Fool's Fortune
Yu dried his body off with his towel as he stared at his reflection. It wasn't egotistical to say he was an attractive young man. He was, simple as that. He combed his fingers through his wet hair, admiring the way it shined in the light, before he glanced at his shirtless chest. His slender, yet firm physique was a lucky catch for any man or woman.
He had muscle definition, but not enough to come off as bulky. His frame was taut, but surprisingly soft to the touch. His face was chiseled, but not too sharp. Soft enough to still be seen as something as juvenile as 'cute.' He was the rare kind of gorgeous that could be called handsome, sexy, and cute. The total package. Naoto's one lucky lady, he told himself, and that utterly destroyed his confidence after only a moment of thought.
Naoto's coming over for a date. I'm on a date with Naoto. Yu's eyes widened as the realization came crashing down on him. What the hell am I doing?! I need to get ready! Yu quickly pulled on his boxers, followed by his shirt and some shorts. He stumbled out of the bathroom and made a dash for his bedroom, only to come to a grinding halt.
"Oh shit," he whispered to himself. It was Christmas Eve, and he had nothing to give the love of his life on their first real date."Crap, crap, crap!" he cursed, running into his room to throw on a jacket and some pants. Damn it, usually I'm more on top of this stuff! Naoto always did throw him off his game. That was one of the reasons he loved her..."Teddie!" Yu shouted, running down the stairs. "Teddie, I-shit!" His foot slipped, and suddenly he was at the bottom of the stairs with a bruised shoulder.
"Yu! Are you okay?!" Teddie gasped, running towards the fallen man.
"I'm fine," he grumbled as he stood. "I just needed to tell you that I need to step out for a bit. Watch the house while I'm gone and if Naoto comes, tell her I'll be right back, okay?"
Yu had been expecting the blond bear to happily agree, but instead the younger boy frowned. "But I was going to leave for Yuki-chan's party! Yosuke and Chie are already on their way there!"
Right, forgot about that party. Damn. "Alright, alright. Go, but just make sure you lock up. Oh, and text the others that Naoto and I can't make it, okay?"
"Kay! You gonna go execute some Yu-style moves on her?" he wondered, a beaming grin on his face as Yu pulled his shoes on.
"Something like that," Yu replied. He didn't spare another glance at Teddie as he pulled open the door. "See ya, Ted! Oh, don't forget their gifts by the fridge! Merry Christma-!" He stepped forward a little too quickly, and suddenly the silverette was sliding. His eyes widened once more as he stumbled and fell onto the snow-covered floor, burying his face in the cold, white powder as Teddie watched.
I am not. Letting this. Ruin. Today. Yu rose up and wiped snow from his face, marching forward with as much dignity as he had left.
Naoto was sound asleep the morning of Christmas Eve. After agreeing on a time and location, Naoto had been spending what free time she had left to focus on the perfect gift for Yu Narukami, her... special friend. Unfortunately gift giving was not one of the Shirogane Family's famed traits or skills. She was completely at odds with herself, before she finally decided on the best choice of action.
But even the best choice had a few flaws. Naoto had spent all of last night working on Yu's gift, and now she was asleep at her desk, drool pooling on the wooden frame as she quietly slept. She didn't wake up for several hours, until the sound of children laughing outside woke her from her slumber.
"Huh...?" Naoto yawned as she slowly lifted her head up from the table. She scratched at her blue locks as she blinked away her sleep. What time is it...? Her sleeping mind wondered. She glanced at a nearby clock on the wall, and she nearly jumped out of her seat. Eleven?! How?! Her eyes widened as she felt the strange sensation of something wet against her face. She put a finger to her chin to find some of her own saliva on her, causing her to groan in disgust. "Ahh!"
She wiped her sleeve against her face as her eyes darted around the room. Clothes! His gift! Shower! Ahh! I don't have time for this! She quickly grabbed a nearby towel on the ground and ran into her shower. She threw her clothes off and hopped inside as she began to bathe herself.
"Ahh!" Once again the famed Detective Prince jumped, this time from the sudden impact of cold water. She quickly worked to heat the water as her teeth began to click against one another. Okay, focus. What do I need to do before I arrive at Yu's house? What order would be the most practical?
