The news that Michiwaki Masahiko had been taken into police custody appeared in the newspaper the very next day.
Since Hayashi Yoshiki was injured and unable to touch water, Ran, Sonoko, and the others weren't in the mood to continue enjoying the beach. They packed up the following day and lingered briefly in Izu before heading home.
That same afternoon, Hayashi Yoshiki received a text from Kyogoku Makoto:
[This is my mobile number.]
[I plan to go abroad for training next month.]
[I don't know what kind of trouble you're in, but if I get stronger, maybe I can help.]
What a naive and warmhearted guy.
Yoshiki saved Kyogoku's number—This guy was more than capable of helping.
For reference: Shūichi Akai and Tōru Amuro were classified as A-rank combatants, while Kyogoku Makoto was in a class of his own—Special A. In the original author's words, "he's as strong as someone who walked into the wrong anime."
"Boss, weren't you supposed to be vacationing in Izu?"
Kindaichi Detective Agency.
Tōru Amuro, who had just finished brewing tea, blinked in surprise upon seeing Hayashi Yoshiki return earlier than planned.
He remembered Yoshiki saying he'd be away for four or five days.
"No choice," Yoshiki replied casually.
"I came back early because I got injured."
"Injured?" Amuro was stunned.
Yoshiki gave him a simple rundown of the incident in Izu. Amuro exhaled deeply.
"Killed brown-haired girls out of resentment toward his ex? That's... despicable."
"Glad we caught him."
"Still, it was too dangerous for you to be involved like that. Please, try to help others after ensuring your own safety."
Yoshiki gave a wry smile. "In moments like that, you don't really have time to think."
"Heh... fair point." Amuro nodded and handed over the freshly brewed tea.
From his angle, he could see the edge of the bandage under Yoshiki's collar. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of admiration.
Such a kind and just person.
Once again, the idea of recruiting him into the Public Security Bureau stirred in Amuro's mind. But looking at Yoshiki's calm expression, he wasn't sure how to go about it.
Should he tell him directly that he was actually Furuya Rei, a Public Security officer? No, that would be reckless. It's better to send someone else to make contact first—feel things out.
Despite his internal thoughts, Amuro's expression didn't shift.
"Oh, and there's this." He reached into a drawer.
"Boss, I found a strange letter in the mailbox a few days ago. Seems like it was written by a girl you know."
Hayashi opened the envelope.
Inside, in large, bold letters, was written:
Yoshiki recognized the handwriting instantly. No guessing is required.
Amuro walked over to answer it—and opened the door to see a strikingly beautiful girl with flowing burgundy-red hair.
She frowned at the unfamiliar face and brushed past him without hesitation, completely ignoring his question:
"Do you have an appointment?"
She strutted into the office like she owned the place.
When her eyes landed on Hayashi Yoshiki holding the very letter she'd delivered two days ago, her lips curled into a triumphant smirk.
Koizumi Akako laughed lightly behind her hand.
"So you did keep it," she thought gleefully. After all your pretenses, here you are still holding my letter two days later!
—Her narcissism was practically overflowing.
Yet, even in her mind, she had to admit:
Hayashi Yoshiki's willpower was remarkable.
Despite being captivated by her magic, he hadn't reached out to her—not a message, not a visit. A normal man would have folded by now.
The more she thought about it, the more irritated she felt.
Does he feel so ashamed to like me?!
No—she'd make him say it.
Make him confess in person that he liked her.
And then? She'd laugh it off and reject him with flair.
He'd fall to his knees and beg for forgiveness.
Just imagining it made Akako laugh again—this time out loud.
"…Boss, who is this girl?" Amuro whispered cautiously.
"Don't worry," Yoshiki said with a half-smile.
"Just think of her as… a little abnormal."
"Hayashi Yoshiki!" Akako Koizumi marched up to him.
She flipped her hair with confidence and stared down with her crimson eyes.
"Well? Just admit it already—you like me, don't you?"
Tōru Amuro blinked between the two of them, realization dawning.
"I have no idea what you're talking about, Koizumi-san," Yoshiki replied flatly.
"Still in denial, are we?" Akako Koizumi chuckled.
"Well, it's only natural. After all, once you've met someone like me, how could any other girl compare?"
She pointed to the letter in his hand with a smug grin.
What a dishonest man, she thought.
Yoshiki didn't reply.
"Alright, come with me."
Because he hadn't replied to her messages or emails, Koizumi Akako had decided to take matters into her own hands. She'd enchant him again with her presence. That chocolate had stirred feelings—his rational mind resisted, but his heart couldn't hold out forever.
Yes, she reasoned. If we spend time together, he'll fall deeper and deeper under my spell.
She confidently grabbed his right hand—But instantly noticed the pained look on his face.
"Stop!" Amuro barked.
"…What's wrong?" Akako Koizumi froze.
"Boss has a wound on his right shoulder," Amuro explained, frowning.
Yoshiki clutched at his shoulder with his left hand, grimacing.
HonAkako Koizumi gzi gasped.
"S-sorry?! I didn't know you were injured! Are you alright? What happened?!"
Her usual haughtiness melted into genuine panic.