It's been a few weeks since Light made his declaration to take over his father's work, should the need arise.
Since then, his father's been caught up in work, hardly having any time to come home as he continues to work with the few coworkers he has left to try and catch Kira. Light's mother has done all she can to support him, cooking hearty meals and often bringing clothes to him whenever he has to stay at work overnight.
Sayu and Light have been doing their part to help their parents as well, taking clothes or lunches to their father whenever their mother is too busy to do it herself.
Seeing the family come together during such a time inspires Shinoska to help whenever she can as well, the young woman offering her support by helping around the house whenever possible.
In all honestly, lately, she's been spending even more time at the Yagami household than ever. Part of her internally wonders if she's getting ahead of herself, already beginning to fall into the habit of doing things one might expect of a wife.
But, her parents aren't opposed, and neither or Light's. It seems as if everything has just fallen into place for the couple, the comfortable routine Shinoska finds herself more and more attached to.
It's one such day where she's been hanging out with Light since earlier that morning, the young woman flipping through some textbooks as she jots down some notes.
'College entrance exams are coming up…I've been studying nonstop and at this point, I could probably recite most of this stuff in my sleep… but it never hurts to go the extra mile, right? I've come so far already, so I shouldn't slack off now. I'll get right back to it after I take a little stretch break.'
She lets out a small breath, placing her pencil down as she stretches her arms above her head and arches her back, relieving a bit of tension as she readjusts her sitting position. Her eyes wander over to find Light staring off into the distance, her gaze then settling on a bag of potato chips.
'Is that what he's staring at? Is he hungry or something?' She wonders, though the faint taste of his mother's cooking has her thinking otherwise.
"Light?" She asks, his eyes snapping toward her as a slight smile forms on his face.
"Is something the matter?" He asks, taking note of the slight lilt in her tone.
"Well, no. I was just wondering what you were staring at," she questions, the young man then pondering for a moment before he offers a slightly apologetic look.
"Sorry, I guess I wasn't really looking at anything," he replies.
"So you were spacing out?" She asks with a bit of mock shock, her eyebrows slightly raised. Light huffs in response to her small joke, then offers a small shrug in response.
"It happens," he replies simply.
"Even to you?" She asks, then lets out a small giggle as he gives her a slightly blank look, "I'm sorry, I was just kidding! In all honesty, I can see why you'd space out. A lot's happened these last few days and college entrance exams are coming up soon…Though something tells me you're not too worried about exams."
"Well… Maybe I'm not exactly worried, but the exams have been on my mind," Light replies a bit humbly, though Shinoska knows more than anyone that there's not a chance he won't get a perfect score.
"Well…Then what else is on your mind?" Shinoska asks as she cocks her head a bit, looking over at him from her place at his desk. He meets her eyes with his own, the look on his face betraying the truth of his mind.
He's careful to fight the urge to look around, the man hyperaware of his surroundings and the smallest twitch of his limbs. It's been a few days since he discovered several hidden cameras in his room, the young man having no doubts about where they've come from.
After he managed to trick Raye Penbar's fiancee, Naomi Misora, into giving her his name, he wasted no time in writing her name in the Death Note. Condemned to a fate of only thinking of suicide and then taking her life where no one will ever find her, Light still knew that it was only a matter of time before her disappearance was noticed.
Still, he'd never have imagined that cameras would be implanted in his room, and so soon at that. But all he can do now is act as any normal teenager would, so he's taken careful measures to go about his daily routine without any outwardly suspicious behavior. He's already disposed of a small TV he hid in a bag of potato chips in order to create an alibi by killing two criminals while the hidden cameras captured him as seemingly only studying.
Despite his unwavering dedication toward his goal of a better world, it can't be denied that the events of the last few days have put a heavy weight on his shoulders. The stress of analyzing his every move was at first agitating, but now it's becoming more.
It's even started infringing on his time with Shinoska.
The thought frustrates him, though he can't exactly let it be known to her. While he doesn't want to tell her anything, knowing that for the sake of a better world with her at his side he simply can't do that, he can't deny he dislikes her unwilling involvement in the situation. But as long as no harm comes her way, and he'll make sure it doesn't, he'll simply resolve himself to stick to his plan.
His mind continues to run a mile a minute with such in-depth thoughts relating to events Shinoska is none the wiser to. She's been waiting for his answer patiently, though Light's been able to sort through his plan and the implication of his actions and her involvement in record time, as he always does.
"I'm just thinking about what comes after this," Light finally says, his tone a bit softer and lower than usual.
It's not entirely the truth, but it isn't necessarily a lie either. Such is the way Light continues to dance around the heart of the matter with the woman he proclaims to love.
