"Hachiman, I've finished preparing Argo-chan's new room."
"Oh? That was faster than I expected. Well, I suppose it's time for me to get moving too."
"Listen, I've left that side of things entirely to you, but be honest—do you actually have a winning play?" Haruno asked, a hint of skepticism in her voice.
"It'll be fine. She's surprisingly more grounded in common sense than she looks."
"…Which is your way of saying you're about to do something completely nonsensical."
Having been informed by Haruno that the room was ready, Hachiman decided to pull the trigger on the operation he had been meticulously plotting.
"Right, time to call in the muscle..."
Muttering to himself, Hachiman pulled out his phone and began securing his personnel.
The following day, a small group gathered in front of the Soleil reception desk.
"Hey, Kitten. You feeling better now?" Hachiman asked.
"No thanks to you," Rose—often called Koneko—snapped back.
"Master Hachiman, what are my orders for today?" Mai asked eagerly.
"Mai, just go about your work as usual. Keep a sharp eye on Argo and report her movements to me. If you can, try to steer her toward taking a nap—that would be a huge help."
"Understood! Leave it to me!"
"I still don't understand why I'm here..." Shino grumbled, looking thoroughly annoyed.
"It's your own fault for showing up to work your shift today. You wandered right into my line of sight; of course I was going to bag and tag you."
"What do you mean 'of course'?! That makes no sense!"
"Now, now, Shino. Just give it up," Kaori said, casually sliding into the conversation from the side to comfort her.
The team for the day was set: Hachiman, Rose, Mai, and Shino.
"So," Rose cut in, "the mission is basically just to capture Argo-san, right?"
"Exactly. Apprehend her and escort her to the apartment next door. Kitten, take this. Guard the back exit."
He handed her a set of handcuffs—not standard ones, but connected by a long, heavy chain.
"What is this, a leash? And the back exit? You're just assuming she's going to run, aren't you?"
"Her instincts are terrifying. The second she senses something is off, she'll bolt."
"Ah... actually, that sounds like her," Rose admitted, nodding in realization.
"Mai is our scout and liaison. Shino, you're my backup."
"Do you need me for anything?" Kaori asked.
"Orimoto, you stay at the desk and act natural. But if Argo manages to break past us and heads for the lobby, I need you to stall her. Use physical force if you have to."
"Roger that! Consider it done!"
With the roles assigned, Mai headed toward the development floor as the vanguard. Hachiman and the others hunkered down, waiting for the signal. It didn't take long. Mai reported that Argo was still in the office, but she was already acting restless, as if sensing an invisible predator.
"See? I told you. She's like a wild animal," Hachiman muttered.
"Seriously? Is she psychic?" Rose whispered.
"Careful, Kitten. Phrases like 'esper' make you sound like you're from another era."
"Wh-what...!"
"Anyway, get to the back exit. We'll move into position near the room. Go."
"You! You'd better watch your back later!" Rose hissed.
Hachiman gave her a look of mild pity. "You know, you and Shino say that all the time, but neither of you ever actually follows through. Is it just for show? A stylistic choice?"
The two girls flushed bright red, shouting in unison.
"I-I'm just biding my time! I'll settle the score all at once, you'll see!"
"Yeah! Exactly! You'd better be prepared!"
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