The rushed footsteps echoed across the station. The crowd flowed like a river that never stopped, everyone in a hurry, not caring about anyone else. Noir took a deep breath, pulled her sunglasses lower to hide her face, her hand gripping her coat tight.
Orion smirked lightly, a hint of excitement flashing in his eyes.
"Still early. A crowded station like this… perfect stage to disappear."
Specter growled under his breath, shielding Noir while scanning around.
"Don't act reckless. Just one mistake and this whole place turns into hell."
The agents started cutting through the crowd, their eyes like radars scanning every corner. Noir, Specter, and Orion had to decide fast.
Specter quietly moved closer, almost covering her while his eyes memorized every possible spot they could slip into. Orion kept that half-smile, hands in pockets, looking like some laid-back wanderer, but his sharp gaze didn't miss a single weird move.
The agents spread out. Those cold eyes sweeping over everyone made even the civilians uncomfortable. The station lights reflected on their black glasses, making the air even more suffocating. One of them stopped close by, slow and dangerous.
Noir tightened her backpack strap, her heartbeat like drums. She knew one weird move, one sudden step, and everything would blow up.
***
The organization hadn't relaxed at all.
"How is it? Any news yet?" one scientist asked.
"Sir, I'm trying to connect to the other side." an agent replied.
On the big screen, the red dot showed it had entered the city Noir and her team stayed earlier. A new data line popped up. The scientist ordered to open it.
"Looks like they were here, but they already left…"
A short silence, then more data appeared.
"I found some traces left at the station. I'll follow."
"Over."
"Copy." an agent answered.
"Good. Let's see where they think they're running to." the scientist laughed darkly
***
Back at the crowded station.
Orion suddenly wrapped an arm around Noir's shoulder, lowering his voice with a soft laugh.
"Relax, girl. We even talked all night yesterday, what's there to be shy about now, huh?!"
"Come on, lil sis! Let's drink later!" Orion purposely raised his voice like teasing her.
That cheeky tone made Noir freeze for a second. She didn't like being touched like this at all, but she had no choice right now.
Her cold lips curved slightly, when anyone watching would just think a big brother was messing with his sister. She played along.
The agent glanced at them, paused for a breath, then walked past.
Specter followed behind, his hand clenched inside his pocket. He heard his own heartbeat, and Orion's fake carefree voice covering their tension. Luckily they'd changed clothes days ago, which helped them blend in.
They merged deeper into the flow of people, heading toward the exit. When they were far enough, Noir let out a breath, her shoulders still tight. Orion raised a brow, whispering.
"Escaped one round. But these guys got crazy good instincts, they'll chase again soon."
Specter answered low, just enough for them to hear.
"Then we move first. Can't let them shoot us in the legs again."
The noisy street swallowed them after leaving the station. The calls of vendors and wheels scraping on the ground formed a thin layer of safety.
After a moment, Noir shoved Orion's hand off once she was sure no eyes were watching. She stepped back half a step, her cold blue eyes glancing over.
"Don't touch me like that again."
Orion burst out laughing, not embarrassed at all.
"I wanted to be sure."
"Well nothing serious anyway, pretty sis. I just saved the moment. Next time if you want, I'll act as your lover for more drama." *Orion lifted his chin*
Noir narrowed her eyes but didn't answer. Orion's mischief eased the pressure a little, though she hated it. She walked ahead.
Specter, walking beside her, paused a bit when seeing that scene. He pressed his lips, gripping his bag strap unconsciously. A hint of shy emotion flicked across his eyes before he hid it again.
Noir finally spoke, cold but with a faint warmth.
"Anyway… thanks. If not, we couldn't have left the station safely."
Orion laughed louder.
"Huh, what? Say that again?"
"Did you hear that, Specter? The ice queen knows how to say thanks! Goddd?!"
Specter smiled softly and cleared his throat, avoiding Noir's gaze. He didn't know what to say but something sweet and warm rose in his chest. Even ice can melt.
They kept walking, blending with strangers, each carrying a secret and a heartbeat out of sync. And Noir, cold as she was, felt her heart soften a bit. After all the days together… maybe because of them, she felt more "human."
Hours later, they reached a new area. The deeper they went, the fewer people around. Houses lined the road, and behind them were rice fields and corn. The whole place was dyed in warm orange-yellow, giving a comforting feeling.
Specter opened the map, checking the signal.
"The signal from Dr. Aurel is clearer. We're on the right path."
"The rest depends on instinct."
"Great, that's something I don't have." Orion replied like it's obvious.
Among the footsteps and the crowd around, Noir stopped. The feeling of being watched crawled up her neck. Specter stepped beside her.
"What's wrong?"
"Someone's behind." Noir lowered her voice
Both teammates became alert instantly.
She slipped into a hidden corner, leaving a subtle signal for them to flank from two sides.
Noir quickly jumped to higher ground, her view wide. Orion on the left, gripping his knife tight. Specter on the right, ready to throw a flash bomb at anyone stupid enough.
Just like she thought, a small figure followed behind. The moment that shadow turned and didn't see Noir anywhere, Noir dropped down, her cold hand clamping the person's neck, slamming them into the gray brick wall.
"Ahh…"