Yu heard the door slide open

"Hello? It's Shirogane!" Naoto called

"Come on in! Dojima's out trying to solve his cases, so we'll be able to study in peace." Yu called from the living room

"Alright. So, should we go upstairs?"

"Yeah. You should get to bed, Nanako. We all have to stay on a schedule to wake up on time the next morning." Yu suggested

"Alright. Just make sure you guys are actually studying. That's what dad told me to tell you guys." Nanako repeated to the teenagers. They could just imagine Dojima telling them just that with a deep scowl etched into his countenance.

Naoto chuckled nervously "Alright. Tonight is all about studying." Naoto reassured young Nanako

The duo walked up the stairs and a they entered the doorway, Naoto leaned into Yu's ear and whispered quietly

"But the next time I come here won't be to help you study." Naoto said with a wink and a pale blush

"I-I can't wait, but shouldn't we really study for our tests before the Midnight Channel comes on?" Yu stammered slightly

"Oh, alright. Just promise me you'll make up for it next time." Naoto reluctantly agreed


"Alright, that should be enough studying for now." Naoto said as she shut the thick Algebra II book, a welcome change in sound from the rain pattering against the window repetitively

"Yeah, I think you're right, Naoto." Yu said while staring directly at his clock.

A clock that read '11:58'.

"So...what should we talk about while we're waiting for it to come o-?"

The room darkened and the television flashed to life with static buzzing blocking some of the audio and the static on screen distorting the image slightly, but anyone who wasn't blind in any way (and that doesn't mean oblivious) was capable of seeing a high school-age boy in a fancy three-piece suit.

"I am finally free to... and be with... all I have ever wanted. I'm finally FREE! There's no one to... or tell me... or how to live. I'm finally my own person! " the Shadow said with total exuberance that it started to cackle madly.

"Now that the old... gone and the other one's teetering on the brink of death... free! I have all of this... and no place to... of it! And it's all thanks to those old geezers!" the Shadow smirked like a cat would to a cornered and wounded mouse.

The television flicked off, leaving the room eerily silent.

"What the hell! Where did that come from? More importantly, what was he saying?" Naoto rocketed off questions

"I'm not sure, Naoto. All I was really able to get from all that was that he was freed from...something." Yu answered the rhetorical question with an honest answer.

"Why did I it come on early, anyway?" Naoto asked Yu

"I've only noticed it once before, but I had to reset my clock, and I accidentally set it a minute back. I've just never gotten around to it..." Yu chuckled sheepishly

"Why does that not surprise me?" Naoto chuckled lightly "Anyway, I'll walk home. See you tomorrow, Senpai." Naoto began to walk out the door.

Until Yu grabbed her hand "What kind of host would I be if I let you walk home after midnight? Please stay here until the morning, I insist."
"But what if Dojima shows up in the morning?"
"Uncle has to be the most determined detective on the force. He pulls so many all-nighters, I'm amazed he hasn't dropped dead, yet. He won't be home, trust me."
"And Nanako?"
"I'll tell her what I told you. It's too dangerous to be going alone at night."

"Alright. I'll take the couch so you can have the futon." Naoto volunteered
"No way. The couch is uncomfortable as all hell and I'm more used to it than you are. I'd sleep much more soundly if you'd take the futon."
"I can't do that to you. I'll only take your bed if you share it with me."
"Sh-Share it! Don't you think it's a little early to be sleeping together?"
"OH GOD, YU! We don't have to have... You know..."

"A-Alright." Yu slid into the futon "Y-your turn..."

Naoto slipped into the futon quickly and slid her arms around Yu

"That doesn't mean I don't want to, though." Naoto whispered as she pecked his cheek "I love you, Senpai."


Next morning


Yu and Naoto walked hand-in-hand their way to school, smiling happily.

They didn't care about what anyone else thought of them being together.

The Detective Prince and the City Boy were happy together.

They silently parted ways to their respective homeroom classes with a look that said 'I'll see you during lunch'


Alright guys, I hope you enjoyed this update, though I'm not exactly sure if anyone's reading this. As such, I'll give you guys a challenge. This story has to reach seven reviews to be updated.

There's also a bonus lemon scene, though I won't release it until this story hits ten reviews. (Note for after the criteria have been met: If you want the scene, send me a PM with your email, and I'll send you the file as soon as I'm able.)

I don't like doing this guys, but I'm not sure if anyone likes this or not, so this is kinda a test in a way. DX

I'm really just making sure I'm not wasting my time, ya know?

Anyway, hope to see ya guys in the next installment!

~GA96