Shoji shrugged. Such big words, but things like instinct, sixth sense, women’s intuition … None of them was scientific. He wasn’t buying it.

They went their separate ways.

•

The next day, Mizuki finally showed up.

When Mr Sato told Shoji that someone had requested him, he quickly went to the back entrance to look for Mr Odagiri. To his disappointment, the reporter was nowhere to be seen.

Shoji returned and walked to his assigned table. Mr Sato eyed him suspiciously, but the older man didn’t say anything. Perhaps his cold stare was warning enough. Seated behind the partition, Mizuki held her teacup with long, gloved hands. She wore huge sunglasses, but they couldn’t hide the blue-black bruises on her face.

Mizuki gave a thin smile. ‘It’s been a while.’

‘Are you okay?’ Shoji asked in a small voice.

There was a long pause before she answered, ‘I guess so.’

‘That’s a question you can’t honestly answer, can you?’ He glanced around to check if anyone was watching. No one was nearby. He knew he was breaking protocol, but he didn’t care. ‘You’re a strong woman, Mizuki.’

She looked down. ‘You know that’s not true.’ Her voice cracked. ‘I’m too cowardly to do anything, and that’s how I ended up in this situation.’

Shoji paused. ‘Are you really all right with this?’

‘I guess so,’ she said for the second time. ‘Don’t worry about me, I’m fine.’

He said nothing. What could he do? He was helpless.

She entwined her gloved fingers. ‘You don’t believe me?’

‘I’ll believe you if you want me to. After all, that’s what I’m paid for.’

Her head hung low.

Had he offended her? Made a terrible mistake by being too direct? But why was she shivering?

No, she was crying. Tears fell on her white gloves, darkening them in patches. His chest ached. He put his hand on hers. She raised her head and pulled away.

Enough was enough. He had to help her, even without Mr Odagiri’s assistance.

Shoji stood and grabbed Mizuki’s hand. She instinctively reached for her coat. He led her away from their seats, hurriedly exiting the tearoom. She didn’t say a word. She was probably confused. He was confused too. What was he doing? He brought her to the back entrance, which was meant only for staff. Hopefully everyone was too preoccupied to notice them. They didn’t have much time.

When Shoji pushed open the metal door, the cold air greeted them. The alley was empty. It was too early for anyone to take a break. He felt relieved.

‘Where are we going?’ Mizuki asked.

He gathered his courage, still holding her hand. Mr Odagiri wasn’t here, so he had to come up with a new plan, even if it meant getting himself into trouble with the company, even with Mizuki’s husband. ‘To the police station.’

Her face paled. ‘What for?’

He looked into her eyes. ‘For everything that shouldn’t have happened but did happen.’

She pulled her hand out of his. ‘Nothing happened. Let’s go back. If we hurry, you won’t get into trouble.’