N-A-A Page 92
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The customers all looked like ordinary business people and didn't notice anything unusual.
She felt a little more at ease.
The waiter handed over the menu, and Yuuki Takada skillfully recommended several of the restaurant's signature dishes. He then inquired about the two women's dietary restrictions and preferences, ordered food for the three of them, and even specially selected a refreshing white wine for the lady.
While waiting for the food to be served, Yumi Miyamoto started to liven things up again: "Takada-senpai, do you come here often? You seem to know this hotel like the back of your hand." There was a hint of teasing in her tone.
Yuuki Takada chuckled: "It's not often."
"It's just that... well, I was in charge of security for a few important meetings held at this hotel before, and I took the opportunity to learn about it. I thought the environment and food were pretty good, so I made a note of it, thinking that maybe I could bring someone important to try it sometime." As he spoke, his gaze inadvertently swept over the two women opposite him.
Upon hearing this, Sato Miwako picked up her water glass and took a sip, seemingly unaware of the deeper meaning behind her words.
Yumi Miyamoto blinked and smiled gently.
The appetizers arrived quickly, and their exquisite presentation and delicious taste immediately garnered praise.
Sato Miwako gradually relaxed and began to enjoy the food and conversation.
"Speaking of which," Sato Miwako said casually, cutting the foie gras on her plate, "Takada-senpai, do you have any specific suspects in mind regarding the remaining forces of the Mishima family? And what are their possible next moves?"
Yuki Takada put down his knife and fork, his expression becoming slightly serious: "The information I received from Deputy Director Hakuba is that the former second-in-command of the Mishima Group—a man named Kurosaki—left the Mishima Group due to a mistake and has been missing ever since."
"This man has a gloomy personality, is extremely vengeful, and is an excellent marksman. It is said that he worked as an assassin when he was young. If it is indeed the remnants of the Mishima family seeking revenge, he is likely the mastermind behind it."
A glint flashed in Yuuki Takada's eyes as he continued, "As for the next step... since they failed today, they will definitely be more cautious."
"But as I suspected before, they're eager to act before I release the evidence, so they won't give up. They might try to find other loopholes in my daily life, or... wait for the next moment when I think it's absolutely safe."
"So, temporary relaxation is fine, but we must never let our guard down." Takada Yuki said this to Sato Miwako, and also to remind himself.
Miyamoto Yumi sounded a little nervous: "That sounds so dangerous... Takada-senpai, are you sure you don't need to apply for special protection?"
Yuki Takada shook his head and smiled confidently: "How can a policeman who hides catch bad guys? Besides, I trust my colleagues, and I have even more faith in my own abilities."
“More importantly…” he looked out the window at the dazzling night view and the bustling crowd below, “If even we have to live in absolute fear, then where does the sense of security in this city come from?”
His words resonated deeply with Miwako Sato, who nodded solemnly: "You're right. We will do our best to find them as soon as possible."
After the main course, the conversation shifted to lighter topics, such as interesting stories from the Metropolitan Police Department and some bizarre cases they had handled in the past.
Yumi Miyamoto added fuel to the fire by revealing many embarrassing stories about Miwako Sato's suitors, which made Sato both angry and amused. Yuki Takada couldn't help but burst into laughter, and the atmosphere became exceptionally harmonious.
The dessert is the restaurant's signature chocolate lava cake, served with vanilla ice cream.
Yumi Miyamoto scooped up a large spoonful of food with satisfaction, her eyes squinting happily: "It's so delicious! Today was thrilling at the beginning, but the ending was just wonderful!"
Just then, Yuki Takada's phone vibrated slightly.
He took it out and glanced at it. It was a text message from Inspector Megure, informing him that the surrounding surveillance investigation had not found any obviously suspicious persons, and that he should remain vigilant.
Yuuki Takada quickly replied, "Received, thank you, Inspector. Everything is normal at the moment," and then casually put his phone back in his pocket.
This subtle gesture did not escape Sato Miwako's notice, but she considerately did not ask any further questions. She simply raised her glass and said, "Takada-senpai, thank you again for your invitation today, and... thank you for your previous insistence. This dinner was wonderful."
Yumi Miyamoto quickly raised her glass: "That's right! Thank you, Takada-senpai, for the lavish meal!"
Yuki Takada smiled and clinked glasses with them: "I should thank you for trusting me and spending this... well, a rather special day off with me."
