Beep! Beep! Beep!
I punched the snooze button on the irritating alarm clock, hoping that it would break. It was 7:00 AM, but I didn't want to go to school yet. I hated school. I had a bad reputation, and most people wouldn't even approach me.
Whatever. It's not like I wanted them to anyway.
I closed my eyes again and began to drift back to sleep. It's fine if I miss just one day, right?
…
Thump
"Wake up, sunshine! Quick, get some food and let's go!"
Opening my eyes, I was met with a pair of gorgeous blue eyes looking back at me.
Half asleep, I began to speak. "Renee, I told you to stop doing that, we're not kids anymore. Who let you into our house anyways?"
Renee grinned mischievously. "Your mom let me in, of course. She knows I'm the only one who can drag your lazy ass out of bed."
I groaned, pulling the covers over my head. "Go away. I'm not going to school today."
"Oh no you don't," Renee said, yanking the blanket off me. "Come on, Yuri. You can't keep skipping classes. Your mom's worried about you."
I sat up reluctantly, rubbing my eyes. "Why do you even care? It's not like anyone at school wants me there anyway."
Renee's expression softened. She sat down on the edge of my bed, her voice gentle. "I care. And so does Karina."
At the mention of Karina's name, I felt a flutter in my chest. "What does she have to do with anything? Stop trying to convince me that she likes me."
Renee rolled her eyes. "Yuri, you can be so dense sometimes. Of course she likes you. Why else would she always ask about you when you're not at school?"
I felt my face grow warm. "She does?"
"Yes, dummy," Renee said, flicking my forehead playfully. "Now get up and get dressed. I'm not leaving until you're ready for school."
I grumbled but complied, knowing Renee would make good on her threat.
"Hey, Renee?" I started.
She looked at me. "What's up?"
"If let's say, Karina actually does like me… you would tell me what to do, right? Because whenever I'm with her, it's like I can't even think straight."
Renee's expression softened, a knowing smile playing at her lips. "Oh Yuri, you've got it bad, don't you?"
I felt my face flush and looked away, mumbling, "I don't know what you're talking about."
Renee laughed, nudging me playfully. "Come on, it's obvious to everyone except you two. The way you look at each other when you think no one's watching? It's like something out of a cheesy romance novel."
I groaned, covering my face with my hands. "Is it really that obvious?"
"Only to those of us with eyes," Renee teased. "Anyways, of course I'll help you."
I lowered my hands, looking at Renee skeptically. "Really? You'll help me?"
Renee nodded, her expression turning more serious. "Of course I will. You're my best friend, Yuri. I want you to be happy. And I think Karina could make you happy."
I felt a mix of hope and anxiety swirling in my chest. "But what if I mess it up? What if she doesn't actually like me that way?"
Renee pinched my cheek, her voice gentle but firm. "Yuri, trust me. She likes you. I've seen the way she looks at you when you're not paying attention. It's the same way you look at her."
I swallowed hard, trying to process this information. "You better be telling the truth. And if something happens, you better be there for me."
She smiled. "I will, Yuri. Through thick and thin. Now come on, get dressed. And…"
She smirked at me deviously.
"What is it?"
"Put on some pants. If someone saw me here, they'd get the wrong idea."
I looked down. Oh shit. I was only wearing my boxers.
"Get out, weirdo! Why are you even looking!"
Renee ran downstairs, laughing hysterically.
***Karina cleared her throat. "Yuri? Are you alright?"
I blinked, realizing I had zoned out. "Sorry, just...lost in thought for a moment there."
Karina gave me a concerned look. "We can take a break if you need one."
I shook my head. "No, I'm fine. Let's keep going."
We spent the next hour going over potential questions from the prosecutor. Karina was thorough, pushing me to clarify my responses and anticipate different angles of attack. By the end, I felt mentally drained but better prepared.
As we wrapped up, Karina glanced at her watch. "The meeting with the prosecutor is in an hour. Why don't you grab some coffee and try to relax a bit beforehand?"
I nodded, standing up and stretching. "Sounds good. I could use some caffeine."
As I headed for the door, Karina called out softly, "Yuri?"
I turned back to face her. "Yeah?"
