"Do…you want to shower first or should I?"
The question was posed half an hour after the two had risen from bed, around the same time. The storm was gone, replaced with warm sunshine that shone through the space between the curtains on the window. Once they had time to (mostly) wake up, they realized they both needed to take a shower before packing up and checking out.
"You may wash yourself first, Chiaki," Pucci answered. The detective sat on the side of their bed while she looked out the window and basked in the morning's warmth. She'd gotten dressed as, though she was comfortable around Chiaki now that they'd also slept together, it still wasn't at a point where she would walk around in only her bra and panties.
Chiaki nodded and headed into the bathroom, closing the door softly behind her, before she pulled off her shirt and panties, and stepped into the surprisingly large shower. She turned the handles, and soon felt the warm water washing over her.
As she showered, she thought over the previous day's events. She'd always heard of people becoming fast friends, but she'd never experienced it herself until last night. Remembering it brought a smile to her face. Then, once she remembered how Pucci had talked about Kanai ward, the smile faded, only to be replaced by a look of determination. No, this wouldn't be a one-time thing. They were friends now, and she was going to make sure it stayed that way.
Also, the thought of Pucci in her underwear again made Chiaki blush, but she shoved the thought from her mind as she turned off the shower, stepped out, and towelled herself off. It was then that she realized she'd left her clothes in the main room so, with another blush on her face, she wrapped her body in the annoyingly small towel, which left much of her cleavage exposed as she opened the door and crept out. "S-sorry." She said as she exited. "I-I left my clothes out here."
Pucci jumped, startled by Chiaki's voice. Though the noise of the shower had reverberated throughout the room she sat in, the detective was clearly deep in thought about...something. "I'll get it for you," Pucci commented. She stood up and then turned around before she immediately froze at the sight. It was clear that because of her engaged mind earlier, Pucci failed to hear the door that led to the restroom open and so she believed Chiaki was still inside. Seeing a wet Chiaki, just in time for her to lean down and grab her clothes, not only startled Pucci once again but also knocked any sense of remaining sleepiness she might've had out of her body as the detective quickly looked away and bit her tongue behind her closed lips.
"Sorry if my appearance…startled you," Chiaki said as she walked up and grabbed the clothes, before backing up and rushing back into the bathroom, closing the door behind her. Once she was done and dressed, she stepped out and gestured to the open door. "It's all yours."
Without a word, Pucci shuffled inside the restroom next and similarly closed the door behind her afterward. Once she did, Pucci cupped her hands in front of her face and exhaled into her palms. She stood idle in the position for an entire minute before finally, she began to undress. Pucci left her belt outside as it was unnecessary to bring her entire attire with her, and so she only needed to slip her shirt and bra, as well as skirt and panties off. Once she did, Pucci stepped over to the shower and turned on the water. Fortunately for her, because of Chiaki's shower, the water was still warm so she could step in right away.
"What should I do with her..." Pucci mumbled to herself. Her words carried more than merely the events of the current day. Per the previous night, Pucci wished she had longer, she wished she could just stay with her first and only friend, she was curious about what else Chiaki could introduce her to. Suddenly, she had an epiphany. 'What if I take her with me to Kanai Ward?' But as quickly as it popped into her mind, Pucci discarded it because of foolishness, and selfishness. Not only did Chiaki not have a ticket to board this 'Amaterasu Express,' but Kanai Ward was a foreign city to them both. There's no telling what danger might arise. Further, Pucci is still a detective at her core, when she departs, she would focus only on the mission, and there would be very little time for frivolity. Her mind raced as she showered, but the girl couldn't think of another option that permitted them to stay together. And so with an exhale of defeat, she turned off the water and stepped out. 'We'll just have to enjoy these last few days while we can then,' Pucci concluded before she grabbed a towel and began to dry herself off.
Chiaki looked up to see the girl soon after exiting the bathroom, her hair still a little wet. "Y-you know…we have some time before we need to check out if you…wanna play another game?" Chiaki said. The girl tried to hide the desperation in her voice, but even if Pucci wasn't a detective, she would've been able to hear it in the wavering of her voice.
Pucci smiled and answered without hesitation. "Yes, I would be happy to." Then, just like the previous night, she sat on the bed and took the controller that was offered to her. As Chiaki had stepped forward to grab the remote though, Pucci had also noticed her movement was slower too. Sure, there wasn't a speed the gamer had to move necessarily, but from the shakiness of her voice, and now her action; Pucci was certain that something was amiss. "Chiaki? Is something the matter?"
