The Farewell Party
Many things had happened, and many things had been resolved. Enoch's farewell party finally wrapped up. Even though it was all funded by his own life insurance payout, we still... had a pretty good time together. Even Salvador said the food was pretty decent, so there's no need for further explanation.
"Take care of yourself out there."
"Thank you for today, sir."
"Thanks for what? This old man got a fine meal on your dime. We'll meet again next time."
"Yes, sir. Safe travels."
Salvador chuckled heartily and waved as he headed out first. Only then could everyone finally relax. In a gathering like this, no one can leave until the highest-ranking person does. But with Salvador gone, they could all head home with clear consciences.
"I'll be going now too. Thanks to all of you, I ate well and had a great time. If there's another chance next time, I'll treat everyone."
Agner was the first to speak up.
"Next time will be the day Enoch's deployment ends."
"I see. Until that day comes, I'll keep steadily working on what needs to be done."
Unlike the other husbands Soo knew, Agner was different. Most husbands would do anything to linger outside even a minute longer, but Agner was eager to head straight home. No suspicions of him sneaking off somewhere else—she didn't even entertain the thought. Agner immediately called Iva to let her know he was on his way back.
"Soo, if you're gonna put me in a spot like today... don't call me next time. Got it?"
"Thanks to you, Soo... I really survived. I don't even know how many times you've saved me now, but... thank you. Truly."
Yoo Seung-ah and Yoo Sena went next. Yoo Seung-ah had received valuable intel from Salvador. If she used it well, she'd never go hungry again—and she'd have some serious leverage inside the investigations division. Yoo Sena's issue wasn't resolved yet, but Soo was certain it would be soon. As early as the day after tomorrow, or no later than five days from now, the Luthien transfer would be complete.
"Ah, no. Sis! If you say it like that, what am I supposed to do?!"
"Sena, you still need to give proper thanks."
Yoo Sena, who had been puffing up with pointless pride, bowed her head the moment her eyes met Soo's.
"Th-thanks..."
"Yeah. Keep working hard."
"I... I don't need you to tell me. I'll do great on my own. Hmph."
"Oh."
Soo let out a small sound of admiration. Hmph? She hadn't realized people actually said that out loud for real.
"Anyway, I'm off. Today... yeah, good food."
"Next time, I'll visit with good news."
"Yeah, take care."
One person left. Soo's gaze turned to Serena.
"...I don't really have anything to say."
"Yeah."
"No, actually... I think I do."
"I won't tell. Not to anyone."
Soo answered as if she already knew what Serena was about to say.
"Don't worry. I'm on your side right now."
"...I see."
The words right now stuck deep in her ears.
"Then... yes. I'll be going."
She'd probably see Soo often anyway. With that in mind, Serena skipped any drawn-out farewell and simply nodded lightly before turning and quickening her pace. She could go straight home, but tonight called for one more drink.
"Now it's just us."
The party hadn't been rowdy, but with so many people, it had felt surprisingly hectic. Angela let out a light sigh and looked at Enoch.
"Easier to head out right away, right?"
"I've got time to drop you off at Skyline Station."
"Is that so?"
His own life insurance had paid for the farewell bash, and now he had to leave without even a wink of sleep—but Enoch insisted on seeing Soo, Angela, and Frey off. His good nature was almost too much. Angela gave a wry smile and shook her head.
"No need. It's late, so just crash at a nearby hotel and head out in the morning."
"Yeah! You can just go, Enoch!"
"But isn't sleeping at home more comfortable? And Frey, don't you have stuff to do at the shop?"
"Uh, yeah... but that can wait."
There was a pile of packages to send to the trio's office, but tonight Frey wanted to stay out. Her first real friends were here, after all. Friends...Friends? She wasn't sure if Soo and Angela saw her that way, but to Frey, they were friends. She wanted to hang out with them, make some noise, and spend the night together.
"Anyway! I'm crashing here too."
"Hm..."
"Soo and I don't really have a 'home' anymore, right?"
"...What? Angela, what about your old place?"
"Sold it. Too much hassle going back and forth."
"No new place? You're just gonna live at the office?"
"Yeah, sounds more fun that way. Better than being alone, right, Soo?"
The office was at the far west end of Westtown. Angela's old place had been at the priciest east end. With the sale money, she could easily afford something nearby. But she'd chosen to live at the office. Soo alone might cause who-knows-what trouble, and from what she'd seen, Soo had zero survival skills. Without Angela looking after her, she'd show up looking ragged by morning. So Angela decided to stick with her.
"Yeah. Angela does great with meals, laundry, and cleaning."
"...Soo, don't go saying that anywhere else."
