All My Fault

The gang's ski trip was only a week away, and Yu had yet to finish his shopping. He was too distracted to pick up what he needed, after all, he made it a personal responsibility to help as many people in Inaba as he could. He had hoped to spend time with Naoto, but the beautiful detective had rejected his last few offers, leaving him alone to help the townspeople.

When he finally made time to finish his shopping, he invited Naoto to join him on the outing. Once again, she politely rejected the offer, and instead, one of their other friends joined him to finish their shopping.

Chie and Yu had shopped together for about an hour, before taking a short break for lunch. Well, it was supposed to be a short lunch. It ended up being a bit longer than that, in no small part due to the young woman's voracious appetite.

"Where does it go?" Yu wondered, staring at Chie as she ate.

"Huh? Whair dus whut gow?" Chie asked, her mouth filled with food.

"The food. You're so small, yet you eat twice my weight in meat. Where does it go?" he wondered, before chuckling as the brunette waved an empty skewer at him.

"Hey! W-watch it! You can't talk to a girl like that!"

"Trust me, I've said much worse to women before," Yu commented. He held up his hands, gasping in fright as he mocked the shorter girl's threatening skewer-waving. "Careful with that thing! I don't want you mistaking me for a piece of beef!"

"Jerk," she muttered, returning to her food.

Yu laughed at her pouting face. He was still smiling as she finished her meal, but his silver eyes picked up on the change of mood. She was picking at her food at a much slower pace, indecision plaguing her hazel eyes. He sighed, realizing his words must have struck a nerve.

"Hey. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. I just like the sound of my own voice," he apologized with a sigh. It was instinct at times. He'd say something so casually, with so little thought, that he had no idea how it might have sounded. "Still working on a being a good guy. I hardly ever get to tease the folks who I help. That sort of behavior is reserved for my closest friends. I'm sorry if I offended."

"You have a funny way of treating your best friends," she muttered.

"Oh? Do I? Hey, how's Yosuke right now? Kicked his leg recently? Made fun of his bad jokes? Called him a pervert?" Chie's eyes widened, and Yu's smile returned. "Seems we both treat our close friends poorly."

"Yosuke and I aren't that close," she muttered, before stuffing another piece of steak into her mouth, as if that'd stop the conversation.

It didn't. "Oh, please. I remember how close you were during the case. Or heck, how close you two got during New Years. Couldn't take your eyes off each other."

"W-what?! That is not what happened!" she argued, her cheeks flaring red.

"Mhhm. You know, I'm sure you two would make a cute couple. All it'd take is for one of you to ask the other out." Chie didn't respond, simply glaring at the silverette as he smiled. "If he makes you happy, go for it. What's the worst that can happen?"

"Um, I make an idiot of myself?" Chie's eyes widened, and she sealed her lips shut. Yu smirked at the reactionary reply.

"And Yosuke and you haven't been idiots before? Whatever happens, I know you two are strong enough to get through it." He cleaned his lips with a napkin, before standing. "Look, I'll drop it, but just try and think on it for me?"

Chie didn't respond. She quietly stood up with Yu, and the two threw their food away and left to continue shopping.

"Anything else you need to pick up?" Yu asked.

"Just a scarf."

"Done." Yu reached into his bag, and took out a long, pink scarf. There were several flowers all over it colored a lighter shade of pink. He held it out to the surprised Chie. "I was thinking about buying something for you. I picked this up while you weren'tl looking. I was planning on giving it to you on the trip, but no reason for you to have two scarfs."

"I… thanks." Chie blinked, taking the gift. She stared at the soft cloth, noticing just how pink the scarf was.

"I know you're insecure about how feminine you are, or aren't, so I thought the color would be good for you. A little bit of femininity that won't clash with your tomboy style. Plus, I thought the color would help bring out your eyes. If you don't like it, toss it, but I think you'd look cute in it," Yu commented with a smirk.

Chie blushed at the compliment, and he chuckled.

"More importantly, I bet Yosuke will like it even more."

"S-shut up!"

Yu laughed at her scarlet cheeks, before the two walked down the sidewalk together. They made idle chit-chat for a while, enjoying each other's presence. Eventually the two went their separate ways. Yu waved goodbye to his friend, and she returned the gesture.

The silverette walked back home alone, his boots crunching the snow under his feet as he marched. Eventually he took out his phone and glanced at it. He had sent Naoto a message this morning, telling her he loved her, before he sent another one an hour later about Yu and Chie shopping together. He casually offered Naoto a chance to join, but she hadn't responded.

His thumb hovered over the call button, but he sighed and pushed his phone back into his pocket. He didn't want to smother her. Yu just missed her. He didn't have much longer with her, and he didn't want to waste time not being with her…

Stop. If she doesn't want to talk, you shouldn't bother her, he told himself. He just wondered why she didn't want to talk to him any longer…

The plan was for everyone to meet outside Junes, where Yosuke would be waiting with the bus that would take them to the nearby mountains. Naoto had spent all of last night packing her essentials, ensuring she would have everything she'd need for the trip.

She arrived promptly five minutes before the scheduled time. Yosuke-senpai was already there, waiting on the curb of the sidewalk with his bags by his feet. She didn't see the others, or the bus.

"Yosuke-senpai," she greeted, waving at him casually.

"Hey, Naoto! Should have guessed you'd be the first person here. What's up?" Yosuke smiled at the younger girl, waving back at her.

