I've always wanted to do this work and I haven't had time to actually finish it. Surprisingly things have been quiet at work which has given me time to get this done. It wasn't the plan to get this long but alas these things happen. Sorry if there is mistakes here and there, it's a pretty long piece.
Glowing Acclaim
Rated T
"Are you sure you are allowed to do this?" Rise nodded, a massive smile plastered as she took the Sleuth through her utterly massive walk in wardrobe. Naoto looked on in awe at dress after dress, various casual and formal outfits and everything in between. She was starting to get an idea why she has never seen Rise in the same outfit twice since University outside of sleeping clothes, even then it was rare.
"Of course, I must admit I kind of strong armed the agency but I'm one of the most successful idols in the country, I can always just change label if they said no." She said with a giggle, absolutely uncaring of the consequences.
All Naoto could do was sigh as the stopped at a particular set of fancy formal wear. The occasion is the media awards for Asia and Rise had a couple nominations for her new album, one of the singles on there and best music video. The prestigious event was held in Tokyo this year and she was given a plus one for her attendance (Mostly due to actors, actresses and artists normally come with their significant other), Rise's closest thing to that was the Detective Prince and her partner.
"I'm just wondering, are you ok to go?"
The question made Naoto perk up from what was on her mind, her eyes taken away from the dress she was eyeing up just out of arm's length.
"I've run it past the Estate to see if it's ok for our image but Grandpa gave it the ok so I'm free to go if I would like. It's a shame I still have to represent the family in times like this even when I'm not on duty."
Rise gave a sympathetic smile before pulling out a glamorous red dress that sparkled from the light of the walk in wardrobe.
"Yeah I know how you feel on that one, but I would be honoured if I could take you to the awards with me, I obviously can't bring Souji because that would be just weird and also the rumours would go right through the roof. We are both well known enough that you'll get hassle from it too."
Naoto nodded, impressed by the Idol's foresight, she reached over to feel the material of a mesmerising sapphire dress that spoke out to her.
"You like that one?"
The question knocked Naoto out of her thoughts as she blushed at the question.
"It looks amazing; I could never pull anything like this off though. It's not really me…"
Rise giggled as she reached past the Sleuth and took the dress that was on the hanger off the rail, with a small push the rotary system spun, hiding the fact a dress was even taken out.
"You can absolutely make this one work, the only problem is that your bust is larger than mine which will cause it to stretch a little but I'm sure the resizing would be easy, I think Kanji-kun could take care of it no problem if we wanted it for the awards…"
Naoto shook her head, not wanting to get too ahead of herself.
"I'm sorry Rise-chan I don't think I could wear something like this if I went to the awards. It's too public for me to be seen like that."
Rise stopped to think about it for a second before nodding in understanding; it's a pretty big audience for Naoto who was already very shy about the feminine aspects of herself to be showing it off to the whole world.
"I think you going in a suit will be great, it will compliment me really well, and I can go for a real showstopper. You'll be the real shine to my dazzle!" The grin was contagious as Naoto giggled with her. The though and the freedom for Naoto to dress how she wanted in something as important as this helped her mind get on board with this.
"That actually sounds lovely, as long as it doesn't interrupt your style I will happily go along in a suit. I don't think I could handle a dress in front of everyone." She put her finger to her chin in thought for a second. "Yes I think I will attend, I'll feel bad about leaving Souji-kun on his own though. I wish he could come with us."
That made Rise frown as she thought about it more carefully, while she had no problem having fun gallivanting off with her favourite Detective, the thought of going to one of the biggest events of her life with only one of the two she loved the most made her sad. The image of Souji just rooting them on from their apartment's living room while he watched on TV made an awful turn in her stomach.
"Yeah maybe I can get another ticket or at least get him into the awards. He might not be able to sit with us but at least he'll be in the building and he could meet up with us for the after party?" The brunette suggested, her mind working overtime to find a loophole so they could bring their stud.