"I-I mean…isn't it obvious?" She asked as she started the console up.
Pucci stared at the screen in silence at first, not because she didn't know what was the cause of distress, but because she wasn't sure what she could've said to help. However, it was clear that Chiaki wanted to stay next to her longer, and though the storm had passed; that didn't mean they needed to go their separate ways after they left the hotel. "We could spend today together as well?" Pucci finally answered. "I have little plans for today and the upcoming two days, therefore, I would like to be by your side longer please." While the offer was a cause for happiness, Chiaki could infer that since her friend would be busy on the third day; likely, that also meant it would be the day she leaves, which was indeed accurate.
"I would love nothing more," Chiaki said and finally gave Pucci such a warm smile that it made the girl blush. "Now then, what should we play?"
"M-may we play the kart racing game from yesterday again?" As Pucci pressed a palm against her warm cheek in embarrassment, it was undeniable that she felt the same happiness as well.
"Yes!" She said as the game started up. As the intro played, Chiaki tried to discreetly scoot a little bit closer to the other girl.
The confidentiality was easily exposed by the detective, however, she made no comment on her approach and only held the controller with both hands once more.
As they started, Chiaki seemed almost…distracted, despite the warm smile she'd given Pucci earlier. Pucci even managed to get ahead of her for a lap before Chiaki passed her once more and just barely won.
Pucci let out an exhale of defeat. Despite her attention being undivided in the hope she could win a round against Chiaki, "I've lost again." Pucci lamented as she placed down the controller beside herself. She looked at the clock, which now showed 10:42 AM. It was eighteen minutes before the girls were meant to check out, but fortunately, neither had many belongings to pack; only the console in front of them, so there was still ample time. Her eyes then moved back to Chiaki's afterward. "We should start wrapping up now."
"Do we…have to?" Chiaki asked sadly. She knew they'd have the rest of the day to spend together, but even so, she wanted to play more.
While there was the possibility of fitting another round in the time they had left, it was better to be diligent. "Unfortunately, yes. But I'm certain we'll have another session to game together." Pucci promised. It was clear Chiaki wanted to play with her more, but she could invite the gamer to her home later in the day as opposed to booking another day at the hotel.
"Alright. You're right." The girl said. "Let's get ready then."
With that, the two gathered up their stuff and headed downstairs to check out, checking out only five minutes before their time was up. Once they had, they began walking to the door, but Chiaki paused. "Oh, I should probably let my family know before I do anything. Do you mind waiting for me?"
Pucci contemplated for a moment. She thought it'd be better if she went with Chiaki, that way her family could also meet the detective in person. However, since she wanted Pucci to stay at the hotel, "I don't mind, and I'll await your return." The girl answered with a reassuring smile, before she turned around, then walked back the way they came and sat on one of the seats publicly available in the lobby.
Chiaki nodded and headed out the door. "I won't be long." She said as she finally left.
Pucci sat uninterrupted as she stared down at her lap in wait. Five minutes went by, then ten, then fifteen. With each passing minute, the detective grew increasingly concerned. Chiaki promised her she wouldn't take long, and though they'd met only yesterday, she saw genuine happiness in both the gamer's voice and eyes when they talked, so she was unlikely to just leave her at the hotel. Fortunately, she had her forte to check. She didn't like using it when not on missions, but the hotel's lobby was quiet enough, and at this moment, Pucci felt it was necessary to make certain what was happening. And so the detective let out an exhale and closed her eyes. There were countless sounds and voices she could listen to outside, but Chiaki was indeed close to the hotel, which made it a relatively simple task to locate her using her forte.
"I don't have any money!" Chiaki cried. That was all Pucci needed to know to infer she was in trouble. The detective's eyes shot open and she stood up so quickly that the chair she sat on fell backward. Then, as fast as her legs could carry her, she sprinted out of the hotel.
"Yeah right," A slightly taller male said as he stared at Chiaki's figure. "I saw you step out of that hotel earlier, and you're saying you don't even have a single yen?" He scoffed, then took a step closer. "Why don't you empty your pockets for me girlie? I'll see for myself whether you're telling the truth or not!"
"I-I spent it all. That hotel is expensive, you know." Chiaki said as she attempted to take a step back, but the man took two steps forward, grabbing her by the collar and pressing a knife against her chest. "Ahhhh!"
"Fine, then if you don't have any money…why don't you come with me~?" He said, ogling said chest as he began pulling her back towards the shadows of a nearby alley.
