Author's Note: For anyone who's actually bothered to read my stuff lately, I apologize for the deaths of God Child and Clash of Ideals. Quite honestly, I couldn't for the life of me find a way to continue them that didn't seem like utter crap to me. Hopefully this one won't suffer the same fate. Also, infinite thanks to my best friend and beta reader Reggie, for not only taking the time to read my stuff but also offer advice so you guys get the best possible product.

Naoto left the classroom building at Yasogami High, meeting up with Yukiko and Chie just outside the building. "Oh, Naoto-kun! I'm surprised you hadn't gone home yet." The Amagi heiress smiled, completely oblivious to the lovestruck gazes of several male students. It didn't hurt that more than a few of those vanished when Chie glowered menacingly at them.

"Yes, I was on cleaning duty today. I assume that you're not in any hurry to return to the inn, since you and Chie-senpai are together; would you like some company?" The young detective thought to herself how strange it was for her to make such an offer. Even a year ago, she would never have imagined doing that – she had been completely isolated, but the murders in Inaba had formed unbreakable bonds between her and her friends. Even those who weren't beside her were always connected, her confidant Rise and of course, him…

The two older girls accepted Naoto's offer and the three made their way to the gates. Once they got there, however, a strange sight greeted them. A pair of students in Yasogami uniforms, a boy and a girl who could only be twins with dark red hair approached Naoto and bowed in unison. "There you are, Mistress Naoto! We've been waiting for you!" Their speech was as synchronized as their movements, and that perfect synchronicity was drawing quite a bit of attention.

"Erm… May I ask who you are? I don't seem to recall either of you…" Naoto shifted uncomfortably, both at the sudden strange address and the fact that quite a few students were staring at them.

The boy was the first to reply. "I'm Yuzuru Wakui, and my sister is Airi. I apologize for our sudden appearance, Mistress Naoto; we'd thought you'd been informed of our coming. As of today, the two of us are to serve as your personal attendants. It's going to be a pleasure serving you, Mistress Naoto!"

Airi noted the confused look on Naoto's face and clarified, "Master Kazuhiko thought it proper that you have someone to assist you in your cases, as Yakushiji-san assists him. Our family owes a great debt to the Shirogane family, and so we've come to serve you. We're both looking forward to it, Mistress Naoto."

"A-Alright, please calm down. We'll discuss this back at my apartment. I'm sorry, Senpai, I didn't expect this." Hurrying the Wakui twins away, Naoto shot Yukiko and Chie an apologetic glance while she made her most dignified escape from the crowd of onlookers.

When the three reached Naoto's apartment, the girl detective sighed heavily. "Sometimes I don't understand Grampa's way of thinking. Why does he think I need attendants? And not just one, but two, and with combat training no less." Spotting the shocked looks on the twins' faces, she continued, "Most people won't recognize it, but the way you move indicates formal instruction in personal combat. Tell me, why does Grampa want me to have bodyguards?"

"Well, Master Kazuhiko gave no instructions to not tell you…" Yuzuru seemed a bit nervous, clamming up immediately after saying as much.

Airi decided to be more forthcoming than her brother, actually answering Naoto's question. "Master Kazuhiko is concerned about the state of your social life, Mistress Naoto. While he appreciates that you've made friends among your peers, he feels as though one of them has been getting too close to you for comfort, and assigned us to guard you in case he returns to Inaba. Please understand, milady."

It took a moment for Naoto to put everything together, but the conclusion she arrived at stunned her, causing her to blurt out her thoughts, "Grampa's worried about someone getting too close to me… Wait, does he mean Yu? But he's not the type to harm anyone, especially not his friends…" An even heavier sigh emerged from the petite detective as she slumped in her chair, suddenly drained.

"Are you alright, Mistress Naoto? Is this Yu-san someone close to you?" Yuzuru asked hesitantly, not sure how far he should probe into the situation.

Airi was too starstruck to hesitate, staring dreamily into space as she murmured, "I understand, and it's so romantic! Our Mistress Naoto, heiress to the esteemed Shirogane family, and her mysterious suitor from the shadows! And when he comes for our lady, Master Kazuhiko will appear and the two will fight a duel to determine this stranger's worthiness to court her…!"

"Sister, that's exactly the kind of thing we're to prevent from happening." The words were somewhat muted, given that Yuzuru's face was mashed into his palm. "Please forgive Airi, Mistress Naoto. When it comes to matters of romance, she tends to… fantasize. I assure you that if we are called upon to protect you, she will fight at peak efficiency." The crimson tint to his face and his exceptionally low bow spoke volumes of his embarrassment at his sister's fantasy.

When did my life suddenly turn to chaos? Naoto wondered to herself. A silly question. Given what brought Grampa's worry on, this was set in motion the moment I confessed my love to Yu. I'm going to have to have words with him later. Her internal monologue finished, she addressed the Wakui twins with a hint of exasperation she couldn't suppress. "Please, just… don't go overboard. I'll speak with Grampa about this, and I'd prefer to have my relationship with Yu proceed without complications. He's important to me." She felt heat suffuse her face at her own words, hoping that her new bodyguards wouldn't judge her too much.