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2:12 A.M
–Café–
"What do you mean?"
Naomi met his gaze. "I mean exactly what I said," she replied. "It wasn't me who killed your mom... it was him."
The words hung in the air like a heavy weight, suffocating Kazuo with their implications. Hiroshi Sato, was supposed to be the man he had spent years investigating, the man whose crimes had haunted his every waking moment... was responsible for the death of his own mother.
But, how could he even trust what Naomi was saying? As far as he concerned, she was the source of all of his problems in life. Wasn't she?
"How can you prove that?" Kazuo asked.
Naomi's gaze drifted downward as she spoke. "I don't have solid evidence, but my dad has been involved in all sorts of crimes," she began, her words measured. "He knew that if he were to get caught, he would face life imprisonment. So he made me take the blame because I was young, and nothing extremely bad would happen to me."
A sense of disbelief washed over Kazuo as he listened to Naomi's account of her father's manipulative tactics. It was almost too much to comprehend.
"Recently, he called me," Naomi continued. "He said if I was going to jail, I should keep my mouth shut. But I told him no, and that he should come face the consequences of his own crimes."
"He threatened me," she added. "Told me he would send one of his men to kill me if I ever said a word."
The café seemed to grow eerily quiet as Naomi finished speaking, the weight of her revelation casting a heavy pall over their conversation.
"And why are you here telling me this?" Kazuo questioned.
"Because I believe my dad would try to kill me either ways." Naomi answered easily, "There was a man who tried to kill me today," she confessed, her words hanging heavy in the air. "I had to protect myself by locking the doors."
Kazuo's eyes widened in alarm. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.
Naomi nodded, her gaze meeting his with a steely determination. "I'm fine," she assured him. "But I knew that if I just reported it, I would still be unsafe. The police would dismiss it, or worse, my father's men would come after me again. So... I had to go out with the knife in order to be arrested."
Kazuo's brow furrowed in confusion as he processed her words. "So... you wanted protection from the police?" he surmised, his voice tinged with incredulity.
Naomi nodded, her eyes never leaving his, filled with a mixture of adoration and desperation. "Yes," she admitted softly. "I didn't know who else to turn to. I needed someone to believe me... to help me."
Kazuo pondered over what she said for a few moments before he spoke again, "Do you know where Hiroshi Sato is then?"
"Ah, that's the limit of how much I will say," she stated with a smile. "If you want to know the rest, you'll have to do me a favor."
Kazuo's brows furrowed in frustration at her ultimatum. "And how are you in a position to make demands like this?" he questioned, his voice tinged with skepticism. "Catching Hiroshi will ensure your safety, won't it?"
Naomi's tilted her head. "I know you've been investigating my father before this," she replied. "I'm not dumb. So you also have some sort of benefit in all of this."
Kazuo pondered over her words for a few moments, his mind racing with the implications of her confession. If Naomi knew about his investigation into Hiroshi Sato, then she probably knew how important any lead would be.
Naomi's cheeky smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she leaned in, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "So, why are you investigating my dad?" she prodded, her tone playful.
Kazuo's expression hardened as he shook his head. "It's confidential," he replied firmly, his voice leaving no room for argument.
Undeterred, Naomi leaned back in her seat, a knowing glint in her eyes. "C'mon, Kazuo, I know it's more than just that," she teased, her voice laced with intrigue. "Does it have to do with D.I.M. 2?"
Kazuo paused at the mention of D.I.M. 2, his mind racing with the implications of Naomi's words. Could she really know about their secret investigation?
"What's your favor then?" he questioned with a cautious look.
Naomi met his gaze head-on, her expression serious. "Be my boyfriend," she replied simply, her words hanging in the air like a delicate promise.
Kazuo blinked at her unexpected request, his mind reeling with disbelief. Could this really be happening?
As he stared at her, his mind awash with conflicting emotions, Kazuo couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead for them both. But one thing was certain: if he wanted to uncover the truth about Hiroshi Sato and D.I.M. 2, he would have to listen to Naomi's favor. And perhaps, in doing so, him and the others would be able to stop Veldra before it was too late. After a while on thinking, Kazuo found the advantages to be more than the disadvantages.
"Okay."
"Seriously, think--what?" Naomi paused and looked at him in shock.
Her initial surprise quickly giving way to excitement. "Wait, really?" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with disbelief.
Kazuo nodded, "Yeah," he replied simply.
A surge of joy bubbled up within Naomi as she realized the significance of Kazuo's agreement. "Are you serious?" she asked, her voice tinged with excitement.