Just as the man pulled Chiaki into the lane, Pucci turned the corner nearby and pressed her back against the wall next to the entrance of the alleyway. From the sound of only the man's voice, she could determine there was only one person, and after she turned her head to look inside, it confirmed her suspicion.
"It's a shame you don't have any valuables, but I still have my uses for you!" The man gleefully continued. His attention was fixated only on Chiaki as he drew the tip of his knife near her neck. "Now then, shall we start with-!" Suddenly, his arm was gripped, but the man didn't have time to even register surprise before he was met with a punch to the cheek with so much force, he could only sprawl disoriented against the ground next to the gamer and Pucci.
"Brain-dead idiot…" Pucci growled. She then stepped forward and pressed her foot against his chest. "I apologize for interrupting you, do you mind continuing?"
"Wh-who the hell are you?! Get off me you brat! I'll gut you!" The man cried as he scrambled against her, trying to reach for his knife, but it was just out of reach.
"P-Pucci?" Chiaki asked, her shaky voice giving away how scared she'd been.
Wordlessly, Pucci raised her foot and then stomped on the man's stomach horizontally. As he cried out from pain, the detective lifted her foot from his chest which allowed his upper body to move instinctively into a sitting upright position. But it didn't last long. The man only had an opportunity to cough before Pucci mercilessly moved her leg backward, then swung forward. The outsole of her shoe connected to the man's forehead, resulting in his upper body falling back down and hitting the back of his head against the pavement in the process. Finally, as he groaned from pain and disorientation, the girl leaned down and picked the knife off of the ground beside them, just to make sure it wouldn't be used against her or Chiaki, however unlikely it now was. "Now, will you apologize to my friend?" Pucci calmly, but sternly asked.
"Who…the fuck are you?!" The man gasped as he quickly stood up, turned, and stumbled away, gasping and leaning against the wall for support. Pucci made to go after him, but Chiaki grabbed her arm.
"Don't. He's not worth it."
Pucci looked at her friend, then down the alleyway, and finally back toward Chiaki when she responded with a nod. Without a purpose for the weapon in her hand any longer, the detective dropped it and finally turned her body to face the gamer. "Are you unharmed, Chiaki?" Pucci worriedly asked.
"Yes, I'm fine, I promise," Chiaki said to her worried friend. "I…thank you, Pucci. You were…really cool there." The girl said with a blush and a small smile.
Pucci exhaled in relief. "I got concerned with the amount your leave took, so I used my forte and overheard the earlier conversation," Pucci explained with a warm smile on her face. "I'm happy I arrived on time."
"Yeah…you're my hero," Chiaki said with a warm smile back.
Pucci had been called a hero in the past occasionally by other men, women, and children she'd helped while on her missions, and so she was both surprised and embarrassed to feel her cheeks flush in response. Of course, this time was different; it wasn't a mere stranger who'd said it, but her friend. Still, Pucci continued, "Did your family give us approval to stay together longer?"
"They did. Even if I left on the train tomorrow, I would still have plenty of time to get back to school." Chiaki said with a nod. "In fact, I honestly don't need to head back for a few days, I just…didn't have a reason to stay…until now."
"I see..." Pucci's hand moved into her jacket's pocket, where the ticket was safely kept. "I too have a few days before I board the train myself," she said before her eyes slid toward the ground. "Aside from the headquarters being in this city, truthfully...my duty as a detective to maintain stability is what motivates me to return here. Very few people outside of the agency had been in contact with me, so in the years I've been here, I hadn't considered anyone a friend. But because of that, I also don't have to experience sadness or loneliness often." Pucci paused, but her words allowed Chiaki to understand why she'd been startled when the gamer offered to be her friend yesterday. "I recognize we hadn't known each other for long, yet the previous was one of the happiest I can recall." Finally, the detective looked back up and met Chiaki's eyes again. "Pardon my selfishness, may I request us to stay together, for the remaining few days we both have?"
Chiaki grabbed the girl's free hand and held it tightly as she met her eyes. "Yes! I would love nothing more!"
"Ah!" Pucci gasped. Her immediate thought was to pull her hand out of the hold, but the happiness from Chiaki's acceptance, and her hand's softness and warmth stopped her. So instead, in an attempt to dismiss the thought, Pucci curled her fingers around the other girl's hand and placed her free hand against her arm. Finally, she smiled again. "I'm happy to hear you say that and feel the same." She answered genuinely. "Let's first step out of this gloomy area."
