A/N: This oneshot takes place after "Hajime's Anger!" Please read and review, and enjoy!
The Ultimate Detective and The Ultimate Hope Gaiden: Kiki's First Date!
Kiki sighed and put down her pencil before she collected her entrance exam and walked from her desk to the administrator's desk. As Kiki gave them her test, the administrator quickly scanned it over before nodding at the nervous teenager.
"Very well, Naegi-chan, you're free to go. Your entrance exam results will be mailed from Hope's Peak Academy to your residence by the first week of March."
Kiki bowed quickly before turning around and walking out of the test room.
"So, how did your test go?" Tsumugi asked as she and Gonta flanked Kiki while they walked home.
Kiki sighed and admitted "I am a little nervous; Hope's Peak Academy is one of the most prestigious high schools in Japan after all…"
Tsumugi frowned in confusion and asked "But…wouldn't your parents ensure there'd be a spot for you? You are the headmaster's daughter, after all. Wouldn't it make sense for you to have your own little cheat code?"
Kiki turned to Tsumugi and answered "But that's all it would be: a cheat code. If I get into Hope's Peak Academy, I want it to be because I earned my place in the school, not because I had any kind of special privilege. That would go against everything my father stands for, and besides, that kind of privilege is what led to Junko's rise to power."
Gonta nodded and mused "So, you don't want to rush your metamorphosis; you want to emerge from your cocoon as a beautiful butterfly when you're ready, ne?"
Kiki's cheeks flushed pink at Gonta's analogous compliment before she nodded and confirmed "Yes…that's one way of putting it."
"I see…" Tsumugi frowned and apologized "Sorry, I wasn't thinking about that. I just…want to see you happy, Kiki…"
Kiki smiled at her friend and assured her "It's okay, I do appreciate the thought, but I want to earn my place at Hope's Peak. Besides, even if I wanted it, my dad already took me aside and warned me that I wouldn't get any special treatment. He's even delegating the student selection to a deputy to avoid even the appearance of nepotism."
"I see…oh look, here's my house." Tsumugi exclaimed as she waved goodbye to her friends. "See you later!"
After Tsumugi ran inside her house, Gonta and Kiki continued walking down the sidewalk, smiling at each other.
"Oh, Kiki…" Gonta exclaimed as he took off his backpack and began to sift through it, making Kiki raise her eyebrow in curiosity. "Gonta knows it's a little early, but…" Gonta pulled out a pink, heart-shaped container and offered it to her as he told her "Happy Valentine's Day, Kiki."
"Gonta…oh, you shouldn't have!" Kiki gushed as she accepted the chocolates. "Thank you so much Gonta…" she continued gratefully before she opened the lid and squealed "Oh, these bug-shaped chocolates are so cute! I'll be sure to save them until it's ac…huh?"
Kiki pulled out a loose piece of paper taped to the inside of the lid. Gonta bit his lip nervously as a curious Kiki unfolded it awkwardly and began to read it.
"You're like a butterfly, beautiful to see, but hard to catch. Will you go out with Gonta?" Kiki blinked, her cheeks flushed pink as she murmured "Gonta…"
Gonta blushed, smiling bashfully and rubbing the back of his head as he explained "Gonta…not sure how to ask. Gonta…tried to look up pick-up lines on the internet, but Gonta not sure if Gonta picked the right ones. Gonta sorry if Gonta picked the wrong thing to say."
"Gonta…" Kiki smiled appreciatively as she assured him "No, your pickup lines were…sweet…I'm just surprised, was all. I had no idea you liked me that way, and I never thought about whether you and I were…compatible…"
"So you…don't like Gonta that way…?"
"No, no, I didn't say that, I just…" Kiki sighed as she tried to approach this delicately, explaining "I just don't know how I feel about you in a romantic context, Gonta. It's not a no or a yes, it's just that I don't know how to feel."
"Oh…Gonta…understands…"
Kiki took a deep breath and sifted through her thoughts, reasoning Well, Gonta's been one of my best friends since we were six, and he made me feel safe during that whole Akki incident this year. But does that mean I like him, like a boyfriend? Ah, I just don't know! I wish I could find out so I could give him an answer…wait…maybe…a date can be the answer! It's how Mom realized she loved Dad after all! "…Gonta…?"
