Luckastrolledto her house alone like she always did through the secret passage. And a large box of leftover cakes lay in her hand. She was halfway entering the lobby when someone poked her shoulder and turned her around. Her face instantly delighted after the person gave her a dashing smile. Lucka cheerfully said, "Cissnei! You're back!"

"Hi. Do you miss me?" Cissnei said while leading her to the elevator and pushing the up button.

" I think of you day and night! Where have you been?" she asked and stepped inside when the door opened.

"A lot of places, I'd say. I brought you some souvenirs," she said, raising one of her hands that held a big paper bag, "let's come over to my house."

Lucka eyed her. She wore her usual black uniform and brought along a dark, medium suitcase with that big paper bag in the other hand. "Aw, you shouldn't have to! But thanks!" she said, "I'm afraid I'll bother you. Don't you want to take a rest first?"

Cissnei shook her head, his red hair swinging along with the motion. "No, I'm good. Let's go," she said, still with a grin on her lips. Then she led her out of the elevator, going straight to her house. After letting Lucka sit on the living room couch, she went to her bedroom and back wearing pink long sleeve pajamas.

"How's HQ?" Cissnei asked while she slid beside her on the couch and placed the paper bag on her lap.

"Like Hell," she said with a smirk, "it'd be only the eight of us in the morning. Then we did our own business later on. And, I've got my first mission dealing with drug dealers."

Cissnei seemed surprised as she replied with a higher tone, "It's pretty big for a rookie!"

Lucka nodded at her response. "Yeah, it's pretty complicated, but Reno helped me."

Cissnei nodded slowly. "Hmmm, he acted like a douchebag sometimes, but he's passionate and professional with his job."

Lucka mirrored her nod in agreement.

Cissnei gave her a thoughtful face as she said, "Well, since we just met again after the Deepground incident, we haven't talked further about it, right?" she said, narrowing her eyes purposely, "you still owe me an explanation."

Lucka quirked both of her eyebrows. "You remember."

"Of course I do!" she said, tossing her hair behind her shoulder playfully, "so you gonna tell me now?"

Lucka hummed, then straightened her back and faced her, frowning with a solemn expression stuck on her face. "This is my existential secret. That time I let you know my intelligence because we're in an urgent situation. No one but Veld and Tseng in our team knew this, and the other members from SOLDIERS, the 1st trio, and Zack."

Cissnei nodded silently. She showed her interest by leaning in, then, Lucka continued her story, starting from the first time she came to Gaia and ending with her knowledge of the Deepground.

Cissnei didn't instantly react when Lucka had finished her story. Though when she opened her mouth, she was surprised. The girl said, "I already know there must be something," Cissnei said while nodding slowly.

Lucka was taken aback as she hadn't expected it'd be her first response. She asked, "You know what?"

"I saw you walk the hallway on the first day with the General, and it's pretty unusual," she said with a smirk, "then Tseng looked tired. He was a little bit distressed the next day. I thought something must be going on, so I peeked at his latest investigation."

Lucka's mouth gapped. "You're so sharp." Her eyebrows furrowed by Cissnei's confession when she said, "But, you went that far. You're basically spying on him! Doesn't it illegal and show disloyalty?"

Cissnei put on a mischievous smirk. "I have my reason. It's still difficult for Tseng to maintain his temper. It isn't hard to notice when something bothers him. And it must be big. That's why it intrigued me."

Lucka gave a faint nod. "So, you're not that surprised."

She smirked. "Half true. It's still shocking that you came from Materia."

"Yeah. Even me, too," Lucka said with a shrug.

Cissnei studied her. "Your secret is safe with me," she said with pure sincerity and put on a warm smile.

Lucka only stared back at her. Somehow the honesty in her words and her amiable smile got through her heart. The warmth stayed there for a while. She was astonished. Is it safe to let her in? She rarely had real female friends in her life. She didn't get too close with the college's female students. The last time she had a female friend was a long time ago. And sadly, she and her family should've moved back to the south.

It was the most devastating moment of heartbreak from being abandoned by her best friend. Will Cissnei leave me too? Or… will I be the one who left her? I'm not from Gaia. It's clear like midday, I don't need any emotional attachment with everyone. It's useless.

Lucka almost felt happiness a moment ago but now was replaced by sudden sorrow. She inhaled a deep breath and finally nodded. "I appreciate that, Cissnei."

Cissnei's eyes flickered in confusion, but it seemed she didn't know what had bothered her. Instead, she diverted the conversation as she asked cheerily, "What're you gonna do this weekend?"

Lucka blinked slowly to digest the abrupt change in the topic. "I'm going out with a friend to a poetry show."

Cissnei raised her eyebrows. She said eagerly, "Ahhh, you already made a friend in a short time! Who's that friend?"

"It's Genesis," she truthfully said because she had no reason to hide the person she'd be going out with.

