CHAPTER 4: CLOSE ENCOUNTER

Denzuka called Akira.....

Denzuka: "HEYY!"

Akira: "Yes?"

Denzuka: "Where the hell are you?!"

Akira: "At work, genius. Talking to the guy who still doesn't know where I go after class."

Denzuka: "Hehe…"

Akira: "Why'd you call?"

Denzuka: "No reason."

Akira: "You seriously just called for nothing?!"

Denzuka: "Wait—aren't you done with that part-time job? Wasn't it just for last year?"

Akira: "I still need money for school, you know."

Denzuka: "Ah, gotcha. Respect. Anyway, I'll be there by 3. Make my favorite milkshake!"

Akira: "Fine! But you owe me!"

Denzuka: "Haha, thanks!"

Later that afternoon, Denzuka arrived at the café where Akira worked. He spotted Akira behind the counter and greeted him with enthusiasm.

Denzuka: "Konnichiwa!"

Akira gave a small wave and pointed at an empty table. Denzuka waited patiently, and after a few minutes, Akira brought over the milkshake.

Denzuka: "Thanks, Kira-san!" (grinning widely)

Akira: "You're lucky you're my BFF."

Denzuka: "Haha! What's with the face? Not happy to see me?"

Akira (laughs): "Yeah, yeah."

Denzuka: "Rude."

Akira: "Anyway, hang tight. My shift's almost over."

Denzuka: "Sure. Take your time."

As Denzuka relaxed, gazing out the café window, the entrance bell jingled. He turned, then gasped.

Denzuka (whispers loudly): "OMG. The Holy Mafias!"

He whipped around to face Akira, whispering urgently.

Denzuka: "Akira-san!"

Akira looked up, confused. Denzuka subtly pointed at the three men who had just entered.

Akira's eyes widened for a moment. Then he reminded himself—this was a café near the school. Of course people would drop by. Even mafia members were customers in the end. Still, the sight of Zedd, Shaun, and Brixton in his workplace sent a chill down his spine.

Zedd: "Black coffee. No sugar."

Akira: "Y-Yes, sir! Right away."

Shaun: "Hot milk for me."

Brixton (laughs): "Hot milk?! What are you, five?"

Shaun: "It's good for your bones, you dipsh\t."

Brixton: "Hmph. Green tea for me. A real drink for real men. Right, kid?"

Akira (awkwardly): "Y-Yes? Maybe?"

The banter continued until Zedd interrupted with a sharp tone.

Zedd: "Oi. How long do you need to order?"

Shaun: "Sorry." (bows his head slightly)

Shaun nudged Brixton.

Brixton: "Sorry..." (mumbles, copying the gesture)

Once they quieted down, Akira cleared his throat and tallied up the bill.

Akira: "That'll be 900 yen. Will that be cash or card?"

Shaun (reaching for his wallet): "Cash—"

Zedd (cuts in, handing over a bill): "Here."

Shaun blinked in surprise. Their boss never paid. This was a first.

Akira: "S-Sir, this is too much. You gave 2000 yen. It's only 900."

Zedd: "Keep the change."

Akira froze. A 1,100 yen tip? He'd never gotten that kind of money before.

Zedd: "I'll cover your friend's drink too."

Still stunned, Akira could only nod.

Akira: "Th-thank you very much, sir. Please have a seat. I'll bring your drinks shortly."

The trio walked to the table right next to Denzuka's, who was practically vibrating with excitement. His eyes sparkled as he watched them. He secretly wished they'd sit with him.

Moments later, Akira arrived with their drinks.

Akira: "H-here are your orders. Let me know if you need anything else."

Zedd gave a slight nod. Akira returned to the counter just as his boss emerged.

Café Owner: "Shift's over, kid. Good work today."

Akira: "Thank you, sir. I'll stick around for a bit—just want to chat with my friend."

Café Owner: "Sure thing. I'll hold the fort."

Akira grabbed a cup of coffee for himself and milk for Denzuka, heading back to their table.

Akira: "Sorry to keep you waiting."

Denzuka: (grinning) "No worries. I'm in a great mood."

Akira raised a brow.

Akira: "You mean them?" (gestures subtly to the trio nearby)

Denzuka: (nods with a wide smile)

Akira (chuckles softly): "And I bet you don't plan on paying for that milkshake, huh?"

Denzuka: "I will! Eventually...(grinned)"

Akira: "Thought so. Don't worry—it's free this time."

Denzuka: "Wait, really?! Why now?"

Akira (whispering): "Those mafia guys paid for it. And tipped me 1,100 yen."

Denzuka (whispers loudly): "WHAT?! That's awesome!"

Akira: "Shhh! You're whispering too loud!"

They were mid-conversation when—

Zedd: "Mind if we join you?"

The table fell silent. Akira and Denzuka blinked in surprise.

Denzuka: "Yes, please! I mean—of course!"

Akira shot him a glare.

The three Mafias sat down. Zedd beside Akira, Brix next to Denzuka, and Shaun across from them. Akira's nerves spiked.

Zedd: "What's your name?"

Even though they already knew it, the question was formal.

Akira: "Akira. Akira Izumi."

Zedd (offering his hand): "Zedd."

Akira hesitantly shook it. Zedd stared at him for a moment, something flickering in his eyes.

Zedd's thoughts: [Soft hands....No hesitation. No fear. He's been trained… this kid's not ordinary.]

Akira quickly pulled back, posture stiffening. Zedd cleared his throat.

The tension broke when Brixton leaned in.

Brixton: "And this little guy?" (nodding at Denzuka) "What's your name?"

Denzuka: "I'm Denzuka Kirin! You can call me Denzuo." (grinning) "And by the way, Mr. Swordman, I'm not a kid—I'm a second-year COLLEGE student."

Brixton: "Mr. Swordman? Did you just nickname me?"

Denzuka: "I don't know your name yet, so I gave you one based on what you carry. You've always got a sword. So, Swordman."

Akira (internally): ["Why does he talk like they've been friends forever?! Ughh."]

Shaun (chuckling): "Looks like someone can match your energy."

Brixton: "What?!"

Denzuka (teasing, with a laugh): "Haha, so you're the loud one. Noted." 😅

Shaun (deadpan, without looking up): "Top nominee."

Brixton (offended, dramatically): "Excuse you! I have range, not volume!" He crosses his arms. "Besides, Bryan's the real noise pollution!" He was talking about another member of the gang—MIA as usual.

Denzuka: "You guys are hilarious. I thought mafia members would be... I don't know. Cold and scary."

The laughter at the table masked the underlying motive: Black X was watching Akira Izumi. And so far... they weren't sure what to make of him.

Was he just a cheerful part-time worker?

Or something far more dangerous—a well-trained spy from Ground Zero Mafia?

They intended to find out.