She placed her luggage onto the ground beside Yosuke's bags, before looking around. "Is the bus not here yet?"

"Not yet. Should be here soon. Hopefully the others hurry up."

Naoto nodded her head, before the two stood in silence by each other's side. The silence was accented by the quiet morning. There were few cars on the road, and fewer strangers walking down the snow-covered streets of the small town. The silence felt so encompassing, Naoto considered initiating small talk just to fill the void, but Yosuke beat her to it.

"Hey, Naoto? Can I ask you something?"

"Of course, Yosuke-senpai. What is it?"

"Well, uh… It's kind of a weird question," he warned, scratching at his cheek.

"You can ask me anything, Yosuke-senpai. We are friends. I wouldn't think any less of you for something as superficial as a strange question." Is everything alright? She something was wrong and he needed her deductive reasoning.

"Alright. Well, it's about you and, err… Yu. I just want to know what it's like being close to him. I mean, you two always look so happy together."

"Ah." That was an odd question, and Naoto immediately feared that their secret had been found out. "I-I hadn't noticed. N-Narukami's relationship with me is strictly professional. There's hardly a relationship to speak of, really!"

"Huh? Seriously? How can you say that after you two solved the case? I mean, you two were like the perfect power couple. Like a couple of super cops, or something"

"C-couple?! No! We're just partners! A-a pair of partners!" Naoto quickly explained, shaking her head. She was burning up. She struggled to cool her cheeks as she avoided his hazel eyes.

"Uh… That's what I meant. Hey, are you feeling alright?"

"Y-yes." Naoto took a deep breath of cool air, and exhaled. "Yes. I apologize. I just…" She decided not to answer the question, shaking her head. "Narukami and I are close, yes, and I suppose we aren't simply two professionals. We are friends, but that's it."

Yosuke stared at her, and she felt his eyes peering through her skull. "And you're happy with that? Just being friends?"

"Of course." Naoto answered all too quickly, and she could feel her heart pounding in her chest. "N-Narukami is a wonderful friend, if a tad frustrating at times."

"Frustrating… Yeah, I get that," the brunette nodded his head. There was a momentary silence, before he spoke up again. "If he wanted to, would you date him?"

Naoto didn't know how to respond. She faced away from the older boy, staring down the street. She wanted to tell him 'No,' but she feared he'd seen through the lie, so instead she changed the subject.

"What is this about, Yosuke-senpai?"

"I… I've just been thinking about some stuff," he replied. "You know. Guy stuff. It's nothing. I just-"

"Hey! Yosuke! Naoto!" Chie and Yukiko waved at the two, and the short brunette beamed as they ran to their two friends. "Sorry for making you guys wait!"

"H-hey, Chie!" Naoto turned and watched as Yosuke's cheeks flushed, before looking at the two girls. Chie and Yukiko smiled at them, as Naoto quickly pieced together what was going on. Ah. Teenage hormones. She should have seen it coming, really.

Yosuke and Chie kept glancing at one another, just missing each other as Yukiko gave a quiet sigh, before trying to make small talk. It seemed Naoto wasn't the only one seeing the obvious. The conversation was paused as two more of their numbers walked over.

"H-hey! Hold on, Rise-chan! You're gonna make me fall!"

"Come on, Kanji! We're already late! Hurry up!"

The two came to a skidding stop in front of the group, both panting. Naoto and the others greeted the pair, when Yosuke noticed something. Rise's arms were wrapped around Kanji's, and she snuggled up against his side.

"Um… H-hey, are you two…?" Yosuke sounded as if he was unable to comprehend the revelation, and Naoto had to fight the urge to chuckle.

"No way!" Chie gasped, earning a giggle from Rise.

"Told you this would be more fun than just telling them! Yep! Kanji-kun and I are dating!" Naoto smiled at the happy couple, watching as Rise stood on her tiptoes to kiss her boyfriend's cheek. Kanji was blushing profusely at the affectionate gesture.

"When did this happen?" Yukiko inquired, smiling at the two.

"W-we've been dating since Christmas," the taller blond stuttered. Naoto made a mental note that Narukami had been right after all. "We kept it quiet at first to make sure it was serious, and… uh… It's serious." Rise's hand found its way to Kanji's, and the two intertwined their fingers.

"That's so sweet!" Yukiko complimented. "Good for you two!"

"Yeah! Congrats!" added Chie.

"No way! Kanji got with Risette?! Dude, you are so lucky!" Yosuke declared, grinning widely. "I can't believe you're dating an idol! Oh, man, I wish I was in your shoes!"

Chie growled at that remark, and though Naoto couldn't see her expression, she could see the young woman's posture stiffen. She reached towards Yosuke's head and lightly smacked it, electing a small yelp from the brunette.

"Ow! What was that for?!"

"For being an idiot!"

"What the hell are you talking about?!"

Naoto and Yukiko sighed in quiet annoyance as Rise and Kanji continued to hold one another, sharing another quick kiss. The young detective was truly happy for the two, yet at the same time she felt a pang of guilt. They started dating at the same time as she and Narukami, and here they were, openly kissing in front of their friends.

She dug her nails into the palm of her hands, quietly contemplating as she closed herself off from her friends.

Yu and Teddie ran to the group's meeting spot, panting as they carried their bags. They saw the bus they were supposed to meet at, running inside as soon as they had the chance. Yu leaned against the metal wall of the bus, gasping for air as he glared at Teddie, who stood in front of him.

