Chapter 1 - A Literary Discovery

"Tecchou-san, ever since the mission… Sir kept himself locked in his room for days. Do you know what happened?" Michizou wanted to give Saigiku something— more of work-related stuff the Captain asked him to.

Tecchou, on the other hand, was resting by Saigiku as a form of leisure. At this point, he seemed like an abandoned dog who was told to stay outside by its owner. "He picked up something important. To decipher one thing, it must take days to finish."

As a form of acknowledgement, Michizou gave the papers to Tecchou, gesturing him to give those to Saigiku once he's free.

What happened a week ago, in fact, was that Tecchou and his partner went on a mission to arrest criminals who plotted treason with their special abilities. After providing security to avoid their escape before the police-government takes over, they encountered an abandoned book entitled, "My Love for You is this Journey".

Tecchou internally cringed at the title and had the urge to throw it away for someone else to find. What he didn't expect was that Saigiku would actually pick it up, read the first pages, and keep it.

Saigiku, too, was confused. He picked up the book in front of him out of curiosity and checked the first page. The text was surprisingly written on braille, "This book is for he who is the most favored character among the readers. The calmest and most composed would likely use this book wisely… Jouno Saigiku of the Hunting Dogs."

what the fuck? Is this a kind of threat or mockery?

He loathingly flipped to the next pages for the story content. Surprisingly, the name of his partner too, was there— not only Tecchou, but also the members of the Hunting Dogs. The end pages were more peculiar. The content was filled with comments about the book.

「What is with Michizou? Everytime the FL, Y/n is in trouble, he wasn't even there to save her!」

「That's right, he didn't even spare a glance for her, letting other members of the Hunting Dogs to save Y/n」

「Saigiku would be a better endgame; he was much more gentle to Y/n. He even asked the 3rd ML to protect her with the latter's life!」

「Sorry, I don't get the ML thing…」

↓

「1st ML is likely and usually the endgame; who the FL usually chooses— Michizou.
2nd ML respects the FL, who is usually the "second choice". In this story, he's Saigiku.
Then the 4th ML is Fukuchi, he also respects her but he's more of a side character.
These number of MLs are identified through the chronological sequence of the story. Y/n met Michizou first, then Saigiku, and so on.」

↓

「Thanks, but what about…」

「We do not talk about the 3rd ML.」

「Yes, yes. We do not talekj about Tecchou」

↓

「Censor T*cch** pls. Seeing that name makes me shiver!」

↓

「Bro cant even ocmparew to yieru jkpb apeplictation」

…

「What's wrong with Tecchou?」

He flipped through the pages to find the answer. Just by peeking at the page with a chapter that's entitled "The Mind Blinded by Grief", he inferred that Tecchou may have sought revenge for him by somehow trying to kill this "Y/n". But why would he do such thing? Isn't he the one who treasures justices that he would never do such evil?

Saigiku then stayed in his room with lights on for seven days straight. He had eaten properly during the time being as the food he ate were from deliveries that he ordered. Perhaps he got immersed on reading the story that could solve most of the questions lingering in his head.

…

The story was about the female lead mingling with the Hunting Dogs, who are the male lead's coworkers and friends. And in different journeys together with each member of the organization, feelings were produced and love bloomed little by little.

This starts with the female lead, Y/n passing by a road on the way to feed the bunnies on the nearby field. The field was filled with flowers and the cute creatures around, which was superlative in terms of peacefulness. On the way back, she met a handsome gentleman who happens to just finished his mission in capturing some criminals that had a powerful special ability when teamed up together.

It was likely "love at first sight" since Y/n was the one to see the true nature of Michizou as a member of the Hunting Dogs just by having eye contact with him. Oh the loneliness in his eyes were, pondering in life as he faces the beauty in front of him.

Y/n stopped by to comfort him, then their relationship grows. Michizou shared his problems and how life is in the process, which made Y/n determined to help him solve those and ease his worries. Especially when it comes to his indecision whether the Port Mafia or the Hunting Dogs feel more of "home" to him.

When Michizou brought her to the gathering of the Hunting Dogs, she had managed to befriend everyone, which the latter eventually ends up helping her overcome her life, fears, and trauma.

But over the time, he started to be more distant than he was before; as if he's hiding something from Y/n. The readers too, could notice that. Yet Y/n was deemed to have her brain and sense of what is right and wrong fleeing from her head.

