Unveiling Shadows

"Lidiya, where are you?"

"Walking out of the scene."

"Good, I want to talk later. You and Kasumi."

"Hmm, Alright then, meet you later~" Her voice held a playful tone as she hung up, leaving me to focus on the urgent task at hand: getting away.

I hope Senpai is safe...

A few minutes later... I went back to my house as I rushed in, noticing Lidiya and Kasumi standing near the stairs. "Come to my room, both of you."

The two nodded as they followed me to my room.

As we entered, I closed the door and walked to my bed, sitting down. "So, I'd like to say... first is... Thank you, Lidiya, Kasumi."

"No problem~"

"It's our duty to protect you, Master."

I nodded, "Second is... The armed robbery attack..."

The two exchanged glances.

"What about it?" Lidiya asked.

"Think, Lidiya. Why would armed robbers suddenly target a family restaurant? There's only less money the restaurant makes and it's not even that famous."

"You're right, but it's an easy target," Kasumi said.

"I know that... but there's more to it."

"More?"

I nodded, recalling the scenario and the boss's words from the restaurant.

"N-No, wait! We're just being ordered around! I swear!"

"Ordered? By who?" I had pressed the gun to his head, but before he could answer, another gunshot shattered the tense silence. The boss jerked as the bullet struck him.

"But the blonde guy ended him..."

"Then, Ryo-sama, what do you want us to do?"

I stayed silent for a moment, grappling with the weight of my request. Eventually, I looked up at Lidiya and Kasumi.

"Do you think you could help me with something?"

Their eyes exchanged a quick glance, a silent conversation passing between them.

"What do you need?" Lidiya finally spoke up.

"I need you to get information from the guy who attacked the restaurant."

Their eyebrows shot up in surprise.

"Information?" Kasumi echoed, clearly intrigued.

"Yeah, I think there's more to this whole situation than meets the eye. The restaurant was an odd target, and the boss mentioned something about being 'ordered around' before he got taken down."

Lidiya and Kasumi exchanged another glance, this time with a mix of concern and curiosity.

"Ryo-sama, you understand that we're not exactly... lawful interrogators, right?"

Lidiya's voice held a hint of caution.

I nodded. "I know. But I believe there's something big going on, it's more than just a simple robbery."

Kasumi crossed her arms, deep in thought. "And you want us to find out what that 'something big' is?"

"Exactly. If he's not talking willingly, then..." I hesitated, knowing what I was about to say would be a departure from my usual demeanor. "If you have to, use your methods to get him to spill the beans."

The room fell silent for a moment, the weight of the situation hanging in the air. Finally, Lidiya let out a resigned sigh.

"Ryo-sama, you realize that this could lead us down a dangerous path."

"I do, but I can't just sit by when Senpai's safety is at risk, and who knows what else is at stake."

Kasumi nodded slowly. "Alright, we'll look into it."

"Thank you. I'm relying on both of you."

Lidiya gave a small smile. "We know, Ryo-sama."

"Be careful, both of you."

"Always, Master."

Just then, my phone vibrated in my hand, signaling an incoming call. I quickly accepted it, and Senpai's voice came through the line, filled with relief.

"Ryo-kun! You're okay!"

"Senpai...!" My voice held a mix of emotions, from worry to genuine happiness.

As I was on the phone, I noticed Lidiya and Kasumi exchanging a knowing glance before slowly making their way to the door. Their smirks were practically audible, and I couldn't help but shoot them a glare, accompanied by a subtle teeth grit.

Senpai's voice pulled me back to the conversation. "Ryo-kun, are you still there?"

"Yeah, sorry. Those two are just... Anyway, I'm glad you're safe, Senpai. I was worried about you."

Her tone shifted, her anger melting into concern. "That's my line, idiot!"

I chuckled softly, relieved by her response. "Well, you know, I thought for a moment there that things might have turned out differently."

"You jerk... don't joke about that," she scolded me, but there was an undeniable undertone of affection in her voice.

"Sorry, Senpai. I promise I'm perfectly fine."

There was a brief pause, and I could sense a certain level of vulnerability in her next words. "I know you are... I'm just glad."

A warm feeling spread through me, and I realized how much I cared for her well-being. "I'm glad you're glad," I replied softly, a small smile forming on my lips.

But as the silence stretched on, I found my mind wandering. How did Senpai even have my phone number? I didn't recall giving it to her. Well, it wasn't the most pressing question right now.