Page 240 of Mercy Written in Blood

"It isn't supposed to be."

"Then what is the purpose?"

Haruki did not answer immediately. The easy response would have been concern, affection, the fact that tomorrow mattered because Renji existed in it. None of those felt safe to say while Renji sat behind his desk as though the furniture could turn the conversation clinical.

So Haruki dragged the chair opposite closer and sat.

"The purpose is lunch."

Renji looked back.

"Lunch."

"Yes."

"You closed the door and interrogated me about my date of birth for lunch."

"I'm versatile."

Renji glanced towards the bag.

"You brought food I did not request."

"You were going to eat cafeteria noodles."

"They are adequate."

"They resemble wet string."

"That is an exaggeration."

"Ken saw them once and asked whether the hospital had started treating parasites."

"Ken has limited culinary understanding."

"He eats anything."

"That supports my position."

Haruki opened the bag. The smell of grilled fish, rice and ginger filled the office. Renji's attention moved towards it despite himself. Haruki placed the containers between them. He did not mention the birthday again. Not yet.

Renji watched him unpack the food.

"You ordered from Yamashita's."

"The place you dislike."

"I said the menu lacks variety."

"You order the same meal everywhere."

"That is unrelated."

Haruki handed him chopsticks. Renji accepted them. For several minutes, they ate in silence. It was not the silence from the rooftop. That had required nothing. This one contained the birthday between them. Haruki could feel Renji waiting for the subject to return. He let him wait.

Renji finished half the fish before speaking.

"You knew."