The cool night air greeted Reiji the moment he stepped out of the shadows.
A quiet alley stretched before him, illuminated only by the pale glow of a nearby streetlight. The neighborhood had already settled into its usual silence while the distant sound of passing cars occasionally drifted through the streets before fading away.
Aoi was already waiting when he arrived.
Dressed in her usual black combat gear, she checked the time on her phone before looking up at him.
Satisfied that he had arrived exactly when expected, she simply turned around and began walking.
Reiji quietly followed behind.
Neither of them exchanged unnecessary greetings.
After several nights working together, they had naturally settled into their respective roles.
Aoi located unattended Gates.
Reiji cleared them.
The arrangement was simple.
The silence between them was no longer awkward. Somehow, without either of them realizing it, it had become comfortable.
