-----
-----
Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department.
"Miwa."
"I heard that last night, there was a murder at the villa of the famous actress Yoko Okino."
"Where is she now?"
"Can you get me an autograph from her?"
Miyamoto Yumi's face was full of admiration and excitement.
You have to understand!
Yoko Okino is currently the hottest idol in all of Japan. The last time the entertainment industry had a phenomenon like this was twenty years ago with Fujimine Yukiko.
"Hmm...?"
"Where did you hear that?"
As she spoke, Sato Miwako grabbed Miyamoto Yumi's face like a vice grip and asked, "Was it Takagi who told you?"
She didn't even need to guess.
The only way Miyamoto Yumi could get intel from the Violent Crimes Division was through Takagi
Wataru, whose mouth was as loose as an old woman's waistband.
"Ah—! You're hurting me!"
"Just tell me if you can help me or not!"
Miyamoto Yumi wrenched free from Sato Miwako's grip, rubbing her sore cheeks with both hands.
"I can't help you."
"Yes, there was a murder in Yoko Okino's villa last night."
"But she and her manager both provided alibis."
"So... this morning, Inspector Megure let her go."
Sato Miwako shrugged helplessly.
Another case, another missed truth.
Without a detective's help, they were left grasping at straws once again.
"Damn?! She's already gone?!"
Miyamoto Yumi instantly deflated.
But a second later, a mischievous smile crept onto her face.
"So, what about your boyfriend?"
"What did it feel like seeing him at the crime scene?"
"Did you, even for a second, suspect that something might be going on between him and Yoko
Okino...?"
Before she could finish, Sato Miwako grabbed her face again, looking like she was ready to rip it apart.
"I've said it before—Akira is not my boyfriend!"
"Do you understand?!"
Under Sato Miwako's intimidating glare, Miyamoto Yumi had no choice but to nod in surrender while mumbling a plea for mercy.
"Alright, I'll let it go this time."
"But if you bring it up again, I swear I'll tear your mouth apart."
Rubbing her face again, Yumi felt like she had taken even more damage this time.
She was pretty sure her drool had almost started dripping from the corner of her mouth.
"Jeez!"
"I never said Akira was your boyfriend—you were the one who practically admitted it!"
Miyamoto Yumi pouted inwardly.
She was determined to catch them on a date and shove the evidence right in Miwako's face. Let's see how she denies it then!
"What did you just say?"
Sato Miwako narrowed her eyes.
That single sharp glare was enough to send Miyamoto Yumi scurrying away in terror.
"Akira...?"
Did she actually admit it just now?
This was all Takagi's fault!
Inspector Megure had just told her to pass along the message that Takagi needed to write a 5,000- word reflection on his mistake from yesterday.
Now she was thinking—maybe she should add a little extra to that punishment.
Meanwhile, on the other side.
A group of detectives from the Violent Crimes Division had been secretly observing. The moment they saw Miyamoto Yumi and Sato Miwako separate, they pounced.
"Yumi!"
"Is it true what Takagi said?"
"Did Miwako really whisper sweet nothings with that Akira guy at the crime scene last night?"
Miyamoto Yumi smirked.
Of course!
Takagi had been a broken man ever since he got back.
"How's that group date you were planning coming along?" one of the detectives asked.
"Damn?! You guys are still planning a group date?"
Miyamoto Yumi knew exactly why these detectives wanted to have a mixer with the Traffic Division.
Simple.
Because if she organized it, Sato Miwako would definitely attend.
For the male detectives of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, this was their best chance to get close to her.
"Mmm!"
"Mmm!"
"Mmm!"
The men nodded solemnly as if making the most important decision of their lives.
They had analyzed the situation carefully.
Sato Miwako had not publicly confirmed any relationship, and they had even heard her outright deny it.
That meant... they still had a chance!
"Fine... but I'd advise you guys not to waste your energy."
As Sato Miwako's best friend, Miyamoto Yumi could already tell—Akira was the real deal for her.
It was obvious!
She had known Miwako for years and had never seen her go on a date with any guy.
Akira was the first.
"Yumi."
"Didn't you say Akira lives next door to you?"
"You must have a thing for handsome guys with Ferraris, right?"
The sudden sinister glances from the detectives made Miyamoto Yumi deeply uncomfortable.
"What do you mean...?"
"You guys wouldn't be thinking...?!"
She immediately realized what they were plotting.
They wanted her to go after Akira!
If she succeeded, Sato Miwako would be single again, putting all the detectives back on an even playing field.
"No way!"
"I'll help organize the mixer, but that's my limit."
Stealing Miwako's man?
She didn't even want to imagine what would happen if she got caught.
Sato Miwako would rip her skin off.
"....."