"That could work; it saves us having to go through the administrations of the awards board…" Suddenly Naoto shot her up, her eyes growing wide as a sudden idea hit her.
"Is security allowed to join you?" Rise blinked, unsure where she was going with this.
"Yes… Depending on the celebrity it would be a maximum of five people. I've never needed too since the Agency took care of the with the awards people…"
"How about this…" Naoto leaned against the near wall, "Why don't you hire personal security from the Estate?"
Rise's head tilt clued her in that she had no idea what she was going on about.
"Why would I do-"
"If you do we can assign Souji-kun to do the job since he's done it before and that means he could come with us in an official capacity."
The gears in Rise's head began to turn as her mind processed the information laid out on the table. The slow realisation began to show on her face as her eyes lit up.
"That's perfect Naoto-kun!" The Idol cried as she took Naoto's hands in hers and started jumping up and down with joy.
-A Month Later-
The car they were in rolled up in Shinjuku Square, the check in for the walk way for all of the celebrities and their guests at its check in area before heading to the main New National Theatre. The walkway to the awards with the cameras and the paparazzi all waiting for them just behind the gate on the other side of the waiting area was more of a warm up room to the incoming onslaught of fans and press. The car that they were in was in a slow waiting line to drop off the guests before the event security took over and looked after them before getting to the main Theatre.
"Nervous?" The simple question was aimed at both ladies as Rise was carefully looking through the one sided tinted window at the different artists and musicians as they got out of their respective cars.
Rise was wearing a stunning long dress in crimson red that was low cut enough to see a generous amount of cleavage on display, but the main part of the dress that the other two in the car found alluring was the amount of back on show. The garment went all the way to her feet with a pair of silver heels that showed her feet. Her hair was in a high tied up bun with large diamond like earrings framing her face. The only thing she wore on her arms was the recently gifted watch from the pair. Her makeup done in the signature Risette style that made all the heads turn.
"I'm not but I'm massively curious who else is here. I didn't really look into who has been nominated for things because I wasn't really paying attention. Shame on me on that one," Turning to Naoto quickly who was messing around with her breast pocket. "You good still?"
Naoto nodded, still a little twitchy considering the situation, very rarely that she was in these sorts of situations; normally she only spoke to press if it included a serious crime or a murder, but strictly for a social ceremony, this was quite out of her wheel house.
Compared to a lot of the other ladies attending the event, Naoto went for a deep midnight blue suit that had floral patterns embodied all over the jacket. Under it she donned a black shirt buttoned all the way up covering up to her neck with a velvet tie that was the same colour as her jacket with a metal clip in the image of the Shirogane family crest. While on her feet she wore a pair of formal jet black shoes with a match pair of leather gloves. Her makeup was with a minimal amount of foundation but the main part was the attention catching dark blue eye liner and shadow that complimented her cobalt irises.
"I should be ok, as long as they don't ask me anything weird. I'm worried since I'm not announced to be there in advance that it will take quite a few people by surprise."
Souji nodded as he moved the car a fraction forward to the drop off point, still four or five cars behind where he needed to go.
"I'm sure thing will be fine for you Shirogane-san and Kujikawa-san." The former leader told them in his best work voice caused both of the ladies in the back to sigh.
"Souji-kun can you not? We aren't even there yet. When you start speaking like that, that makes me nervous, never had my friends this close when coming to things like this." Rise twirled a loose strand of hair that wasn't in her bun.
"Heh, sorry about that," The driver said with a small laugh, moving the Bentley Flying Spur just another car length ahead. "I'm just trying to get into work mode since I'll have to masquerade as this for the rest of the evening, saying that I'm technically on the clock."
Rise only snickered as she sat back on the comfortable seats.
"You can rescue me from this event any time big guy."
The detective only rolled her eyes, turning back to Souji. "Anyway, where will you be stationed until we get to the Theatre building?"
