Chapter 45 — The Unofficial Mission
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Kaito sat up fast.
"What? Where do you need help?"
Mio stood in the doorway—small, trembling.
Her usual energy was gone.
She looked down at her hands.
"I know I'm being selfish… I shouldn't put your life in danger."
Kaito stood.
"But what happened? Tell me."
Mio took one step forward.
"I'm going to the Western Peninsula."
Kaito blinked.
"What?"
Then he laughed—short, relieved.
"Ohhh… okay. That's it? You can go. Why are you asking my permission?"
He shrugged.
"What help do you even need?"
Mio walked closer.
Looked up.
Tears in her eyes.
Determination burning behind them.
She reached out—fingers brushing his sleeve.
"I'm going because of my sister."
Kaito's smile faded.
"She's in danger."
He stared.
Mio's voice cracked.
"I can't smile… if she's in danger."
Kaito sat back down—slow.
Thinking.
Mio dropped to her knees in front of him.
"Please… please come with me."
Tears fell.
"Please."
Kaito looked at her—really looked.
Then he stood.
Walked to the door.
Mio's breath hitched.
She thought he was leaving.
She started crying—quiet, broken.
Kaito stopped at the door.
Turned.
"What are you doing there?"
He smiled—soft.
"A man should never let a lady walk alone into danger."
Mio's eyes widened.
She ran—jumped—hugged him tight.
Kaito laughed—awkward.
"Don't worry, Mio. We'll protect your sister."
They started walking.
Down the corridor.
Kaito paused.
"Uh… it's the opposite side."
They turned around.
Laughed—nervous, real.
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**Command prep area.**
Kaito stood in front of Colonel Hasegawa.
"I'm ready, Colonel."
Hasegawa raised an eyebrow.
"What did Mio say to you?"
Kaito shook his head.
"Forget it. I'm not asking permission. I'm going."
Hasegawa sighed.
"I'm not taking you—"
Mio stepped out from behind Kaito.
"You said I can't go without a male. So I took one."
She looked straight at Hasegawa.
"Even if you don't take me… I know the way. I'll go alone."
Hasegawa stared at both of them.
Long silence.
Then she exhaled.
"You two don't understand. This isn't easy. I can't just put assets in danger."
Kaito stepped forward.
"I don't care. I'm not an asset. I'm Kaito. And I'm going with her."
Hasegawa looked at him—really looked.
Then at Mio.
"You already proved yourself once."
She rubbed her temple.
"Fine. Unofficial. Minister Aiko would never agree to this."
Kaito smiled—bright.
"Thank you."
Hasegawa turned.
"Team—prepare. We're moving out."
Her unit appeared—gear on, rifles ready.
Kaito and Mio exchanged a look.
Mio smiled—small, grateful.
Kaito nodded.
They started walking.
Toward the hangar.
Toward the dark.
Together.
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*End*