Kazuo met her gaze, his expression resolute. "I'm serious," he repeated. "You have to agree to one last thing, though."
-------------------------------
"What the FUCK is she doing here?" Zen asked in exasperation as he looked at Naomi who stood next to Kazuo.
This was another meeting at the park and everyone has stared at the pair in stunned silence until Zen spoke up and said that.
Kazuo took a deep breath, steeling himself for the inevitable backlash from his friends. "Naomi will be helping us," he explained calmly, his voice steady despite the tension in the air. "She has information that could be valuable to our investigation."
Rehan's eyes narrowed as he regarded Kazuo with skepticism. "Have you lost your mind?" he demanded.
Kazuo shook his head, his expression unwavering. "No," he replied firmly. "I haven't. Naomi has insider knowledge that could be crucial to uncovering the truth about Hiroshi Sato and D.I.M. 2."
They stared at Kazuo and Naomi in stunned silence. As Kazuo met their gazes, he couldn't help but wonder if he had made the right decision in agreeing to Naomi's favor. But deep down, he knew that if they were going to stop Veldra and protect the ones they loved, they would need all the help they could get. And if that meant working alongside Naomi, then so be it.
Naomi waved at Omi, "Hi Omi."
He fixed his glasses and frowned lightly, "Hi."
As the tension in the air thickened, Aria's voice cut through the silence like a knife. "But will she really help us?" she asked, her tone tinged with uncertainty.
Kazuo met her gaze with a determined expression. "Yes," he replied, his voice unwavering. "I believe she will."
Aria nodded slowly, her eyes searching Naomi's unbothered face for any sign of doubt. Finding none, she let out a soft sigh and turned her attention back to the group, her mind already racing with thoughts of how Naomi's involvement could impact their investigation.
Meanwhile, Cicero arrived at the park, his easygoing demeanor a stark contrast to the tension that had enveloped the group. He greeted everyone with a warm smile, his eyes scanning the faces gathered around him.
But as his gaze fell upon Naomi, his jaw dropped in astonishment. For a moment, he simply stood there, his expression a mixture of surprise and intrigue. Then, with a mischievous glint in his eyes, he turned to Kazuo and gave him a subtle wink, as if to say. 'Well played.'
Turning his attention to Zen, Cicero wrapped an arm around his shoulders. "Hey there, Zeno," he greeted him, his tone low. "How did your exam go?"
Zen's expression softened at Cicero's familiar presence, the tension of the moment momentarily forgotten. "It went okay," he replied, a hint of relief in his voice.
Cicero nodded, his easy smile never faltering. "Glad to hear it," he said, clapping Zen on his back, his hand lingering there before turning back to the group.
"So, did you tell her about the plan?" the green head asked Kazuo as he nodded towards Naomi.
Kazuo nodded, acknowledging Cicero's question. "Yeah," he replied. "I filled her in with everything."
Cicero's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "And you're on board with it?" his eyes drifted to Naomi, his curiosity evident in his tone.
Naomi smiled, "Absolutely," she replied and held Kazuo's arm "I want to help in any way I can."
Cicero glanced at that, before he smiled back, "That's great to hear," he said. "We could use all the help we can get."
Breaking the momentary silence, Kazuo cleared his throat, shifting the focus back to the matter at hand. "Alright, so here's the plan," he began, his voice steady as he outlined the details of their next operation. "We already know that Cicero will go undercover and Naomi will help by going there too."
Before Kazuo could continue, Zen interjected. "I'll go too," he declared, his eyes flashing with resolve.
Kazuo's brow furrowed in surprise at Zen's sudden insistence, "When did you say that?"
"I'm sayin' it now," Zen replied.
"But we didn't plan with you in the picture," Omi pointed out.
Zen looked at Omi and his irritation simmered beneath the surface, but before he could respond, he felt Cicero's gently squeeze at his side.
With a deep breath, Zen bit back the retort that threatened to escape his lips, forcing himself to swallow his frustration.
"We can start planning now," Cicero replied instead.
"No, that won't be a good idea," Omi rejected.
"Well, not everything goes your, way, does it?" Zen's patience wore thin as Omi continued to challenge Cicero's suggestion, his irritation reaching its boiling point.
"I don't see a problem with it," Michael spoke and Rehan agreed with him.
Omi finally backed away, still feeling unconvinced.
Then after that the group settled back into their discussion.
