Page 211 of Mercy Written in Blood

They walked without destination. The university paths led them past dark lecture halls, closed cafés and a library whose upper windows still glowed with late-night study. A maintenance vehicle moved across the far courtyard, its lights turning through the mist. Haruki carried the folder beneath his coat. Renji held the umbrella. Their steps adjusted naturally to one another.

Haruki walked more slowly than usual. Whether for Renji or because his side still ached, Renji could not determine. He disliked both possibilities.

"You are favouring your left side," he said.

Haruki sighed.

"There he is."

"Who?"

"My doctor."

"I am not your doctor."

"You become one whenever I walk incorrectly."

"You are walking incorrectly."

"I am walking."

"Poorly."

Haruki stopped. Renji stopped with him. They stood beneath a row of ginkgo trees stripped nearly bare by winter. Haruki looked down at his own feet.

"Demonstrate."

"What?"

"Correct walking."

Renji stared at him.

"You cannot be serious."

"You have criticised my technique."

"Walking is not a technique."

"Apparently it is when I do it."

Renji moved closer.

"Your stride is uneven because you are protecting the injured side."

"I'm healed."

"Mostly."

"That is a medical term?"

"It is when speaking to difficult patients."

Haruki smiled. Renji placed one hand against Haruki's waist before considering whether he should. Haruki became still. The contact was practical. That was how Renji had intended it. His palm rested against the side opposite the healing wound; warmth from Haruki's body passed through the fabric of his coat.

"Turn," Renji said.

Haruki did not. Their faces were closer than Renji had anticipated. Rain whispered against the umbrella above them. Haruki's attention dropped briefly to Renji's mouth. Thenreturned to his eyes. Renji felt the moment open — not demanding, not yet. He removed his hand.