———ᴘʀᴇᴠɪᴏᴜꜱʟʏ ɪɴ ɢᴀʟᴀᴄᴛɪᴄ ᴀꜰꜰᴇᴄᴛɪᴏɴ: ꜰᴏʀʙɪᴅᴅᴇɴ ʟᴏᴠᴇ

"Katsuna," His voice barely above a whisper, "What...are you?"

I suddenly felt this tightness in my throat, like dread was taking over me. Dan knew. That realization hit me hard, making me feel winded and exposed. All my lies and the careful facades I had built just fell apart.

There was no more hiding and no safe place left in the shadows. There was no turning back now; the decision was made, and things were going to be different from here on out. The truth was out, and I had to deal with whatever came next.

"I'm...Xandarian," I admitted, my voice trembling. "I'm an alien, Dan. And I've been hiding it my whole life."

The words hung in the air, each syllable a weight dragging down the atmosphere. Silence descended, thick and palpable, following my confession. It was a silence so profound, it seemed to amplify the frantic beating of my own heart.

I watched Dan, every muscle in my body tense with anticipation while waiting to see what happens next as he continues to stare back at me, his gaze fixed and unwavering, but his expression was a bewildering puzzle.

Almost nostalgic that I remembered, he would have this complex cocktail look of shock every time I did something unexpected to him and it was evident that he was in a mix of clear disbelief, but underlying those was something deeper, something inscrutable that I couldn't quite decipher.

The seconds stretched into an eternity, each one amplifying my anxiety. Then, finally, he sighed.

A long, drawn-out exhalation that seemed to release the tension that had been gripping the room. With that sigh, a wave of relief visibly washed over his features, softening the hard edges of his surprise.

"Well..." he began, the word lingering in the air, "...that makes both of us then, I guess."

My head tilted almost automatically in utter bewilderment, desperately needing to understand on what he meant by that, "What do you mean by that?" I asked.

He hesitated, a slight pause before he spoke, as if carefully choosing his words.

The silence returned, though this time it felt different, charged with a strange anticipation. He opened his mouth, and then, he uttered the completely unexpected, the utterly unbelievable truth.

"I am...a hybrid, both human and alien." 

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"NANI!?"

----0----

——I exclaimed, my mind was reeling, struggling to process what Moroboshi-kun had just said. 

"You're... both human and alien? But I thought—I thought you were human! You were always so...normal!"

Dan's eyebrow twitched, a vein throbbing in his forehead. "Normal? Katsuna, you're as naive as ever," he said, laced with annoyance. "I can't believe you never realized it, or did you not think  of escaping from the cuffs?"

I scoffed, resisting the urge to punch him again, 'I'm glad I had already gotten one good hit at his jaw earlier; otherwise, I might have broken free from these cuffs just to wipe that smug look off his face.' 

"Oh, please," I shot back, rolling my eyes. "If I tried to punch you now, you'd just restrain me again. I'm not stupid, Moroboshi-kun. I'm not some damsel in distress like those human girls you probably deal with all the time."

His expression softened for a split second, but he quickly recovered, adjusting his red glasses before shaking his head, "For once, I'm glad you're not that naive," he muttered, almost to himself. I blinked, caught off guard by his words. 

Then, a smug grin spread across my face. "Wow, Dan Moroboshi actually complimented me. I must be dreaming." 

"Don't push it," he snapped, his cheeks flushing slightly as he crossed his arms. "We're getting off track. What were you doing inside the SSSP, and why were you dressed in hospital pajamas?"

The light moment faded as I frowned, the weight of the situation settling back on my shoulders, I took a deep breath and began to explain, "I was trying to stop Bemular from hurting Shinjiro Hayata. I couldn't just stand by and let him attack a kid, Dan. I know Bemular. He's not what you think he is."

Dan's eyes narrowed, his anger growing with each passing second. 

"You comforted Bemular? Unprovoked? That was reckless!" He slammed the table, denting it, and leaned in, in a low threatening tone, "Bemular's dangerous, Katsuna. Emotionless. How could you possibly understand him after a single meeting?"

My anger flared, meeting his gaze. "I didn't just meet him. I've known him since I was three. When I first arrived on Earth, Bemular saved me. Two drunkards were about to attack me, and he incinerated them before they could. He protected me when no one else did."

