— Big brother, will you buy me the stone we saw in the antique shop?
— Yes, but on one condition: you have to behave.
— I promise, big brother, I promise!
Suddenly, a blinding light forced Kazuki to shut his eyes. When he opened them again, he realized he was in his bedroom. Just a dream… that dream again. He sighed, running a hand through his silver hair, and sat on the edge of his bed. That childhood memory had been haunting him relentlessly lately, like an echo from the past refusing to fade.
His phone vibrated on the bedside table, breaking the heavy silence. Mayu's name appeared on the screen. Taking a deep breath, he answered, trying to muster a smile.
— Good morning, Mayu. How are you?
— I'm fine. And you? she replied in a neutral tone.
— Yeah, I'm fine too. So, what's new?
Mayu paused before suggesting:
— Not much. But I thought we could go out tonight after work, have some fun.
Kazuki hesitated.
— Mayu, you know I need to finish an urgent report. Besides, I—
She abruptly cut him off:
— Forget it, Kazuki. Your work always comes first. I won't insist.
— No, wait, that's not what I meant. Listen, I—hello? Mayu?
The sharp tone of the phone indicated she had hung up. Kazuki exhaled slowly, irritated by her behavior. Glancing at his watch, he realized he was seriously late.
After a quick shower, he dried his hair and dressed carefully before heading out toward the station.
As he walked, he was lost in thought, the recurring dream occupying his mind. So absorbed was he that he nearly walked into a wall. A firm hand stopped him just in time.
— Hey, Kazuki, watch out! Planning to kiss walls now? joked a familiar voice.
Kazuki turned to see Junya, his friend and colleague. With his spiky blue hair and confident demeanor, he always seemed ready to lighten the mood.
— Sorry, Junya. I've been a bit out of it lately.
— I can see that. So, what's bothering you?
Kazuki hesitated before confiding:
— I've been having strange dreams… well, not so strange, they're childhood memories. And things with Mayu aren't great either.
Junya frowned.
— I'm not surprised. She wants you to drop everything and focus on your relationship, right?
Kazuki shook his head.
— No, it's not that. She just feels sidelined, that's all.
— Kazuki, be honest with yourself, Junya retorted, visibly annoyed. She's only dragging you down. You're busting your ass to keep your promise, and she's just thinking about having fun.
Kazuki sighed, trying to calm the discussion.
— No matter what happens, I won't give up. I promised my mother I'd bring my brother back, and I'll keep that promise.
— That's the Kazuki I know! Junya exclaimed with a proud smile.
At the station, they were greeted by their colleagues. Greetings and a few lingering smiles from some of the female officers made Kazuki uncomfortable.
— You should stop solving all the cases; it might tone down their enthusiasm, Junya teased as they got into the elevator.
Kazuki laughed before replying:
— Maybe. But you know I could never do that.
Once at his desk, he was soon joined by Hyorine, the new recruit. Her long black hair and blue eyes were as striking as her determination.
— Good morning, boss. I brought you hot chocolate and biscuits. You probably didn't have time to eat, as usual.
Kazuki smiled, touched by the gesture.
— Thank you, Hyorine. But please, stop addressing me so formally. We've been working together for a year now. You can call me Kazuki, like everyone else.
Hyorine hesitated for a moment before nodding timidly.
— Very well… Kazuki.
He thanked her with a smile, and she left as he enjoyed his breakfast while reviewing some files.
Shortly after, his phone rang. His superior was asking him and his team to come to his office immediately.
Kazuki gathered his team: Junya, Hyorine, Mayu, Lea, Yuki, Oki, Senri, and Takumi. They all headed to the chief's office.
Once assembled, their superior congratulated them on their last resolved case. He gave particular praise to Hyorine, who, despite being new to the team, was already standing out for her efficiency.
Just as he was about to assign them a new case, the chief's phone rang. He answered, and his face suddenly froze.
— Are you sure? … Very well, I understand. I'll be there immediately.
He hung up and gave Kazuki's team a grave look.
— Forget what I was about to tell you. A new priority mission just came in. This is… an exceptional situation.
Hello everyone,
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