Page 232 of Mercy Written in Blood

He turned. Haruki followed. As they walked, Renji began explaining Daisuke's injuries in careful detail, translating medical language before Haruki could ask.

Haruki listened. He did not mention the child. He did not mention the cranes. He did not tell Renji that he had watched him smile when he believed no one was looking.

Some truths did not need to be spoken the moment they were understood. Haruki kept this one to himself. For now.

Chapter Twenty

The Rooftop

Renji found Haruki on the hospital roof, and told himself he had not gone looking for him. That was the lie he carried as the access door closed behind him.

He had completed his final review of Daisuke's condition minutes earlier. The surgery had been successful. His vital signs remained stable. There had been no immediate complications, and the damage to the nerves beneath his shoulder could not be fully assessed until the swelling reduced. There was nothing more Renji could do.

He should have returned to his apartment. Instead, he had taken the lift to the highest public floor, climbed two flights of service stairs and used a key card he was not technically authorised to possess. The roof was restricted after midnight.

Haruki stood near the eastern railing. He had removed his coat and folded it over the back of a metal bench. His shirt sleeves were pushed to his forearms despite the cold. One hand rested against the railing while he looked over the sleeping city. He did not turn when Renji approached.

"You're not supposed to be here," Renji said.

Haruki looked over his shoulder. Neither surprise nor guilt appeared on his face.

"Neither are you."

"I work here."

"On the roof?"

"No."

"Then we're equally guilty."

"That is not how employment works."

Haruki turned back towards the city. Renji crossed the roof carrying two cups of coffee. He placed one on the railing beside Haruki.

Haruki looked down at it. Then at Renji.

"You brought me coffee."

"You have been drinking from the vending machine."

"That sounded judgemental."

"It was."

Haruki picked up the cup. Warmth rose through the lid. He took a drink. His expression changed. Renji noticed.

"You dislike it."

"No."

"You do."

"It has almost no milk."

"That is the correct amount."

"For you."