The ceiling lights in the indoor corridor cast a warm white glow that mingled with the slanting sunset from the windows, drawing a boundary between light and shadow across the dark brown solid-wood bench.
Qingxiao glanced sideways at Suguru Geto beside him. Geto had his fingertips pressed between his brows, his gaze resting on the grain of the wooden floor. He had not moved for a long while.
His eyes swept over the dark circles beneath Geto's eyes as he counted silently. The seventh day.
He had heard from Shoko that morning that Geto had taken consecutive assignments in three different places, then shut himself in the training room upon his return, without even eating properly.
Trying to persuade him was useless. The man was too proud; even if asked, he would only force a smile and say he was fine.
Anyway, I've just finished my assignment and have some free time. I'll keep him company for a while. He'll talk when he wants to.
Footsteps approached from the distance. Yu Haibara came running over with a stack of mission files in his arms, his eyes lighting up when he saw them:
"Geto! Gu Yue! Taking a break here?"
Qingxiao nodded in greeting, reached into the paper bag by his feet, damp with condensation, and pulled out a bottle of iced cola. He tapped the bottle with his knuckles, then patted the empty spot beside him:
"Come sit."
The boy sat down beside Suguru Geto, excitement still lingering on his face. "I just got a new assignment. I'm going to Kyoto tomorrow!"
Suguru Geto came back to himself, his lips curving into a gentle smile. "That excited? Remember to bring us presents."
"Of course!" Haibara thumped his chest in assurance, his eyes curving into crescents:
"Do you two like sweet