"Oh? Then you'd hate it if sis didn't do those three things? Hate if she doesn't hug you?"
"Guh..."
Frey was a bit shorter than Soo. If she hugged Angela like that, her face would bury right into those massive... Frey swallowed hard.
"Angela! Sis, c-can you hug me just once? Just once..."
"Mmm, clothes are too thick right now. I'll hug you at the hotel."
"Gah...! N-no need to go that far..."
Angela now knew exactly how to handle Frey. High attack but low defense—she melted with a little teasing jab.
"Anyway, we're good, so go easy, Enoch."
"Huh, yeah, you all look fine. Alright then."
Three hours alone in the car meant he'd smoke inside anyway. Heading to the parking lot, Enoch suddenly remembered...
"...I left the car at the junkyard."
He'd seen Agner zip off in a hover taxi earlier. So Enoch had to go back alone to that junkyard. Asking the three to come along felt awkward, and... he just didn't want to. It wasn't like going to the bathroom together. He was leaving solo anyway—why drag them?
Enoch swallowed a sigh and pulled up a map on his retina. Fifty-eight minutes on foot. A run would make it under thirty.
"I'll swing by the junkyard first. You all head in."
A sleek, high-end brand SUV pulled up right in front of him. By a janitor's standards, it'd take four years' salary to afford one. No taxi markings, tires pristine like it'd never been driven. No reason for it to stop here suddenly. Even giving it the benefit of the doubt, the intent felt off.
"Eden is Eden, huh."
Even wealthy Northrica had crime—visitors made sure of that. Enoch loaded his concealed monoblade, the one within easy reach, and glared at the black SUV. Heavy tint hid the interior. He didn't bother peering in. Better to face the threat right beside him than whatever was inside.
"Soo, don't kill them outright—subdue first. Don't know their employer, but pulling this in Northrica means they've got backing. Got it?"
No answer. Just a giggle. Enoch furrowed his brow and turned. Then he doubted his eyes. Not just Soo—Angela was stifling laughter too. Frey, like him, stared at them in shock.
"...Why are you laughing?"
"It's a gift."
A gift? What? Inside the car? They delivered it? Enoch's mind raced as he turned back. Click—the door unlocked automatically. Not surprising; standard on that brand. Empty driver's seat? Also standard—self-driving. But...
"...Wh-what is this?"
The brand logo projected on his retina. Then a status window and a flashing [Welcome, Enoch]. That wasn't standard...
"Th-this... hacked? It's hacked, right? Yeah... looks like it. Angela, just in case, check that car..."
Angela approached with a playful smile, holding a card emblazoned with the same logo.
"Check the... c-car?"
"It's a gift, Enoch."
"Uh..."
"I know it's precious. So you'll take extra good care of it, right?"
"Uh-uh..."
"We'll drive your old one back carefully and park it."
Enoch's eyes trembled wildly. He couldn't bring himself to touch the keycard. Rumors said even that was two months' pay for a janitor like him.
"...The c-car... is a gift?"
"Yeah."
Soo trotted over and placed the keycard and a shard loaded with his life payout into Enoch's hand.
"This is your 'life money.' The 'all spent' thing was a joke. Set it to the frontline vehicle depot, so catch some shut-eye on the way."
"The money's intact—no, this car, for me to drive...?"
"When you get back, Angela and I will ride too."
Soo blinked, scratched her itchy nape, and added,
"Frey too."
"That's true, but..."
"Don't want it? I can take it then."
Enoch snatched the card and shard, bowing deeply—not just his head, but his waist.
If the life money wasn't spent, what paid for the party? Where'd this car come from? Questions swirled, but now wasn't the time. It'd be rude to the two who'd gone to the trouble of gifting it.
So Enoch spoke from the heart.
"Thank you. Truly... thank you."
Soo stared at his face. Enoch always bottled his emotions—probably since his family died. The choppy, awkward expression now was hilarious. And it made her glad. She'd never seen this Enoch, game or real life.
"Yeah."
No gloating, just simple smiles from Soo and Angela.
"Come back safe, Enoch."
"Take care out there."
So straightforward. Maybe because they trusted him. Frey glanced around, then flashed her best friend-smile and said brightly,
"Do great and come back!"
She tried to end it there, but it felt lacking. The friend vibe vanished, replaced by a clingy ex gripping his sleeve.
"Enoch... you have Angela's private line, right? Message me! Promise! If you need visits or whatever... I'll dress up super cute!"
Her desperate plea drew eyes. Feeling the pressure, Enoch just smiled. He couldn't help it.
"Yeah. I'll wrap it up and head back."
With a refreshing grin, Enoch climbed into the car.