission to close up early, alright?"
With that, he finally steps outside, letting the door click shut behind him.
As the group makes their way toward the metro station, Nekomata easily falls into step beside Wise.
Her tail sways behind her, ears twitching with anticipation. "I really hope the fish is good today, heehee!" she muses, rubbing her hands together as if already imagining the meal.
"Why do you say that?" Wise asks, tilting his head slightly.
Nekomata lets out a small sigh, crossing her arms. "I mean, we’ve been to this place a few times, and their fish is so inconsistent. Some days, it’s fresh and amazing… and other days? Total disappointment." She flicks her tail in annoyance.
"It’s like a gamble every time."
"Maybe you should just get a burger," Anby suggests, her tone casual as she glances at Nekomata.
Nekomata immediately wrinkles her nose. "Ugh… no offense, but burgers aren’t my thing," she mutters, ears flicking downward slightly.
"I see. More for me, then," Anby replies without missing a beat, completely unfazed by Nekomata’s distaste.
The way she says it makes it sound less like a casual remark and more like she’s already mentally tallying how many burgers she’s about to devour.
Nicole casually bumps her shoulder against Wise’s side, nudging him playfully. "Decided on what you’re getting?" she asks, but the moment of contact catches her off guard.
She recoils slightly, blinking in surprise. Jeez… She wasn’t expecting to bounce off him like that. He didn’t look all that muscular, but somehow, he was surprisingly solid, like running into a well-planted tree.
Wise doesn’t even flinch from the impact, barely acknowledging it as he glances over at Nekomata.
When she mentioned fish earlier, it had stirred a craving of his own, something about the idea of crispy, golden-battered fish had been lingering in his mind ever since.
"Well…" he muses, rubbing his chin. "I guess I’m up for some fish too… maybe with fries on the side."
Nekomata’s ears perk up instantly, and she grins, practically bouncing on her heels. "Hey, hey! If you get a good one, you’ll share half with me, right?" she asks, her tail flicking behind her in anticipation.
"Of course! If I get a good one, I’ll do the same, heh!" she adds, flashing a toothy grin as she evens out the deal. It was only fair, after all.
Wise raises a brow. "And what if we both end up with a bad one?" he questions, ruling out the possibility of them both winning the fish lottery.
Nekomata’s ears twitch, and for a moment, she just stares at him, processing the thought.
Then, with a dramatic groan, she throws her hands up. "Ugh! That would suck!" she exclaims, crossing her arms. "And it would mean we’re horribly unlucky!"
She pouts slightly, already envisioning the disappointment of biting into a dry, flavorless fillet.
Nicole smirks, tilting her head slightly. "Oh? What happened to our lucky cat?" she teases, resting a hand on her hip.
Nekomata huffs, ears flicking downward slightly. "I dunno…" she mutters, rubbing the back of her neck.
"Lately, it just feels like my luck’s been running low…" She sighs, shoulders slumping, as if she were genuinely burdened by this tragic realization.
Belle suddenly pops her head between Wise and Nekomata, a teasing grin plastered across her face. "Awwww, is our lucky kitty feeling unlucky?" she coos, her voice dripping with faux sympathy.
Before Nekomata can react, Belle reaches out and pokes her cheek, stretching it ever so slightly just to add to the playful torment.
Nekomata lets out a long, dramatic whine, her ears flattening against her head. "Aaaah! I want my luck back!!!" she wails, flailing her arms like a distressed kitten who just lost its favorite toy.
"Fear not, Nekomata! Your luck shall return in due time!" Billy declares, thrusting a finger skyward like a knight preparing to charge into battle.
"As my glorious king, Red Knight, once proclaimed…" He pauses dramatically, lowering his voice to a solemn, reverent tone.
"The shine of a star can falter… but that which is destined. though lost… will always find its way home! Illuminating the darkness and restoring hope!"
He crosses his arms, nodding to himself as if he had just imparted the most profound wisdom known to man.
Nicole blinks, staring at Billy like he had just recited an ancient prophecy in an unknown language.
Belle, meanwhile, barely holds back a snicker, covering her mouth as she tries to keep a straight face.
Nekomata simply tilts her head, her ears twitching in confusion as if trying to process what she just heard.
And Anby? Well… Anby remains entirely unfazed as if this level of chaos was just another Tuesday.