"Y…yes, Kiki?"
Kiki smiled at him and answered "Sure, why not? I don't know if I like you romantically, but I'd be okay with a trial date to see how it'd work out, if you're okay with that."
Gonta's eyes lit up as he exclaimed "You mean it, Kiki?!" As Kiki nodded, Gonta cried "Thank you! Gonta will not disappoint you!"
Kiki giggled as she told him "I'm sure you won't, Gonta. Come on, you can walk me home the rest of the way and we can plan out our date once we've had a good chance to sleep on it tonight."
Gonta enthusiastically nodded and walked side by side with Kiki, an extra spring in his step as they passed by the various houses and apartment buildings.
Now…how do I tell my parents that I'm going on my first date…?
*Ding Dong!*
Makoto opened the door, revealing a nervous Gonta dressed in green striped pants, a white dress shirt, and a yellow and orange bowtie. His wavy hair had been neatly combed and tied into a ponytail, making him look much more well-dressed than his usual attire.
"Ah, Gonta, come in, come in!" Makoto greeted before Gonta nervously walked inside. "Gonta, you need to relax."
"Sorry." Gonta apologized as he tugged at his collar. "Gonta's nervous; Gonta's never had a date before, and Gonta wants to make Kiki's first date enjoyable."
Makoto chuckled and assured him "And that's why I don't feel the need to give you the respect my daughter speech that most dads give when their daughters go on dates. Just be yourself and everything should be okay."
Gonta nodded before they arrived in the living room.
"So…where's Kiki…?" Gonta asked as he looked around the room and saw not a sign of his crush.
"Her mom's helping her get ready in her room." Makoto chuckled with amusement as he recalled "When Kiki told us she was going on her first date, her mother started gushing about how Kiki was growing up and starting to date, much to her chagrin. Oh, Koto, Kiri, weren't you two playing video games?"
Gonta turned to see the two Naegi twins walking up to him before they each grabbed one of his large hands.
"Gokuhara-kun, may we talk to you in private?" Koto asked.
"It'll be really quick, we promise." Kiri insisted.
"Oh…okay…" Gonta hesitantly agreed before they pulled Gonta down the hallway, right past Kiki's room where she was changing.
"Mom, are you sure about this?" Kiki wondered skeptically as she looked at the reflection of herself, now dressed in a long, flowing, purple dress that reached to her ankles, the forest green heeled slippers covering her feet, and the emerald gloves that stretched to her elbows. "I feel…overdressed, and did my hair really need to be tied back into this ponytail?"
"Nonsense, Kiki." Kyoko playfully chided as she finished brushing her daughter's hair. "You're going on your first date! This is a special occasion, not to mention that you're going out to Chez Harmony. Such an occasion warrants an attire to match, and you look absolutely stunning in yours, dear. You truly do look beautiful, Kiki!"
"Moooommmm…" Kiki groaned as her cheeks flushed in embarrassment. You're embarrassing me! I think you and Dad are more excited about my first date than I am! I don't even know if I like Gonta like that yet!
Seeing her daughter's rose cheeks, Kyoko relented, combing Kiki's hair one last time as she explained "Kiki, I apologize if I'm overdoing it a bit, but I never had a parent to really dote on me like this when I first started dating your father. I just…want you to have the things I missed out on."
"Mom…" Kiki smiled and turned around before hugging her mother, murmuring "You've been the best mom ever, no two ways about it. Having you immediately rush to buy me the fanciest dress you could find and reserving seats at a fancy restaurant like the one you and Dad go to might have been a bit…excessive…but I'm no less grateful for everything you've done for me."
"Kiki…" Kyoko held back the proud tears in her eyes as she kissed her daughter's forehead and stroked the braid on the side of her head. "Come on, let's go join your father and wait for Gonta."
"Wow…" Makoto breathed as he saw his daughter walk nervously to him and sit down on the couch with him. "Kiki…you look so much like your mother did when we were dating! You look so beautiful, pumpkin."
