Story Chapter 51: Restraints removed

The officer stood behind Seiri, holding the handcuff key steady. "Stay still." Seiri gave a nervous nod, her shoulders tense. "O-Okay..." The small key slid into the first cuff. *Click.* With a careful turn, the locking mechanism released. The pressure around her first wrist eased immediately. "Ah—!" A soft, pained yelp escaped her lips as she instinctively flexed her fingers. The officer paused. "Are you alright?" Seiri winced, taking a slow, frustrated breath. "No..." "Hah..." "I've been handcuffed for so long... I can barely feel my wrists. They were so tight." She swallowed before continuing. "And this gym uniform makes it so much worse... it got even tighter when it got wet." Her breathing remained uneven. "...Urgh..." "...Haa..." The officer acknowledged her explanation with a slight nod but remained focused on removing the restraints safely. He inserted the key into the second cuff. *Click.* The lock disengaged. The second bracelet opened, and the handcuffs slid free from her wrists with a soft metallic... *Clink...* Seiri slowly brought her hands forward for the first time in what felt like hours, gently rubbing each wrist. "Urgh..." "...Hah... ha..." She rotated them carefully, wincing as sensation gradually returned. The officer collected the handcuffs and clipped them back onto his duty belt. "Your wrists may feel sore for a while." He stepped toward the door and looked back at her. "Now we're going to get your mugshot taken." Seiri looked up, her expression a mixture of fatigue and apprehension as she drew a slow breath. The officer opened the interview room door, ready to escort her to the booking area.