She reached for her shampoo, only to suddenly find the contents of the bottle to be one of the most important factors of her life. What if he doesn't like the smell? What if I don't put on enough and he notices how dirty my hair is? It only took Naoto a moment to realize how utterly stupid that sounded, but was that the side effect of her feelings for Narukami? Lapses in judgement? If she spent more time around him, would she continue to find herself asking more strange questions?
Worth it. Naoto felt her cheeks burn at that simple realization. She quickly applied the shampoo to her head, repeating to herself that the way her hair smelled would not determine her future.
Clothes on the other hand...
Naoto stepped out of the shower and quickly began drying herself off. She'd go through the usual process of wrapping her chest up and dressing herself, and everything would work out well for her. Except once again, she found her mind wondering...
Would Yu like...? She stared at the wrapping she used to hide her breasts. For just a brief moment, she imagined what it would be like not to wrap herself with it. Would Yu like her more? Less? She knew that she was more... gifted in that area than most girls her age. Would Yu like that? Would she?
The very thought sent her cheeks on fire, and Naoto buried her face in her cold, wet hands as she tried to breathe. Question for another day, question for another day... Focus on the matter at hand.
Naoto went to her closet and opened the doors. What she found was barely enough for one outfit, and certainly nothing she could wear for a... a date. I... What should I wear?! She had never had to worry about such things before, meaning she had absolutely nothing fitted for this case! She slammed the closet doors closed and looked around her apartment for anything she could wear. A better question might be 'What can I wear?' she sighed.
She had nothing very adventurous or fashionable, and the idea of wearing a simple sweater for this occasion felt utterly foolish. In the end, she found only one outfit she could wear and not look utterly foolish, but even Naoto wasn't sure about that second part...
My school uniform...? It will have to do. Yu is used to seeing me in it. It should work fine, she told herself. But doubts were only prodding at her mind. What if that's exactly the problem? What if he thinks you think this date is nothing special? What if that hurts his feelings? What if-
Naoto groaned, quickly stepping into her kitchen to put some butter on a bagel. A quick breakfast and then she'd hurry to the Dojima Residence. She hoped these worries would end once she was her best friend...
The Amagi Inn was in a peaceful state of rest. Most guests were either in their rooms with their families, or out in the town. Snow fell on the humble inn as four young individuals worked in the lobby. A large green tree towered to the roof of the spacious room, as Chie stepped onto a ladder to hang up a red orb. Yosuke was behind her, digging through a box of decorations as Yukiko and Teddie brought them plates full of snacks.
The large bear licked his lips as he stared at the tray of treats, only to smile sheepishly as Yukiko warned him with a glare. The two approached their friends and held the food out to them, and the two were only two happy to take a break.
"I can't believe your parents weren't going to put up decorations!" Chie commented, her cheek full of cookie pieces. She swallowed the sweet, before declaring, "It's Christmas! Ya gotta have decorations!"
"Well, they've been really busy lately, not to mention we usually do it as a family," explained Yukiko. "And I've been so busy too with school and the... you know." She smiled at her friends. "But I'm glad we could all get together to celebrate it. Are Rise and Kanji still on their way?"
"I texted them," Yosuke replied. "Rise's helping her grandma out before heading over. Kanji said he had something he needed to work on before he could get here, but he said he'd make it."
"What about Yu and Naoto?" Chie asked, biting into another cookie.
"Naoto said she was honored, but she had plans for today. Maybe she's going to go see her grandfather?" Yukiko thought aloud.
"Yu told me that he wouldn't be able to make it," Teddie explained, before reaching into his suit's red pockets. "But he gave me these to give to all of you!" He produced several red envelopes, each marked with a different name.
"Gifts? Cool!" Yosuke grinned. "Wonder what he got us?" He shook the large envelope a few times, before looking at the others. "Why don't we open these gifts? It's not like he's going to be here for the actual gift exchange."
"Well..." Yukiko stared at her own gift, before a small smile formed on her lips. "Why not? Let's open them."
The four smiled at one another, before each began to open their own envelope. Some of them were respective of their gift, gently pulling at the paper, leaving the wrapping intact as they found their gift. Others, like Teddie, tore the envelope to shreds and stared with shimmering eyes at the gift.
"Cash?" Yosuke held the paper bills between his fingers, eyes widening. "Whoa. A lot of cash."
"There's like over ten thousand yen in mine!" Chie realized.
