The low hum of the garage's ventilation system did little to soothe the frantic rhythm of Aki's pacing. It felt like he was a ghost about to walk amongst the living, and the fear of recognition was a physical weight on his shoulders.
Tanya watched him from afar patiently.
'Are you nervous, senpai?' she asked softly
Aki's pacing stuttered to a halt. He turned to her, his eyes wide with worries, 'What if someone remembers?' he whispered, the words barely audible over the garage's hum, 'What if they see me and remember I'm supposed to be dead?'
'They won't,' Tanya insisted. She closed the distance between them, her hand finding his. It was a small gesture, but her warmth was a comfort.
'I've been working with them. They don't remember anything. Trust me!' She gave his hand a gentle tug to believe in her.