The former leader did a quick check of his phone before moving the car up another two lengths, noting that they were going to be next in a moment.
"I'll be at the Theatre entrance and I'll be able to see you guys from once they open the gate for you guys to walk down the carpet so I can observe everything from there. As long as you guys stick together and Naoto has her phone on her we'll be fine communication wise. Just check your watch if you feel something is off, I'll be able to see from the main entrance door. You guys will be fine; you are under my watch after all." He ended with a small chuckle. "Anyway we'll be next, everyone got everything?"
Rise nodded and looked over to Naoto who was making sure both her own and Rise's mobile devices were in her inside pocket due to Rise's dress not having anywhere to store it.
"Yeah Souji-kun, we have everything we will see you in about 30 minutes or so?" Naoto clarified, her boyfriend shrugged not really bothered with the time frame.
"Yeah around that, don't rush for my sake and enjoy yourself."
The two ladies nodded with Rise leaning forward in between the gaps of the front seats.
"Kiss for good luck?" The Idol muttered.
An expression of hesitation was on his face as he turned around.
"Aren't you worried someone might see?" She shook her head, but pursed her lips.
"Absolutely not, I can't see anything looking into this car and it's also quite dark outside. Come on please?"
It was a small sigh of exasperation and a roll of the eyes he gave her a small peck, not wanting to get any of her lipstick on himself. Rise giggled in return happy for the small bit of pick me up of affection and motioned to Naoto who did the same with but held it for a moment longer.
"I love you," She whispered against his lips before she pulled away, words were not a reply but a simple nod. The small smile forming on Naoto's lips was enough to show she was more than happy with that. As she pulled back Rise caught her chin lightly and gave her a small kiss of her own.
"And that one is for luck; let's knock it out of the park." Naoto blinked, with how quickly it happened.
"Right you guys are up… Kujikawa-san I hope you remember the protocols, call me if you need me like we spoke about before. Shirogane-san stay safe and I will see you soon." Souji announced as he drove a little further finally getting to the drop off point. Two men in suits came up to the car and tapped the window making Souji lower it so he could stick his head out. A man with a check list and a pile of passes awaiting information from the driver.
"Attendee code 00441, car is registered under the Shirogane Estate. Attendee 'Risette' Kujikawa Rise-san and Shirogane Naoto-sama are in the back." Souji recited with perfect accuracy. The two guards nodded and walked around the back seats and open both of them with perfect sync. Souji looked back at his passengers one last time and they both fired him a small wave before they got out of the car from each side. The appearance of Rise caused cheers from some of the other celebrities in the waiting area. At that point the man with the list checked off a couple things on his piece of paper and gave Souji three lanyards as entry for the main building.
"Risette! You made it!" Souji heard one of them before the doors closed in tandem. With that done, Souji shifted the care out of neutral and pulled up the hand break and pulled out of the parking space, driving down the short distance to the New Theatre parking area. Just as he was pulling away, he checked his left wing mirror to see Rise hook her arm around Naoto's as they walked into the crowd.
…
…
Souji set was considered the Swiss army knife of the Shirogane Estate with his various skills and attributes making him flexible to almost any job they gave him. It was something they haven't had in a while so he was a valued part of the company. However this job brought up a lot of eye brows considering the situation. Really it didn't bother him but it was something he mused about as he parked the car up and locked it, making sure he had his own identification and slipped it into his inside long jacket pocket. Opening the glove compartment, he took out his own pair of snow white leather gloves and black sunglasses then slipped them on before exiting the car. While the car park itself was quiet there were still various cars parking up at their designated spots. Onward his shoes clacked on the hardened ground as he used the stairs to get up to the main floor. The sound of the fans cheering was loud enough that he could hear it in the car park.
