How Could You? (Souyo)

Can't Keep Checking My Phone

Yu's POV:

"...How have you been?"

I don't respond. Primarily because I don't think the question is for me.

"I was worried," Nanako admits quietly, slowly letting go of my hand.

"Now, now," Dojima sighs. "There was no need to worry, was there?"

It's sort of hard to have a family reunion like this when another officer is sitting in the room.

He told us not to mind him, but I can't help but think this is a test—something to test Dojima's behaviour at home.

I feel uncomfortable.

"Yu's been doing good, too," Adachi pipes up, slapping me on the back.

I blink. Since when did he call me by my first name?

"I see," he nods slowly. He's watching me. I don't have to look up to know that.

"Dad? Can we order sushi?" Nanako smiles brightly. "Please?"

Dojima opens his mouth to respond, but his officer beats him to it.

"Actually, Nanako-chan, you will need to head back shortly."

"Back?" She frowns.

"Back to my place," Adachi gives a small smile.

"But..." She mutters, playing with the hem of her skirt as she looks back to the ground.

"The doctor says I need a night or two alone," Dojima lies. "That's all."

She looks back up to the three men on the couch. "But you've been alone for a long time."

"It wasn't that long, Nanako," he chuckles. "Don't worry. Adachi will order you sushi—the most expensive sushi in Inaba. Isn't that right?" He grins, turning back to Adachi.

"H-Huh?" He stammers, shifting a little in his seat. "D-Dojima-san—"

"Yay!" Nanako giggles.

"How can you say no to that?" Dojima hums.

"Fine. Sushi for dinner," Adachi surrenders.

"Not for breakfast?" She mumbles.

"You haven't made her any breakfast?" Dojima snaps.

"W-We were gonna be late," he splutters.

"I can't believe you..."

"I'll make her something," I say, getting to my feet.

"I can make my own breakfast," she pouts.

"You mean, you don't want to taste my cooking?"

She pauses for a second. "Okay, big bro. You can make my breakfast."

I pat her on the head before turning for the kitchen.

Some toast and eggs should do..

I grab out the bread, sliding two slices into the toaster with a quiet pop.

"Is he alright to be alone over there?" I hear the guy whisper.

"Eh?" Adachi scoffs. "Of course he is."

"There are plenty of sharp objects in a kitchen."

Oh.

"Hey," Dojima snaps. "Don't make assumptions like that, alright?"

I chew my lip. He's defending me?

"Perhaps you should join him, Adachi-san," the guy grunts. "Or rather, maybe I should. Just to be safe."