There's still an hour on my end before Valentine's Day comes to a close. Consider this a present for you guys as thanks for the continued support. Every review, follow and fave inspires me to upload the chapters a lot quicker!
- Disclaimer: Persona 4 Golden characters do not belong to me.
- Notice: May contain spoilers. Original characters may be added. Storyline may deviate from original video game/anime.
- Warning: May contain alcohol reference, blood, language, partial nudity, sexual themes, and violence.
Touko took her phone in hand and read the messages from her inbox. She had been this way for a good five minutes, staring intently at a single sentence.
- Can we talk? -
The message was from Naoto, the very person she had grown feelings for. Her fingers hovered over the reply button, unsure of what to type. Maybe he figured it out, or maybe he just wanted to talk to her as the close friends they truly were.
"For once, I'm not sure what to write." She fell back on her bed, the phone slipping out from her grasp. "I don't know how what to tell you Naoto." Touko buried her head onto the pillow, wishing that she never developed such feelings over her closest friend.
It was late in the morning when Naoto walked into the TV station. He skipped school and focused his mind solely on the impending interview. The clock struck 11 and the camera crew stopped filming the news segment while one of the women walked up to the Detective Prince.
"Naoto Shirogane?" She asked happily with a smile.
"Yes?"
"It's a pleasure to meet you." She offered her hand and the two shook on it. "I've heard a lot about you. You're the talk of the town."
Naoto did his best to conceal the blush on his cheeks. It was always like this and he was convinced that it would never change.
"So about the interview, we'll be shooting again in 10 minutes." The camera crew took off for a quick break as Naoto and the woman walked side by side to two empty chairs. Lights were stationed all over the set, making sure the room was well lit. "We'll have the makeup crew work on you before we start filming."
"Makeup?" He gave her a questioning look.
"Yes, I'm sure you boys aren't very fond of it, but it'll make you look a lot better on camera." The woman reassured him with a gentle smile.
Naoto did his best to take her word for it before she gave him a light pat on his shoulder and she returned to her duties. "I hope this works." The Detective Prince sat down on one of the chairs and flipped his phone.
"I can't believe Naoto's not here." Rise whined beside Chie and Yukiko as they ate their lunch at the rooftop."He said he was coming to school yesterday."
"Maybe he's sick or something." Chie suggested before taking a sip from her water bottle.
"That can't be it. He was perfectly fine last night." Rise crossed her arms protectively.
"Last night?" Yukiko raised an eyebrow.
"It was only for a little while, we just sat down and talked about stuff." Rise's cheeks grew pink as she remembered what truly happened.
Chie looked skeptical but didn't want to push the envelope. She changed the subject entirely, moving on to something everyone must've been thinking about."Don't you think it kinda sucks that the mystery's over? We won't be meeting up in the TV anymore."
"No more fighting shadows." Yukiko added.
"Isn't that a good thing? At least no one will get injured or even worse, be found dead." Rise countered wisely.
"That's true." Both girls agreed unanimously.
"I hope it really is over." Rise leaned back in her seat, allowing the sun's rays to shower over her. "I don't want anyone else to get hurt."
Naoto sat in his seat while the makeup crew went straight to work. They powdered his face abundantly and he sneezed in response. Once they thought he was prepped and ready, they escorted him to the set where a man sat in his seat adjacent from Naoto's.
"Detective Naoto Shirogane, it's a pleasure to meet you." He placed his papers on the table beside his chair and greeted the Detective Prince with a handshake.
"The pleasure is all mine." Naoto returned the greeting and both took their respective seats.
"This should only take about 30 minutes at most." The man took his papers in hand once more and looked over to the camera crew who gave him a thumbs up - a signal to begin as soon as possible. He cleared his throat and directed himself to the closest camera.
"We're ready to go in 3-2-1" The lead camera man pressed record and focused on the interviewer's face.
"Goodevening, and welcome to Niteline's special Nitewatch Report. A suspect in the murders in Inaba was safely arrested recently. But what few people know is that the mastermind who brought him to justice was a highschool detective." He paused as the camera zoomed away from his face. "Tonight's report will focus on this Detective Prince, Naoto Shirogane, whose handsome looks are sweeping the nation." The camera was directed towards the small statured boy who gave a polite smile and nod. "Thanks for being on the show."
"No, no, the pleasure is all mine."
"It was well known that there were a lot of mysteries surrounding the case, and you did a great job clearing them up."
"I'd hesistate to say that the matter is 'cleared up', as such." Naoto took into consideration the facts he discovered. "It's true that our suspect was behind 's unfortunate death. But when I cast my eye over the case as a whole, I detect a few things that seem out of place."
"Oh?" The interviewer looked a little puzzled. "Like what?"
"Unfortunately I cannot divulge such details at this time." Naoto made sure to keep the information to himself. "But this matter claimed the lives of three people. Hence, I believe even the smallest inconsistency must be investigated."
