By the time they left the police station, it was past eight in the evening. The night had deepened. There were no stars in the sky, only a crescent moon hanging between the buildings, casting a cold, clear light. The streets had grown quieter, with only the occasional car passing by, its headlights tracing a bright arc through the darkness before disappearing at the end of the street.
Morikawa Chika stood outside the police station and let out a deep breath. She still clutched the cream-colored bag tightly, as though afraid it might fly away again. Her face was no longer flushed, but sweat lingered on her forehead, and her hair was slightly disheveled.
She turned to Zhiyan and Shoko, her eyes a little red.
"Thank you both so much for today." Her voice caught. "If it hadn't been for you, I might never have gotten my bag back."
Shoko waved a hand.
"It was the right thing to do."
Morikawa took a deep breath, trying to steady her voice. She raised a hand and pointed to herself first.
"My name is Morikawa Chika."
Then she gestured toward Hiromi Higuruma beside her.
"And this is Mr. Hiromi Higuruma."
Hiromi Higuruma stood beside Morikawa and gave a slight bow. His expression was solemn, but his tone was sincere.
"Thank you both for helping."
Shoko waved politely.
"Of course. I'm Shoko Ieiri."
Zhiyan spoke as well, his voice calm and steady.
"I'm Naoya Zenin. It was nothing, Miss Morikawa. Please don't worry about it."
Morikawa quickly shook her head, sounding earnest.
"No, no! You helped me so much. I have to thank you properly!"
She turned to Hiromi Higuruma.
"Right, Mr. Higuruma?"
Hiromi Higuruma nodded. His expression remained serious, but there was an earnest gleam in his eyes that left no room