Cissnei's eyes brightened up. "Genesis Rhapsodos? Did he invite you?"—Lucka nodded—then her eyes rounded even bigger. "Don't say… you mean by poetry show it's that Spoken Words from LOVELESS?"

"Uhm… yeah, exactly,"—suddenly Lucka felt uneasiness smack her gut after seeing her eyes sparkling blindly —"what about that?"

"Don't kidding me! You don't have any idea!" she said, then shut her mouth in the next second, "oh, sorry. True, you don't know because you're not from here." She cleared her throat and continued, "It's a show held by Midgarian Art council socialites. Only shortlisted guests can attend the show."

Lucka's mouth gaped as she didn't know anything and was totally at a loss. "And how do you know about that? Are you a member of the Red Leather or Study Group?"

"Both," she said, smirking in amusement, "I'm also one of the informants. Because you know, somehow it's surprising how a fan can attain secret information. We need the connection. They're like assets."

She nodded in amazement as Cissnei referred to the Turks' spy method. "I see…" she said, "are you coming too?"

"Nope, I don't have any business there," she said, and her smirk widened as she leaned in. "Then, is it a date?"

Lucka frowned and didn't realize she was displaying defensiveness. She said, "No. It's not."

"No way. He gave you a free ticket. Do you know how much the ticket price is?" Lucka shook her head vaguely, then Cissnei added, "It's worth eight thousand Gil for the regular one and doubled for the VIP! Which ticket did he give to you?" She tilted her head.

Lucka's mouth gawked. Eight thousand Gil for a show? Dang, that's pricey. What makes it so expensive, anyway? Suddenly her uneasiness grew stronger. Should I cancel it? No, no, why would I become a coward suddenly? "I'm not entirely sure, but the ticket has a holographic design with a golden lining," she said, poorly recollecting the last time she'd seen it.

Cissnei gasped in excitement. "It's for VIPs! Are you sure it's not a date?"

Lucka straightened her posture as she glanced at her and sifted her eyes quickly. "I don't think so."

"Hmmm…" Cissnei said while narrowing her eyes in suspicion, "You should know. Genesis is picky with whom he wants to attend this kind of event. Anyway, have you prepared the outfit?"

Lucka's eyes widened slightly. Oh, crap, sure. The outfit. She didn't have anything decent to attend the said event. She shook her head with a dumbfounded face. "No. I don't. I haven't done shopping yet."

Cissnei gave her a critical look. "Gurl… "she said, then tilted her head in a thinking motion, "look, there must be some journalists and paparazzi there. At least you should dress up nicely."

Lucka turned pale. She didn't know it'd be gone this far. She thought it was just some regular show since Genesis didn't say anything about it. Damn you, Genesis. The probability she went with him in an ambiguous state alone made her anxious. And now she just knew the event would be filled with glamorous Socialites people… huh? Socialites? The higher class? Her brain worked faster with the important thing she'd missed earlier. The Drug dealer! Oh no, I can't back down now. It's a rare chance. Even if the son's Boss doesn't come, at least one out of ten people there used the drugs, right?

"Hey, why do you look like you're going to faint?" Cissnei shook her shoulder softly.

"No… it's just, I remember… About the high-level drug dealer. The son's Boss works in elite entertainment. Though I don't know if he'll attend the event. And I don't have Reno to help me."

Cissnei clasped her hand in front of her. "Oh! You should use this opportunity. At least you can get some information. I'll give you communication devices. I suppose you can do well!" she said, "and Genesis can back you up!"

Lucka nodded and offered her a small smile as a wave of relief washed over her, though it only lasted a second as she thought of other things. "Thanks, Cissnei. But the dress... "

Cissnei said with an amused grin, "I've got your back! C'mon, let's choose something for you." She put down her paperback and dragged Lucka to her closet room.

It was finally the day. After lunchtime, Lucka had waited for Genesis outside her lobby apartment while unconsciously twisting her straight blonde wig's tip. She casually scrolled her PHS with her other hand to see some clothes references she wanted to buy. Because it just crossed her mind, why didn't she buy them online? It'd save her more time and she'd have another clothing way sooner. But since many things had happened and crowded her mind, clothes were no longer sitting in her first line of priorities. Besides, she already had a shopping plan with Genesis today. Perhaps she'd buy another pair of clothes at an online shop next time.

Lucka suddenly looked up from the screen when a car horn sounded in front of her. Genesis lowered the glass window and tilted his head to tell her to get inside.

"Heya," she said after closing the car door.

Genesis eyed her up and down for a moment. He didn't say anything, which made her feel uncomfortable. Lucka mimicked his motion, bowing her head to look at her dress. She wore a sweetheart A-line little black dress topped with layered black chiffon. Cissnei had helped her attach the earpiece that connected the induction loop and a harness underneath the dress. The fabric over her shoulder was safely hiding the device cable. And the tulle ruffle long-sleeved from her upper arm to her wrist, which the vocal of the dress became a good distraction. But did it look too much?

