???? ??? || Ni-ki ?

IV

The city lights cast a soft glow around her as she weaved through the evening crowd, unaware of the eyes watching her from above.

He had watched people before—businessmen, criminals, politicians. But this felt different.

There was no urgency, no immediate threat. Just an ordinary girl going about her life.

So why the hell is someone paying a fortune for this?

His earpiece crackled.

“Phantom, how’s babysitting duty?” Maki’s voice came through, laced with amusement.

“Quiet,” Riki murmured, adjusting his position.

Rei’s voice followed. “What’s the angle? Any suspicious movements?”

“She’s just going home.”

Maki scoffed. “Wow. Riveting.”

Riki ignored him, watching as Natsumi stopped at a convenience store. She seemed to hesitate, glancing at her phone before stepping inside.

He sighed. He wasn’t here to figure out her life—just to watch.

Still, something about this felt off.

A job this big, with no real danger? There was more to it. He just didn’t know what yet.

And that was what bothered him the most.

Natsumi stood by the counter, her fingers drumming against her coffee cup as she glanced at her phone.

The store’s fluorescent lights buzzed softly overhead.

He should be here soon.

She had handed over the letter earlier in the afternoon, convincing a delivery man near her office to pass it on to Phantom.

If he actually received it, she had no way of knowing.

Still, she couldn’t help but wonder. Would he read it? Would he ignore it?

She sighed. What am I even expecting?

Grabbing her bag, she stepped outside into the cool night air, oblivious to the figure watching from above.

—

Perched on the rooftop, Riki’s gaze followed her as she exited the store.

She had been oddly restless today. Looking around more than usual, checking her phone frequently.

Something felt different.

“Yo, Phantom.”

Maki’s voice cut in through his earpiece.

“What?”

“Did you check the letter?”

Riki didn’t answer. His eyes remained on Natsumi as she walked down the street, her hands stuffed into her coat pockets.

Rei clicked her tongue. “I bet he didn’t.”

“I know he didn’t,” Maki teased. “What if it’s a love letter?”

Riki sighed. “Shut up.”

Rei chuckled. “It had an ‘N’ on it, right? Maybe it’s from her.”

Riki’s jaw tightened.

Coincidence. It had to be.

Even if it wasn’t… it didn’t matter.

“She’s heading home,” he muttered, shifting the topic back.

“Boring,” Maki groaned. “Tell us something interesting.”

Riki didn’t respond.

Because at that moment, something caught his eye.

A man across the street, standing too still. Watching her.

Riki’s expression darkened.

Maybe this job wasn’t going to be so simple after all.

Riki’s fingers flexed against the railing as his gaze locked onto the man across the street. He wasn’t just standing there—he was watching her.

Natsumi, oblivious, continued walking at her usual pace. She had no idea someone’s eyes were on her.

Someone other than me.

Riki exhaled slowly, assessing. The man wore a dark hoodie, hands shoved into his pockets, his stance just a little too stiff. Was he just a random passerby? Or was he—

The man moved.

Slowly, subtly. Keeping his distance but matching Natsumi’s pace.

“Tch.” Riki straightened.

“Something up?” Rei’s voice crackled in his earpiece.

“Someone’s following her.”

Maki immediately perked up. “Wait—seriously? Already?”

Rei’s tone turned sharp. “You sure?”

Riki adjusted his position, keeping his eyes trained on the scene below. “Yeah.”

“Want us to move?” Maki asked.

“No. Stay put.”

Riki’s job was to watch, not interfere.

Unless necessary.

But the more he observed, the more his instincts screamed at him.

Natsumi turned down a quieter street, closer to her apartment. The man did the same.

She still hadn’t noticed.

Riki exhaled.

“Phantom.” Rei’s voice was steady. “If he makes a move”

“I know.”

His grip tightened.

Then, the man sped up.

And that was all Riki needed.

In one fluid motion, he pushed off the rooftop and disappeared into the night.