Extra's Descent

Raven led Katarina to a bunch of places he could think of at the top of his head.

They began with a small cafe tucked away from the bustling streets.

Inside, the smell of coffee mixed with the scent of old books lining the walls.

Katarina's eyes widened as she took in the cozy atmosphere.

"It's… cozy."

She murmured, holding the warm mug Raven had ordered.

"Usually quiet this late. Mostly locals looking for peace."

They didn't linger long. Soon, he led her through winding alleyways to a ramen stand.

Katarina laughed softly.

"I haven't had ramen from a stand in years."

"It's better when it's spicy."

"Ah?"

It seemed like Katarina was reluctant.

Raven urged.

"Try it."

Katarina held the small shaker of spice, hesitating.

"Are you sure?"

"It's the only way to eat it.

Raven grinned, nodding toward her bowl.

She sprinkled the spice cautiously, then took a deep breath and blew on the ramen before taking a bite.

The effect was immediate.

"Nnmh…!"

Her eyes widened, and a second later, tears began to well up.

"Haha~"

Raven chuckled, watching her reaction with amusement.

Unlike her, he didn't sprinkle the spice at all and enjoyed the ramen.

Katarina pouted, her cheeks flushed.

"You did that on purpose, didn't you?"

"No?"

She huffed, wiping her eyes and giving him a playful glare. But her lips curved into a smile.

Next, he led her to a rooftop garden overlooking the city.

They stood quietly, taking in the skyline. Wildflowers grew untamed around them, and Katarina's gaze softened.

"The view is amazing…."

She whispered, her eyes sparkling. Raven took in her expression for a second, then turned to scan the view.

Finally, he brought her to an old record shop. The shelves were filled with vinyls and dusty CDs.

The shopkeeper nodded at him, paying no attention to Katarina. She ran her fingers over the covers, her face brightening at the sight of classic albums.

"You really come here?"

She asked, looking at him with curiosity. A wave of nostalgia surged within her.

"Every week."

By the time they walked back out, the city felt quieter. They strolled in silence, taking in the sight of the city's nightlife.

"Thank you, Raven."

She said softly.

Raven gave a slight nod.

"Just doing my job, Miss Katarina."

He grinned.

Katarina pursed her lips and pouted.

"I told you to drop the honorifics…."

Raven chuckled, then glanced at his watch. The moment he did, his eyebrows rose.

"It's 1:00 AM."

Katarina's eyes widened in realization. Time went by in a flash.

"Oh no, my manager must be going insane…."

He smirked.

"Probably combing through half the city by now."

From a distance, they could hear sirens blare out.

"See? Must've been a search party for you."

She laughed softly.

"What? Haha~ Tonight was… really nice, though. I didn't think I could just…. walk around, like a normal person."

"You are a normal person."

"Ah."

Katarina, who didn't have trouble earlier, suddenly averted her gaze.

Raven, who was quite confused by her sudden reaction, tilted his head.

"What's wrong?"

"...."

Karina remained quiet for a second. Without looking at him, she whispered to the side.

"Uhm…. number…."

"Yes?"

He couldn't hear her properly. Raven leaned closer.

"Can you say that again?"

"Eeek—"

The moment he did, Katarina flinched and yelped.

"If…. you don't mind. Could you give me your number?"

She whispered once more. But this time, Raven could hear her.

"Don't you already have my contact?"

"Not your work number!"

Finally, she looked at him.

"Your…. personal contact."

"Ah?"

He didn't see why not.
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Raven handed her his phone, and she quickly typed in her number, giving him a small, satisfied smile as she handed it back.

She grinned, looking down at her own phone and staring at his name in her contacts with a soft smile.

Then, she frowned as several notifications flashed on her phone.

—You!

—Where have you been!?

—We've been looking everywhere for you!

Raven couldn't help but chuckle. She was different from the image he had of her at first—somehow more genuine.

As the night continued winding down, Katarina looked at him and opened her mouth.

"Really, tonight was…. exactly what I needed."

"Anytime."

She gestured toward the main street where her ride would pick her up.

"It's late. I should head back alone. You don't need to worry—I'm used to this."

Raven shook his head.

"It's not safe for you to be out alone. It's better if I escort you. It's still part of my duties."

Katarina gave a reassuring smile.

"Really, I'll be fine. But thanks, Raven."

She turned toward the street, but glanced back with a playful wave.

"Goodnight, Raven."

Raven watched her go, standing under the streetlight as her car pulled away. A hint of her perfume lingered in the air as he turned, heading back through the city alone.

He had finished his job, and seeing his client satisfied, hopefully, there would be a bonus.

He glanced at his watch again.

[2:03 AM.]

There was still time to train.

Just as Raven was about to walk away, something flickered in his peripheral vision.

There, emerging from the shadow, was a sight all too familiar to him.

Cladded in black, there, he stood, his ink–black hair grew much to the length that reached all the way to his neck.

His black—cloak was stained red, but it didn't seem to bother him so much.

He hadn't seen him for quite a while after Evelyn's funeral.

"Brandon?

***

It was purely coincidental.

As Brandon traversed from roof to roof, he saw Raven, standing idle as he parted ways with a woman.

"...."

In any case, Brandon stood in front of him. Raven might come up with conjectures to the sudden appearance he took, but now was the best time.

There was no one around, and since the crime scene was closeby, evident by the sirens blaring, Raven was bound to find out eventually.

After all, he was just about to walk in that direction.

"Brandon?"

Raven voiced out.

"What were you doing?"

Firstly, to hide the fact that he was aware of Raven's activities.

"Ah, bodyguarding, huh?"

Next, to dig information out of him so he could lead the conversation to a certain point.

"So, you're working for Lianna?"

"That's basically the gist."

"Hmm…."

Brandon pondered. Raven began to explain how it all happened for some reason.

"So it was her who offered you the job?"

That meant, he didn't use his connection with Reinhard at all.

Lianna simply approached Raven herself.

"Yes, but why the sudden questions?"

"Nothing, just…. what are your thoughts about her?"

Raven remained silent for a moment, seemingly pondering. Then, redirecting the conversation, he spoke.

"Do you feel something off about her too?"

"Ah?"

At the moment, they were merely speculations.

"Yes, kind of."

"I thought so too. Something about her just…. doesn't feel right."

It was merely intuition. But the two felt the same way.

"Keep watching her."

"Yes?"

"That's what you're doing, right? Why you're sticking close to her?"

"I guess so?"

Brandon walked away then. But left Raven a few words.

"And whatever you hear from the news, it was me. No need to go investigate, you probably have an idea why I did it."

"....?"

Raven tilted his head. Just as he was about to inquire, Brandon had already disappeared.

He realized.

Weeeooo— Weeeooo—

The sirens.