“Heheh…” Wise scratches his cheek, glancing at Nekomata. "Well… luck isn’t something we can control. It’s intangible. Sometimes it finds us, sometimes it leaves. But if it’s gone for now, it’ll probably come back when you need it most."
Nekomata lets out a long sigh, her shoulders drooping in reluctant acceptance. "I suppose so…" she mumbles.
But just as quickly as her sulking began, she perks up again, a mischievous grin spreading across her face.
"Besides! Even if we do both get the nasty fish, at least we’ll get to laugh at each other!" she exclaims, her tail swishing behind her in amusement.
After a while, the group finally arrives at the restaurant. The moment they step inside, Nicole wastes no time, marching straight up to the counter with a determined gleam in her eyes.
"Hey, these coupons still valid?" she asks, waving them like prized artifacts.
The cashier gives them a quick glance before nodding. "Yep. That'll cut your total cost down by 30%."
Nicole grins, triumphant. Hell yeah . That’s what I’m talking about.
A waitress approaches and gestures toward an open table near the window. "You can sit here," she says with a polite smile. "I’ll be back in a moment to take your drinks and orders."
With that, she turns on her heel and heads off, leaving the group to settle in.
Wise, never one to overthink seating arrangements, casually slides into the inside seat. As long as he had space to sit and eat, he wasn’t about to make a fuss over placement.
Belle follows suit, taking the seat directly across from him. She doesn’t say anything about it, but there’s a glint of mischief in her eyes like she made the choice deliberately for some reason only she knew.
Nicole pauses for a second, briefly wondering why Belle didn’t take the seat next to Wise. But before she can dwell on it, or make a move herself
whoosh! In a blur of red and black, Nekomata effortlessly slides into the spot right beside Wise, her tail swishing as she settles in comfortably.
Nicole closes her eyes and inhales deeply, forcing herself to stay calm. It’s fine. Totally fine. Not like I wanted to sit next to him or anything… Nope. No big deal. Absolutely not bothering her.
Well… at least she could still sit next to Belle.
Or so she thought. Because, the moment she turns, her eyes land on Billy, already right there… Fantastic .
Alright then… sitting next to the lucky cat might actually rub off some good fortune. Not a bad idea.
But before she can act, Anby moves first, casually taking the seat beside Nekomata. Nicole pauses for a second, then exhales through her nose. Guess that settles that.
With no other options left, she slides into the remaining seat, right next to the ever-enthusiastic battle android.
A few moments later, a waitress approaches, notepad in hand. She stops beside their table with a practiced, professional smile. "Good evening. Are you all ready to order?" she asks, pen poised to jot down their selections.
"Yeah, we’re ready," Wise says, barely needing to glance at the menu. "We’ll take two fish and chips, one hamburger meal, a sparkling water, one regular water, and a cola."
He barely has to think about it, he already knows what Nekomata wants, and Anby? Well, her food choices are so predictable at this point that he could’ve placed her order in his sleep.
"Ooooh, can I get the loaded fries? Y’know, the ones with cheese and bacon bits?" Belle pipes up, raising a hand like a student in class. "Oh! And a cola, too!"
Her grin widens slightly because really, nothing beats crispy fries drenched in melted cheese.
"Nothing for me!" Billy declares, puffing out his chest with absolute confidence.
"My purpose here is to elevate the atmosphere! To bring joy, laughter, and a refined sense of camaraderie!" He places a hand over his chest, as if expecting applause for his noble sacrifice.
Nicole hums thoughtfully, tapping her fingers against the table. "I’ll have the creamy mushroom noodles, please," she says smoothly, barely needing to glance at the menu. Simple. Elegant. A good choice.
The waitress quickly jots everything down, nodding as she flips the notepad shut. "Got it. Your drinks will be out shortly," she says with a polite bow before turning on her heel and walking off towards the drink fridge.
"Sooo, Managers!" Billy leans forward eagerly, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. "What have you two been up to? Feels like we haven’t really hung out since the whole Bringer incident."
He pauses, then dramatically waves a hand. "Well, okay, technically we saw each other at the annual Bangboo Beauty Contest… where we suffered a humiliating defeat to Eous." His shoulders slump as he sighs, shaking his head.
"But that’s beside the point!"
Wise and Belle exchange a glance before offering a synchronized shrug. "Nothing much, honestly," Wise says lazily.
"Well…" Belle smirks, leaning in slightly. "Our eye implants and HDD system did finally get an upgrade." Her voice lowers just enough to keep the conversation within their group, but the proud glint in her eyes is unmistakable.
