INT – BARBECUE RESTAURANT – 8PM
The wall felt cold against Erion's back as he stood in the corner near the garden exit, hands raised in a mock surrender. The overhead light caught him like a spotlight, pinning him down as if this were some interrogation.
And his interrogator?
Evah.
Her white socks padded across the floor with every sharp step forward, her eyes burning with fury. Each step closed the distance, pushing him closer to his invisible edge.
"I told you—it wasn't me!" Erion insisted, for the third time. His voice was calm, but it carried the edge of someone fighting to keep his temper.
"There's no one else who could've told her, Erion!" Evah's voice trembled between anger and hurt. "You knew what this would do to her. She didn't need to know! She's already worried enough—how could you be so inconsiderate?!" Her hand trembled as she pointed at him, eyes glossing with tears that hadn't fallen yet.
She'd spoken to Yuka earlier. And Yuka had already known. Known that Evah was working with the CGO.
"I said—it. Was. Not. Me." Erion leaned forward, stressing each word slowly, hands still up yielding his innocence.
"I don't believe you!" Evah snapped, stepping even closer. "How could you?"
He opened his mouth to respond—but another voice cut through.
"I did!"
Both their heads whipped toward the sound.
A man in a long lab coat approached, his expression tight with worry. His usual bright demeanor was dimmed.
"Doctor?"
"Riko?"
Their voices overlapped in unison.
"I'm sorry," Riko said, his voice softer than usual. "I didn't know… I only wanted to help." He glanced aside, guilt etched across his face, before finally locking eyes with Evah. "Miss Iekami was always so sad. She kept worrying about you, so I… I told her. I just wanted to reassure her you were safe."
His head bowed deeply.
"No—please, don't bow!" Evah rushed forward, clasping both of his hands. Her anger crumbled instantly into guilt. "It's okay. I understand."
"Really," he said, voice weak. "I never meant to hurt you."
"I know, I know. Don't worry about it, Doctor."
Behind them, Erion slowly lowered his hands, watching in disbelief. His mouth parted slightly, but no words came. He was… insulted. Forgotten.
"I'm sorry for causing you trouble Doctor." When Evah finally bowed in apology, Erion's hand clamped firmly onto her shoulder. She froze, reminded that he was still there—watching, listening.
"Did you just apologize?" His voice was sharp, disbelieving. "Did you just say it was 'okay' when Riko did it?"
"It's the Doctor!" Evah exclaimed defensively. "He didn't mean any harm!"
"And I did?" His brows furrowed, frustration darkening his tone.
"That's not what I said!"
"You just implied it," he countered. "I told you—several times—that it wasn't me. Yet the moment Riko admits it, you apologize? For him?"
"He's my superior!" Evah shot back, crossing her arms over her chest.
Erion mirrored the gesture, eyes narrowing. "I'm your superior's boss."
Riko, caught in the crossfire, shifted awkwardly, his head turning back and forth like a spectator at a match.
"And another thing," Erion stepped closer, voice suddenly calm. Too calm. "How did you contact her? I still have your phone."
The precision of the question pierced straight through her chest. Her face betrayed her guilt, eyes darting everywhere except at him.
"Bunny." His voice dipped into a dangerously playful lilt. That smile, his vexing jester's grin—spread across his face. "How did you call her?"
Her heartbeat thundered in her ears. She was cornered. Done for.
Then—
"I lent her mine."
Riko's hand went up, timidly, like a guilty student confessing in class. "Sorry…"
Erion turned to him slowly, voice low. "…Riko."
The tension spiked.
Before Erion could say another word, Evah bolted forward, planting herself between them. Arms outstretched, feet planted firmly.
"It's not his fault!" she declared. "It was my idea!"
Riko's lips moved in a silent sorry from behind her, his face stiff with guilt.
Erion's eyes lingered on Riko for a long moment—before landing on Evah, who stood before him with fearless determination.
"The doctor is innocent!" she said firmly, chin high, voice full of resolve.
"Of course he is." Erion hissed through his teeth, shaking his head.
Then, without another word, he turned, his steps echoing as he walked away.
"You… unjust Bunny," he muttered under his breath.
"What?" Evah blinked, unable to catch it.
"I said, let's go back. Everyone's waiting," his voice called louder this time, nearly a shout from several meters away.
And then—he was gone, swallowed by the hallway.
Evah and Riko exchanged a glance. Both nodded, silently agreeing, before following after him.