-------------------------
Cicero stood before the mirror, adjusting the blue royal guard uniform adorned with intricate gold designs. They managed to get one with Aria's help. She asked Cesal and Slater for their help on getting it. The fabric felt foreign against his skin, a stark departure from his usual clothes. He practiced the stoic, serious demeanor expected of a royal guard. He furrowed his brow, attempting to project an air of authority and vigilance as he scrutinized his reflection.
"What the fuck are you doing?"
Cicero glanced at Zen, a playful grin tugging at the corners of his lips. "So, what do you think?" he asked, gesturing to the uniform.
Zen's gaze lingered on Cicero for a moment, the vibrant blue of the uniform accentuating his features in a way that was both striking and undeniable. For a brief moment, Zen found himself at a loss for words, his mind momentarily clouded by the sight before him.
Before Cicero could speak, Kazuo's voice interrupted his thoughts.
"You'll need to keep a gun with you at all times," he stated matter-of-factly, his tone carrying a sense of urgency.
Cicero turned to face Kazuo. "A gun, huh?" he remarked, his voice tinged with anticipation. "Now we're talking."
"I'm concerned," Rehan voiced and Michael laughed.
"You're looking extra saucy," Micheal rubbed his hands and nodded with a smile.
Cicero looked down at himself before he smirked up at Michael, "Thanks, Mike."
"What was that sound?" Aria suddenly asked and they turned to her.
"What sound?" Omi asked her.
"I don't know, it was like a loud sound just now when Michael rubbed his hands," she explained with furrowed brows.
Rehan glanced at Cicero before he started wheezing.
"What's funny?" Michael asked.
"What's wrong with you?" Rehan laughed in Michael face.
Zen blinked in confusion, his brow furrowing as he tried to make sense of the situation unfolding before him.
Kazuo sighed, "Guys, that's just the friction---" he paused, wondering what the hell he was even trying to explain, "we are gonna to start the mission tonight and you're laughing at Michael?!"
"Sorry, Kaz. It was just so funny," Rehan wiped a tear as he tried to calm down.
Kazuo continued, outlining the training regimen that lay ahead for Naomi, Zen, and himself. "But first, we'll need to do some training," Kazuo explained, his tone firm and authoritative. "We need to ensure that everyone is fully prepared for the challenges ahead."
"What training?" Rehan asked.
"Firearm training," Kazuo said with a hint of irritation, "You would know if you were listening to me in the park."
"Me too?" Zen asked him.
"Yes."
-----------------------------
Kazuo gestured towards the shooting range, his tone authoritative as he explained the fundamentals of firearm training to the group. "Alright, everyone, listen up. First, make sure you have a firm grip on the firearm, with your dominant hand wrapping around the grip and your non-dominant hand supporting from underneath. Naomi you go first."
Naomi nodded attentively, her expression focused as she absorbed Kazuo's instructions. "Got it," she affirmed, determination evident in her voice.
"Good. Now, align your sights with the target, focusing on your breathing and maintaining a steady stance," Kazuo continued, his gaze sweeping over the group to ensure they were all paying attention.
With a nod from Kazuo, Naomi raised the firearm, her hands steady as she took aim at the target. Three shots rang out in quick succession, the recoil causing her to stumble slightly as she regained her balance.
Kazuo inspected the target, his brow furrowing slightly at the results. "8 on the abdomen, 7 on the arm, and near the shoulder," he noted, his tone firm but encouraging. "You need more practice, Naomi. Keep at it."
Naomi nodded in acknowledgment, her determination undimmed as she prepared for another round of shots.
Next, it was Zen's turn. With a deep breath, he steadied himself, his hands trembling slightly with anticipation as he raised the firearm.
Three shots echoed through the shooting range, each one landing with precision on the target. But as Zen lowered the firearm, a grimace of pain crossed his face, his hand throbbing from the force of the recoil.
Kazuo observed Zen's discomfort. "7 in the middle of the collarbones, 8 near the ear, and 8 on the abdomen," he remarked, his tone measured. "Good shots, but be mindful of the recoil. Take a moment to rest."
Zen nodded, setting the firearm down. He hissed and flexed his fingers to ease the ache. Kazuo turned to Cicero and told him to get in position.
Cicero stood with his feet shoulder-width apart, his stance steady and firm as he prepared to take aim. With a click, he armed the firearm himself, and three shots rang out in quick succession.
Kazuo's brows raised as he looked at the silhouette shooting target, "......X headshot all three times."