"That’s amazing!" Billy practically vibrates in his seat, his excitement might make him lift off the ground.
Then, just as quickly, he tilts his head, blinking. "Wait… what exactly does that mean?"
"Basically," Belle starts, tapping the side of her head, "most of our drawbacks have been patched out, especially our innate ether aptitude."
She gives a small shrug, as if it’s no big deal, but the implications are huge.
Billy freezes mid-thought, then suddenly jolts upright. "Oh… wait. Does that mean-!" His voice spikes in volume, drawing a few annoyed glances from nearby tables.
"Shhh!" Nicole hisses.
"S-sorry!" Billy whispers, ducking slightly. He leans in, lowering his voice but unable to contain his excitement. "Does that mean you guys don’t need Eous to enter Hollows anymore?!"
Wise and Belle both nod in unison. "Yup," Wise confirms. "But that doesn’t mean Eous is out of the game. If anything, he’s still our safest bet when it comes to Hollow operations."
He leans back slightly, arms crossing over his chest. "He’s our most trusted partner, after all. No matter how much we upgrade, there are just some things only Eous can handle."
"That said," Belle chimes in, resting her chin on her hand, "the biggest change is that we can actually enter Hollows ourselves now. It’s a huge boost to our efficiency. Well, one of us still has to stay at the HDD, though, one of us controls Eous, and me or Wise can free to run Hollow errands in real-time."
She grins. "It basically means we can cover more ground than ever before."
"It’s still going to be tough to manage," Wise admits, tapping his fingers against the table. "But with Fairy, it shouldn’t be a problem at all."
"That’s awesome!" Billy practically buzzes with excitement, his fingers tapping against the table in rapid succession.
Then, as if a new thought suddenly clicks, he tilts his head. "Buuut… I’m guessing this still doesn’t mean you guys can actually assist in battle, huh?"
Wise and Belle exchange a knowing glance before letting out small chuckles.
"Of course not," Belle replies, her voice dropping to a mock whisper as if revealing some great secret. "We’re still just proxies, after all."
"But that’s still awesome!" Billy exclaims, practically bouncing in his seat. His voice is overflowing with energy, like he might burst from excitement at any second.
Anby, ever the opposite, simply nods. "I must agree with Billy," she states in her usual calm, monotone voice. "This is quite exciting news."
A few moments later, the waitress returns, balancing a tray of drinks with practiced ease.
"Here are your drinks," she announces, carefully distributing them one by one. She holds out a glass of sparkling water, which Wise reaches for without hesitation.
Nekomata grabs her glass of still water with a satisfied hum, while Anby and Belle each take their colas. A quiet chorus of “thanks” follows as the drinks are set down.
"Your meals will be out shortly," the waitress adds with a polite nod before turning and heading back toward the kitchen.
Nicole eyes Wise’s drink with pure disbelief, her expression twisting like she just witnessed a crime.
"I still can’t fathom how you drink that stuff… carbonated water," she mutters, resting her head against her palm, elbow propped lazily on the table.
Nekomata tilts her head, ears flicking slightly. "I like it too," she chimes in, sipping at her own drink.
"It’s got this kinda natural acidic bite to it, but at the same time, it’s really refreshing. Especially with the fizzy bubbles, it makes it feel alive."
Wise blinks a few times before letting out a small chuckle. "Well, there goes my explanation," he says, amused. "Pretty much stole the word right out of my mouth."
He swirls the drink in his glass before taking a sip. "It’s definitely an acquired taste, but once you get used to it? Way more refreshing than still water."
Nekomata nods in agreement, "Yeah… but if I had to choose, I’d still go with regular water," she says, sticking out her tongue in playful distaste.
Belle leans forward, resting her elbows on the table as she peers at Nicole with a mischievous grin.
"Oh, and that’s not all, he also drinks his coffee black. Loves his espresso," she adds, tilting her head dramatically for emphasis.
Anby glances over at Wise, her expression as unreadable as ever. "Really? Isn’t that… really bitter?" she asks, tilting her head slightly. "Not that I’d know. I rarely drink coffee, if ever."
She takes a slow sip of her soda, as if to emphasize her neutrality on the subject.
"I wish I could drink it that way," Nicole says, shaking her head. "But my tongue refuses to tolerate the natural bitterness of coffee. It’s just too much."
