Chapter Text
Atsumu Miya, also known as "The Fox Escapee," is one of the finest cops in the Inarizaki Corp. Born and raised in a challenging neighborhood, Atsumu and his twin brother, Osamu, learned the value of quick thinking and resilience from an early age. Their tough upbringing only fueled their desire to make a difference, leading them to pursue careers in law enforcement.
Graduating as the top student alongside his brother, Atsumu immediately drew attention by catching a criminal on his first day of work. On that day, while other rookies were still acclimating to their new environment, Atsumu was already in action. During a routine patrol, he noticed a suspicious figure trying to blend into the crowd. With his keen observational skills, he identified the individual as a wanted felon. Acting swiftly, Atsumu gave chase through the busy streets, skillfully navigating obstacles and maintaining his focus. The pursuit ended with Atsumu tackling the criminal and successfully apprehending him, much to the astonishment of his colleagues.
In the early days of his career, Atsumu quickly made a name for himself with several high-profile cases. One such instance involved a string of burglaries that had the entire city on edge. Atsumu, using his sharp instincts and analytical mind, noticed a pattern in the seemingly random break-ins. After days of meticulous investigation, he pinpointed the next likely target. Setting up a stakeout, Atsumu caught the burglar red-handed, adding another victory to his rapidly growing list of accomplishments.
Another notable case involved a dangerous drug ring that had eluded law enforcement for months. Going undercover, Atsumu infiltrated the organization, gathering crucial evidence while maintaining his cover. Despite the constant threat to his life, he managed to relay critical information back to his team, leading to a successful raid and the dismantling of the entire operation. During this mission, Atsumu's quick thinking saved his life multiple times, solidifying his reputation as the "Escapee."
True to his nickname, "Fox" reflects his experience and cunning, while "Escapee" highlights his ability to evade dangerous situations during undercover missions. Atsumu’s knack for thinking on his feet is legendary.
Once, when faced with a gunshot at point-blank range, he deftly sidestepped the bullet, emerging without a scratch. Another time, when an assailant lunged at him with a knife, he swiftly disarmed and knocked the criminal out cold with a single, well-placed blow.
His most famous feat occurred when he was kidnapped while being undercover: despite being outnumbered, he managed to free himself from his restraints, engage in fierce hand-to-hand combat with at least four to five men, and ultimately subdue and arrest all of them.
Atsumu's early career is marked by a series of impressive feats, each contributing to his growing legend within the Inarizaki Corp and beyond. His unyielding dedication to justice, coupled with his extraordinary skills, makes him a standout figure in the world of law enforcement.
Just like today, when he apprehended a notorious criminal who had been trafficking illegal firearms to various underground networks, the entire station erupted in applause. After weeks of meticulous surveillance and investigation, Atsumu had finally cornered the elusive suspect. As he walked into the station with the handcuffed criminal in tow, his colleagues greeted him with cheers and high-fives, acknowledging the significant blow he had dealt to the city's criminal underworld.
"Nice work again, Miya," his captain, Kita Shinsuke, said with a firm handshake and a warm smile. Atsumu grinned, relishing the satisfaction of yet another successful capture. Solving cases brought him immense fulfillment; he prided himself on never leaving one unresolved. For nearly six years, Atsumu had consistently delivered results that garnered attention from various stations and even the Deputy Commissioner himself, who had extended offers to recruit him. However, Atsumu had turned down all such proposals, choosing instead to remain dedicated to his current team.
He walked to his chair and slumped down, a weary sigh escaping his lips as he settled into the seat. The adrenaline from the cat-and-mouse chase earlier had left him drained, but the thrill of the hunt and the satisfaction of a job well done made it all worthwhile.
"Hey, scrub, have this... I knew ya were gonna need it," his brother, Osamu, said with a grin, handing Atsumu a bottle of water and some onigiri he had left over.
Osamu, the more laid-back twin, was known for his easygoing demeanor and sharp wit. While Atsumu was driven and intense, Osamu had a knack for defusing tension with his relaxed attitude and sense of humor. “Ya gonna need more than just this if ya keep workin’ like a maniac,” Osamu teased, ruffling Atsumu’s hair.
Despite his calm exterior, Osamu’s skills as a cop were as impressive as Atsumu’s. Some officers initially doubted his effectiveness due to his relaxed demeanor, unaware of how crucial he was behind the scenes. He often assisted Atsumu in gathering vital information for cases.
“Thanks,” Atsumu said with a smile, eagerly devouring the food and water. “Ya know… Ya can join me when I’m undercover,” he mumbled, his mouth full.
