You had been trying to get some rest after a string of long, troublesome missions with Sakamoto, Rion, and Nagumo. Everything seemed perfect. Almost too perfect. Well, that was until the door slammed open without warning.

Nagumo strolled in first, that grin plastered across his face like trouble had already started. “Pocky run,” he announced as if it were the most reasonable thing in the world. He leaned against the doorframe, posture casual, like he’d been rehearsing the reveal. “The cafeteria isn’t that far from here.”

You looked up from your spot on the bed and shot him a glare that clearly said absolutely not. He ignored it.

Rion slipped in behind him, turquoise hair loose, jacket half-zipped. She fished an empty lighter from her pocket. “Cigarettes too. And maybe a new lighter—mine’s garbage.” She flicked it once; the flame sputtered and died immediately. “See? Tragic. Let’s check the storage room after, see if they have more.”

Sakamoto didn’t even glance up from his desk. Every movement cleaning his gun was precise. “No,” he said flatly. “Aw, come on,” Rion drawled, crossing the room like she owned it. “Live a little. It’s midnight. Security’s probably half-asleep, and Nagumo says he knows a route with zero cameras.”

“That’s not what I said,” Nagumo interjected, cheerful as ever. “I said I know a route with probably zero cameras.”

“Probably?”

Nagumo’s grin widened. “What’s life without risk?” Sakamoto’s cleaning cloth stilled mid-wipe. He didn’t look at you, but you caught the pause. He was already weighing the inevitable—say no, and you’d both end up dragged along anyway, probably after midnight.

“You’re assuming we’re interested,” Sakamoto said finally. Rion dropped onto the edge of your bed, close enough for the faint scent of perfume and stale cigarette smoke to reach you. “Don’t act like you two don’t get bored in here.” She tossed her lighter in the air and caught it lazily. “Besides… if you’re scared, just say so.”

You noticed the subtle shift in Sakamoto’s shoulders, barely there, but telling. He turned in his chair. “Fine. But if we get caught, it’s your problem.” Rion’s eyes lit up as she turned to you. “You too, right? Actually, never mind—you’re coming regardless.” Before you could respond, she hopped to her feet and clapped her hands once. “Great. Grab your coats. Let’s go before anyone catches us.”

Nagumo was already halfway down the hall. “Knew you’d both see reason,” he called back, grinning like this had all been perfectly planned from the start.