She leans back slightly, crossing her arms. "So, naturally, I drown it in creamer and sugar until it stops tasting like suffering."
Nekomata hums thoughtfully before chiming in, "I like my coffee black too!" Her tail flicks behind her as she takes a sip of her drink.
"The bitterness stops bothering you after a while… maybe a month or two? Then, instead of just bitter, you start picking up hints of chocolate, or this smooth, nutty undertone that just glides over your tongue."
Belle nods eagerly. "Mhm! That’s exactly what Tin Master always tells me whenever he brews Wise’s usual. Says you have to train your taste buds for it."
She chuckles, leaning back. "And meanwhile, there’s me, rolling up with my caramel latte or some sugary drink that’d probably make him shake his head."
A few minutes later, the waitress returns, carefully balancing a large tray laden with steaming plates and trays of food.
She moves efficiently, placing each dish in front of its rightful owner, the warmth of the meals still lingering in the air.
Once everyone receives their order, a chorus of quiet “thank yous” follows. The waitress gives a small bow before turning on her heel and heading back toward the kitchen, leaving them to enjoy their meal.
Anby doesn’t hesitate, she lifts her burger with both hands and takes a decisive bite, barely pausing to breathe before going in for another.
Nicole lifts her chopsticks, carefully grasping a portion of steaming noodles before blowing gently, watching as the tendrils of heat curl into the air before taking her first bite.
Meanwhile, Belle is in her own world, casually popping fries into her mouth one after the other, completely content with her choice.
Wise cuts into his fried fish, spearing a piece with his fork before taking a bite. The moment it hits his tongue, his expression shifts.
"Ugh…" he mutters, barely suppressing a grimace. "Dry and mushy… at least the crust is crunchy, I guess."
He exhales sharply, resigning himself to his fate. Reaching for the lemon wedge, he gives it a firm squeeze over the fish, watching as the juice dribbles over the dry fillet in hopes of salvaging some flavor.
Nekomata snickers, eyes glinting with amusement as she cuts into her own fish. Now it’s her turn to judge.
She pops a bite into her mouth, her ears perking up almost instantly. "Mmm~!" she hums, tail flicking behind her. "Crispy, a little moist, and super fresh."
She sticks her tongue out playfully at Wise, grinning wide. "Guess luck is on my side today."
Wise lets out a long sigh, slumping slightly in his seat. "Well… at least one of us is lucky," he mutters, stabbing another piece of his unfortunate fish.
Without much choice, he shoves it into his mouth, pairing it with a fry in an attempt to mask the mushy texture. It helps. A little. But not enough to make up for his bad luck.
Belle nearly chokes on a fry as laughter spills out of her. She leans back in her seat, clutching her stomach as she grins at her brother’s suffering. "Better luck next time, bro," she snickers, her voice dripping with amusement.
Wise exhales dramatically, shoulders slumping as he picks up his glass. "Yeah, yeah… laugh it up," he mutters before taking a long sip of his sparkling water.
"Fear not, Manager!" Billy suddenly proclaims, thrusting a fist into the air with unwavering optimism. "I am certain that fortune will find its way back to you soon!"
His voice is so confident, so determined, that for a second, it almost sounds like he’s rallying troops for battle rather than just trying to cheer Wise up.
Anby glances over at Wise’s plate mid-bite, chewing thoughtfully as if analyzing just how bad his luck really is.
Meanwhile, Nicole casually twirls her chopsticks, holding back her hair as she slurps up another mouthful of noodles. A small smirk tugs at her lips, watching Wise suffer through his meal is, admittedly, a little entertaining.
Nekomata hums to herself as she carefully cuts her fish in half. Without hesitation, she slides one portion onto Wise’s plate, her tail flicking slightly as she does so.
Wise blinks before giving her a soft smile. "You really don’t have to, Nekomata," he says, nudging the plate slightly toward her.
Nekomata huffs, crossing her arms as her tail flicks in mock irritation. "Tch. Don’t be dumb. We made a deal before we got here, didn’t we?"
She leans forward, narrowing her eyes. "Now hurry up and give me half of yours before I change my mind!"
Wise exhales softly, shaking his head with an amused smile. Without hesitation, he pushes half of the fish back onto Nekomata’s plate.
"Great. Then I insist you change your mind," he says smoothly. Instantly, Nekomata’s ears flick upward twitching wildly.
