The Hitman and Ramen Girl.

The night had finally arrived. Ryo adjusted his black gloves, glancing over at Anzaki and Micca as they stood near the unmarked delivery truck. The air was thick with tension, the weight of what they were about to do pressing on all of them.

"You sure about this?" Micca asked, checking his concealed weapon. "Lark's security isn't something to mess with. One wrong move, and we're all dead." Ryo shot him a sharp look. "That's why we don't make mistakes. Stick to the plan."

Anzaki approached, handing Ryo a forged ID badge. "These should hold up long enough to get inside. Once we're in, we'll have about thirty minutes before they start checking the records. We have to move fast." Ryo took the badge and exhaled slowly. "Then let's do this."

Inside Lark's Club

Slipping past the guards had been easier than expected. The delivery entrance was busy, workers carrying in crates of expensive liquor and supplies. Ryo and Anzaki blended in effortlessly, while Micca had taken the front entrance, acting the part of a prospective enforcer.

"I'm in position," Micca's voice crackled through Ryo's earpiece. "Lark's in his VIP lounge on the second floor. He's got four guards with him."

Anzaki and Ryo moved through the back corridors, keeping to the shadows. The club's pulsating bass vibrated through the walls, masking their footsteps.

"We need to plant the tracker in his office," Ryo whispered. "Anzaki, can you handle the security feed?"

Anzaki smirked. "Already on it. Give me a few seconds."

As Anzaki worked his magic, Ryo peeked into the hallway leading to Lark's office. Two guards stood watch, their hands resting on holstered weapons.

Micca's voice came through again. "I can cause a distraction. Give me the word." Ryo thought for a moment. "No need. I got this."

With swift, calculated movements, Ryo approached from the shadows, taking down the first guard with a quick chokehold before knocking the second unconscious with a precise strike.

Anzaki raised an eyebrow. "Show-off."

Ryo smirked as he entered the office, planting the tracker under Lark's desk. "Done. Let's move."

The mission had gone perfectly. As they slipped out of the club, Ryo felt a rare sense of satisfaction.

Meanwhile, back at the ramen shop, Hana wiped down the counter as Kenta and Mei counted the day's earnings. Business had been steady, but the three of them were feeling the strain of running the shop. "We need more help," Mei sighed. "It's getting harder to keep up."

"You're right," Hana admitted. "But finding someone reliable isn't easy." Just then, the bell at the entrance jingled, and a familiar face walked in—Aiko, one of Hana's old friends.

"Hana! I need a job," Aiko blurted out before even sitting down. "I've been applying everywhere, but no one's hiring. Please, let me work here!" Hana exchanged glances with Kenta and Mei. They needed help, and Aiko needed work.

Kenta shrugged. "Well, we could use an extra hand."

Before Hana could respond, Taro, the shop's cat, suddenly let out a loud meow from the counter, startling everyone.

"Even Taro agrees," Mei laughed. "Guess you're hired."

Aiko grinned. "You won't regret it!"

After finishing the mission, Ryo, Anzaki, and Micca met up with Riley at their usual safe house. The room smelled of cigarette smoke and cheap instant coffee.

"So?" Riley leaned back in his chair. "Mission complete?"

Ryo tossed a small device onto the table. "Tracker's in place. We got everything we need."

Riley grinned. "Damn, you guys actually pulled it off. Nice work."

Micca stretched. "Yeah, yeah, we're amazing. But can we eat now?" As they relaxed, Ryo checked his phone. Another message from Hana.

"Hana again?" Anzaki teased, smirking. "You're whipped, man."

Micca nudged him. "Maybe he's writing poetry to her when we're not looking." Ryo rolled his eyes, pocketing his phone. "Shut up."

Riley chuckled. "I like her already."

As laughter filled the room, Ryo allowed himself to breathe for the first time that night. The job was done, but another part of his life was waiting for him—one that, no matter how much he tried to ignore, kept pulling him back In.

Ryo sat by the window as the others continued joking around. He could hear Anzaki and Micca debating about their next mission, but his mind wandered back to Hana's message. He imagined her working late at the shop, probably exhausted from the long day. The thought made something inside him tighten.

"You're really thinking hard over there," Riley commented, breaking Ryo's thoughts.

"Just tired," Ryo muttered, leaning back in his chair.

Riley smirked. "Sure, sure. It's not like you're wondering what Hana's up to right now or anything."

Anzaki laughed. "He's definitely thinking about her. I bet he's got a cute reply typed out and everything."

Micca leaned over. "Let's see it!"

Ryo shot them all a glare, rolling his eyes as he tucked his phone away. "You guys are the worst."

Riley just chuckled. "Hey, it's nice seeing you actually care about something outside of work for once."

Ryo sighed, shaking his head. Deep down, he knew they were right. But for now, he'd keep those thoughts to himself.

Tomorrow, he'd have to return to the shadows. But tonight, just for a little while, he allowed himself to think of something—someone—brighter.