PSYCHO-PASS : Paradigm Shift

Chapter 9 : Ghost With a Name

PART 9 – Ghost With a Name

On her way home, Shizuka stopped by the bakery close by, and bought bagels and two coffees to go. She parked on her standard place, and got out of the vehicle. Climbing the stairs seemed longer than what she was used to, but she didn't want to use the elevator. She needed to move, and to think.

She felt uneasy in her own situation, but it was her own fault.

She took turn into Gino's corridor and pressed the bell. If he wasn't available, she'd just leave the bag with food on his doorknob. She wasn't sure that coming here was the best course of action, and she even hoped he wasn't at home... and yet...

"Senior inspector Akibara," when he opened the door, he was as surprised as she was.

"Aren't we off-duty, Inspector Ginoza?" she asked, offering the bag.

He wasn't wearing the glasses. His hair was wet. He had a towel wrapped around his shoulders and he was a bit surprised to have a visitor at that time. He wore pajama pants, and was just getting ready for bed.

"Come on in," he said, moving aside so she could enter his apartment.

"How's the hand?" she saw the kit on the table. As soon as he took a shower, he dressed his wound, and that's why he still hasn't dried his hair.

"It's fine," he said.

"Does it hurt?"

Gino slowly gazed at Shizuka, at her hands that were pushed deep into her pockets, at her posture that was stiff, straight as an arrow. She had a cold expression, and he could tell this was her business look, the one she was guarding herself with in presence of others. Not in his own presence, though. He realized she was mirroring him. Ah.

He sighed. She was always the one to respond in the similar manner to the person she spoke to. Matching the energy, as Sayo would say.

"No, it doesn't hurt," he said, taking her coat, then showing her to take a seat. Dime was sleeping in his box, peacefully and soundly. "Thanks for bringing this, though," he said, unpacking the bags with pastries and then reaching for the plates in his kitchen.

"Gino..."

He served the coffees with the bagels.

"You could have asked me about my condition over the wrist-com. What is this about, really?"

"I just wanted to see how you are doing. You aren't exactly just a colleague, Gino."

Gino handed her the plate so they started eating in silence. They haven't spoken until they have both finished their meal.

"Are you sure this isn't about something else?" he asked. Ginoza wasn't always the most observant person when Shizuka was considered - given how differently they saw things. But, he did try to pay close attention. He could tell when she felt uneasy. It was just... that at this time, he figured it wasn't related to him.

"You are really doing this to me," he said, pressing his head against his uninjured hand, irritated.

"What do you think I am doing?" she didn't understand what he was referring to, but his behavior made her feel more uneasy than before.

"You are asking for reassurance," he explained, standing up. She had to look up to see his expression.

"What..."

"This is about Kogami," he spoke coldly.

"This has nothing to do with Shinya," she said.

"Everything is always about him when you look like that."