My Childhood Friend

...12 years later...

The plane hums beneath me as I open my eyes.

Reality hits the moment the flight attendant’s voice echoes through the cabin.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we have now arrived in Italy.”

Italy.

I exhale slowly, staring out the window as the city comes into view lights scattered like stars, beautiful… and dangerous.

This isn’t a trip.

This is a mission.

Why am I here?

Because I said yes.

Because I chose this.

Because twelve years ago, someone took everything from me

And now, I’m taking something back.

I step out of the airport, the cool Italian air brushing against my skin. People rush past me, dragging suitcases, greeting loved ones, living normal lives.

I don’t belong here.

Not in their world.

My phone buzzes.

A single message.

*Target confirmed.*

*Mr. Ian Dior.*

*Location will be sent soon.*

I stare at the name.

Ian Dior.

Known as the *“King of Hell”* in the underground mafia network of Italy.

Untouchable. Dangerous. Ruthless.

And me?

I’m the one sent to get close.

To extract information.

And if necessary

To kill him.

I slip my phone back into my pocket and continue walking.

That’s when it happens.

*Bump.*

I stagger slightly as someone collides with me.

“I’m sorry,” he mutters quickly, not even meeting my eyes before hurrying away.

Too fast.

Too careless.

Too… familiar.

I freeze for half a second.

My instincts sharpen.

Something isn’t right.

I turn my head slightly, watching his back as he disappears into the crowd.

That feeling…

It crawls under my skin.

Like I’ve seen him before.

Like I *know* him.

It doesn’t matter.

Nothing matters except the mission.

I step out onto the street and raise my hand.

A taxi pulls over.

No hesitation.

No second thoughts.

“Amusement park,” I say shortly.

The driver nods, already pulling away.

Minutes later, I arrive.

Bright lights. Loud music. Laughter echoing everywhere.

The place is alive.

Children running. Couples smiling. Friends shouting over each other.

Happiness… everywhere.

And yet

My world feels distant.

Muted.

Like I’m watching everything from behind glass.

I walk slowly past the rides.

A carousel spins endlessly.

A roller coaster screams through the tracks.

People laugh.

Scream.

Call out to each other.

But none of it reaches me the same way.

It never does.

For a moment… I stop.

This place.

It feels familiar.

Too familiar.

A memory flickers.

A younger version of me.

Holding her hand.

Smiling.

Laughing.

Happy.

I blink.

And it’s gone.

I tighten my grip slightly and keep walking.

No distractions.

A small café catches my attention near the edge of the park.

Warm lights. Quiet atmosphere.

I step inside.

The smell of coffee fills the air.

I don’t like it.

Never did.

“Milk,” I say briefly.

The man behind the counter nods.

As he prepares it, I feel it.

His gaze.

Lingering.

Studying.

Uncomfortable.

I don’t look at him.

I don’t react.

But he keeps staring.

Like he’s seen something impossible.

Then

“Are you… Sarah?”

My body freezes for half a second.

Just a second.

But enough.

Sarah.

That name.

My name.

I look to him slowly, my expression already cold.

“No,” I reply flatly. “You’re mistaken.”

He pauses… then smiles apologetically.

“Oh… I’m sorry. You just look exactly like someone I used to know.”

I say nothing.

He continues, almost to himself

“Sarah… she went missing twelve years ago.”

My chest tightens.

But my face doesn’t change.

He steps closer, extending his hand.

“Hello. I’m Efi Salvor. I own this place.”

Friendly.

Too friendly.

I stare at his hand for a brief moment before answering.

“I’m Seirin Takahashi.”

A lie.

One of many.

I take my drink and turn toward the window.

Dark clouds gather outside.

Rain is coming.

“‘Takahashi?’” he repeats, curious. “You’re Japanese?”

I don’t respond.

Not because I didn’t hear him.

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