pursing her lips with displeasure. “You should leave it unlocked. You want the others to see me come in?” “My bad,” Kousaka apologized. “I assume you’ve got the money?” He handed Sanagi an envelope, and she opened it and checked it on the spot. Once certain the specified amount was inside, she put it back and placed it in her bag. “As promised, I’ll be your friend.” Sanagi grinned. “Let’s get along.” “Yes, let’s,” Kousaka politely replied. “That aside, before you come in the room, there’s one thing I want to ask…” He was going to ask her to wait so he could get wet wipes to at least clean her exposed skin with, but it was too late. She threw off her loafers, ignored the slippers Kousaka prepared for her, went into the living room, and sat down on the bed like it was her own. Kousaka nearly shrieked. “Wait, please, not the bed, okay?”, Kousaka begged, pointing to his work chair. “If you’re going to sit, use that.” “Don’t wanna.” Kousaka’s pleas were in vain, and Sanagi lied face-down on the bed, put a pillow under her chin, and began to read a