There are other choices, such as Saigiku, Tecchou, Teruko, and Fukuchi. Yet that female lead still insisted on being with Michizou instead!

After getting to know "Saigiku", somehow the latter felt how special she was. No doubt on why he ordered Tecchou to protect her at all times. But there is this doubt: how special is Y/n that made him entrust her with his partner?

Saigiku isn't really the type of person to believe that he'll easily fall in love with someone he barely knew in his lifetime.

As Tecchou became Y/N's guard, the story implied that he admired her for how smart she was whenever she tried to escape being abducted by some criminals. The time they've spent together and some moments that they were close justified how much Tecchou cared for Y/n.

But that statement was taken back after Saigiku's death. Apparently, Saigiku died during the vampire outbreak which was plotted by a trusted member of the Hunting Dogs. The aforementioned plan was originally set to eradicate Y/N, but since "Saigiku" cared for her so much, he took the blow for her.

The story was somehow written in accordance to Y/N's perspective, so it was that uncertain if each of the other character's thoughts were true.

As a result of Saigiku's death, Tecchou went mad.

It's true that it scared a lot of readers— even Saigiku, since an upright and just person is unlikely to deviate from his own morals. Most were confused on why he would do such thing just for his partner, so everyone— at least the most of them decided to say that Tecchou is obsessed with serving his master like a dog, and hates Y/N's guts.

But what is the true reason on why he acted that way— to try killing the female lead?

And finally, for once, Saigiku got his attention away from that damn book. Placing the book on a hidden shelf in his room, he sighed and walked away. But as he opened the door, he stumbled upon a Tecchou.

It wasn't actually the first time it happened, he used to think waiting near a co-worker's door was merely a weird hobby of his. Thinking back on the novel he previously read, the situation seemed different.

"Tecchou-san, what. the. fuck." Furious, he subconsciously raised his foot to add pressure on Tecchou's shoulders. But before he could, his awareness had led him to hesitate and take back his action.

Either way, Tecchou wouldn't dare to resist— he would rather bleed than to stop himself from getting harmed as long as it's his partner.

Thinking about this way of the brunette's behavior, bewilderment arose in Saigiku's thoughts— though he wouldn't be the type to admit it.

If he's only obsessed on following me around, he wouldn't've killed Y/N. Just how the hell will he be thinking of doing that? Saigiku stared at Tecchou for a long while. When the latter looked at him straight in the eye, he heard his heartbeat become louder and faster. It wasn't much pleasurable— at least for Saigiku.

Had he become like this ever since, that he led him resort to slaughter after my death?

"Dear Sir needs your sympathetic knowledge— what do you know about love, Suehiro-san?"

Tecchou was internally shocked on hearing the sudden question. Speechless, he could only look away and break the eye contact between them. Either way, Saigiku wasn't really expecting a reply.

As Saigiku was thinking to leave and deal with the piled-up work that was left untouched for these seven days, Tecchou stood up and gave him a few evidences and other task-related items Michizou asked him to give. "These are from the Captain. Tachihara-kun said to deal with this if you have time."

"Too bad that I don't." Saigiku scoffed with a slight cough.

Tecchou: …

"Thank you, Tecchou-san."

Chapter 2 - Beforehand— Rather, the Prologue

Saigiku wouldn't likely try to mingle with the characters in the story if it weren't for the "mission" and the "reward" it may bring.

You're wondering what, aren't you?

At the last page of the book, the mission for Saigiku to fix plot holes was written on it. And no doubt, the plot hole contains Y/N hopelessly falling in love with the person who doesn't even like her. And in some way, he can fully control his heightened senses once he had completed that mentioned mission. In order to know if he could actually gain such skill from something he casually picked up in an oh-so normal place, he would have to test the truth and play along with the "prophecy". At the same time, he could also confirm if the book could be trusted for both his abilities and the safety of the world as per his job; as if to hit two birds with one stone!

As for fixing the plot hole, the easiest way to solve the situation is to go with the comments' liking. But Saigiku, someone who hasn't experienced any kind of romance, wouldn't agree on 'selling his dignity' as he doesn't even who exactly the female lead is.

It has been a few days ever since he had touched the book. In fact, nothing had changed according to it. Although, it has been partially convenient for Saigiku since he had a lot to deal with for the time being, such as interrogations towards suspects and criminals.

"Are you sure you've never seen this?" Saigiku banged a poisonous herb on the table, gripping it as if he was on the verge of crushing the aforementioned evidence.