Moroboshi-kun's eyes widened in shock, and for a moment, he was speechless. I continued, "Bemular has compassion, Dan." I explain, "But he has his limits. I don't know why he's acting like this now, but I know he's not the monster you think he is."

Dan leaned back, his expression unreadable, and sighed. "Katsuna, what you did was incredibly dangerous... You could have been killed." "I know," I said quietly, my gaze dropping to the table where my wrists were still cuffed to it, "But I couldn't just do nothing."

==

Behind the one-way mirror, Mr. Ide and Edo watched the scene unfold. Edo hummed in interest, his single eye narrowing slightly. 

"Fascinating," he murmured. "I never expected to hear someone defend Bemular, much less protect someone like Katsuna." 

Mr. Ide crossed his arms. "More intriguing is Dan Moroboshi's connection to her. They clearly know each other but, the question is... will she cooperate?"

Edo's eye lift up as he was smiling faintly in amusement, "Oh, she will... she may be stubborn, but she's not foolish. Every Xandarian knows what's at stake."

==

Back in the interrogation room, Dan sighed again, his shoulders slumping slightly. 

"Look, Katsuna...I'm sorry for losing my temper earlier. But you have to understand, this situation is complicated. Bemular is a threat, and we can't afford to take any chances."

I looked up at him, my eyes searching his. "I get it, Dan. But you have to understand too. I can't just sit back and let you paint him as a monster. There's more to this story, and I need to find out what it is."

Dan studied me for a moment, then nodded slowly. 

"Alright." Dan stood up, unlocking the cuffs and helping me to my feet, which left me confused, as he unlocks the door, and before he could exit, he turns around to notice me not following him, "What?"

I rubbed my arm, a nervous habit. "Nothing... well, there is something." I paused, avoiding Moroboshi-kun's stare as he gestured impatiently, "Just say it." Immediately, I quickly answer him: 

"I ran because I thought you and SSSP were going to experiment on me...t-thought y-you should know that." He raised an eyebrow, a deadpan expression flickering across his face before he adjusted his glasses when he suddenly said, "Experiment on you? Katsuna, with all due respect, that's absurd." 

He gave a humorless chuckle that bounced off the close walls. "We're not mad scientists in a secret lab. We're protecting the world." I bit my lip, still wary. The SSSP remained an unknown quantity, intentions aside.

"Logically, I understand. But Bemular... he said things, made me feel..."

" 'Unsure?' "

"Yeah, something like that."

Dan let out a sharp "hmph" sound, his expression unreadable as he motioned for me to follow him. This time, I didn't hesitate. I stood up, rubbing my wrists where the cuffs had been, and trailed behind him as we exited the interrogation room.

The hallway was dimly lit, and the air felt heavy with tension. 

As we stepped out, I froze in my tracks. Standing there, waiting for us, were Mr. Ide and...Edo. The Zettonian. His single, unblinking eye seemed to pierce right through me, and I instinctively took a step back, positioning myself slightly behind Dan.

Dan, to his credit, didn't react outwardly. He remained calm and composed, though I could sense the subtle shift in his posture—a protective stance as if he were shielding me from Edo's intimidating presence. 

"Katsuna," Mr. Ide began, his tone formal and businesslike, "are you officially confirming that you will join us and help stop Bemular?"

I glanced at Dan, who gave a slight nod, his expression neutral but his eyes urging me to respond. I swallowed hard, my mind racing. This was it—the moment I had to commit. I had promised Uncle Jack I would become an informant just like him, and now, here was my chance. 

But the weight of the decision pressed down on me, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of uncertainty.

"Yes," I said finally, my voice steady despite the nerves churning in my stomach. "I'll help. But I have one condition."

Mr. Ide raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "And what might that be?"

"I want access to your files," I said, my gaze flickering between him and Edo. "If I'm going to help you, I need to know everything. Any information related to alien activity, recent rumors, or cases—I need to see it."

Edo's eye narrowed slightly, and he leaned in, his towering form casting a shadow over me. "You're quite bold for someone who just admitted to being an alien," he said, his voice low and rumbling. "But I admire your determination. Very well. You'll have access to the files you need. But remember, Katsuna, this is not a game. The stakes are high, and we expect you to deliver."

I nodded, my resolve hardening. "I understand. I'll do whatever it takes."

Edo hummed in acknowledgment, a sound that sent a shiver down my spine. "Good. I look forward to seeing what you can bring to the table." He turned to leave, but then paused, glancing back at me. "One more thing...your parents. What happened to them?"

