I Knew You Had Her in Your Heart
Meanwhile, at a bar somewhere else…
“The way Vodka left… he wouldn’t be going to tip someone off, would he?” The woman seated at the table had platinum blonde long curls tied in a low ponytail, wearing a well-tailored black low-cut dress. Her blue eyes slanted upward at the corners, clearly a sexy beauty radiating mature charm. Leaning her elbow on the table, she lightly rested her chin on her knuckles, a teasing smile playing on her lips as she spoke in an amused tone, “Will Cocoa Wine come to check on you later?”
“Stop saying disgusting things.” Gin sneered, offering this evaluation.
…Which meant he didn’t deny that someone might come over later, nor that Vodka had secretly gone to tip them off. Vermouth couldn’t help but think to herself.
In the beginning, Vermouth had indeed liked Gin and didn’t take Cocoa Wine seriously—after all, she was just a teenage girl.
When Cocoa Wine subtly showed a confrontational attitude toward her, displaying a childlike possessiveness as if declaring war, Vermouth didn’t think much of it and completely understood. It was entirely normal for a young girl in a dangerous, unfamiliar environment with nothing to her name to develop feelings for the older man protecting her.
That’s right, so the abnormal one was Gin.
At first, she’d been shocked, wondering “Why on earth?” “Does he have that kind of preference, but only for one person?” “This isn’t right, is it?” “What kind of leverage does she have over him?” “At this point, can it only be explained by his fetish?”… But by now, Vermouth’s feelings about the matter had simplified to pure curiosity, because it was truly incomprehensible!
“Joking aside, don’t you think you’re being overly indulgent with Cocoa Wine?” Vermouth said half-jokingly, half-seriously as a warning, “This isn’t good for her.”
Vermouth meant it seriously.
Given her age and experience, she was excellent at reading people. Naturally, she could see the underlying dangers in the relationship between these two.
It wasn’t just about how long Gin’s indulgence would last, but also… in a way, this would actually make Cocoa Wine more vulnerable.
Gin naturally caught her implied meaning, but he completely dismissed it: “She’s smarter than you think.”
“There’s another reason, isn’t there?” Vermouth lightly tapped her chin with a finger, chuckling softly, unsure whether she was teasing or stating a fact, “With you around, no one can harm her.”
What Vermouth didn’t say aloud was… this statement wasn’t her own conclusion, but something someone had said to her during their “declaration of war.”
Back then, the seemingly somewhat withdrawn young girl had stated, “With Boss Gin around, no one can hurt me”… Before Vermouth could even show a caring smile for the little girl, she witnessed it proven true in reality, and received a “See, I told you” look from the other party.
Thinking back on it now, she still felt quite shaken by the memory.
Gin didn’t know about this incident. Hearing her words, he frowned slightly, then let out a noncommittal scoff without offering any rebuttal.
Vermouth’s expression shifted subtly in an instant as she cast a complicated gaze toward the person. “Don’t love it too much!”
“With an attitude like yours, no wonder others are full of curiosity…” Vermouth’s voice carried a laugh as she propped her chin with one hand. A probing glint flashed in her eyes, though her expression remained neutral, as if merely engaging in casual banter. “What exactly is Cocoa Wine to you?”
Gin’s hand, holding the glass, paused mid-air. He lifted his gaze, his tone flat yet carrying a clear warning: “You ask too many questions.”
This reaction was expected. Knowing when to stop, Vermouth smiled playfully and said, “Ara, is this a secret that can’t be told?”
Just then, Vodka, who had earlier excused himself to go to the restroom, returned to his seat. He noticed Vermouth’s somewhat strained smile and the odd atmosphere, but years of experience told him silence was the best option. He quietly took his seat, pretending nothing had happened.
“What’s wrong, Vodka?” Vermouth smiled as she looked at him. “You seem so tense… Did you go to secretly tattle?”
Vodka, who had indeed gone to tattle: “…”
Sorry, sweating bullets now.
Why did Vermouth come here? I furrowed my brows, looking troubled.
As one of the Organization’s key members—and seemingly related to the Boss—she usually operated in the United States and rarely came to Japan. Whenever she did, it was likely for a reason.
Although she had considerable freedom outside mission hours, she wouldn’t come to Japan without a specific purpose. This time… it must be for a mission, right?
Even with this assumption, I couldn’t take it lightly. Estimating the time they’d need to discuss business, I changed into my bartender uniform and appeared behind the bar right on schedule.