The criminal then was inevitably scared and broke a sweat out of fear. "I-I… I haven't— really!"

It was amusing to hear the criminal in such state. Saigiku could definitely do this all day if the law-breaker keeps refusing to confess. And of course, he grinned at the outcome of how that suspect reacted.

Tecchou was with him as the Vice-Commander asked him to— in case anything goes wrong.

The task wasn't about keeping Saigiku safe from the criminal, rather, it's to keep the criminal safe from Saigiku..

Seeing the blind man's way of interrogating, he gritted his teeth, "Jouno, we're only here to interrogate. This isn't a torture session." His tone was neutral at first, but he gradually raised his voice, hinting his anger. It was a reasonable scolding, for Saigiku was already holding out a knife.

Tecchou then approached the suspect and gave them a disappointing sigh and glared.

Only then the criminal confessed as they were afraid to die, "Fine, I-I did poison the family! Please, j-just don't…!" Stuttering helplessly, they used their ability to try and escape, but the array that was set beforehand made them fail to do so. In the blink of an eye, they were knocked out by Saigiku.

"Tsk, finally." Saigiku dusted off his hands with a smile of amusement. "It was getting really boring."

The previous statement on how Saigiku was entering a state of boredom was said sarcastically. Besides, what do you expect from a sadist?

As Saigiku was about to walk out of the interrogation room, Tecchou stabbed him in the foot which made him lose his balance. Tecchou had expected to startle Saigiku with his sword, but the gentle Hunting Dog tripped. Subconsciously, he used his arm to grab Saigiku to prevent the latter's fall. "Boring, my ass." He looked away to avoid eye contact. "Don't treat our suspects like toys for your own amusement; prioritize your work first."

"I wasn't! Could you stop judging my habit of smiling?! Tecchou-san, it's better for you to shut up!" Saigiku then broke free from the man's grasp and stormed out like an angry wife who had just experienced an insignificant quarrel with their significant other.

When he finally got back to the quarters, he stumbled upon Teruko and Michizou. he heard that Michizou had received a mission to catch some powerful criminals lurking near a warehouse in a remote place. Since it was mentioned in the story, it seemed that the events he was waiting for had finally began to emerge.

According to the criminal's information, they use metal for their equipment— weapons, armory, and materials vital for the crime they're committing. No doubt that this really is fit for Michizou to deal with.

. . .

A few hours had passed, and Saigiku left early to the nearby meadows, hiding in a place not too near to be seen by anyone. He then heard Michizou walking nearby, his heart screaming how hurt he is. What happened to him?

The other person with him seemed familiar. Noticing that the person's signature features, Saigiku felt a pang in his heart. The gentle man himself didn't know why, for he tends to recognize people through their features— such as their usual bpm, body humidity, smell, precise body temperature, and their slight thoughts yet couldn't decipher who that person actually is. Being familiar with someone through that means having met them before—the longer, the better.

Saigiku's senses implicates that he had met Y/N before, though he doesn't know how special she was for him to remember her that much— his senses made her familiar, yet his memory made it seem otherwise.

Deep in his thoughts, Saigiku suddenly felt a weight in his superclavicular region and shuddered in response. The "thing doesn't have any killing intent, so he somewhat felt safe.

"Tecchou-san?" He held the hand that was caressing his waist. It did seem unusual, but he didn't mind Tecchou's "weird habits" as it wasn't harmful in any way.

"You almost scared me to death, and I might've ruined the scene if you approach me like that!" Saigiku silently exclaimed, not loud enough for others to hear. Thinking about it, he was on top of the nearest building. If he fell, Michizou might've spotted him and alter the whole plot into something unpredictable, triggering the "butterfly effect". "Ughhh Tecchou, I wish you would just die ! !" He pinched the brunette's ears.

You say those words, yet your actions mostly says otherwise. Tecchou continued burying his face on the crook of Saigiku's neck.

Chapter 3 - The Gathering: First Impression

Nothing much happened, but the prophecy is deemed to be true. With that, Saigiku made plans to solely fix the plot holes and get the skill of controlling his senses at will. The only thing he'll be waiting for at the moment is the gathering of the Hunting Dogs. At the moment, he'd help the others with paperwork through momentary discussions and deal with freshly-printed documents.

The rest of the Hunting Dogs usually do their work in the computer. But due to Saigiku's non-existent eyesight, he couldn't.

