The Only One

Chapter 25 : The real enemy back

Kou gently adjusted the blanket, tucking it around Riku once more. "He needs rest, Iori-chan," Kou murmured, his voice low. "He's been through a lot. It's hard seeing him like this..."

Iori's jaw clenched, but he nodded, unable to disagree. His focus was entirely on Riku, the boy lying before him, fragile and vulnerable. "I know... but I can't help but feel like I should be doing more for him. He's been through so much already. If only we could stop whatever's causing this."

Riku stirred in his sleep, a soft moan slipping from his lips. His breathing was shallow, a slight wheeze escaping his chest, and his body trembled intermittently. Iori watched with growing anxiety, wishing he could do more to ease his suffering.

A sudden sound at the door interrupted the moment. Nori's voice filtered in, cutting through the tension. "Iori, Kou, we've got news. Tenn's in position. The trap is set."

Iori's eyes flicked toward the door. He gave Riku one last glance before standing, his voice tight. "We need to make sure everything goes according to plan. Keep him safe."

Kou nodded in understanding. "You go. I'll stay with him."

Iori hesitated, glancing at Riku's fevered face. "If anything happens..." His voice trailed off, worry still evident in his tone. "We need to be ready."

Nori, seeing Iori's struggle, stepped closer. "I'll keep you informed, Iori. We'll take care of it. You just focus on Riku."

Iori gave a nod, but the weight of the decision lingered heavily on his shoulders. With one last look at Riku, he left the room, his heart heavy as the door clicked shut behind him.

Tenn stood at the edge of the stage, hidden from view, his heart pounding in his chest. The plan was in motion, but a part of him couldn't shake the anxiety gnawing at him. His mind kept drifting back to Riku—to the fragile, feverish state he was in. The sooner this was over, the better.

"I'll be fine," Tenn whispered to himself. "I'm doing this for Riku. I won't let anyone hurt him again."

His gaze fixed on the hidden security cameras and the surrounding area. He was waiting for the signal. He knew the risks — the potential for danger was all too real. But there was no other choice. They had to catch whoever was behind the attacks, and he would do whatever it took to keep Riku safe.

Back at the dorm, Riku's fever was still climbing, his body wracked with chills. He stirred again in his sleep, mumbling incoherently. Iori returned to his side, eyes filled with concern. He adjusted the damp cloth on Riku's forehead, his fingers brushing against the boy's feverish skin.

"I'm sorry, Nanase-san," Iori whispered softly, his voice breaking. "I'm doing everything I can... Please hang on."

But the words felt hollow in the face of Riku's suffering. Iori knew that they couldn't protect Riku from everything. Not every threat could be thwarted, not every danger avoided. All they could do was fight, push through, and hope they would make it out unscathed.

The trap was set.

As the minutes ticked by, Tenn could feel his nerves tightening. He gripped the small earpiece in his ear, listening to the comms from Nori and the others. But even through all the preparations, his thoughts remained on one thing: Riku. His condition was worsening, and the tension between the members of i7 was palpable. Everyone was on edge, trying to keep things together for the sake of the mission.

But there was no escaping the truth: Riku was slipping. His fever was pushing him to his limit. The sooner they captured the person behind the attacks, the better. Then, they could finally focus on Riku's recovery, and that was what mattered most.