"Dad…" Kiki groaned, though there was even less bite in her groan than when she was with her mother. Shaking her embarrassment form her mind, Kiki asked "So…is Gonta here yet?"
"He was, but Koto and Kiri pulled him aside to talk." Makoto explained, causing the Naegi women to raise their brows in surprise.
Makoto just shrugged and stood up, informing them "Anyways, I'll go get them. You two stay here, okay?"
Once they nodded, Makoto walked down the hall where he saw his youngest children take their sister's date.
"Now Gokuhara-kun…" Koto began as they stood in the twins' room. "As Kiki's friend, we like you."
"But now that you're Kiki's boyfriend…" Kiri interjected. "We need to make sure you don't break Kiki's heart."
"Never! Gonta would never hurt Kiki! That's not gentlemanly at all!" Gonta exclaimed, shocked that the young twins would dare think he'd hurt Kiki.
Koto and Kiri nodded at each other before Koto replied "That's all well and good. However…"
"…We feel it would be best if we had a stick as well as a carrot." Kiri continued.
Gonta gulped as Koto told him "So, if you break Kiki's hear or make her cry…"
Kiri smirked and threatened "Koto and I will sneak out in the middle of the night and douse your house with bug spray."
Gonta gasped and pleaded "No, not bug spray! That will kill all my little insect friends!"
"Then make sure Kiki's happy tonight." Koto replied.
"This is nothing personal, Gokuhara-kun." Kiri told him plainly. "This is just our way of adding…insurance. Understood?"
Gonta nodded violently, suddenly fearful of Kiki's seven-year-old siblings.
*Knock Knock*
"Gonta, are you and the twins in there?"
"Yeah, Dad, one minute." Koto and Kiri called before Kiri walked up to the door and opened it, revealing a smiling Makoto.
He walked up to Gonta and smiled, informing the bug enthusiast "Kiki's ready for you, Gonta. Right this way, please."
Gonta nodded and followed the headmaster, breathing an internal sigh of relief as he walked away from the surprisingly diabolical twins.
Thoughts of Kiki's younger siblings evaporated from Gonta's mind as he took in Kiki's beauty. Gonta felt his heart pound as his cheeks flushed as red as cherries from the sight of his crush.
"Kiki…" Gonta uttered as he shyly walked up to her. "You look…pretty…"
Kiki smiled at Gonta, admiring his suit as she told him "You look pretty handsome yourself, all dressed up like that."
Gonta smiled bashfully before a quiet clapping sound caught the couple's attention. They turned to see a smiling Kyoko hold up her phone expectantly.
"Alright, you two, let's get one good picture of you two before you leave, okay?"
Kiki rolled her eyes but relented, slightly adjusting her posture and placement so that she and Gonta were standing next together and smiling bashfully in the camera.
"Alright, say cheese!"
"Cheese."
Kyoko tapped the icon on her phone, causing a photo to be taken of the two friends. Kyoko smiled, satisfied with her shot before Makoto walked up to them and hugged his daughter and Gonta.
"You two have fun, okay?"
"We will, Dad. See you soon!"
"Bye Mr. Naegi, Mrs. Naegi." Gonta bowed his head before he gently took Kiki's hand and led her outside.
As the door closed behind them, Kyoko sniffled and muttered "She's grown up so fast…"
Makoto chuckled "Yeah, but I couldn't be prouder of the girl we raised."
"Me too, Makoto. Me too." Kyoko muttered, proud of her teenage daughter.
"Come on, let's cook dinner for the ones that are still little." Makoto suggested as he began to walk towards the kitchen.
Kyoko giggled and happily followed her husband, happy that she had raised such a fine young woman as Kiki, not to mention the fact that she still had years left to dote on her other three children.
"Ano…sumimasen…" The maitre'd looked up at the young couple as Gonta explained "We have a reservation: Gonta Gokuhara and Kiki Naegi."
The maitre'd scanned the paper on his podium before nodding and looking back up at them, addressing "Ah, yes, right this way."
Gonta and Kiki followed him as he led them to a nearby table. As they sat in their chairs, he handed them two large menus.
"Your waitress will be with you momentarily. Here are your menus, we hope you have a satisfactory dining experience at Chez Harmony."
