Genuine

Further digging into Yu's past revealed some unsurprising facts. Naoto had discovered Narukami was something of a delinquent at his previous schools. A few fights, a few pranks, mostly back talk. Unsurprising, she noted to herself. The silverette had no respect for authority, that was obvious.

But it was as if arriving in Inaba changed him. He had only two real offenses to his name since coming here. He had talked back to a teacher, and if witnesses were to be believed, the teacher insulted him first. The other offense was being taken in for his friend, Yosuke Hanamura, swinging fake swords around in a public area. She briefly wondered the context of that event, before brushing it off.

Besides those two incidents, and the first was barely worth thought, Narukami had been nothing less than a gentlemen and good Samaritan to everyone he met. He was kind, donated his time to others, even devoted his free time to help clubs he had no official place in. He, again, looked like a hero straight out a manga, but that was only around others.

When he was alone with her, he was an obnoxious, arrogant, pervert who kept trying to woo her, uncaring about her gender or her vocal declarations of disgust. Why was he only this around her? Why was he different around others? It was obvious he wore a mask, but which was the mask? And why her?

She needed to know more.

Naoto Shirogane took a deep breath and exhaled. She quietly ate her salad, awaiting the arrival of her 'date.' After yesterday, she feared what idiotic pranks or erotic gestures he'd throw at her next. Her face flushed just thinking about it. That accursed picture...she tore it apart and scattered the remains into her trashbin. She tried to do the same thing to her memory of it, but sadly, it seemed engraved into her mind.

"Damn it, Narukami..."

"I just got here and you're already mad at me? That has to be a new record."

Speak of the Devil. "Narukami."

"Hello, my darling Prince." Yu smirked, walking over from behind Naoto. He went to sit beside her, only for her to grab the seat with her free hand and pull it away from him. A silent, steel blue glare said all that needed to be said. The boy sat across from her, sighing. "You're still mad about yesterday, aren't you?"

"..." Naoto gave an audible chomp as she ate her tasteless salad.

"I said I was sorry!" Narukami actually looked upset, Naoto observed.

Good. "Sorry you did it, or sorry you were caught?"

"Well, not sorry I did it, I can tell you that much. I mean, did you see it? It was some of my best work yet!" He joked, suddenly changing from upset to smiling. He was met with another intense glare from the Detective Prince, causing him to sigh. "Okay. Maybe it was wrong of me to draw a picture of you and me making love."

"...Maybe?" The Detective Prince growled. impaling a piece of carrot with her fork. "MAYBE it was wrong?" She was practically fuming as she pressed the plastic fork against the container, gouging the poor carrot.

"Okay, it was very, very, very wrong of me! And I'm a shameless pervert! And dumb! Will you please let me try to make it up to you?" He begged, putting his hands together and bowing his head. Again, he actually looked apologetic, with a genuine desire to redeem himself in her eyes.

Which probably means he's lying through his teeth, Naoto sighed. "Fine. Whatever will end this mockery of a date sooner, the better..."

"Awesome!" Narukami exclaimed, before grabbing her salad and tossing it into a nearby trashcan. He hadn't even been looking! He then grabbed Naoto's hand and pulled her up, pressing her against his larger body. "Let's go, baby!"

"N-Narukami! What are you doing?! Unhand me! Why did you-ah!" Naoto was interrupted as Yu began to run, tugging her along by her arm. She felt her cheeks heat up as she realized his bare hand was squeezing her own. "Let go of me!"

"Come on, it'll just be easier to show you!"

Despite Naoto's continued protests, Narukami pulled her along. They raced away from Junes and down a street, before making quick turns, even running over a small bridge over a stream. The young detective was starting to get tired. She also briefly considered taking out her gun and threatening to shoot Narukami. After all, he was practically kidnapping her. Her train of thought ended though as she noticed a change in scenery. He had pulled her into the town's park and had came to a stop before the local shrine.

The local, GOLDEN shrine, she realized.

"H-how...when...?" Naoto found the words dying in her throat, partly due to her panting and partly due to the fact that this was uncanny. She had done her research on Inaba before arriving in the small town. It shouldn't have had such a beautiful sight such as this. She had heard nothing of it, no word of it even being planned! And yet here she was, staring at the golden shrine with her own two eyes. She placed a hand on the cool metal, her mind trying to comprehend it.