By the time he got to the main door where security was designated to stand, there was already a number of people waiting there for their clients, watching the human parade of the biggest celebrities in Asia coming down the carpet, stopping for pictures with fans, press and interviews. Suddenly there was uproar of fans towards the start of the carpet runway and there is where he spotted them, Risette had just arrived and sent the fans into frenzy with the crowd chanting her name. She did a large wave to the crowd accompanied by a small one by Naoto who was at her side arms still looped together. It wasn't unknown to the wider public that they were friends publically but it's the first time in a while the world had seen them together.
"Damn that Risette just keeps growing in popularity, I've never heard such a reaction in such a long time outside of gackt." One of the security personnel pointed out as the group watch on. Various blinks of light coming from the constant camera flashes that descended on the celebrities.
"That is true, but damn she's looking fine, I'm jealous of whatever security is looking after her. She must have at least four or five with her though." The other said as the group continued to mutter with one of them having to go as their client just reached the front of the steps.
"Nah she only has one from what I heard. She must absolute faith in that one person, because they have to look after not only Risette but Shirogane-san as well. That guy is going to have to watch his back unless the security is Shirogane-san herself."
The other chuckled,
"I would not be surprised if that actually is the case."
Souji shook his head, not paying them any mind as he watched on as some reporters caught up to 'Risette', a microphone was instantly in her face.
"So Risette it's amazing that you were able to make it, you are nominated for three separate categories in such a competitive field. How are you feeling about your chances?"
Rise gave the sweetest smile as she waved to the camera before addressing the question.
"I know right, I'm super stoked and really surprised. I haven't been thinking about the fame when I recorded this album so the fact all my fans loved it and they found inspiration from it makes me happy. Any positive difference I can make to my fans makes this a whole lot better; it's not even about winning, it's about making good music that I can speak from the soul about."
The reporter nodded and happy with the response and went to her next question.
"So talking about your album and the hit Sapphire from it, what is the inspiration? It's such a different tone from your first one when you was in high school. What's been the difference?"
Rise blushed, or from what Souji saw played it up for the camera a little before looking at Naoto for a second.
"Well I've got an amazing group of friends but there was a boy who really made a difference in my life. After being a part of from him for so long I understood what I was feeling after I processed it a few years later. That and being older has allowed me to express my feelings a lot better and I'm sure everyone who has listened to that song can relate to that feeling. It's just the maturity and understanding of love and sexiness rolled into one; I really had fun putting my thoughts on the table."
Reporter was in awe of her answer but couldn't help but give a small laugh at the next question coming into her mind.
"Amazing, I'm glad it's been amazing for you. So I've seen you've brought Shirogane-san as a surprise guest. How did this come about?"
The camera panned to the suit clad Naoto who shyly waved at it before it moved back to Rise.
"Well as you know we've been besties for ages! She's my first point of call if I need anything. But because we are both busy people we've barely been able to get any time together so I thought I'd invite her to have some fun with me and unwind so we can tear it up at the after party!" Rise's jovial voice coming through as she pulled Naoto slightly against her side.
"Excellent, well we'll see you inside and I hope you can come away from this night as the number one Idol in Japan." Quickly turning to Naoto, "Do you have any words of support for your best friend?"
The mic was quickly put into Naoto's face and just for a split second Rise looked over in concern about the attention being thrust on to Naoto suddenly. But after taking a second to compose herself disguising it with a cough she gave a soft smile.
"I think she will do excellently, any music she releases she works on diligently even when we see each other, she always gives it everything so this will just be the fruits of her labour." Rise only blinked in shock from Naoto's praise seeming completely sincere.
"Oh it seems your words mean all of her fans will have nothing to worry about during the award ceremony. Thanks for the words Shirogane-san, and both of you look absolutely fantastic. Enjoy the show tonight and good luck!"
"I told you she's the best!" Rise injected happily before the camera cut to another part of the carpet walk just before she and Naoto was whisked away for more photos.
At that point Souji's phone vibrated, in there was various messages from the Investigation Team's Line chat, one specifically mention Souji was Yosuke.
"Hey was that Naoto-kun at the awards? Souji explain?"