"Me too!" cheered Teddie.
"Did you guys get a note too?" Yukiko pulled out the small piece of paper, unfolding it. 'You will always mean a lot to me, Yukiko. Come hell, or high water. I hope you know you can trust me to watch your back, and to be your friend. Forever by your side, Yu Narukami. Merry Christmas...' She smiled at the message, closing her eyes as she stroked the thin paper with her thumb.
'Chie, remember where true strength lies. You are worthy of everything you have, and I eagerly await to see where you go from here. If you ever need help, I'm always available. Merry Christmas. Chie's lips turned into a wide smile at the note, before slipping it into her pocket. She glanced at Yukiko and smiled at her, and the taller girl smiled back.
'Hard to believe we're still the same out-of-town kids who got arrested for waving weapons around, huh? You've come a long way, Yosuke. Saki would be proud of you. I know I am. More important than that though, you should be proud of yourself. You're a hell of a hero, Yosuke. Merry Christmas.' "Wow... This is... That's pretty nice of him," commented the brunette. "So this is the New Yu, right? He's not pretending or messing with us?"
"Yep! The new and improved Yu! He's one hundred percent hero!" Teddie beamed, after reading his own card. 'You've earned the right to live life as your own man, Teddie. I couldn't be prouder. A Shadow that became human... I'll have to work my butt off to be your equal. Merry Christmas, Teddie. "He's really nice," the bear commented, before realizing there was one thing left in the envelope. "Huh? What's this?"
At the same time, the other three realized their own gifts had something else hidden within. Each of them pulled out a small picture, and half of them recoiled in disgust. Yukiko blushed, her cheeks flaring scarlet as Teddie cocked his head slightly in confusion.
The photo was of Yu Narukami, shirtless, smiling on his bed. His half naked form was the focus of the picture as he held a rose between his lips, winking at whoever was looking at the picture. He smirked at them, eyes an ethereal silver as the four read the black, bold letters beside him. "One free peepshow?!" Yosuke read.
"Yep. This is the new Yu, alright," sighed Chie, rubbing her crimson face.
"This is going to take some getting used to..."
Neither Yosuke or Chie noticed Yukiko slipping the card into her pocket as Teddie stared at the picture. "What's a peepshow?" he asked.
What do I get her?! Yu ran through Junes, looking for the perfect gift for the perfect woman. The search was as difficult was one would expect.
Yu glared at the ugly Christmas sweater hanging on the wall. He quickly killed the idea of getting such a thing for his Naoto for their first Christmas together. Their first date together. Even as he ran himself ragged, just the thought of dating Naoto made the young man smile. If he played his cards right, this could really be the end of his womanizing lifestyle.
He'd give up every beautiful person in the world for a chance to be with Naoto Shirogane...
Yu felt his cheeks turn a pinkish hue as he walked through the large store. It was strange feeling so embarrassed, but he found himself almost enjoying the sensation. Naoto always did have a way of making him feel something new.
He passed by the ladies' underwear section, and his blush only intensified. He'd seen dozens of people naked, but Naoto? Just imagining that gorgeous woman without her bandages was enough to make him feel faint. Just like how it wasn't egotistical to admire his own good looks, it wasn't perverted imagining his beautiful lover's body.
It was love. Love, and a bit of lust.
Yu kept walking, a smirk on his features as he continued to search for the perfect gift. He passed by the jewelry section, and his silver eye spotted a glittering ring adorned with a sapphire. His stare lingered for several moments, before he felt his cheeks light themselves on fire.
Don't even think about it, Narukami. Yu quickly walked away, his eye glancing at a nearby sign. It was pointing out a small sale they were having, and Yu considered something simple for the holiday.
Simple... Would she like simple? I mean, who doesn't like simple? I'm simple, and she likes me. He thought, only to scowl. Oh, who am I kidding? I'm stupidly complicated. He walked over to the books they were having on sale, and glanced through the titles. Most of the books were instruction manuals, nothing that either he or his girlfriend would be very interes-
Is that what we are now? Boyfriend and girlfriend? The thought made him freeze. She wants that right...? I mean, why else would she agree on the date? Then the possibility of failure stabbed at his racing mind, and Yu groaned in frustration. If I fuck this up, that's it. I'm as good as dead. Might as well shoot me now.
