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A few days later…

Haruki sat cross-legged on the floor of his modest living room, a low table in front of him scattered with files and paperwork. He wore a comfortable pair of black joggers and a loose-fitting white t-shirt.

The apartment, while small, was clean and tidy, with minimal clutter and a few potted plants adorning the windowsills.

A board with pinned pictures and notes dominated one part of the wall while files and papers filled the ground around him.

As he sifted through the files, his phone suddenly rang, breaking the quiet of the room.

He glanced at the screen, eyebrows lifting in surprise at the caller ID showing his older brother, Tatsuya.

"Hey, Tatsu-nii, what's up?" he answered, tone relaxed as he balanced the phone against his shoulder while continuing his task.

"Hey, little bro," Tatsuya's voice came through the line, sounding slightly tired but relieved. "Just checking in on Mom and Dad. Unlike someone, I actually remember to do that from time to time," he teased, though there was genuine concern in his voice.

Haruki chuckled, scratching the back of his head. "Hey, I do too, okay? Just busy with work."

"Of course you are," Tatsuya scoffed lightly.

Haruki huffed, "Yeah, yeah, sorry about that. How are they doing?"

"They're fine, just nagging as usual," Tatsuya replied with a laugh. "Speaking of which, here comes Mom."

Their mother's voice cut in, her tone filled with concern. "Haru-chan, how are you? Have you been eating well? You sound tired." She rushed out in one breath.

Haruki rolled his eyes. "I'm fine, Mom. You didn't even let me speak, how can you know I'm tired?" He countered, used to her usual nagging spiels.

But his mother wasn't easily swayed. "Are you sure? It bothers me when you don't come to visit. You need to take care of yourself, dear."

"I'm sorry Mom, I just have a lot on my table at the moment." He looked at his cluttered table and tried not to laugh at his unintentional pun.

His mother sighed, "If you had someone staying with you, I wouldn't be so worried."

Haruki winced, knowing where this was going. "Mom."

"Don't Mom me," she cut him off, he could just imagine her with her hands on her hips, giving him her signature frown.

"You work too hard, Haru-chan. When are you going to find a nice girl and settle down? You're not getting any younger, you know."

Haruki sighed, the familiar topic weighing on him. "We've been over this, Mom. When I find the right one, I'll settle down. No rush."

His mother's sigh was audible over the line. "Or a guy? Is that why you haven't settled yet?"

"Seriously Mom," Haruki flushed, he could hear Tatsuya's laugh in the background. "It's not like that at all."

She cut him off.

"You know your father and I don't care about those things, we just want you safe and happy."

"I know, I know. And I love you too," his lips twitched as his brother's laughter increased, "Shut up you!" he huffed.

"Stop that, don't bully your brother," Haruki's lips spread into a small smile as he heard the tell-tale sign of his mother smacking Tatsuya's arm.

"You're nearing your thirties, Haruki. The government will soon be on your case, just like they are with your brother." His mother's voice became worried.

Tatsuya's voice chimed in again, slightly muffled from behind their Mom. "Actually, Mom, they've found someone. I'll be bringing them home for introductions soon."

His mother's attention immediately shifted, her voice rising with curiosity. "Oh, really? Tell me all about them!"

His mother's excitement was evident as she bombarded Tatsuya with questions about the new person in his life.

As his mother and brother started their talk, completely ignoring him on the call, Haruki listened half-heartedly, his thoughts drifted to the government's involvement in matchmaking and pairings for individuals over the age of 26 who remained single.

It was a system implemented years ago to ensure genetic compatibility and "to encourage healthy breeding among the population".

Matches were made based on extensive genetic testing, and individuals were rated and paired accordingly. Alphas like Haruki and Tatsuya received certain privileges from the government but also faced scrutiny and pressure to comply with societal expectations.

His brother's voice pulled him back to the present, concern evident in his tone. "Hey, Haru, are you still there?" He asked.

"Yeah, I'm here," Haruki hummed, "congratulations, I guess?" He shifted his phone to the other ear while he shuffled files.

"Yeah, thanks. You will be coming home for the introductions right?" Tatsuya asked.

"Of course, why would I miss a chance to embarrass you?" Haruki smirked, Tatsuya's laugh echoed from the phone, warming his heart.

"Where did mom go?" He asked, noticing he couldn't hear her voice in the background anymore.

