Drop! ~The Snatch Was Evidence of Murder~ [Epilogue]

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[Epilogue]

"You can't blame me, it was broadcast live! I'm just doing my job!"
Shiba and Okumori rushed over to where Inukai was dragging Tokura.
"Inukai. What's going on? What about Tokura?"
"This guy was about to be hauled in for snatching."
Inukai answered mercilessly.
"Well, he brought it on himself."
"U-um... about that."
Okumori raised his hand timidly, watching Inukai's reaction.
"I... wasn't snatched. I gave my bag to Mr. Tokura."
"What..."
Everyone except Okumori widened their eyes.
"What are you saying, Okumori! That's not right, you shouldn't coddle Mr. Tokura!"
"Yeah, Okkun! I snatched it, so!"
Without flinching at their intensity, Okumori shook his head firmly.
"No. I gave my bag to Mr. Tokura. So, I wasn't snatched."
"...Okumori, you have a reason for thinking that, don't you?"
Shiba placed a hand on Okumori's back, which was a bit too tense. Okumori took a breath and began to speak in his usual soft voice.
"...At that time, I could have called out if I wanted to. I could have chased him if I wanted to. But I didn't."
"That... I was wondering about that too."
Tokura muttered with a complicated expression.
"You didn't call out. You didn't chase me. Even if I was targeting that type, it felt a bit too easy."
"So you were targeting that type."
"Ugh... sorry about that..."
Having his sore spot poked by Satomi, Tokura hung his head dejectedly.
"...When my bag was stolen, honestly, I thought, 'Oh no.' I wondered what to do. But when I saw Tokura's back as he ran away, I thought."
Okumori paused there and smiled at the wilting Tokura.
"Something might change. By this person taking this bag, something I couldn't resist might happen. That's what I thought. And that actually became reality."
Suddenly, Okumori bowed his head toward Inukai.
"So, it's as if I gave the bag to Mr. Tokura at that time. I don't think I was snatched."
"Okkun..."
"...There's no need to be considerate of Tokura. Are you really sure about this?"
"Yes...!"
Even with Satomi's confirmation, Okumori did not waver and continued to bow intently.
"Hmm... well... if the parties involved have settled it, there's no need for the police to get involved..."
Inukai scratched his head uncomfortably and faked a yawn. Shiba patted Tokura on the back.
"Settlement reached. Good for you, Tokura."
"...Ugh, this doesn't make me feel any better... Okkun! I don't have money... so at least let me work for you!"
"What a troublesome guy..."
Inukai watched with an exasperated look as Tokura clung to Okumori's legs.
"T-Tokura! Please let go...! I don't have anything I need help with, and I'm not in a position to hire anyone...!"
"Don't say that...! Please, let me pay you back somehow!"
"Ah, hey, hey. Tokura, you're bothering Okumori."
Shiba peeled Tokura off Okumori. After a breath, he turned his gentle gaze toward Satomi.
"Well... with this, it's truly case closed."
"Yes."
Satomi smiled back. Shiba reached out his right hand, looking a bit embarrassed.
"I caused you a lot of trouble. I'm glad you helped me."
"Thank you for everything as well. I appreciate your cooperation."
Okumori rushed over to the two of them as they shook hands firmly. Standing next to Shiba, he bowed to Satomi.
"Thank you so much, too...! I really don't know how to thank you..."
"Thank you for your help as well. You helped me a lot. That tea from back then was delicious."
"Oh, not at all..."
Okumori gripped Satomi's right hand with tears in his eyes.
"...By the way."
Satomi smiled and gripped Okumori's hand firmly.
"I haven't received your payment for the request yet."
"Eh... ah! Come to think of it...!"
Okumori began to panic as if he had forgotten.
"I'm sorry, things have been so hectic...! Ah, but from here on, I don't even know what will happen with my work as a servant... um, first, I need to find a new workplace..."
"...Satomi. I'll pay Okumori's fee for now. Please, let's settle this peacefully..."
"No. I don't allow advance payments in my office because they lead to trouble."
Rejected flatly by Satomi, Okumori dropped his shoulders weakly.
"Thank you for your concern, Shiba... but this is indeed my problem. No matter how long it takes, I will pay you, Satomi."
"...I'm not that patient. My place is also struggling financially."
Shiba proposed to Satomi.
"Hey, about the advance payment... is it okay if it's not money?"
"Eh? Well... it depends on what it is."
"Is labor okay?"
Shiba's fingers pointed alternately between Okumori and Tokura as if trading them.
"In that case, Okumori can pay Satomi with labor equivalent to the fee, and ask Tokura to cover that advance. That would also be Tokura's atonement to Okumori, right?"
Okumori and Tokura looked at each other.
"Um..."
"That means..."
"It means Tokura will work for free at my place instead of Okumori."
Satomi summarized concisely. Okumori hurriedly bowed to Tokura.
"I'm sorry, Tokura...! I'm sorry to ask, but would you mind?"
"Eh!? I don't mind at all... actually, rather..."
"Thank you...!"
Seeing Okumori thanking him, Inukai pouted unhappily.
"...Isn't that a reward for him instead?"
Satomi was looking at Tokura. Tokura was also looking at Satomi.
"...Seriously?"
"It seems like I'll be spending a bit more time with you."
Laughing, Satomi reached out his right hand.
"Well then, once again... I'll make sure you work off the fee."
"Haha... I knooow."
Tokura reached out without hesitation.
"Nice to work with you, partner."
I felt that what I had picked up, lost, dropped, and gained was always in these hands.