Author note: * * means thoughts or actions.

In the city's passageways, where darkness lurked, we were two figures in all black, fighting for the honor of our agencies. Our bosses, who had previously worked together in a secret organization, felt that friendly rivalry would result in innovation and triumph.

It is a win-win situation because we have efficient opponents, yet any victory is considered a triumph for both.

So, they came up with two agencies, Nightwatch and Bloodlust.

Though it may seem illegal, we work for government. We're like the shadow guards working for military. We have our ways to enter the dark alleys where military powers cannot go. So, both government and our agency have each other's back and trust us with important missions.

I am a member of the agency “Nightwatch”and went by the nickname Shadow. Every task held great importance in our lives. 

Our backgrounds are kept secret. We have no idea who the other individual we are working with till they join our team.

We have to wear masks and are forbidden to speak in our natural voices. We always have a voice changer.

My deserving competitor from “Bloodlust” known as Siren had attracted my interest from the start.

We were equals; her IQ matched mine. But it was more than just adoration; the thrill of competitiveness drew me in, and with each triumph, I felt something stirring within. 

You may have won the previous round, but I will not let you steal this one, Siren. I know every move you are going to make.

We'll see about it, Shadow. Your confidence could be your doom said Siren.

Our conversation is lighthearted, but the stakes are serious. Each mission is a test of our abilities, an opportunity to prove ourselves. 

You've become a formidable opponent. It's not just about winning anymore, right? I asked.

*laughs lightly* Yes. Isn't there something thrilling about this competition? But, somewhere beneath everything, I still want to defeat you.

And, after a long war she defeated me.

Haha! I won again, she said excitedly. Grabbing the documents after successfully distracting me.

You cheated, you nasty woman! I sneered.

No, I just used my smart brain.

Idiot, said Shadow.

Why are you calling my gorgeous self an idiot? 

Scoff, have you seen yourself in the mirror? 

Yes, I have, and I am stunning.

You're such a narcissist; I have to leave, while you sit here and yap at yourself.

About to kick his back.

He blocked it and grinned.

Their teammates who were already tired of their bantering for years left already.

I'm not sure how and when it all changed. We used to be at odds with each other, then things changed.

We are both aware that we cannot find a worthy opponent other than ourselves.

So, sometimes we decide to let it go and support each other.

With occasional squabbling and mocking. We both aggravate one other like long-lost siblings, yet triumph is ultimately ours.

When he was leaving, she swiftly grabbed a diary from his bag. *sticks out her tongue behind his back*

Ah! What is it? It looks like an artifact (obsessed with aesthetic things).

It's a diary! I'm going to bring it home. *Opened and was about to read it.*

Siren! Her teammate shouted.

What? Why are you shouting like this?

Another mission is assigned.

Wow! Best of luck then.

Not for us. For you alone.

It's even better then, hehe!

Laugh all you want. I'll laugh in a minute after you read this!

*Jaw drops!* No way, I'm not going to work with him. What did the boss take me for? Working with him is already a headache, but he wants to act like his partner, scoffs. Dream on!

Someone is throwing a tantrum again it seems, the boss said. Do you still want the thing you asked me for, siren?

Yes, yes, boss! I'll take care of this task. Don't worry *flashed a million-dollar smile*

For this mission, I and that idiot Shadow had to act like customers in a night cafe.

Me and my teammate who is my close friend Yazh aka Devil, reached the spot. She's my diaper friend. So, I'll take her wherever I go.

I'm bored. What's taking him this long? Even I, a girl myself, got ready quickly. *whining continuously*

Yeah! You got ready, my foot. Is this how you'll dress up for a dinner date? asked her friend Yazh.

What's wrong with my dress? I look handsome *smirks proudly*.

You idiot! You're supposed to look beautiful. Here, change into these clothes.

No way, Yazh, that clown will laugh at me if I wear that. I'm okay with this.

Ok, do whatever you want, she gave up. Babe, you finish your business. I'll wait outside until then, saying this Yazh left.

Ok, I'm going to read the diary I brought last night, ha.

Wow! It's his diary?! What's in it? *opens and read*

I remember the first time I saw her at college. She was always surrounded by friends. My heart was captivated by her eyes. But she doesn't even know that I exist.

She always hangs out with her guy friend. They look like a couple. I'm jealous of him; I hated how he was with her every time.

Look at that girl, she's beautiful, my friend Mark shouted, pointing at the freshmen year.

But I was busy admiring my girl.

Mark noticed that I'm looking somewhere else and shouted 'Not there, here!'

He then noticed my sight of line and said Oh boy! Why are you looking at her? Look at this beauty; she has flawless skin.