"That. Is. the last time. I trust you to wake me."

"It's not my fault! I was just taking a bear nap!" Teddie whined.

"Look who finally decided to show up," Rise giggled from her seat. "We were worried we'd have to leave without you."

"No!" Teddie gasped. "You guys wouldn't do that, would you?! How beary rude of you all! How could you do something so un-bear-able!?" he cried.

"Alright, alright. Come on, let's go. We need to get going," Yu sighed, gently pushing Teddie's back. The two joined their friends in the line of seats, and the driver took their bags to put them away.

The bus was like any other bus, if a bit smaller. There were two seats on each side of the bus, and the boys walked by the front row, passing Chie and Yosuke, and Rise and Kanji, before spotting Yukiko and Naoto alone on each side of the bus. Yu grinned at Naoto, only to frown as the navy-haired detective called out to Teddie.

"T-Teddie, would you like to sit beside me? I wanted to ask you something."

"Huh? Sure, Nao-chan!" Teddie quickly sat beside her, and Yu frowned, before sitting beside Yukiko. She smiled at him, and he returned the gesture, despite being annoyed with his placement.

"Alright, everyone's here! Let's get going!" Yosuke grinned.

The driver nodded his head, before turning on the engine. The bus' door closed and the large shuttle began to drive down the road. The rest of his friends began to talk to each other as Yukiko looked at Yu.

"Have you told her yet?" she asked, eyeing Naoto.

"It's… complicated," he replied.

"It always is… I don't know what it is about you and Chie," Yukiko sighed, shaking her head.

"She hasn't told Yosuke yet?"

"Nope."

"That figures."

Yu sighed, leaning back in his seat as the bus drove onto the freeway, carrying the teens to their vacation. Yukiko told him the news about Rise and Kanji, and Yu was happy to hear that the couple came out to the group, but happiness soon gave way to jealousy.

He looked at the happy couple, watching them laugh and kiss one another in their seats. They looked so happy, yet Yu found a writhing in his gut. He knew they started dating around the same time as him and Naoto, yet they were happy to be passionate in public.

Meanwhile, he and Naoto had barely spoken in the last week. He ground his teeth for a moment, clenching his jaw, before sighing. Yu closed his eyes, hoping for relaxation and some time with Naoto once this vacation truly began.

The group soon made their way to the nearby mountains, where they quickly reached the ski resort. The bus dropped them off and the driver bid them farewell, before the group entered their lodge. They then quickly unpacked, changed, and set out to enjoy their trip.

Yu wasn't able to talk to Naoto during the group's rush, and before he knew it the group was racing to the gondolas, Yosuke and Chie leading the charge, with Teddie following behind them.

The best Yu was able to do was walk with Naoto, Rise, Kanji, and Yukiko as they all slowly trekked towards the gondola lift. Rise spoke to Naoto, surprised by the detective's confession.

"Really? You've never been skiing before?"

"I-I have, once before. It ended poorly," she admitted.

"Wow, I didn't think there was anything you weren't good at, Naoto-kun."

"I can teach you, if you want. I'm great at skiing," Yu offered, a proud smirk on his face.

"Really? Where did you learn to ski?" Yukiko asked.

"Let me guess, it involves a girl?" Kanji suggested.

"No. A guy. Snowboarding was for a girl." The silver-haired teen laughed at the dumbfounded looks on everyone's face.

"A-actually, Kanji-kun, I was wondering if you could help me learn how to ski?" Naoto requested, wiping Yu's grin from his face.

"Huh? Me? Really?" Kanji raised his brow in confusion, before shrugging. "Sure, I could try. My ma taught me when I was younger. She said I was pretty good at it."

"E-excellent. Rise, do you mind if I sit with you and Kanji-kun? I-I had some questions I wanted to ask regarding proper technique."

"Oh." Rise glanced at Yu, who had a subtle frown on his face. He noticed Rise's eyes on him and he plastered a smile on his face, but his eyes still lacked that typical spark of life Yu was known for. "Sure... You can sit with us."

"Excellent."

The group soon reached the lift, and Naoto quickly sat between Rise and Kanji. Yu watched the lift rise up the slope of the mountain, before another lift came for him and Yukiko. The two sat down together with a stranger, and began the slow climb up the snow-coated mountain.

Yukiko kept glancing at Yu, and he noticed each time. She placed a hand on his. Neither said anything, but he placed his other hand on hers, gently patting it.

"Are you okay?" she silently asked.

"Always," he replied, and both of them knew he was lying.

The lift soon reached the top, and Yu and Yukiko exited the lift. It wasn't easy walking with their skis, but they managed, finding Rise waiting for them at the top.

"Hey!" she greeted, smiling.

"Rise-chan, you didn't have to wait for us!"

"Where's Naoto and Kanji?" Yu questioned.

"On the training route with the other kids," she giggled. "Do you guys want to ski with me?"

"I can, but I'm pretty sure we'd go too slow for Yukiko." Yu had a knowing smile on his face, and he looked at Yukiko with a good-nature grin. "Let me guess, Yukiko. You want to go on the steeper slopes, don't you?"

"Ah…" Judging by the look on her face, Yu hit the nail on the head. "I-I don't have any problem going down the easier slopes with you two." Her eyes bounced between her feet and Yu, showing she clearly just wanted to make sure he was okay.

Yu chuckled, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Yukiko, go. This is your vacation too. Have fun. I'm in good hands," he reminded.