But Cicero wasn't finished yet. With a sense of determination, he reset his stance and prepared to fire again. This time, his focus shifted to the heart of the target, his aim unwavering as he lined up his shots.
Three more shots echoed through the shooting range, each one finding its mark on the X right on the heart. Cicero's accuracy was unmatched, his skill with the firearm a testament to his dedication and training. As he lowered the weapon, a sense of satisfaction washed over him.
Zen stood in awe, his jaw dropping as he watched Cicero's impressive display of marksmanship.
Cicero removed his ear defenders and eye protection glasses. There was a dangerous edge to his demeanor, a sense of power and control that was almost scary.
Cicero's smile widened as he turned to face Kazuo, his expression expectant as he awaited feedback on his performance. "How did I do?" he inquired.
Kazuo's expression was a mix of astonishment and disbelief as he surveyed the target, the evidence of Cicero's skill evident in the precise grouping of shots. After a moment of stunned silence, Kazuo finally found his voice. "Impressive," he admitted, acknowledging Cicero's undeniable talent. "That was perfect. I don't think you need any more training."
Naomi took off her ear defenders, "Where did you learn to shoot like that?" she asked Cicero.
Cicero shrugged, "My dad taught me."
"Alright, so, Cicero you can help Zen out and I'll help Naomi out in order to save time," Kazuo concluded and Cicero nodded in agreement. "I trust that you know how to unload the guns, right?"
"Correct," Cicero unloaded his gun to prove the point and did the same to Zen's gun.
"Okay. I'll be leaving now," Kazuo said and put away all the equipment. Naomi followed after him as he walked out, "Lock the door and give me the keys tomorrow." he told Cicero before finally leaving.
Cicero turned to Zen, who was being awfully quiet. "Is there something you wanna tell me?"
His inquiry about was met with a dismissive grunt, the red-haired boy rolling his eyes in exasperation. "Shut up," he muttered, his tone grumpy as he brushed off Cicero's attempt at conversation.
Feigning offense, Cicero clutched his chest dramatically, a mock expression of hurt crossing his features. "Stop telling me to shut up, it hurts my feelings," he said, voice dripping with exaggerated indignation.
Unimpressed by Cicero's theatrics, Zen retaliated with a punch to his arm, followed by a swift kick to his shin. "You asked for it," Zen remarked when he was done.
Cicero recoiled from the blows, "What happened? We were good just moments ago," he pouted.
"Well, I'm mad at you now," Zen said. "You're annoying as shit. Perfect at everything." he grumbled.
Zen immediately regretted saying that once he saw Cicero smirk.
"I could teach you, you know," he offered, "But only if you call me sir."
Zen's response was immediate, a scoff escaping his lips as he waved off Cicero's words. "Stop with your weird fantasies, Sager," he retorted. "Go 'nd unleash them on one of your fangirls or somethin'. I'm sure they'd be more than happy to do that freaky shit with you."
"But it won't be the same," Cicero shook his head, "and you're much more enjoyable."
Zen rubbed his face with his palms and sighed. "Leave me alone."
"Never," Cicero reached out to pull Zen close, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Let's get ice cream," he suggested.
Zen tried to push him away, but Cicero's grip remained firm, his determination unwavering as he refused to let the redhead get away so easily. Despite Zen's feeble attempts to push him off, Cicero held on, his smile growing wider with each failed effort.
"Fine. Let's get ice cream, now get away from me," Zen relented, his cheeks flushing with a mix of irritation and flustered embarrassment at Cicero's persistent closeness. With a final push, Zen managed to free himself from Cicero's grasp, his breath catching slightly as he distanced himself.
------------------------------
"I like dominance. I like guys who are dominant," Lettita explained to Fay and Aria as they sat in a coffee shop.
Rehan's mouth gaped as he heard that, but he pretended like he didn't and continued working behind the counter.
Fay nodded in understanding as she ate a piece of cake, after swallowing, she spoke, "I see. What about you Aria?"
Aria smiled shyly, "Well..." she tucked a hair behind her ear, "I like gentlemen."
"Hmm, that's fair," Lettita said, "So do you like someone or are you talking with someone right now?"
Aria was abashed from Lettita's question, her gaze shifting nervously as she contemplated her response. "Um, well, yeah," she admitted softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Lettita's eyes widened with curiosity, a mischievous glint dancing in her gaze as she leaned in closer. "Ooh, tell us. Who's the lucky guy?" she exclaimed eagerly.
Aria hesitated, her shyness getting the best of her as she struggled to find the words.
"Is it one of the guys?" Fay asked.