"Right, but first…can I ask you for something? Can I…have your phone number?" Chiaki asked as she used her free hand to pull out her phone.
After all the two had been through, naturally, there wouldn't be trouble so they'd have means to contact each other even after being separated right? Wrong. Because it would be the first occasion she'd permit someone outside of the WDO to contact her, even though Pucci had opened her mouth, her voice had failed her. This, understandably, frustrated the detective. As her grip against Chiaki's hand tightened, she removed her hand which previously held her arm, slid it into her pocket, grabbed her phone, and finally, unlocked it so her friend could input Pucci's number into her phone.
Smiling, she did just that, and once she had her number, she sent a text to confirm it. Once Pucci had, and they saved each other's contact info, Chiaki grabbed her stomach. "With that, I'm hungry. Let's get something to eat for lunch."
Fortunately, after Pucci cleared her throat, her voice returned. Afterward, she stepped aside to allow Chiaki room to walk ahead of herself. "Neither of us had eaten anything since the previous evening," Pucci agreed. "Please choose the restaurant, I'll-!" Suddenly, the realization that she still didn't have her wallet struck her. She wanted to pay the full amount for both of them because Chiaki had paid for the hotel room the previous day, but she couldn't do that if they had gone without it! "Chiaki, do you mind texting me the location once you get there? I need to head back home first."
"No, I shall accompany you. You said we shall spend these next few days together, so that is what we will do!" Chiaki said with a firm nod.
It only took one look at Chiaki's expression for the detective to recognize it would be meaningless to argue. "Very well," Pucci responded with a smile. Afterward, they finally stepped out of the alleyway and began to walk back.
"So you want me to choose where we eat when we're done?" Chiaki asked as they walked side by side.
"Yes, please," Pucci confirmed, careful not to mention her intent to pay for them both so Chiaki wouldn't order any less. "Anywhere you like."
"Okay…I think I know a great place nearby my family used to take me to when I was little, if it's still around." Chiaki said.
"Might I ask the name of the location? I may know of the restaurant as well."
"It's called 'Diner of the Seas'. It's a seafood place if that wasn't obvious. It's a little expensive but the sushi they have is so worth it." Chiaki said with a nod.
"That restaurant is indeed still open for business," Pucci confirmed. "Though, I haven't eaten there myself previously."
"You'll love it," Chiaki said as they finally stopped at Pucci's home.
Pucci slid her hand into her pocket again and pulled out the keys to her home. After a moment, she slid it into the keyhole and opened the door before allowing Chiaki to step inside. Despite its outward appearance, the interior immediately shuffled the gamer aback from surprise.
The home looked suited for a family instead of only Pucci, however, it was clear no one would come to greet the detective's return. To the right was a large living room that included a fireplace, bookshelf, coffee table, paintings, a couch that could fit three people, and a television directly across from said furniture. To the left was the kitchen, and computer room which rested a comedic amount of headphones on the table. Finally, directly in front of them both was a laundry and bedroom. Most of all, everything was organized, as if Pucci had previously expected someone to visit, but from the circumstances the previous day, in addition to her honesty about Chiaki being her first friend; it was instead more accurate to say she was normally tidy.
Pucci took off her shoes, then walked to the coffee table where she grabbed her wallet. As she turned around and walked back though, she noticed Chiaki's expression of continued astonishment and gave a small smile. "I try to keep everything ordered just for an occasion like today when I bring someone besides myself home with me," she explained while putting her shoes back on. "You may also stay here a few days so there won't be the need for a hotel each night?"
"I…h-how much money do you make as a detective, exactly?" Chiaki said with a nervous laugh.
"Approximately seven hundred thousand yen per month," Pucci answered. "It's higher than what other, regular detectives, earn as opposed to Master Detectives because the tasks we're assigned are consistently dangerous and abstract comparatively. Being trained and enrolled by the largest organization in this city would also allow higher salaries and bonuses."
"W-wow," Chiaki said. "That's…really impressive."
"It may be lucrative, but certainly debatable if it's worth the risk." The girl then lowered her head. "Many of my colleagues, some more skilled than I, had lost their lives because of their tasks. I recognize the same fate may happen to me someday, but have sacrificed much to obtain my current position; and as a result, I accept that risk."
"That's…you aren't scared at all?" Chiaki said, unable to hide the concern on her face.
"Indeed, at first I was, but now it's become a standard. Being scared only makes me prone to more mistakes, which directly causes endangerment." Pucci finally raised her head again, but seeing her friend's expression, she let out a small gasp. "Oh, forgive me, It wasn't my intention to cause you worry."
