Kanji-kun."
The sound of the detective's voice made Kanji jump. He'd been scanning the bulletin board for his exam results when Naoto snuck up behind him and caught him off guard. Turning around, he saw her standing there, arms crossed, staring up at him. What did I do? "Oh. Uh. Hey. What - what's up?"
"I require your assistance in testing a theory of mine," Naoto explained.
"A theory?" Kanji repeated. "Like, what, for a case or somethin'?"
"Or something," she said evasively. "I need you to lean forward a little bit."
Kanji raised an eyebrow. "Why?"
"Just do it," Naoto sighed. Kanji didn't get it, but did as he was told, bending at the waist until Naoto took his face in her hands. Before he even had a chance to be confused, her lips were on his in an awkward sort of smooshing that wasn't altogether unpleasant. Five seconds later, it was over, and Naoto took a step back, looking thoughtful. "Hm. Thank you for your help, Kanji-kun. My hypothesis is holding up so far, but further tests may be required, so please make time in your schedule."
Kanji, still hunched over with his lips sticking out, furrowed his brow. "Uh. Are you…asking me out?"
"I'm looking into what effects kissing large seamsters might have on brilliant detectives. The two of us are perfect test subjects."
"So…that's a yes?" Kanji pressed, straightening up. Naoto shrugged and tapped her foot against the ground.
"I prefer the term 'conducting an experiment in happiness,' but to each his own."
"So we'd be dating."
"Researching."
"Boyfriend and girlfriend."
"Lab partners."
"You like me?"
"I like y-" Naoto broke off, turning pink. Her foot-tapping sped up and she looked away, clearing her throat. "I…after much consideration, I've chosen you as my ideal…um, you fit my criteria for…" She scowled at Kanji. "Just - just be at Aiya tonight at seven."And with that, Naoto spun on her heel and stormed off with as much dignity as she could muster, leaving behind a bemused Kanji who may or may not have had a date with a stubborn detective.
