Code: Juleit

Nov 24, 2021

I sat in my cabin, the weight of survival pressing down on me. After all, I had just lived through a bomb attack.

A knock at the door broke my thoughts. "Look who's here," Capulet's voice carried in, casual yet firm.

"Capulet..." I sighed. He was probably about to crack another one of his terrible jokes—something I really wasn't in the mood for.

Instead, he dropped a file on my desk. "Agent Romeo, I have the report on the November 19th bombing."

My eyes widened. That day was burned into my memory. We had received a tip-off—either from an anonymous source or the government itself—that someone was planning an attack. A bomb was hidden inside a schoolbag. The agency had gone on high alert.

"What is it?" I asked, bracing myself.

Capulet's expression darkened. "The bombing... it was orchestrated by Juliet."

I stared at him, unimpressed. "Like we didn't already know that? Anything new, sir?"

Before he could respond, my phone vibrated on the desk. A notification.

I glanced at the screen and frowned. An unknown number.

"I hold the past in silent keep,

Where ancient voices never sleep.

My halls are filled with time-stilled art,

A treasure trove both grand and smart.

Find me where the curious roam,

Where history stands in sculpted stone.

Through painted tales and artifacts rare,

Seek me there—if you so dare!"

What the hell? A prank?

"What the—" I whispered under my breath, completely missing whatever Capulet had just said.

"Romeo! Romeo!" His voice snapped in irritation.

"Yes!" I straightened up, trying to act natural.

"What's on your phone?" he asked.

Another message popped up.

"Tomorrow, 9 PM. Alone."

I locked my screen. "Nothing… my... gi-girlfriend," I lied, unsure why I even said it.

December 15, 2021

Time: 1:32 AM

"Romeo!" Her voice rang through the cold night air, choked with desperation.

We stood on the beach, waves crashing behind her. The moon cast silver light on the restless ocean, illuminating the fine grains of sand clinging to her face.

"No," I murmured.

My grip tightened around my gun. The weight of it felt heavier than ever.

I pulled the trigger.

Present

I woke up with a gasp, drenched in sweat. My breathing was ragged, my chest rising and falling in quick, uneven motions.

Just a dream.

I reached for the bottle of water on my nightstand, my hands still shaking. Gulping it down, I glanced at the clock. 8 AM.

I swung my legs over the edge of the bed and pulled back the curtains. Sunlight flooded the room, bright and blinding.

Then, my phone rang.

Benvolio.

I answered immediately. "Yes, Benvolio?"

"Sir, I think you should come to the agency. Immediately."

"I'm on my way."

Hanging up, I grabbed my jacket, got dressed, and drove straight to headquarters.

The elevator ride to the sixth floor felt slower than usual. As soon as the doors slid open, I walked straight to my cabin, only to find a small gathering waiting for me including—Benvolio, Rosaline, Capulet.

"What's going on?" I asked, stepping inside.

Suddenly, a loud pop filled the air. Balloons burst, confetti rained down.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AGENT ROMEO!" they shouted in unison.

I blinked. "That's why you called me in such a hurry?"

"Of course!" Benvolio grinned.

"You're 25 now," Capulet smirked.

I sighed, rubbing my temples. "I don't get why you guys always celebrate my agency joining date. It doesn't make any sense."

"Because we don't celebrate our real birthdays, Agent," Capulet said simply.

I scoffed. "This agency is so damn childish."

"Look who's talking—the youngest one here!" Capulet chuckled, exchanging a glance with Benvolio.

Before I could respond, a knock came at the door.

"Sir, a parcel for you," Agent Christine announced.

"For who?" Capulet asked.

She glanced at the package again, hesitating. "Agent… Santino Castello."

My blood ran cold. My breath caught in my throat.

No. No, that wasn't possible. I must've misheard.

"Agent Santino Castello?" Benvolio frowned. "Are you sure you're in the right department? Maybe you should check again—"

"Stop," Capulet interrupted. He stepped forward, taking the package from Christine. "I know Santino. I'll deliver it myself."

Christine nodded and left.

"You guys also go back to your work" He said and everyone went outside.

Once the door shut, Capulet turned to me, lowering his voice.

"Who knows your real identity besides me?"

"No… no one." My entire body tensed.

"You sure you don't have family?" he asked again.

I met his gaze. "You picked me up from an orphanage, raised me with your own hands, and now you're asking me that?" My voice faltered.

"Dad."