Yukina's expression softened just a fraction as she acknowledged his respect, but the guarded look in her eyes didn't waver. She watched him for a moment, as though appraising his sincerity, before stepping closer, her movements smooth and deliberate. Leaning in, she brought her lips close to his ear, her voice so low that it was barely audible.

"Solve this case then," she whispered, her words a quiet challenge.

Kavei met her gaze with a small, confident smile and gave a nod. "Sure," he replied simply, his voice steady, accepting her challenge without hesitation.

Scene: Najima's death investigation
Time: 2:30 pm
Location: Najima's apartment

As Yukina Itsuhara settled back onto the sleek black couch her secretary had swiftly provided, Kavei wasted no time stepping into the heart of the investigation. His gaze sharp and unyielding, he made his way into Mister Najima's private room, where the air still held an oppressive chill from the running AC. A large chalk outline marked the spot on the couch where Najima's body had been found, an unsettling reminder of his recent presence. The room was neat and minimalist, with a few scattered signs of a struggle: books knocked from shelves, papers strewn across the coffee table, and a harsh trail of shattered glass on the floor, glinting in the dim light like jagged remnants of something broken beyond repair.

After thoroughly scanning the room, Kavei exited, his mind already spinning with possible scenarios. His first task was to question Yumiya, the primary witness. She stood just beyond the entryway, her gaze flicking nervously around the room, her arms wrapped around herself as though seeking warmth or protection.

Without preamble, Kavei asked, "Where were you at the time of his death?"

Before Yumiya could answer, Yukina's voice cut in from the other side of the room, her tone laced with a smirk. "Seems our little detective didn't pay attention to the news," she remarked, loud enough to ensure her words stung.

Kavei paused, exhaling deeply, feeling her words push against his composure. He glanced over his shoulder at her, but she only watched him, a faint smirk playing on her lips, as though daring him to respond. He could feel her dismissive gaze like a thorn in his side, spurring him on, igniting a renewed determination to prove his worth.

Ignoring her, Kavei turned back to Yumiya and attempted again, his voice calm but firm. "Where were you when Mister Najima was killed?"

But before Yumiya could open her mouth to respond, Itsuhara's laugh rang out, silencing the room. "Are you serious? Do you even know what you're doing?" She leaned back in her seat, folding her arms with a smug, knowing expression. "This is almost embarrassing to watch."

The room grew still, a tension thickening the air. Kavei felt his patience fray at her interruption, and this time he didn't hold back. In a few determined strides, he crossed the room toward her, his eyes fixed on hers with an intensity that turned her amusement into sudden alertness. He stopped just in front of her, his gaze unwavering as he bent down, bringing his face close to hers. He placed his hands firmly on either side of the couch, effectively trapping her in place.

"Look, ma'am," he said, his voice low, his tone clipped but calm, every word deliberate. "I'm trying to be polite and patient here. But if you keep testing me, that patience will run out."

The proximity of his face, his quiet confidence, and the unexpected strength of his presence left her momentarily speechless. His warm breath brushed her skin, and the flawless smoothness of his expression seemed almost unnerving at such close range. Yukina blinked, caught off-guard, her confident exterior faltering slightly as she shifted in her seat, her posture now tense.

Henkai, her assistant, swiftly intervened, waving his hand in a calming gesture. "Let it be, ma'am. He's not worth your flawless self," he muttered, bending closer to her with an encouraging nod.

Itsuhara exhaled slowly, forcing herself to regain composure. With her hands folded across her chest, she leaned back, a wary gleam in her eyes as she watched Kavei return to Yumiya. The brief exchange had shifted something in the room; a new respect, albeit tinged with a hint of reluctant admiration, now lingered in her gaze as she observed him.

Kavei half-smiled to himself, his confidence restored, and returned to his original task. This time, there were no further interruptions as he continued his questioning, fully aware that he now had the room's undivided attention.

Kavei returned to Yumiya, his expression calm but his eyes sharp as he resumed his questioning. "So, where were you at the time of the incident?" he asked, his tone steady.

Yumiya looked taken aback, hesitating. "I don't understand-"

"Where were you?" Kavei repeated, more directly this time. "Yesterday night?"

"I was sleeping in my room," Yumiya replied, her voice soft, almost defensive.

