The meeting wrapped up as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a cold twilight over the city. As Zhu sat in her office, the weight of the world pressing down on her, she reached for her phone instead of contacting Phaethon.
"Elias, will you be on a leave? Do you have any updates on the case tonight?" she typed, her anxiety bubbling as she awaited his reply. The silence stretched on, making her pulse quicken. Beside her, Qingyi gently pressed her arm against Zhu's in a comforting gesture. "We could go out for dinner if you'd like, Captain. We can discuss the case there," she suggested softly.
Just then, Zhu's tablet vibrated, breaking the tension in the room. She grabbed it eagerly, hoping it was Phaethon.
"Okay, Captain, we've traced the decryptor's possible location. Unfortunately, it's in Zone C. Just tell us whenever you have decided to go in there." A wave of relief washed over her at the news.
"Did you tell Mr. Smith?" she quickly typed back.
"No, not yet, as you requested." With that, a deep sigh escaped her lips, easing the anxiety that had enveloped her.
"Okay... So, Phaethon hasn't disclosed the location to Elias yet." She turned to Qingyi and Seth, her voice a whisper. "We have a possible lead, but it's in Zone C. We might need to sift through a mountain of electronics to find it."
"Should we head out without Phaethon or any Proxies to guide us?" Seth asked, his brow furrowed with concern.
Zhu pressed the bridge of her nose, feeling the weight of the situation. "We can ask H.I.A. some assistance, but remember, this is a sensitive case. I can't risk dragging you both into this, especially if they find out we're after a 'Black Market' device."
Seth blinked, then looked to Qingyi. "...What about Jane? She could help, right?"
Qingyi shot him a disapproving look, as if he'd suggested they recruit a cat to solve a murder mystery.
"No, we can't involve another officer in this case, Seth," Zhu said, crossing her arms firmly.
"Remember, if more than three heads know a secret, it's no longer a 'secret.'"
Seth scratched his head, looking increasingly bewildered. "So, just us three? But that sounds like the beginning of a really bad joke, doesn't it? 'Three officers walk into a Zone C-'"
Zhu shot him a pointed look, silencing his quips. "This isn't a joke, Seth. I just don't know if Mr. Smith can be trusted. I need to stay one step ahead in this case."
Seth shrugged, an awkward grin creeping onto his face. "Okay, I guess let's have a dinner meeting?"
They had agreed to meet for dinner at a discreet restaurant-the same place where the team and Elias had first shared a meal together. He arrived late, looking like he had just gone twelve rounds with a dragon and barely made it out alive.
"Any luck with the trash?" Zhu asked, her eyes narrowing as he slid into the booth, a laptop tucked under his arm. His chuckle was soft, but the weariness in his eyes sent her pulse racing with unease.
"No, Captain, didn't expect to find the parcel waiting for me," he replied, his voice calm but edged with fatigue. The flutter in Zhu's stomach had shifted from nerves to a tight knot of anxiety as she listened closely to his every word.
"What about the Device ID?" Elias asked, his tone casual but sharp enough to make her second-guess herself.
"We're working on it," Zhu answered, keeping her voice even. "We've secured him so Vesta Quarters won't be nagging about the custody, he'll be staying at Janus under surveillance."
Elias nodded, but his eyes lingered on her just a little too long, like he was trying to read between the lines. Or maybe she was imagining it. Her brain had been doing that a lot lately-jumping to conclusions like it was a sport.
"Rough day, huh? You all look like you could use something sweet after this," Elias said, flashing a weary smile that somehow still managed to look suspiciously charming.
Zhu exchanged a glance with Seth and Qingyi, both of them clearly just as unsettled as she was. "Sure, but only if you're paying," she quipped, trying to keep it light, though her chest felt tight with uncertainty.
"I might be off the grid for a couple of days," Elias continued, his voice growing serious. "Got a new assignment thrown my way. But keep me in the loop on the Device ID, okay? And don't go doing anything reckless while I'm gone."
Zhu poked at her food, her appetite dwindling as the tension settled over her like a heavy blanket. "Care to share what kind of assignment?" she asked, her voice steady but probing.
Elias chuckled softly. "You know I can't tell you that, Captain. You don't have clearance," he said, giving her a reassuring smile. "But I trust you and your team. You've got this."
Then, almost casually, he reached out and rested his hand on her arm. It was a simple gesture, meant to reassure, but it threw Zhu's emotions into a tailspin.
Did he just touch me? she thought, her mind spiraling. A thousand emotions swirled inside her-guilt, confusion, frustration. Part of her wanted to deck him for being so cryptic, while another part felt like crying. How was she supposed to trust someone whose every move felt like a puzzle she couldn't solve?