Without even batting an eye lid he placed his phone back in his pocket, he'd explain it to them after the fact. As the various celebrities finished down the carpet, the group of the security thinned, to the point where it was only a few of them left. Due to Risette's popularity, she and Naoto were a set of the guests who took the longest of the carpet; it was another 35 minutes before they got to the front. As they got to the door Naoto pointed out Souji from the crowd and Rise's eyes lit up at seeing the third of their little trio. Waving at him Souji pulled himself out from the group and met them at the door.
"Kujikawa-san? Shirogane-sama?" Souji gave a polite nod, the authoritive and protective tone was enough to make both ladies blush. Taking one last time to address the crowd, Rise turned back towards the carpet and waved to the crowd making them uproar again.
"Let's head inside and get our seats." Rise said simply, dropping her idol face for just a moment wanting nothing more than to take both Naoto and Souji by the hand and lead them inside but she refrained, fighting against ever fibre of her being to show no public display of affection for her two lovers.
Souji gave her a small smile as he passed their passes to the two ladies which they took as they walked into the main lobby, Souji a couple steps behind them as they walked to the main hall.
It took a while for the trio to find their seats but once they did, they settled in and watch the show with excitement. The performances were amazing and while she didn't get best music video and best album only narrowly missing out the award for best single came up. As the award was getting ready to be announced, Rise had a strange feeling about this one; maybe she can do this...
She gently took Naoto's hand in her own for support who only squeezed back in return, none of them looking at each other so they didn't make it obvious.
The hosts at the stand got the envelops with the winner's name inside as the lights in the building dimmed for the dramatic suspense.
"The winner is Sapphire by Risette!"
Suddenly the whole world around Rise stopped. The sound of her stage name being called through the audio system of the venue was enough to freeze the room. Never once in her life has she thought she would get this far, even with her self confidence, her dreams, there was never an expectation to be recognised outside of Japan. Suddenly she then remembered Naoto's words…
'She always gives it everything so this will just be the fruits of her labour'
"You won!" Naoto called out next to the Idol. Slowly she turned with the world looking at her seat, the spot light on her. The only thing she could do was envelop the Detective in a massive hug.
"I can't believe it…" Rise muttered against her shoulder.
While Souji didn't get involved with the physical gratitude his voice was just loud enough over the applause going on around them.
"You deserve it with all of your work." Rise pulled away from Naoto enough to see the two friends she loved the most both proud and for her and smiling with joy.
"You should probably go…" Naoto whispered, knowing that they could only clap for so long. Nodding quickly and wiping some loose tears from her eyes with the back of her hand she carefully got up from her seat to head to the stage. Souji and Naoto watched on as she got on the stage and by the hosts to collect her award, sharing hugs with everyone before they gave her the stage to make her winner's speech. Once she was in front of the microphone, she took a second to collect herself.
"Man… I didn't think I'll ever be here when I decided to get into the idol business and became an artist." She gave a little chuckle as the crowd gave a set of collective laughs. "I'm super honoured to receive this award and I wouldn't have got here if it wasn't for the love from my fans, and the time and dedication to the team and everyone around me. While I want to thank everyone at the record label for all of the work on that side I just want to make some really special mentions."
Rise made a small cough, just remembering everything she wanted to say.
"I want to think my Grandmother, if it wasn't for her making the decision to stay with her when I was in high school I would probably have never gotten here. I also want to thank my friends in Yasoinaba, they know who they are, I thank them for all the time and dedication they put into me even when I was the most difficult person in the room. I also want to say thanks to my bestie who is with me tonight. Shirogane-kun has been my rock for the better half of 18 months now. Always inspired me to push harder…"
Momentarily the cameras went to Naoto who shyly waved back.
"And last one is the inspiration behind the song; he is a good friend and couldn't make it out with me today so he's probably at home watching well I hope he is because I didn't check my messages before I got here."
