EVERYTHING THE ICE BITES
seven
When Karin arrives at Kagemino Police Station, lanyard around her neck, she feels calm and relaxed for the first time that day.
Enough time passed that her nerves have settled, and part of her looks forward to the case she has to solve. As much as she didn't want to leave her husband's birthday party, Karin can't deny that she feels more comfortable at the station than she does with her in-laws.
In the station, she can set her emotions to the side and focus on the suspect, because above all, she must be impartial and just, and Karin takes pride in doing her job well.
The night air is cold and crisp, and when Karin exhales, her breath condenses.
Wasting no time, Karin enters the building, and quickly spots Shibata Yuuichi waiting for her near the entrance.
"Hey," Karin greets him, and manages to make herself grin. "How's it going?"
"It's… well. It's going," Yuuichi sighs, downcast, mop of brown hair covering his eyes. He's wearing his oversized hoodie as usual. "Sorry about this."
"Don't worry about it," Karin shakes her head. She can't hold it against him. It's just how the job goes sometimes. "I ate, I sang, I gave him his present. I was there for the important parts."
"Did he like the watch?" Yuuichi asks, unable to hide his curiosity. "You've been talking about it nonstop these past few days."
"I have not!" Karin's cheeks heat up, as she denies his statement. Maybe she mentioned it once or twice, but nonstop? There was no way that was true! And — oh, he's teasing her, Karin realizes belatedly, and refrains from glaring at him. He's picked up some of her bad habits, it seems. Despite that, Karin answers honestly. "He was very pleased with it, Yuuichi, thank you for asking."
"Good," Yuuichi smiles, pleased by the news before he clears his throat, their small talk over. "We should probably get going. Renji's already with the suspect in the interrogation room."
"Lead the way," Karin says, and falls into step with him.