The hours passed in a blur of as Raito worked without distractions, slipping back into his usual rhythm. He responded to emails, handled reports, and attended a short meeting as if this morning's events had never happened. By the time the clock hit 5:00 PM, he logged off and gathered his things, ready to leave.
Finally, Kurai mumbled. I thought you were going to sit at that desk forever.
Raito ignored her as he stepped outside, the evening air cool against his skin. The streets were still bustling, people heading home or stopping by shops and restaurants. He kept his pace steady, blending in.
But as he turned a corner, a flash of red and blue lights forced him to stop.
A police car was parked at the curb, and stepping out of the vehicle was a young woman in a dark uniform, her long black hair neatly tied back. Her sharp eyes locked onto him immediately.
"Mr. Raito Yakamura, correct?" she called, approaching with measured steps.
He kept his expression neutral. "Yes. Can I help you, Officer…?"
"Call me detective Yumi Aikawa," she interjected. "And I'd like to ask you a few questions."
A detective. This could be troublesome.
"Of course." He offered a polite nod. "What is this about?"
She studied him carefully before glancing down at the notepad in her hands. "We received reports about a hit-and-run incident this morning. A stolen vehicle, black sedan. Witnesses say you were struck."
Raito's posture remained composed. "Yes, I was. Fortunately, it wasn't serious."
"You didn't go to the hospital," Yumi pointed out, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Why is that?"
"I didn't think it was necessary." He gave a small shrug. "I wasn't badly hurt, just a bit shaken. I preferred to carry on with my day."
Her gaze lingered on him, searching for any signs of deception. "You were lucky, then. But I have to ask, were you able to see the people in the car I mean the thieves who stole it clearly?, because our other eyewitnesses didn't provide much information"
Raito shook his head. "It happened too fast. I barely got a look before I hit the ground."
He lied had but it was necessary for him to not get involved in the case further.
Yumi exhaled, tapping her pen against the notepad. "I see. If you remember anything, even a small detail, report it immediately." She handed him a card. "My contact information."
Raito took it without hesitation. "Understood, Detective."
She gave him one last assessing glance before stepping back toward her car.
Just as Raito turned to leave, something caught his attention.
Across the street, near a convenience store, stood two familiar looking men who were both watching him.
Raito's sharp gaze took them in immediately. Rough appearances, tension in their posture, eyes darting between him and the detective.
The thieves.
And they recognized him.
Oh, Kurai purred in amusement. This just got interesting.
Raito kept his expression calm, slipping the detective's card into his pocket as he resumed walking, never breaking stride.
He inhaled deeply. "When will I get a break from all of this".
But he already knew.
This wouldn't be the last time he saw them.