The question caught me off guard, and I hesitated, my chest tightening at the memory that Bemular had shown me when he first saved me, "They...they sacrificed themselves to send me to Earth for protection," I said quietly, my voice barely above a whisper. "Why do you ask?"

Edo's eye gleamed with something I couldn't quite place—curiosity, perhaps, or something darker. 

"You must not have realized it," he said cryptically. "But you'll figure it out soon enough." With that, he turned and walked away, his heavy footsteps echoing down the hallway. Mr. Ide watched him go, his expression thoughtful, before turning back to Dan and me. 

"Moroboshi, escort Katsuna to her home. Both of you should get some rest. We'll discuss this further tomorrow morning."

Dan nodded, his tone clipped. "Understood."

As Mr. Ide followed Edo down the hallway, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. Edo's words lingered in my mind, and I turned to Dan, my voice low. "I don't trust him," I admit, "Edo...there's something about him that just...creeps me out." He sighs.

"I don't trust him either," he agrees with me, "But he's a valuable asset to the SSSP. We have to work with him, whether we like it or not." I nodded, though the unease didn't dissipate. 

We stood there in silence for a moment, the weight of everything that had happened settling over us. Finally, Dan reached into his pocket and pulled out his car keys. "Come on," he said, his tone brisk. "Let's get you home. But first, we need to get your clothes from the medical office."

My eyes widened in panic. 

"My clothes! Oh no, I think I left my I.D. card in them!" I exclaimed, my voice rising in alarm. "Can I even wear them after...you know, everything that happened?" 

Dan rolled his eyes, though there was a hint of amusement in his expression, "Yes, you can wear them. But hurry up. We don't have all night." Eagerly, I nodded and grabbed his arm, pulling him down the hallway. 

"Then show me where it is!" I said urgently, Dan scowled, yanking his arm free. "Katsuna, don't grab me like that," he snapped, though there was no real heat in his voice. "You're acting like a child."

I rolled my eyes, matching his scowl with one of my own. "Oh, relax, Moroboshi-kun. You're so stiff all the time. You need to loosen up."

He shot me a glare, but I could see the faintest hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "You're impossible," he muttered, though there was a fondness in his tone that made my chest tighten.

As we made our way to the medical office, I couldn't help but feel a strange sense of relief. Despite everything—despite the danger, the secrets, and the uncertainty—I was glad Dan was here. 

He was still the same stubborn, infuriating person I remembered, but there was a familiarity in his presence that grounded me. I can't help but feel like everything is back in place.

(Dan Moroboshi's POV):

As we walked down the hallway, Katsuna's grip on my arm was firm, her urgency palpable. I couldn't help but feel a mix of exasperation and...something else. Something I hadn't felt in years.

Her presence was a reminder of a time when things were simpler, when the weight of the world wasn't resting on my shoulders. But that time was long gone, and now, we were both caught in a web of danger.

When we reached the medical office, Katsuna immediately began rummaging through her clothes, her movements frantic. I leaned against the doorframe, watching her with a mixture of amusement and concern.

"You're such a mess," I said, though there was no real bite to my words.

She shot me a glare, holding up her I.D. card triumphantly. "Found it!" she declared, her tone smug. "See? Not so messy after all." I rolled my eyes, pushing off the doorframe. "Let's go. We've wasted enough time." 

"Not yet, I still need to change back into my original clothes," Katsuna tells me, making me sigh in frustration before slowly turning around as I was about to tell Katsuna to hurry up so I could get back to my paperwork when she suddenly started stripping right in front of me. 

My brain short-circuited momentarily, and I snapped my head away so fast I nearly gave myself whiplash, "Katsuna!" I barked more than intended, "What the hell are you doing? Warn me next time so I can turn around!"

I could feel my face burning, and I clenched my fists at my sides, trying to maintain some semblance of composure. 

But it was impossible. 

My heart was pounding so hard I thought it might burst out of my chest, and my body felt like it was radiating heat. I could see her reflection in the small mirror on the wall, and I immediately averted my eyes, but not before catching a glimpse of her pale skin and the faint markings that ran along her back.

I gritted my teeth, forcing myself to focus on the wall in front of me.

Katsuna, of course, was completely unfazed. 

"Relax, Moroboshi-kun," she said casually, as if this were the most normal thing in the world. "I'm not afraid to show off unless I'm with someone I trust. And that's you."