Kiki and Gonta nodded gratefully as the maitre'd stood up and left. Now alone, the young couple began to peruse the menus. It wasn't long before a young, teenage girl with sage-colored hair obscuring her left eye.
"Greeting, I am Kirumi Tojo, and I will be your waitress this evening. Please let me know how I may serve you, and if it is in my power to do so, I shall grant your requests."
Kiki and Gonta sweatdropped before Kiki answered "Um…I'll just have some water, thanks."
"Gonta will have water too."
"Very well, water for each of you. Shitsureishimasu."
Kirumi turned around and walked away, leaving the young couple alone once more.
"So…let's…decide what we're going to eat." Kiki suggested.
Gonta nodded before they both went back to perusing their menus.
"Here are you waters, as requested." Kirumi announced as she placed two glasses of water on the table. "How else may I serve you tonight?"
"Thank you, Tojo-chan." Kiki smiled before she decided "I'll have the shrimp tempura and mixed vegetables, please."
"Gonta will have the beef yakitori and mixed vegetables, please."
"Very well, one shrimp tempura and one beef yakitori." Kirumi noted as she wrote down their orders before she collected their menus. "I will get your meals prepared as soon as possible. Please enjoy yourselves at Chez Harmony."
Gonta and Kiki nodded before Kirumi turned around and left.
"Ano…does Tojo-chan intend to cook our food, too?"
"…I don't think so. I think she just meant she'd tell the chefs what we ordered so they could make it." Kiki explained before she thought Though it would be interesting if she was the waitress and the chef. She shook the thought from her head and suggested "Well, since we've got some time before we eat, why don't you tell me something about yourself that I don't know."
"Oh…well…" Gonta's eyes flashed before he recalled "Oh, did you know I can speak wolf? I learned it when…"
"…When you got lost in the woods for a bit when you were little." Kiki finished, smiling as she reminded him "You sang Happy Birthday to me in wolf one year when we were in elementary school, remember?"
"Oh, sorry! Gonta forgot you already know that…"
"It's okay, besides, there has to be something I don't know about you yet."
"Hmmm…how about…that Gonta hates to litter? Gonta believes that it's not nice to the environment, so Gonta…"
"…You try to pick up the trash other people leave behind." Kiki finished once more with a knowing smile. "You joined the Beautification Committee in middle school, remember? You even asked me for advice on how to persuade our classmates not to litter."
"Oh…right…sorry…"
"It's alright, Gonta, it just shows how close we are as friends that I know you so well. But let's try again; there must be something about you I don't know."
"Oh, um…"
"Here we go, one shrimp tempura, and one beef yakitori." Kirumi announced as she approached the table and placed their respective dinners and chopsticks in front of them
Kiki sighed in relief and thought Just in time, too; I could use a break from the conversation. Being able to finish Gonta's sentences the first time or two was funny, but it's really getting old.
Gonta smiled apologetically at her before they turned to Kirumi and nodded.
"Thank you, Tojo-chan, they smell delicious."
Kirumi smiled and replied reverently "I am pleased to hear that I have fulfilled your requests to your satisfaction. Well, I shall leave you to your meals. I hope you enjoy our high-quality cuisine at Chez Harmony."
As Gonta and Kiki nodded gratefully, Kirumi bowed before she turned around and left.
"Itadakimasu!" The ocuple chanted as they grabbed their chopsticks and began to politely eat their meals.
"Mm…this shrimp tastes so good!" Kiki gushed as she chewed on her breaded seafood.
"Gonta likes his yakitori too!" Gonta agreed, making his date smile at his enthusiasm.
As the two continued to eat, Kiki began to ponder how to progress their conversation.
Well, clearly I know him too well to ask if there's anything I don't know about him…oh, but maybe there's something new he's interested in that I don't know about! It's worth a try, at any rate. Kiki cleared her throat and asked "So Gonta, is there anything new you're interested in?"
"Oh, there's this new species of bug Gonta was reading about! You see…"
Oh boy…
"And so it takes a hundred monarch butterflies to weigh an ounce!"