Across the table, Seth leaned over to Qingyi, his whisper just loud enough for Zhu to catch. "This is like when my parents silently argue over who forgot to pay the utility bill."
Qingyi shot him a look that was half-annoyed, half-amused. "Can you not?" she muttered, but the slight grin on her face betrayed her.
Zhu fought back a smile at their antics, grateful for the distraction from her spiraling thoughts. But as Elias spoke again, the weight of uncertainty settled back over her, heavier than before.
Their dinner ended, and once again, Elias invited them for dessert at a café again. Zhu almost refused, the anxiety gnawing at her insides, but she found herself agreeing anyway. They traveled the same road as before, and she couldn't help but reminisce about the time Qingyi and Seth teased her about Elias from the front seat. Now, the same scenario played out, but both of them sat in the back, unnervingly quiet.
"That was just last week... But now, my mind's clouded with doubts if I can even trust this man," she mused, her thoughts churning.
She let out a deep sigh, the silence between them heavy, almost suffocating. Elias, ever perceptive, glanced at her. "Is something wrong?" he asked, his voice gentle, but it only added to the tension.
Zhu wanted to confront him about the Black Market device, to ask the question swirling in her mind. But something held her back, a gut instinct urging caution.
"I... uhh... It's just that time of the month," she blurted out, hoping to deflect the conversation and avoid an argument.
"Oh," Elias responded, sounding awkward but dropping the matter.
"Yeah, this is Captain's serious phase," Qingyi chimed in, trying to lighten the atmosphere. "So you'd better tread lightly, Mr. Smith. Trust me." She winked, but her eyes flicked briefly to Zhu, knowing her captain's real concern lay elsewhere-about whether Elias, or rather Mr. Smith, was playing a dangerous double game with them.
The tension lingered, until Seth-unable to bear the awkward silence-decided to break it. "What's the most dangerous mission you've been on, Mr. Smith?" His voice was casual, but his eyes hinted at curiosity.
Elias chuckled, the tension easing slightly with his response. "Me? Well, not to brag, but I've stayed inside the Hollows for two weeks without an anti corruption equipment."
Zhu shot him a skeptical glance as he continued, Is this guy for real? He can stay that long inside the hollows? his voice filled with pride. "I survived on nothing but sugar cubes and a bottle of water. Had to root out a rouge military general smuggling weapons for gangs.
Zhu's smirk came unbidden, remembering that particular incident had been the talk of New Eridu for weeks. She crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow. "Really? You were involved in that case?"
"I might have let that slip, but yeah." Elias said, glancing back at her, his expression unreadable.
For a moment, the weight of his words hung in the air. Seth, however, took the opportunity to add, "Whoa, and here I thought my survival skills were solid after camping on Outer Ring for two nights with instant noodles."
Qingyi snickered, and Zhu allowed herself a brief smile, though the doubt remained, simmering beneath the surface.
As they arrived at the café, Zhu couldn't shake the nagging sense of déjà vu. Same café, same street, same weather. But this time, the air felt heavier, thick with unspoken thoughts and a fog of suspicion. Last week, it had been all laughter, teasing, and light banter between her, Qingyi, and Seth. Today? It felt like someone had swapped her happy coffee with a triple shot of tension.
Stepping into the cozy café, they were greeted by the familiar owner, an older man with a beaming smile and eyes that crinkled warmly. "Officers! Good to see you again! Don't be shy-pick your favorite desserts!"
Zhu forced a polite smile. "We're still trying to figure out who swiped your delivery Bangboo, Sir. But we'll crack it," she said, in full 'Captain mode.'
Before she could blink, Elias-being Elias-suddenly placed his hand gently on her lower back, steering her toward a table on the balcony like a gentleman from a romantic movie. The touch was brief, but just long enough to send an embarrassing rush of warmth to her cheeks. Ugh, seriously? Why is he so touchy? And why does it work?
"Captain, no work talk. Let's enjoy the desserts first," he said smoothly, flashing the café owner a charming smile. The man beamed back, completely oblivious to Zhu's mental chaos.
Zhu's face flushed, half from irritation, half from the unexpectedness of it all. She crossed her arms, trying to act unbothered. "I haven't even placed my order yet, Mr. Smith," she muttered, frowning as she sat down-only because he was annoyingly polite and pulled out her chair like some kind of gentleman spy.
Elias smirked and waved off her complaints. "I know your dessert profile, Captain," he said, as if he already knew her order by heart.
