Chapter 38: "Brewed suspicion."
"You want a drink? A canned soda? Juice? Or a beer?" Reina offered.
"A beer sounds good." I accepted her offer.
Reina smiled at me.
"Great, follow me to the kitchen, bro." Reina said.
I followed Reina to the kitchen and nothing surprises me anymore.
Their kitchen is expansive, with sleek, high-end appliances seamlessly integrated into the design. The countertops are likely marble or another luxurious material, complimenting the custom cabinetry.
Their kitchen features a large central island with bar seating, perfect for entertaining guests or casual dining. High ceilings and ample natural light streaming in through large windows or skylights create an airy, inviting atmosphere.
Everything is designed for both functionality and aesthetic appeal, with finest and luxurious cooking equipment, storage solutions and perhaps even a separate pantry or prep area.
"Nice kitchen." I complimented the aesthetics and luxurious design of their kitchen.
"This kitchen was perfectly designed by Okasan. In her free time, she likes to be here and create new recipes. She said this kitchen relaxes her because of its comforting and calming atmosphere." Reina explained.
"Your Okasan's a chef?" I asked.
"She was until she became a supermodel and a successful businesswoman." Reina happily answered.
"Hm." I raised my eyebrow.
I'm still suspicious of Sakura's past.
I took a seat at the bar, and Reina opened their large and luxurious refrigerator and picked a bottle of beer from inside.
"Here, bro." Reina gave me a cold ice beer.
Having such strength, I easily uncapped the bottle with my index finger.
Reina widened her eyes.
"Woah, you're a strong man, bro, how did you do that?" Reina was amazed.
"Gym." I answered in nonchalant way and drank the beer.
"Anyway, did you go to the police station earlier?" I asked her directly.
Reina nodded.
"Yes, I still can't believe someone would murder an innocent, happy woman like Nakamura." Reina said with a somber tone.
"Did they say anything about where Nakamura was killed?" I asked her again.
Reina shook her head
"I don't know, but I saw a police officer hand some compiled files and papers or some crap like that to my Okasan."
"Hmm."
"And I think I saw a name on the cover, Nakamura." Reina said, remembering what she saw earlier.
"Those are confidential files about Nakamura's murder."
"Why would your mother receive those confidential files from a police officer?" I asked Reina, suspiciously.
Reina shrugged her shoulders
"I don't know, bro, maybe it's because Nakamura was an employee of my Okasan."
My suspicion grew stronger, but I'll have to keep it myself. My gut tells me that Sakura might have an idea about Nakamura's murderer, but I don't want to accuse someone else without knowing logical facts first.
"What are you thinking, bro? Reina asked me, confused.
"Nothing."
"Do you think Okasan killed Nakamura-chan?" Reina solemnly asked.
I looked at Reina with my eyes squinted.
...
.....
....
...
..
.
Reina suddenly laughed.
"Oh my god!" She exclaimed.
Reina kept laughing.
"That's the funniest joke you could think of, Ray-kun!"
I sighed.
"Imagine....Okasan....a murderer." Reina kept on laughing and laughing.
I drank another round from my beer.
"Anyway, are the confidential files here at your house?" I asked her again, unbothered by her laughs.
"Wait....bro." Reina said, trying to control her laughing.
Reina then stopped laughing.
"Oh, Ray-kun, you're the most funniest man I've ever known." Reina teased.
"I didn't tell you a joke, Reina-chan." I solemnly said.
"I know, but you still made me laugh." Reina said.
I didn't respond but I squinted my eyes while staring at Reina.
Reina gave me an awkward and shy smile.
"Right! The confidential files!"
"I think Okasan placed them in her room."
"Okay." I said and drank another round from the bottle.
"I'll go get it, bro, you just stay put here." Reina happily said.
Reina then walked away from the bar.
Reina turned her back suddenly.
"Oh, if you want another beer, bro, it's in the refrigerator."
"Whatever." I muttered.
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