"N-No, it's fine, I just…" Chiaki shook her head. "So you're being sent somewhere you know absolutely nothing about? Doesn't that…worry you at all? Has that happened before?"
It doesn't worry me, was what Pucci wanted to say. Though the detective did mention being scared, and by extension worried, would cause mistakes to become a greater possibility; she knew how she felt. And honestly, internally, she was in fact unsettled. "Each city I've travelled to was at one point a new location I previously knew little about. But this is indeed the first that there's been very little information released to the public and any intrinsic details are kept classified, accessible to only 'Number One.'" Pucci gave a small nod. "This time there are other Master Detectives that will go with me, so the chance of danger is higher, but I also will not be alone this time to compensate."
"You didn't answer my question. Are you worried about going to Kanai Ward?" The girl asked again, staring into Pucci's eyes.
Pucci was silent for a brief time to discern her feelings then, she answered. "Yes, I somewhat am."
"Do you…have to go?"
"Yes, I have to," Pucci responded without hesitation. "When there's a mission assigned to me, I also have a duty to see it completed to the best of my ability."
"I…I see." Chiaki said and shook her head. "We should get going."
"Right," Pucci answered. After both girls had stepped out of the house, the detective locked the door and walked closely behind Chiaki.
"Sorry if I bothered you with what I talked about." The gamer said quietly.
"Are you worried for my safety?"
"To be honest…I am." Chiaki said. "Even if I can't explain why."
"Your concern means well, I am not bothered," Pucci reassured her. "Each new location I'd traveled to previously for a mission was once a foreign place," she repeated. "Yet each time, I'd returned safe, and alive. I hope to quell some of your worries by saying this time will likely conclude the same."
"I know, which is why I shouldn't be bothered, and yet…" She tried to ponder it as they walked. "Maybe…I have heard of Kanai Ward before and I just can't place it…"
Pucci turned her head to look at Chiaki, though it was difficult to ascertain, let alone study her expression, from the position she was walking relative to the gamer. "Perhaps, the location was mentioned in Hope's Peak by one of your friends, or during a lecture?"
"I…hmm…" Chiaki tried to think back, straining herself more than was probably necessary, as it showed on her face. Pucci was about to tell her to relax when it suddenly hit her. "SHUICHI!"
"Shuichi?" Pucci questioned.
"He's the detective I mentioned before! He mentioned Kanai Ward once!" Chiaki said excitedly as it came flooding back. "He said that he'd heard from other detectives that it was a really mysterious place, that it shut itself away from the world a few years ago, but no one knew why. Apparently, among detectives, they believe there's something huge and bad going on there, but that's all he knew."
"I see," Pucci responded with a frown. She recalled that the night prior, Chiaki mentioned one of her lowerclassmen was working towards joining the World Detective Organization; from what Pucci heard, she could infer this Shuichi person was the candidate. For several seconds, the two girls only walked in silence. Not only was Pucci uncertain about what to make of the new information disclosed, but the task her organization had assigned to her inexplicably also returned to her mind. 'Could I tell Chiaki that?' Pucci contemplated at first, but only briefly. She could trust her, and possibly another friend or professor knew more about Kanai Ward. "My mission will be to unravel the mystery of 'Kanai Ward's Ultimate Secret.'" Unfortunately...I too, have no information beyond that, but logically, I believe it's directly related to why that city had shut itself away from the outside world."
"Ultimate Secret?" Chiaki asked and frowned. "That's…all they told you?"
"That's correct," the girl confirmed. "I'm disheartened by the lack of disclosed information, but I suppose it's why other Master Detectives will similarly be assigned to Kanai Ward at the same time as I." Pucci paused. "Usually, I complete missions in other cities and return no later than two weeks from my departure. However, from what I'd heard, and if the corporation goes to this extent to solve this mystery; the time of my leave on this occasion will most likely be longer."
"That's…" Chiaki only felt even more worried and disheartened, but as she saw they were approaching the restaurant, she decided to shove those fears down for now and shook her head. "M-Maybe we can continue after dinner. We're here."
As both girls stepped inside, a waitress greeted them with a smile. "Hello! Welcome, table for two?" She asked before grabbing two menus.
"Yes please," Pucci answered.
"Okay, please follow me!" She continued before turning around and walking into the restaurant to an empty, ordinarily-sized table where she placed the menu directly across from each other. Both girls took their seats across from each other. "May I get you both something to drink?"
