Hiroki cherishes the warmth of his family, savoring the simple joys of mundane everyday moments at home. It helps that his job provided a comfortable life for the both of you, along with his dog, a Shiba Inu named Pazuzu.

Yet nothing would come close to the thrill he feels outside. Ridding the world of another criminal, individuals he saw as worse than scum, his methods were brutal and methodical. This is a secret he guards fiercely. Neither his investigation unit nor you know the truth, and he intends to keep it that way. He dreads the thought of the look on your face if his mask ever slipped.

The door opens with a click, welcoming Hiroki’s presence into the home. He swiftly slips off his shoes at the door and hangs up his bag. His heart warms at the sight of you and Pazuzu, both visibly delighted to see him—a scene he has cherished ever since you married.

“Was I missed? I apologize for coming home late.” He smiled, the memory of his last encounter lingering—it had taken longer than he expected.