Algorithm (Failed)

Chapter 1: Observation

The air was still, the people were still. Unmoving and unwavering, only breaking from the trance when need be, adorning a plastered on smile. One that stretched too wildly. A rehearsed emotionless smile. The same one that he, himself wore╌ it was only a camouflage, he couldn't afford any communication, only until tonight. When he made it to the rendezvous point. He continued on ducking his head and bared that face splitting grin when necessary.

Each time he came and went, the knot in his stomach reappeared without fail. It was too quiet, it was unnatural. The 48 hours he spent here, dragged on, he lost a bit of himself each time. Fearful of subconsciously dropping his facade╌ he pushes his thoughts away. With unease sitting on his shoulders, he shuffles onward, brunette tendrils blending in with the rest. He made it to the back of the diner, without any farther interruptions.

He was alone, the streets empty along with the diner, now closed. The chances of onlookers were low since being in weather like rain or snow would cause sickness, delay. Still he touched the device in his pocket, double checking if it was on & working, disturbing any surveillance connections. They had to have eyes and ears somewhere. They made sure there was no conflict or distrust,  but to have everything functioning as perfect as this, it required at least some flies on the walls.

Call it a 6th sense or not but he knew just from the footsteps, how they became less brisk in pace as they neared, they were impatient and exhausted. And so when he turned around to see just that(exhaustion & impatience) twisted in his features, he wasn't surprised. Lips in a thin line, eyes down cast with eyebrows pinched together. The day's events and everything in between waring him thin.

"I have no energy left so here is all the files including  Jisung's. I collected what I could," He hurried out, shoving the bundle of plastic clad files into Bang Chan's chest. He wasn't offended no, more so concerned about how much trouble the other had to have gone through for these papers. He was taking a risk coming out here, this time an even bigger one. He could get ill, maybe get caught or some other punishment that plagued Chan's mind.

"Go. I'll be back in two days exactly and begin then," A voice croaked out, his voice, rasped and lower than usual. Probably due to the fact that he doesn't speak or even leave his dwelling when visiting here. His friend finally made eye contact with him, brown orbs filled with concern. His eyes always did give everything away. Sometimes even peeking through his mask.

He shook his head at the other in a attempt to reassure him he was okay and shoo him off. He sent him a bittersweet smile, bowed his head and retreated away. When he looked back once more Chan made sure to mouth a 'thank you' to the younger before he pushed of the wall and left himself. Welcoming the relief of finally being to leave this place and all these plastic people.

X

He reread each and every file, making sure he knew everything he could about the individuals. The files were lacking of course but that wasn't anyone's fault. They were all clean on paper(as he expected) save for a few small demerits. It was better on their part for when and if everything worked out. It was better for them to remain hidden in the flock, with no skepticism upon them. He still needed  to observe them because he knew it was easily achievable to erase and correct what wasn't deemed appropriate. He wasn't too worried though. He just hoped that they utilized exactly what society taught them effectively and knew how to disguise themselves. One thing he was certain of was that they were different, he had sources he just needed to be the one to affirm all of them.