Osamu shook his head, smiling. “Ya know I don’t need the spotlight. Just let me do my thing and ya can take all the credit.”
Atsumu grinned, shaking his head. “Yer as much a part of this as I am, ya know. I wouldn’t have caught half these guys without ya.”
Osamu chuckled, taking a sip of his own drink. “Well, someone’s gotta keep ya from runnin’ on empty. Just don’t forget who’s got your back.”
He smiled as he settled into his own seat, sifting through more case files that needed to be organized.
As Atsumu continued eating, the sudden crash of the door being flung open shattered the calm. “Guys! Ojiro-san's been stabbed!” Suna burst into the room, stumbling and gasping for breath. His face was pale, and he swayed unsteadily as his knees nearly gave out from exhaustion.
Osamu’s relaxed demeanor vanished in an instant. With a swift motion, he shot up from his seat, his chair clattering to the floor. He dashed to Suna’s side, steadying him with a firm grip on his shoulders. His eyes scanned Suna’s distressed face, searching for more information. “Rin, what happened?!” Osamu’s voice was tight with urgency as he tried to keep his brother’s friend from collapsing.
Suna struggled to catch his breath, his voice trembling. “It was a setup… Aran was ambushed while we were out on a lead... The woman we were following…. She wasn't alone…"
Osamu helped Suna to a nearby chair, easing him down gently. Atsumu got up from his seat and quickly joined them. “What do you mean she wasn’t alone?” Atsumu asked, grabbing a chair and sitting down, his expression serious as he focused on Suna.
Osamu grabbed a cup of water and handed it to Suna, urging him to drink. Suna took a shaky sip, trying to steady his breathing. “She must have known we were following her. She ran, forcing us to split up…. ” he said, his voice still trembling.
Atsumu’s jaw tightened, and he exchanged a grim look with Osamu. “That sly fuck…” Atsumu mumbled angrily, standing up and pacing back and forth.
It was the same killer they had been after for four years. They had tried to gather as much information as possible, but the closest they ever got were multiple witnesses saying they saw a woman with long black curly hair and a long black coat leaving the scene a few hours before a body was discovered.
The most intriguing thing about this killer was how meticulously clean they were in their work. Whenever Atsumu and his team arrived at a crime scene, the forensics team couldn't find any blood samples or hair strands. The killer wiped everything clean, leaving no traces behind. Even the bodies were bizarrely spotless, despite the violence inflicted upon them. The only signs of blood were the stains on the victims' clothes, which baffled the investigators.
“If it weren't for the obvious strangle marks on the neck, ya would've thought this was suicide,” Atsumu had once remarked, still shocked by the eerie precision. “No blood, no hair, nothing. How the hell do they manage that?”
They called the killer "The Phantom Cleaner," a name that underscored their eerie cleanliness, meticulousness, and sinister nature.
The memory of those pristine crime scenes fueled Atsumu's anger and determination.
He had been after The Phantom Cleaner but couldn’t focus exclusively on the case, having to deal with other responsibilities. He had left the investigation to others, trusting them to catch the elusive killer.
"I-I thought I caught her… but it turned out, someone else was behind me," Suna said, his voice trembling as he started to panic again, remembering the encounter. "I almost died because I was frozen in shock... If it weren't for Ojiro-san, I would've been the one wounded.. But now he's in the hospital because of me." Suna sobbed quietly, and Osamu felt a pang of heartache seeing his friend in such distress.
"I'm assumin' Tobio-kun was the one who went with Ojiro-san to the hospital?" Osamu asked gently. Suna nodded slowly, his eyes still brimming with tears.
"Yeah," Suna whispered, his voice trembling. "Tobio-kun stayed with him. I couldn’t… I had to come here and let you know what happened."
Osamu’s expression softened with concern as he glanced at Suna, his hand still lingering on Suna’s shoulder. He gently wipes Suna’s tears away, as put his gaze on Atsumu.
Atsumu, standing nearby, felt a pang of sympathy for Suna. It was one thing to deal with the aftermath of violent crimes, but this was different. They had meticulously set up a trap, believing they had cornered the suspect, only to be outwitted. The thought of Aran being attacked and the killer's cunning deception stung sharply.
Just then, Kita emerged from his office, his face taut with concern. "What's going on?" he demanded, his tone serious and commanding. His eyes scanned the room, seeking answers. "Rintaro, aren't you supposed to be undercover with Kageyama and Aran? Where are they?" he asked, his voice tightening as he sensed something was gravely wrong.