Dinner drew to a close in a pleasant atmosphere.
The night outside the window was deep, but the city lights shone even brighter.
Yuki Takada beckoned to the waiter to prepare the bill.
After paying the bill, Yuuki Takada calmly stood up and walked to the seats of Miwako Sato and Yumi Miyamoto.
He leaned slightly forward and gently pulled the chairs back for them with a natural, gentlemanly demeanor.
Then, he said in a gentle tone, "Alright, I've already booked two adjacent rooms for you at this hotel in advance. They're both on quiet floors, so you shouldn't be disturbed."
He paused briefly, then added with a smile, "In addition, the hot springs at this hotel are quite famous, with clear water and an elegant environment."
"You've had a long day, so why not take a soak before bed? It's good for your health and sleep."
Sato Miwako and Miyamoto Yumi exchanged a glance, and grateful and relaxed smiles appeared on their faces at the same time.
Nodding gently, Miwako Sato replied softly, "Takada-senpai, you're so thoughtful, thank you so much."
Yumi Miyamoto also smiled and said, "Yes, that's exactly what I wanted to do to relax. Thank you, senpai!"
Chapter 112 Can I lean on you for a bit?
"That's good." Takada Yuuki smiled gently, gestured for them to go, and then said softly, "The room is on the fifteenth floor, and the view is quite good. I'll take you up."
The three left the restaurant and took the sightseeing elevator downstairs again.
Unlike when we arrived, the night view is now more profound and dazzling, with twinkling lights like diamonds scattered on black velvet, a truly breathtaking sight.
The atmosphere inside the elevator became much more relaxed. Miyamoto Yumi was still savoring the delicious dessert, occasionally letting out a satisfied sigh.
Upon arriving at their reserved floor, Yuuki Takada handed two room keys to Miwako and Yumi respectively: "These are your rooms, 1505 and 1506, which are next to each other. My room is 1508 on the same floor. If you need anything, please feel free to contact me." He pointed to the other end of the corridor.
"Huh? Takada-senpai, you live here too?" Miyamoto Yumi asked in surprise, then smiled slyly. "Is it to make it easier to protect us?"
Yuuki Takada nodded frankly, his tone remaining as composed as ever: "Partly. After all, safety comes first. Also, of course, it's the only hotel left around here. If I don't stay here, I won't be able to find anywhere to stay right now."
"If time permits tomorrow morning, we can have breakfast together; the Japanese breakfast here is quite good. Then I'll take you back."
"You've made such a thoughtful arrangement, Takada-senpai," Sato Miwako said sincerely. "Well... let's go back to our room and put our things away first."
“Okay. The hot spring is on the B1 floor of the hotel and it stays open late. You can rest for a bit before you go,” Yuuki Takada reminded him, then bowed slightly. “Have a relaxing evening. Goodnight, Sato, Yumi Miyamoto.”
"Good night, Takada-senpai..." the two replied, watching Takada Yuuki turn and walk towards his room, his back straight and reliable.
Yumi swiped her card to open the door and immediately plopped onto the soft, large bed in room 2805: "Wow! This is so comfortable! No wonder it's a luxury hotel!" She rolled over, then sat up and looked around the room. "The night view outside! Miwako, look!"
Miwako Sato walked in with a smile and put down her small bag.
The room was spacious and clean, with exquisite and modern decor. The huge floor-to-ceiling windows offered an unobstructed view of Tokyo Bay at night, with the lights of the Rainbow Bridge reflected on the water, casting long, golden streaks. It was truly breathtaking.
"Takada-senpai really went to a lot of trouble," Sato Miwako exclaimed, walking to the window and unconsciously scanning the surroundings below and around her again—it had almost become an instinct for her.
The traffic on the street below was orderly, and the lights of the park in the distance were quiet; nothing unusual was found.
"Alright, alright, Miwako, relax!" Miyamoto Yumi jumped off the bed and took her arm. "It's rare to not have to work shifts, and you get such good treatment. Don't think about those cases!"
"Let's go to the hot springs! I was really scared today, I need to relax!"
Seeing the expectant look in Miyamoto Yumi's eyes, Sato Miwako smiled, temporarily putting aside all her previous wariness: "Okay, whatever you say. But, go back to your room first to put your things away and change your clothes."
"Okay!" Yumi Miyamoto smiled and picked up her room key. "Meet at the entrance in ten minutes!"
