The Competition

Chapter 3: Coffee and the Puppy

After sixteen long hours in the air from Japan to America, Sean and I finally touched down at L.A. Airport. As I watched people bustling around—families reuniting, couples embracing, and children racing through the crowds—I felt a pang of unease. These people moved through life blissfully unaware of the darker world hidden beneath their feet. It was a world I knew all too well—a world where I’d shed blood to earn my freedom in the so-called “normal” life they took for granted.

As Sean and I slipped into the waiting black limousine, I felt a dull weight press against my temples. Jet lag, I reminded myself. It wasn’t overwhelming, but after years of training to ignore pain, I almost wished I could allow myself a full night’s sleep. Yet, that luxury wouldn’t come anytime soon.

“Ms. Alynna, here are the files for the staff at the university you’ll be attending,” Sean said, breaking the silence. He handed me a thick folder. “Alexie has confirmed that almost all of them are potential targets for Blackwood’s alliance.”

I flipped through the pages, scanning the profiles: professors, staff, even the Dean. There was detailed information about the university’s owner as well.

“So, they’re aiming to get close to these people personally,” I murmured, my voice low and serious.

Sean nodded. “They believe that if they understand the personal lives of these individuals, they can influence and manipulate them more effectively into joining Blackwood’s cause. It’s all part of their larger plan to secure control.”

“I see,” I replied, closing the file after a quick scan. Ideas were already flooding my mind—strategies and plans forming, each one with the same objective: absolute precision, zero failure. This mission was my one ticket to freedom. Nothing could afford to go wrong.

“So,” I added, casting a skeptical glance at Sean, his expression as unreadable as ever, “did Alexie mention any particular setups? No offense, Sean, but I’m still not sure why you’re here at all. You know I can handle this alone.” My eyes narrowed slightly, sizing him up. This was the first time we’d been face-to-face like this; usually, he was just a shadow trailing behind my eldest brother, inseparable from his duties. So, it struck me as odd that my brother had agreed to let him tag along with me instead.

Sean met my gaze, calm and unruffled. “I’m well aware of your abilities, Ms. Alynna, and I’ve no intention of getting in the way. But, as your brother and father known me, I grew up in this country before joining your family’s employ. You may not need me on the front lines, but my knowledge of America—its nuances, its people—could make the difference in a tight situation. Think of me as your guide, nothing more.” His words were straightforward, laced with pride and experience. He had a point: while I knew America from textbooks, having someone with firsthand insight could be invaluable.

"Can we make a stop for coffee?" I asked Sean, breaking the silence just moments after we’d settled in. "I only have three days left before my school starts, I have to start making plans tonight."

"Certainly, though we'll need to make a quick 15-minute stop at the university first to finalize some remaining admission paperwork," he replied, keeping his eyes steady on the road ahead.

"Not a problem," I responded simply, shifting closer to the window.

As we drove, I let my gaze drift along the street scenes unfolding outside. The dappled sunlight filtered through towering trees lining the boulevard, casting soft patterns on the sidewalk and splashing across my face. It was calming, almost surreal—seeing the world bathed in light like this. I'd been so entrenched in the world of midnight duties and darkened rooms that the beauty of daylight felt foreign, almost "majestic," I murmured softly, mostly to myself.

Sean seemed to hear but didn't respond, allowing the moment to remain undisturbed.

****

“We’re truly privileged to have Ms. Shinryu at this university. We will make sure to take care of her,” the Dean exclaimed, shaking hands with Sean. They both stood tall, projecting an air of professionalism.

“Or I’ll be the one taking care of this place,” I muttered under my breath as I rose from my seat in front of his desk. The Dean glanced at me, confusion flickering across his face. “Pardon?” he asked, tilting his head slightly.

“She meant she’s excited about this place,” Sean quickly clarified, his tone diplomatic as the Dean offered a sarcastic smile in response.

“Well, if there’s nothing else, we’ll be leaving now. Thank you for your warm welcome, Mr. Marshall,” he added, nodding politely.

“My pleasure,” the Dean replied, his tone laced with formality as Sean and I stepped out of his office.

As we walked down the empty hallway, I couldn’t help but mutter, “The guy’s too vulnerable. No wonder.”