Yu's head jerked up, and he looked up and down the isle, expecting some deranged murderer to take the shot. When nothing came, Yu sighed and plucked a book from the shelf.
I hope Naoto likes this...
Naoto walked towards Yu's home at a steady pace. She pulled her school coat tighter against her body as she walked through the field of snow. Sometimes she'd pass a smiling person or two, and they'd wish her a merry Christmas. She did her best to return the gestures.
By her calculations, if she kept at this pace for the next twenty minutes or so, she'd be at the Dojima residence just on time.
Nothing to worry about it. Everything is going well. I'll be there soon enough... But what if I should be late? Naoto's pace slowed down considerably, and she stared at her feet. The term fashionably late is a saying for a reason, after all. But that's simply a way of proving one's social status. It isn't a romantic gesture!
Her pace picked up again as she walked, but her mind was still addled with her own frustration What if I should arrive sooner than the agreed time? Then I can show him I'm eager to share his company. Or I'll end up looking desperate and foolish, she sighed. Darn it... What if I walk in on him wrapping up my gift? What if he needs help preparing food for us or...?
Naoto stopped in her tracks, and she gently tapped her hands again her pockets. She felt her phone, wallet, and keys, but there was a fourth item that was missing. No, no, no... Darn it! She cursed her own stupidity as she realized Yu's gift was back home, still laying on her desk. She quickly turned around and ran back to her home. As she ran, she took out her phone and quickly began to text a message to Yu.
What should I say...? Something simple. Short. Straight to the point. She quickly typed up a message and sent it to Yu, when she suddenly fell back from walking into someone. Once again she scolded herself as she stumbled back, falling onto the snow covered ground. "I'm sorry," she quickly apologized.
"It's alright. I wasn't looking where I was going either. Do you need some help?" The young man held his hand out to Naoto, and she took it.
"Thank you." Judging by their yellow and red uniform, they seemed to be a gas station attendant. "Once again, I'm very sorry."
"Don't worry about it. You seem like you're in a rush. Everything okay?"
"Yes. I just had to run back to get the gift for my-" Naoto hesitated to find the right word for her and Yu's relationship. With a blush on her cheeks, she muttered, "-friend."
"I see. Well, I wish you and your friend best wishes this holiday."
"Thank you. Same to you."
"Have a good day, Naoto," the gas station attendant tipped their hat, before walking past the young woman. Naoto's brow rose as she began her own walk.
A tad forward to refer to me by my first name like that... Oh well, Naoto shrugged her shoulders. She had more important matters to attend to.
"Yuki-chan! Look what I found in the kitchen!" Teddie ran to the young woman, something in his red paw. He held it out to her, grinning as she realized what it was. "Mistletoe!"
"That just looks like some cabbage tapped to a cherry tomato," Yosuke commented from a nearby chair.
"It is not! It's mistletoe!" Teddie argued, glaring at Yosuke. He returned his attention to Yukiko, who stared at the supposed 'mistletoe.' "You know what that means!" He puckered his lips, kissing the air as Yukiko smiled.
"Okay."
"Wait, what?!"
"What did she say?!" Chie's jaw fell open as her head swung to stare at the two.
"W-wait, really? You mean it?! You'll kiss me?!" Teddie was practically jumping in place as Yukiko stood up from her chair and stretched her hands out to Teddie's head.
"N-no way! Seriously?!" Chie and Yosuke both leaned closer, nearly falling out of their seats. They wondered if this is what people mean when they talk about Christmas miracles... "Is she really gonna...?"
Yukiko plucked Teddie's head off of his bear body, revealing the blond boy's confused face. Yukiko pressed her lips against the lifeless costume, before pulling it away. She smiled at Teddie's befuddled expression, barely holding back her own giggles. "There you go! One kiss."
She placed Teddie's head into his arms, before sitting back down. She laughed at her own little joke, and soon Teddie was doing the same, laughing as he hugged his bear head. He happily declared that he had just 'scored a stud,' as Chie and Yosuke watched in confusion.
"They are so weird," Chie muttered.
"Seriously." The two relaxed in their seats, sighing as they both reached for their cups of hot coco. Yosuke quietly sipped from his hot drink as he glanced at Chie. "Hey, Chie?"
"Huh? What's up?"
