"So what are your plans? What can I do to help?" Sayuri asked.

"For now, nothing," Kyle said, "You have your location to view so you focus on that first."

"I can gather some information about Rex Industries first," Sayuri said, "Poke a few things and see what comes out."

"No!" Kyle said quickly, startling Sayuri at the way he seemed to panic a bit.

Kyle cleared his throat and said, "Sorry, that came out a bit wrong. No, please do NOT make a move right now. I have a few things in place and you might accidentally stir it and alert them."

Sayuri tilted her head and said, "If you tell me what they are, I would make sure I won't do anything to jeapordize what you have in place."

Sayuri understood Kyle's dilemma.

It was the same concept as when the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) started their undercover operations to snag the 'big fish' and then a separate police force raided the building. The latter's actions completely destroyed the work that the DEA had been painstakingly compiling.

However, if the other party had been aware of the DEA's movements, then they can work around it. So they work hand-in-hand rather than disrupting each other.

Surprisingly, Kyle shook his head, "No, it's not the time to make a move yet. I was simply giving you the background first."

Again, Sayuri felt like Kyle wasn't telling her the whole truth, but she could tell that he wasn't lying. Thus, she could only swallow her grievances and lay her trust in his decision.

"Okay, fine," Sayuri said, in resignation, "Just tell me when I can make a move then."

Kyle, naturally, could see that Sayuri wasn't quite happy with what he said.

However, the fact that she wasn't making a fuss and accepting whatever he was dishing out made him appreciate her more, but he was also feeling rather bad about it.

"Thank you," Kyle said just as the waiter came with their food.

Just as they tucked into their food, Kyle's eyes brightened as he suddenly thought of something.

"Well, there isn't anything that you can do about Rex Industries at the moment but …" Kyle began, and he waited for Sayuri's response.

"But what?" Sayuri asked, taking the bait.

"I could use your help with the kids," Kyle said.

"Oh?" Sayuri said in surprise, "Do tell."

✿ Author only posts on w.e.b.n.o.v.e.l. ✿

And that is how Sayuri found herself next to Kyle, hiding behind a potted plant as they watched Joseph and Lianne from afar.

"If anyone is to spot us right now, they're going to be thinking we're stalkers," Sayuri hissed, crouching a bit as she peered through the leaves.

Kyle placed a hand over her shoulder, his head just above hers as he said, "I am a stalker. But a good one."

"I don't know about that," Sayuri objected, "A good looking one, yes but not necessarily a good stalker."

Kyle snorted.

"And you're the faithful sidekick of the stalker you're maligning," Kyle pointed out.

"I was fooled," Sayuri replied, "I will do better in my next life, perhaps, but in this one, I guess you're stuck with me."

Kyle subconsciously gripped on Sayuri's shoulder a bit tighter at that statement.

He knew she was just joking around but it hit him in ways that he didn't think possible. He wondered if she truly believed in past lives.

He conveniently ignored - or, perhaps, his brain subconsciously blocked it out - the last part of her words.

"Do you believe in past lives then?" Kyle asked, loosening his grip.

Sayuri was a bit surprised at his reaction to her words.

Initially, she thought it was because of her indirect confession but instead, it was because of her past life statement?

"Well, yes and no," Sayuri said, "I mean, I like the thought but nobody knows for sure, right? Imagine being able to relive your life again. The things I would do differently. It's a nice thought, but not reality."

"Mhm," Kyle mumbled, then tapped her shoulder, "Come on. Time for us to make a move."

"You sure about this though?" Sayuri asked.

"Of course I am," Kyle answered, "It's the best way to get close to them without rousing any suspicion."

"Okay, if you say so," Sayuri said.

"Unless you're uncomfortable with it?" Kyle asked, "It's fine if you don't want to."

"No, no!" Sayuri protested, "It's not that. I just … didn't want to make it difficult for you later on."

Kyle sighed, and rubbed the back of his neck, "Look, I need you for this. I know I can't do this alone. If they see me, they'll still be on guard even if they recognise me. It will take time for me to build their trust and friendliness with me."

He sighed, "I know I give off this really cold and unfriendly vibe. Can't help it. I don't even know if I can smile properly with them right now. So, with you by my side, they'll be more comfortable."

"Will you be okay with me being intimate then?" Sayuri asked softly.

"If it's you, it's fine," Kyle replied without a thought.

"Then it's okay with me. You just be you, okay? The way you are nowadays, trying to act against your nature would probably put them on high alert," Sayuri cautioned.

"Okay," Kyle replied, "I will follow your lead on this one. After all, you're the expert."

"Good," Sayuri said, "Now, be a good boy and let's go."

Kyle shook his head, and had a ghost of a smile as he followed behind Sayuri.

As Sayuri walked over to the cafe, she studied the two kids carefully.

Lianne was busy drawing while her brother was sitting beside her, engrossed in a mobile game.

The plan was simple.

Create an opportunity to talk to the kids.

Sayuri's job?

To be friendly, to offset Kyle's dangerous psycho vibe, so that they would not reject them.