"Bro. Quit drooling." She deadpanned.

He put on a smirk. "Can't I think of this time as a date? You're fabulous."

Lucka frowned. "Well, no," she said, "and yes, I know I'm fabulous. But! You didn't tell me it was a big event. Look at yourself. You dress up without giving me any clue." She gave him a side glance with a huff. "Besides, I have a mission."

Genesis chuckled and raised his eyebrows. "What mission? It's weekend."

"Yes. But since I should track down this high-level drug dealer or user that might attend the show—which I should thank you for inviting me—I'm on duty now," she said, "and if you don't mind… I'll need your help."

"Drugs?" Genesis narrowed his eyes. "You're joining the Turks hardly more than a week, but you already talk like your Boss," he said, "and you're recruiting me to play the secret agent?"

"Oh, please, Genesis?" she said, batting her eyelashes, both innocent yet coaxing. Although on the inside, she felt disgusted at herself. Did she not feel ashamed to act like that in front of him? But, like it or not, she should do what she needs to do, shouldn't she?

He tossed his bang backward, then placed his hands on the wheel as he glanced at her. "Okay, I'm game. Tonight will be more interesting than I thought."

Lucka put on a smile. "Thanks! You're the best," she said.

Genesis studied her bright expression and smiled back at her. "Anytime."

"I'll brief you on everything you need to know, and please give me information if you have any," she said, fastening the seat belt.

"Yeah, sure," he said and changed the gear, driving the car away towards the highway. "And Lucka?"

"Yes?" she asked.

"You should smile more often."

They went to the Mall. Genesis had allowed her to wander as she liked while he followed behind and noticed how she attracted everyone like a magnet as they passed. He wouldn't blame them, though. Her cover was gorgeous, with long silky hair like a golden river, icy blue eyes that shimmer like an ocean in the summertime, and plump, creamy red lips that were so appealing whenever she parted them. His eyes glanced down at her features. And oh Gaia, how he wanted so badly to circle his hands around her waist. Would it only stay as his fantasy?

Lucka suddenly stopped at one of the shops and said, "Genesis, do you want to go inside too?"

"No, I'll just wait here," He said, waving his hand. Lucka nodded, then she disappeared behind the shop's door.

Genesis waited outside and lined with other men who reclined on the wall. He skimmed the surroundings. The place was crowded; it was Saturday. People were swarming around to spend their day off. The packed area was okay if he didn't want to be easily spotted. Since he could blend with the crowd comfortably.

However, he still tried to avoid fans as much as possible because they had keen eyes to spot him. That's why he wore a black cap on top of his pulled-back hair. And a mask to conceal half of the face. He only cladded in a black turtleneck, leaving his maroon lavish outer on the car.

Genesis fished out his PHS from his dark pants. Perhaps, Lucka would spend a lot of time there, and he better check on his social media to entertain himself for a while.

After more than half an hour passed, he looked up from the screen, seeing the tip of her red stiletto stepping closer to him. His eyes trailed up, and he found some paperback's stripe looping on her slender arms.

"Genesis? I need to go there," she said, pointing to another shop in the alley.

"Okay. Let's go," Genesis nodded and extended his hand, offering to bring her belongings. Lucka handed some of them and mumbled thanks. Genesis strode alongside her. Then his step halted right in front of the shop's entrance. "Oh," he said with a cheeky grin, "do you want me to help you there? I have great taste." He inclined at the mannequin in red lingerie with a black silk robe.

Lucka frowned, her cheeks flushed with a pale crimson. "No, please just wait here." She dashed inside the shop, leaving Genesis with his wide smirk stuck on his lips.

He waited for her for quite some time. After she was done with everything she needed and spent the rest of the afternoon there, they headed to the theater as the sun kissing the ground.

Genesis offered his elbow when they stepped inside the building. In an instant, they were showered with a lot of bright flashes from everywhere.

"Smile," he whispered, "This, at least, will be on the newspaper front page for three weeks."

The girl clutched her hand around his arm and glanced up. Her lips twitched. Somehow she looked paler, yet he was pretty amused by her reaction.

"Oh, damn. I'm not ready to get bullied by your fans." Lucka said with a stiff smile.

Genesis smirked. "Let's pray not," he said. After taking a moment to pose for the camera, he led her to the VIPs seat on the second floor on the center balcony.

The show lasted for more than an hour. Between the faint light of the spotted lamp in the room, Genesis checked on her once in a while. She looked deeply immersed. He saw a flash of vulnerability cross her expression again, though only for a moment. His finger twitched. Genesis took a deep breath. He thought about the option he had, but in the end, he turned away his head and continued to watch the reading until the end of the performance.