Kita’s worry was palpable. Aran was not only the lieutenant of their station but also his husband. The urgency in Kita’s voice reflected his deep concern for Aran’s safety and well-being.
Suna opened his mouth to speak, but his voice faltered as fear gripped him. "C-Captain…" he stammered, unable to form the words.
Atsumu stepped forward, cutting in to explain. "Captain, Ojiro-san’s been stabbed. Suna was with him, but the killer managed to set a trap. Tobio-kun took him to the hospital”
Kita’s face went pale as the gravity of Atsumu’s words sank in. His eyes widened, and for a moment, he seemed frozen, processing the shock. He clenched his jaw, his hands tightening into fists at his sides.
“Aran…” he whispered, his voice barely audible, before a surge of determination overtook him. “We need to get to the hospital. Now.” His tone was sharp, filled with urgent resolve.
“Captain, wait,” Atsumu suddenly called out, causing Kita to pause and look at him.
“Yes, Miya? With all due respect, I really need to go to my husband,” Kita said firmly.
“I don’t want any other cases assigned to me unless this one is solved,” Atsumu declared, his tone resolute. The room fell silent, the gravity of his statement sinking in. Even Osamu and Suna looked at him with surprise, and Kita’s eyes widened, clearly taken aback.
This was unprecedented. Atsumu was known for his unwavering commitment, always ready to tackle any case, no matter how small. His refusal to take on additional cases until this one was resolved was a rare and significant shift.
“Are you sure, Miya? This isn’t like the other cases you’ve handled. Right now, we have no solid leads on where the killer might be. It could take weeks or even months to track down this ‘Phantom Cleaner,’” Kita said, his voice serious but tinged with concern.
“Yes, sir,” Atsumu said firmly. “I ain’t gonna just sit around and wait for someone else to get hurt. It's my fault for not givin’ this case the attention it needed.” Atsumu then performed a deep bow, known in Japanese as an ojigi, a gesture of respect and sincere apology. “So I’m sorry for not takin’ this case more seriously and earlier.”
Kita’s expression softened as he observed Atsumu’s deep bow and earnest apology. His initial surprise and concern gave way to understanding and respect. Kita recognized the gravity of Atsumu's commitment and the weight of his apology.
“Miya, don’t apologize, it wasn't your fault,” Kita said, his tone firm but kind as he gestured for Atsumu to straighten up. “You’ve helped a lot of people, and those individuals would’ve still been in trouble if it weren’t for you taking on their cases. I have to go now, but from this moment on, you, Miya Atsumu, will be leading the investigation into the Phantom Cleaner.”
Atsumu took a deep breath, his expression hardening with renewed determination. He turned to Osamu, giving him a meaningful glance—a slight furrow of his brow and a nearly imperceptible nod. This was the signal they had developed over years of working together, a silent shorthand for urgency and mutual understanding.
"Osamu..." Atsumu began, his voice steady but urgent.
Osamu immediately caught on. His laid-back demeanor gave way to focused professionalism as he smirked. “It’s Miya time,” he said, his tone shifting to match the gravity of the situation.
“I need ya to calm Suna first before I ask him some questions,” Atsumu said, pausing for a moment before adding, “Comfort yer best friend until he calms down. I'll go and grab the files.” Atsumu’s eyes briefly flicked to Suna, who was still sniffling and crying silently.
Osamu nodded and moved quickly to Suna’s side. He gently took Suna’s hands in his own, his touch both firm and reassuring. “Hey, Rin,” he said softly, his voice a soothing murmur. “It’s gonna be alright. Just breathe for me, okay?”
Osamu guided Suna to the break room, leading him away from the bustling activity in the main area. He carefully closed the door behind them, ensuring it was shut tight so they wouldn’t be disturbed. The break room was quieter, offering a more private and calm environment, away from the chaos of the ongoing investigation.
Atsumu watched as Osamu led Suna into the break room, noting every detail of their interaction. The break room was a small, quiet space—a perfect retreat from the office’s chaos. Atsumu observed the determination in Osamu’s movements, his steady resolve to comfort Suna amid the turmoil.
Atsumu’s mind raced as he headed to the file room. The recent developments in the Phantom Cleaner case were frustratingly elusive, and with Aran in the hospital, their urgency had intensified. His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of Suna’s subdued sobs, softened by the closed door and drawn blinds.