Shinoska offers a small nod and hum, such thoughts no stranger to her. "I have been too," she admits, leaning back against the chair as her gaze falls from Light, settling on her finger as she lightly runs it along the ridge of the chair's back.
"Obviously, I haven't changed my mind. I still fully intend to be a lawyer, so I'll be aiming high during these exams," Shinoska says.
"You'll do great, I'm sure," Light says assuredly, perfectly confident in Shinoska's competency.
"I'll certainly do my best to," Shinoska says humbly before letting her hand fall from the chair ridge and drape to her side, "But To-Oh University is extremely competitive and there's no shortage of people vying for the chance to get in. The standard will be as cutthroat as always, so I've got to give it my all."
A slightly tense expression crosses her face before it relaxes into a small smile, the woman sitting up as she faces her boyfriend directly, a twinkle in her eye as she speaks.
"After all, this is my first step towards making a change in this world," she says, reflecting on their promise together.
Light's eyes soften as he admires her unrelenting determination and strong sense of justice, his chest experiencing a warmth only she can give him.
'She is a light in this dark world.'
"And what about you, Light? I remember some time ago when we were talking about it, but how do you feel now?" Shinoska asks, genuine curiosity clear as she leans forward a bit, patiently awaiting his answer.
Before was much different, the young man not finding any particular path especially interesting. With his intellect, it simply didn't seem as if it would matter much, success is guaranteed to him either way. But Light's since made his decision.
"I want to go into law enforcement," Light says as he looks down at his hand, clenching it into a fist as he makes note of his resolve.
Shinoska isn't exactly surprised, but his determination toward the goal is somewhat of a far cry from before. Yet, the difference is not unpleasant. She can't help but feel a sense of relief and a bit of happiness for his sake, the firm commitment to his direction clear in his words.
"Is that why you said you'd catch Kira if something happens to your dad?" Shinoska asks, the feeling of inspiration she'd felt from his declaration still fresh in her mind.
"I guess you could say that," Light says as he settles his hands into his lap, "I've always respected my father's sense of justice, but more than just following in his footsteps, I want to make a change in the world, just as we promised."
His eyes fall on hers, the two of them smiling softly in the comfortable moment, memories of their childhood flickering in the back of their minds. Shinoska can't help the warmth in her chest as the promise they made as children feels as if it's beginning to take form, now suddenly within reach.
But the blood on Light's hands and the change that's come with has been tangible for some time. Even his goal of working in law enforcement is intertwined with his desire to be aware of those who seek to bring him down, so he can swiftly crush them. His position will also give him greater insight into criminals he can be rid of.
'It will be perfect. A new world order…'
The stark contrast between Light and Shinoska's thoughts goes unnoticed.
Shinoska's smile grows wider as the idea bounces around her head, the young woman letting out a quiet chuckle as she begins to think of their future together.
"A cop and a lawyer. That's quite the duo, isn't it?" Shinoska remarks with a slightly teasing smile.
"Yes, we'll be quite the team," he replies with a small laugh of his own and a smile, the dark intentions behind his words hidden in plain sight.
On the day of the exam, Shinoska wakes up bright and early, the tingle of anticipation swirling within the pit of her stomach the moment she opens her eyes. She can hardly believe the moment has finally come for her to take her first official step toward her dream.
The previous night, after Light and Shinoska confided in each other a bit more, she returned to her studies until it was late and Light walked her home. Even then, she continued reviewing her notes until she simply couldn't keep her eyes open, the woman getting a bit less sleep than usual, though it's nothing she can handle.
She heads to her bathroom, splashing some water on her face to get rid of the little grogginess she feels. Afterward, she quickly brushes her teeth and washes her face, then heads into her bedroom to put on a comfortable, yet stylish outfit.
After slipping on her socks, Shinoska crouches down to check the contents she'd prepared the night before. Everything she needs is right inside it - her examination voucher, ID, pencil sharpener, pencils, erasers, and pens.
The watch she's wearing feels slightly cool on her wrist, the young woman is not entirely accustomed to wearing watches very often, but she'll need it since phones aren't allowed and there won't be any clocks.
Her footsteps sound throughout her home as she quickly heads into the kitchen, snacking on some cut-up fruit to give her a nutritious boost to get her through her day. She grabs her packaged lunch from the fridge, slipping it into her carefully packed bag.
'Alright, that should be everything.'
The moment she has that thought, a knock sounds at her door. If it weren't for the fact that they'd fallen into this routine, she'd still know it was Light, the familiarity of the knock's rhythm having embedded itself in her mind.
She can't help but smile at the thought, the little things having a way of making her feel a bit giddy inside.
After grabbing her bag and checking around her room one last time, she heads for the door, opening it to find Light looking down at her expectantly.
