Page 198 of Mercy Written in Blood

"Usually when Hiroshi speaks."

"He is rarely funny."

"You laughed when he said the apron suited you."

"I exhaled."

"You nearly smiled."

"I did not."

"You laughed just now."

Renji stopped. The room seemed to notice with him. The last traces of humour left his expression. He looked towards the table, but Haruki sensed he no longer saw the coffee.

"Yes," he said again.

Haruki studied him. There it was. The surprise. Not embarrassment. Not annoyance at losing control. Something closer to fear. Renji lifted one hand to his mouth as though the sensation might still remain there.

Haruki's smile faded.

"Renji."

"I am fine."

"You don't look fine."

"I laughed. It is not a medical event."

"I didn't say it was."

Renji stood. He carried the damp books towards the kitchen counter. Haruki watched the distance return. Not all of it. Enough to feel.

He looked at the stain spreading through the rug.

"I'll replace this."

"No."

"Then I'll have it cleaned."

"No."

"I spilled coffee on it."

"It has survived worse."

The words were ordinary. The tone was not. Haruki rose and placed the towel on the table.

"Did I upset you?"

"No."

"Then what happened?"

Renji arranged the books on the counter, opening them carefully so the pages could dry.

"You fell."