He took a deep breath, focusing on the task at hand. He needed to prepare for when Suna was ready to talk. As he found the files, he went straight to his desk, opening the box and immediately reviewing the contents. Atsumu glanced occasionally at the break room door, feeling a pang of concern. He trusted Osamu completely to handle Suna, but he couldn’t help but feel the weight of the situation pressing down on him.
----------------------
As Atsumu focused on organizing the case files, Osamu locked the door and drew the blinds in the break room, creating a quiet, secure space. He approached Suna, who was visibly shaking and struggling to control his breathing. Sitting beside him, Osamu gently took Suna’s trembling hands in his own.
“Hey, Rin,” Osamu said softly, his voice imbued with calm assurance. “Look at me. You’re safe here. I’m right with you.” He could see Suna’s distress, his eyes darting around as if searching for an escape from the overwhelming emotions.
Osamu’s touch was soothing, and he leaned in slightly, maintaining a gentle yet firm presence. They had been secretly dating for two years, carefully keeping their personal lives separate from their professional roles. Their relationship had always been a private haven, a choice they made to maintain balance and avoid complications in their work.
“Just breathe,” Osamu continued, his voice steady and reassuring. “We’ll get through this. Take it one step at a time.”
His words were meant to ground Suna, offering a sense of stability amid the turmoil. Osamu’s own feelings were a mix of concern and quiet strength, his focus solely on providing comfort and support to Suna in this moment of need.
Osamu knew neither of them were fans of public displays of affection, but he also understood that sometimes, unconventional methods were necessary for comfort. He leaned in and pressed a tender kiss to Suna’s forehead. “Just breathe with me,” he whispered, his lips lingering gently on Suna’s skin. “In through your nose... and out through your mouth.”
Suna’s breathing was rapid and uneven, his eyes wide with fear. Osamu continued to place soft, reassuring kisses on Suna’s forehead and cheeks. “It’s okay, Rin,” he murmured between kisses. “You’re okay. I’m here. We’ll get through this.”
Suna’s hands gripped Osamu’s tightly, his body trembling with anxiety. “I—I can’t… I keep seeing it in my head…” Suna’s voice cracked, tears streaming down his face.
Osamu gently cupped Suna’s face with both hands, pressing a calming kiss on his lips. “Look at me,” he said softly, his lips brushing against Suna’s as he spoke. “You’re not alone in this. We’re in this together. Just focus on me, alright?”
He continued to press soft, tender kisses on Suna’s lips and cheeks, each touch meant to soothe and ground him. “Breathe in slowly,” Osamu instructed, “and out… that’s it. Just focus on my voice and my touch.”
Suna’s breathing gradually began to steady as he clung to Osamu, finding comfort in his presence. Osamu’s kisses were gentle but persistent, each one a reminder of his unwavering support. “You’re doing so well, Rin,” Osamu murmured between kisses. “Just keep breathing with me. You’re safe now.”
As Suna’s sobs quieted and his breaths became more even, Osamu gently pulled back, looking into Suna’s eyes with a reassuring smile. “Are you feeling a little better?” he asked softly, his hand resting on Suna’s cheek.
Suna nodded, his eyes still moist but calmer. “I think so… Thanks to you.”
Osamu smiled, his heart swelling with relief and affection. “Anytime,” he said, brushing a stray tear from Suna’s cheek. “You’re strong, and we’ll get through this. Just take your time, okay?”
Despite their general dislike for public displays of affection, Osamu knew that in this moment, it was necessary to offer comfort in the most personal way he could. His focus remained on providing emotional support while gathering the crucial information they needed for the investigation.
Suna gradually calmed as Osamu continued to offer soothing kisses, each one a gentle reassurance. Osamu’s tender care seemed to help Suna regain his composure, his breathing evening out and his tears drying up.
After a final, reassuring kiss on Suna’s lips, Osamu pulled back slightly, his hands still resting gently on Suna’s shoulders. “You ready?” he asked softly, his tone a blend of encouragement and concern.
Suna took a deep breath, nodding slowly. “Yeah, I think so,” he replied, his voice steadier. He met Osamu’s gaze with a determined look, his earlier panic now replaced by a resolve to face the situation.
Osamu smiled reassuringly, giving Suna’s shoulder a gentle squeeze. “Alright, let’s head back. We’ll get through this together,” he said, offering Suna a supportive hand.
--------------------------
As they left the break room, Osamu stayed close to Suna, offering a steady presence that exuded quiet strength and comfort. They rejoined Atsumu, who looked up from his desk with a nod of acknowledgment, his expression softening as he saw Suna’s calmer demeanor.