"Here." Yosuke reached to the ground, and pulled out a small present for the girl. It was wrapped up in striped green paper, with a yellow bow on top. It wasn't hard for Chie to realize it resembled her favorite jacket. "Merry Christmas." Yosuke scratched at the base of his neck, trying to hide his flushed cheeks as she took the gift and peeled the colorful paper off.
"Yosuke..." It was a new 'Trial of the Dragon' DVD, but it also had the words 'Remastered Edition' on it, right below the title. "T-this is the special edition... It has director's commentary, a-and behind the scenes footage!"
"Yep." Yosuke allowed himself to grin in pride. "So... How-?"
"I love it!" Chie pulled Yosuke into a hug, beaming with joy as she nearly pulled the boy out of his seat.
"H-hey! Easy! Watch it! Chie!"
Chie released her prisoner, before the corners of her lips fell flat. She stared at her gift, before looking at Yosuke. "Man, I... my gifts aren't nearly as good as this..." All she had gotten Yosuke were some more kung fu movies and coupons for her favorite restaurants. Yosuke got me this really great gift... Her brow furrowed, before Yu's words echoed in her head.
"Don't sweat it, Chie. I-" Yosuke was stunned silent as his friend leaned towards him. He opened his mouth to ask what she was doing, before he felt her soft lips press against his cheek. It wasn't a passionate kiss, it wasn't some magical moment that froze time itself, but it was nice, he realized. Her lips were soft. Really soft. "I-"
"W-who wants hot coco?! Yukiko?! Okay, I'll be right back!" Chie quickly grabbed her cup and ran, leaving Yosuke with the lingering sensation of her kiss. As she dashed away, Yosuke smiled.
Merry Christmas, Chie...
'RUNNING LATE. APOLOGIES. STILL ON FOR TODAY? Y/n. PLZ RESPOND ASAP.' Yu stared at the message with confused, yet entertained eyes.
He wasn't sure if the text was a joke, or just Naoto being Naoto. Either way, Yu responded with own message, before looking at the finished cake. "Alright. That's done," he mumbled to himself, only to glance down. He had tossed his jacket onto the floor as soon as he returned home, and his shirt had several stains on it from the rushed baking.
"A quick change and I'll be all ready for our date," he grinned. He tossed the shirt into a bin full of dirty clothes as he walked back upstairs. He entered his room and looked for an outfit to wear. Unfortunately he had a distinct lack of clean clothes. With everything that had been happening lately, laundry felt like the least important thing...
He only found one outfit he could wear. His school uniform.
"Shit." The uniform was a spare he bought just in case, and while he was thankful to have clean clothes, a school uniform didn't exactly scream 'sexual god.' He shrugged his shoulders and accepted the outfit without anymore arguing. He still looked good in the outfit, because of course he did, but doubt had begun to eat away at him.
Yu was a confident man, even after finding his true self and opening up to others, he still carried an air of confidence and pride in himself. But Naoto always did have a special effect on the silver-haired man. She cracked his confidence, made his knees shake, and his cheeks burn. He loved and hated that about her.
I got this. She's going to love the cake, and you're going to have a great Christmas. Yu took a deep breath, and sighed. Go downstairs and clean the place up... I got this. Yu nodded to himself, before walking downstairs to the kitchen. He quietly began to work on cleaning the place up. It was quiet work that distracted him from his doubts as he eagerly awaited Naoto's arrival.
He soon heard someone knock on the door, and he rushed to open it. Naoto Shirogane stood there, a small present in hand as he beamed. "Hello there, detective."
"N-Narukami," she muttered in reply, avoiding his silver eyes.
Yu was about to tease the beautiful sleuth, only to notice something. "Why are you in your school uniform?"
Naoto opened her mouth to explain, but she saw something out of the corner of her eye. "Why are you?"
The two stood there in silence for a long moment, before they smiled at one another. They chuckled as Yu motioned Naoto to enter. "You forgot to do laundry too?"
"Indeed."
"And we're supposed to be the smart ones?" Yu chuckled at the irony as he closed the door behind Naoto. "Merry Christmas, Naoto."
"Merry Christmas to you, Narukami."
Marukyu Tofu was open for Christmas morning, and Rise had willingly volunteered to help her grandmother with the store. Now that they were finally closing though, Rise was free to hang out with her friends. The young woman wore a white sweater, and a pink jacket over that, before picking up bags full of small presents. She began to walk towards the door as Her grandma quietly cleaned the kitchen with a small broom.