“What would you two like to drink?” I asked, shaking my cocktail shaker with a smile, not even bothering with a disguise.
There was no need. Boss Gin would recognize me instantly, and Vermouth was more skilled in Disguise Technique than I was—no point showing off amateur skills in front of an expert.
Vermouth wasn’t surprised by my appearance either. She winked at me and teased, “Here to check up on us?”
“No,” I shook my head, speaking earnestly. “I’m here to make sure you don’t leave me behind.”
Vermouth didn’t catch the subtext of my words and appropriately showed a slightly puzzled expression.
Boss Gin, who clearly remembered my shocking declaration of “don’t leave me out of the fun,” momentarily showed a pained expression. He shot me a sharp glare, put out his cigarette, and said in a tone laced with warning, “Stop fooling around. We’re leaving.Then, I noticed Vermouth’s expression turn somewhat subtle, her gaze toward Boss Gin subtle yet complex.
I knew it—she must be struggling to understand how my behavior, which seemed like declaring ownership and restricting others’ freedom, not only went unpunished but was accepted.
But since I’d already achieved my goal, I didn’t dwell on it. Happily setting down my cocktail shaker, I stepped out from behind the counter and sidled up to them.
It seems Boss Gin and Vermouth had already finished discussing business, as he stood up directly to leave.
Ah, it could also be that he was worried I’d openly announce wanting to play 3P, and Vermouth would immediately nod in agreement.
Naturally, I followed him. As I passed by Vermouth, I glanced at her. She looked back, gave me a flirtatious wink, and mouthed, “Let’s talk next time.”
I didn’t refuse, smiling and waving back in acknowledgment before quickening my pace to catch up with the person ahead.
There was a light drizzle tonight. As I stepped out of the shop, I took a deep breath and remarked, “Hmm… the air smells of actinomycetes.”
Vodka, who was following behind, looked confused. “What? Is something wrong?”
I kindly explained to him, “Actinomycetes are saprophytic bacteria found in soil. They release geosmin, which gives off that earthy smell after it rains.”
Vodka wore an expression that screamed, “Unwanted knowledge has increased,” and lowered his voice to say, “I helped you tip them off this time. You can’t sell me out again.”
“Relax, Vodka. Boss Gin definitely knows it was you. The fact that he didn’t stop you or scold you afterward means he tacitly approved of it.” I patiently explained to him, adding, “You’re also part of our play.”
“…” Vodka then wore a pained expression that screamed, “Unwanted involvement has increased.”
I was delighted, clasped my hands behind my back, and strode forward.
Of course, before that, I had to play the villain and strike first.
“How could you meet Vermouth without telling me in advance!” I stood beside him and complained, “Boss Gin, you’ll lose me like this.”
He didn’t seem to care, his tone even a bit dismissive. “Is that so? That’s great.”
…What a jerk!!!
The night breeze was a bit chilly. Just as I was about to complain, a gust of wind made me shiver, and I sneezed.
Damn… Could I actually be catching a cold? I’d left my jacket in the dressing room earlier when I changed…
I sniffled, moved closer to him, reached out to undo the belt of his coat, slipped my hands inside to wrap around his waist, pressed against him, and burrowed into his coat to warm up. I let out a soft sigh—it really was warmer inside his coat.
Under his icy, questioning gaze, I looked up at him, my chin resting against his chest, and slowly said in a teasing tone, “But at the same time, I’m rebellious. So the more you want me to stay away, the closer I want to get.”
Boss Gin didn’t say anything, but judging by the change in his eyes, I think he really wanted to throw me out.
However, he didn’t end up doing that, nor did he push me away. After staring down at me for a long moment, he lifted his head and ignored me, lighting the cigarette in his mouth before turning to talk to Vodka, who had caught up a step late, about the mission.
I stayed quiet, nestling in his embrace without moving, burying my face in his chest to hide my complicated expression.
So I say, with this kind of attitude, who wouldn’t be confused?! There’s definitely some intentional indulgence here! It’s like this every time! He clearly knows everything!
At this thought, my discontent surged once again, and I angrily bumped my forehead hard against his chest.
He didn’t respond to me immediately, only after finishing what he needed to say did he raise his hand to pat my head, slightly lowering his voice to warn, “Behave.”
I looked up at him.
“I am behaving,” I said, staring intently into his dark green eyes with a serious expression. “So, about the substitute we talked about earlier—if I find one, will there be a reward?”