Bits of Love, Lines of Code
Chapter 112: “Eyes in the Louvre”

Chapter 112: Chapter 112: “Eyes in the Louvre”

The morning sun kissed the glass pyramids of the Louvre as tourists flooded the iconic courtyard. Somewhere among the crowd, Ren and Aoi strolled hand-in-hand, baby Hikari snugly asleep in a soft carrier across Aoi’s chest.

Ren had chosen to go low-profile today — black turtleneck, coat, and stylish sunglasses. Aoi, radiant in a flowing cream dress and a soft scarf, seemed relaxed for the first time in weeks.

"I still can’t believe we’re here," Aoi whispered, pausing before the pyramid."You were serious when you said we’d tour Europe as a family."

Ren nodded, squeezing her hand.

"I wanted you to have this. A Chapter untouched by stress. Just... us."

Behind them, their parents were being guided by Lucia’s holographic navigation assistant in Japanese — disguised as a tourist info device. Hikari stirred gently, letting out a tiny yawn that melted Aoi’s heart.

Inside the Museum

The group wandered through the endless halls of masterpieces. The Mona Lisa. The Winged Victory. Oil canvases hundreds of years old. In front of each, Aoi would pause and whisper her thoughts, letting Hikari "see" the world with wide, curious eyes.

Ren hung back, content to watch.

"She’ll remember this," he murmured.

"Not with her head," Aoi smiled, "but maybe with her heart."

But They Were Being Watched

Hidden among the tourists, a man in a beige trench coat wearing earbuds murmured softly into a sleeve mic.

"Target visual confirmed. No extra security around subject."

"Any signs of Lucia?" came the voice over comms.

"None. No surveillance drones visible. They’ve gone casual today."

He snapped photos discreetly, including close-ups of Aoi, the baby, and Ren.

Lucia’s Quiet Notice

Back at the penthouse, Lucia’s passive global tracking system flagged the man’s biometric patterns.

Match found: former paramilitary, now contracted by Daigo. Discreet observer. Currently 23 meters from Ren Takasugi.

Lucia didn’t alarm Ren yet. Protocol dictated discretion — unless direct threat was detected.

Instead, she activated a thin shield signal from Aoi’s necklace, logging every signal frequency from the Louvre’s security grid.

Later That Night

Back in the Paris penthouse, Ren and Aoi bathed Hikari together, then curled up with their families for late dinner and wine. The mood was light — even their parents teased each other about European fashion and which city was next.

But while Aoi was busy putting Hikari to sleep...

Lucia spoke quietly to Ren via his earpiece.

"Sir. Passive surveillance suggests Daigo has deployed three observers across the EU, including Paris. One shadowed your family in the Louvre."

Ren’s smile faded.

"Continue silent monitoring," he said. "If they cross a line—alert me."

"Yes, sir. For now, their presence remains... non-hostile."

Ren looked over at Aoi, who now leaned over the crib, softly humming to Hikari.

He clenched his fists behind his back.

They’re watching us again. But this time... I’m prepared.