"Just water is fine for me," the detective responded as began to scan the menu.
"Cola, please," Chiaki asked as she didn't pick up the menu, already knowing what she wanted.
"Coming right up!" As the waitress turned and left, Pucci looked up at her friend.
"What'll you be getting here? I would like to know what you enjoy, and recommend please."
"I told you, the sushi is really good." Chiaki reminded her.
Pucci looked back down at the menu and briefly contemplated. In only the time it took for the waitress to get their drinks, she was ready. "We're ready to order."
"Sure! What can I get for you?"
"Serving of the uramaki, please. And that'll be all for me," Pucci answered.
"And for you?" She then turned and asked Chiaki.
"The same, please, and thank you." She said. The waitress nodded, took their menus, and left once again.
"Chiaki, may I ask a favor?"
"Anything."
"When I return from my mission, could we go to Hope's Peak together please?" Pucci asked. "After being friends with you and learning about Shuichi, I would like to possibly meet them in person, if that's okay."
"I…would love that," Chiaki said with a smile.
"Thank you," Pucci responded with a bright smile. "Now, I have more to motivate myself and anticipate; apart from reuniting with you. What would you desire, in return for this favor?"
"I'm…not sure. All I want is to play more games with you." Chiaki answered.
"I promise I will," the detective answered. "I hadn't previously played video games before," Pucci confessed. "But experiencing it for the first time, with you, made me recognize I also enjoy the hobby. For that reason, I'll play with you as much as you'd like."
"Nothing would make me happier. There are so many different genres I could show you." Chiaki said as she perked up. "What kind of things would you be interested in?"
"Any genre that has multiplayer," she answered. "That's broad and vague, I understand; but it would also provide us with an assortment of options that the two of us can further anticipate together, once I return."
"I agree! There are so many games I could imagine us playing!" She said, and finally, the food arrived.
"Thank you," Pucci said as their respective plates were placed in front of both girls. She unwrapped the napkin which contained her silverware before she picked up a fork and took her first bite. The neutral and tangy, yet spicy flavour was impeccable. Though Pucci is a decent chef, she'd never made herself sushi; and hadn't eaten out before. As a result, her eyes widened in both surprise and enjoyment. "Oh, this is wonderful!"
Chiaki nodded in agreement. "I know right?!"
For a time, both girls only continued eating happily in silence. It was only when both girls were nearly finished that Pucci spoke again. "Once we're finished, would you like to return home? Or head somewhere else for a time first?"
"There's a park we could go to! It's very peaceful and pretty. It even has a small lake." Chiaki said with a smile.
"Certainly," Pucci answered. Not only could walking after eating help with digestion, but when the girls returned to the house; it was likely they would continue to only play video games until they got tired and slept. Pucci did enjoy gaming, especially with Chiaki, but staying outside was also greatly appealing too. Moments later, the defective swallowed her last sushi roll and she stood up with a smile of her own. "I'll take care of the bill, please take your time."
"You sure?"
Pucci nodded in response. "You paid the full amount for the hotel room the previous night, so it is only proper I pay the full amount for our meal here. It's why I wanted to walk back to my house, so I could bring my wallet with me before we came here."
"Right. Okay." Chiaki said. Of course, that felt fair, even if she still felt like she should be the one paying.
Pucci stepped away afterward. She wasn't gone long, though by the time she finished the transaction; Chiaki had joined her beside the entrance. "I didn't expect you to also be finished around the same time," She admitted and turned toward the gamer. "Ready to go?"
"Yes! I'm really excited to show you the park! Maybe we can skip stones by the lake and see who can make it further!" Chiaki said, of course trying to find a way to make something a game.
"Please, lead the way then."
Chiaki nodded as she began to lead the girl down the street and towards the park. As they walked, Chiaki's hand fidgeted near Pucci's, though she wasn't quite sure why. They walked in silence, but words weren't really needed at that moment anyway, and soon enough they reached the park. Chiaki led Pucci down a nice path, seeing several dogs being led on leashes across the still-wet ground as they made their way to the lake. "See, isn't it pretty?"
"Yes, it is Chiaki." Pucci had a soft, yet bright smile on her face as she walked beside her friend. The wind was cool, the perfect temperature to be complimented by the warm sun, the grass and trees around them were nothing short of beautiful, and fortunately, it was also peaceful as the lake in front of the detective grew larger the closer they walked. Though she'd been to the park before due to a previous mission, she never had the luxury of simply enjoying her surroundings until today. "This is simply divine."