Aria nodded slowly and they gasped.
Lettita's curiosity was piqued, and she couldn't resist pressing further. "Is it Kazuo?" she guessed, her excitement palpable.
"What? No way," Fay grimaced and she was relieved when Aria shook her head.
"No, it's not him," she answered.
Lettita frowned in thought before another name crossed her mind. "Is it Omi, then?" she suggested, her tone laced with curiosity.
"Um, she said she likes gentlemen," Fay deadpanned and Lettita frowned in confusion.
"Omi can be a gentleman," Lettita said.
"Girl, no."
Aria shook her head again. "No, it's not Omi either."
Lettita leaned back in her chair, contemplating Aria's response with a thoughtful expression. "Hmm, then who could it be?" she mused aloud.
"Rehan?"
After a moment of tense silence, Aria finally gathered the courage to speak the name that had been on her mind. "No it's... Cicero," she confessed.
Rehan paused and then he shook his head, listening in to most of their conversation.
There was a long pause as Lettita and Fay exchanged surprised glances, processing Aria's unexpected revelation.
Then, Fay let out a small chuckle. "Well, I should've expected that," she remarked with a knowing smile.
Lettita shared a knowing look with Fay before turning her attention back to Aria. "So... why do you like him?" she inquired gently, her curiosity evident in her expression.
Aria paused, her mind racing as she searched for the right words to convey her feelings. "Well," she began, her voice soft yet filled with warmth, "he's just... a wonderful person. He's kind, caring, and always there when I need him. He makes me feel safe and understood, you know?"
Fay nodded in understanding, even though she was a bit reluctant.
Aria took a deep breath, steeling herself for the next question that lingered on her mind. "Do you guys think I should confess?" she asked hesitantly, her eyes flickering between Lettita and Fay.
Lettita considered the question for a moment. "You can try," she suggested with a supportive nod.
Aria's heart fluttered with a mix of nerves and anticipation at Lettita's response. "Okay," she replied, her voice filled with determination.
Just then, the door chimed as Michael and Cicero strolled in, their presence accompanied by a burst of lively energy that filled the cafe.
"Rehan, what's up?!" his voice echoed through the room as he made his way to the counter.
"Are you on the menu?" Cicero leaned against the counter and looked at Rehan with a smirk.
"Nah, but do you know what's on the menu?" Michael asked and Cicero turned to him, "Me 'n u."
Cicero's jaw dropped and then he laughed and hit Michael on his arm, "Heyyy, where did you learn that?"
"Only from the best," Michael smiled.
Rehan huffed, "Are you two giants just going to stand there and have a pick up line contest, or will you order something."
"Aight, I'll have a latte," Michael said and gave Rehan his card.
"Chocolate vanilla swirl with cookie crunch, please," Cicero said and then Zen walked in, looking around for a moment. Cicero gave Rehan his card, "And black coffee with no sugar. Quick."
Rehan nodded and took their cards before going to work on the order.
Fay's face lit up with a warm smile as Michael approached, returning his hug with equal enthusiasm. "Hey there," she greeted him cheerfully, her voice carrying a hint of laughter.
Cicero followed suit, offering his own greeting as he leaned against the table, his arms folded casually in front of him. "Hey, ladies," he said with a playful grin, his eyes sparkling with mischief. Then they went and sat in a different table.
Zen walked up to the counter, "Hey, blondie. Will you mess up my order again like last time?" he quipped with a rare smile.
Rehan laughed, "No, no. Here you go," he handed Zen a tray. "Take this to Michael and Cicero."
Zen handed him his card, but Rehan declined.
"Cicero already paid for yours."
"...What?" Zen frowned.
"Cicero already---" Rehan tried to say again, but Zen was already out of his sight.
Michael flinched when he heard a loud sound as Zen forcefully set the tray on the table. He looked up to see the redhead looking at Cicero with a death glare.
Cicero kept talking as if he didn't hear that loud noise and Michael kept trying to get him to stop speaking.
Zen sat opposite to them and that's when Cicero finally stopped talking, "Oh, hey, Zen. I missed you so much," he said and took his drink from the tray and sipped from it, "Ah that's the stuff." he sighed.
"Do you have a death wish?"
"Hm?" Cicero blinked, "Why?"
"Why did you pay for my drink?"
"So what if I did? What're you gonna do about it?" Cicero raised a brow.
"You're the worst," Zen huffed and let the matter drop.
