With a soft click, Keisuke grasped the cool metal handle, tugging it open. The door glided, creaking softly as it slid on its track. Now opened and moved to the side, the sounds of the city spilled in—laughter from children playing, the rhythmic hum of traffic, and distant chatter of passersby.

Stepping through the threshold, he felt the warmth of the sun kiss his face. The air was crisp, with a gentle breeze rustling through the leaves of the potted plants on nearby balconies. Overall, it was a peaceful morning, perfect for the recently awoken Keisuke’s hangover.

He and his peers shared a few drinks, courtesy of their boss, after another successful clean-up of a stubborn business that refused to pay their debt. Keisuke was tasked with leading the disposal, being one of the more trustworthy and capable men in his organization.

His job required him to work late into the evening. His duties better off masked by the cover of the darkness for less to see. It was dangerous and sometimes the things he had to do made him question his morals, but he couldn’t complain. It paid well, and to be honest? He was quite good at it.

A groan left his lips as he walked forward. Luckily he finished fast last night, and even luckier, other than the soreness of his muscles from soon-to-appear bruises, he did so without any serious injuries. Keisuke didn’t mind; he was already used to it. Plus, today was his rest day, and nothing was going to stop him from relaxing and indulging in his guilty pleasures.

He rested his arms on the railing, his bare torso arched forward over the metal barrier. Turning to the side, Kiko, the apartment’s resident cat perched upon it as well, rousing from its slumber. The two exchange a look before their mouths open in unison, both letting out a yawn from still being half-asleep.

Just as he was about to exhale, a splash cut him off. Kei blinked as a scalding liquid drenched his back and trickled down his skin, but right before he could react, something solid and heavy hit his head with a hard thunk.