"Are you ready to go?" He asks, Shinoska offering a hum and nod as she steps out of her home, turning around the close and lock the door behind her.
"I'd certainly hope so. I've checked my bag more times than I'd like to admit," she says as the two begin their walk toward the train station.
"You're ready, Shinoska," Light says assuredly, then reaching into his bag to pull something out, "And, to top it all off, my mother said this will guarantee it."
She turns to face him, her eyes widening a bit as he grabs her hand and places something in it. The sensation of fabric is familiar on her fingers, the woman pulling her hand away to see a beautiful lilac good luck charm.
"Oh my goodness, Light, this is beautiful…I'll have to thank her as soon as exams are over!" Shinoska says holding the charm close to her chest as she feels her heart swell.
While her own parents hadn't given her a gift, they'd at least sent her a text wishing her the best of luck. A deeper part of her wishes they'd done more, but she pushes that feeling down, feeling a bit guilt for what she perceives as being selfish.
Above it all, however, she can't help but feel so grateful for the people in her life, her eyes watering a bit as emotions overwhelm her.
"Gosh, sorry. I didn't think I'd react like this, it's just…" she mutters with an apologetic tone, but Light merely reaches down and gently brushes away her tears.
"After the exams, once we get the results I mean, let's go out. Just the two of us. I want to take us someplace nice, okay?" Light says and Shinoska slowly nods her head, her heart thumping in her chest as she savors the feeling of his hands on her cheeks.
"That sounds lovely, Light," she replies earnestly.
When he slips his hands into hers, she can deny the feeling that it belongs there, her fingers intertwining with his.
Once they arrive at the train station, they reluctantly let each other's hands go, boarding the train after they've gone through the motions. As is tradition, the train is packed with students just like them, a mixture of expressions on their faces as everyone is waiting to arrive at their testing center.
Many don a rather tense, if not downright melancholy expression. Shinoska internally feels a bit bad for them, but she resigns herself to focus on her own test and what comes after. She stands a bit taller than usual, back straight as she mentally recounts the subjects she's studied thoroughly.
Light glances over at her, admiring her concentrated expression. While he'll certainly never say it out loud, or if he does he'll elect to be a bit softer with his words, the others on the train who've hemmed and hawed about their education right up until the last moment are people he simply can't be sorry for. Or, rather, he refuses to.
'Many of these are the same sort of people who'd simply blow off their studies and make trouble for others. They simply didn't apply themselves and now look at them,' Light thinks to himself, looking down on his peers from atop the high horse he's placed himself on.
'But Shinoska has never been like that. She can never even be like that, it's simply not who she is. She's the perfect woman to be by my side,' Light thinks to himself, elevating Shinoska to an incredible standard. Perhaps even an impossible one.
The juxtaposition between their feelings goes unspoken, the train soon arriving at the stop nearby the testing center. Essentially all of the people on the packed train make their way out, Light holding on tightly to Shinoska's hand so that the crowd doesn't separate them.
Getting to the testing center takes no time at all, all the attending testers going through the motions of entering the building and heading to their designated rooms. Shinoska and Light are in the same room, though they're a few seats apart.
They silently glance at each other, well wishes in Shinoska's heart as she takes her seat. The exam proctor enters the room and after going through the mandatory instructions, testing quickly begins.
Just as Shinoska takes her pencil into her hand and begins to fill out some information, the proctor's voice suddenly cuts through the previously silent room.
"Student 162! You are sitting in your chair improperly. Fix that immediately or I will have to ask you to leave," the proctor says firmly.
Taken aback by the odd instructions, Shinoska can't help but look backward at the student in question.
'What the…?'
Describing the man as sitting on his chair felt like a bit of a stretch, in Shinoska's opinion. He was crouched on the wooden chair, knees slightly peaking over his desk. His disheveled appearance would add to the hilarity of the situation if Shinoska wasn't slightly peeved by the interruption.
Black hair that seems ungroomed, deep eyebags that hang surprisingly low, and eyes unusually wide open.
'He's looking at something…' Shinoska notes to herself as she follows his gaze, the man clearly looking over at Light. She cocks her eyebrow in confusion, only to feel her heart nearly leap out of her chest when the strange man's gaze suddenly falls upon her.
She turns around in her seat, taking a few deep breaths as she calms herself. Afterward, she doesn't look back again, the young woman assuming the man complied with the proctor since there aren't any interruptions afterward.
Her concentration returns as she pushes aside the odd occurrence for the time being, her pencil moving with quickness as she bubbles in and writes answers she's written and reviewed hundreds of times over.
Fate can be a rather humorous thing, the young woman not yet having any idea what this strange meeting means for her and Light's future together.