Conspiracies

Minutes earlier…

This needed to end soon. How were we ever supposed to become proper partners like this?

I was furious. Frustrated.

That idiot always found a way to get under my skin, and I couldn’t take it anymore.

From the moment I first saw him—since that first day as rookies at Cellos, he’s done nothing but disrespect me and look down on me.

Was it because of my implants?

Damn Isayama Tore… I can’t stand another single day this way.

Seething, I got up from my chair and went out to the office terrace, where Irina was enjoying the view with a hot drink.

Isayama stayed in his seat, wearing that same clueless look as always, utterly incapable of grasping the consequences of his actions.

“Hi, Irina. I was wondering if I could talk to you for a moment,” I approached her with my hands behind my back, as respectful as any newbie would be.

“Katy?” As elegant as always, Irina turned to me, making sure the wind didn’t mess up her hairstyle. “What’s the matter?”

“It’s about… him…”

“About who? Is everything okay?”

“Yes. I was referring to I-Isayama. I wanted to talk to you about Isayama…”

“Isayama? Don’t tell me he’s been harassing you. That’s grounds for immediate dismissal…” She leaned in closer.

“No, no, that’s not it… It’s just…”

“What’s wrong, Katy? Just spit it out already.”

“I want to be able to talk to him more…”

“Pardon?”

“I’d like to be able to talk to Isayama more. I feel like we always struggle to hold a conversation…” I looked at my hand, as if it were somehow to blame.

In the background, Shinpei’s coffee machine began roaring.

“I see…” She smiled. “So, you’re looking for a bit of female support…”

“F-female support?”

“Those brutes never know what they’re talking about. And since only Shinpei has spinal implants like ours, it’s obvious I’m the only one who can help you…” She placed a hand on my shoulder.

“R-right, isn’t that so?” I said enthusiastically, soon infecting her with my excitement.

“Yes, Katy. Only another woman could understand what your heart is feeling…”

“What?! My heart?!”

“Don’t worry.” She gestured dramatically, almost like Hiro would.

Maybe this was a mistake…

“If what you want, as you say, is to talk more naturally with Isayama, here’s what you need to do…”

…

Is Irina sure this will work?

I swallowed hard, recalling the passionate look on Irina’s face as she explained her idea to me.

This is a bad idea. This is a terrible idea…

I stepped back into the office, nervous, and instinctively pulled out some sanitizer from my pocket to wash my hands.

Why am I washing my hands?!

“This isn’t weird at all. It’s just professional, don’t worry…” I told myself. “I’m just trying to improve the professional relationship with a future colleague…”

He was at his desk, lost in thought, seemingly wrestling with something in his head.

Maybe this isn’t the best moment… No! You’ve got this, Katy Shimizu! You’re a professional investigator!

“Hey, Isayama.” With my heart ready to burst, I stood in front of him.

Don’t be nervous, Katy. Your relationship is already terrible… What if he says no?

“I need t-to talk to you.”

“With me?” He looked at me, surprised, but strangely calmer than usual.

“Yes, I-I think we should spend some time strengthening our dynamic as future partners?”

“St-strengthen our dynamic?” His eyes darted around, clearly looking for an escape route.

Beside him, Carlos stood up and left. Then he glanced at Hiro, but he quickly made up an excuse about being called away by his wrist hologram.

Damn it, Isayama…

“Yes, that’s exactly what I said…”

“K-Katy, how could I possibly help you strengthen our d-dynamic?” He tried to smile, though his inexplicable nervousness was apparent.

I took a deep breath before speaking, hoping it would calm my racing heart.

“I think… I think we should go out for a drink after work!”

“I’m so sorry, it won’t happen again…”

“Isayama Tore, that is NOT what I asked you!”