"When did you wake up?"

"Only two hours ago," she answered, fidgeting slightly under his gaze.

"May I check your room?" Kavei asked suddenly.

Yumiya blinked, caught off guard. "Pardon?"

"Just a view," he clarified, his voice calm but insistent. "I won't touch anything. That shouldn't hurt, right?"

She hesitated but eventually nodded, gesturing for him to follow. Accompanied by Inspector Senzaki, Kavei entered her unit, stepping into a small, neat room. His eyes scanned the space, finally landing on the bed covered in soft pink sheets. He bent close to examine it, noting every detail.

Behind him, Yumiya shifted nervously, her gaze darting between Kavei and Senzaki. He turned to face her, his voice low and measured as he asked, "Why did you knock on the victim's door?"

Yumiya's brow furrowed, and she shifted uncomfortably. "Because the radio was on too loud," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

"It broke your sleep, and you walked up to his room, right?" Kavei continued, watching her closely.

"Yes," she confirmed, nodding, though her voice held a hint of hesitation.

"And you arranged your bed before going there. Right?" he added, his gaze still fixed on her.

"No. I didn't," she replied quickly, shaking her head. "I don't sleep with the sheets on."

"Oh," Kavei murmured, glancing back at the bed. He ran a hand over the smooth surface of the sheets, noting the lack of any creases or signs of sleep. Behind Yumiya, Itsuhara watched with a sharp, discerning gaze, observing every detail of the exchange.

Kavei straightened up and turned to Yumiya, a slight smile on his lips as he caught her gaze. "You sleep in a tight position, don't you?"

Yumiya's eyes widened slightly. "Huh?"

"The bed sheet is not wrinkled at all," Kavei pointed out, his tone gentle but pointed.

Yumiya stammered, her face flushed. "O-oh..."

"You are clearly lying, Miss Yumiya," Kavei said, his voice steady and final. "But I'll talk to you later. For now, this is all." He stepped back, leaving her in stunned silence.

Yumiya's face paled, and she swallowed hard, her composure slipping as she processed his words. Behind her, Itsuhara's sharp gaze shifted between them, a faint, satisfied glint in her eyes as she turned to leave the room.

Inspector Senzaki stepped forward, taking Yumiya's hands and securing them in cuffs. She looked down, her face drained of color, as he led her out.

Kavei's eyes scanned the corridor, finally landing on a man in a blue uniform standing among the crowd of onlookers. Without hesitation, he approached him.

"You are the security, right?" Kavei asked, studying the man's face.

The guard nodded, his expression unreadable. "Yes, boy."

Kavei didn't miss a beat. "Was the radio on when you entered?"

"Yes, boy," the guard repeated, his tone steady.

"And you switched it off?"

"Yes, boy."

Kavei nodded thoughtfully, considering this detail. "I see." He pointed toward the open door of Najima's room. "Is this exactly what you saw?" he asked, his finger lingering on the direction of the room.

The guard took a brief glance at the doorway and then nodded. "Yes."

Kavei crossed his arms, pondering. "Hm. Did anyone leave the apartment last night?"

"Yes," the guard replied with a slight nod. "Sir Najima himself. He said he had a meeting with another man."

"I see. Did you see what he was wearing?" Kavei asked, his voice calm and composed.

"A green long coat. Holding a black briefcase, and his face covered in a white mask. Sir Najima always goes out with a mask," the guard explained, his voice respectful yet cautious.

"Hm." Kavei tilted his head slightly, his eyes narrowing as he thought through the information. "You must have noted the time, right?"

"Yes." The guard disappeared briefly, then returned with a thin green notebook in his hands. He opened it and flipped through the pages before stopping on one and reading aloud, "At exactly seven."

Kavei's expression sharpened as he absorbed this. Now standing at the center of the apartment corridor, he found himself surrounded by the watchful eyes of Inspector Senzaki, the guard, Itsuhara, Henkai, and other concerned residents of the building. His gaze gleamed with a mixture of focus and determination as he pieced together the intricate puzzle surrounding Najima's mysterious death.

"Seven," Kavei murmured under his breath, his voice so soft it was nearly inaudible. He turned to face Senzaki, who seemed to sense the gravity of the situation and leaned in closely, ready to hear the next crucial piece of insight.

