Shuichi, You're a Good Man

Furuya Rei had been an undercover agent for so many years; what kind of storm had he not weathered?

But he had truly never seen anything like this before.

Could that cassette tape have been hidden by Miyano Akemi in the sewer?

And then personally fished out by him??

An utterly shocking image instantly surfaced in Furuya Rei's mind: Akai Shuichi mercilessly plunging his hands into the sewer.

"..." He fell silent.

This was the kind of thing you could spend a little money on. Just a little.

At the very least, he could have bought a pair of gloves!

With that thought, the entire situation had completely exceeded Officer Furuya's comprehension.

"Officer Furuya." Akai Shuichi finally spoke.

He did not explain much. Instead, in an almost pleading tone, he unusually lowered his head for once:

"Whatever happens, let me wash my hands first."

"Mm." Furuya Rei silently nodded.

And so, the formerly tense atmosphere abruptly relaxed.

Though the air was still suffocating.

It was no longer because of tension.

In any case, by the time Akai Shuichi emerged from the restroom again, that naturally intimidating coldness about him was nowhere to be seen.

Though he tried hard to regain that aura.

Everyone could only focus on another kind of aura surrounding him.

"Enough!" Akai Shuichi took a deep breath—

To be honest, the smell was rather overwhelming.

"Cough, cough. Anyway..."

"I'm taking this cassette tape."

Akai Shuichi gloomily brought the conversation back on track:

"Since you refuse to duel, does that mean you admit defeat?"

"Heh, don't joke around."

Furuya Rei tightened his grip on his pistol again.

"Admit defeat? Why should I?"

"Because your methods are filthy enough?"

Akai Shuichi: "..."

Don't bring that up, damn it!!

"Looks like this won't be easily resolved."

"In that case..." A