The two sat down on a bench and Chiaki immediately stretched out with a yawn. "It's crazy how it can be so comfortable and warm after a storm like that…"
Pucci leaned back and stared up at the sky. "I'm not opposed to rain, but I also prefer this current weather, certainly." She then turned her head to look over at Chiaki and smiled, "though, it was because of the storm that I got the opportunity to meet you."
"Y-yeah…" Chiaki said shyly. She stared out at the water, neither of them speaking for a little while.
Chiaki had been thinking a lot since Pucci had saved her. About…how she felt. These strange feelings were foreign to her, something she'd never quite experienced before. At first, she didn't know what they were, but now…now after thinking about it, she had an idea. As she looked at the beautiful girl next to her, a girl who made her feel flustered, embarrassed, but also happy and grateful in all the best ways…how could she describe how she felt?
The word had eluded her for some time because she had never experienced it before. Even now, she wasn't sure if it was even right, or if Pucci felt the same way, but…it was her best guess. The way she felt about Pucci, the wonderful detective next to her…
It was love.
"Pucci, I…" Chiaki started but was unsure how to proceed. To just say it felt wrong and terrifying, especially if she didn't feel the same. But what else could she say? She wasn't sure. So instead, she gently grabbed Pucci's hand, and held it, looking away with a blush on her face. "Th-thank you."
It wasn't the first time the two girls had held hands, but the action was still enough to make Pucci instinctively gasp. She sat back upright as the cool temperature became humid from the blush now once again present on her cheeks. But like before, she didn't let go; she was just curious. "Wh-why are you thanking me?" It was a simple question, one that made Chiaki look back toward her, but Pucci had received very little show of gratitude in her lifetime and simply stared into the gamer's eyes. "You could've ignored me back at the hotel's lobby. Instead, you showed me kindness and allowed me to experience so much I wouldn't have alone. I should be the one thanking you, instead."
"Because the past two days have been…fun." It was such a simple thing, yet to Chiaki, having fun was the entire reason she played video games. Being able to experience the same sort of joy just from being around someone, to her, was something special, something she needed to hold on to as tightly as she could. "You know…there is one genre of video games I'm bad at."
"Oh? And what's that?"
"D-dating sims," Chiaki said with a laugh. "I…never know what gifts to give, or dialogue options to pick…I'm just not very good at them."
To Pucci, it was peculiar a girl called the Ultimate Gamer could be "bad" in any genre of game, but she also didn't believe Chiaki would lie to her. 'I'm merely overthinking,' the girl told herself and discarded the thought. "I've never played that type of game before," she told Chiaki. "But tonight, if you should require it, I'd be happy to offer my assistance!" Only a second afterward, a sudden realization struck her. The thought she'd discarded a moment only a moment prior returned as she felt her cheeks become hotter, directly contrasting the relaxing chill until that point. 'No...no, it's only a coincidence.' Pucci continued to convince herself. We've only known each other for a day, what am I thinking…'
"You'd help me learn how to…er…play a dating sim?" Chiaki asked.
"I-I would, yes," Pucci answered with a small nod.
Chiaki found herself leaning in closer. "I'd…like that."
As Pucci stared at her friend's eyes, she could feel her heart beginning to beat faster; and with every passing second; the conviction the detective had that Chiaki's lack of proficiency in dating games was merely a coincidence slowly deteriorated. "Um…" For the first time since Pucci was employed by the WDO, she was lost, confused about what to say, and what to do next.
"Am I…making you uncomfortable?" Chiaki asked as they're bodies were now connected at the hip, their faces inches apart. "I can…move if you want me to."
"C-Ch-Chiaki," Pucci stuttered. "Are you…wanting…" She couldn't bring herself to finish due to the mere possibility of her answer being yes, but Chiaki understood regardless.
"I think…I am." She said as she leaned in even closer. There was now only a tiny bit of space between their lips, but even now, Chiaki didn't want to push forward unless she absolutely knew Pucci wanted it too.