Kavei whispered, "I need a little more information to support the trick. But I have got most of it figured out." His words hung in the air, thick with suspense, and Senzaki gave a brief nod before promptly issuing orders to his team. The investigators dispersed to gather more evidence, setting the stage for the reveal that lay ahead.

An hour later, the tension in the room had grown almost tangible, filling every corner as two individuals were ushered in. Choto and Yuume, both looking less than pleased to be there, stepped forward. Choto's face was twisted in anger, while Yuume eyed Kavei with a smirk, her expression one of haughty amusement.

"Why am I called here?" Choto demanded, his voice edged with fury. He stood stiffly, his fists clenched at his sides, while Yuume merely observed Kavei with a condescending smile, as though this were all a game.

"Are you Mister Choto?" Kavei asked calmly, his piercing gaze locked onto Choto.

After a moment's hesitation, Choto nodded, his suspicion clear in the way he narrowed his eyes at Kavei, as though sizing him up.

"And Miss Yuume," Kavei continued, shifting his gaze to her, "you are his assistant, correct?"

"Yes, little boy," she replied, her voice saccharine and mocking, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.

At that, Inspector Senzaki took a step forward. "You are here to answer some questions, so I hope you can comply," he said, his voice firm.

Choto's face twisted with rage, and he clenched his fists tighter. "I have not committed any crimes, and I have major business to take care of," he snarled.

Before Kavei could respond, Itsuhara rose from her seat on the couch, her expression cold and commanding. "So you do," she interjected smoothly, her gaze icy as it landed on Choto. "But you will listen, and you will answer," she said, her voice low and firm, with an edge that left no room for argument.

Choto looked taken aback by her intensity. The defiance in his eyes faded, replaced by reluctant compliance, and he nodded stiffly.

Kavei watched the exchange, a faint sigh escaping his lips as he shook his head slightly. He hadn't needed any help, but Itsuhara's intervention had certainly made things easier.

"Thank you, Miss Itsuhara," he murmured, then turned his focus back to the task at hand. "I shall begin now," he said, his voice calm yet commanding. His gaze shifted to Choto. "Starting with you, Mister Choto."

Kavei’s gaze locked onto Choto, his face expressionless as he delivered his question with quiet intensity.

“Where were you on the night of the victim's death?” Kavei asked, his voice firm yet measured.

Choto scoffed, crossing his arms with a huff. “This is ridiculous. I was at my office, waiting for him to come. Then my assistant called me and told me he had canceled,” Choto replied, his tone laced with frustration.

Kavei’s attention shifted to Yuume, his eyes narrowed as he waited for her to elaborate. She met his gaze with an easy smile, seeming unfazed by the scrutiny.

“Yes, boy,” Yuume replied smoothly, her voice almost playful. “Najima called me and said he wanted to cancel the meeting. I simply relayed the message.”

“And then what happened?” Kavei asked, pacing slowly around the corridor, his movements deliberate as he processed her words.

Yuume’s smile remained fixed as she answered, “I drove back to my home and came back to work today, and now here we are, boy.”

Kavei nodded, noting her confidence before asking, “I see. Where is your car right now?”

Yuume’s smile widened a fraction as she responded, “It’s parked in the lot. The red car with my initial on the window.” She lifted her chin slightly, seeming almost proud of the car’s distinguishing mark.

Without another word, Kavei turned and jogged toward the stairs leading to the parking area. Itsuhara moved quickly to follow, with her assistant Henkai and Inspector Senzaki trailing close behind. The rest of the officers remained on the scene, keeping the crowd at bay and ensuring order was maintained.

Arriving at the parking lot, Kavei quickly spotted the red car exactly as Yuume had described. He studied the vehicle carefully, walking around it in slow, measured circles. He crouched down near the tires, inspecting them with a critical eye, his gaze catching on small details others might have overlooked. Rising to his feet, he stood silently for a moment, one hand under his chin, the other supporting his elbow as he appeared lost in thought.

After a tense pause, Kavei’s eyes sharpened with realization. He turned toward Senzaki, Itsuhara, and the others gathered around him, his expression resolute.

“I know now who the killer is,” he declared, his voice firm and carrying an unmistakable confidence. “And I know exactly how Mister Najima was killed.”