"Impressive, huh? Helped put it together with a friend. Upgrades finished just a couple of days ago. You and I are the first to really take it all in though."

That broke Naoto out of her stupor. She tipped her hat to cover her eyes as recomposed herself. "You honestly expect me to think that you had a hand in all of this? Your lies are getting worse and worse, Narukami."

"You'd be surprised what Yu has his hands on...or in." He winked at the blue haired girl, flashing a winning smile at her. She rolled her eyes and averted her flushed face away from him.

"Idiot."

"You know you love it, baby. Now then, you ready for a real lunch?" He pulled her along, though this time she was able to keep up with him better. He led her to a (golden) bench, where a plastic bag sat. He finally released her hand to inspect the bag, looking through it and ensuring that its content were still there.

"You simply left food here? That seems unwise."

"I had a friend looking over it. Now, you ready to have a little bit of Yu Narukami in you?" He grinned wryly, winking at her. She stared back, unamused. The silverette boy sighed and held up his hands, waving away the hostile glare. "Right, right. I'm sorry! Sarcasm and double entendres are like the peanut butter and jelly to the Yu Narukami sandwich. I'll try to stop for the rest of the date, sweetie. Promise." He smiled again, his features looking less crooked.

Though Naoto doubted the young man, she sighed and joined him sitting as far away from him as she could on the bench. She looked at the plastic bag and watched as Narukami pulled out two cans of soda, a bottle of water, and a somewhat large bento box. He took the cover off and smiled at the contents inside. California rolls. Dozens of them, in fact. "Enjoy, my radiant prince!"

She wrinkled her nose at the pet name, before sighing and taking a pair of offered chopsticks. Without another word or even a mumble of gratitude, she casually plucked one of the California rolls and leaned forward to bite into it. She leaned back and chewed it a few times, slowing down as she tasted the small wrap of avocado, crab, and assorted foods.

"So, tell me what you think?" Yu smiled excitedly, eager to hear his date's thoughts. His eyes shined with eager glee, but as the time ticked away he began to worry. This was becoming eerily familiar... "Um, Naoto? Sweetie? Are...are you okay? You're spacing out again, and this time there's no naked drawing of us. I-is there?" He joked, warily. He inspected the inside of the box on the off chance there was something resembling their naked bodies inside, only to witness a blue blur. "Huh?"

Naoto eagerly scarfed down another Californian roll. She took only the shortest moment to clear her throat, before taking in another and devouring it. Yu watched with wide, grey eyes as she ate another one of the rolls, licking her lips to catch the taste of the delicious treat on her tongue. He blushed slightly at her shiny lips as she continued to eat. Rather than interrupt her, he smiled and enjoyed the sight of an honestly smiling Prince.

As for Naoto...the Californian roll was a delicious treat, there was no doubt to that. The avocado was ripe to perfection, the crab meat melted against her tongue, and the sesame seeds danced in her mouth. Another reason for her enjoyment was the simple fact that she had not eaten the best meals of late. Instant ramen and microwave meals were as exciting as she ate got. Part of her missed Yakushiji-san's cooking, but even that paled in comparison to the fireworks in her mouth.

She licked her lips again and quickly devoured another roll. She enjoyed the texture of it in her mouth, taking in the taste, before chomping down and swallowing it. The next roll, she nearly swallowed in one bite, causing her to cough. Narukami handed her some water, which she took to clear her throat, and without even a thanks she returned to emptying out the box.

She had to stop. She told herself to stop. She was acting like a child on a sugar rush! She mentally kicked herself again and again until she stopped, her cheeks flushed as she struggled to pick up her dignity. She wiped her mouth with a napkin, using it as a way to give herself time to recompose herself. She cleared her throat and finally tried meeting the silverette's grey eyes. She saw them, and immediately looked down at the now near empty box. Only a couple of rolls were left. She had eaten over a half dozen of them in moments...Eaten? More like inhaled. She was absolutely mortified.

She expected some callous remark. Some sexual flirtation. Perhaps even an outright insult.

But all he did was gently dab her cheek with a napkin.

"I'm glad you liked it. I was afraid you wouldn't." He almost sounded genuine...

