Two years. It had been two years since she had last seen the man she loved, their last meeting a night of passion to keep her memory fresh in his mind. And now he was finally coming back.
Naoto Shirogane stood at Yasoinaba Station alongside the rest of the Investigation Team, watching the next train approach. Her thoughts were disrupted as her former senpai, Yosuke Hanamura, gently nudged her with his elbow and asked, "Looking forward to this, Naoto-kun?"
"Of course." She responded without missing a beat. "Yu's finally coming back… It's been far too long." She tried to hide the emotion in her voice, but it was obvious despite her efforts. The approaching train slowed to a stop at the platform, the door sliding open as a familiar figure stepped out.
The sun glimmered off his silver hair, at least what was visible beneath the black and white pinstripe flat cap atop his head. A suit matching the cap appeared perfectly tailored for him, with smart dress shoes topping off the outfit. Steely gray eyes looked out at the assembled group as he smiled and said, "It's nice to see you all again."
Naoto was about to run to him and leap into his arms, she was so overcome by happiness. But that feeling faded into worry as a young woman stepped out from behind her beloved, taking his arm gently with a smile. She was beautiful, with lily-white skin and pale blonde hair, wearing an expensive-looking white summer dress that flattered her feminine figure, white sandals adorning her feet and an adoring look in her eyes as she gazed at Yu Narukami.
"Y-Yu…" The girl detective whispered under her breath as she tried to force the tears from her eyes. She hadn't expected him to come back with another woman on his arm, and a heavy weight felt as though it was settling on her heart.
Yu caught sight of her expression, a pained look flashing across his visage as he said, "Everyone, I'd like you to meet Vivian Cross… my fiancée." Vivian smiled and waved to the group, all of whom were dumbfounded. Even Ryotaro Dojima, the stoic detective who had looked after Yu during his stay in Inaba, had a lock of shock on his face.
But for Naoto, his announcement sent her beyond surprise. Her heart broke as she gazed at the man she loved, the only man she could ever love, with the American girl at his side, and soon she couldn't hold back her tears. Turning away from him, Naoto slowly walked away, getting onto her scooter and driving away without a word.
"Dude, what the hell?" Yosuke asked, glaring at Yu. "You knew Naoto-kun would be here to greet you! What the hell are you doing bringing another girl with you?!"
Chie's expression was as angry as Yosuke's as she chimed in, "Seriously, what's wrong with you?! Did two years overseas really make you into such a douche?"
"I can't believe you." Yukiko added, shaking her head. "That's a terrible thing to do to her."
"Man, I don't know shit about girls, but even I know that this really isn't cool. This ain't like you, Senpai." Even Kanji sounded disappointed, meaning the impression Yu left was bad indeed.
The silverette sighed and adjusted his cap, responding, "It's more complicated than you think. You wouldn't understand." Turning to the girl on his arm, he asked, "Vivian, would you mind letting Uncle and Nanako show you to the house? There's something I need to clear up."
Nodding, Vivian said in a cheerful voice, "I'll be waiting for you, darling." She stood on her tiptoes, finally getting enough height to kiss him on the cheek before walking over to a stunned Dojima and Nanako. Yu retrieved an American motorcycle from the baggage compartment of the train, then kicked it into gear without another word and drove off.
His thoughts weighed heavily on his mind as he made his way to the Shirogane estate. He had to explain to Naoto what was going on – Vivian may have been his fiancée, but Naoto was still the one he loved. He pulled to a stop outside the stately gates of the Western-style mansion, pressing the call button and saying, "It's Yu Narukami. I have to speak with Naoto; it's very important."
The gates opened roughly a minute later, allowing the young man to enter the grounds. As he made his way to the front door, a familiar figure stood at the entryway, arms crossed with a dark expression on his face. "Shirogane-sama…" Yu bowed as he addressed the old man, who looked upon him with distaste.
"Narukami-san, I heard from Nao-chan about what happened at the station. I had thought you loved my granddaughter, yet you return with another woman on your arm right in front of her. Naoto is distraught, and it is your fault." Kazuhiko Shirogane spoke coldly, the first time Yu had ever heard the elderly man use such a voice. "I hope you have a very good reason for coming here today."
"I do." Yu's voice was strong despite his elder's withering gaze. "This matter is more complicated than it seems on the surface. I figured Naoto has a right to know." Knowing his next words would impress upon Kazuhiko the sincerity of his excuse, Yu added, "It involves my father."
The Shirogane patriarch's expression darkened further at the words. "I have never told Naoto about your relationship to that man; she assumes your surname is a coincidence. You are aware that your father is responsible for the deaths of her parents?"
"I am perfectly aware. My father is a monster, and it's that cruelty of his that forced me into this situation." The silverette's voice was heavy with regret as he spoke, hoping the gravity of his words would sway the man's feelings.
Kazuhiko remained silent for a few moments, then finally ordered, "Explain this to me. I will be the judge of whether Naoto hears your words."
"Vivian, my fiancee, is the daughter of one of my father's American business partners. My father wants us to marry in order to 'cement a bond between our companies,' though I imagine he just wants leverage to take over Cross-san's business once Vivian and I are married. He made it very clear that should I refuse to marry Vivian, Naoto won't live to see her twentieth birthday." Yu's bitterness was evident in his voice, as was his anger. "I don't love Vivian; I barely know her. But Naoto is precious to me, and I'll do anything to protect her. I would rather she be safe and we never meet again than for us to be together only to have her life cut short."
The old detective's expression softened at the story as he shook his head. "Isamu has a grudge against the Shirogane family, so it's only logical that he would hatch such a scheme. Either he increases his own power or he has a reason to kill his enemies – either way, he wins. I understand your predicament, Narukami-san, and I will inform Naoto that you are not to blame. Please return to Vivian-san; I will handle Isamu."
Nodding slowly, Yu returned to his motorcycle and headed back home, hoping Naoto would forgive him.