“I believe you already know a lot about him, Ms. Alynna,” Sean responded, maintaining his composed demeanor.

“Sean,” I called, stopping in my tracks as he continued to walk ahead. He turned to face me, curiosity in his eyes.

“Yes, Ms. Alynna?” he replied, his tone still poker-faced.

“I have two rules for this partnership,” I said, my voice firm.

“Spill it,” he commanded, raising an eyebrow.

“First, don’t call me ‘Ms. Alynna’ from now on. I want to keep a low profile. We can’t let the Blackwoods suspect that we followed them here. Second, if you’re going to act as my guardian for the university’s ridiculous requirements, you need to project authority. You can show your diligence when we’re alone, but in public, drop the formalities.”

“Understood. Yes, Ms— I mean, Alynna,” he replied, a hint of nervousness creeping into his tone. I could tell he’d adjust soon enough.

“Perfect. Now, let’s grab a bloodshot coffee. I’ve been dying for one.”

After a brief 15-minute drive, we arrived at a café that exuded a minimalist yet aesthetic vibe. A handful of patrons were scattered throughout the space, some engaged in quiet conversation, while others were lost in their own thoughts.

“What would you like to order?” Sean cleared his throat before adding, “Alynna?”

“I’ll have a grande Caramel Macchiato with a double shot of espresso,” I replied, watching him nod before he headed to the counter.

I settled near the entrance, gazing out through the glass window when something caught my eye. Just outside, beside the sidewalk bushes, lay a box with wet stains, and something was moving inside it.

“A puppy!” I exclaimed softly, rushing outside to investigate. There, nestled in the box, was a small creature with a thick body covered in golden fur. Its gleaming black eyes and wet nose were captivating. The puppy stuck out its tongue, looking as if it were smiling at me. I reached down to stroke its head, and it let out a tiny squeak, seemingly yearning for companionship. But deep down, I knew I couldn't keep it.

As I stared at its fluffy face, I was transported back to my very first kill. When I was four, my father had allowed me to keep a tiny bird. He instructed me to train it, to be responsible for its care. After a few months, he commanded me to kill it. He said that to overcome fear and assert dominance, I had to lose my empathy. Caring too much for what I owned would become a weakness. That day, I learned the harsh lesson of detachment, and since then, I had never adopted another pet.

“Alynna?” Sean’s familiar voice jolted me from my memories. “Are you okay?”

“Yes, I’m fine,” I replied, standing up as the sight of the puppy began to fade from view. In my heart, I didn’t want to abandon it. But I had no choice; this innocent creature couldn’t remain in my life, where affection could become a liability.

Sean handed me my coffee, and just as we were about to return to the car, a commanding voice erupted from behind us.

“Hey, you!” A stern voice pierced the air. “How dare you!”

The man charged toward me, and I felt Sean instinctively shift closer, ready to step in front of me. I stopped him; he knew the rules.

“Are you just going to abandon this puppy?” he continued, his expression fierce.

“I’m sorry?” I replied, confusion clouding my thoughts.

“The puppy! Are you leaving it here? How dare you! You think you can just walk away from a lowly life because you don’t want it anymore?” He glared at me, his blue eyes gleaming in the afternoon sunlight, making his wavy brown hair shimmer.

“I think there’s been a misunderstanding,” Sean interjected calmly, noticing my stunned silence.

“A misunderstanding? I saw her leaving this puppy here the moment I parked my motorbike,” he shot back, still accusing.

“Look, this puppy isn’t ours,” finally finding my words and shot back, irritation bubbling beneath my calm facade. “I was just admiring it, but I can’t take it home, alright? So spare me your accusations and focus on your own life!”

“What the hell?” he exclaimed, shocked by my response. I turned my back on him, striding toward the car, with Sean following closely behind to close the door.

I couldn't believe what had just happened. I hated how he had confronted me, making accusations about something I detested. As much as I wanted to rescue that puppy, I knew I had no choice. It deserved a chance at life, and it wouldn’t thrive beside someone like me.

“Alynna, are you okay?” Sean asked, sensing the tension that lay beneath my calm exterior. I didn't answer, instead stealing a glance in the side mirror. The man who had confronted us was now cradling the puppy in his arms, admiring each other while they exchange with soft expressions.