Notes: Someone wanted more updates so I tried. But there's a reason why Stupid Smile was a one-shot. I don't think I can write much of a continuation but another one-shot wouldn't hurt.

Warning: Cliff-hanger (I may not continue but if I do, this series would be hard for me to keep up)

Disclaimer: I don't own Katekyo Hitman Reborn or any of the characters except for the protagonist.

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It wasn't a large step. Just a small one, barely enough to show myself to him. Right there before me was someone I knew but he was so different from the last time I had seen him. He was taller but maybe that was puberty's doing. His brown hair was still a large mess but now he had style with the tuxedo he wore. And that smile he wore, they had become warmer and more beautiful. It seemed life had finally rewarded him for enduring his painful childhood. Gone was the bullied coward of Namimori. Now, he stood at the top, respected and loved by his people.

He was part of the mafia but he was like an angel within. He was surrounded by his friends, some I easily recognised from Namimori. But you stayed in this part of Italy long enough, there were other more recognisable faces. There was rowdy bunch who came with a variety of wine they wanted to order for their boss. But this was a cafe! Then there was group of ladies who came for the desserts. Somehow, half of the cakes turned purple and the chef nearly got fired because of that. And now, I was refilling the tenth cup of espresso for a teenage boy wearing a fedora.

"Did we meet before?"

I turned to the other person sitting at this table. Now I wished I hadn't took that one step but the boss, my mother, would have forced me anyways. How was I to answer? We were classmates in Namimori but only for a few months before I was forced to leave to handle the family business in Italy. I had only spoken to him once so I hardly count that much of an interaction.

"...I was from Namimori Middle but I transferred out mid-way in the year."

A flash of recognition appeared in his eyes while his teenage companion scrutinised me. A wide smile appeared on brunette's face as his eyes twinkled.

"I remember now. You helped me before. Thank you."

He remembered it, an event that had happened many years ago. It was a simple short interaction where only a line was exchanged. There was no reason for him to thank me for something so simple like lending my test paper. But his smile, once foolish, was so contagious that smiled along. He was kind, far too kind.

I glanced to the apple tart on the table as I remarked, "Did you know apples had been a symbol for the fall of man?"

The brunette looked at me, confusion in his eyes. I sighed and dug in my pocket for a familiar card. As I slid the card to him, I whispered.

"Apples are really bad. I don't recommend eating the tart today."

His companion should have realised it now so I turned and went to serve the other tables. When the day ended and I left the cafe for home, my mobile phone vibrated. Pulling out my phone, I answered the call. A cold voice followed.

"You disappointed me."

"I know."

"Then, you should know what happens to failures."

"...," I turned back, only to see a gun in my face.

The person before me held a phone to their ear and as they spoke, their words came through my phone.

"You may be my son but an assassin who cannot kill their target is a liability we cannot keep."

"I know." Because the moment I took that step towards the man who once wore that stupid smile, I knew I could never carry out that step in my plan. Just one step had changed two people's fate. But now that the person before me took a step forward, there was none I could take now. The metal nozzle touched my forehead and my eyes closed.

BANG!

Ah…. I never got to tell him my name.