Chapter 1: Return to Akihabara
The camera pans over a bustling Akihabara, its vibrant streets filled with colorful shop signs, towering arcades, and people moving about with purpose. Among them, Taro Izumi stands still, his suitcase beside him, scanning the familiar chaos.
"It's sure good to be back in Akihabara," Taro says with a faint smile, though his tone holds a hint of unease. "I missed this place... or at least, I thought I did."
His gaze lingers on a manga shop he used to frequent, now slightly changed. A flicker of memory rises, but something feels... off.
He exhales slowly, almost as if pushing the weight of nostalgia from his chest.
"It doesn't feel the same anymore. How long has it been since I left this place... since everything changed?"
From his bag, Taro retrieves a small, well-worn diary. Flipping it open, he skims through hurried notes until his eyes lock onto today's To-Do List.
1. Observation duty at Nyan Cat Café
2. Retrieve the package
3. Call Professor Lexi
Taro's expression hardens. "First things first." He snaps the diary shut and slips it back into his bag, his eyes flicking toward the café’s neon sign in the distance.
---
[The Nyan Cat Café]
The café’s quirky neon sign—a cat soaring through space—casts a playful glow over Taro’s face. He hesitates before pushing the door open, stepping inside to the soft jingling of a bell. The warmth of the café contrasts sharply with the chilly air outside, but something about it feels too perfect. Too... staged.
“Hello, my name is Taro Izumi. I’m here for the food quality observation duty from Viktor Chondria University,” he announces at the counter, his voice steady, though his eyes scan the room with quiet vigilance.
The café owner, a cheerful man in his late 40s, steps forward. His broad smile seems almost too inviting.
“Oh, Taro-san! I got a call from your professor earlier. She mentioned you’d be coming for an observation.”
“Well, yes, I am,” Taro replies, adjusting the strap of his bag.
The owner’s smile doesn’t falter. “Shall we begin?”
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“Let’s get into it,” Taro says, following the man deeper into the café.
The tour feels ordinary at first—the owner enthusiastically explains their feline-themed branding and unique food preparation methods. Taro takes notes, though his focus occasionally drifts. The customers’ laughter, the sound of clinking dishes—it all feels... rehearsed.
Then there’s the food. Cat-shaped macarons, latte art of kittens, paw-printed sandwiches. Whimsical. Almost too whimsical.
Taro’s pen pauses on the page. Something isn’t right here.
He samples a macaron, noting the texture. Sweet, airy... but there’s a faint metallic aftertaste he can’t place.
“Everything okay, Taro-san?” the owner asks, his smile unwavering.
Taro forces a nod. “Yes, just... paying close attention.”
Finally, they wrap up. Taro clears his throat, glancing at his notes before speaking.
“On behalf of Viktor Chondria University, I give you an 8.5 out of 10,” he says, keeping his tone neutral.
The owner beams. “Thank you, Taro-san! A score like that from your university is an honor.”
But Taro isn’t smiling. As he shakes the owner’s hand, his grip lingers a second too long, his eyes sharp.
“Thank you for your cooperation,” Taro says, his voice lower. “I’ll be sure to include... everything in my report.”
---
[Outside the Café]
Stepping back into Akihabara’s vibrant streets, Taro exhales, the tension in his shoulders still tight. He glances back at the café one last time, its cheerful neon sign flickering slightly.
What was that metallic taste? he wonders. And why did the owner seem so... prepared?
His phone buzzes suddenly, pulling him from his thoughts. He pulls it out, the screen flashing Professor Lexi.
“Professor,” Taro greets, answering the call.
“How’s the progress?” her voice is sharp, almost impatient.
“Decent,” he replies, keeping it brief.
“Good. Don't forget to have fun” she reminds him, her tone carrying a weight of urgency.
Taro stiffens. “I haven’t forgotten.”
“sok bye”
The call ends abruptly, leaving Taro gripping his phone tightly. He slips it back into his pocket, his expression darkening.
He glances at his diary again, eyes narrowing at the fourth item on the list.
4.reunite with family
His heart beats faster. He knows exactly where he needs to go next—and who might be waiting for him there.
“I’ve got to move,” he mutters, quickening his pace.
Unbeknownst to him, a figure watches from the shadows of an alleyway, their face obscured. As Taro disappears into the crowd, the figure pulls out a phone, a single text message appearing on their screen:
“Taro you don't know what's coming for you”
---
To Be Continued…