"Are you sure?" He nodded his head, and she nodded hers. "Alright. I'm here if you need me..." Yukiko bid the two farewell, before pushing herself down with the slope, carefully using her poles and body weight to steer herself.

"So," Rise began as the two watched Yukiko race down the mountainside. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"Hm." Yu's silver eyes glanced at Naoto and Kanji. They were a few yards down the snowy path, and he glanced at Rise with a bittersweet smile. "Not really." And with that, he pulled his goggles over his eyes, gave himself a small push with his ski poles, and was soon racing down the slope, earning Rise's ire.

"Hey! Senpai, get back here!"

Yu chuckled at her anger. The wind blew past his body, and adrenaline pumped into his system. It was a good rush. Good enough that he almost forgot about his frustration. He saw Naoto with Kanji, and he told himself to stop. He was being ridiculous. He was being stupid. Immature. Yet he couldn't help but glare at the two.

Why was Naoto ignoring him? Why hadn't she even talked to him the last week? They had barely talked since New Years! They were supposed to be dating. Things were supposed to be good. Why was she pushing him away?

"Senpai! Slow down!" Rise pleaded, struggling to keep up with the silver bullet.

He turned his skis, kicking up snow as he came to a stop. Naoto and Kanji weren't that far away. Just a few feet away. He could see them, even overhear them if he concentrated.

"H-how am I doing?" Naoto stuttered.

"Not bad. Keep it up. Spread your legs further apart."

For some reason, hearing Kanji command that of Yu's girlfriend pissed him off.

Rise came to a stop beside Yu, sighing in relief. "Finally. Now will you please tell me what's wrong?" she growled, glaring at the older boy. He glanced at her, before looking at Kanji and Naoto again. Rise was able to put at least some of it together from that. "Are you and Naoto fighting?"

Yu's brow wrinkled, and Rise pouted. "You are, aren't you? What's going on between you two? I thought things would have worked out fine after you started dating."

"So did I," he grumbled, only for his eyes to widen. "Shit." He took his hand off one of his ski poles and lightly smacked himself between the eyes.

"What?" Rise blinked, her eyes widening as she pieced things together once more. "Were you guys secret dating too?"

"Are secret dating," he corrected.

"I knew it!" Rise beamed, only to be grounded by Yu's scowl. "Er, so what's the problem? You're dating now. That's good, right?"

Yu didn't say anything. He just glared at Kanji and Naoto. The two were oblivious to his gaze, focused on helping the latter improve her technique.

"You've got to open up your stance! You got it?"

Naoto, unfortunately, did not. She stood on shaking, quivering legs in front of the taller boy. "I-it's easier said than d-Ahh!" She slipped forward, and Yu felt a fire being lit in the pit of his stomach as his girlfriend fell into the arms of another man.

"Whoa!" The force of her fall made Kanji toppe over, and the two hit the snowy ground. Their legs were tangled as Naoto's face was buried in Kanji's chest, and her arms rested on his pecs."D-damn, that hurt," he groaned. He looked down, staring at the fallen sleuth, and Yu swore he saw a blush on the man's face.

Yu took a step forward, his teeth grinding as Rise tried to stop him, grabbing onto his arm. She could tell what was going through his mind. "Yu! H-hold on!"

"S-so sorr-Ahh!" Naoto was blushing too! She pulled her body away, only to fall right back onto him. This time their foreheads touched, and they fell back onto the ground. Their lips were only inches apart as she groaned. "Sorry..."

"Oh, you have got to be kidding," Yu snarled. He tried to move forward, only for Rise's arm to reel his back. "How are you not annoyed at that?!" he asked, motioning to Kanji and Naoto trying to stand up, only to continue failing.

"Because I trust my boyfriend?" Rise replied. "I mean, sure, I guess it's a little annoying, but it doesn't mean anything." Yu turned his head to glare at the two again. "Yu, I'm worried about you. Maybe you should try talking to Naoto about this?"

That just poured gasoline on the fire. "Great idea. Never would have thought of that, Rise." His biting, venomous tone was enough for her to step back in surprise.

"I didn't mean-"

"Don't." He sighed. "I'm sorry. I'm just pissed off," he uttered. "I'll be fine, Rise. Come on. I'll race you down." He dug hooks into his mouth and yanked on them, forcing a smile onto his face as he pushed his body down the slope.

Rise watched him go, knowing the wider his smile, the worst he was… If he wasn't willing to talk, then she'd just have to talk to the one person who could get him to listen. The hard part would be getting her to listen.

Eventually the group began to tire of sliding down the mountainside, or in Naoto's case, falling down the mountainside. They soon regrouped and discussed what was next on their agenda: Dinner.

They took off their skis and snowboards, and started their walk back to the dining area. Naoto noticed Rise glancing at her, but she didn't say anything. Instead she pulled her boyfriend close and Naoto noticed the two muttering to one another.

Odd, she thought to herself. Of course, it shouldn't have been that odd. They were dating. Of course they'd whisper to each other. Narukami and her were dating and they were… keeping their distance from one another, actually.

Naoto sighed mentally, glancing at Narukami. He was walking by Yosuke, keeping his eyes forward. Perhaps I should try to talk to him, she thought to herself. This wasn't the first time she thought about such a thing, and once again, indecision and dread plagued her.

She thought about Yosuke's question, and she feared that the two would be found out, and their secret relationship brought out into the open.

