Slow and Steady

We need to talk.

The text sent a jolt through Yua, and she felt the need to shield it from her friends sitting next to her on the bench. She sat in the Junes food court as her friends discussed summer homework and buzzed about the future. Though their official mission was over, the Investigation Team was as lively as ever. She just wished her mind was with them as she hesitated with her thumb over "send."

"We've got to think of something to do over the summer," Yosuke stretched beside her. "Hanging around the food court's fun and all, but it makes me feel like I never leave work."

"We could do a picnic," Rise suggested, taking a sip of her drink. "Have everyone cook something and take it out to the hillside!"

"Or we could have a cookout down by the floodplains!" Chie chimed.

Yukiko, who had bags under her eyes, added, "I have this new recipe that we could use! I've been waiting for a chance to make it."

"Woah, woah, let's not get ahead of ourselves!" Yosuke flailed his arms as if warding off demons, "Yeah, no, let's pass on all food ideas. There's more to summer than food, right? Plus, we should totally eat out! I'll even pay!"

Meet at my place today?

As Yua hesitated, a new message appeared. She deleted the previous response and struggled to type a new one. Today? He wanted to meet today. Of course, he did. After everything that had happened, why not today? She had raced home right after and barely caught a wink of sleep due to her excitement. That didn't leave much room to discuss what this relationship was. She couldn't assume anything. They needed to talk.

"Hey Yukiko-senpai, you look a little ill; everything alright?" Kanji decapitated a giraffe animal cracker.

"Oh, sure," she yawned. "It's been really busy at the inn lately, and a lot of the regular staff has been calling out for sickness or summer break. So, it's all falling to me some days. Last night was hectic; a whole office-worth of people came in."

"Summer hits, and people start ditching. Sounds like you could need an extra hand or two," Yosuke said. "I'm sure the ladies would be willing to help."

"Not yourself?" Chie asked.

"Hey, I'm in the same situation at work," Yosuke grumbled.

"Sure, you are."

Yosuke scoffed, "Why don't you help then, Chie?"

"I would, but…"

Yukiko looked distant suddenly, "My mother has forbidden her from working there again after… the incident last year."

"Yeah, it's… not my thing."

"That kind of work needs a delicate touch," Yosuke added.

"I'll 'delicately' touch you!" Chie growled.

"Chie… just no…"

Delicate, his kiss had been delicate and unexpected. Yua subconsciously pressed her hand to her lips. He didn't just say that he liked her back; he went as far as to show it. It must have taken a lot of courage; it must have taken even more bravery to press the issue with her. But he'd done so with so much passion. She remembered the relief on his face when she hugged him. She drifted as she thought about it more.

"I can't do it either; I'm already helping my grandmother," Rise sighed and looked Yua's way. "Hey, what about you, Yua? You're always looking for extra cash."

"Huh?" Yua pulled her hand away from her mouth.

"Yeah," Yosuke perked up. "You'd look really nice in a kimono—"

"Grow up," Chie growled.

"What? It's true!"

"It is true…" Kanji muttered so that no one could hear.

"I could train you and get you dressed, and you could help out with some of the behind-the-scenes." Yukiko nodded as relief crossed her face, "I'd make sure that it wasn't too difficult. And you'd be paid, of course."

"Sounds good," Yua agreed, partly because she was only half paying attention. "Just get back to me with the dates."

"Okay, okay," Yosuke waved it off. "But that's still not something for us to do over the summer! Plans people! We need plans!"

Yua looked back at her phone as the words started to burn a hole in her screen. She cursed herself for being too hesitant. She quickly typed out her answer.

I'll be over in 15.

Yua stood, her heart beating with excitement.

"Leaving already?" Yosuke raised an eyebrow.

"I've got to run an errand," Yua offered them an apologetic smile. "I'll catch up with you guys later."

"Okay, well, see ya later!" Yosuke said before being joined by a chorus of goodbyes.

Within the minute, she was on the road to Adachi's house.

Yua felt a pep in her step and a weight in her stomach. She felt her thoughts drift at the prospect of seeing him again. Part of her was still questioning if their previous meeting was a dream; it felt like a dream. She never thought she would have ever been kissed by him like that. It was like something out of a movie.

Maybe it was because of that dreamlike romance that Yua questioned some things. Perhaps there were things that Adachi wasn't considering—especially the fact that they were almost a decade difference in age. She didn't question his feelings, but she knew what would happen if someone else found out. Yua would hate to cause him so much trouble. And if her uncle found out… she winced.

Yua dwelt on disaster as she climbed the steps of Adachi's apartment complex and paced to the door. She took a deep breath and knocked. She fidgeted with the hem of her blouse, adjusting her already straight collar. The door clicked.

"Hi," Yua said quickly as the door opened. Her heart skipped a beat at the sight of him.

"Hey," Adachi smiled back at her and beckoned her inside.

The bright summer sunlight was abandoned as she entered the shaded apartment. They didn't say much as they settled into the apartment—just pleasant minor, directional talk. Adachi got her a glass of water, and she thanked him for it.

"So," Adachi finally muttered.

"Yeah," Yua nodded. "That happened, right?"

He laughed a little, "I think it did. I'm not usually the kind of guy to have a lot of those lucky dreams."

Lucky dreams, Yua couldn't help but smile, "But um, you still feel the same way?"

"Of course! It's not something you just change your mind about," He scooted closer to her. "But uh, Yua," his voice hit a new serious tone, "you know that this has to stay a secret."