Nekomata’s eyes widen before she launches her counterattack, rapidly striking Wise’s arm. "Stop throwing away my kindness, nya!" she whines, her blows light but relentless.
Wise simply chuckles, unfazed by the playful assault, and casually cuts another piece of his fish.
Belle, watching the scene unfold, shakes her head with an exaggerated sigh, placing a hand over her heart as if deeply wounded.
"Tch-tch-tch, Brother, oh my dear brother," she says, her tone dripping with dramatic betrayal. "How could you reject such kindness?"
Wise pointedly ignores Belle’s theatrics, chewing through his less-than-stellar fish with a resigned expression.
Belle smirks, deciding to shift gears. "Speaking of fish," she chimes in, leaning forward slightly. "Wise has recently picked up actual fishing, thanks to Qingyi."
Belle pulls out her phone, her grin widening as she scrolls through her gallery. "Oh, but that’s not even the best part," she says, eyes gleaming with mischief. "She also sent me this."
She flips the screen toward the group, revealing a perfectly timed shot of Wise mid-reel, his entire body straining as a massive 200-kilogram shark is launched into the air.
"Behold," she declares dramatically, barely holding back a laugh. "Wise, the Shark Slayer… well… that’s what Qingyi called him the rest of the day"
The entire table falls into stunned silence, staring at the image of Wise hauling a massive airborne shark.
The absurdity of it lingers in the air like an unspoken question, until Billy, unable to contain himself, suddenly reaches across the table and clamps both hands around Wise’s bicep and tricep, giving them an enthusiastic squeeze.
Wise blinks, momentarily caught off guard by the sudden invasion of his personal space. "Uh…?"
Billy’s fingers tighten around Wise’s arm as he gasps dramatically. "Holy crap, Manager… do you work out or something?!?" His voice shoots up an octave, absolutely bewildered by the unexpected density beneath his grip.
Belle huffs, puffing out her chest with pride. "That’s all thanks to his new training partner!" she declares, folding her arms smugly.
"And honestly? If it weren’t for her, there’s no way Wise would’ve survived half the stuff we’ve dealt with lately."
She nods to herself, clearly pleased with this revelation.
Wise sighs, shaking his head. "It’s nothing to be impressed about," he mutters. "I’m still not fit for combat… just slightly better at running away from dangerous situations."
Belle huffs, crossing her arms with a dramatic sigh. "Nonsense! I wish I had a coach like that!"
She leans forward, gesturing wildly. "Do you know how many more boxes I could carry in a day without feeling like my arms are gonna fall off?! Or how much easier it’d be to run from danger without immediately running out of breath?!"
Her frustration is palpable, and for a moment, it almost sounds like she’s more envious of Wise’s ability to carry extra weight than anything else.
"N-no way…" Nicole mutters, blinking rapidly as if trying to process what she just witnessed. Her eyes dart between Wise and the absurdly large shark still displayed on Belle’s phone.
Meanwhile, Anby tilts her head slightly, her usual unreadable expression in place. "Manager," she says calmly, "would you be willing to test your strength against me in an arm-wrestling match?"
Wise hesitates for a moment before sighing. "Sure… I guess," he mumbles, pushing his nearly finished plate aside.
The others quickly catch on, shuffling plates and glasses out of the way to make space. Anby, ever composed, calmly moves to the other side of the table, settling in without a hint of hesitation.
Both competitors plant their elbows firmly on the table, hands locking in a tight grip. Wise can already feel the tension in Anby’s grasp, it’s like gripping onto solid steel.
Billy, ever the enthusiastic referee, raises his hands over theirs like an announcer at a grand tournament. "Alright, ready?" he asks, eyes gleaming with excitement.
Wise and Anby exchange a nod, signaling their readiness.
"Begin!"
The moment Billy gives the signal, the table trembles ever so slightly under the pressure.
"Oh my goodness!" Billy exclaims, leaning in closer.
Wise grits his teeth, already feeling the immense resistance from Anby. His arm tenses as he pushes with all his might, but despite his effort, Anby remains eerily composed.
She doesn’t budge, only the slight twitch in her eyes hints at the exertion beneath her seemingly effortless stance.
Second by second, Wise feels his grip weaken. Slowly, his arm starts to fold downward, no matter how much effort he puts into resisting. His strength fades until-
thud . His knuckles hit the table, signaling his inevitable defeat.