Ten minutes later, the two appeared at the entrance to the hot spring on the B1 floor, wearing yukatas provided by the hotel.
The entrance to the women's bath is decorated with an elegant bamboo fence, and is filled with a faint smell of sulfur and humid heat.
Upon entering, I found that there weren't many people, only a few scattered guests.
The hot spring area is ingeniously designed, featuring both indoor hot springs and open-air baths.
They chose to enter the open-air area first.
Pushing open the glass door, a slightly cool evening breeze caressed my face, and a wave of warm air, like that of a hot spring, drifted by, instantly invigorating me.
The open-air hot spring is built from natural rocks, with wisps of steam rising and blending into the night.
Looking up, you can see the neon lights of the city and the deep blue night sky, as if you are at the intersection of urban life and nature.
"Ah—this is so enjoyable! It feels so good!"
Yumi Miyamoto immersed herself in the warm spring water, leaving only her head above water, and let out an extremely pleasant sigh, "I feel like all the fatigue and tension from today have been washed away in an instant!"
"Yumi, don't say such old-fashioned things." Sato Miwako slowly sank into the water, the warm water enveloping her body, which indeed greatly relieved her muscle tension and mental anxiety.
She leaned against the smooth rock wall of the pool, closed her eyes, and savored the rare tranquility.
The soft sound of water, Yumi Miyamoto's satisfied mutterings, and the hazy white noise of the city in the distance were all around me.
"It feels just like when I soaked in Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma Prefecture. I really miss those days."
"By the way, Yumi, what were you wearing earlier?" Sato Miwako glanced at Miyamoto Yumi and asked softly, "You didn't get sunburned, did you?"
"Yes, I'm fine. I applied sunscreen beforehand, so it's okay." Yumi Miyamoto nodded.
“Speaking of which,” Miyamoto Yumi leaned closer, lowered her voice, and said with a gossipy smile, “Miwako, don’t you think Takada-senpai is taking special care of you?”
Sato Miwako opened her eyes and glanced at her friend with a hint of helplessness: "Yumi, you're at it again. Takada-senpai is just a gentleman, and today's situation is special."
"Really?" Yumi Miyamoto tilted her head. "But I always felt that the way he looked at you was a little different. And, trying to bring someone important along? Did you hear that? Maybe he meant you!"
“That’s just polite talk, or it’s a general term for all important people.” Sato Miwako analyzed rationally, trying to ignore the extremely small fluctuation in her heart. “Takada-senpai is a senior in the Metropolitan Police Department. He is capable and has a high position. His thoughtfulness towards people is just his upbringing and habit.”
"Oh? Is that so?" Miyamoto Yumi deliberately dragged out her words, "But I think Takada-senpai is much better than those blockheads from before... um!"
Sato Miwako quickly reached out and gently splashed some water, stopping her from saying anything more: "Just enjoy your hot spring and don't talk nonsense."
Yumi Miyamoto stuck out her tongue, knowing that her friend might get annoyed if she continued talking, so she wisely changed the subject and began to imagine the sumptuous breakfast she would have the next day.
"I'm sorry, Miwako, I was talking to you about those things just now." Miyamoto Yumi looked at Sato Miwako seriously.
"Eh... Ah, never mind, I've almost forgotten about those things from before." Sato Miwako chuckled softly.
"However, I am not interested in them."
Miwako Sato leaned back against the poolside, but her mood was not as calm as it appeared.
But the image of Yuuki Takada secretly surfaced in her mind.
Yuki Takada is indeed very charming. He is mature, stable, capable, and considerate.
It's easy to develop a liking for him when you're around him.
But Miwako Sato is very clear about her own heart and understands what is most important right now.
She gently brushed away those subtle thoughts, like the steam rising from the water in front of her, and refocused on relaxing in the present moment.
After soaking for about half an hour, the two felt completely refreshed and sat in the changing room next door, drying her hair.
After changing her clothes, Miyamoto Yumi said goodbye to Sato Miwako, "Miwako, I'm going back to my room now."
Sato Miwako replied, "Okay."
After she finished packing, she slowly walked out of the women's changing room carrying a small bag of things, only to unexpectedly see Takada Yuuki coming out of the men's changing room.
Seeing this, Sato Miwako's face involuntarily flushed, her eyes darted away, she lowered her head and said softly, "Takada-senpai, what a coincidence, you just finished washing over there?"