**Chapter 5: Seeking Help**

Akira's eyes locked onto Kaito's, filled with a sense of determination. "I'm going to help you, Kaito. I won't let you go through with this mission." Kaito's expression softened, and he reached out to take her hand. "Akira, you don't have to do this. This is my problem." But Akira was resolute. "I won't let you do this alone. I know someone who might be able to help us." Kaito raised an eyebrow. "Who?" Akira took a deep breath. "My friend's older brother, Ryker, and his wife, Lila. They're...they're involved in the underworld too." Kaito's eyes narrowed. "What makes you think they can help us?" Akira hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. "I've heard they're good people, and they might be able to help us stop you from completing your mission." Kaito nodded, a small smile on his face. "Okay, let's go see them. Maybe they can help us find a way out of this." Akira pulled out her phone and dialed Ryker's number, her heart racing with anticipation. When Ryker answered, she explained the situation, trying to be as vague as possible. "Ryker, I need your help. It's about Kaito...the guy I've been dating. He's in a bit of a situation, and I think you and Lila might be able to help us." Ryker's voice was calm and collected. "What kind of situation?" Akira took a deep breath. "He's an assassin, Ryker. He's been trained by his father, and he has a mission to complete. I don't want him to go through with it." There was a pause on the other end of the line, and Akira wondered if Ryker had hung up. But then he spoke. "Okay, Akira. We'll help you. But you have to be careful. Kaito's father is not someone to be trifled with." Akira felt a wave of relief wash over her. "Thank you, Ryker. I owe you one." Ryker chuckled. "You don't owe me anything, Akira. We'll be over in 30 minutes. Be ready." Akira hung up the phone and turned to Kaito. "They're on their way. We'll go to their place and figure out a plan." Kaito nodded, his eyes filled with a mix of hope and anxiety. "Let's do this." As they waited for Ryker and Lila to arrive, Akira couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation. What if they couldn't stop Kaito from completing his mission? What if they got hurt in the process? But for now, she pushed those thoughts aside and focused on the present. She was taking a risk by seeking help from Ryker and Lila, but she knew it was the right thing to do. When Ryker and Lila arrived, Akira was struck by their calm and confident demeanor. Ryker was tall and lean, with piercing blue eyes that seemed to see right through her. Lila was petite, with long, curly brown hair and a warm smile. "Hey, Akira," Lila said, giving her a hug. "We're here to help." Akira smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards them. "Thanks, guys. I appreciate it." As they sat down in the living room, Ryker turned to Kaito. "So, tell us about this mission. What's the target?" Kaito hesitated, and Akira could see the fear in his eyes. "I don't know," he admitted. "My father didn't give me many details. But I know it's a high-priority target, and I have to eliminate it." Ryker nodded, his expression grim. "We need to get more information. Lila, can you try to dig up some intel on Kaito's father and his operations?" Lila nodded, pulling out her phone. "I'll see what I can find." As they began to formulate a plan, Akira felt a sense of hope rising within her. Maybe, just maybe, they could stop Kaito from completing his mission and get him out of this deadly world. But as they sat there, discussing their plan of action, Akira couldn't shake off the feeling that they were in over their heads. Kaito's father was a notorious figure in the underworld, and they were about to take him on. Akira steeled herself, determination burning within her. She was ready to do whatever it took to help Kaito, even if it meant putting herself in harm's way.