With a deep sigh, Wise slumps back slightly, staring up at the ceiling in resignation.
Anby lets out a quiet huff, tapping her chin thoughtfully. After a brief pause, she nods to herself.
"If I had to estimate," she says calmly, "I’d say the force you exerted was around… 65 kilograms. That’s within the range of competitive strength levels."
"For real?!" Nicole whips her head toward Anby, then to Wise, then back to Anby as if trying to confirm reality itself.
Anby simply nods, her expression as neutral as ever. "Yes. For real."
Billy claps his hands together with a loud snap, practically vibrating with excitement. "Manager! You gotta tell me your secret!" His glowing eyes shine with curiosity. "Even though I’m an intelligent construct, I must acquire this knowledge!"
"Uuuuuhhh…" Wise hesitates, rubbing the back of his neck. "I don’t really know…" he mutters. "I just do what I’m told. It started off simple… and then, well… it got way more intense."
"And what exactly does this rigorous training involve?" Billy asks instantly, leaning in with laser-focused intensity.
Wise hums, tapping his fingers against the table. "Well… a thirty-minute jog at an inconsistent pace, followed by fifty regular push-ups. Then twenty one-handed push-ups, on both sides. After that, fifty squats, then twenty pistol squads…"
He suddenly pauses, noticing the way everyone is staring at him. A drop of sweat forms on his forehead. "Uh… am I saying too much?"
Billy lunges forward, practically pressing his face against Wise’s, his eyes glowing with unfiltered curiosity. "WHO is putting you through this military-grade training?!" he demands, his voice teetering on the edge of hysteria.
"The first time we met, you could barely hold up your own sister! And now you’re out here hurling sharks?! Explain yourself, Manager! I gotta know!"
Wise shifts uncomfortably, glancing sideways as if searching for an escape route. "Well… about that…" He scratches the back of his head, clearly debating how much he should say.
Then, in a practiced maneuver, he swiftly changes the subject. "Aaaanyway, it’s getting late," he says, voice a little too casual. "Probably time for us to head out."
Belle lazily pulls out her phone, flicking the screen on with a tap. "Hmm… almost 20:00," she muses. "Yeah, probably a good time to call it a night."
Nicole exhales through her nose, slipping her phone out of her pocket. "Very well… I’ll go pay for the food," she says, though the slight strain in her voice betrays her reluctance.
With the bill settled, much to Nicole’s quiet suffering, the group makes their way back toward the metro station, their footsteps light against the evening pavement.
As they walk, Wise lingers slightly behind, his pace slowing as he catches the sound of Nicole mumbling to herself. Her voice is low, almost absentminded, as if lost in thought.
Without a word, Wise reaches into his pocket and pulls out some dennies. Before Nicole can react, he presses the money into her palm, his movements casual, almost dismissive.
Nicole blinks, staring down at the bills before looking up at him, clearly caught off guard. "Huh?"
"That should cover dinner for Belle and me," Wise says simply, stuffing his hands back into his pockets.
Nicole glances away, her fingers tightening slightly around the cash. "W-wait… what about the deal we made at the video store?" she asks, her voice quieter than usual.
Wise shrugs, his expression unreadable. "It’s fine. You guys need it more than we do."
Nicole hesitates, shifting her weight as if debating whether to push back. But in the end, she exhales and straightens up, clearing her throat.
"I-if you insist… then I’ll accept your kindness," she says, trying to sound completely unaffected.
With that, Wise turns on his heel and strides back to the front of the group without another word, as if the conversation had never happened.
Nicole lingers for a second, glancing down at the money in her hand before letting out a small sigh.
With a shake of her head, she tucks it away and picks up her pace, falling back in step with the others.
The proxy siblings finally make it back to their store, the familiar sight of their cozy little shop greeting them with a quiet sense of relief.
Behind the counter, 18 waits patiently, its round body slightly bobbing as it lifts a tiny arm in greeting, giving them a small wave.
"Held down the fort well, 18?" Wise asks as he approaches the counter.
The Bangboo nods enthusiastically, bouncing slightly in place. "Ehn-ehn!" it chirps, spinning in a quick circle for emphasis.
Wise chuckles, giving it a thumbs-up. "Knew I could count on you."
Belle stretches her arms high above her head, arching her back as she lets out a loud, exaggerated yawn.
"Uuuaaaghhh… man, I’m wiped…" she mumbles, shaking her arms out before slumping against the counter.