Naoto merely coughed into her hand, using it as an excuse not to meet his gaze. "You can...have the rest." She turned away, adjusting her hat to hide her scarlet cheeks. She didn't hear him eating. Instead, she felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned to see him holding the box out to her.

"Please. If you really like it, and I'm guessing you do, have it."

"N-no. Really. Its fine. I've eaten more than my share." Naoto's stomach hungered for the remains, but she had enough will power to tame it. She tried turning away again, only to feel Narukami prod her with the box.

"Naoto, I'm fine. I promise. A cook's greatest joy is watching other's enjoy the food he made for them. So please. I insist. If you won't eat the rest, I'll just give you the box. I'm not eating them."

She finally met his eyes. He really was being genuine, she realized. He really was sorry for yesterday, it seemed. She turned her body completely and gently took the box from him. She placed it on her lap and was about to return to eating the delicious, delectable rolls. She stopped though and turned her gaze to Narukami.

"Thank you, Narukami." And for the first time since meeting her, Yu Narukami saw the Detective's Prince's honest smile. It was small, like her, and cute. So very, very cute! He was glad she was facing the meal again, because he didn't want her to see him blushing.

The bluette quietly emptied the box, savoring the delicious rolls. Once the container was empty, she placed it aside and thanked Narukami for the drink he offered her. The two drank soda together, neither saying a word as they took in the quiet sounds of Inaba.

Even Naoto had to admit that it was nice. Taking a moment not to care about the murders or disappearances. It was almost as if she wasn't just a Shirogane detective, if only for a moment. She was just...Naoto Shirogane. Naoto Shirogane, sitting in the park, enjoying the serene setting of nature.

"Can you hand me the water bottle?"

Naoto wasn't even annoyed with Narukami for interrupting the moment. It was a simple request, and considering how easily he could have ruined it, she was thankful he was treating the moment with some maturity. She quietly handed it to him and returned to enjoying the atmosphere.

It was a long, peaceful moment. She enjoyed the sense of fullness the meal gave her, not to mention the sweet sounds of the park made a peaceful harmony. Perhaps she'll come out here more often when she had free time? Perhaps once the case was solved?

And in the back of her mind, she wondered another inquiry. I wonder if Narukami would accompany me again?

Before she could fully realize what the thought may have represented, she heard her date's voice. "Hey, beautiful." She opened her eyes to see an open hand held out to her. "Care to go for a walk?"

She walked with him around the shrine, past the trees, and around a small lake they had found together. There were so few people around the area, it was as if they had the whole place to themselves.

They walked apart from one another, Naoto walking on the path as Narukami walked on the grass. He enjoyed unnecessarily risking himself, leaning over the lake and laughing as Naoto actually looked concerned he'd fall in

"Heh. Worried about me, sweetie?"

"More concerned that I'll be dragging your carcass out of that lake, Narukami," she deadpanned, though this time she actually smiled as she spoke.

"Ouch. Tough crowd." She merely shook her head as they continued to walk. "Hey, Naoto?"

"Yes, Narukami?"

"Is blue your favorite color?" He questioned, now choosing to turn around and walk backwards as she walked forward. She realized it was an interesting mirror of their second meeting, at the Junes grocery department.

She raised her brow at his question, though, and quickly answered with a simple answer. "It is."

He gave her a not-so smug smile and he simply nodded, as if the answer was all he needed. "Me too."

"You're an unusual character." She wasn't sure what made her say that out loud. But she had, and she had meant it. Deciding to carry through and speak her mind, she continued. "One minute you're-"

"Charming?"

"Obnoxious," she corrected. "But another, you're calm, intelligent, even intuitive."

"Awww. That's sweet."

"And then another, you're just...strange." Naoto let out a frustrated sigh, not realizing she had so much stress pent up on this matter. "I know you're an excellent student, Narukami. Why bother acting like this with me?"

"What can I say? I'm a man of many personas," he teased, lightly tapping her shoulder. She merely rolled her eyes, stopping to meet his grey orbs. She glared into them, as if trying to pry the secret out of him through them. He just winked and continued to prattle on. "Besides, I said I'd try to cut back on the snark and entendres. Today, you're meeting the just and noble Dr. Jekyll! Tomorrow's date, its back to Mr. Hyde," he chuckled darkly, raising his hands and roaring at her. "Rawr."

