[Rena Henmi Arc 2] That’s not an ordinary palate

—Outside the annex of Shinjuku Police Station, by the emergency stairs of the Forensic Science Division. A small smoking area.

“…So you’re really doing this, huh? That stuff that lady said the other day—is it really bothering you that much?”

Hayata asked, sounding half exasperated, holding a paper cup of coffee in one hand.

“Well, once something gets stuck in your head, what can you do?”

Kaname replied lazily, lighting a cigarette.

“And seriously, what are you doing here? I didn’t call you.”

“C’mon, why not? I only had first and fifth periods today. I’m free.”

“Free, huh… You’re a college student. How about studying?”

Feeling a bit awkward, Hayata tried changing the subject.

“That assistant director Suzuki guy… he looked kinda pissed. You didn’t blackmail him again or something, did you?”

“How rude. I just helped him remember a little piece of his colorful past.”

“You really are the worst…”

Hayata looked away with a sigh.

“Bet you don’t have many friends, Kaname-san.”

“…Shut up.”

A light spring breeze passed quietly between the two of them.

—Just then.

“Hey, there you are!”

A woman in a lab coat called down from the emergency stairs.

“Don’t just sit around slacking off. I’ve got your results—come on!”

“Yes, yes, coming, Deputy Director.”

Kaname stubbed out his cigarette and stood up.

—

In front of the analysis room.

“Still, even with all your whining, you got it done in just two hours.”

“Yep. Super busy, as always~”

she replied with exaggerated sarcasm.

“But you were right.”

“Oh?”

“The clams? No DNA match with any known domestic stock. Actually, they’re much closer to farmed shellfish from the southern mainland. At the very least, they’re definitely not from Japanese waters.”

“…You’re kidding.”

Kaname let out a surprised laugh as he took a sip of coffee.

“That woman’s insane…”

Hayata’s eyes widened.

“Wait… So that means she actually knew just from the taste…?”

“If that’s true, then that’s not an ordinary palate.”

Thunk.

The sound of Kaname placing his paper cup on the table softly disturbed the still air of the lab.