Alright, enough with the bugs! Kiki groaned to herself in exasperation. I can only handle so much bug trivia at one time, but Gonta's so passionate about it, it's almost all he can think about!
Gonta's smile turned into a concerned frown as he asked "Kiki, are you okay? Are you…not having fun?"
…I tried, I really tried to see Gonta in a romantic light, but I just…I just can't do it. Kiki sighed and put down her chopsticks before she looked Gonta in the eyes and told him "Gonta, I…don't think this is gonna work out…"
Gonta's eyes widened before he profusely apologized "Sorry! Whatever Gonta did to break your heart, Gonta is so sorry!"
"Gonta, Gonta, calm down, you didn't break my heart, okay?" Kiki tried to ease her panicking friend. "Take a deep breath and let me explain, okay?"
Gonta took a deep breath as his date instructed before he uttered a much calmer "Sorry."
"It's okay, I'm not upset, and you haven't done anything wrong." Kiki smiled reassuringly at her date as she explained "You've been perfectly polite, a model gentleman that any girl would be lucky to go out with. But…I think we just know each other too well. There hasn't been a single new thing I've learned about you tonight, and I can only listen to so much bug trivia in one conversation. I'd never ask you to temper your passions, Gonta, but as for a romantic relationship, I just don't think we're compatible."
"Oh…sorry…Gonta wasted your time, didn't he…?"
"Not at all, Gonta; I don't regret this date at all, strange as that may sound." Gonta looked up at her, confused before Kiki explained "I learned tonight what I'd want in a date. I want to date someone who's bit of a…mystery, someone who I'm learning new things about every day. I wouldn't have learned that if we didn't give this a try, so this date wasn't a waste."
"Kiki…so I didn't make you sad?" Gonta asked hopefully, relieved when Kiki shook her head.
"Not at all, Gonta, not at all."
"What a relief, now Gonta doesn't have to worry about…"
"Worry about what, Gonta?" Kiki asked curiously as Gonta trailed off. "Gonta, what is it?" Kiki asked, concerned as Gonta suddenly looked very much like a deer caught in the headlights.
"Oh, well…it's…" Gonta sighed and explained "…Your little siblings, Koto and Kiri, I think?"
Kiki pursed her lips and asked "What about them?"
"…Before we went out, they pulled me aside, and told me that if I broke your heart tonight…they'd cover my house in bug spray!"
Kiki's eyes widened in shock before she closed them and pinched the bridge of her nose, muttering "Koto…Kiri…" I know you were just looking out for me, but that was totally uncalled for! Kiki opened her eyes and smiled reassuringly at Gonta before she told him "Don't worry, I'll handle my brother and sister when I get home."
Gonta sighed in relief before the click clack of shoes echoed in their ears. The two teenagers turned their heads to see Kirumi approaching their table.
"Did you enjoy your dinner tonight?"
Kiki nodded and replied "Yes, it was delicious, Tojo-chan."
Kirumi smiled and replied "I'm glad to hear that." Se then placed a small folder on the table before she gathered their empty plates and told them "There's the check for your dinner tonight."
Kiki nodded and pulled out her wallet before she opened the folder and placed several bills from the wallet inside.
"Keep the change." Kiki offered, causing Kirumi to bow humbly.
"I am honored to have fulfilled your requests so thoroughly." As she took the folder, Kirumi informed them "Before you leave, there is a free dance floor with an organist over there, should you decide to partake in the service. Regardless, we hope you had a pleasant evening at Chez Harmony."
With one last bow, Kirumi turned around and walked away, leaving the two alone.
"So, a free dance floor, ne?" Kiki pondered, musing "Well, it might be a nice way to end the evening. What do you say, Gonta? Care to dance?"
Gonta blushed before he hesitantly agreed "Oh…okay…"
Kiki smiled before she took Gonta by the hand and led him over to the dance floor.
"Welcome, my name is Kaede Akamatsu…"
"Akamatsu-chan?!" Kiki exclaimed, causing Kaede's brow to furrow in confusion.
"Do I…do I know you, Miss?"
"Well, it was several years ago, but we met at a wedding your mother played at. You and your friend attended, what was his name again?"
