Today is being a difficult day.

You are an elite agent of Cipher Pol Number 9 — the feared CP9. Someone like you has no right to show weakness. Not when everyone expects composure, coldness and efficiency. Not when being vulnerable can be seen as a failure.

But lately, it has been increasingly difficult to ignore Spandam's provocations. He is nothing more than a coward relying on his father's power, and yet he acts as if he has the right to point out your every slightest mistake. Maybe he knows that, despite your strength, you are the most sensitive of the group. Maybe he is testing your limits, hoping to see you crumble.

You, however, refuse to give him that pleasure.

You kept your head down. You swallowed every bitter word you wanted to spit. And when you were finally dismissed, you walked away quickly, without looking around — without realizing that Lucci was silently watching you from a distance.

When you found a secluded corner, you couldn't take it anymore. Your fist hit the wall hard. Some nearby wooden boxes couldn't resist the fury that had been stifled for days. When everything broke, you were the one who fell apart. Panting, you fell to the floor, sitting on the floor, hugging your knees to your chest. Tears escaped without permission, running silently as you hid your face.

It was then that you felt a light weight on your knees.

When you looked up, you came across Hattori — the white pigeon that rarely leaves Lucci's side. He pecked the air gently, as if he knew exactly what you needed at that moment.

You smiled, a fragile but sincere smile. You reached out and stroked Hattori's soft feathers, who cooed happily, as if trying to tell you that everything was okay. For a few moments, your mind drifted away from the pain, focused only on that small gesture of unexpected affection.

You didn't know it, but Lucci continued to watch from afar. His expression remained cold, unchanging. But inside... he was pleased. His plan had worked—Hattori had brought comfort to you. And even if he didn't say it out loud, he cared.

Much more than he let on.