Yet that wasn't nearly as painful to contemplate as the alternative. She knew Yu was leaving soon. In a mere two months, they would be seperated. Time apart before the inevitable would make their parting easier, she told herself.

To the detective that lost her family, it made sense. Naoto thought of her parents. How quickly they were torn out of her life. They promised being by her side forever, and yet…

Her train of thought was shattered as Yosuke spoke up. "Here we are! We can eat here!" he announced, pointing at a nearby door, with a sign above it.

'Dining area,' Naoto read. The eight teens walked into the restaurant, and they struggled to find a table for their large group. Thankfully after their initial struggle, they found one and grouped around it.

As luck would have it, Naoto and Narukami sat across from one another at the end of the table. She looked at him, and he ignored her. She frowned at that, before turning to their friends. She joined in conversation every now and again, but mostly kept to herself as the group talked about what to order.

Chie lamented the lack of red meat, and Rise teased her boyfriend. Teddie and Yosuke bickered like brothers as Narukami and Yukiko made idle chit-chat with one another. As they waited for their server to arrive, a stranger approached the group.

"Umm, hey." Naoto turned to the young woman, arching her brow.

The woman was clearly older than her. Probably in college, and like them, was a visiting tourists. Her body was curvaceous, and despite her winter appropriate clothing, her figure and beauty were easy to see. She had a friend beside her dressed in a similarly feminine, and fashionable style. The two giggled as the first woman looked at Narukami, batting her eyes in a clearly flirtatious manner.

A manner that made Naoto want to plant evidence and arrest the young woman...

"So, my friend noticed you from our table, and we wanted to talk and... stuff," she smiled, wrapping a lock of hair around her finger.

"Oh? And what can I do to help you lovely ladies? I'm pretty good at talking, and 'stuff," Narukami teased, leaning back in his seat.

Red flags shot up in Naoto's mind, and her navy eyes bounced between the two women and Narukami. He was smiling that devilishly handsome smile, and brushing his silver bangs from his eyes. She caught the spark in those metallic orbs as they glanced down, taking in the two women's curves. Naoto felt something set her insides on fire, and she dug her fingers into her knee as she shook in rage.

"Well, we were wondering if you were free later tonight. My friend and had this thing outside the bathhouse, a-and were wondering if-"

"Depends. Does it have to be outside the bathhouse?" His voice was smooth, confident and firm. Both women giggled, blushing in awe of the silver-tongued snake. His eyes were aglow with a predatory gleam, and both women were falling under his spell. That drove Naoto into an outburst, smacking her hands against the table.

"Excuse me?!" Naoto shouted, clearly offended by the offer.

The two women turned to stare at Naoto like she was crazy, and they weren't the only ones. The rest of their friends looked at Naoto as other patrons of the small diner turned to her. Narukami glanced to Naoto, his brow raised.

"Um, sorry. Are you his girlfriend or something?" one woman asked.

Naoto and Narukami's eyes were locked as he slowly, but firmly answered. "No. She and I are just friends."

"Oh. Cool! So we were hoping you could come hang out with us! You're really cute."

"I'd say I'm more handsome than-ow!" Naoto didn't even realize what she had done at first. Her foot just moved, slamming into Narukami's leg. The young man jumped in his seat, before glaring at Naoto. "Did you just-?"

"I'm sorry, but Narukami will be busy tonight."

"Oh, uh…" By now, both girls were realizing there was more between Narukami and Naoto than just a table. The couple glared at one another as Teddie quickly tried to distract the two older girls.

"Hey! Why not bring me instead? I promise a 'beary' good time!"

"Um, that's okay," one of the girls replied.

"Y-yeah. We're just gonna go."

The two women quickly walked off, leaving the group to deal with the fuming couple. Narukami's brow furrowed as he stared at Naoto, and she returned the sharp glare with one of her own. The others were ready for one of them to begin shouting, but it never happened. Narukami just sighed, and buried his head in his menu as Naoto did the same with her own.

Naoto was a whirlwind of emotions in her mind. She felt so many different inklings and sensations, none of them good. She felt angry at Narukami for being so stupid as to flirt with those girls, jealous that other women would dare act so coquettish for her boyfriend, and angry at herself for acting so childish.

She didn't say anything in front of the group, choosing instead to just push those feelings aside and focus on the present. For better, or worse, Narukami did the same.

The group soon returned to their lodge, most of them eager to go sleep and put the day's drama behind them. Teddie tried to make jokes to ease the mood, but it was as helpful as making jokes to two stone walls. Narukami and Naoto were the first to go to bed, and soon the others followed.

Their lodge's sleeping arrangement was separated into two different, large rooms, one for each gender. Naoto laid on her bed, sighing as the lights were turned off. She closed her eyes, pulling her blanket over her body to sleep, only for a voice to speak up beside her.

"Naoto? Naoto, are you asleep?" Yukiko inquired.

"If I was, how would I answer?" the sleuth muttered in annoyance.

There was a brief pause, before Yukiko's phone shined in Naoto's face, illuminating and blinding her. "Good point," the older girl admitted. "Can we talk?"

"Ah," the blue-haired woman held her hand up, blocking the light as she groaned, rubbing her eyes."It's the middle of the night, Yukiko-senpai. Can it not wait until morning?"

"No. It can't. It's about you and Yu." There was another brief pause, and Yukiko snorted, holding her hand over her mouth as she giggled. "You and Yu. Heehee!"

