PRICELESS || The Millionaire Detective: Daisuke × Haru ||

1: ENCOUNTER

Haru strides towards the office's exit, carrying on his arms one huge, heavy box full of his own stuffs. Creases are carved onto his forehead as his brows delved in to show his anger. Stopping in front of a door, he takes in one calming breath before twisting the knob open.

"Hello, I'm Kato Haru from the First Department. I'm being reassigned here today. I look forward to working with you all." He stated in a loud and confident voice, ending his introduction with a polite bow.

"Yes, I was informed about your transfer." The chief ethusiastically flashes his wrinkled smile at Haru.

"Oh, welcome to the team, Kato-san." A guy with blond hair casually greeted back, eyes pinned on his computer screen.

Silently, Haru walks over to the vacant spot and drops his things rather harshly on the table. It landed with a loud noise, alarming the other people in the office.

"Are you okay, Kato-san?"

He travels his gaze to the blond. 'Kamei Shinnosuke' the ID of the guy says.

"My head just hurt a bit, Kamei."

"I have some meds here. Do you want some?" Kamei offers and quickly rummages through the pocket of his bag but Haru declined his offer.

"No need. I'll just go out and have some fresh air." He tells Kamei and leaves the office.

Haru proceeds to the little balcony of their building. He's facing the sea that seems like a million of gems glittering under the shine of the setting sun. The salty breeze blows to his direction, softening the harsh expression he was unconsciously painting.

He gazed continuously at the scenery before him, not noticing how time quickly flew by. The sun had finally set behind the mountains, withdrawing all its light. He glances at his watch.

"Better relieve myself now." He mutters to himself.

Haru enters the usual bar. Unlike the normal days, only a few people are occupying the place. Haru ambles to the bar counter.

"My usual drink, please." Haru tells the man in his mid-50s. The man's expression brightened up upon seeing Haru.

"You haven't come in a while, Haru." The man says as he prepares the order.

"I was caught up in a bunch of things. You know, the First Division always had to handle the hard work." Haru replies with a tiny laugh.

"I'm guessing things have finally calmed down since you're here."

Haru didn't comment on the man's statement. His shoulders slump down. He rests his arms on the counter as his eyes continue to observe the man's action.

"Here."

Haru takes his glass and chugs down all its contents in one go. The old man was quiet upon noticing the boy's desire to relieve himself from something.

"Give me a stronger drink." Haru demands.

It has already been his seventh glass. Haru is dangerously near to being wasted right now but he doesn't mind and just continues on. Out of the blue, a woman sits beside him. Haru faces away, his nose hurting from the strong seducing scent the woman exudes.

"Are you alone tonight?" The woman purrs in her gentle tone as she locks her arms with Haru's own. Haru stares down at her and she bats her long, fake lashes at him.

"Can I join you?" She adds, puckering her bloodred lips and pressing her chest against Haru's shoulders.

Haru returns to his drink, coldly rejecting the girl. From the corner of his eyes, he could see her pout her lips before turning to the other man beside him.