Wise sighs, shaking his head. "Well, yeah. That’s what happens when you decide to sleep at three in the morning and then drag yourself out of bed at seven for an appointment."
Belle puffs up her cheeks in defiance. "Yeah, yeah, but it was totally worth it! I was one of only forty people who managed to snag this super limited merch!"
Her exhaustion vanishes instantly as she grins triumphantly, sticking out her tongue at Wise before dramatically patting an imaginary trophy on her shoulder.
"Right…" Wise mutters, rubbing the back of his neck. "Anyway, if you’re that tired, just crash early." He exhales, glancing at the clock. "It’s closing time, anyway."
"Alright, then! I’ll leave the restocking to you, bro, good niiiight!" Belle calls out, already halfway up the stairs, waving lazily over her shoulder.
Wise blinks, processing what just happened. His gaze drifts toward the empty staircase before his shoulders slump.
"...She knew I was going to say that," he mutters to himself, dropping to one knee as if struck by an epiphany. His hands press against the floor, his head hanging low.
"Damn… am I spoiling her?!"
Hearing his distress, 18 waddles over, his small frame bouncing slightly with each step. He chirps in his usual playful tone, "Whattawata, watanya," before gently tapping Wise’s side with his tiny arm.
Before Wise can wallow in his self-reflection any longer, the shop’s entrance bell chimes, the soft ding cutting through the quiet space.
"Huh?" He perks up immediately, his exhaustion momentarily forgotten as he pushes himself to his feet and turns toward the door.
A girl steps inside, the dim store lights casting a soft glow against her snow-white hair, tied into a wild high ponytail.
"Oh, Eleven," Wise muses, shifting his weight slightly as he rests one hand on his hip. "Figured you’d be stopping by later tonight, not this early."
"I finished my missions early today…" Soldier 11 mutters, her gaze flickering to the side. There’s a stiffness to her stance, a slight unease in the way her fingers twitch against her arm.
Wise doesn’t need more than a second to read between the lines. He’s known her long enough to tell something’s off.
"You skipped out on another mission, didn’t you?" Wise asks, raising a hand slightly, as if he already knows the answer.
Soldier 11 exhales, her shoulders sagging just a little. "...Yeah. They wanted to give me another shot at a high-priority mission. Something big. Supposedly great for my promotion."
"And you still don’t trust yourself, do you?"
Soldier 11 doesn’t answer right away. She just gives a small nod, barely more than a tilt of her head. Wise exhales through his nose, running a hand through his hair before speaking again.
"Remember what I told you last time? Aside from all our promises?"
Soldier 11 exhales slowly, her fingers absently brushing against her armored sleeve. Her voice is quieter this time, almost as if she’s saying it more to herself than to Wise.
"If I can’t trust myself… then I should trust in you… Because you trust in me."
Wise gives a small, satisfied nod, a confident smile playing on his lips. "Good. Because if you’re entrusting your life to me…" he pauses briefly, meeting her gaze, "then I expect the same in return."
His expression softens slightly, but there’s a firm resolve behind his words. "Now that I can enter Hollows, I’ll be entrusting my life to you."
Soldier 11 blinks, once, twice, then her head tilts slightly, eyes narrowing in disbelief. "...Huh?"
She shifts her weight, arms crossing over her chest as she studies him. "You can enter Hollows now…?" Her voice holds a rare trace of genuine surprise, the revelation catching her completely off guard.
"Yeah, it’s been about a week now," Wise says with a casual shrug. "Our HDD system got an upgrade not too long ago, and with it, I regained most of my innate Ether aptitude."
"I see…" Soldier 11 murmurs, her lips curving into a small smile. A flicker of something passes through her amber eyes.
Wise rests a hand on his hip, tilting his head slightly. "Promotion, it’s not just about rank, right? It’s also a way of measuring someone’s strength?"
Soldier 11’s smile widens, her confidence settling back into place. "It indeed is," she affirms, her voice carrying more certainty this time.
Wise grins, giving a playful shrug. "Great! Because if I’m gonna be diving into Hollows, I’m gonna need someone with a really impressive title watching my back."
His tone is light, teasing, but there’s an undeniable sincerity behind his words. And she knows it.
"Alright," Soldier 11 begins, her voice steady, almost clipped. "There are two, no, three things I’m here for."
As she speaks, she reaches up, smoothly removing her goggles and resting them against her hip, her amber eyes now fully visible.