"Alright, grandma, I'm going to head over to my friends now!"
"Have fun, sweetheart! Don't be out too late!"
"I won't!" Rise pulled open the door of the shop, only to be greeted by a familiar face right outside her door. "Kanji?"
"R-Rise! W-what are you doing here?" His eyes widened, and his cheeks practically radiated crimson. Rise glanced down, noticing his hands were pulled behind his back.
Is he hiding something? "Uh, I live here, remember?" Rise's brow rose up, and she stared at the taller boy in confusion.
"Right. I-I knew that..."
"Kanji, is everything o-?"
"Merry Christmas!" Kanji practically screamed the words out as he handed her a large paper bag. "T-this is for you."
Rise blinked, as if she hadn't realized what he had said at first. She placed her own bags down and took the gift. Whatever was inside the bag, it was covered in crumpled up colored paper. "That's really sweet of you, Kanji-kun! But you know we're going to the party together, right?"
"I just... I wanted to give it to ya early. That's all..."
Rise nodded in understanding, smiling at him. "You want to come inside?" He nodded his head, stepping into the small shop. Rise closed the door behind him, before reaching inside the large bag.
She felt something soft brush against her fingers, before she pulled out a large stuffed animal. It was a penguin with pink feathers on his back and head, and a soft, white belly in the shape of a heart. Bright blue eyes stared at her as his small, yellow beak seemed to smile at the sight of the idol. Rise's fingers stroked the toy, her eyes gleaming. "Kanji, this... this is-"
"There's something else in there."
Rise blinked, before holding the penguin tightly to her own body with one arm. The other arm dug through back, finding a small keychain at the bottom of it. Her eyes widened at the sight of the small trinket. It was a pink penguin, wings spread wide, and sapphire-eyes glittering. The little keychain resembled the stuffed animal perfectly.
"Kanji..." Rise stared at the two gifts for a long moment, before placed both of them back in the bag. "Okay. Time for me to give you your gift."
"You don't have to. I just wanted to-"
"No buts." Rise put her foot down on the matter, before smiling at him. "Now, close your eyes?" She noticed his hesitation, and she leaned forward, eyes glittering as they stared into his. "Please?"
There was no way Kanji could resist her. He sighed, nodding his head as he closed his eyes. "Alright, alright."
Rise stared at him, making sure his eyes really were shut, before she reached into her bag. She opened one of her own gifts, quickly tearing the paper off of the box. She hoped and prayed that the young man would like the simple gift. She had spent all night on it...
Kanji could feel something soft touch his neck, before Rise's voice asked him to open his eyes. He did so, and immediately glanced down to find a scarf loosely wrapped around his neck. It looked handmade, made of a light shade of purple that slowly became darker as it went. "Did you make this?" he questioned, eyes wide as he felt the material between his finger and thumb.
"Y-yeah. Grandma's been teaching me how to knit. I know it's nowhere near your level, but I really wanted to give it a shot. Um, is it okay?" she asked, her own cheeks turning red as he stared at her. Her foot shifted slightly as she blushed, suddenly finding herself rather scared of Kanji's response.
Thankfully, she had nothing to fear. "It's actually not too bad, Rise. Gotta hand it to you, you did good." She beamed with pride at the compliment, only to take slight offense at his next words. "You're a lot better at sewing than you are at cooking, that's for sure."
"Oh, shut up," she giggled, smacking Kanji's shoulder. The two laughed, a sensation that they had both missed the last few days. "Merry Christmas, Kanji." She hugged her penguin tightly.
"Merry Christmas, Rise."
The two friends stared into one another's eyes. Rise could appreciate the irony of the moment. The two barely spoke to each other once. Now they were the best of friends, always by each other's side, and in a way, it was all thanks to Yu. She chuckled at the idea. Yu might have been the catalyst, but their bond was made by them, and them alone.
"Pretty crazy to think that-"
"Oh, just kiss the poor boy already, Rise!" The copper-haired woman's cheeks flared up yet again, and she turned her head to glare at her whistling grandmother.
