Episode 1

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.*

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