"I...I see." The man wasn't sure where Naoto was going with the interview but he continued nonetheless. "I have to say, this is a surprise in light of the police's official statement."
Naoto remained quiet. He knew he was right despite the police's response to the case. This was his only lead that was tied to his theory.
"N-Now for our next segment. 'The Detective Prince's true identity,' where Naoto-kun tells us a little bit more about himself." The announcer took a quick glance at the paper in his lap. "Amazingly, the Detective Prince has solved a whopping 24 cases. That's a lot for a boy your age."
Naoto took the compliment with a light smile. "It's not that big of a feat when you're whole family has been detectives for five generations."
"I see." The announcer read the next lines and continued with the interview.
"That Naoto-kun, when I see him he's going to get an earful." Rise marched down the path from school, her bag in hand as she walked along the paved road. She looked over to her right where the Detective Prince sat at the table's bench alone by the Samegawa Flood Plain. "Well speak of the devil."
Naoto flipped through his small pocketbook where he usually he wrote down clues and facts regarding the case. "Hmm..." He contemplated in deep thought, his eyes scanning the various words.
Rise was surprised at how Naoto failed to recognize her presence. He seemed to be so entranced with his book to even notice. She puffed her cheeks in frustration and stalked up to him quickly. Naoto only crossed his arms and studied the words even more as if to decipher another clue beyond them.
And that's when Rise hit him with all she had, using her bag to worsen the blow.
"Ah!" Naoto covered his face and shoulder as Rise dropped the bag and continued her assault with her bare hands.
"You lied to me! You said you were coming to school today!"
"Rise?" The familiarity of her voice could never be mistaken for another. Naoto took her wrists as she tried to wiggle free. "Look, I'm sorry. Something came up and I couldn't go to school."
Rise only struggled to break through his grasp while Naoto tried to keep her under control. Eventually, Rise pushed too hard and the Detective Prince lost his balance, dragging both of them to the ground.
"Oompf!" She squeaked out.
"Why are you always like this?" Naoto released a sigh and lay on the grass, the ever-so-troublesome idol beside him.
"It's your fault." Rise looked up at the clouds, which were starting to look very grey, as if a storm were brewing. "You told me you were coming to school so I went out of my way and made you a boxed lunch."
Naoto looked over at Rise, a pang of guilt surfacing in his chest.
"But you didn't and I was forced to sit with two lunches." Rise rolled to her side, away from Naoto.
"I'm sorry." Naoto offered his deepest apology to Rise. "I know I should've told you in advance. I'll-I'll make it up to you."
Rise sat up quickly and met eyes with the Detective Prince. "And just how are you going to do that?"
"I don't know. We can do whatever you want - anything." Naoto offered hastily, but instantly regretted his choice of words once Rise formed a mischievous smile.
"Anything?" Rise pressed on with several ideas popping into mind.
"W-Well, maybe not anything." Naoto scratched the back of his ear, a nervous quirk he had grown to use when he knew Rise would be disappointed.
"That's not fair. You can't take back what you said!" Rise complained at the boy, her body moving closer to his.
"Nothing extreme or inappropriate." Naoto's hand connected with Rise's.
"What? Naoto-kun, I can't believe you would think of me to do such things with you!" Rise batted her eyeslashes, her eyes narrowing at him. "Besides, it's not like I ever did anything inappropriate before."
Naoto thought back to Club Escapade and Tatsumi Port Island. "Or at least not that you can remember." He mumbled to himself.
"Oh!" Rise took his hand immediately. "I know just the thing!" She helped him up and retrieved her bag while Naoto took his pocketbook. Without another word, Rise pulled him merrily down the hill and headed straight for the shopping district.
'Well, this is easier than I thought.' Naoto stood beside Rise as he paid for one scoop of vanilla ice cream. The vendor gave him his change and handed the cone to his partner. The summer heat was still at full force until the sun would set for the day, it was the ideal season to treat her out for a cold dessert. They sat on a vacant bench as Rise took her time and licked her dessert happily.
"Here," Rise offered the ice cream cone to Naoto.
"But I bought it for you. And besides, I'm not hungry." Naoto politely declined.
"Oh, but Naoto-kun, I can't eat this all by myself." Rise frowned at the Detective Prince and clung onto one of his arms, preventing him from escaping. "I'd gain too much weight if I did."
"Rise, I'm not hungry." Naoto forced a smile. "You could afford to gain some weight anyways."
"Hey!" Rise protested. "Oohhh, Naoto-kun. Please?" When all else failed, she donned her best puppy pout.
"Rise I-" Naoto was at a lost for words when his friend leaned in, pouting until he would finally say yes.
"Naoto-kun, please?" She asked once more. If he didn't take the bait, then her plan would be as good as dead.