The focus quickly shifted back to the investigation. Atsumu’s eyes, sharp with determination, met Suna’s. “Are ya sure yer ready to recall everything that happened earlier?” he asked, his tone both firm and gentle, reflecting his understanding of the emotional toll the situation had taken.
Suna nodded, his resolve clear despite the visible strain. “Yes, I’m ready. I need to do this,” he replied, his voice steadying with each word.
Osamu gave Suna’s hand a light squeeze, his touch a small but significant gesture of reassurance. “I’m right here with ya,” he murmured, his gaze steady and supportive. The bond between Osamu and Suna was evident, their mutual support a crucial element in tackling the complex investigation ahead.
Atsumu nodded, putting on his glasses and taking out a notepad and pen. He settled into his chair, ready to dive into the details of the case. “Ya mentioned that ya were chasin' after the woman and then you saw someone behind ya. How come ya didn't notice you were bein’ followed ?”
Suna took a deep, shuddering breath, his hand clenching Osamu's as if it were a lifeline. "I-I really had no idea, I was just chasing after her and when I got her cornered, I immediately told her to surrendered...She unexpectedly did and didn't even resist when I was cuffing her.... b-but then." His voice broke, his entire body trembling.
Atsumu leaned in, his pen poised over the notepad. "And then... what happened next?"
Suna’s eyes darted around the room, haunted by the memory. "Then I heard Ojiro-san yell. I turned around, and someone was right there, holding a knife. It all happened so fast. The Phantom suddenly pushed me, and I lost my balance."
Atsumu observed Suna intently, his own tension mounting as he scribbled furiously in his notepad.
Osamu squeezed Suna’s hand, trying to anchor him. "And then?"
Suna took another unsteady breath, his heart racing. "Tobio-kun tried to intervene, but the attacker was too quick, moving like they knew our every move. They shoved him aside, and just as they were about to stab me, Ojiro-san stepped in and took the blow." Suna's voice broke, tears welling up as he relived the horrifying moment. "The Phantom and her accomplice fled right after... I couldn't even chase them," his voice cracked with frustration and helplessness.
"I-I just stood there... frozen... watching everything... and I didn't do anything," Suna sniffled, quietly sobbing. "Now the Lieutenant is in the hospital... because of me..." The weight of his helplessness pressed down on him, his body trembling with sorrow and remorse.
Suna’s breath hitched as he recalled the cold, calculating eyes of the attacker, his fear and guilt threatening to overwhelm him.
Osamu immediately took notice and gently circled his thumb on his hand. "It's not yer fault, Suna," he murmured softly, his voice steady as he glanced at Atsumu with a worried frown.
Atsumu set his pen and notepad aside, sighing deeply as he met Suna’s gaze. His heart ached for him. It was common for undercover officers to face danger, but this situation felt different. They had believed they had set the perfect trap for the perpetrator, but the Phantom had stayed one step ahead. The reality that Aran had been hurt in the process was a stark reminder of how precarious their situation was.
“Suna… If ya don’t want ta continue with this, I understand,” Atsumu said, his voice a blend of concern and comfort.
Suna sniffled, his eyes reflecting a mix of fear and resolve. He shook his head slowly, his voice trembling. “B-but… if I don’t… it means they’ll get away with this. I can’t let them think they can just—” His voice broke, overwhelmed by emotion. He clenched his fists tightly, struggling to hold back tears. “I-I have to see this through. For Ojiro-san and for everyone else who’s at risk. I can’t let their sacrifice be for nothing.”
Osamu stared at Suna with worried eyes, a deep concern etched on his face. He could see the strain in Suna’s expression, knowing he was pushing himself hard to recall every detail. The weight of the situation was clearly taking its toll, and Osamu's heart ached at the thought of Suna bearing such a heavy burden. He gently placed a hand on Suna’s shoulder, offering silent support and reassurance.
Atsumu nodded, picking up his pen and notepad again. "If yer sure... May I ask if there are any distinct features of the Phantom and the accomplice that you remember?"
Osamu glanced at Atsumu, his concern evident. “Tsumu—”
Atsumu’s serious expression met his gaze, and with a resigned sigh, Osamu fell silent, allowing him to proceed. He leaned in slightly, his focus sharp as he prepared to jot down any details Suna could provide.
Suna took a shaky breath, struggling to focus through his fear. "The Phantom... I remember she had long, black, curly hair. It was really striking, like a dark wave flowing down her back. Her coat was dark too—almost like it was made of shadows. It was long, with a high collar that covered most of her. The coat seemed to blend in with the night, so it was hard to make out any more details."