"You seemed to enjoy it so much," he said while leading her down, going to the ballroom.

"It's exquisite," she said, resting her eyes on her toe and putting on a weak smile.

"It was," he said with a nod and watched her expression closely, "is something bothering you?"

Lucka tore her gaze, looking at him in the eyes now. "No. It's just...I became a little bit emotional."

Genesis nodded absently, a little bit. It isn't a bit. She concealed it almost entirely, but he still could feel it. The gleam of sadness was obscurely painted on her face.

The girl soon avoided his gaze as she talked about another thing. "Genesis, about the person you suspect using the drugs that we've talk in the car earlier. Can you spot him?"

Genesis blinked for a beat. Right, she has a mission here. "Give me a moment." He focused his gaze and browsed everyone in the room. Then his eyes glimmered after he found the person he expected. "Let's go there."

Genesis straightly led her to a man around his age. He wore a black suit with a glass of champagne in his hand.

Genesis greeted him with a smile. "Hello, Robert."

The brunette-haired man displayed surprise and joy in his eyes. "Genesis! How have you been?" he said and gave him a giant man hug.

"I'm doing well. How about you? Has any progress brainwashed people's heads?" he said with a smirk.

"Man, quit talking shit about my Zine publication!" he said with a playful vexation, "I know you're still sticking around!"

Genesis chuckled. "Yes, though I wanted to cancel my subscription a long time ago," he said and glanced at Lucka, who stood beside him. "Anyway, Robert, this's my friend, Ilona. She just moved here from the north. She worked as a freelance Art Director and a skilled Copywriter."

Lucka nodded and offered Robert a brilliant smile Genesis had never seen. "Ilona. Nice to meet you, Robert," she said, extending her hand at him.

Robert smiled back at her and took her hand firmly. "Nice to meet you," he said, "what kind of project do you usually take, Ilona?"

"I mostly handle a range of digital and offline advertising. But I also like to explore visuals in layout publishing," Lucka said, "You said you're doing Zine publication? what do you do that you're truly passionate about?" She smiled again, and it was more genuine this time. Genesis was stunned. She was good at acting.

Robert's face brightened by her enthusiasm. "Zine is universal. We could reach everyone with them. They're simple. The content can be anything. You could say developing pamphlets to promote social justice, any relevant, progressive movement, and most essential are art and poetry. It's just fascinating how fun the way they served, but the message can be well received."

Lucka nodded eagerly with a wide smile. It seemed Genesis should let them engage for a while, so he said to them, "Guys, please excuse me. I should greet someone." He tapped her shoulder and nodded to Robert before disappearing into the crowd.

Lucka remembered what Cissnei had taught her how to be convincing. She was an actor now. She should serve her new identity sufficiently, imagining herself becoming the girl she dreams of. Lucka grasped her purse that contained the 'pocket litter.' She should become that easy-going and endearing girl named Ilona.

Lucka glanced across the room. On the corner, Genesis mingled with some guests. She and Robert had talked for around ten minutes, but she knew she didn't have all night regardless of how fun their conversation was. So she started diverting the subject direction to her mission divulge.

"Well, Robert. As we work in this field. With crazy deadlines, stressful projects, and pesky clients. Sometimes I need a good break, but more than just a vacation. You feel me?" she said.

Robert nodded. "Yeah, I know exactly how that feels. Perhaps you should try something else that works better."

"What do you do to cope anyway? Are you into a healthy lifestyle?" she tilted her head.

"No, not really." He chuckled. "It's a drinking habit and other things."

"I see. I'm not really into it," Lucka said, giving a thinking gesture. She leaned in and whispered, "I used opioids to get my fix. Tho I'm clean now. But sometimes you know… that craving never really dies," she said with intended means.

Robert's eyebrows quirked. "Oh. You used that?" he said, "well, I know some good stuff."

Lucka's eyes perked up as she gave him a sweet smile. "Could you please tell me how to get it?"

He smiled and winked. "I have a friend who has it. He's here too. Let's find him," he said and led Lucka, parting the mass of people in the room.

She was closer to the target now that she couldn't believe her luck. As far as she remembered, Lucka always had misfortune since her arrival on Gaia. She followed Robert a few feet away behind as she made a silent prayer, Zeus, please let this mission go smoothly.

"Genesis?" she whispered, "can you hear all of that?" Lucka waited for his response from the other line through the earpiece.

["Yeah, I can."] he said.

"Good. Listen, give me fifteen minutes. You have the GPS to track me, right? Keep a safe distance between us. Don't come unless I'm done. And if something goes wrong, you can't jump in without my sign. You got me?" she said and glared at Robert's back.

["Okay,] " he said with a more concerned tone, ["Lucka, be careful."]

"I will," she said, taking a long deep breath and slowing her pace when Robert finally stopped beside a tall man that looked straight in her direction.