She gave me a small, reassuring smile. "You've got this. Just remember what we practiced, and stay calm."
I managed a weak smile in return. "Thanks, Karina."
As I left the conference room, I felt a mix of emotions swirling inside me. You would think I'd be relieved that Karina told me how she felt, but I wasn't.
Mixing cream in a coffee that I poured from Racer Law's kitchen, I felt the need to get my thoughts off my chest. I picked up my phone and dialled the one person I knew would always be there for me.
Ring… Ring… Ring…
The person on the other side picked up.
"Hey Yuri, what's up?" Renee's cheerful voice was a welcome contrast to my mood.
"Hey, Renee. Got a minute to talk?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
"For you? Always." She always seemed to tease me, even after all these years. "What's going on?"
I sighed, leaning against the wall. "I just had a... conversation with Karina. About us. Our history."
"Oh boy," Renee said. "How did that go?"
"About as well as you'd expect," I replied with a humourless chuckle. "She made it clear that she doesn't have feelings for me anymore. That we need to keep things professional."
There was a pause on the other end of the line. "I'm sorry, Yuri. That must have been tough to hear."
I sighed. "Yeah, it was. I mean, I knew it was coming, but still..."
"Of course it still hurts," Renee said gently. "You two have a lot of history. It's natural to feel conflicted, even after all this time."
I nodded, even though she couldn't see me. "I guess I just... I don't know, part of me hoped that maybe..."
"That maybe there was still a chance?" Renee finished for me.
"Yeah," I admitted quietly. "Pretty stupid, huh?"
"Not stupid," Renee said firmly. "Human. You loved her once, Yuri. Those feelings don't just disappear, even after years apart."
I let out a long breath. "I know. You're right, Renee."
"When am I not?" She bantered playfully.
"Haha, very funny," I replied sarcastically. "Wait, don't you have work right now?"
"I'm on my lunch break," Renee explained. "Want to know what I'm eating?"
"What are you eating?"
"You're supposed to guess, dummy."
I couldn't help but chuckle at Renee's playful tone. "Alright, let me think... knowing you, it's probably something ridiculously healthy. A kale and quinoa salad?"
Renee gasped in mock offence. "How dare you! I'll have you know I'm enjoying a perfectly balanced meal of... okay, fine, it's a kale and quinoa salad. But there's also some grilled chicken, so it's not completely boring."
I laughed, feeling some of the tension ease from my shoulders. "Ah, of course. My mistake. Also…"
"Yeah?"
"Thanks for listening, Renee. I really appreciate it."
Renee's voice softened. "You know I'm always here for you, Yuri. Through thick and thin, remember?."
I felt a brief jolt of affection for my childhood friend. I smiled. "Through thick and thin."
"I got to go now Yuri. Break's over!"
"Bye, Renee."
"Later, Yuri. Call me whenever you want to get something off your chest, okay?"
"Will do, boss."
Beep.
I hung up the phone and took a deep breath, feeling a bit lighter after talking to Renee. But as I turned back to the conference room, my heart sank again at the weight of what was ahead.
The meeting with the prosecutor loomed over me like a storm cloud.
I returned to the conference room where Karina was already waiting, her expression focused and serious as she reviewed her notes. As soon as I entered, she looked up and gave me a reassuring smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
"Ready?" she asked, trying to inject warmth into the atmosphere.
"As ready as I'll ever be," I replied, attempting to match her tone.
Karina's gaze softened for just a moment before she shifted back into professional mode. "Remember everything we went over. Stick to the facts, stay calm, and don't let them provoke you."
I nodded, feeling the butterflies in my stomach flutter more violently. It was now or never.
The minutes crawled by until the time for our meeting arrived. Karina stood up and adjusted her blazer, her demeanour shifting into that of a confident advocate. She looked ready to take on the world, and for a fleeting moment, I wished I could share in that confidence.
"Let's go," she said, leading the way out of the conference room and down the sleek corridor. The atmosphere was charged with tension, and I could feel my heart pounding in my chest as we approached the door to the meeting room.
As we entered, a long table stretched before us, flanked by stern-looking figures in suits. At one end sat the prosecutor—an intimidating woman with sharp features and an air of authority that made me swallow hard. The weight of their gazes felt like a physical presence.