"Yukiko-senpai, I really don't want to talk about him right now."

"Why are you so mad at him? You two usually get along so well. What happened?" the raven-haired woman frowned.

"Nothing. We just had an altercation."

"Altercation? Is that code for you getting jealous at him talking to those two girls?" Chie's voice asked.

"Actually, Chie, altercation means 'a noisy, public disagreement,'" Yukiko explained.

"Yukiko, I know what it means. I was making a joke."

"Oh... It was funny," the older girl slowly uttered, clearly trying to comfort the brunette.

"Come on, Naoto. Talk to us. When was the last time all of us girls just sat down and talked to each other? Like normal girls? No murders, no other worlds, just boys, high school, and normal life." Rise was there now too, further annoying the Detective Prince.

"There's nothing to talk about. Please, can we just go asleep?"

"Nope," Rise answered. "Come on, Naoto. Talk to us. It's just us girls."

"Yeah! You can say whatever you want with us!"

The exhausted detective sighed, glaring at Chie. "Depends. Have you talked to Yosuke-senpai about your own feelings?"

"Ah…! W-what feelings?! I don't have any feelings!"

"My point exactly."

"Hey, quit trying to change the subject," Rise commanded. She pouted, illuminated by the light of her own phone. Naoto groaned, trying to slither her head under her pillow to avoid the bright light and insistent glares of her friends. "Come on, Naoto. What's wrong with you two?"

The detective didn't respond, so Rise continued.

"You know he likes you. Like, really likes you. Why don't you two talk about how you feel…?" There was something in Rise's tone that piqued Naoto's suspicion. There was something off about her, as if she knew something she wasn't supposed to.

Naoto pulled her head out from under her pillow and glared at Rise, her blue-eyes hidden in the dark.

"Yeah! You two could be dating, or something. You know, when Yu and I went shopping, he told me sent you an invite, but you never replied."

"He's leaving soon," Yukiko reminded. "Don't you want to spend time with him? What if this is the last time you see him?"

That was a mistake. Instead of comforting Naoto or inspiring her to take action, it angered her. She clenched her jaw and turned her glare to Yukiko, teeth grit. "Of course I understand that! It's all I've been thinking of for weeks! He's going to leave, and…" She stopped, biting down on her tongue. She lowered her voice, trying to maintain her composure. "And I understand that, Yukiko. You don't need to remind me."

Her eyes combed over her friends' faces, all of whom were staring at her in confusion and concern. Naoto sighed, rubbing her face as she grabbed her pillow.

"I am going to sleep in the living room. Good night."

"W-wait! Naoto!" Rise's hand caught Naoto's, stopping her. "Alright, we'll stop. Just come back to bed?"

Naoto dropped the pillow on her bed and exhaled through her nose. She felt only worse now. All the twisted writing feelings from before returned in full force, no thanks to her childish outburst.

It was times like this Naoto was mildly annoyed that she wasn't a boy. The boys of her social circle wouldn't be so eager to talk about her emotions or her relationship with Narukami. She was sure the young man was sound asleep by now.

The other girls returned to their beds, and darkness filled the room again as Naoto was left with her own thoughts. She thought of Yu, of how she had been avoiding him of late, and, most damning of all, how inevitable it was that he would be gone.

Soon there would be a hole in her life that he once filled. He'd be gone. True, he promised he would return, but that was a promise she had heard before. Her parents promised the same…

Stop. You can't think like that. But her mind betrayed her. What did life have in store for her? For Narukami? What if something happened to either of them? Or what if Yu found someone else? Someone more feminine, or someone who could stay by his side?

These were the thoughts that plagued her mind, that drove a wedge between her and her boyfriend. This fear of their inevitable separation. Either because of the dangers of her profession, the distance between them, or just random chance.

Stop, she begged herself, but fear and anxiety stabbed at her mind. She knew she would not be able to get much sleep tonight.

"Yu, are you and Naoto okay?" Teddie asked, laying on the bed by Yu's.

The silver-haired teeth glared at the ceiling as Yosuke and Kanji joined the discussion without any prompting.

"Yeah, what's with you two? You fighting or something?" Yosuke asked.

"Guys, it's late. Go to sleep," Yu grumbled.

"Come on, Senpai. We're friends." Yu opened his eyes and looked at Kanji. He felt that fire burn in his gut once more as the blond spoke. "We're just trying to help you, man."

Yu remembered Naoto falling into Kanji's arms. He could still see her blushing face inches from his. The memories poured gasoline on his jealousy and anger. The old Yu might have completely closed up, but thankfully this was not the old Yu.

"Kanji, can I ask you something?"

"Huh? Yeah, what's up?"

"Do you still love Naoto?"

Yosuke and Teddie were shocked by the question, almost speaking up so Kanji didn't have to, but a glare from the blond stopped both of them. Yu lifted himself up from bed, sitting up as Kanji did the same. The younger man didn't answer at first, and the silence did little to comfort Yu.

"Nah." Kanji shook his head. "I don't think so. She's my friend, and she's great, but how I feel about her is different than how it used to be." He looked at Yu, a solemn frown on his face. "When I used to think about Naoto, I'd get this weird feeling in my gut, and I'd think about how cool or cute she is. How brave. How smart… I'd think about what it'd be like being with her."

"And now?"

"I think about what it'd be like to be with her, and I'm fine with where we are. If I found out that nothing between her and I changed in five years, I'd be okay with that. She and I are friends. That's more than enough for me," he explained.

