It was already the fifth time I sighed while struggling to submit a report on last week's robbery case. Sitting nearby, Chiba pretended not to notice, though I knew he was itching to ask why I looked so glum this morning. He kept stealing glances in my direction, idly sipping his now-lukewarm coffee.

Finally, he broke the silence.

"Takagi-san, what's wrong?"

I swiveled my chair toward him, leaning in slightly before whispering, "Tomorrow is Sato's birthday… and I have no idea what to get her."

Chiba's lips curled into a knowing smile.

"Well, why don't you take her to Tropical Land? Naeko loves it there."

I let out another weary sigh—probably the fifth one in an hour.

"She doesn't enjoy that place. Did you forget what happened the last time we went?"

Chiba scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "Ah… yeah. I remember her terrifying expression when the suspect made contact with the dealer."

He was referring to the narcotics case from two months ago. What was supposed to be a simple date turned into a full-blown investigation.

"Yeah… she was still stunning, of course, but there was no way we could actually enjoy our time together."

Chiba chuckled awkwardly. "Sorry, I don't think I can help with this one."

I leaned back, my eyes drifting toward Sato's empty desk. She was currently out on a murder case at Bell Tree Tower with the Inspector. I racked my brain for ideas, but nothing seemed right. Then, suddenly, inspiration struck.

There was one person I knew who had been in a relationship for years. He wasn't exactly a good person, but he had experience. I needed to wrap up this report quickly so I could visit him.

--

"What is it? Why are you here?" His tone was gruff, almost dismissive, but I knew him well enough to see past it.

I flashed a grin. "Someya! How have you been?"

He scoffed, arms folded as he sat across from me. "Not great, in case you forgot—I'm in jail."

I laughed. "Ah, you always have such a great sense of humor."

His eyes narrowed. "What do you want, Takagi?"

I leaned forward conspiratorially. "Does your girlfriend visit you often?"

He raised a brow, clearly caught off guard. "She does. Why?"

Wasting no time, I explained my predicament, hoping that this seasoned romantic—criminal record aside—could give me some sound advice.

Someya sighed, shifting into a more comfortable position before speaking. "First of all, why are you asking me? Don't you have friends? Second, I don't know anything about your girlfriend. Third, even though I've been in a long-term relationship, I'm not helping you."

He folded his arms, flashing a smug grin.

I sighed dramatically. "Come on! We've been good friends by fate! Don't you remember the day we were cuffed together for a full day?"

"That was an accident." His expression remained unimpressed. "Besides, I never considered you a friend in the first place."

"I know you're just being tsundere." I smirked. "Look, just give me some advice, and I'll leave you alone immediately."

Someya closed his eyes, remaining silent for a few moments before exhaling in defeat. "Fine. But after this, you better leave."

I nodded eagerly.

He leaned in slightly, his voice calm yet firm. "Here's my advice—just ask her. From what you've told me, your girlfriend doesn't seem like the type who enjoys surprises or overly romantic gestures. Giving her something meaningless just for the sake of it is a waste. If you really want to make her happy, find out what she actually wants."

I blinked.

He was right.

Why hadn't I thought of that before? Trying to gift Sato something overly girly or sentimental was a huge risk. And I definitely couldn't ask Yumi-san for help—she'd just trick me into buying her a present instead.

I shot up from my seat, practically buzzing with newfound determination. "Thanks, Someya! I'll visit you again someday! See ya!"

From behind, I heard his exasperated voice. "Don't you dare!"

--

So, here we were, walking together—side by side—our arms gently brushing as we stood before her father's grave.

When I had asked Sato what she wanted for her birthday, she simply said, "I want you to come with me to visit my dad."

That was it. No extravagant gifts, no elaborate plans. Just this.

She crouched down, brushing her fingers along the altar before placing a fresh bouquet of flowers. I bowed my head, offering a silent prayer as I set down a small cup of sake.

Then, she spoke.

"Hi, Dad… it's me again."

Her voice was soft, reverent. After a brief pause, she turned toward me and smiled.

"I'm not alone this time. I brought my boyfriend, Takagi Wataru."

My breath hitched.

I stared at her, stunned, a lump forming in my throat.

Boyfriend.

She had never introduced me this way before—not to just anyone, but to him—the most important person in her life.

I swallowed hard, my chest swelling with emotion. "Sato-san…"

She looked up at me, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. Then, without a word, she reached out and grasped my hand, her fingers squeezing mine with quiet warmth.

In that moment, I knew.

There was no gift in the world that could mean more to us than this.