Naoto could only roll her eyes as a wry smile appeared on her face.
"She couldn't help herself couldn't she?"
Souji's expression didn't change but he only sighed in resignation.
"Absolutely not…"
"Seta-san I want to thank you for the time and being such a good friend, I hope my feelings were conveyed!" The crowed became a sea of 'aww' and supportive whistles.
-Back in Inaba-
The Investigation crew all met up to watch the parts of the ceremony that the team's navigator was a part of but all of them looked on, somewhat shocked at the surealness of the situation. Yosuke turned to both Yukiko and Kanji, with a face of bewilderment.
"She's talking like Souji's not there when he's sitting right next to Naoto…"
The other two just nodded dumbly not sure what to say.
"And she just openly hit on her best friend's boyfriend in public. She really has no boundaries." Chie added looking on just as confused as everyone else.
"I'm sure Naoto-kun will hav' words once they sit down." Kanji added, mentally pouring one out for the team's support.
-Back the Awards-
As Rise sat back down Naoto gave her a raised eye brow in humour but asked to explain.
"What? I was being honest…" Turning to Souji and gave him a wink. "What can I say; he helped me win an award."
All Souji could do was snort through his nose, his expression hidden behind his glasses. This will be a long evening.
"I'll make it up to you Naoto-kun I'll promise."
Scoffing at her lame attempt to rescue the situation, "You better,"
…
…
The event itself when off without a hitch since the best single was towards the end, it was only another hour before the event concluded and people in the hall started to disperse, majority of the celebrities heading to the penthouse like suite at the top of the building for the awards ceremony after party. Rise herself has been to enough of them where for better or for worse people used that to unwind especially since alcohol was a no brainer for most people. This was the time where other artists and actors will try and flirt with her. She figured it would be a bit more interesting with her and Naoto being here.
"I'm assuming you have never been to any of these after parties Seta-san?" She made sure to whisper his name to make sure no one else heard it. Souji fixed his sunglasses as he looked back down at her, stoic work expression still on.
"I've been to a few but it's mostly Shirogane-sama that hasn't gone to any. I've had some jobs that have involved them."
Rise couldn't help but raise an eye brow, at his comment. They were currently waiting in a corridor near the ladies bathroom on the way there as Naoto needed to go.
"It's really weird hearing you like this, it's professional yet distant. Not going to lie however, it's kinda hot." Shaking his head, he turned his head away while he pulled at his gloves.
"It's because I'm working. As much as I know it was you two's plan so I can attend as well I'm still technically being paid for this and I'm currently representing the Estate. If I slip into home habits, first it will reveal who I am and second it will look incredibly unprofessional. You can't tease me like this Kujikawa-san."
Rise almost felt sympathetic but she couldn't help it, these were one of the few times that the power dynamics were very different.
"How about…"
"Please spare him," Naoto said simply as she came out of the bathroom straightening out her jacket. "Please refrain from harassing Estate staff members while they are on shift…" She coyly turned to her boyfriend. "…Regardless of how dashing they are."
All Souji could do was groan as Rise laughed.
…
…
The after party was in full swing by the time they got there, the lights were low and the music was playing but people could still converse at a comfortable volume. Showing their passes at the door, the bouncer let them in not without looking at Souji with interest, a little unsure about his need to be there. Before Rise could turn around and clarifying that he was with her, he showed his identification his was with the Estate. The bouncer did a double take as he read the name but Souji only put his finger to his own lips to signify that it was supposed to be a secret.
"Naoto-kun I have some people I'd like to introduce you," Rise pointed out as she looped her arm around hers. Motioning to Souji, "You can take a seat at one of the booths and we could get some drinks, if you want to wait up, I don't want you to scare everyone."
"I can't drink-"
"They aren't for you," She clarified sticking her tongue out. "Let's go Naoto-kun."
