CHAPTER 5: GROWING INTEREST

Whispers of the Missing

Rumors had begun to slither through the underworld—quiet at first, then spreading like wildfire.

Students were going missing.

Not just dead bodies dumped in alleys or cold pavement scenes that the mafia usually dealt with. Disappearing. Vanishing. No witnesses. No bodies. Just silence.

It was enough to make even seasoned syndicates alert.

At the Black X hideout, the news reached the ears of Zedd. While he didn't panic easily, the mention of school-age victims—young, unknown, alive or not—was unsettling.

A day at School

It was a slow afternoon at school. Akira and Denzuo were relaxing on a park bench under a tree, textbooks open, snacks in hand.

Akira flipped a page. "You think this is gonna be in the test?"

Denzuo took a bite of his bread. "I'm betting my life it's not. You stress too much, man."

Akira frowned. "That's because I actually want to pass."

Their peaceful moment was interrupted by two cheerful voices.

"Hey! Mind if we join you?" said one stranger with an easy smile. The other gave a casual wave. "We're new here—just transferred from Shinto Academy."

Denzuo grinned. "Oh, cool! I'm Denzuo. That's Akira."

Akira gave a nod, a bit hesitant but polite.

"We're Yuuji and Riku," the taller one said, sitting down beside them. "Thanks for letting us join. First day's always rough."

Akira relaxed slightly. Denzuo, always the social one, was already engaged in a full conversation.

Before the bell rang, Yuuji smiled. "Hey, we really appreciate you two talking to us. How about dinner after school? Our treat."

Denzuo brightened. "Free food? I'm in!"

Akira hesitated. "Uh, yeah... sure, why not?"

They all nodded, parting ways with a promise to meet after classes.

The Trap

After school, they regrouped at the front gate. The sun had started to dip as they walked toward an old apartment on the edge of the city.

Akira whispered to Denzuo, "This place gives me a weird feeling."

"Don't be so stiff," Denzuo said cheerfully. "They're just new guys trying to make friends."

The apartment was quiet. Sparse. Only a few tenants walking around.

Inside the room, it was barebones. A table, a fan, and not much else.

"Make yourselves at home," Riku said, gesturing to the old couch.

They sat. After a few minutes, the two strangers returned with barbecue and a bottle of alcohol.

"Celebration meal," Yuuji grinned. "For new friendships."

Denzuo's eyes widened. "Wow, are we celebrating something?"

"Just life, man," Riku said with a chuckle.

They poured drinks. Yuuji handed a glass to Akira.

"I... I'm not really a drinker," Akira said cautiously.

Denzuo nudged him. "Come on, it's not like it's our first time. We're not kids anymore."

Akira sighed and gave in. "Alright. But just one."

As the drinks went around, conversation flowed. Jokes. School stories. Laughter.

But suddenly—Akira blinked. His vision warped.

"Wait... what's happening...?"

Denzuo's head lolled. "I... feel weird..."

The room spun. Their voices slurred.

Then, everything went black.

Yuuji smirked as both bodies hit the floor.

"They went down easy," he said.

"Almost too easy," Riku agreed.

Together, they lifted the unconscious teens and carried them out the back of the apartment, heading through a hidden exit that led to a small forest trail.

But from the rooftops—eyes were watching.

Black X Meeting Room

Inside the dimly lit Black X headquarters, a meeting was underway. Zedd sat at the head of the long table, arms folded. Shaun and Brixton flanked him.

Members gave updates—smuggling routes, street patrols, intel gathered. Everything was flowing smoothly.

Until a knock echoed on the door.

"Yo," said Bryan, pushing the door open. The member who's always MIA.

"You're late," Brixton muttered, waving lazily.

Bryan shrugged. "Got some interesting news, though."

Zedd motioned for the reports to continue.

When it was Bryan's turn, he stood, eyes sharp.

"I've been keeping watch on Akira," he began. "From the shadows. Never revealed myself. Standard tailing." To keep tabs in case he was linked to Ground Zero."

Zedd nodded silently. "Go on."

Bryan's tone shifted. "Earlier today, I followed him and Denzuo. They met two 'new students'. Friendly types. Too friendly. Fast forward—they're invited to 'dinner'."

"Let me guess," Shaun said darkly, "they didn't eat dinner."

Bryan nodded. "Old apartment. Remote. I tailed from a distance. Saw them drink. Saw them drop. Drugged."

Zedd's brows furrowed.

"They were carried through a hidden path behind the building," Bryan continued. "And the two strangers? They're not in the school registry."

Shaun clenched his jaw. "So it's tied to the missing students."

Bryan nodded. "No doubt."

Zedd slammed his fist on the table, making everyone jump.

"You're telling me he—Akira—got himself abducted like some clueless civilian?!"

Shaun chimed in. "If he's Ground Zero, why wouldn't he fight back? Or at least notice something was off?"

"Did he fight?" Zedd asked Bryan.

"Nope. Too trusting. They both were," Bryan replied, arms crossed. "They went in like sheep."

Shaun exhaled. "That's not how a mafia thinks."

Zedd's eyes darkened. "So he's either an idiot… or he's playing something long."

Bryan added casually, "Either way, he's lucky I was watching."

A tense silence followed.

Then Zedd gave the order.

"Bryan. Brixton. Shaun. Go to the area. I want the truth—about Akira—on my desk by tonight."

All three stood.

"Got it," said Bryan.

"Let's go," Brixton said, cracking his knuckles.

Shaun adjusted his gloves. "This better not be another rat trap."

As they left, the tension in the room remained thick.

Zedd leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing.

"Akira… just what are you?"