Yes, she has flaws. But she's beautiful just like the moon. Flawed yet beautiful.

Oh, someone fell in love at first sight! Go and talk with her, said Mark.

No! *I'm afraid for her safety* Maybe later.

*I dare not tell her that I love her. Because I know that my life is different from hers. I was trained from my childhood to become a shadow. I had to be alert all the time. I felt like I would be a threat to her happiness. So I had to only watch her and love her from a distance.*

*Back to present*

Wow! Even this bastard has a love story. Don't tell me this idiot didn't even propose to her.

*About to turn the page* Shadow arrived and caught her in the act and grabbed that diary.

What?! You monkey, give it back. I shouted at him like it's my diary.I have this habit that whenever I read something, I'll not drop it until I've read its ending or untill I know the ending.

It's my diary! You little shithead. And did you steal it from my bag? He raised his eyebrow.

Why would I steal it from you? It was just asking for my attention. So, I gladly gave it. *shrugs*

Don't you know that it's indecent to read other people's diaries?

I'm not decent and this story is interesting, I grinned.

Oh god! Just how much you read? *getting irritated*

I want to know what happened next give it back, *I tried to get it back, and fell down on my butt*. Ughh!

Nothing happened next; let's complete our mission.

Yeah! Let's go. I was getting bored; after all, you're getting ready like a lady going for a date *Just can't wait to get back at him*.

Unlike someone who dressed like an idiot.

I'm not. Wait, I'll steal that diary from you soon! Hmphh!

*Finished the mission*

Since you won this time. I can keep your bag; give it to me, I grinned.

No thanks, you thief!

Is that your love story?

No, he said bluntly.

Oh, ok, my moon! I teased him.

He smacked my head with the diary.

Ughh! Hey! So, now where is your moon? I asked.

Is she protecting your life from the dark with her brightness? *eyes shining*

If only you weren't my worthy competitor, I'd kill you myself now *getting irritated*.

Oh no, you should not do it. See, your moon is watching *grinning*.

You're annoying, said Shadow.

Tell me, did you at least talk to her?

I don't remember that we're close to each other to share my love story, Shadow refused.

Come on, we don't even know who we are. Isn't that a better reason to share? At least you can share it with me.

No, just get lost.

Yes, yes, I'm going. You just be here alone and talk with your moon!

He threw his slippers at me. *I ran away*

His side:

She really knows how to get on my nerves. Sigh! It was such a tiring day. *I flopped onto the sofa.*

*Staring at the diary.*

Thank God! That little troublemaker didn’t read much!

I looked up at the moon, and memories rushed in.

For this semester, we have decided to go for a department trip. So, other year students will also be joining with you guys, our class mentor said.

Which means, she’ll be there too. The very thought of it made my heartbeat increase.

*At the camping site*

At last, I found my Hana! She was happily chatting with her friends. But seeing her boyfriend Aju standing next to her my heart sank.

We went to a waterfall in a famous spot. As it was getting late, we had to set up a tent. We wanted to watch the sunrise, which was one of the highlights of this place.

Mark was busy talking and playing with the others. I started getting bored, so I decided to step outside and get some fresh air.

Hmm... What’s she doing out here alone? My feet moved towards her involuntarily.

What are you doing here? I asked. Where are your friends?

They’re boring, just playing some games and I came out because I found this spot beautiful, Hana replied.

We walked together for a while in silence, never even exchanging our names. *I know her name, ofcourse!*

You know, I love your company, she said. You don’t talk much like me, and this silence is comfortable. I don’t feel awkward at all. You’re like my mirror.

*Of course, I wouldn’t talk much, but today, it’s partly because I’m afraid if I say anything, my heart will spill out of my mouth. It’s pounding like it might stop any second.*

I smiled. It’s getting late. Let’s go back.

No, it’s still early.

Look! Fireflies! Let’s chase after them.

But we’ll get lost. The fireflies won’t leave the forest. They’ll only go to places where there's no human access.

Really? But I want to see where they live. She pouted.

Cute... Okay, okay, let’s go.

That place was magical, and she looked at the fireflies like a fairy. I’d say I started believing in fairy tales.

The next day, I sometimes caught her glancing at me. It was a new feeling, and I liked the attention.

Whenever we crossed paths, we smiled.

I started thinking about letting go of my fears and approaching her, maybe as a friend.

Then one day, I found her alone. I asked, Would you give me a chance if we met again after 15 years? She just laughed it off.

*I know she loves her boyfriend, but I had to ask.*

*Closed the diary*

...I still stop by that pitch dark forest...

...We used to go chasing after fireflies...

...In hope that one fine day...

