Sentences enclosed in [] means it is via TV, radio, telepathy, phone, electronic stuff, etc.

CHAPTER 3

Similarities and Differences

December 6, Tuesday

Early Morning

Shirogane Estate, Minato's Room

[Minato? Oh good, you've finally called,] Yukari answered her phone.

"How's it going?" he asked.

[You're asking me that? I should ask you that!]

"I've found the address, and it's a match; I'm a member of the Shirogane family."

[Huh? No way? Isn't that good news? You've finally found your real family, that's good to hear.]

"I also saw my twin sister, Naoto Shirogane, or popularly known as the 'Detective Prince of Inaba'."

[Seriously?] Junpei exclaimed after he took Yukari's phone, [Is she cute? What's she look like? I just saw a quick image of her on TV, so I'm not sure about how she looks.]

[Cut it out! And who gave you permission to take my phone like that, huh?] Yukari shouted.

[Aww, can't I at least talk to him?]

[May speak with him as well?] Aigis' voice is heard after.

Several other noises were heard from the dorm and Minato's look is saying that he knows what those noises were. "The whole team's there, huh?"

[No, just me, Junpei, Ken-kun, Aigis, Metis, and Koro-chan,] said Yukari.

"Where's the other three?"

[Shinjiro-senpai said he's just going to get a bit of exercise, while Minako and Fuuka's outside getting a breath of fresh air. It's still early to go to school, so we're just giving ourselves some time. So what's it like there?]

"The estate's great, and the people there easily recognized me."

[Estate? Whoa, so that mean's you're rich...?]

"I couldn't say that so easily."

[Well, what do you plan to do now?]

"I'll stay here for a bit. But don't worry; I'll be there before the final exams."

[Okay. By the way, Aigis is missing you the most; she won't stop nagging me about you. Um, isn't there something you want to say...? A reminder or something?] Yukari's tone became soft.

"It's time to eat, and I need to catch up memories with Naoto."

Yukari's face shifted from concerned to annoyed, then from annoyed to depress. [Ohh... Well, have fun then! Call us again, when you have the time.]

- CLICK -

Yukari turns off her phone, and then suddenly frowns. Koromaru licked her face so she was able to regain her smile. Back at the Shirogane's, Minato went downstairis to have breakfast with Naoto and their grandfather.

"So how was your sleep?" he asked.

"I'm not used to sleeping on a soft comfy bed, but it's fine."

"Hmm, well that's the difference between the dormitory and your own home," his grandfather laughed. "Looks like I'll have to excuse myself. I still have a lot of work to do. Naoto, I'm sure you'll be able to handle him."

"Yes, I will."

xXx

After eating, they went outside by the gazebo to cool off. It was still too early for Naoto to leave so she just wants to spend every moment with her dear brother.

"What do you want to do now? Hiking, shopping, walking...well?"

"Today, after school, I've asked Souji-senpai if we could take you around again."

"Huh...? Is that really okay? Aren't you tired of touring me around?"

"No, I'm not. And yes, it's okay for them, they're also excited as well."

oOo

After School

Junes Food Court

"Uh, is this really Teddie-san?"

"Uh-huh! This is Teddie's 'real' form! Feel the super softness of my fur!"

"Yeah right, as if!" Yosuke chuckled. "You're just making that stuff up to reel in more customers! Pfft, 'real' form, he says... That's a good tactic, Teddie!" Yosuke laughed.

"This fur is soft and well-made too," Minato caressed the fur. "Is this costume a bear? A part of me says you look like a chubby monkey."

"Teddie's a bear not a chubby monkey!" Teddie jumped. "I am Junes' mascot!"

"Teddie's the mascot here, and he's really enjoying it," Yosuke said. "Even enjoying freeloading in my room... *groan*"

"You see, Teddie's from another place and is in need to earn for a living," said Souji, "But since he likes it here, he decided to live here in Inaba."

"I'm being tortured because of you!" Yosuke groaned again. "I have to take care of here and you at the same time...!"

oOo

They soon left Junes as soon as the rest arrived. They toured Minato around and treated him as a close friend so easily, not just because of Naoto. Rise kept on clinging onto Minato's arm because she thinks he has the same aura as Souji, only slightly different. Minato lets her because she reminds him of Aigis who's always desperate to be near him for his own safety. But he's actually shaking nervously when she's doing that. He's also bit tense around them actually because he's just met them, and has little idea what their personalities are.

"So what's your city like?" Yukiko asked.

"It's built on an island, and has scenery of the sea."

"Wow, I'd love to go there someday."

"Do you want me to take you there someday?" Souji smiled at her.

"Wh-What...?" Yukiko blushed. Souji chuckled, so did Minato and Naoto. The rest were busy so they weren't able to hear their conversation. "S-Souji, stop smiling like that...!" she smacked him while laughing in her usual way.

"Does Yukiko-san always laugh like that?"

"Yes, and that's what make her Yukiko," Souji laughed, and then Yukiko smacked him again while laughing. "Ow, I was just telling him the truth!"

xXx

"Aw, the butterfly got away!" Rise pouted, "You totally scared it off, Kanji-kun!"

"But you told me to try catch it."

"But it got away! You weren't quick enough!"

"Tch, you could've just got it on your own."

"Ooh, wait! Yosuke-senpai, don't move!" Rise tries to sneak up on the butterfly on Yosuke's back.

"Wh-What? Is there something on my back? G-Get it off me!"

"Don't move! Tsk, that butterfly got away again! I told you to don't move!"

"You didn't tell me it was just a butterfly!"

"You moved too much before I could say it!"

"Was it that one?" Chie pointed at the fluttering pink butterfly hovering above Teddie. "Why would you want to catch it?"

"It's so pretty and pink!" she smiled.

"Ooh, a butterfly!" Teddie looked up, "Aw, it's going with a blue butterfly! How romantic!"

"I don't see any romance," said Kanji.

"They're different colors, but they went with each other anyways; it's romantic indeed!" Rise nodded. "I guess I can let it go."

oOo

Evening strikes, stopping the group's moment. "We should head back," said Souji, "I'm sure Minato-san's tired. You're not used to quiet and peaceful places, huh?"

"Not really...I'm okay with whatever place I'm in. But I'd like to eat and take a break right now."

"I have an idea! How about we make something for Minato-kun?" said Yukiko, "I bet he's able to tell that we're good cooks, not like you four..." The boys, except Minato, were surprised and wanted to cover Minato's eyes, ears, and mouth. Yukiko seemed to glare at the boys, and so as Chie and Rise after. "Since we're here to give him a proper welcome, let's go do it now!" Yukiko added.

"Ooh, I agree!" Rise cheered. "Let's go to Naoto-chan's house and start! Naoto-chan, you help out too!"

"Yeah!" Chie jumped, "This will be the first time we'll get to go to their house! I can't wait!"

"Is it okay for us to do it there, Naoto-chan?" asked Yukiko.

"Not really, but let me call grandfather first," said Naoto.

"Then it's settled! Let's cook at Naoto-chan and Minato-kun's house!" Chie and Rise cheered.

"NO...!" the four boys dreaded.

"W-Why, is it...that terrible...?" Minato looked at Naoto.

"Um, I don't want to spoil their fun..." she slighly pulled down her hat.

And so they left and headed for Shirogane Estate. We already know what would be the outcome of their little party... But if Minato survives this one, lucky him. Fuuka will be thrilled if she knew she has other girls with 'not-so great' cooking skills as her.

CHAPTER 3 END