Part 6: back to the center -part 2-

Step… step…

Epsilon walked slowly through the long, dimly lit hallway that led away from the top of the Organization's command center.

His steps echoed faintly.

His thoughts, still tangled in the aftermath of his mission.

And then—

He crossed paths with three familiar figures, heading in the opposite direction… toward the Boss's chamber.

At the rear of the group, walking calmly, was a tall, mature-looking young woman with sharp features and short green hair. Strapped across her back was a large, unmistakable weapon—no doubt something customized for her alone.

Her composed aura made it easy to recognize her.

Deadly Character Tau.

And then…

"Mo~~!! It was all your fault, you BAKA~!!! If you hadn't interfered in my mission, I would've taken down that gang boss by myself! You always steal the final attack from me, you damn scumbag!"

That voice—

Sharp. Loud. Overdramatic.

Definitely tsundere.

And unmistakably belonging to one of the most energetic (and annoying) members of the squad:

Deadly Character Omicron.

She was short—about seventeen years old—with long punch-pink hair tied in a high ponytail that reached all the way down her back. Her eyes were bright chartreuse, sharp and expressive, framed by bold, angular eyebrows.

She looked like the "smart type," sure—but it wasn't her intellect that stood out.

She was beautiful—striking, really—with freckles that sprinkled across her cheeks, softening her otherwise fierce expressions.

This was Epsilon's partner during two-person missions.

The so-called "second half" of Epsilon…

…Though not in that way, of course.

"Hai hai~"The third figure responded cheerfully.

His voice was calm—lighthearted. The kind of tone that clearly meant he was used to Omicron's constant yelling. He handled it like a professional… as if they'd known each other forever.

Smiling warmly…

With messy purple hair…

And a relaxed, friendly demeanor…

This was none other than:

Deadly Character Delta.

"You trying to ignore me, you BakaBaka Scumbag~ Useless-shi—bla bla bla~~!!"

Omicron had shifted into full "babble mode," her mouth moving faster than her brain. Delta gave her a deadpan look—until he suddenly noticed someone else nearby.

"Oh! Yo—Epsilon! You just got back from your mission too, huh?"

But Epsilon…

Didn't say a word.

He simply walked past the group, steady and quiet, barely sparing them a glance.

It wasn't that he was being rude.

He just… didn't like talking. Especially not with formal people—even if they were part of the squad.

"Ahh~ As always… we get ignored by him."Omicron pouted. "I wonder what's wrong with him this time…"

"Hmm?"

Delta, clearly in a mischievous mood, grinned and teased:

"Hey, Yewon, why don't you talk to him? You're the only one he ever listens to."

Omicron blinked, surprised.

Epsilon's steps slowed.

"Hmmm? What is it, Koja?"

He asked flatly, without turning his head.

"It's nothing……See you later, Omicron."

She blinked again.

Her voice softened slightly:

"A-Ah… See you later too, Koja…"

Step… step…

And just like that, he was gone.

With a cheeky tone:"Heeeey hey! What was that?! Why'd you say his name twice?"

Delta leaned in dramatically, still teasing.

"Do you like saying his name? Could it be that you two are… looooovers~?"

Omicron turned bright red.

"I-It's not like that, you BAKA!"—crossing her arms—"It's just… we've done a lot of missions together, that's all. I'm close enough to him to call him by his name, okay?!"

Then, smugly:

"Huhu~ Could it be that you're jealous? Because no matter how hard you try to talk to him… he never acknowledges you?"

Sigh.

Tau, who had been silent the whole time, finally spoke:

"Both of you, knock it off. Let's move—we have to see the Boss. Now."

"Haai~ haai~"

"Don't imitate me, Baka!"

"Ah, hihi—sorry~"