"I..." How could he possibly turn her down? At least not with her smoldering, chocolate colored eyes and pink, subtle lips. "I...I guess one bite wouldn't hurt." Naoto scolded himself mentally for caving in. Who knew that he would succumb to her charm so quickly?
Rise held the ice cream up to his mouth as he took a hesistant lick. She watched him with a careful eye before tasting the ice cream herself. They met eyes and Naoto could sense the blood dilating in his cheeks. 'So this was what she was planning?!' He moved away abruptly, smearing his cheek with vanilla ice cream.
Since they were in a public environment, it was twice as embarassing for the Detective Prince. What would they think if they saw this? He hoped that nobody important witnessed what had just transpired.
"You have the cutest expressions when you're embarassed Naoto-kun." Rise giggled in content and leaned onto him.
"Had I known you would've pulled that stunt, I wouldn't have eaten your ice cream." Naoto masked a portion of his flustered face with his hand.
"Ohh, don't be that way. Besides, it's completely normal for us since we're dating now." Rise lowered the ice cream and manifested a napkin to clean his face.
"Normal?" Naoto didn't quite comprehend what Rise meant. After all, he was never involved in a relationship.
"Mhmm," Rise brought the napkin to Naoto's cheek but had an even better idea.
Naoto held his breath once Rise's tongue connected with his cheek. The hair's on the back of his neck rose quickly, his shoulders tensing and his heart racing at impeccable speed.
He tasted sweet, just like she had imagined. Rise made sure to keep it brief and wiped his cheek clean after she got what she wanted. Naoto remained silent in his seat and dropped his head, his blue bangs concealing his eyes effectively. 'Maybe I overdid it...' She looked to find no one walking around the shopping district save for one person, a girl with short, black hair in a blue cap. Rise was sure she'd never seen her before beacuse it was a very small town.
Within the next few minutes, Yu stood by her side and found Rise with Naoto, alone by the bench. He waved to them and began walking in their direction. Slowly, Naoto lifted his head to find Yu Narukami from a distance along with a friend.
"Yu senpai." Rise handed the ice cream cone to Naoto. It was melting quickly and after Rise's stunt he lost his apetite. Yu waved to Rise as the girl he came with eyed her carefully. She had pale skin, chin-length brown to black hair and gray eyes. Her face was slightly made-up, having shadowed eyes and light pink lipstick. She donned a sleeveless white shirt, a short black necktie with various safety pins and a checkered skirt along with a black belt.
"Who's your friend?" Rise smiled gently.
"This is Marie." He introduced the two girls to each other. Naoto tossed the ice cream into the nearest trash can and resumed his position by Rise's side. "Marie, this is Rise and Naoto. We all attend the same school."
"Is she your girlfriend?" Rise's lips cracked into a grin.
"Girlfriend?" Marie questioned Yu as though the term was completely foreign to her.
"Rise..." Naoto tried his best to stop her questions as soon as possible.
"You know, like your significant other. Your lover." Rise clarified.
"Significant other? No, I'm not his lover." Marie replied with a straight face. "We're just friends." Rise was surprised at how Marie addressed her question. It was as though they really were just friends.
"I see." Rise tilted her head to the side with a smile and linked arms with Naoto. Marie took quick note of her actions.
"So, are you his girlfriend?" Marie shot a look at Naoto, then to Rise. The Detective Prince couldn't help but blush, he was hoping their relationship would stay a secret.
"Yes, I am." Rise squeezed Naoto's arm and leaned on his shoulder lovingly. "Can't you tell?"
"Oh." Marie found herself staring at the two closely, as if she'd learned something valueable."
"A-Anyways, I'm sure you two have plans for the day." Naoto tried to ease Rise's grip.
Yu smiled at Rise and Naoto's development, it looked like they were able to work things out in the end after all. "You're right."
"Well, it was nice meeting you Marie." Rise released Naoto and pulled her in for a quick hug.
"Yeah," Marie returned the gesture at a much slower rate. Naoto and Rise waved goodbye to Yu and his friend as they walked away.
"She's nice." Rise brushed a stray strand of her hair.
"Yes, she is." Naoto put his hands in his pockets.
"But I'm way prettier than her." Rise stepped in front of Naoto and leaned dangerously close. "Right Naoto-kun?"
It wasn't really a question. She just wanted to hear it from himself. "R-Right." He looked away shyly.
"Ohh, Naoto-kun, say it like you mean it!" Rise shook his shoulders roughly.
Thankfully, there weren't many civilians by the shopping district. Naoto gripped Rise's shoulders, steadying her before him. She looked up expectantly, her eyes unwavering.
Then, he set her aside and walked past with a grin forming around the corner of his lips.
"Naoto-kun!" She complained as he broke into a sprint.
Touko paced in her room, uncertain of what to do next. She stopped in her tracks and eyed a single bag in plain view. "It's now or never." She buttoned up her shirt and retrieved the bag, closing the door behind.
... To be continued
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