"And those would be?" Wise asks, tilting his head slightly, his curiosity piqued.
Soldier 11 clears her throat, straightening her posture. "First, I want our training sessions to resume immediately." Her tone is firm and final, as if there’s no room for argument.
Wise lets out a groan, running a hand through his hair. "A-alright," he mutters, clearly less than thrilled but too drained to protest.
Soldier 11 gives a satisfied nod. "Good. Second," she continues, without missing a beat, "I’d like to rent Dimensional Musketeer."
Without hesitation, 18 salutes with an enthusiastic "Ehn-nah!" before whirring into action, rolling toward the shelves at impressive speed to retrieve the tape.
Wise watches the small Bangboo work, chuckling softly. He shakes his head before shifting his gaze back to Soldier 11.
"And lastly…" Soldier 11’s voice softens ever so slightly, a hint of hesitation creeping in. "I want to check on Inky. We… haven’t visited him in a while."
She glances off to the side, brushing a stray lock of white hair behind her ear, an uncharacteristic moment of quiet vulnerability.
"Sure, but I gotta close up shop and restock before I can do anything else," Wise says, rolling his shoulders. "You can just-"
Before he can finish, Soldier 11 cuts in without hesitation. "Then I’ll help."
"You don’t have to," Wise says, waving a hand dismissively.
But Soldier 11 crosses her arms, unwavering. "It’s fine," she replies coolly. "I’ve got nothing better to do anyway."
Wise exhales, shaking his head with a small chuckle. "Alright then. All we gotta do is restock the shelves, not too hard."
Without another word, he turns toward the staff-only room, Soldier 11 falling into step right behind him.
A few minutes later, the two emerge from the back, each carrying a stack of boxes packed with tapes.
They wordlessly get to work, Wise sorting through the inventory while Soldier 11 swiftly places the tapes on the shelves.
Time passes in comfortable silence, the occasional clatter of plastic cases filling the air. Before long, the shelves stand neatly stocked, rows of movie tapes lined up perfectly.
Just as Wise and Soldier 11 are about to step out of the store, 18 waddles up to them, its tiny arms clutching a small bag containing Soldier 11’s movie.
Its round body bobs slightly as it stops in front of her, offering the package with an expectant little chirp “nah!”.
"Right, almost forgot about that," Soldier 11 mutters, reaching down and smoothly taking the bag from 18’s grip
"Thanks a bunch, 18," Wise says, ruffling the top of the Bangboo’s head lightly. "We’re closing up, so go ahead and take the rest up for today, alright?"
18 chirps in response, nodding its small head before turning around and waddling off, its tiny legs moving with an almost mechanical bounce.
With that, Wise and Soldier 11 step out into the quiet streets, the cool night air settling around them.
Their footsteps echo softly against the pavement as they make their way through the dimly lit roads, eventually turning into a secluded back alley behind Howl’s Newsstand.
Perched atop a narrow ledge, bathed in the soft glow of moonlight, sits a sleek black cat.
His deep blue eyes gleam like polished sapphires as he watches them approach, his tail flicking lazily over the edge.
A cheerful "Meow!" rings through the alley as Inky gracefully leaps down from his perch.
He lands lightly beside Soldier 11, his sleek black tail curling as he weaves between her legs, rubbing his side against her in a show of affection.
"Pretty sure that’s cat-speak for ‘I missed you,’" Wise remarks with a grin, crossing his arms as he watches the display.
Soldier 11 kneels down, extending a steady hand toward Inky. The black cat doesn’t hesitate, he rises onto his hind legs, placing his front paws delicately against her palm as if engaging in a silent handshake.
"It’s been a while, Inky," she murmurs, her usually stoic expression softening into a rare smile.
Inky lets out another eager "Meow!" his tone bright, almost excited, as he presses his head against her fingers, demanding more attention.
Wise crouches beside her, resting an arm on his knee as he watches the two interact. "You know, I think Inky might be more attached to you than anyone else," he muses, a knowing smirk playing on his lips.
Soldier 11 nods slowly, her gaze lowering to Inky as he continues to nuzzle against her. "...Yeah," she exhales, her voice quieter now. "But… I can’t take him in. I don’t have the luxury of time for that…"
Her fingers brush over Inky’s fur one last time before she glances up at Wise, her expression unreadable but her intent clear.
"But… I think I can trust you to take care of him."