Page 107 of Mercy Written in Blood

"No."

Haruki looked at him again.

"What did you think of me after?"

Renji should have refused the question. Instead, he considered it. That itself was a mistake.

"Responsible," he said at last.

Haruki's expression shifted. Not the answer he had expected.

"Most people use less flattering words."

"Most people were not treating your injuries."

"You think blood loss improved my personality?"

"It removed your ability to maintain it consistently."

Haruki laughed again. Renji felt the beginning of a smile and suppressed it. Haruki saw.

"You nearly did it."

"Did what?"

"Smiled."

"I smile."

"Not when anyone is looking."

"That is demonstrably false."

"I've been watching."

The words settled between them. Haruki seemed to hear them after he had spoken. For the first time since Renji had known him, he appeared uncertain. Only briefly. Then he lifted his cup.

"That sounded more threatening than intended."

"It sounded honest."

Haruki's eyes met his. Something moved through Renji. Small. Immediate. Not alarm. Not recognition. A warmth he had no name for because he had avoided needing one. The café seemed suddenly too bright.

Renji looked towards the clock. Eleven minutes remained. Too many. Not enough.

"Why are you here?" Haruki asked.

"I work here."

"In the café."

"I came for tea."

"And stayed."

"You invited me."

"You usually refuse."