A Day in Their Shoes

Goro Akechi x Haru Okumara; Part 1

January

A pounce could be heard as Akechi shut the frost covered door outside of Leblanc. While it was no blizzard, he wasn't fond of the cold either, which certainly wasn't helping his mood. Little did he know, it was about to get a whole lot worse as the schoolgirl ran to catch him outside the cafe. Out of breath, she approached, coughed softly, and then smiled, only to begin speaking as if all of this was normal:

"So...you're back."

Haru's eyes shined their usual glow as her brown hair settled behind her turtleneck. It shimmered, white snow softly melting and exuberantly shining further, catching the Ace Detective's attention. She had run in the freezing snow just to speak with him?

"Yes...is there something you need?"

His tone was much more callous, his hair messier. He was clearly stressed.

"Oh...well, I was wondering if I could speak to you?"

Her curiosity was unfortunately sweet, yet ever so enticing. Akechi hadn't actually felt this sort of curiosity since-

"I apologize Okumara-chan, but Ren and I are incredibly busy right now."

"I beg to differ."

Even her defiance was innocently saccharine. Akechi's annoyance began to rise, a fire within him that was very easily lit.

"Don't you have somewhere to be? Razing your father's accounts if I'm not mistaken?"

That should shoo her away. In truth, Akechi had never taken any actual pleasure in killing Okumara like he had the others; it was simply pathetic. How he begged, how he whimpered. The only saving grace of performing it at the time was knowing the effect it would have on the Phantom Thieves...not knowing then how much of a fool he really was then. As for Haru herself…

"That was actually the matter I have come to discuss Akechi-san."

San? He had murdered her father and kicked it like dirt into her eye and still she referred to him with honorifics? Now he was irritated.

"Listen you pathetic little mouse. I am incredibly sorry that I murdered your father, but I'm a bit busy trying to kill a dictative god-"

"Trying? Then maybe you should ask for some help. I killed one you know."

Haru knew her smile was boggling Akechi and vexing him to his very core. Of course it was. That was the point. It was the little victories that made it all worth it. Just minutes ago, she had received a text from Ren about how busy he was with Akechi. He was difficult to track down on his own, and realizing this was her opportunity, she capitalized. Her limo was now parked in the snow, waiting for him to join her.

"What do you want?"

"Please, allow me to take you home. We have much to discuss."

Though annoyed, Akechi also saw an opportunity: a free ride. More importantly, a secure one. What's the worst she could do? Kill him? As if.

Just as she had wanted, he stepped into the limosine without care. She giggled, a bit innocently, but she could tell even he could recognize a slight sadism that came with it.

"So...why did you kill my father and leave me alone in the world?"

Blunt. Straight to the point.

"That's a loaded question."

He replied with a giggle, almost as if he found this situation amusing.

"I killed him because I was told to. You're not as stupid as Sakamoto, so I assume you asked me just to gage my reaction."

"Of course. I just wanted to see if I can give you just as much as you gave me."

"If revenge is what you're looking for-"

"Ren would never forgive me. But I won't forgive you either."

"So you'll play mind games with me then. Fascinating. You're very original."

Haru giggled once more. Was it one of offense? Or actual amusement? Maybe she just wanted to know what made him tick. Whatever the case, he found himself looking out the window to see just how close they were to his apartment. What he saw next only annoyed him more.

"You're not taking me to Kichijoji."

"No. I'm not."

"Then what more do you want?"

"Do you ever feel a twinge? Of satisfaction when you drop a shadow to the floor?"

She subtly licked a lollipop, but in such a way that was somewhat seductive. This was on purpose of course; the game being to make him ever more uncomfortable. Breaking Goro Akechi gave her the very same pleasure that she just asked him about.

"O-of course."

An unsure reply? In this moment, he felt surges of anger, but no satisfaction whatsoever. This trickery would take time for sure. Nevertheless: he continued.

"I feel a sense of victory...no. Superiority as their remains disintegrate before my eyes. They know they were beaten by a higher being, one who is far more skilled. They lose for no other reason than my satisfaction."

"Interesting…"

Was she...taking notes?! This was ridiculous. Her petite smile was no longer an annoyance; it was rage-enducing.

"Enough. Let me out of this car right now...or I can just persuade your driver to crash."

"No you won't."

Again, that damn smile!

"You're a Phantom Thief now...aren't you?"

"Conditionally."

"Then how could you harm your teammate without remorse?"

"Easily. You're not Ren. Meaning you're not tolerable in the slightest."

"Then do it Akechi-san. Make him crash."

Easy. He could just slip into the Metaverse once this was done, and if anyone asked any questions, he was on his way home. He could feel the dark power surge through his veins preparing to enrage the driver over the edge. And then...nothing.

Nothing whatsoever. Just as Haru expected.

"Um...performance issues?"

"Shut up!"

She giggled. She had beaten the Ace Detective. Mona-chan was right, this isn't as hard as it sounds.

"Are you done pretending?"

His mouth enclosed. How much did she want this? It was completely ridiculous, and yet, he felt ensnared within the car now. His heart pumped adrenaline: he wanted out. Now.

"Let me out."

"Of course. We've arrived."

The Shibuya plaza shined as the pair exited, both looking upon the great tower in the distance. Though both were similar, one was much more compliant than the other.

"I could just take a train from here…"

"Of course you could. But you'd miss all the fun."

In her hand, she held up two movie tickets, both stamped with her name. Onwards she hopped, and though completely against his instincts…

Akechi couldn't help but follow.

To be continued...