"Grandma!" Rise turned her attention back to Kanji, trying to brush off her relative's comment. "I-ignore her, we should probably... Huh?" Kanji stepped closer to Rise, and in one single step, there was no more space between. He was in front of her, cheeks red, hands raised up. "Kanji...?"
She could hear him swallowing his nerves as he opened his mouth. "R-Rise, I... T-the gift wasn't the only thing I wanted t-to give to ya. I wanted to ask you if you were... If you were planning on doing anything tomorrow?"
"N-not really..." She could feel his breath on her lips. He bit his lower lip, clearly nervous, before he took a deep breath.
"I'm not going to tiptoe around it this time, Rise," he confessed. "I got to put my cards on the table. The truth is Rise, I like you a lot, a-and I've been thinking about you a lot. Like a lot, a lot. Like as more than just my friend."
"Like... as a bro?" she teased, heart pounding in her chest.
"Rise..."
"Like a best bro?" Her smile was wiped away as his hand touched her cheek. His skin was surprisingly warm. She felt her breath being stolen away as he pulled her closely, gently. He gave her the chance to pull away as his eyes fell shut, and he leaned down, lips spread apart. Rise met him halfway, pressing her lips against his as they shared their fist kiss.
Rise melted into his embrace as the stuffed animal fell to their feet. Rise's arms found their way around his neck as she finally felt the love she had always dreamed of.
Yu and Naoto sat in his room, each seated at opposite ends of a small table. Naoto swallowed down her worries as Yu smiled at her. He was nervous too, but he was also genuinely happy. Here he was, Yu Narukami, on a date with Naoto Shirogane, the girl of his dreams.
Could life get any better?
"I-it's pretty cold outside, isn't it?" she asked, earning an amused raise of his brow. "Ah... Well, um... T-that's a wonderful cake! It reminds me of being a kid again."
"Nervous, Naoto?" he inquired.
"I'm sorry," she sighed. "It's just... it's only us here," she confessed.
"Don't worry about it. That should put you at ease. You can just be yourself around me. Unless-" And he happily curled his lips into a sharp smirk, flashing his teeth. "-you're scared of me?"
"I am not scared," she retorted, as if challenged. He chuckled in response, and after a moment, Naoto sighed. "You are incorrigible."
"Aww, it's part of my charm, admit it," he laughed.
"I suppose it is," she confessed, surprising the silverette. He beamed at her as her lips formed a small smile. "Now then, I believe I still have to give you my gift, correct?" Naoto reached into her coat pocket as Yu watched, curiously. "Just please promise me you won't call it stupid? Or childish? Okay?"
"Wouldn't dream of it," he swore.
"It's been some time since I've made something like this," she explained. "If I was back at the estate, I could add a radio, or even a transceiver to it..."
Okay, now I'm really curious. "Quit teasing, beautiful. What is it?"
Naoto's cheeks were crimson as she pulled out a small police badge from her coat. On closer inspection, Yu realized that the badge was fake, made of a hard plastic. It was made out of a silver material, with the words 'Junior Detective' clearly molded on the bottom surface. Yu's eyes widened as Naoto pressed down on the side of the badge, and it began to flash a white light.
"The title of 'detective' was a burden to me, before I came here. I thought I had nothing else to offer besides being a detective. I worried that my last name held all my worth, but you proved me wrong. To you, it didn't matter if I was a man, or a woman, a peer your age, or an adult... You accepted me for me, and you helped me find a place where I could be myself..."
"That's why I made you this badge. Because I want us to wear the title together. You and I..." She held her hand out to him, fingers trembling. "Please, accept it...?" Yu didn't hesitate to take the gift into his hand. He grinned at her as he clipped the badge onto his coat.
"I'd say it's safe to say you won our first date." Yu spoke the words with a hint of fear, terrified that he had over stepped himself. Naoto's cheeks turned a bright red once more, but she didn't refute the claim. She just stared at him as he continued. "Is it okay to think of you as my girlfriend?" Her blush went down her neck. "And me as your boyfriend?"
"I... Y-yes. I-I would v-very much like it if you thought of me in such a manner... a-and if I could think of you as my... um... Yes..."
Yu had to resist jumping for joy as he grinned. She's so perfect, he thought as he stared at her. "Man, wait until Rise hears this..."
"W-wait!" Yu looked at Naoto, concern in his eyes. "I-I was hoping that we could take this slow? Perhaps keep it among ourselves for a few days? Maybe even weeks?" The request clearly wasn't easy for her to put forth.
