Chapter 24: The game of Lies

Kento and John moved back to the café, determination burning in their eyes. As they stepped inside, all eyes turned toward them. Without hesitation, they pulled out their guns, aiming directly at Akira.

"You're coming with us to the police station for investigation," John declared firmly.

Hinata's eyes widened, her breath hitching in her throat. "W-What? Why are you doing this?" she stammered, her voice breaking.

Akira, unfazed as ever, glanced around the café. People had already taken out their phones, recording the scene. He let out a sigh. "You shouldn't have drawn so much attention. Look, now they're making videos."

Kento scoffed. "What do you think? That we care about this?"

Akira slowly stood up, dusting off his sleeves as if nothing had happened. Then, he turned to Hinata. "Go home. I'll be back in no time."

John shook his head. "Sorry, but she's coming with us too."

For the first time, Akira's expression shifted. He furrowed his brows slightly, tilting his head. "Why her?" His voice carried an unusual hint of concern.

Kento observed him carefully. Why is he acting like he cares? Isn't she just a toy to him?

Hinata looked at Akira, then at John and Kento. Taking a deep breath, she nodded. "Don't worry. I'm willing to come."

Akira exhaled, then turned to John. "Fine. But will you at least pay our bill?" Without waiting for an answer, he walked toward Kento.

John clenched his jaw, visibly frustrated, but he didn't respond. Kento sighed, glancing at John before shaking his head. Without another word, they escorted Akira and Hinata to the car.

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The drive to the police station was silent. The weight of the situation loomed over them like a dark cloud. Akira sat relaxed, his fingers tapping lightly against his knee. Hinata, on the other hand, was visibly tense, her hands clenched into fists on her lap. Her thoughts raced. Why is this happening? Why are they treating Akira like this?

Upon arrival, John called for a female officer. "Take care of her," he instructed, pointing at Hinata.

Hinata looked at Akira, who simply smirked at her. "See you soon," he muttered before being led away.

Kento and John took Akira to a soundproof interrogation room. The walls were dull gray, the air thick with tension. A single bright bulb flickered slightly above them. The chair Akira was forced to sit on was cold and metallic, making an uncomfortable creaking noise as he leaned back casually.

John sat directly in front of Akira, arms crossed. His piercing gaze bore into him. "Are you the one who killed that family?"

Akira leaned back in his chair, tilting his head. "I haven't."

John let out a dry chuckle. "I know you're tough. But let's see how tough you really are."

He turned to Kento. "Bring him in."

Kento opened the door, and a man in his early thirties walked in, carrying a suitcase. His presence alone made the air feel heavier. His cold, calculating eyes swept over Akira before he placed the suitcase on the table, unlatched it, and flipped it open.

Akira's eyes followed his movements. Inside, neatly arranged, was a lie detector machine. Wires, sensors, and a small monitor gleamed under the dim light.

Kento folded his arms and smirked. "Let's see if you're still as confident after this."

John gestured toward the machine. "We'll ask a few questions. You lie, and this little device will tell us. Simple, right?"

Akira's lips curled into an almost amused smile. "You really think this will work on me?"

John smirked. "We'll see."

The operator gestured for Akira to place his hands on the table. The cold metal of the sensors pressed against his skin as the straps were tightened around his wrists. The machine beeped, signaling it was ready.

Kento leaned in. "Let's start with something simple. What's your full name?"

Akira remained silent for a moment before answering, "Akira Toizawa."

The machine showed no reaction. Truth.

John leaned forward. "Did you enter that house before we arrived?"

Akira smirked slightly. "No."

The machine remained steady—Truth.

Kento and John exchanged glances. John's eyes narrowed. "What is wrong with machine?"

Akira chuckled. "Maybe your machine is broken."

Kento cracked his knuckles. "We'll see about that. Mr. Jhee check the machine."

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