Yu stared into Kanji's blue eyes, peering into them as he contemplated the younger man's words. "So you've moved on? Just like that?"

"Yeah. It took some time, but yeah. I've moved on," he replied, not an ounce of deceit in his voice.

Yu nodded his head. He had hoped the confession would help ease the whirlwind of conflicting emotions in his heart. It did not. If anything, he just felt worse. If Kanji said he still had feelings for Naoto, then Yu's jealousy would at least be warranted.

The reality was that Yu was the only one in the wrong. He was an immature child, hardly changed from the sociopath that first came to Inaba.

"Senpai?"

"It's not a secret that I like Naoto," he admitted with a bitter chuckle. "But I'm starting to wonder if Naoto feels the same way about me..."

"Hey, come on, that's crazy talk!" Yosuke declared.

And Yu knew Yosuke was right, but he couldn't help but be consumed by his own depression and doubt. Yu and Naoto hadn't had a decent conversation in weeks. He remembered how happy they were. Why did it suddenly change? What did he do wrong?

"You ever think something that you know isn't true, but you can't help but think it is?"

"I thought everyone would be better off without me," Teddie's voice broke the silence. He walked towards Yu, the dim light of a nearby lamp illuminating the small boy's shape. He sat beside Yu on the older boy's bed, staring at his hands. "I hoped it wasn't true, but I couldn't stop thinking it. You helped me realize the truth though, Yu."

"It's gonna be okay, man." Yosuke joined the two on the other side of Yu. He placed his hand on the silverette's shoulder, and grinned. "There's no way it won't."

"Yeah! I'd bet my lucky bear paw that Naoto and Yu will live happily ever after!"

Yu smiled at Yosuke, then at Teddie, before looking at Kanji. The blond sat on his bed with a friendly grin, nodding his head at the silver-haired teen. Despite the writhing in his stomach, Yu realized how lucky he was to have his friends there.

"Thanks, guys."

Morning eventually came and the group soon left their lodge to enjoy another day of their vacation. They all quickly raced to the slopes, when Yu noticed Naoto walking past him, towards Rise and Kanji. The detective held her ski equipment in her arms as she avoided his silver eyes.

"Kanji-kun, I was wondering if you could help me with my technique again?"

"Oh, uh…" Yu and Naoto saw Kanji and Rise sharing a look with one another, before the blond-haired boy looked at Naoto. "Actually, Rise and I were going to do some skiing together."

It took less than a second to realize that Kanji was rejecting Naoto. Yu probably appreciated the irony a lot more than his partner did.

"Ah. I see."

"Why don't you let Senpai teach ya?" Kanji suggested, looking at Yu. "He's better than I am at skiing anyways."

They were trying to help him, Yu realized. He glanced at Naoto, walking closer to the three as Rise nodded her head.

"Yeah! I bet Yu-senpai could really help you, Naoto."

"Oh. Of course." Naoto looked at Yu, turning her head to face him, but avoiding looking into his eyes. The silverette put on a smile, but it was clear she was reluctant to ask him for help. "Senpai, would you be willing to help me ski?"

"I'd love to," he replied, forcing the smile on his face to widen.

"Good." She continued to avoid his gaze as she held up her arm and pointed towards another part of the slope. "A-after falling down yesterday, one of the instructors suggested I try a slope down that way. She said it was more secluded, so there'd be less of a danger if I fell again."

Her boyfriend nodded his head, before glancing at Rise and Kanji. They stared at him with hope in their eyes, silently rooting for the young man.

Yu and Naoto's eyes finally met, and both could tell the other had questions hanging off of their tongue. Yu hoped the seclusion would help them.

"Alright. Lead the way, Naoto." He smiled at her, and she tried to return the gesture. Neither looked very convincing.

Yu watched as Naoto slowly slid down the slope. The two had yet to really talk about the elephant in the room, but he still enjoyed their time together. It was nice. Almost like old times.

"This is exhausting," Naoto sighed.

"Yeah, but you're getting better." He smiled at her.

"Thank you." She slowly slid towards him, her legs shaking. Yu held out his hands, helping her stop as he moved beside her.

"Come on. Let's take a break. Let me help you take yours skis off and we can sit down." Naoto seemed hesitant, before nodding her head at the suggestion.

It didn't take long for the couple to pick up their equipment and safely walk to a flat, even surface. They pushed their skis into the ground, before sitting down on the snow-covered soil. They stared out into the distance and admired their surroundings for a moment.

The mountain air gently blew against them as they stared at the snow-covered slopes around them, and the wooden lodges below them. They were truly secluded, though, with not another human soul in sight. The sound of people racing down the other slopes touched their ears, but it sounded so distant.

"It's nice," Yu commented.

"It is."

"We should come here again sometime. Just you and me." He looked at her, and she hid her crimson cheeks under her hat. She didn't say anything for a moment, before mumbling something.

"I'm sorry. You must hate having a beginning like myself slowing you down. I'm usually better at picking up new skills, but skiing is…"

"Hey, it's okay." Yu leaned down to peck her cheek, but she moved, avoiding his lips. He blinked, staring at her. His eyes betrayed him, showing how disappointed he was.

"Narukami, stop. Someone might see." Those words stabbed at his nerves. Even now, even with no one around them, she refused to let him get close to her. It made his hands shake into tight fists as his rage slipped between his teeth.