Yu couldn't deny feeling some level of disappointment at the idea. After all, if a man had the greatest girlfriend in the world, he'd want to scream it to the heavens. It was just logical. It was just simple logic. He wanted everyone to know how much he loved Naoto, shout the truth through town... but he accepted the request with a smile. "Alright, Naoto. I understand. Just you and me..."
Naoto let out a breath of relief, smiling in gratitude. "Thank you, Narukami."
"But it is just us in here," Yu reminded. His smile turned snakeish, and Naoto knew what was coming. She steeled herself as best she could, but even her best defenses seemed to melt against his silver eyes. "And I feel a mighty need to show my girlfriend-" Oh, how he loved calling her that. "-my gratitude. And no simple cake could ever be good enough to do that..."
He stood up and began walking around the table, and Naoto was reminded of a shark stalking his prey. Naoto felt her throat tightened, yet there was an excitement in her racing heart. She knew she wasn't trapped, nor was she prey. She was Yu's equal, his partner in this dance of theirs. She found herself smiling as he sat by her side, placing a gentle hand around her waist.
"I love you, Naoto..." She melted from hearing those words alone, and she took in his familiar scent.
"A-and I love you," she admitted, and the words lifted a weight off of her. "I love you," she repeated, smiling into his gaze. She leaned forward, kissing his lips, and now he was the one to turn limp. But the blow lasted for only a moment as his tongue pushed between her lips, touching hers and sending a storm down her spine.
Naoto trembled in a unique kind of ecstasy, before countering with her own tongue. The two lovers fell to the ground together, Naoto pinned under her more experienced partners. His hands stroked her skin through her clothing, and she shuddered at his warm fingertips. She gave herself to him, as she accepted Yu's loving embrace.
He peppered her neck with butterfly kisses as he whispered in her ear. "Merry Christmas, my love."
She mustered up the energy to reply, "Merry Christmas, Yu..." before the two lovers felt time melt away. For them, there was no one else but the one they loved...
END
Let me answer the questions you probably have.
Is this the end of Just a Delinquent? What about Izanami?! Nope! Just the end of Arc 2. Yu's fully admitted to who he is and was, and his friends like him all the same. Adachi is beaten. The day is saved... but only for now. Izanami will be featured in Arc 3, the true end for Just a Delinquent. This is more like a hiatus.
What about the watch and Naoto's schoolgirl uniform?! Have patience. Decided to wait on Naoto giving Yu the distance watch. It'll come soon enough, I promise. Same with the uniform.
What's Arc 3 about? When will it begin? Arc 3 is about the game's true ending, but more than that, it's about Yu and Naoto's relationship. Their dates, their kisses, their first fight... Much like how Arc 2 balanced the romantic drama of teenagers with a murder case, Arc 3 balances a ski trip, New Years, and Valentine's Day with the final battle against Izanami. Expect the Leafydream mix of larger than life adventures, grounded heroes, romantic fluff, and angst.
As for when it will begin... No clue. I need at least a couple of months for a break, but keep an eye on my profile for updates. This story will continue, I swear it. (My Heaven would never let me leave this half done, anyways.)
But what will I read until it begins again?! I need my Alternate Character Interpretation/Romantic Drama with occasional comedy and action fix! Worry not, dear reader! For a sequel, of sorts, has already begun, starring our dear protagonist of Persona 5...
'Hearts Freely Given' is the Leafydream made sequel to both 'Just a Delinquent' and Persona 5! Akira Kurusu heads back home, as Futaba Sakura, Haru Okumura, and Makoto Niijima wrestle with their feelings for the young man. What follows is an epic, and long, tale of Akira finding his true home, and realizing where his heart lies while the three girls each face their own challenges as they realize they love their missing friend.
And when their feelings become clear, what will they do? Can three girls truly share their hearts with a single man? Can hearts be so freely given? Find out by clicking on my name up top and clicking on the story!
I'm going to take these last few moments to thank all of my readers for sticking with me this far. Thank you. You made Delinquent the tale it is today, and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart. I swear this story will reach a proper ending. Until the day comes, I hope you continue to enjoy my work.
Merry Christmas, happy holidays, and know that you are loved.
See ya soon, friends.