"She went to make preparations, even though I'm introducing the person in two months," Haruki's lips twitched, he could imagine Tatsuya shaking his head exasperated.

"let her have her moment," he said. "So what are they like? Have you met them?"

Tatsuya hummed, "Of course, we've met, she's pretty chill. We have some common interests," Haruki could see his brother shrug in his mind's eye.

"That's good to know, I guess." He said, genuinely happy for his brother.

The tone suddenly changed as Tatsuya addressed him. "Hey, how are you doing, really? I'm worried about you, man. Everyone is. You should come to visit sometime."

Haruki's heart warmed at his brother's concern. "I'll try to make some time soon, Tatsuya. Promise."

Haruki ended the call and sighed heavily. The house suddenly felt too quiet and empty, the sound of the clock ticking impossibly loud in the silence.

Deciding that the mood was too gloomy, he turned on the TV to find something and surfed the channels.

He stopped at a news channel only to be greeted by a report on another instance of heatwave overdose.

The drug was taking over the nightlife like an epidemic. He might have to dig into it to see if there were any connections with the missing people.

He thought about his brother's upcoming introduction of his partner to the family.

While Haruki was happy for him, a part of him couldn't help but wonder when—or if—he would ever find someone to share his life with.

He wondered if he should start dating again, but the experience of the past had his brows furrowing.

His job always got in the way of him and his partner forming real, lasting connections.

His frown deepened as he listened to the anchor's words, wondering how such a deadly substance could infiltrate the system unnoticed by the government or police.

Hours passed in a blur as Haruki poured over the files, not like he would find something new. He had been working on them since he got suspended a few months ago.

Some of the guys in his squad had known he would lose his mind without something so they sent case files over behind the chief's back.

Speaking of which, his phone buzzed with another incoming call. He glanced at the screen and saw that the caller ID read: 亮司 (Ryoji)

"Hey, Ryoji. What's up?" Haruki asked, his tone casual as he packed some papers together.

Ryoji’s voice came through the line, slightly muffled by the background noise of the precinct.

"Hey, Haruki. I've been trying to call you for a while now. were you talking to a babe?"

Haruki chuckled softly. "Yeah right," he rolled his eyes.

Ryoji had two brain cells, one for work and another for women. "I was just talking to my brother."

"Oh? Anything wrong?"

"The usual family stuff. What about you? Any updates on the cases we've been working on?"

Haruki's lips twitched as he heard Ryoji's groan. "The paperwork is killing me, man. It would be great if we had any leads or went out on the field for some investigation.”

Haruki chuckled, knowing all too well Ryoji's hate for administrative tasks. He griped about the case and gave Haruki a short report similar to what he had sent to him.

Haruki listened quietly, interjecting with little points here and there.

But as Ryoji wrapped up his report, his tone grew lighter. "Oh, and Haruki, I overheard the chief talking to someone earlier. He mentioned that your suspension ends this week, so you should probably be expecting a call soon."

Haruki's eyebrows shot up in surprise at the news. "Really? I wasn't expecting it to end so soon."

"Yeah, it caught me off guard too," Ryoji admitted. "But hey, it's good news, right? You'll be back on the job in no time."

Haruki hummed in agreement.

He had been counting down the days until his suspension was over, eager to get back to work and prove himself once again.

"Thanks for the heads up, Ryoji. I appreciate it," Haruki said, his voice sincere.

"No problem, Haruki. Take care of yourself, okay? And let me know if you need anything," Ryoji replied, his concern evident in his tone.

"I will. Thanks, Ryoji. Talk to you later," Haruki said, ending the call feeling a little bit better.

With a weary sigh, Haruki set aside the files and stretched his cramped muscles, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly.

He glanced around his apartment, the quiet emptiness of the space suddenly feeling more pronounced than ever before.

"Ugh, I need to take a walk," he murmured, looking at the time. He still had a few hours before sundown.

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As Haruki stepped out of his apartment, he took a deep breath as the cool evening breeze swept through his form.

The sky was painted in hues of pink and orange as he made his way to the nearby park.

He couldn't help but pause at the sight of children playing and families enjoying the warm afternoon sun. The laughter and chatter of the park-goers brought a small smile to his face, it must have been nice to be carefree without a worry in the world.