"Yeah, that's what I thought," Cicero said and Zen kicked him under the table, making him groan in pain. "I'm not gonna let you keep getting away with this," he muttered and rubbed his shin.
"Yeah, man. At this rate, you're not gonna be able to walk anymore," Michael said and Zen glanced at him.
"Fuck you both."
"Damn---"
"Uhm, Ci-Cicero?" They heard someone say.
Cicero saw Aria standing there, her demeanor bashful and uncertain. Cicero's brows lifted in mild surprise, a curious glint in his eyes as he regarded her.
"Yeah, what's up?" he responded, his tone uncertain.
Aria hesitated for a moment, her fingers fidgeting nervously as she struggled to find the right words. With a small, nervous smile, she wordlessly handed him a neatly folded letter, her cheeks flushing pink with embarrassment. Then, without another word, she turned and hastily made her way out of the coffee shop, her hurried footsteps echoing in her wake.
As Aria dashed out the door, she collided with a solid figure.
Her gaze lifted to meet Kazuo's as he stood there.
Naomi, who was holding onto Kazuo's arm, caught sight of Aria's flushed face and misinterpreted the situation, her thoughts racing with confusion and frustration. She frowned, her grip on Kazuo's arm tightening as she observed the encounter, her expression a mix of suspicion and annoyance.
Aria then continued to run away after mumbling an apology.
"What wrong with that bitch?" Naomi rolled her eyes and continued walking with Kazuo, who glanced back for a moment since he was confused, but Naomi tapped him. "What are you looking at?"
Kazuo huffed, "Stop acting jealous. That wasn't part of the agreement."
"Being jealous is a part of being a girlfriend," she countered.
They walked in the coffee shop and as soon as Rehan laid eyes on Naomi, he pretended to take off his apron.
"I'm not serving her."
Naomi spoke up, "Let's forget and move on from the past, okay? I'm sorry for all the things I said to you back in the cell." she smiled and it looked way too unnatural.
Rehan just shook his head and listened to Kazuo as he ordered.
Meanwhile Cicero was opening up the letter, which was already painfully obvious as to what it was. Just from the heart sticker on it. Zen was now sitting next to Cicero and was leaning in close to him, so he could get a better look.
Cicero noticed and he held back a laugh, "Relax, cupcake. It's not going to vanish."
Zen's frown deepened and he nodded towards the note, "Open it." he demanded, not even caring about the nickname Cicero just called him.
Cicero began opening it painstakingly slow, just so he could see Zen get riled up and it worked.
"Goddamnit, jus' open the fuckin' letter, Sager!" he lashed out, his tone bordering on a whine.
The green head closed it and turned to Zen, "Say: please Cicero, open the letter please, and I will open it. I swear."
Zen looked away from him and put his head in his arms, feeling like he was about to burst.
Michael's lips formed a thin line, "Chouko--"
"Wait, Mike," Cicero raised up a hand to silence him, "You have to wait 'til Zen says it."
Zen lifted his head and sighed, his frustration evident in the way he clenched his fists. Taking a deep breath to steady himself, he finally relented, albeit reluctantly---"Please, Cicero," he muttered, the words rushed and barely audible.
Cicero leaned closer, "I didn't quite catch that, Zeno. Louder."
"Please, Cicero, open the letter, please," Zen's voice carried a hint of urgency, though he tried to mask it with a casual tone.
Cicero's lips curled into a mischievous smile. He noticed Zen's red ears and chuckled softly, his fingers deftly working to unfold the letter. As he did so, Zen leaned in closer, eager to catch a glimpse of its contents.
It read:
Dear Cicero,
Your presence takes my breath away. I can't believe you're a real person, honestly. Perhaps you're an angel. Your eyes can compete with all of the universe. Ever since you walked into my life, everything seems brighter, happier, and a little bit more... magical. Yeah, I said it, magical.
Your smile, Cicero, it's like the sun breaking through the clouds after a storm. It melts away my worries and makes everything seem possible. And your laugh? It's like music to my ears, seriously. I could listen to it forever and never get tired of it.
I can't help but feel all fluttery and warm whenever you're around. It's like my stomach's filled with a million butterflies, and they're all doing the cha-cha or something. And when you look at me, with those eyes that could make even the stars jealous, I feel like I'm the only person in the world.
I know this might sound cheesy, but I don't care. I just want you to know how much you mean to me. You're like a dream come true, Cicero, and I feel so lucky to have you in my life. So, yeah, there it is. I hope you don't think I'm a total weirdo now.
With all my love (and a bunch of butterflies),
Aria Lixen.