I could hear the smirk in her voice, and it only made me more flustered. 

"That's not the point!" I snapped, my voice rising slightly. "You should let me know so I can leave the room before you start changing. You don't just...do that in front of a man!"

She laughed, the sound light and carefree, and it only made me more irritated, "Oh, come on, Dan. It's not like you've never seen a naked woman before."

"That's not—!" I cut myself off, taking a deep breath to steady my nerves, "Just...hurry up and get dressed." I could hear the rustle of fabric as she pulled on her clothes, and I forced myself to keep my eyes firmly on the wall. 

But my thoughts were spiraling, and I couldn't stop fixating on how...at ease she seemed around me.

It was maddening, yet at the same time, it stirred something deep within me, a tightness in my chest I couldn't ignore.

She trusted me. Even after all these years, after everything we'd been through, she still trusted me. When she finally finished changing, I turned back around, my face carefully blank.

"Ready?" I asked. 

Katsuna flashed me a grin, hoisting her bag over her shoulder. "Ready. Let's go, Mr. Grumpy." I rolled my eyes, but a small smile crept onto my lips despite myself. "You're impossible," I muttered, though there was no bite to my words.

As we stepped out of the medical office and into the hallway, an unexpected sense of relief washed over me. Despite everything—the danger, the secrets, the uncertainty—Katsuna was still the same headstrong, stubborn person I'd always known.

And somehow, that made everything feel a little more manageable.

As we stepped into the cool night air, I couldn't shake the thought of how badly I wanted to shield her from everything. But deep down, I knew she wouldn't back down—she never had, and if I were honest with myself, that was one of the things I admired most about her.

"Come on," I said firmly, gesturing toward my car. "Let's get you home."

Katsuna nodded, her usually playful demeanor replaced by an uncharacteristic seriousness.

"Yeah. About that... I moved." Her words stopped me mid-motion as I reached for the car door. I turned to face her, my brow furrowing.

"When?" I asked, my voice steady but edged with curiosity.

"Two weeks ago," she replied, her tone matter-of-fact.

"I see," I said, crossing my arms. "Care to give me the new address?"

She hesitated for a moment, then shook her head. "I left it in my car."

"Your car?" I repeated, narrowing my eyes. "Where is it?"

She glanced away, "At the soccer stadium parking lot..." I studied her, sensing she was holding back. Now wasn't the time to push. "Alright," I said, suppressing my annoyance, and opened the car door. "Let's go."

The engine hummed to life, filling the car with a strained silence. 

Driving, I focused on the road, the palpable tension intensifying my racing thoughts: 'Why the sudden move? Why the secrecy?' I glance a bit before focusing on the road once more, 'Right, we lost contact after I left for the military so I wouldn't have known about it.'

Finally, we pulled into the stadium parking lot, Katsuna pointed to a sleek orange car parked near the entrance. 

"There it is," I parked beside it and turned to her. "You do realize that I can locate and ask someone to bring your car to your new home?" Katsuna seemed surprised, "Really? I didn't know that the SSSP was generous." 

I made a 'hmph' sound and motioned for her to give me her new address. She nodded and immediately went to get it, once she was done, Katsuna returned, entered the ca,r and said, "Okay, here." "Good." 

With that, I start my car.

As we drove through the quiet streets of Tokyo, the tension between us gradually began to fade. Katsuna leaned back in her seat, her doe-grey eyes reflecting the glow of the city lights streaming past.

"You know," she said after a while, her voice soft, almost hesitant, "I missed this. Just...being with you."

I glanced at her briefly, my hands tightening on the steering wheel. "Yeah," I mumble quietly, "Me too."

For a moment, neither of us spoke. The silence was easy, familiar, and it brought back memories of all the times we'd spent together back in high school. But those days were behind us now, and here we were, tangled in a dangerous game of secrets and uncertainty.

When we finally reached her apartment, I parked the car and turned to her. "Get some rest," I said, my tone firm but gentle. "We'll talk more tomorrow."

Katsuna nodded, her expression serious. "Yeah. Thanks, Dan."

As she got out of the car and walked toward her building, I couldn't help but watch her. There was so much I wanted to say, so much I wanted to ask. But for now, I'm going to focus on the mission and not her, so... all I could do was hope that being an informant doesn't get her any ideas into getting herself harmed.

That being said, I turn on my car and drove away.