Oracle: Special Crime Countermeasures Division

An Unwilling Reunion7

　As Sakuraba entered the SCCD office alone, Furusaki immediately asked, "Where's Majima?"

　Sakuraba replied, "He stopped by the restroom." He then began to erase the board's schedule. His smartphone buzzed in his pocket, signaling a call from Hino.

"Hino, any updates?"

"...Regarding the email, it originated from an internet cafe in Tokyo. I'm still digging, but pinpointing the exact computer used by the suspect has been elusive."

　Hino's voice lacked emotion, but there was a hint of frustration. After mentioning he'd continue his probe, he promptly hung up.

　Leaning into his chair, Sakuraba let out a sigh. Without identifying the suspect, the security department's assistance was out of reach. And dragging an office worker like Furusaki to the field didn't seem logical. As it stood, they had only three personnel for concert security – woefully inadequate.

　Lost in thought, Sakuraba's attention was piqued by a delicate aroma.

"Feeling drained? Herbal tea might help," Furusaki suggested, placing a cup on Sakuraba's desk.

　Appreciating her gesture, Sakuraba took a sip. The mild apple-like aroma felt like it was soothing his mind.

"What's in this, Ms. Furusaki?"

"Chamomile. It's calming and helps promote sleep when drunk before bedtime."

"Hmm, I might get some for myself. But I'd need a teapot, right?"

"Tea bags would be more your speed, Mr. Sakuraba."

　Furusaki, with a cheeky grin, retrieved a box from her drawer. The packaging, adorned with a white flower against a blue backdrop, read: "chamomile flowers."

"Just add hot water. Even kitchen novices like you can manage," she teased.

"I can whip up a few dishes," Sakuraba defended.

"Like?"

"Stir-fried veggies, for starters."

"You do chop them yourself, right? Or do you go for pre-cut ones?"

"...They're handy, aren't they?"

　Sakuraba hoped for Furusaki's agreement, but she simply smirked. Taking his silent admission, she said, "I jest. I rely on pre-cut veggies too. Whoever invented them is brilliant."

"True. I'd probably consume even fewer veggies otherwise."

　They laughed, connecting over the nuances of single living. If Kamikura had been around instead of at his meeting, he'd likely have chimed in.

　Their lighthearted conversation was interrupted when the door opened softly. A familiar figure with black hair poked his head in.

"...I'm back."

　Majima's entrance was far from graceful; he seemed utterly drained. His footsteps faltered, almost causing him to stumble. He sat and immediately hid his face in his hands, leaving Furusaki looking on, bemused.

"Is Majima alright?" Furusaki questioned, her brows furrowed with concern.

"I came down on him earlier. He messed up, rookie mistake. Seems to have taken it hard," Sakuraba admitted with a hint of regret in his voice.

"You must be quite intimidating when angry."

"Do I come across that way? I've never been one to raise my voice."

"That makes it even more unsettling. Like there's no room for negotiation. If you're angry with someone, it feels like they're written off forever."

　Sakuraba blinked, taken aback. He hadn't expected to be viewed in such a stern light, especially by Furusaki.

　Hoping to offer some comfort, Furusaki poured the remaining tea into a cup and set it in front of Majima. Majima hesitantly looked up, his gratitude evident as he locked eyes with Furusaki. But when he caught Sakuraba's gaze, his head ducked back down, almost seeking refuge behind the desk. Sakuraba sighed, noting that while Majima was sensitive, his recent lapse with Komabashi wasn't befitting of a detective. It was clear Majima was going to be off his game for a while.

　Choosing to let Majima process his emotions, Sakuraba got to work on the computer, drafting tomorrow's agenda. Kamikura returned just as Sakuraba was wrapping up, immediately taking note of Majima's forlorn state.

"How'd it pan out?" Kamikura inquired.

"We're understaffed. I was considering splitting responsibilities between the boss, Majima, and myself."

"That's not practical. But, I anticipated this. I've managed to get five people from the security department for tomorrow."

"Really? How?"

"Called in an old favor. Will that suffice?"

"It should."

　Sakuraba printed the draft he had been working on and handed it to Kamikura. They went over the document, making necessary revisions and finalizing plans for the next day. Once everything was set, Kamikura turned his attention to Majima.

"Majima," he said, his voice firm but not unkind, "Whatever happened, reset for tomorrow."

　Lifting his head, Majima responded, his voice barely above a whisper, resembling a chastened child.