...I'll catch a glimpse of you there...

...My moon!...

*Siren’s Side:*

My real name is Renita. I have a close friend named Arius. Both of us come from a military family, so we were trained from a young age to protect ourselves from others.

We studied in the same school and college, but we used different names that weren’t our family names for our safety. We always wore makeup, too, to hide our true facial features.

I have a twin brother who has no interest in the military at all. But something feels off. My father sent me away saying I needed protection. He trained me hard while neglecting to train my twin. I wish I could uncover the truth someday, and I hope it isn’t a bitter one.

As for Arius, he practically raised me from childhood. I didn’t have any special feelings for him, but we always hung out together.

One day, during a mission, I was nearly killed but was saved. When I opened my eyes, I found myself in Arius’s arms. That was the moment I fell for him.

Everything felt different, but I was too afraid to confess my feelings.

Years went by, and I noticed his parents were setting him up on blind dates. It made me a little sad to see him accept them, knowing it meant he didn’t have feelings for me.

I confronted him and confessed how I felt. I fumbled over my words and struggled to express myself clearly. He told me he couldn’t love me, and I couldn’t accept that.

I had no idea what to do, so, in a moment of desperation, I kissed him without thinking. He slapped me and walked away, leaving me in tears.

*The next day…*

“I’m sorry about yesterday,” Arius said.

Why? Is it because you raised me? Why are you so stubborn about it? Can’t we love each other? You always say I’m your best competitor and that no one stands by your side like I do. Then why?

He remained silent.

I trembled, unable to hold back my tears, and left.

On my way, I ran into Yazh. Are you okay? she asked.

I’m fine. Why do you ask? I replied, though I knew why she did.

Because I know you, she said knowingly.

*Silence lingered between us.*

He’s getting married next month, Yazh said quietly.

I know. Did you see us yesterday? I asked her.

She smiled sadly and hugged me. He’s just mad that a child he has raised is acting this way. Don’t take it too hard, Yazh comforted me.

I know, I shouldn’t have confessed, I said softly.

No, at least you tried. Good job! He’s just unfortunate he couldn’t love you back, she tried to cheer me up.

I half-smiled. He’s your brother, I reminded her.

I used to think it would be great if you became my sister-in-law someday, she said.

“Used to?” I asked, confused.

Yes, until I saw you with Shadow.

What are you trying to say? I exclaimed.

You know what? You both look good together, even if you bicker sometimes. I ship you both! she said excitedly.

Seriously? You’ve lost your mind, I scoffed before leaving.

*I can’t wait to see you both getting married, Yazh thought.*

I didn't know where else to go, and before I knew it, I was at that bastard's home.

*I jumped through the window.*

He was reading a book and wasn't wearing a mask or makeup.

*He sure has time to read.*

Suddenly, he held a knife to my throat. That much I atleast expected.

"Who are you?" he demanded. I screamed, "It's me! It's me!"

Wait, how do you know I live here?

I just know, I shrugged. *Looking at his face* Wow, you're really handsome! I thought it was all makeup!

He got irritated but blushed. That's not fair; you should take off your mask too, he demanded.

*I removed it.*

He was just starting at me for a moment.

*Beautiful, she is completely different from Hana, if only she could be her...Shit! Shit! What am I thinking?*

Here, put it back on, he said, throwing the mask at me.

Why did you throw it at my face? You meanie.

You look ugly; don't show your face like that anymore.

*I came here hoping for comfort. But, he is so brutally mean.*

Okay, then tell me-why are you here? he asked.

He's getting married.

Who? Viper?

Yes. *Viper is Arius's nick name*

So? Why does that matter? he asked, his tone indifferent.

What do you mean? I confessed my feelings, and he rejected me. I blurted out.

To whom?

Here he goes again. "Of course to him," I said through gritted teeth.

You little shithead! Why did you confess to him when he obviously treats you like a sister? Are you sure you don't have brotherly feelings for him?

Huh? No! What are you talking about?!

Sighing, he said, let's drink, then.

*After a few drinks...*

He looked happy-much happier than I'd ever seen him. I realized he'd always treated me like his little sister. It was only me who had fallen in love.

Stop drinking! I don't like women who gets drunk and talk nonsense.

She took another drink. "Screw you, you jerk." Saying that, she began to unbutton her shirt.

Button that up... now! He shouted.

It's hot. Just leave me alone!

This is my home, for your kind information! He said.

He poured ice water into a bowl and dunked her face in it. Does that help cool you down? Now button up!

You idiot! I could've died! She shouted, shivering.

Just go home and sleep, he said, rolling his eyes.

Argh! He's no help! Hmph! *Left*