Psycho-Pass: Coping Mechanisms

Part 38 : Red Alert (lemon)

PART 38 – Red Alert

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Kogami was standing on the rooftop, with a cigarette in his hand. He watched the sunset with a stern look on his face. He seemed to wrestle with something in his mind. Sometimes, she couldn't tell what he was thinking.

Collar of his shirt, his loosened tie and his hair swayed in the wind. She enjoyed just watching him... admiring him. He was handsome... self-assured... and self-sufficient. Even as an Enforcer. There was something beyond attractive about Kogami's posture. He exuded confidence with smallest of movements. She considered herself lucky to be with him.

Just when she thought about it... he caught a glimpse of her gaze. That admiring gaze of hers he loved to see. She was really beautiful, his Shizuka. Even with that change... her rehabilitation... she was still as beautiful as that day when he met her. But, even at that time... even as a free person... Kogami always thought she shared a really close bond with Gino. Even as a free woman, Shizuka somehow always seemed to be linked to Nobuchika.

The more Kogami thought about her inability to make love to him, the more he was growing uncertain if they'd ever go back to what they used to be. After what happened with the Butcher... she just shut down towards the world. And with that, even to Kou.

When all was going down with that monster, Kogami did rush towards the criminal. Unlike Gino, who rushed straight towards Shizuka. Gino prioritized her, despite facing a dangerous criminal. Now... any officer would say that he, as an Inspector, prioritized his colleague. Just like any Enforcer would say that Kogami, as an Enforcer himself, prioritized catching the serial killer. But, it probably made all the difference.

He should have done what Gino did. Sure, Shizuka was already receiving help from Kagari, but that didn't change the thing... that Kogami was more focused onto killing the criminal rather than checking out on her well-being.

He did believe she could take care of herself. But, sometimes, she was just a vulnerable woman who needed help on the field. Maybe that simple fact slipped his mind during that crisis. But, Gino didn't forget. Moreover... he rushed towards her without thinking, as by an impulse.

"I have a question, Inspector," Kogami said. She could tell it would be one of the unpleasant ones.

"Do tell," she watched those smart, light eyes glimmer. He dropped the cigarette and stepped on it.

"How much do you like him?"

He didn't even have to say his name and she knew who he was talking about.

Out of all questions... he chose the hardest one. The silence that followed was most definitely unpleasant. Shizuka sighed, looking at Kogami.

"Not enough to jeopardize what I have with you."

She really meant it, Kogami could tell. And at least... she was honest about it. She didn't even try to convince him that she didn't like Gino that way. Because, Kogami wasn't a fool. It would be insulting to his intelligence if she denied something so obvious.

"His hue is deteriorating and I think we both know the reason behind that," he said, looking at Shizuka.

"And? What do you want to say, Shinya? Just say it."

He couldn't just say it. It took a lot of nerve to speak all those words.

"What happens between the two of you... is between the two of you alone."

Except... it wasn't. There were always three of them. She crossed her arms over her chest.

"If you want to break up with me... just say so. I am not forcing you to be with me. You don't have to drag Gino into this just to have an excuse to end things with me," she said. It was hard for her to get angry with Shinya in general... but this time, he made it easy for her.