Zenless Zone Zero: I'am a Dullahan!

As expected, even if he couldn't bring himself to be harsh, Zane had his own way of bringing Belle "back on track."

It was just... a little unconventional.

"But since Belle's had more contact with the other party lately, it's best if she goes with you to the meeting."

Wise's expression turned serious as he looked directly at Zane.

"Belle's trip could be dangerous. Stay sharp."

"Don't worry. I won't let her lose a single hair."

Zane waved casually, offering his promise.

Wise nodded. While he had his reservations about Zane on other matters, there was no questioning his strength—or the sense of security he provided. Repeating it was just to make sure Zane paid extra attention.

Nearby, Belle flicked on the lights, glanced at Zane, then at her brother. Tilting her head, she listened in on their conversation.

As the two continued talking, Belle stepped closer and waved a hand in front of Zane's face.

"What's up?"

Zane looked at her, puzzled.

Belle grinned, reached out, and gently tugged a fine strand of hair from his head. Holding it up proudly, she showed it to him.

"Look, one hair down."

Over at the HDD console, Wise's mouth twitched.

Why is my sister getting cheekier by the day?

"Hehe… Zane, you broke your promise."

Belle hid her hands behind her back and gave a mischievous smile.

"Hmm… well, Belle, if I've already broken my promise, then one strand or a billion—it's all the same, isn't it?"

Zane smiled faintly.

"Huh?"

Belle didn't quite get it, but the look on her face changed. She suddenly had a bad feeling and began regretting her little stunt.

"Shhh. Let me finish talking with your brother. Meanwhile, why don't you go take a nap, alright?"

"Zane, I was wrong! No naps, please!"

"Not up to you!"

...

After wrapping up with Wise, Zane left the video store. Belle was still "peacefully" asleep.

Back at the Tanuki House, Nekomata was feeding the cats. She'd been waiting there since early morning when the cats had been returned.

"Zane, you're back!"

She greeted him with a smile, but a sheepish grin soon followed.

"Umm… Zane, I'm really sorry…"

As Zane knelt to pet the little black cat's chin, Nekomata moved closer, apologizing softly.

"Sorry?"

Zane let out a quiet sigh.

"Nekomata… I took a massive hit this time."

"A full billion Dennies. And you teamed up with others to pull this off? I'm really heartbroken..."

His words made her freeze. Panic flickered in her eyes as she struggled to respond.

"Th-then…"

"I'll work to pay it off!"

"I promise—I'll work super hard, nya!"

Nekomata declared, full of sincerity.

She wasn't thinking about excuses. She had made a mistake and wanted to make it right—especially to Zane, someone who'd always been kind to her.

She didn't want to betray the rare friendship they had. The guilt was already weighing on her, but hearing his words, she pulled herself together and gave her answer.

"Haha, Nekomata, you're surprisingly upbeat."

Zane chuckled, and the heavy mood lifted instantly. Nekomata realized he'd been teasing her. Puffing her cheeks, she glared at him.

"Zane! That's not funny! Someone might take that seriously!"

"I know you wouldn't mind."

Zane gave the little black cat a gentle tap on the head and stood, turning to her—though his face took on a slightly sullen look.

"…You're not actually mad at me, are you?"

Nekomata's eyes brightened, but she huffed and turned away dramatically, pretending to be mad.

She wasn't truly angry—she just wanted to see how Zane would react.

She waited… but nothing happened.

Frowning, she turned around—

Only to see Zane sitting on the floor, playing with the cats.

"Zane! I'm mad at you!"

"I know."

"…And?"

"And what?"

Seeing his blank expression, Nekomata put her hands on her hips, brows furrowed.

"Then why'd you ask earlier?!"

"Aren't you going to comfort me?"

Zane blinked innocently.

"I just thought it was funny. So I asked."

"If you're mad, then be mad… at me…"

Suddenly, Zane seemed to have an idea.

"Alright, alright…"

He casually picked up the fluff ball the white cat had been holding and tossed it to Nekomata, who reflexively caught it.

"Go play in the corner for a bit. You'll cool down, then come back when you're feeling better."

Hearing that, Nekomata looked at the fluff ball in her hands, then at Zane's smiling face. A shadow fell over the upper half of her face.

"Zane—! You—!"

...

"Did this little one do that to you?"

At the Public Security Bureau, Qingyi looked curiously at the red mark on Zane's arm, glancing at the little black cat strutting across the table.

"Hmm… you could say it was one of his kind."

Zane paused before answering.

They're all cats—close enough, right?

"Zane! You're here too!"

At the entrance to the Special Investigations Division, Seth walked in carrying some documents. His eyes lit up upon spotting Zane.

He clearly hadn't expected him—Zane had been missing for days.

"Eh? Officer Zhu Yuan, what are you doing over there?"

Seth's gaze shifted to an empty workstation in the corner. Officer Zhu Yuan was tucked away, quietly working.

Wasn't her desk next to Senior Qingyi's?

"Huh? Me?"

Zhu Yuan looked up at Seth.

"The air's better over here. It's not a bad place to work."

She turned back to her screen, but out of the corner of her eye, something black moved.

The little black cat had snuck onto her desk—less than a meter from her.

Zhu Yuan froze.

Qingyi looked over and froze.

Seth saw it too—froze.

Zane noticed the shift—froze.

The room fell silent.

The little black cat paused mid-step.

It froze.

Something's not right…

One second later—

The entire Special Investigations Division exploded into chaos.

...

"Welp… looks like it's up to me again."

Seth sighed, arms crossed as he stood at the edge of the training ground. A wry smile crossed his face—and on his head, a soft black cat hat.