sponsoredby | kim catchall

She was asking for help. And I failed to provide it.

Kim... You can't blame yourself for that.

[ He places a hand on his shoulder, leaning in a bit closer to him with worry on his face. ]

You couldn't have known at the time. She couldn't say anything and it's hard to see those things...

[He runs a hand over his face, and just... leaves it there.

Taking a few slow breaths.

...]

Thank you.

You don't need to thank me for that.

[ He hesitates but he moves his hand to rest on Kim's back, trying to be more comforting without stepping over personal boundaries much. ]

You've been working so hard.

[He doesn't seem to mind the touch. He's at a loss for words, though, and it takes a little while before he speaks again.]

This is the truth that I needed to know.

It's painful, but... it's a relief, to finally know for sure.

[ He gives him all the time he needs. His hand... lightly rubbing at Kim's back. ]

It's something that people need to know. That she wanted people to know.

A bitter pill from this place, but having that truth out will help everyone involved find some peace in having that answer. And maybe... some people will understand a bit why Rochalizo chose her, his important friend, over someone else.

Yes. Closure is good.

[Kotetsu receives a small, grateful glance. When Kim finds the presence of mind to move again, he picks up his pen and starts filling in some fields on the page in front of him. The culprit is Susato Mikotoba. The case is closed.]

If I find out any other answers, I'll let you know.

[ He nods softly at him. ]

Continue the good work. And I'll say it again, don't blame yourself for something overlooked. We're all human here working with limited time.

I appreciate it.

And... I know. [A sigh.] I'm well-acquainted with failure. It's always been a normal part of detective work.

But even when you think you've gotten used to it, some failures just hit differently than the others.