Infront, Qingyi and Seth exchanged a quick glance. Seth leaned in, whispering with a grin, "Well, at least someone knows what the Captain likes, right?"
Qingyi snorted and gave Seth a playful shove. "Careful. You might end up testing the café's balcony railing if you keep that up," she whispered back, barely containing her laughter.
Zhu overheard them, shooting a sharp look. Am I the only one taking this situation seriously? Or did I wander into a rom-com without realizing it?
Despite herself, a small smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. The warm nostalgia of simpler times tried to bubble up, but she pushed it down. Focus, Zhu. There's something off about all this. Still, the banter between her team helped ease the tension, if only a little. But underneath the café's cozy ambiance, that strange unease between her and Elias lingered, refusing to be ignored.
A moment later, their order arrived-beautifully plated lava cake, with fresh berries and molten chocolate. The sweet aroma filled the air, momentarily lifting the mood. Seth, eyes lighting up, wasted no time digging in. "Strawberry lava cake? Is that Captain's usual ration from the precinct?" he teased with a grin, savoring the first bite like he had just discovered the meaning of life in dessert form.
They indulged in the sweetness, but Zhu? She barely touched hers. She poked at the cake with her fork, pushing it aimlessly around the plate like it held the answers to all her unspoken questions. What am I doing? Is it the cake... or the person who brought it that's making me lose my appetite?
Seth, completely unaware of the storm brewing in her head, chuckled. "Captain must've gotten too used to J.D.'s desserts, huh? They're probably losing their magic."
At the mention of J.D., Zhu's hand tightened around her fork. Her smile wavered, and her voice came out smaller than she intended. "I've just had enough sweets today, that's all... Trying to avoid a sugar addiction." Yeah, sure, because apparently, I'm more worried about desserts than the fact that I might be sitting across from a double agent.
Elias, ever perceptive, noticed her discomfort and-because of course he would-gently patted her back. Again. Does this guy have a quota for casual touches or something? The gesture, though brief, sent an unexpected jolt through her, a mix of frustration and confusion tangling in her chest.
Before she could say anything, he stood up, brushing crumbs off his hands with that irritating, effortless calm. "I'll get you a box for the cake. You can take it home," he said, as if that would fix everything. Yeah, sure, let me just pack up my doubts and suspicions too while I'm at it.
She watched him walk to the counter, a bitter sense of irony creeping in. Touchy, sweet, always a step ahead. Too perfect, right? Why does it feel like every move is just too... rehearsed?
Next to her, Qingyi had been quietly observing, her sharp eyes catching everything. She leaned in, her voice softer than usual. "Captain, you really okay?"
Zhu blinked, almost startled. She tried to force a smile, but it felt like her face wasn't cooperating. "It's nothing," she murmured, her gaze drifting to Elias again as he chatted with the barista. "I just can't believe we're back here. Last time we were joking around, and now I'm... questioning everything about Mr. Smith."
Her words hung heavy, and for the first time, she let a bit of her real fear slip through. "Imagine if this... if he's been pretending all along? If he's a double agent? That... would hurt more than I'm willing to admit."
Qingyi's expression softened, her playful demeanor fading. "You've grown close to him, haven't you, Captain?"
The question struck deeper than Zhu anticipated, tapping into a vulnerability she'd tried to keep buried. Her throat tightened, and she swallowed hard, fighting to stay composed. "Yeah... I guess I have? Or maybe I made a choice that could endanger you all?" Her voice faltered, and she quickly turned away, blinking back tears. No. Don't cry. Not here, not now.
The balcony's warm evening glow did nothing to ease the ache growing in her chest. She stared out, her mind racing through every interaction, every moment she had with Elias. How did I let this happen? How did I let him get this close?
Seth, still in mid-bite of his cake, finally caught on to the shift in mood. His carefree grin faltered when he saw the unshed tears in Zhu's eyes. His fork hovered awkwardly. "Captain..." He started, but trailed off, clearly unsure how to handle the sudden weight of emotions in the air.
The normally lighthearted café now felt too small, too quiet. Zhu's vulnerability-something Seth and Qingyi had never seen so openly-seemed to hang between them, thickening the air like an unspoken truth. For the first time, they both realized just how deeply this was tearing her apart.
Elias returned with the takeout box, his usual calm demeanor back in place, but even he seemed to sense the sudden tension. He handed her the box with a gentle smile, his eyes searching hers. "Here, Captain. You don't have to finish it now."
Zhu looked at him, forcing a nod. "Thanks, Mr. Smith... Maybe later." Her voice was quiet, but inside, the storm raged on. Later. Yeah. But what about when all these doubts catch up with me? What happens then?