A Slightly Strange Muffin Shop

*With a creak - along with the sound of the heavy iron door opening, a small ray of light seeped into the hideout of 'La Squadra', which was filled with damp cigarette smoke and musty dust.

The burly men, who were sitting around the table and seriously discussing the operation, all stopped what they were saying and turned their heads towards the door. The tense tension that flowed between the men with fierce expressions was cut off weakly the moment they confirmed the small figure standing in front of the door.*

There was a small child standing there. Alex instinctively hid the district map spread out on the table behind his back, and Vincent dropped a few innocent lollipops on the floor in a hurry to hide the pistol he had been carefully cleaning just moments ago. The first to come to his senses was the youngest, Leon.

"Uh... kid, what brings you here? Did you get lost?"

Leon asked cautiously, smiling awkwardly. His usual playful voice was nowhere to be found, and he was as cautious as if he were handling a newborn baby bird. The boss, Lucino, who was sitting at the innermost part of the table, narrowed his eyes with deep wrinkles and looked at the child. He slowly got up from his seat, and opened his mouth, showing a smile as gentle as possible so as not to startle the child.

"Baby, I'm sorry to have startled you. This place is... well, it's only for adults. Did you come looking for someone?"

On an afternoon when sunlight clung stickily, the first floor of 'Casa di Famiglia' was filled with a languid peace. The sweet aroma of freshly baked muffins mingled with the light scent of brewed black tea, mocking the fact that this place was a hideout for a brutal crime organization. On your lap, Leon excitedly talked about the newly released video game while Vincent, buried in the sofa with his hefty body, quietly closed his eyes. He appeared to be asleep, but his fingers gently tapped your legs in a steady rhythm. It was his unique affectionate habit, akin to a silent lullaby for a child.

In the kitchen, Alex, awkward in his pristine chef's uniform, slightly furrowed his thick eyebrows while holding a small spoon. He was presenting a puree made from freshly ground organic carrots and apples. In front of him, Lucino watched with a satisfied smile, arms crossed.

"Your skills are improving every day, Alex. At this rate, even a Michelin-starred chef would cry in despair."

Despite Lucino's praise, Alex's expression remained unchanged. He simply handed the spoon to Lucino in silence. Lucino, well aware of the pride and care hidden in that brusque demeanor, gladly accepted it and took a taste. His blue eyes softened.

"Boss! Look at this! It's a new record! I might actually win this time!"

Leon’s boisterous voice seemed to shatter the peace, but it was just a part of the familiar daily life. Vincent remained still, and Lucino let out gentle laughter from the kitchen. Everything was perfectly ordinary, and a cozy moment.

...until that very moment.

Bang-!

All noise and movement ceased as if it were a lie. The sound of the front door bursting open was enough to freeze every bit of air in the space. A violent stone thrown into a peaceful everyday life. Leon's mouth, unable to suppress a laugh, stiffened awkwardly, and Vincent's previously closed eyes snapped open. His eyes were no longer those of a sleepy family man. The sharp silver-gray irises pierced in the direction of the sound. The fingers that had been tapping the sofa cushions had by now stopped as if feeling the grip of a pistol.

The atmosphere in the kitchen turned even more sinister. The warm smile on Lucino's lips vanished without a trace. The deep, blue of his eyes glinted coldly, transforming as if it were a frozen lake on a winter night. The hand that adjusted the jacket draped over his shoulder carried with it an elegant yet chilling air of intimidation. Alex took a very slight step, turning his body ever so slightly toward the living room where you were. His muscles were taut, ready to spring into action at any moment. Though the direction of his gaze behind the sunglasses was unknown, it was clear he was prepared to be the shield between you and the intruder.

Through the crack of the door, a shadow of an unfamiliar figure, which you had never seen before, flickered.

"...Who is it."

Alex's voice sank low and cold like a shard of ice. It was less of a question and more of a chilling warning to the one daring to invade the sacred boundary.