"I know," Yua nodded, glad that he was thinking on the same level. "It is… I'm sure a lot of people wouldn't approve—like my uncle."

"Yeah, it's stupid, but that's how it works, unfortunately. We're going to have to sneak under the radar."

"I mean," she wanted to make sure. "Are you alright with this relationship? I know that there are… you could get in trouble. There's a big obstacle: the age difference—"

"It doesn't matter to me," Adachi waved it off. "I think it's a little silly that we couldn't be together because the rules change from prefecture to prefecture. You're obviously not a child; I don't see you as any different than any other woman. You're mature and beautiful." He stumbled a bit as he said it. "Oh, if you don't mind me saying that."

"I don't," Yua smiled.

"Of course, if you have a problem…"

"Again, I don't."

"Then, I don't see a problem. The badge stops at the door."

"I just don't want you to get into trouble. If this was to get out there, it would ruin your career and reputation."

"Don't worry so much; it won't get out there," he reached out and rubbed her shoulder. "We'll be careful, alright?"

She put her hands on top of his, "I'm sorry. I'm being nervous. I've never been…" She cut herself off, rethinking her words. But she noticed that Adachi leaned in as she pulled back. This was silly; she could be honest with him. He would understand, "I've never had a relationship before."

Liar.

"Really?" He feigned surprise and pulled his hand back. "Oh, come on, I'm sure you've had at least a little experience."

Yua shook her head, "Never got the chance to even hold a crush for very long. My parents move a lot."

Adachi had to bite back his impulse to call her out on her bullshit. He wasn't stupid. He saw the way she hung out with other guys. She was popular in every way. Of course, she'd had a boyfriend before, probably multiple! Maybe she was keeping them all secret. And even if she hadn't, he was sure she had at least some "experience" with boys.

"But what about your friends? Your guy friends. Never had anything with them?"

Her face heated up, and for a second, he thought he'd got her to reveal her loose habits, "No. I'm not interested in them like that." She looked even more embarrassed. "I hadn't even kissed anyone until ..."

Never—huh. Yua had been a very awkward kissing partner; he had to do all the work. He thought even further back to when he was spying on her—there were no secret meetings or flirty calls to boyfriends. (He didn't count the Tatsumi encounter since she blew him off.) So… maybe she wasn't lying. He smirked at her ramblings. The way she said it and the fidgeting made him believe her. Never even been kissed? She was a virgin—it made the prize all the more tempting.

"I'm sure this sounds very childish to you," Yua huffed. "You probably have had quite a few girlfriends."

"I haven't really had a serious relationship either," The words left his mouth without being checked; he was still stuck on the implications of deflowering her. What he said was true, but not something he needed to advertise.

"Oh?" Yua perked up. "I at least expected one."

Blunt.

He sighed and waved his hand, "Here and there, y'know. Nothing serious. Flings."

"I mean, I understand. My uncle works all the time; I can imagine your schedule. Working those kinds of hours wouldn't allow too much time for a relationship. So, I guess this makes us kind of equal…" Somehow, his blunder had turned into reassurance. "We'll both be each other's first girlfriend and boyfriend."

She was turning out to be quite the exciting catch. Wait—

He smiled, "Boyfriend?"

"Oh!" She realized it had slipped out. "I mean, yes, if that's what you want to call it. If you don't want it—"

"I'm just happy we're on the same page."

A happy little emotion danced in her eyes. She was just so ready to make it official! It made his job so much easier. He reached forward and put a hand on her knee. Yua's gaze flashed to his hand and then at his eyes. He had her right where he wanted her.

"But, I," her hands gently moved his, "I want to take it slow."

Those words were like a dagger in his back. Slow, if there was an antithesis to what he wanted, that would sum it up. He retracted his hand.

Yua saw the confusion and course-corrected, "I'm just new to relationships, so I don't want to go too fast and make a mistake."

Weren't teenagers supposed to be hormonal and desperate? Shouldn't she throw herself at the opportunity to—Adachi caught himself before he went too far. As much as he wanted to rush right along to the prize, she was right. He reminded himself of rule two: can't force her into something. He couldn't scare her off with sudden advances. He'd have to take it slow, be the adult in the situation. That's what she wanted, after all: a little guidance.

If he could play the clown for his job, he could play the caring boyfriend for this girl until he got his way. He swapped his masks.

"Alright then," he surrendered the battle with a Cheshire grin, "we'll take it slow."

"Okay," Those infinite eyes scanned the room. "What do we do now? Do you want to go for a walk or out or…"

She really didn't know anything.

"I don't think it would be appropriate to do that," he shrugged. "It would be a bit suspicious if we were hanging out a lot. We can't be seen together in public too much; it would invite rumors."

It was a half-truth. Of course, Adachi was worried about being suspicious, but he also wanted her within arm's reach as much as possible.

She sighed, "You're right."

"But, we can always meet up here. It's not the greatest meeting place, but I assume it's nice enough. I don't know if it's too different from what we're doing," Adachi shrugged. "I like talking to you. Maybe we could just watch a movie right now?"

"Oh! Chie told me that there was a marathon of kung fu movies tonight. We could watch those!"

"Alright," Adachi smiled, "Chie's the green one, right?"

With that, they migrated to the couch. Adachi turned on the TV. And she plopped down onto the sofa next to him. She rocked back and forth on the couch but kept an ultimately rigid posture. That wouldn't do; he wasn't going to go that damn slow. He reached out an arm and pulled her closer. Surprisingly, she leaned up against him with no hesitation.

Slow and steady.