"There is this issue in Yokohama, as reported by a resident there. It says here that a few vehicles have been covered in ice. An ability user, perhaps, seemed to be a culprit. Shall we accept this mission?"

What kind of fucking question is that?

"They're not worthy of our time. I suppose this "Armed Detective Agency" can handle it." Saigiku let out a sigh and facepalmed in disappointment.

It wasn't exciting nor fun, really. Like any other day, "work" may sometimes piss off Saigiku— but of course he won't really take the job if it's worse than staying in prison.

A few days later, Teruko called them to a meeting. her intent wasn't necessarily professional, but casual. "As you all know, work is getting stressful nowadays. And ya know what?"

"A PARTY?!" Michizou's eyes lit up as he banged on the table. If it were Mori who announced an upcoming event, he would've jumped around Gin and squealed before the one who announces it speaks.

Saigiku sighed, "A party."

"So you all did read my mind!" Teruko happily clasped her hands, "Captain, shall we???"

And eventually, everyone agreed. In fact, it was inevitable. It is as if part of "fate" was this— an event that couldn't be interfered with; every possibility would lead to this outcome of the Hunting Dogs hosting a party together.

Speaking of "inevitable fate", how could Saigiku's death be avoided?

On the day itself, a restaurant was bustling of people, especially the members of the Hunting Dogs. Unlike any other parties that were previously hosted, this was surprisingly more… colorful.

And of course it's because of Y/N's appearance like those of some shoujo romance novels.

"Bro…" Teruko let out an exasperated sigh, slumping onto a couch. "Tachihara's late."

When was there a time that that dude was never late? Saigiku gritted his teeth in anger. It's surprising the fact that he's still smiling.

It didn't take long before Y/N came inside with a shy demeanor. And wow… She was pretty— as expected of a heroine like her, no doubt. "Michizou-san asked me to go first." She tucked a strand of hair at the back of her ear and bit her lower lip, "It's nice to meet you all."

Teruko pounced on her and greeted her in excitement. Saigiku then walked to her and greeted her back in the most formal and calm way.

Here it came again— a familiar scent of tender roses and a smile all-familiar.

Saigiku must've forgotten. The only way to find out about it is none other than… communication.

"Say, Y/N…" When he finds himself talking to the lady, near some garden outside the restaurant. It was peaceful, mostly because of the lively nature as the surroundings between the two of them. It is just the two of them together at the moment, in fact. Though, it's likely because of the plot between the female lead and her second male lead.

It wasn't normal for him to fidget on his casual clothing. It was a style almost too light that were picked by his co-worker Teruko, though it's too bad that even the person himself couldn't see the colors of his clothing especially in the evening as to where he is now.

It's not that important at the moment— his behavior and style, that is.

He then decided to mention, "Have we met before?"

"I… don't really remember meeting you before." She propped her chin, as if thinking— trying to remember the man before her. "Strange… I'm sorry." Still deep in thought, she somehow noticed a slight change in Saigiku's expression.

As written in the romance novel, "Saigiku" felt disappointed.
"What would you even expect…"

" When your savior suddenly went on saying that they forgot who you are?"

"As in you look up to them. Yet do they do the same thing?"

It just felt familiar. Saigiku wouldn't even interact with her. Unless…

Ah, that's it. They had met before. During that one time when Saigiku was at his most vulnerable state;

…

His sight was deteriorating, and a rush of fatigue and adrenaline was killing him. It was pitch dark, and for once, he felt helpless. Saigiku, like any other person, was once a child. Even when he used to be in a criminal organization at such a young age, it is terrifying as he was suffering day by day.

He used to be thrown down in a pit just because of his childish desires. And despite that, there would always be someone who will lend their hand to him.

It's her.

Y/N stretched her hand out for Saigiku, awaiting his response to be saved. His eyes lit up and cried joyfully. It was scary, especially not being able to see anything.

…

Stupid.

Dumb.

Outrageous.

Even "Saigiku" figured out the most important thing before he did.

He used to be shaking as a child, most of the time abandoned— no one to rely on, no one to care for, and no one to lean on. How did he even manage to survive in the first place, spiraling, hating the existence of everything he sees at first sight?

How did he go from a hurt child to someone who gets amused when it comes to other people getting hurt— anyone but him?

Saigiku chuckled, knowing how foolish it was for him not to recognize her earlier. Suppose repaying his debt and fixing the storyline would be two birds that he could hit with a single stone.