He paused, his voice trembling as he recalled the accomplice. "The accomplice... I think it was a man. He was taller and had a strong build. He was wearing a ski mask, so I couldn’t see his face at all. He had on a dark, fitted jacket. His movements were quick and aggressive, but he seemed to know exactly what he was doing…"
Atsumu nodded, jotting down the details with a concentrated look, trying to piece together the puzzle from Suna’s descriptions. “Anything else? Like eye color? Scent?”
Suna hesitated, then continued, “Uhm... Oh! I did catch a faint scent from the Phantom. It was sweet and fruity, like a perfume or something delicate. As for the accomplice, he had a strong, sharp scent—kind of like an industrial cleaning product.”
He took a deep breath, trying to recall more details. “I also got a brief glimpse of her face. It was blurry, though. I was in such a state of shock and fear that I couldn’t see clearly. Everything was a haze, but I remember her face being... kind of angular, with a sharp chin and high cheekbones. It’s not much, but that’s what I remember.” He trailed off, suddenly furrowing his eyebrows. “Although… something felt off about her…”
Atsumu looked up from his notepad, raising an eyebrow. “What do you mean by that?”
Suna’s eyes were filled with confusion and concern. “Her behavior was really odd. While the accomplice was trying to stab me, she didn’t seem panicked or desperate at all. She had a chance to escape, but instead, she just stood there. It was almost like she was waiting for something. She didn’t move or try to run—she just watched the whole thing. It felt like she was biding her time, as if her role was just to be there and let the accomplice do his part. Her calm demeanor seemed completely out of place given the chaos. You’d expect her to at least try to attack Ojiro-san or Tobio-kun, but she didn’t make any move to do that.”
Atsumu hummed thoughtfully at Suna's observations. “Ya do have a point, but what if she waited to make sure her accomplice really completed the job? Maybe she wanted ta be sure it went accordin’ to their plan.”
“No...” Osamu interjected, drawing the attention of both Atsumu and Suna. “Why would she let her accomplice do all the work when she is known for bein’...”
His voice trailed off as he searched for the right words. “...When she’s known for being very hands-on and direct? It doesn’t add up for her to just stand back and watch. If she’s usually involved, it’s strange she wouldn’t take a more active role, especially given the situation. There’s something odd about it….”
Atsumu nodded, considering Osamu’s point. “That’s a good observation. It could mean that there was a specific reason for her behavior, or perhaps she was following a different set of instructions.”
Suna’s eyes widened, and he gasped as a new memory surfaced. “Wait... I’m not sure if I heard it clearly, but... When they ran off, the Phantom called her accomplice ‘boss’ as he chased after her before they disappeared completely...”
His voice trembled, the fear still palpable in his tone. “I could barely make it out through my panic, but I’m sure she said it. It’s all kind of blurry, but that word—‘boss’—stuck with me.”
Atsumu and Osamu exchanged puzzled glances, their confusion deepening. “But that’s weird to call your accomplice ‘boss’... unless...” Atsumu’s eyes widened in sudden realization. “FUCK!”
His exclamation cut through the room, his face going pale as the gravity of the new information sank in. “We were chasin’ the wrong person this whole time...” Atsumu muttered, his voice strained. He removed his glasses, his hands shaking slightly as he rifled through one of the case files.
"I thought it was odd when I read one of the witnesses' statements," Atsumu said, his tone tense as he flipped through the file. He stopped at a particular page, pointing to the relevant section. "The witness said that after they saw the woman leave the scene through the backdoor... they still heard some noise inside. So they stayed hidden and waited. After a few minutes, another person came out, but this time from the front door."
Osamu’s brow furrowed as he processed the new details. “How could they have missed this ONE crucial detail?”
Suna, still visibly shaken, looked down. “T-They said the witness had a few drinks when they saw it, so it’s possible they weren’t completely clear on what happened...”
Osamu’s gaze shifted from Suna to Atsumu, his concern evident. “If the witness was intoxicated, it might explain why the statement was overlooked. But we can’t ignore it now. It means there’s a second person involved who’s been hiding in plain sight.”
Atsumu nodded, his eyes now sharpened with a new resolve. “Exactly. We need to dig deeper and find out who this second person is. This changes everything—we’ve been chasing the wrong lead. Let’s re-examine all the evidence and focus on tracking down this ‘boss.’ We can’t afford to waste any more time.”