Though Pucci sat idle externally, internally she was having a meltdown. Her mind raced as her heart felt like it would beat out of her chest. "How…why…what…" Pucci struggled to make sense of the moment. Of course, she'd never experienced a relationship. But Chiaki was the first person who'd given her so much happiness, the only one she felt she could act freely around rather than merely a detective. She genuinely felt happy, she wanted to say yes, to let her body move on its own and connect their lips…but-
"I…can't…" Pucci choked. It was only two words, but took so much effort to say that it nearly brought tears to her eyes. No matter how much she wanted it, she couldn't. Both girls only had limited time with each other. And Pucci couldn't risk letting love cloud her judgment once she was at Kanai Ward, lest a higher risk of disaster befall her. Even if it would be greater motivation for Pucci to return safely, she was already determined to. She'd traveled consistently for missions, surely this one wouldn't be any different? "We only have two days to spend with each other and I…I don't want it to be even harder for both of us to say goodbye…"
"I don't care, Pucci," Chiaki said as she shook her head. "Even if it was just two minutes, knowing that you wanted this with me would make me happy…more than you could probably imagine."
Pucci's mouth felt dry. The mess of emotions the detective had felt until now had coalesced into a singular question. And in her newfound clarity, she asked herself the question internally. 'Do I truly want this?'
It might've been a silly question on the surface, but it was also understandable why she'd ask. Prior to the previous night's evening, Pucci was startled and flustered at a mere touch with another human being. Even now, as she held hands with Chiaki; the warmth the detective felt was surreal. Did she want this to last? Yes. Did she want to experience more? Yes. Did she want this? Pucci knew the answer was yes…but did she also know if she leaned in and kissed Chiaki, she wouldn't be able to turn back; and would continue to think about only said kiss, about only Chiaki, for days or possibly even weeks to come? Yes. She couldn't afford that. She just couldn't risk it, even if that meant hurting her only friend.
"I'm sorry…" Pucci solemnly choked. "I-I do want this, I do want you…but I can't kiss you right now. If you still…I mean-! Maybe when I'm…back from my mission if you still want me by then…" Chiaki may as well have punched her in the gut, it would've hurt less compared to how she felt at the current moment. She hated herself for saying such a thing, she hated it had to be this way.
Chiaki paused, feeling like her heart was breaking into pieces as she nodded. "Y-yeah…okay." She said, barely above a whisper as she pulled away, but still kept her hand on Pucci's. Despite her reassurance that she would come back, that she would still be willing to receive the girl's love once she returned…Chiaki still felt wary. She didn't know why, couldn't possibly explain why, but it felt like Pucci going to this place would be…a very, very bad idea. "And…I can't convince you to stay?"
Pucci stared into Chiaki's eyes. The gamer had asked a similar question earlier in the day, whether she could stay. And though last time Pucci said no without hesitation, this time, there was visible hesitation. "I...have to go," she eventually answered. If there truly was a choice she could stay, then Pucci would've connected their lips a moment prior and pulled Chiaki into a loving embrace. But that didn't happen. "The possibility for punishment and dismissal for evading the tasks assigned to Master Detectives are severe. Even if I were to give up my position...I will not allow you to be penalized because of me."
"Why would I be punished?" Chiaki asked.
"It's unlikely," Pucci admitted. "However if my corporation discovers I shirked my mission because of you, the possibility is still present, direct or indirect." She then lowered her head and stared down at their still-linked hands. "Even if there's even a slight chance, I won't permit it."
"Please. What could they possibly do to me, or you?" Chiaki asked.
"For me, termination is of the highest likelihood," Pucci answered. "When I was first briefed, I was told that this mission would be of the highest importance and that it is imperative it's successful. This was the first occasion my task had been accompanied by such words, and so I am certain it'll result in the appropriate action."
"What does termination entail? Isn't it just being fired?" Chiaki asked.
"That is correct...but my position as Master Detective had given me what I have today," Pucci responded. "It had been what I strived and trained for, and I believe it would be improper, both for the organization and myself, if I backed out now...would you drop out from Hope's Peak if it meant staying with me, Chiaki?"
"Yes," Chiaki answered with almost no hesitation.
Pucci wasn't sure what to say, she didn't expect that answer. Smart as the detective was, she was, at the current moment, at a loss. 'Why..?' She thought to herself. Hope's Peak was an academic institution many students had dreamt of entering but couldn't, Chiaki would give that up, for her?
"We…we should continue on," Pucci quietly responded in her hope to change the subject. Anything she'd say next, especially if it related to still staying with her organization, would only be cruel, and hurt Chiaki further.
"I…I guess so." Chiaki said. She could tell Pucci wasn't ready to let up, so she'd drop it for now. But she would get her to change her mind, she knew it was possible. She just had to figure out how. At least she still had a few days left to do just that.
For now, Chiaki simply gripped her hand tightly as they both looked out at the water.
Pucci's soft, warm hand gave her all the comfort she needed.