Unable to continue thinking any further, there is only darkness ahead.

Although I planned to relax before going to work, my legs involuntarily took me to the place related to work, which is the shopping center.

Every year, tourists from all over the city gather here to admire the night festival.

This night festival that has been held since ancient times is unique and has many related legends.

One of the most famous in recent years is the saying that 'if you pray to the sky lanterns rising up in the sky, your wish will come true,' and all you have to do is pray, without any other conditions.

Because of its simplicity, this belief has become popular over the past two years, and people have complete faith in it.

Everyone has wishes, no matter how rich or happy they are, especially those who are unfortunate.

Therefore, on the night of the festival, countless tourists flock to the event, sometimes causing traffic jams in the city center.

Moreover, wherever there are crowds, the rates of accidents and incidents increase, which is a self-evident truth.

Therefore, on the night of the festival, the Elena security team mobilizes to patrol the surrounding areas, with Lightning being responsible for the area from the shopping center to the central artificial sea.

Taking the opportunity to walk around and check the area I am responsible for is a good idea.

Knowing the locations of various shops will be helpful when assigning tasks to subordinates, and there may be items that need to be removed in advance.

For example, it is better to have more staff around daily or important gathering points, as these areas are prone to theft.

Contacting the shops to confirm if they have taken anti-theft measures in advance is also necessary.

Suddenly, a display in the shop window catches Lightning's eye—a large pendant hanging on a thin chain, resembling a blue crystal with an incredible shape.

Although I am not familiar with such items, but if it's blue... Yukari will surely like it.

As I pick out a gift, I suddenly realize that it has been a long time since I strolled aimlessly in the shopping center like I am now.

The last time I was here seems to have been when I accompanied Yukari to shop.

Thinking about it, it feels like it has been a long time since I went shopping with her, probably since I joined Elena.

"What's wrong, Juxi?"

"...It's nothing, just feeling a bit guilty," I muttered softly.

"Huh? You're acting weird today, murmuring something under your breath all the time."

When I first joined the team, I always thought that once I got used to the job, I would organize my life properly when I had free time.

But one year later, I had taken on more responsibilities, and work had become even busier.

When I finally realized this, not to mention going shopping together, there were very few opportunities to sit down and have a proper chat.

When I first joined Elena, I was still a high school student, facing many worries about the future and problems in relationships, and I must have wanted to confide in someone.

But I was too busy with work to even think about these things.

Yukari probably doesn't know how anxious I feel and the desire to have someone to listen to me, which is why she was deceived by a man like me who is always making a fuss.

Haha, just kidding, I haven't stooped that low yet.

"Juxi, should we go to the escort team's spaceship to enjoy the view? The scenery here isn't as good."

"…Forget it, it's all just projections, right? It won't be that great anyway."

I spoke without understanding subtlety at all, inadvertently dampening Yukari's mood.

Yukari glared at me fiercely and retorted,

"Hmph, if that's how you feel, I won't stop you. Whether you look or not is up to you!"

In an instant, she lifted me up as though I were a balloon, sneering at me disdainfully.

"Do you think I enjoy going out with you?"

"…"

Wait, what? She was the one who invited me out in the first place, and now she's blaming me as if I did something wrong? Was she hired by someone to...?

Suddenly, something clicked in my mind, and with a look of 'you don't need to console me', I sadly placed my hands on her shoulders with a teary voice,

"Don't deceive me. The truth is, from the start, I saw through it all, you…"

"Me?"

"You were actually bought off by that brat Yuanhui, right?"

I casually scratched my head, adopting a worldly-wise look.

"Sigh, there's no need to go to such lengths for me... That kid, still likes you so much..."

"Go to hell a thousand times over!!!"

Did I say something wrong?

I still ended up being fiercely beaten by Yukari, who was fuming, cursing to herself, 'thick-headed, deserve to be lonely for life'.

She intended to lecture me further, but seeing my desolate expression, Yukari couldn't bear it and shook her head in pity,

"Sigh, going on like this, you won't find a girl, you know!"

"What?"

"I mean, your attitude is too pessimistic, or maybe you're just overly pessimistic combined with arrogance?"

