Kouchisei had not expected maintaining a relationship required this much effort. He believed - and expected - that people enjoyed their isolation and shunned validation off others. There was no tolerance from him.
His entry had been quick - the staff knew him by sight and had guided him to a private room in the back. Even wearing a kimono, which he had also told Kozue to wear by text, they knew better than to tell on the boss's son.
And it was a good job he was patient.
He was sitting in a different room to the investigation team's last visit, but with the same decor; a simple tatami-matted dining room set with eight cushions around a square table. From where he sat, there was a fine view of an indoor rock garden and a tapestry displayed in the corner of the room, next to a basket of peach blossoms. Kou's throat was wet with hunger. He had also chosen Kozue's meals because he had to control situations that made him feel insecure.
The wait, however, was tedious. He closed his eyes and rested his hands in his lap.