With that she pulled her away to introduce her to some of the members of her agency, leaving the former leader to only shrug and find a seat. Once he sat down he flagged down a one of the waiters to ask for a glass of water which they said they will get promptly. From where he was he could see the whole room by making sure he had a good vantage point. While he hasn't been to something as high profile as this he's been to similar after parties and the trends have all been similar. People get loose, thinking they have privileges that were never granted, words are traded and attitudes flare up. Considering how people were at the ceremony compared to now, it seems to be the case here as well too. He had an eye on his two ladies as they talked to various people, but it was obvious they tend to be the centre of attention, he couldn't deny there was just a pang of jealousy in his gut, slightly annoyed he couldn't be open with what was happening. As soon as one conversation ended another one started, basically in a line to congratulate and flirt with the winner of the best single.
"Excuse me are these seats free?" A soft voice asked him, it cause Souji to look up and almost did a double take, a blonde hair woman in a beautiful short green dress was looking in his direction curiously.
"Ah I'm currently holding them for Risette and Shirogane-sama currently, sorry about that." It was a simple and honest answer but all she did was tilt her head at him curiously.
"Ah I'm assuming you're her security entourage then. She normally doesn't have one with her at events; you must be something special then." The smile she had was cute but Souji knew people well enough that there was more to it than that.
"I wouldn't consider myself special, but I do consider myself competent at my job however." It wasn't smug or over confidence, it was a matter of fact for him.
"You must be if she hired you, she's very prickly about security, they are normally over protective, or at worse flirty. You don't seem either, shame though you seem pretty relaxed considering what's going on."
Souji peered at her curiously, his sunglasses hiding the expression in his eyes as they made eye contact before shaking his head.
"You think too highly of me especially as someone you haven't met before, I can be anyone to you and you don't even know my name-"
"What is your name?"
Shit!
"Narukami," Souji threw out on the spot, hoping it was convincing.
She blinked, her smile being a little bigger. "Well Narukami-san I hope you don't mind me humouring you a little if you have the time…"
…
"But an excellent job on the sound on it, I'm sure the production team did an absolutely amazing job on it. It was impressive that it came out how it did, do you do the background music first or the lyrics come first?"
Rise put on her best appreciative giggle.
"Thanks a lot, the song writing always come first. It's hard for me to write words to the music since I won't know what to write about…" From the corner of her eye she could tall Naoto's attention was dragged elsewhere. "Could you give us a moment?"
The man they were speaking gave a curt nod before turning to speak to his colleague.
"What's the matter Naoto-kun?" Rise whispered to keep their voices down.
Naoto didn't say anything right away but kept her eyes glued in a specific direction like she was looking through the Idol. It took a moment before she said anything; well she didn't but mouthed the words.
"Souji-kun"
Instantly Rise whipped herself round to see where Souji was sitting and only growled at what she saw. Turning back to Naoto with a frown only gave one reply.
"Point taken,"
…
"You sound like you are very seasoned for a member of security, I'm assuming that your shift is over once the after party is done no?"
Her tone has gotten progressively flirty as the conversation carried on to the point that Souji wasn't sure how long she was keeping this up for.
"I wouldn't say that I'm very much professional first, I'm off shift once my client is home. This party is only part of the night." Souji tried to stonewall her but she moved that little bit closer, the fact Souji was sitting and she was leaning on the table talking to him blocked the quickest way of leaving the table so he would have to go the long way round which would make the situation look weird and bring attention to himself which he absolutely didn't need.
"Oh that's a shame, is there a way I could hire your services?" The narrow of the eyes meant that they were getting into dangerous territory.
"I can give a card to the Shirogane Estate and they are who I work for, it's great work regardless of who is assigned to it."
The subtle movement that put her easily in reach of him,
"Yes, but how about if it was you?"
"Well I-"
"Hiromi-san, it's nice to see you here."
Souji internally jumped for joy as Rise and Naoto came into his vision with the drinks they promised almost 40 minutes ago. The former leader almost choked at the incredibly forced smile Rise put on showing she was annoyed, it matched Naoto's blank expression too. This point he noted that they were both quite furious that someone was hitting on him.
