"Vodka, give it to him."
"Yes, boss!"
Vodka pulled an envelope out of his pocket and even patted Macallan on the shoulder with a grin. "Congratulations, Macallan, you've finally escaped the suffering."
"??"
Ritsu took the envelope with a puzzled look. "Can I open it now?"
"Yeah."
Opening the kraft envelope, he found two keys and a slip of paper inside. Printed clearly on the paper was an address, 5-15 Asao Ward, Kawasaki City.
Kawasaki City was near Nishitama. The location seemed to be somewhere between the research institute and the training base but Ritsu couldn't quite understand why Gin was giving him this.
"Starting today, you won't be living at the research institute anymore. This apartment is one I requested from the organization. Quiet surroundings, and convenient transportation."
With the precedent of Moroboshi falling for Akemi at first sight, Gin wanted to avoid the possibility of Macallan developing feelings for Sherry over time. Moving him out of the institute was a top priority.
If Ritsu knew Gin suspected he might fall for Shiho, he'd probably make the same face he did when eating bitter melon. Even if he wanted a relationship, he wasn't about to go after someone who felt like a younger sister.
Besides, Shiho was only thirteen this year. That would practically be a crime.
"I see… but I don't need two keys, right? I won't lose it."
"The other one is his."
"???"
Ritsu and Akai exchanged looks.
He had just been happy about getting a free private apartment, it would've made exchanging intel with Rei much more convenient in the future. But now, he was expected to share it with Moroboshi, who had just joined the organization and might even turn out to be dangerous.
Akai was equally surprised by Gin's arrangement. His feelings were complicated as well. Being able to stay close to a codename member was beneficial but it also meant losing freedom. Contacting the FBI over the next couple of months would likely become much more difficult.
He had also realized that he was being monitored with a listening device. While still under suspicion, it was best not to act rashly.
"Until he earns a codename, Moroboshi will be your subordinate. The two of you will operate as a team."
"Understood."
There was no choice but to accept reality. At least getting a free apartment softened the blow. Ritsu gestured toward Moroboshi. "Come with me."
"Mr. Gin, Mr. Vodka, I'll take my leave."
Though Akai hadn't spent much time in Japan, he still understood proper etiquette between superiors and subordinates. He politely excused himself using formal language.
Back at the parking lot, Ritsu's mood was a bit complicated. He glanced at Moroboshi beside him. "I'm going back to pick up some clothes. What about you?"
"I'd appreciate it if you could take me to my apartment in Beika Town. I need to grab some spare clothes."
"Sure."
"I have a question, should I call you Mr. Macallan or Mr. Nanase?"
Ritsu wasn't particularly picky about names, and he didn't like it when older people spoke to him too formally, it made him feel old.
"Just call me Macallan."
"Got it."
Driving back to the research institute, Ritsu didn't invite Moroboshi inside. After all, he hadn't yet earned Gin's full trust. If Moroboshi saw anything confidential, it could come back to bite him.
Arriving at Lab No. 5, Ritsu quickly swiped his access card and went through the entry procedures. Inside, he saw Shiho in a lab coat, standing by a microscope.
"You're back? Pretty early today."
Shiho gestured toward her latest results. The previous model had failed during testing, so she had to start over. "I've built a new model, take a look. If it passes, I'll move on to simulated screening."
"Sherry, I won't be living here anymore."
"…What?"
Shiho looked momentarily stunned, but quickly regained her composure. Though slightly worried, she kept her tone casual. "The organization's sending you overseas? The U.S., or somewhere else?"
"No, just moving out. Still in Tokyo."
"Oh. I see."
She quietly let out a breath of relief. The last thing she wanted was for the organization to assign someone else to monitor her, she doubted anyone else would be as easy to get along with as him.
"Are you taking Kurotan with you?"
"I'll leave him in your care. He can keep you company."
"Figures. You really are an incompetent owner. You picked him up just to dump him on me for free, didn't you?"
Ritsu shrugged, not denying it. Looking at the newly constructed model, he asked, "Did you adjust the electron density?"
"Yeah." Shiho pulled out a tablet and brought up a 3D image. "Take a look."
After examining it carefully, Ritsu found no issues. He nodded. "The chemical structure looks solid. You can proceed to the next phase. This direction is clearly better than the last one."
"Mm. Go pack your things, I'll keep working."
Ritsu noticed the empty mug on the table, stained with remnants of coffee. He pulled out a box of coffee-flavored candy and said, "Try to cut back on coffee. If you really need it, have one of these."
"Eating too much candy isn't good for you either."
"I'm telling you to consume it in moderation. Take care of yourself, call me if anything comes up."
"It's not like we're parting forever. Do you really have to be so serious?"
'She's really not very honest, is she…'
"Alright, I'm heading out."
"When did you get so naggy? Just go already."
Ritsu chuckled helplessly and waved as he left the lab. Back in his room, he packed up his belongings, then looked at Kurotan, who was still fast asleep. Crouching down, he gently petted him a few times.
Yeah… he really was an incompetent owner.
Dragging his suitcase out, he reached the entrance of the institute then suddenly remembered something he hadn't told Shiho.
"…Forget it. I'll tell her another time."
If that sister-obsessed girl found out her sister might be getting involved with a potentially dangerous man, she'd definitely lose it. And if his telling Shiho ended up ruining a budding relationship for Akemi…
Wouldn't that make him the villain? He might even end up on the bad side of someone heartbroken. Better to keep it quiet for now. Given how close the sisters were, Akemi would probably tell her herself eventually.
Ritsu walked to the back of his car and opened the trunk, placing his luggage inside. Climbing into the driver's seat and fastening his seatbelt, he asked, "What's the exact address of your apartment?"
"5-29 Beika Town."
"Got it."
----
I update 5 chaps per day on p2reon and currently has 4 translation you can read. @Siamus404. The first 50 chapters will be free. Consider giving your support.
Bonus chapter @20 PS