Reito sighed.
He knew what the question was before Shin even asked it.
"Code Number 3, also known as Shota, is doing okay. You don't have to worry about him, Shin."
Reito turned to Riku for a moment.
"You don't have to worry about him either."
Reito turned back to face them both.
"Shota was originally mad that you took Akira from him, but he realized in the end it would be stupid to retaliate. I mean, he knows that it's up to the girls if they want to stay with him or not. He can't force them to stay. It would be pretty stupid for him to try to do anything against you in the first place. As soon as I mentioned I wasn't having anything to do with it, he stopped."
A wave of relief washed over Shin and Riku. They both had been worried about this a bit.
Another question arose in Shin's mind. "Wait, Reito. World Headquarters surely knows about what the terrorist group Izanami did recently. Why are they letting you have some free time unguarded?"
"They know if Izanami were stupid enough to take me, everybody would be against them. The only reason other people, in the general sense, aren't stopping them is because they are still trying to figure out what their goal is in the end. The public won't do anything if they stole one Code Number. It's too risky, but they might get outraged if I get taken simply because I am a well-known public figure," he said while he sighed.
"Akane thinks that I am a very beloved figure, but I don't personally think that or care about it. I am just glad the public get to have hope for a cure," Reito said, continuing in a more positive note.
"I'm glad you get to do that, Reito. Just know, being a public figure puts you in more danger. Even if the World Headquarters protects you, it may not be enough," Riku decided to point out to confirm. "You are very beloved by many people, including me. However, it probably means some people hate your guts as well."
Reito nodded slowly in disappointed agreement.
"True, but don't worry about them, Reito. Keep doing an amazing job out there. If World Headquarters has their eyes glued on you, it means they'll have blind spots in other areas," Shin said on a positive note.
"Agreed," Riku stated.
"Thanks, guys. I'll keep doing my best," Reito replied back with a genuine smile.
Shin and Riku were happy to have Reito with them for a bit. He gave off a strong morale vibe that was charismatic. Though that same level of morals could be his downfall one day. Shin and Riku didn't know it yet, but they would be important to his survival.
The trio of Code Numbers moved from their semi-private room back into the main laboratory where the girls were still working away at their research. They decided to take a break once they noticed the guys coming back into the room.
"We've been thinking of taking a break for a while," Yuna added, removing her glasses and rubbing her eyes. "Staring at data for too long makes the numbers blur together."
Shin nodded. "Then let's call everyone for dinner. We brought a lot of girls with us, right? Might as well enjoy a meal as a group."
Misaki smiled. "About time we all got to sit down and eat like normal people."
Akane, who had been in the adjacent wing updating supply manifests, joined them with her signature bottle tucked under her arm. "I second that. I'm starving. Let's round everyone up."
A few calls were made through the internal comms, and within fifteen minutes, the makeshift dormitory wing buzzed with movement. Girls began pouring into the old break room: a spacious, sunken area once used by research staff for coffee, lunch, and late-night brainstorming.
The room had since been cleaned up and repurposed for relaxation and meals.
Soft lights overhead gave the room a warm glow. A long metal table stood in the center, surrounded by several couches and smaller side tables. The scent of warm food, freshly heated by the lab's makeshift kitchen staff, filled the air. Dishes of curry, rice, vegetable stir-fry, miso soup, and various sweets were spread out buffet-style.
Shin was surprised at all the good food. He turned to Akane, who was sitting across from him. "How did you manage all of this?"
She smiled. "I had all the ingredients ready and we transformed the kitchen a while back. Many of the girls had experience cooking, and we over time snuck in kitchen supplies. We don't want to eat bad food while we are here."
Shin nodded happily in understanding.
Ayaka arrived shortly after the others, her face lighting up when she saw Shin. He gave her a nod and a smile as she came to sit beside him. On Shin's other side, Yuna filled his bowl and handed him a pair of chopsticks.
"Eat up," she said with mock sternness. "You'll need your strength tomorrow."
Across from them and to the left, Reito was sandwiched between Maria and Misaki, both throwing questions at him about his public life and the documentary series. He answered humbly, sipping slowly from a glass of tea.
"You must get tired being in the public eye all the time," Misaki commented.
Reito nodded. "I do. But it helps people hope again. Even if just a little."
At the far end of the table, Akane poured herself a drink, gesturing at Riku with a crooked smile. "So, Mr. Code Number Fifth-in-Line. What's your special skill? Reito gives hope. Shin gives strength. What do you bring?"
Riku, mouth full of rice, shrugged. "Charm. Obviously."
Everyone laughed.
For the first time in a long while, the tension that followed them like a shadow lifted.
It didn't feel like a world ravaged by a deadly virus.
It didn't feel like they were fugitives from a global authority.
It felt... like family.
After dinner, plates were cleared and the girls retreated to their respective rooms, full and relaxed. A few lingered in the hallways, whispering and giggling, clearly grateful to be here: safe, together, and with the Code Numbers they adored.
Shin stood at his doorway as Ayaka approached, her expression shy but expectant.
"No fun tonight," he said quietly, causing her to blink in surprise.
"I didn't mean—" she began, but he held up a hand.
"I just want to rest with you." He opened the door and nodded toward the bed.
Ayaka's face softened. "Then I'd be honored."
She stepped in as he closed the door behind them. The room was quiet, lit only by the faint glow of the ceiling lamp set to a warm amber hue. Shin pulled off his shirt and lay back on the bed, one arm behind his head. Ayaka slid under the blanket beside him, resting her head against his chest.
"I like this," she whispered. "You don't have to say anything. I just… like this."
He wrapped his arm around her, feeling her warmth, her steady breathing.
After everything: the near-death escapes, the constant pressure, the burden of being a savior to a world they didn't ask to save, this was what Shin needed most.
Peace.
Even if it wouldn't last.
Even if war crept closer every day.
In the stillness of his room, he let his thoughts drift as Ayaka snuggled closer, her hand resting on his chest. Together, they fell asleep. No words, no stress, and no expectations.
Just comfort.
Just quiet.
Just a moment to breathe.