He reached a quiet clearing in the park and decided to sit on a nearby bench, allowing himself to be in the moment.

Closing his eyes, he takes a deep breath, letting the sounds of nature wash over him.

A group of elderly women sat on a bench nearby, chatting animatedly as they enjoyed the cool evening breeze.

He could hear snippets of their conversation, as usual, they were talking about their grandchildren and single children, trying to find ways to get them married.

He sighed as he leaned against the chair, what was with everyone and marriage these days? His scent glands on his neck pulsed at the thought of a mate. Urgh, maybe he was getting old, he rubbed his neck unconsciously.

After a few minutes, he decided to continue his walk, his thoughts drifted to his impending return to work after his suspension.

He feels a mixture of anticipation and anxiety, unsure of what to expect upon his return.

Haruki found himself walking towards the river that ran through the heart of the city. The gentle breeze carried the soft, calming scent it held.

As he walked along the riverbank, he kicked rocks casually, watching couples sit by the river's edge. Once again, the scent gland on his neck pulsed again.

Ok, that's enough walking for today. He thought as he rushed away from the river and the park.

His stomach rumbled as he left the park so he stopped by a ramen shop, looking to get something quick to eat for dinner. He paused by the door, thinking back to his mother's words.

'Are you eating well?'

He sighed, ruffling his hair as he stepped away from the door. He still had some cash at hand that he could use. He walked over to the night market, it was a place he usually tried to avoid. A tight alleyway filled with farmers who come to sell their wares and mainly old people and mothers trying to get their families to eat healthily.

Haruki wouldn't deny the beauty of the place though. Lanterns and neon banners flickered overhead, casting dancing shadows on the cobblestone pathways lined with colourful stalls.

Fresh colourful fruits were stacked everywhere he turned, eggplant, green beans, tomatoes etc. seafood and fresh meats a as well. The whole place brought back memories of his childhood.

He moved from stall to stall, selecting thinly sliced marbled beef, several spices and fresh vegetables, the essential ingredients for tonight's meal.

At the meat stall, the old granny had grinned at him and asked if his wife had given him a list to follow as she had seen him going about for a while now.

Haruki forced a smile, " something like that," was all he had stuttered.

Once he was done, he made his way back home, passing through the park to cut time.

He rounded the corner and made his way back to his apartment building, bags clasped gently in his hands. It was a bit of a struggle opening the door with his hands full but he managed. Switching on the light, he made his way to the kitchen and dropped his purchase on the counter.

"Great, let's get to it," He murmured to himself as he washed his hands and got started.

Haruki set about preparing himself a simple meal,

As he prepared the ingredients in his modest kitchen, memories flooded back, transporting him to a time when he was just a child, eagerly trailing behind his mother in the kitchen. He could almost hear her gentle voice guiding him through each step.

"You need to make sure you hold it like this and cut it like this, so you don't cut your hand," he heard his mother's voice echoing in his mind as he carefully sliced the onions. "That's good, great job, baby," she would coo at him, her smile warm and reassuring.

As the savoury-sweet aroma of soy sauce and mirin filled the air, he felt a sense of comfort wash over him, he carefully measured out equal parts of them, just as she had shown him countless times before. "Remember, balance is key," she would say, her hands guiding his until the mixture was just right.

He remembered his older brother laughing at him then and calling him a girl, teasing him about having an interest in cooking instead of playing outdoor games with him. He remembered crying to her about it and how she had scolded his brother and made them both understand that cooking was something both men and women needed to learn and that there was no harm in Haruki's learning.

"Don't listen to your brother dear, learn it if you love it," she had said as he stroked his head gently.

As the beef sizzled in the pan, his mother's words came to mind again. "You want the beef to be tender, but not overcooked," she would advise, while he watched safely away from the hot oil. With practised ease, he flipped the slices, making sure each one seared to perfection.

Then, it was time to assemble the dish. Haruki spooned the fragrant beef and onions over the bowl of steaming rice, and garnished it with a sprinkle of sliced green onions and a delicate touch of pickled ginger, just as she had taught him.

Finally, he sat down to enjoy his meal, he said his thanks and grabbed his chopsticks. The presentation looked great, something he had also learnt from his mother.

At the first bite, he felt his heart melt. It tasted like home.

He slouched as he felt his eyes sting.

It was the onions, yeah, the onions.

Maybe I should go home.