"Detective Yuren," the prosecutor began, her voice cool and professional. "Thank you for coming."
I nodded, feeling Karina's presence beside me like an anchor. "Thank you for having me."
"Let's get right to it," the prosecutor said, her eyes narrowing as she surveyed me. "We're here to discuss the events of the night in question, specifically your actions toward Mr. David Petals. I trust you've had ample time to reflect on your statement?"
I nodded, fighting the urge to fidget under her gaze. "Yes, I have."
"Good." She leaned back in her chair, her fingers steepled in front of her. "Let's start with your assessment of the situation at the café that evening. Can you describe what led you to use your weapon?"
Karina shot me an encouraging glance from my peripheral vision, and I took a deep breath before responding. "I arrived at the café after hearing reports of a robbery in progress. Upon entering, I identified a suspect holding a gun to a civilian—Renee Racer—whose life was clearly in danger."
The prosecutor raised an eyebrow. "You mention Ms. Racer by name as if you have a personal connection with her. Would it be fair to say that your emotions were heightened due to this relationship?"
I felt my pulse quicken, the prosecutor's probing piercing through the carefully constructed wall I'd erected around my emotions. "Our history certainly affected my state of mind," I admitted. "But my priority was her safety, and the threat posed by Mr. Petals was immediate."
The prosecutor leaned in closer, studying me intently. "Interesting you mention that. You claim he was a threat, yet you had an opportunity to de-escalate the situation as law enforcement. Why did you choose lethal force instead?"
I could feel the tension in the room thickening. The eyes of the other attorneys on either side of the table bore into me like lasers, and I could sense Karina's fingers tapping nervously against the table beside me.
"I assessed the circumstances swiftly," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. "Might I remind you that David Petals was high on several substances at the time of the incident? His erratic behaviour indicated a lack of rationality. I had only seconds to act when faced with a clear and present danger."
The prosecutor regarded me with a steely gaze. "But does that justify taking a life, Detective? Did you consider other options before resorting to lethal force?"
I took a moment, gathering my thoughts as adrenaline coursed through my veins. "In a high-pressure situation where a civilian's life is on the line, my training emphasized quick decision-making. I had to make an instant judgment about whether I could safely intervene. Given the circumstances—his weapon, his grip on Ms. Racer—I believed shooting was the only option that would guarantee her safety."
There was a murmured exchange among the lawyers seated around the table. The prosecutor leaned back in her chair, tapping her fingers against the polished surface. "You believe that your training justified your actions at the moment, then. But what about the consequences of that decision?"
I felt a rush of frustration boiling beneath my skin, the weight of their scrutiny pressing down on me. Is this woman stupid?
"There are always consequences in law enforcement," I said firmly. "But when facing a life-or-death situation, you must prioritize saving innocent lives over everything else."
The prosecutor's expression hardened. "And yet, here we are. A young man is dead, a family is grieving, and now you stand accused of using excessive force. Your judgment is under review."
I took a steadying breath, meeting the prosecutor's gaze head-on. "I understand the gravity of the situation, and I never took the decision to use lethal force lightly. But I will not apologize for saving a life in that moment."
The tension in the room thickened, permeating the air with an electric charge as I glanced at Karina. Her expression was steady and unreadable, but I could sense her determination to support me.
The prosecutor leaned closer, tapping her pen against a notepad. "You mention saving lives, but let's talk about the impact on Mr. Petals' family. They lost their son, Yuri. How do you reconcile that with your actions?"
I felt a pang in my chest at her words, the weight of responsibility crashing down on me like a tidal wave. "I never intended for anyone to die that night," I said, my voice firm yet tinged with emotion. "But I was faced with a split-second decision that could have cost an innocent life. I acted to protect Renee, and in doing so, I had to make an agonizing choice."
The prosecutor studied me for a long moment, her expression inscrutable. "And what will you say to David Petals' family when they ask why their son had to die?"
I inhaled sharply, the gravity of her question settling in my chest like lead. "I... I can't bring him back," I said slowly, searching for the right words. "But I can express my deepest condolences. No one wants to see anyone lose their life—especially not someone with a future ahead of him. But in that moment, I was forced to choose between his life and the life of someone else."