"Ah Risette, I just wanted to say congratulations on winning. It's nice seeing a star like you do so well even with all the competition." She turned back to looking down at Souji, "I've been talking to Narukami-san about his adventures of his work. I didn't know you hired someone so seasoned…"
The Detective recoiled for a split second at the hearing of the name.
"Yes, I actually wanted to hire proper personal security at such a high profile event after recent incidents, so I went with the services of Shirogane-kun here and told me Narukami-san here is the best in the business." The stress on his fake name Souji felt is something she would make fun of him unless at least the end of the month.
Unperturbed by this, Hiromi ran a playful finger along the collar of his long coat making Naoto visibly bristle. All Rise could do to hold in her quickly rising anger and was to clench her fist and take a moment to breathe. To Souji's credit he didn't react, making his best impression like he wasn't there.
"He seems like he's the best, you'll have to give me his contact details when we catch up at the end month. He's quite cute."
Rise was about to say something but Naoto spoke up.
"While I appreciate the praise of my employees, he's currently on shift and working. Can you please refrain from this sort of behaviour with a member of the Estate?"
While he could tell Naoto was being polite, it was the first time her work tone has appeared today. The difference was enough to startle both Rise and Hiromi. Her surprise quickly turned into a soft smile.
"Ah yes you are quite right Shirogane-san, I shouldn't. We'll try to catch up later on in the week Risette if I don't catch up with you at the end of the night." She ended the conversation by patting Souji on the shoulder just before she walked off; he turned to her direction to see her blow a small kiss to him before going to talk to others.
"Thank you for-"
"Once we are done with these drinks we are going home." Souji looked on at the Idol in confusion.
"Huh?"
"You good with that Naoto-kun?"
The detective almost downed her drink in one go.
"Fine by me,"
Rise followed her by doing the same, finishing it off in record time.
All he could do was shrug as he got up.
...
It took about 15 minutes for Rise to say her goodbyes from the people at her agency and the rest of her friends. This time she made sure to keep Souji within vision as both her and Naoto watched him carefully as he waited by the door. With that they slipped out on the pretence that the whole day had been exhausting and she wouldn't mind chilling out with a nice long bubble bath and relax for the rest of the night.
Since they were one of the earlier groups to leave, the car park was quiet, the sounds of the fans and the press long since dissipated. The clacking sounds of two pairs of shoes and a pair of heels echoed in its halls. Rise and Naoto walked hand in hand, the Detective's suit jacked wrapped around the shoulders of the Idol with herself donning Souji's long coat. Pressing the button on his car keys, the alarm lights on the Bentley flashed before the sound of the lock clicked through the air. Politely Souji opened the back door letting both of them in before taking off his gloves and getting in the driver's seat.
"Finished earlier than I expected..." He muttered as he reached over to the glove compartment and placed his gloves and sunglasses in, happy he could now see at a normal human's brightness.
"You'll definitely be saying that when we get home."
"Still on shift remember Kujikawa-san." Souji said simply, not humouring her. Rise unperturbed by this turned to Naoto.
"Could you do the honours?"
The Sleuth giggled as she leaned forward just as Souji started the car, the muted rumble taking over the audio in the car for just a second.
"Narukami-san, you have officially completed your duties for this evening." His sigh only made the two laugh harder.
"You are not going to let me live that down are you?"
"No." Another exhausted sigh as he shook his head.
"Anyway I need an official confirmation, until then I'm still Narukami-san" Naoto blinked for a moment almost forgetting as she turned to her best friend and reached into her inside pocket to fish her phone out.
It only took a couple taps until Souji's own screen lit up.
"Welcome back Souji-kun" Naoto said simply as she put her phone away.
The smile he gave them was like his old self as he shifted the car out of neutral.
"I'm glad to be back."