Chapter 22: A Game of Death

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Akira stood in the small kitchen, carefully arranging the sushi on a plate. The aroma of freshly prepared fish and rice filled the air, a stark contrast to the cold tension that loomed between him and Kento. Just as he placed the final piece, the door burst open without a knock.

Kento stormed in, eyes sharp, breath slightly heavy.

Akira didn't look up. "Don't you know how to take permission before entering someone's house?" His voice was flat, devoid of emotion.

Kento grinned, unfazed. "I do, but I couldn't hold back." He pulled out a chair and sat down, watching Akira with amusement. "More importantly, I want to know—how did you figure out about John?"

Akira finally met his gaze, his expression unreadable. "You're avoiding my question." He picked up the plate and handed it to Kento. "But before I answer, tell me something—are NPA officers so free that they can just enjoy an afternoon meal like this?"

Kento smirked. "Don't change the subject." He picked up a piece of sushi, examining it before taking a bite. "Besides, I'm here because I'm in charge of your case."

Akira let out a short chuckle. "No, you're not."

Kento paused, mid-bite. His eyes flickered with surprise, but he quickly masked it. "What makes you think that?"

"You just confirmed it." Akira leaned against the counter, his arms crossed. "The real in-charge is John, isn't it?"

Kento stayed silent for a moment, then sighed, setting his chopsticks down. "You're sharp, I'll give you that. But how did you know?"

Akira smirked. "You told me yourself."

Kento frowned. "When?"

Akira's smirk widened. "What did you call me this morning?"

Kento thought for a second. "Akuuu?"

Akira rolled his eyes. "Not that, idiot. The other name."

Kento's expression darkened. "Otsuka."

Akira nodded. "And only John knows that name. The moment you said it, you exposed yourself. If this is the level of intelligence the NPA has, I'm disappointed."

Kento clicked his tongue. "Tch. So you put it together just from that?"

Akira's smile was cruel. "Of course."

For the first time, Kento looked genuinely irritated. He picked up another sushi piece, chewing slowly, as if buying time to think.

Then Akira leaned in slightly, his tone casual. "By the way, don't you want my photo?"

Kento froze. His eyes narrowed. "What?"

Akira tilted his head, feigning innocence. "You were supposed to get my photo, weren't you?"

Kento stood up abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor. "Who told you that? How do you know?" His voice carried a sharp edge now.

Akira laughed. "Do you remember your first question today?"

Kento's grip on the table tightened. "I asked how you knew about John."

Akira's voice dropped to a whisper. "Exactly."

Kento stared at him, then sighed, rubbing his temple. "Damn it… You're toying with me, aren't you?"

Akira just smiled, the kind of smile that made Kento's blood run cold.

Then, as if it was the most normal thing in the world, Akira said, "By the way, I plan to kill a family tonight."

Silence.

Kento's fingers twitched. His heartbeat quickened, but he forced himself to stay calm. "What… did you just say?"

Akira rested his chin on his palm. "I said, I plan to kill a family tonight."

Kento clenched his jaw. He was trapped. If Akira was bluffing, reacting too strongly would make him look weak. But if Akira was telling the truth and Kento dismissed it as a trick, innocent people could die.

He had to choose.

Akira watched him closely, enjoying his hesitation. "What's wrong, Kento? You seem troubled."

Kento forced a smirk. "Wow… I have to say, that's bold." He stepped closer, meeting Akira's gaze head-on. "Let's see who wins this game, Akira."

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