"…Really?"

Come to think of it, the responsibility for this situation lies entirely with me. If I had shown more concern for Yukari, this wouldn't have happened at all.

Even if I'm busy, I could have made time, why didn't I do that?

Yukari is troubled as well, swearing to take good care of her brother, yet she ends up feeling lonely.

In hindsight, it's all because I failed to fulfill my duties as a brother...

"Ah, it's so cute!"

Yukari turned around at the sound, and before us was a live, adorable kitten in front of a pet shop.

"Do you like these?"

"Oh, don't you like them too? You were all like 'buy it, buy it' and then crying at the store door."

"When was that?"

"Not too long ago… probably ten years ago?"

"Um, back then…"

"Right, nostalgic, isn't it?"

Yukari eagerly looked at me, seemingly hoping to evoke some warm memories!

But... in the end, I chose to stick to the truth.

"Nonsense, it was Dad who gave you control of both of our allowances, I couldn't even get a dollar, right?"

A young couple who seemed to be around our age stood in front of the pet shop, showing great interest in the little white-striped kitten. Even just by looking at their backs, you could tell they had a strong bond.

The boy has a refreshing silver hair, while the girl's hair color clearly has some pink warm tones.

Although there is a slight difference in hair color, their appearances should be quite similar... right? (Too lazy to make comments)

People often say that boys and girls in comics usually look very similar, and I subconsciously thought of that.

Judging from their figures, that boy is probably around fourteen or fifteen, and that bright orange down jacket suits the characteristics of children that age.

Thinking back to when I was that age... sigh, I couldn't help but feel a bit envious of the other person.

"This little guy is very popular among children, clever and gentle," the pet shop clerk said to the boy and girl, while taking out a tiny bird from the turnover box that could fit in the palm of one's hand, and placed it in the nearby cage, a mechanical-winged chick.

"The goods clearly arrived at the branch the day before yesterday, and now they're almost sold out, we'll have to restock soon."

"Hey, even fake birds sell so well?"

I remember when I was a child, although it wasn't as popular as it is now, there were indeed one or two kids in class who raised baby birds.

I also once excitedly told my sister that a classmate's family had a live baby bird.

"Would you like to buy one, sir and miss?"

"Unfortunately, we are here on a trip, and if we were to take it back, our West City regulations are very strict!" The boy regretfully declined.

Upon hearing the word "trip," a sudden thought flashed through my mind.

A trip, that might be nice!

I could take Yukari sis somewhere to relax, to compensate for my previous nonsense.

Although I can't take a long leave due to work reasons, as long as I can combine duty with a short break, I should be able to go on a trip.

After the festive lighting ceremony, work won't be as busy as now, and getting leave approved should be easier, right?

Right, I'll bring this up on my birthday night.

On my previous birthdays, I would prepare a hearty meal cooked by myself for Yukari sis, along with carefully selected gifts.

And as a commemoration of our reunion this time, let's go on a trip together...

During the trip, I'll listen carefully to Yukari sis and make up for my past mistakes.

Of course, after returning from the trip, I should try my best to find time to chat with Yukari sis, as long as I can make things better, I'll be satisfied.

Although doing this may seem heartless or even selfish, it's not a bad idea, thanks to that couple who gave me a hint.

As I turned back with a grateful heart, the couple in front of the pet store had disappeared, and the two figures walking side by side gradually disappeared into the crowd. They were truly an enviable pair, I felt enveloped in a warm feeling.

Thank you, I pray for a pleasant journey for you in my heart.

I heard a voice in the darkness, as if someone was saying 'Lucifer,' the voice was very faint but persistent.

"Why..."

This time the voice became slightly clearer.

"Why is it such an incompetent little devil?"

Who is speaking? What are they talking about?

Who are you? Though I wanted to ask, I couldn't make a sound, no matter if I opened my eyes or moved a fingertip, I couldn't manage to do it.

I felt like my body was gently floating up.

What's going on?

Just as this question popped into my mind, the darkness grew even thicker, to the point where I couldn't even muster the thought of resistance, and my consciousness once again faded.