Chapter 4. Ryan's kidnapping.
Ryan walked out of the hospital, his hands resting behind his head as he casually strolled down the sidewalk. A sigh escaped his lips as he spoke to himself, calm but clearly concerned.
"I need to find a job soon, or this month's budget is gonna fall apart."
As he continued walking, something caught his eye—a large showroom with bright signs and glass windows. He stopped in his tracks and walked in. The place was spacious, buzzing with faint background music and the hum of electronics. Reading a signboard, he wandered toward the electronics department and began browsing the shelves.
Eventually, he found himself standing in front of the fan section, examining the models curiously. That's when a sales assistant approached, her expression all professionalism.
"How can I help you, sir?" she asked.
Ryan rubbed the back of his neck, looking a bit awkward.
"Uh... what's the price of this fan?"
"This one's just ¥15,800, after discount."
"Oh… sorry, that's out of my budget," Ryan replied with a small wince.
The assistant, sensing hesitation, leaned in slightly.
"Sir, if you want, I can offer you a bit more discount—you'd only have to pay ¥12,800."
Ryan hesitated, then offered a sheepish smile.
"Sorry, I can't buy it right now. Thank you though."
The sales assistant's smile faded as she turned and walked away, mumbling under her breath with a pout.
"Don't know where these kinds of people come from..."
Ryan made a face in response, clearly hearing her, but said nothing. He left the department and headed downstairs, walking slowly toward the mall exit. His thoughts were swirling—where could he possibly find work now?
Lost in his thoughts, he wasn't watching his path properly and accidentally bumped into an old man carrying a stack of files. The man stumbled, the files falling all over the floor.
"I'm so sorry! Let me help you pick these up," Ryan exclaimed, immediately crouching to gather the scattered papers.
As he helped the man to his feet, their eyes met—and recognition dawned on Ryan's face.
"Wait, you're Mr.—!"
The old man squinted at Ryan, then nodded.
"You're the one who saved me from those thugs that day, aren't you?"
"Yes, sir!"
"I'm glad to see you again, son. I remember asking your name that day, but you didn't say anything."
"Yeah, I wasn't feeling well that day. I'm sorry. My name is Ryan. Are you okay, sir? I hope you didn't get hurt back then."
"No worries, Mr. Ryan. I'm perfectly fine… Were you here to buy something?"
"Yes, sir."
"So what do you do?"
"I used to have a job."
"'Used to'? What do you mean?"
Ryan sighed, his voice tinged with bitterness.
"One of the gang members who attacked you came into the shop I was working at. He shot me and stole all the cash. Because of that, the shop owner fired me."
"And now?"
"I'm looking for a job."
The old man smiled, his expression warm and kind.
"Well, if you're job hunting, I can offer you a job!"
"A job? I don't understand... what kind of job?"
"If you're interested, I could hire you as a cashier—or something similar—right here in this mall! Oh right… I never told you who I am. Here, take my card."
The old man pulled out a business card from inside his coat and handed it to Ryan. He read it silently.
"Mr. Masamune… CEO of Shinjuku Marui Mall? He's a pretty big deal!"
"I'm Masamune Akihiko, CEO of this mall. So, Ryan, would you like to work here? Consider it a gift for saving my life."
Ryan was stunned, almost stammering as he spoke, but a genuine smile formed on his lips.
"Y-Yes… Mr. Masamune Akihiko. I'd be honored to work with you."
Masamune led Ryan to the toy department, showing him around before settling him in.
"Ryan, you'll be working as a cashier here. If you need anything, just let me know."
"Yes, Mr. Masamune Akihiko!" Ryan replied happily.
---
Evening fell.
The golden hues of the setting sun painted the sky as Kaito and Mahi walked across a large, empty field, the silence between them slowly giving way to conversation.
"Why do you think he didn't tell us he fought with that gang?" Mahi asked.
"No idea. Maybe he's hiding something from us," Kaito replied, his tone contemplative.
"Hiding? You think he's the one who killed that gang?"
"Could be… but we've got no proof. The CCTV only shows him saving that old man."
"So what are you thinking?"
Kaito's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Hmm… let's go."
---
Back at the mall, Ryan sat at the cashier counter, scanning toys and greeting customers with a new sense of purpose. Suddenly, the store doors opened, and a little girl walked in with her mother. She clutched a doll in her tiny arms, her eyes lighting up as she spotted Ryan at the counter.
"Mommy, look! That's the same uncle from the elevator, right?"
"Yes, sweetie, that's him!" her mother confirmed with a gentle smile.
The two smiled at Ryan, and he smiled back. The little girl was adorable, and for a moment, the stress of life melted away.
---
Later that night, as the store closed and the mall emptied, Ryan approached Masamune with a respectful bow.
"Thank you, Mr. Masamune Akihiko. Today went really well. It was a pleasure meeting you."
"The pleasure's mine. Make sure to come in tomorrow."
"Yes, sir. I'll head out now. Bye!"
"Bye, Ryan!"
The night blanketed the world in darkness as Ryan walked along a quiet mountain highway. His hands were in his pockets, and a calm smile played on his lips.
"Today went pretty well. Got myself a decent job too. I guess it's true—do good, and good comes back to you."
Suddenly, he sensed something. A flash—something zoomed past him at lightning speed. His steps slowed, and his senses sharpened.
"Someone's behind me! Could it be a gang member? No... can't be. That whole gang was wiped out! Maybe I'm just imagining things…"
But then it happened again—closer this time. His instincts screamed danger. He stayed alert while walking, acting as if he hadn't noticed.
Without warning, a hand lunged toward him from behind, a white cloth in its grip. But Ryan was faster. He spun, grabbing the hand and flinging the person through the air. They hit the ground hard but recovered swiftly.
When Ryan got a clear look—it was Mahi from U.G.I.S.
"You?! You're with U.G.I.S., right? Why are you following me?"
"Don't overthink it. By the way, where do you get that kind of power?" Mahi replied coolly.
Another figure rushed in from Ryan's left, also wielding a white cloth. But Ryan dodged swiftly and struck them hard, slamming them into a nearby mountain wall. The impact should've left them unconscious—but instead, they vanished in a puff of smoke.
Ryan stumbled back, eyes wide.
"What the hell?! W–Who are you people?!"
Suddenly, more figures appeared—dozens of identical bodies swarming him. They grabbed him tightly, holding him down. One of them was unmistakably Kaito.
"What are you guys?! What are you doing to me?! Let me go!"
"I told you—stop overthinking! Kaito!" Mahi shouted.
Another Kaito appeared behind Ryan in a blink and pressed a nerve in Ryan's neck. His body stiffened, and slowly, his eyes fluttered closed.
"Take him," Mahi commanded.
"Don't order me around. I'm not your servant," Kaito muttered.
"Yeah, yeah… just move."
And with that, they vanished into the darkness, taking Ryan with them.
___
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