Kaede smiled softly as she recalled "Ah yes, now I remember, Kiki Naegi, right? You must be thinking of my friend Shuichi Saihara."
"Oh yeah, the one with the blue hair!" Kiki recalled "He looked kinda cute! How is Saihara-kun anyway?"
Kaede's smile wavered for a split second before she recovered and told her "He's doing fine, thanks." Before Kiki could inquire into Kaede's brief wavering, the pianist asked "And who's your companion? Is he your boyfriend?"
"Just friends, actually. This is Gonta Gokuhara, he's a classmate of mine."
"I see, so, are you two here to dance?"
Kiki nodded and explained "Yeah, we figured we'd end the night with a quick dance. Are you the organist Tojo-chan told us about?"
Kaede nodded and explained "My mom's been the organist here for years, but lately I've been working part-time in her place to build up my piano skills. So, what do you want me to play? I should be able to play almost anything."
"Hmm…" Kiki turned to her date and asked "What do you think, Gonta?"
"Oh, Gonta's fine with anything, really."
Kiki nodded before she told Kaede "Surprise us; you're the expert after all."
Kaede giggled "Alright, alright…I think I have a song in mind."
As Kaede began to play and the soft, yet upbeat melody echoed in their ears, Kiki turned to face Gonta. She draped one arm over his shoulder as her free hand pressed against the center of her back. Blushing, Gonta placed one hand respectfully on her waist while his other hand rested gently on her shoulder. Now in position, Kiki began to lead Gonta in a gentle waltz, keeping her pace slow enough so that he could keep up.
"You're not a bad dancer, Gonta." Kiki complimented the bashful bug lover.
"Oh, r…really?"
"Yep, you're as gentle as a butterfly. Someday you'll find a girl who likes you the way you like me, Gonta. I just know it."
"Th…thank you, Kiki…" Gonta muttered as they continued to dance to Kaede's soft music, choosing to enjoy the moment as best friends.
"Thanks for walking me home, Gonta." Kiki thanked as they approached her house.
"Oh, Gonta was glad to walk you home, Kiki. That's what a gentleman does, right? Do you want Gonta to come inside, so Gonta can explain that Gonta didn't break your heart?"
Kiki giggled and assured him "Gonta, it'll be okay. I can handle things by myself. You just go home and get a good night's sleep, okay?"
"Okay, good night, Kiki."
"Good night, Gonta." Kiki returned before Gonta turned around and walked away, leaving Kiki alone.
"Mom, Dad, I'm home." Kiki called as she walked into the living room.
"Nee-chan!" Mokubo called as he ran over to her and hugged her.
Kiki giggled and ruffled his hair, replying "It's good to see you too, Moku!"
"Alright, Moku, you've gotten to see your sister before bed." Makoto's amused voice spoke as he, Kyoko, Koto, and Kiri walked in on the two siblings. "Welcome home, Kiki. How was your date?"
"It was fine, but…it didn't really work out."
Kiki didn't miss the flash of anger in the twins' eyes before her mother ran over to her and wrapped her in a hug.
"Oh Kiki, I'm so sorry things with Gonta didn't work out."
"Mom, it's fine, really!" Kiki assured her mother as she explained "There wasn't any big fight, and he didn't break my heart. I just realized that…best friends don't always make for the most compatible romantic partners, that's all. Gonta and I are still friends, and I'm really okay."
Reassured, Kyoko smiled and nodded as she replied "I'm glad to hear that."
"At least things with you and Gonta turned out better than my crush on Sayaka." Makoto commented, glad that his daughter was spared the crushing, if fleeting heartache that he suffered when his affections were rejected.
Koto and Kiri breathed a sigh of relief before they turned around and quietly tried to sneak to their room.
"Oh, and Koto, Kiri?"
The tiwns froze in their tracks as their confused parents furrowed their brows. They watched as Kiki walked over to the twins, who shivered as they felt a terrifying aura radiate from Kiki as she touched her shoulders. They nervously turned their heads to see their older sister giving them a smile that was as terrifying as it was sweet.
"We really need to have a talk about…blackmail…"
Koto and Kiri gulped as they thought Busted!