RH Chapter 12

Chapter 12 – Amane’s Stalker

Resonance 2, Part 4

Novel Title: 共鳴発情 オメガバース (Resonance Heat: Omegaverse)

Author：岩本薫 (Iwamoto Kaoru)

Illustrator: 蓮川愛 (Hasukawa Ai)

Translator: K (@kin0monogatari)

Protagonists: 本浄天音 (Honjou Amane) & 苅谷煌騎 (Kariya Kouki) / 首藤煌騎 (Shutou Kouki)

*Please read at Novels Space.space, the original site of translation. TQ*

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“I had Kariya conduct the first witness interview while waiting for you to arrive at the scene. He was at a loose end. So I gave him something to do.”

Kuroki’s explanation caused Amane to mutter in a low voice, “Use him however you want… no need to ask for my permission.”

At that moment, Kouki, as if just now noticing Amane’s presence, greeted him, “Good morning, Honjou-san.”

“…”

Amane didn’t respond, turning his face away.

(He was the one who avoided eye contact earlier.)

Amane knew full well that Kouki harboured a dislike for him. He only pretended to respect his seniors because they were forced to work together as partners.

But that feeling was mutual.

From the very first time they met on the rooftop, Amane hadn’t liked him. Even without hearing about his top marks at the police academy, anyone could tell at a glance that Kouki was different.

His height far exceeded average. His handsome face would undoubtedly make women swoon. A well-balanced and toned physique. His skin was flawless, with not a single blemish. His hair, full and healthy. Even his teeth were perfect, white, and straight.

All of these were things anyone would envy, yet Kouki took them as a given, without a shred of humility. On top of that, he dressed in impeccably tailored shirts, high-end ties, custom-made three-piece suits, and polished handmade leather shoes—luxuries a detective’s meagre salary could never afford. Was he showing off?

If Kouki had gone into a career more suited for his elite status, like becoming a bureaucrat, he would’ve been fine. Instead, he chose to work at a run-down police station, claiming ‘being a detective was his childhood dream’. What kind of grown man still talks about childhood dreams?

(Whatever happens to him, it’s none of my business. His dreams can shatter for all I care—)

Partner up with this guy and look after him? You’re kidding, right? Why the hell does he have to train a newbie?

He has worked solo and produced results until now. Even if he was a misfit in the organisation, as long as he delivered results, they tolerated his individual style.

But this time, they said it was ‘an order from the higher-ups,’ and they had the nerve to say, ‘You, as a mere detective, don’t have the authority to refuse.’

It’s true that they’ve accommodated him in various ways so far. Onizuka’s points were all valid. As frustrating as it was, he had no rebuttal. If Onizuka went as far as to say all that, it must be something beyond the head of the department’s control.

Amane understood that much. But feelings are another matter. Even after returning to his seat, his anger didn’t subside, and just as he was simmering with frustration, Kouki, who had chased after the Squad Commander, came back. He must have been unhappy with his assigned partner too and went to protest. Amane was waiting with a sliver of hope. But then he came over with a deeply troubled expression and suddenly bowed his head.

―――There may be areas where I fall short as a partner, but I would appreciate your guidance.

In the end, he let the Squad Commander smooth-talk him. What a useless idiot.

Amane got even angrier and, in his frustration, kicked the trash can at his feet. The can flew, hit a pillar, and toppled over, scattering trash everywhere. To his disbelief, the idiot Kouki ordered, “Please pick up the trash. It’s the trash you scattered.”

(I couldn’t believe my ears. What the hell is this guy saying?)

―――There is no distinction between a newcomer and a veteran when it comes to correcting mistakes. You should clean up what you’ve done yourself. Even a child would understand this common sense. Please pick up the trash.

As he continued his preachy lecture, Amane clicked my tongue thinking, ‘is he a class rep or something?’

Amane was so sick of his goody-two-shoes act that he started walking out of the office. But the idiot called after him.

―――Please wait!

Sensing that he was going to chase after him, Amane whipped around and yelled, “Don’t follow me!”

―――If you follow me… I’ll kill you.

Perhaps because Amane put all his killing intent into it, Kouki finally stopped coming after him.

But, seriously.

Amane thought he’d put him in his place on the first day. But the bastard was surprisingly persistent.

On the second day, in the morning, Kouki was waiting for him when he arrived at the office. And for the entire day, he stuck to him like glue.

“Back off! You’re in my way!”

No matter how harshly Amane tried to chase him away, he insisted, ‘We’re partners,’ and wouldn’t leave. Even at his desk, Amane constantly felt his gaze from the side. As soon as their eyes met, he’d start with, “Is there anything I can help with?” It was beyond annoying.

“No. Now get out of my sight.”

“I won’t leave. We’re partners.”

“I don’t recognize you as my partner.”

“Even if you don’t, we’re still partners.”

Exasperated by this back-and-forth, Amane stood up, and Kouki followed suit.

“Where are you going? I’ll accompany you.”

“To the bathroom. You want to come with me to the john?”

Amane pretended to head to the restroom just to shake him off. Finally, some peace. He was seriously going to lose his hair from stress. Lighting a cigarette, he opened the door to the rooftop.

“As I’m sure you’re aware, smoking is prohibited inside the premises. If you’d like, please use this.”

Kouki, who had gotten there ahead of him, handed Amane a portable ashtray. Amane yelled, “Just die already.”

He’s a complete stalker.

By the end of the second day, Amane irritation had peaked. Even after leaving the office, the frustration didn’t go away, and Amane ended up burning through twice his usual amount of cigarettes. That’s when he decided: getting angry was pointless. He’d just ignore him. No matter what he said, he’d give him the silent treatment and completely blow him off.

With that resolve, Amane downed all the alcohol he had at home and passed out on his bed—only to be woken up by an emergency call while he was in deep sleep.

When he got to the scene, the sight of the annoying rookie brought back all his irritation from the day before. He realised it was already the third day, the deadline he had set for him.

Since he told him he wouldn’t last three days, he had to make sure he quit today.

(Well, it’s just the start of the day. Before the clock strikes midnight, I’ll make him hand in his resignation.)

As he was thinking that, Kuroki said, “First, we need to identify the victim.”

“Anything on the body to help with identification?”

“Nothing on him. No ID, and he wasn’t carrying a citizen card. So we can’t determine his category.”

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*Translator’s Note: Hahahaha! Kariya-san is indeed persistent! -K

Next update: 2024.11.30

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