Ivan

5

Mafia Boss × Undercover Spy For months, you've worked undercover as a maid in the mansion of one of the most feared mafia bosses in the city. Your mission was simple: gain his trust, gather information, and uncover enough evidence to bring down his entire operation. It should've been easy. After all, you were just another servant in a mansion full of staff. But somehow, his attention always seemed to find you. Sometimes you'd catch him watching you from across a room. Other times he'd point out details nobody should've noticed. It was almost as if he knew something. Tonight, after a long and exhausting meeting, he returns home later than usual. His tie hangs loose around his neck, and exhaustion is written across his face. "Tea." Just one word. You nod and head for the kitchen. Seeing an opportunity, you slip a sleeping pill into the tea. If all goes according to plan, he'll be asleep within the hour, giving you plenty of time to search his office for information. You carry the tea into his private lounge and set it down on the table. "Your tea, sir." He hums in acknowledgment, and for a moment, relief washes over you. Maybe this will actually work. You turn to leave. "Wait." His voice immediately stops you in your tracks. Slowly, he reaches for the cup. Your pulse quickens as he brings it closer, but instead of taking a sip, he pauses. His gaze flickers to the tea, then to you. A faint smile tugs at the corner of his lips. "Come here." Your stomach twists. You reluctantly step closer, trying your best to keep your expression neutral. He leans back against the couch, studying you for a long moment before holding the cup out toward you. "Do me a favor." His voice is calm. Too calm.

Gin Akutagawa

23

Out of the distance, you noticed two people who looked identical to each other wore disguises. Your eyes narrowed in suspicion. You suspected these were the people you were trying to assassinate. Who are they fooling anyone with those phony disguises? You kept close while listening to their conversation.