"In actuality, Dr. Jekyll wasn't the saint he is often portrayed in adaptions of the book. In fact, his serum meant to create Mr. Hyde was created for a purely selfish purpose," Naoto corrected. She blinked and tipped her hat as she sighed. "Apologies." She had a poor habit of spouting off random facts she knew. It was a habit she had learned to stop, but something about being here, with him, made her defenses loosen. If only a bit.

"No." He took her hand in his. She felt her cheeks flush again and she quickly pulled it out of his grasp. She looked up at him, and was surprised to find a gleam of curiosity in those grey orbs. "Tell me more? I like hearing you talk about smart stuff."

The two talked and talked, walking along the path and enjoying the quiet sounds and the fresh air. It was peaceful, it was even fun. They talked about books they read, Naoto even telling Narukami about her favorite detective novels. Rather than make fun of her, he simply smiled and thought aloud about reading some of the books she liked. She almost offered loaning him some of her books, only for the words to die in her mouth.

They stayed like that for a while, not realizing time zooming by them. Naoto finally realized how late it was becoming when she noticed how the light seemed to have grown dim. She looked up to see the falling sun, vanishing over the horizon.

The sun is setting already? How long have we been out? Naoto heard Narukami sigh and she returned her attention to him.

"I should probably get home before Uncle worries too much. Man, time sure flies when you're talking about centuries old literature, huh?" He smirked. She simply nodded her head in quiet agreement. "Yeah...Hey, you head straight home, okay, Detective Prince?"

"I will." Naoto nodded her head. "Thank you for the concern."

"Heh, no problem."

Silence. Awkward, awkward, silence.

Neither party looked at the other as they stood there. Both found their shoes more interesting than the other, it seemed. Yu was the first to break the silence though. "Keep an eye on your TV."

"Huh?"

"Your TV. Watch it. It'll help," he spoke plainly and bluntly. So plainly it took the blue haired girl a moment to realize what he was talking about.

He had given her a hint. It wasn't a particularly helpful or new hint, Naoto had considered the link beforehand. This merely confirmed it. She nodded her head again, showing she understood, before the two returned to standing in silence.

"I guess...Um. I'll see you tomorrow, beautiful."

She felt her face turn a scarlet hue. Why? Narukami had said and done worse than simply call her 'beautiful.' Why did it suddenly feel different? She coughed into her hand and steeled herself. Her stoic gaze met his as she nodded., "Goodbye, Narukami."

"Goodbye, my Prince."

The two turned to leave...and remembered that they were both headed in the same direction. They looked at each other and the silverette chuckled at the not-so funny situation. Naoto merely sighed and kept walking, expecting him to keep up. He did.

As they walked, a thought occurred to the Detective Prince. She bit her lower lip, hesitant to ask. Then she scolded herself for showing hesitation. What reason was there to hesitate? She had nothing to fear with simply asking. It would not hurt to ask, she reasoned in her mind. "Are we planning on eating at Junes tomorrow?"

The older boy just kept on grinning. "I'll make some more food for tomorrow. Don't worry." He winked at her, but she looked away, ignoring his obvious flirtations.

"Don't bother if its a hassle. I was merely wondering if we were eating at Junes tomorrow..."

"Nothing is a hassle for you, my Cobalt Cutie."

END

Man, this chapter came out a lot longer than I thought. It was going to be even longer originally, but I cut it down. Don't expect so much next time, folks.

I'm a bit worried about this chapter, I'll admit it. This is meant to be the start of the big turning point for both parties. Naoto realizes Yu isn't as awful as she thought. I wanted to show that they are similar in a certain regard. They put up walls to avoid genuine social interaction. Naoto hides behind stoicism and professionalism and Yu hides behind smugness, humor, and acting like a bit of a jerk. What a guy.

I hope their interaction was acceptable by you, the fans, and that you enjoyed the story overall.

Also, can I just say how thankful I am to all of you people reading and enjoying this story? Originally, this was going to be a mere four chapter story. Now? I have plans for at least five more chapters to this story. This is easily my most popular story, and I enjoy writing it a lot, so thank you all for enjoying it. Here's hoping you keep enjoying it!

Have a good day.