"Are you kidding me?!" Yu couldn't stop himself. The words slipped out before he could stop them, and again, his eyes betrayed him, narrowing into an angry glare. It was only for a moment, but a damning moment nonetheless.

Naoto's eyes widened under his scornful gaze, before hardening. "Do you think what I said was some kind of joke, Narukami? I told you that I wanted our relationship to remain hidden from the others."

"Look around us, Naoto," he growled. He motioned his hands around them. "There is no one here! No one but us! Why do you have to be so para-?!" He stopped himself, but it was too late. The damage was done.

"Paranoid. That's what you were going to say, wasn't it?"

"If the shoe fits," Yu uttered, glancing at her, before looking away. She was glaring at him.

"I… How could you think I'm paranoid?! I told you before, that this is what I want. I wanted to keep us a secret. Why can't you accept them?"

Every question was like another pile of wood for Yu's anger. He spoke, his voice trembling as he tried to hold the inferno back.

"Why can't you treat me like I actually am your boyfriend?! I thought we were okay, but all you've done is push me away and treat me like a stranger! You barely even reply to my texts! When was the last time you and I kissed? The last happy memory I have of us together is New Years, over a month ago!"

Naoto's eyes widened at that, and Yu briefly wondered if she even realized how long ago it was that they held each other in their arms. The silverette felt a pang of guilt as the truth fell from his lips.

"As it is, we were closer when we were just friends." Yu's eyes fell on the snow crushed under his feet, and his heart ached as he opened up to Naoto for the first time in a month. She let him see the fear in his eyes as he told her the damning truth.

"Is it because you're unhappy with me? Did I do something wrong?" The next question, the one that had been stabbing at his mind for weeks, fell from his lips. Uttering it was enough steal the light from his silver eyes, dulling them grey for a moment.

"Do you want to break up with me, Naoto?"

Her eyes widened again, yet she remained silent still. The silence left Yu filling the air with what he feared was the truth.

"I don't want you to be unhappy. I don't want to hurt you, but I don't want this either. Naoto, if I did something wrong, tell me what I can do to make it better. Tell me how I can make this better, because I won't keep you prisoner in a relationship you hate." He swallowed down spit, and he realized just how blurry his vision was getting. The cold air blew into his eyes, stinging them. He rubbed at his eyes, trying not to embarrass her.

"This is my fault." Naoto's words were quiet, yet they silenced the world around them. "I'm sorry, Narukami." She stood up, and he looked up at her. Her navy eyes, those beautiful pools of blue that he fell in love with, looked pale, and lifeless. "I'm sorry."

"Naoto, wa-!" But she was already leaving, turning and walking away from the silverette. He quickly stood up and gave chase, but she was already breaking into a run. "Naoto!"

She was running from him, and Yu had only himself to blame. Because he opened his mouth. Because he tried to be honest. It was his own damn fault. He ruined the best thing in his life, and it was all his fault.

Tears fell from Yu's eyes, and he didn't bother wiping them away. He just combed his fingers through his hair, knocking his hat to the ground as reality crashed down on him.

He blamed himself. This, all of this, was his fault. He was happy, he had the perfect girl, but that wasn't enough. He was selfish, and stupid, and now he was paying the price.

This was all Naoto's fault.

That revelation haunted her mind as she ran away from Narukami, like the child she was. She had been so stupid. Of course Narukami wouldn't want to date her. How could anyone when she was so childish? So stupid.

In fearing their inevitable separation, she had become the wedge driving them apart. A self-fulfilling prophecy. Yu was hurt by her, and she realized that the most humane thing to do was to flee. It was to leave him with a cut on his heart, so she didn't shatter it on the ground later on.

Because she was childish, and cold, and too stupid to know how to treat the best thing in her life.

Naoto ran. She ran to lodge, where she could be alone, because that was where she was meant to be.

She didn't want to be around her friends. She didn't want to look at Yu, and see the betrayal and hurt in his eyes. She just wanted to bury herself in a case, hide from her truth by seeking out another. She wanted to close herself off from the world, break all connections, and just… forget about how she had ruined the best thing in her life.

Naoto wanted to say she was sorry. She wanted to make things better, but how could she? She was weak. She was a failure of a friend, a failure of a lover.

She just wanted to be alone, and hope Yu could one day forgive her for ruining what they had.

END

So this is late… Oops. Sorry, folks. Some blacking out due to exhaustion and lack of sleep kept this story from updating on time. Sorry.

This chapter was incredibly hard to write, and that's a simple reason why. This is Yu and Naoto's first fight, and I wanted to capture it well. I didn't want it to be just one side is wrong, the other is right. I wanted it to be at least a little more human than that. Yes, I'd say Naoto is the one more at fault, but Yu certainly didn't help matters by knowingly flirting with those college girls.

I wanted Naoto to be motivated by a fear of losing those she loves. I wanted her to come off as slightly sympathetic, same as Yu. Even though she and Yu learned their lessons, it isn't easy to just change your way of thinking. People who have a habit of closing up around others can still relapse into the old behavior, something I know plenty of…

But yeah! Next chapter is about our young couple patching things up and learning together. It'll be full of friendship, love, and learning, so look forward to it! We only have five or six chapters left, folks, before the end of Just a Delinquent.

Excited? Scared? Sad? I know I am all of those things.

Love you, stay safe, and leave a review if you can! See ya!

Next Update: August 1st, 2018