The prosecutor straightened her posture, clearly unimpressed. "A noble sentiment, but sentiments don't win cases, Detective Yuren."
Before I could respond, Karina interjected smoothly. "If I may," she said, her voice calm and collected. "I'd like to address the context surrounding Detective Yuren's actions. The circumstances that night were far from ordinary. David Petals was under the influence of illicit substances, and his behaviour posed an immediate danger to Ms. Racer's life."
The prosecutor raised an eyebrow, clearly not impressed. "I'm aware of that, Ms. Kana. But we must also consider alternatives that could have been employed by Detective Yuren. After all, you both are aware that lethal force is always the last resort."
Karina nodded, acknowledging the point but countering with her own. "Absolutely, but we must also recognize the extreme pressure officers face during high-stakes situations. When lives are on the line, decisions must be made rapidly. Officer Yuren assessed the threat and acted in accordance with his training."
I could feel the tension in the room shift slightly at Karina's words; she had a way of articulating my situation that made it sound less like a justification and more like a necessary course of action.
"Detective Yuren was tasked with protecting civilians in a volatile situation," Karina continued, her voice steady and persuasive. "You can't ignore the evidence that he acted under extreme duress. The footage clearly shows Mr. Petals threatening the victim at gunpoint."
The prosecutor glanced down at her notes, and I took the opportunity to regroup my thoughts. I knew in my gut that this was going to be a long fight, but Karina was keeping us grounded. I could see the wheels turning in her mind as she continued to navigate the conversation with finesse.
"Have you had any follow-up therapy since the incident?" the prosecutor asked suddenly, her tone pointed.
I felt a knot tighten in my stomach. It was a valid question—one that many officers faced after a traumatic event—but it also felt like an unnecessary attack.
"No, I haven't," I admitted, the weight of the truth hanging in the air like a heavy fog. "I've been focused on my duties since then. I thought it would be best to keep moving forward."
"Interesting choice." The prosecutor scribbled something down on her notepad. "Most officers seek therapy after such an incident. It's recommended to help process the trauma. Would you say you've felt any residual effects from the shooting?"
The room felt suddenly too small, the walls closing in as I considered my response. "Of course, there are moments," I said slowly, searching for the right words. "But I've always believed in confronting challenges head-on rather than dwelling on them."
Karina nodded subtly, ready to back me up. "Detective Yuren has shown remarkable dedication to his work since that night," she interjected smoothly. "He has remained committed to the safety of his community and has had no incidents of misconduct."
The prosecutor narrowed her eyes, clearly unimpressed. "Dedication is admirable, but it doesn't negate your actions that night. If you are feeling residual effects, wouldn't that raise questions about your ability to make sound decisions under pressure?"
I felt the weight of her words pressing down on me, like a heavy anchor tied around my chest. Karina must have sensed my struggle because she leaned forward slightly, her voice calm and steady.
"Detective Yuren is aware of the responsibilities of his position," she replied, her tone unwavering. "He has demonstrated his ability to make difficult decisions time and again throughout his career. One critical moment shouldn't define an entire professional life."
I could see the way Karina's words shifted the mood in the room. The prosecutor seemed to evaluate us both, her posture shifting slightly.
"Alright, well it seems like our time is up for today," the prosecutor said, her tone shifting as she leaned back in her chair. "But this discussion is far from over. We'll be in touch with your attorney about scheduling a follow-up."
Karina nodded, maintaining her air of professionalism. "Thank you for your time, we appreciate the opportunity to clarify these points."
As we stood to leave, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. The initial meeting was over, and while I knew this was just the beginning of a long process, I was grateful for Karina's support.
We stepped out of the meeting room into the pristine hallway, and Karina turned to me with an encouraging smile. "You did well in there. You stayed composed, and that's important."
I exhaled slowly, shaking off some of the tension that had built up during the meeting. "Thanks. I didn't feel composed at all."
"Maybe what's really important is figuring out what we want—together," I said, my heart racing as I leaned forward, searching her eyes for any flicker of agreement or understanding. "We've both been through so much, but that doesn't mean we can't find common ground. Doesn't mean we can't figure this out."
