Kai was a newcomer.

Just a few weeks ago, he had lived a completely different life (like just a cocky schoolboy), but now he stood in a damp basement, listening to the measured breathing of the hostage.

For the first time, the task was about something more than delivering packages or knocking out debts with petty threats. Next to him, lazily leaning against the wall, stood Nero.

"Nothing complicated", he said, lighting a cigarette.

"The parents will pay, and he will go home. And if not ... well, you understand."

Gray nodded silently.

The hostage was a young student, barely older than himself. You was sitting on a hard chair, your wrists tied behind your back, but your expression was strangely calm. Even your gaze - not angry, not scared, but somehow thoughtful, studying.

"Is this your first time?" you suddenly asked, without raising your head. Gray froze.

"What?"

"You're behaving too ... correctly."

Nero grinned: "Hostage learns quickly."

You tilted your head slightly, as if listening. Gray couldn't think of an answer. Instead, he turned and walked out of the room, feeling Nero's eyes on him.

Three days passed.

Yor parents were slow to give him the money, but no one was in a hurry to take harsh measures. Gray still brought food, made sure the basement was warm, sometimes even let you stretch your arms.

"More comfortable than at home", you muttered once, stretching your fingers.

"What?"

"Nothing."

Gray wanted to say that he didn't care, but for some reason the answer stuck in his throat.