Karina looked at me intently, her expression conflicted. "Yuri, it's not just about us anymore. We're in the middle of a legal battle with your career on the line. I don't want to add more pressure to this situation. It wouldn't be fair to you or to us."
Her words hit me like a wave crashing against the shore, bringing both clarity and frustration. "Fairness doesn't mean ignoring what we feel, Karina. We've been given a second chance to reconnect—aren't we supposed to explore that?"
She held my gaze for a moment longer before breaking eye contact and looking down at her coffee cup. "I just... need time,"
Karina studied me for a moment, her expression softening. "You were under immense pressure, and you handled it better than most would. This is just the first meeting; we'll refine our approach as we move forward."
"Thanks, Karina," I said, the corners of my mouth turning up in a faint smile. "I know I can count on you."
We stepped into the elevator together, the doors sliding shut to create a brief cocoon from the world outside. My heart was still racing, both from the intensity of the meeting and the weight of our earlier conversation. I stole a glance at Karina, who was standing beside me, her brow furrowed in concentration as she reviewed her notes.
After a moment of silence, I broke it. "So… What are you up to now?"
Karina looked up, momentarily surprised by my question. She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, her expression shifting to one of contemplation. "I've got a few more meetings lined up today—mostly follow-ups with some of the witnesses we need to speak to. We've got a lot of ground to cover before the prosecutor's next move."
"Busy schedule, huh?" I said, trying to keep my tone light as I shifted against the elevator wall.
She smiled faintly. "Just part of the job. It can be overwhelming at times, but I find it rewarding."
The doors slid open with a soft ding, and we stepped out into the bustling reception area filled with lawyers and clients rushing about. A sense of urgency hung in the air like electricity, and I could feel the weight of reality settling back over me.
"What about you? After today, do you have any plans?" Karina asked as we walked side by side through the busy reception area.
I shrugged, trying to play it cool. "Not much beyond work, I guess. Just trying to keep my head above water with everything happening. Although… Renee's always persuading me do something with her."
Karina raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in her gaze. "Renee again, huh?"
I chuckled, feeling the tension ease slightly. "Yeah, she's been a lifesaver. I don't know what I'd do without her constant nagging."
"I remember talking to her when we went to high school together. Honestly, she scared me."
I laughed, shaking my head at the memory. "She can be intense. But she means well. Always has."
Karina smiled, a genuine warmth in her eyes. "It's good that you have someone like her to lean on during this time."
We stepped outside into the crisp air of early autumn, the sun shining down amid a scattering of leaves swirling around our feet. I looked up at the sky, where the blue seemed almost too vibrant for October.
"Hey," I started hesitantly, "do you want to grab a coffee or something? You're busy today, I know, but I could use a moment of normalcy after all that."
Karina hesitated for a moment, glancing at her watch. "If I don't go now, I'll push my schedule back even further..."
"Just one cup?" I pressed, mentally kicking myself for wanting to spend more time with her when we had just established boundaries.
She looked torn for a moment before softening. "Alright, just one cup. I could use a break too."
A rush of relief and excitement coursed through me. "Great! There's a café just down the street that makes amazing lattes."
As we walked side by side, I couldn't shake the feeling that this was more than just a casual coffee. The air between us felt charged with unspoken words and lingering emotions from our earlier conversation. I stole glances at Karina, noticing how her hair caught the sunlight and how her expression shifted between focus and something else—something softer.
We arrived at the café, a cozy little spot with exposed brick walls and mismatched furniture. The scent of freshly brewed coffee mingled with baked goods, creating an inviting atmosphere. We ordered our drinks—an almond milk latte for Karina and a black coffee for me—and found a small table by the window.
"This place reminds me of the café near our old school," Karina started. "The menu is the same, and the decor is quite similar."
"It's because the owner is the same person."
A look of surprise crossed Karina's face. "Seriously? I had no idea."
I nodded, taking a sip of my black coffee. "Yeah, I stumbled upon it a couple of years ago. I guess some things never really change."
Karina smiled softly, her gaze drifting out the window as she watched the street bustling