It was a rare day off from both school and Shadow-hunting. Souji Yuu and Naoto Shirogane found themselves at Aiya's after Naoto begrudgingly accepted his invitation for a casual lunch date. However, just as their orders arrived, Souji's gaze drifted to the ice cream parlor across the street.

Naoto, noticing his distraction, took a careful sip of her tea before tilting her head. "You seem unusually preoccupied. Something on your mind, Senpai?"

Souji's eyes gleamed with a sudden intensity. "Naoto, have you ever thought about the nature of ice cream?"

A long pause followed. Naoto blinked. "I beg your pardon?"

"Ice cream," Souji repeated, as if it were a profound revelation. "It's both a solid and a liquid, right? But what if I told you… ice cream exists in a liminal state, constantly defying categorization?"

Naoto opened her mouth, then closed it, frowning. "…Are you suggesting ice cream is some kind of paradox?"

"Exactly!" Souji leaned forward, hands clasped together. "Think about it. You can't eat it too slow, or it melts. But if you eat it too fast, brain freeze. It forces you into an optimal time frame for consumption. Almost… as if it's alive."

Naoto stared at him, her expression an unreadable mix of bewilderment and contemplation. "I don't believe that's how food works, Senpai."

Souji ignored her reasoning entirely, nodding to himself. "You see, if ice cream were to gain sentience, it would have the ultimate survival advantage. By existing in this delicate state between forms, it could avoid being classified… and therefore, avoided altogether."

Naoto rubbed her temples. "I fail to see how this conversation turned into an existential crisis about frozen desserts."

"Think about it, Naoto. You love solving mysteries, right?" Souji grinned. "Isn't this the greatest mystery of all?"

Naoto exhaled sharply, then leaned back in her seat. "I had assumed we were here to enjoy a simple meal. Instead, you have presented me with the concept of an ice cream conspiracy."

"Exactly." Souji nodded solemnly. "And we must get to the bottom of it."

Naoto closed her eyes for a moment before sighing. "Very well, Senpai. If it will put your mind at ease, I will research the composition of ice cream later."

Souji smiled brightly. "That's why you're the best, Naoto."

"…And yet, I feel as though I've been thoroughly deceived."

Their lunch date continued in relative normalcy, but deep in the recesses of Naoto's mind, an undeniable curiosity had been planted.

Was ice cream truly an enigma?

She refused to acknowledge it.

It was a quiet afternoon in Inaba, with the gentle breeze rustling through the leaves as Souji Yuu and Naoto Shirogane strolled side by side down the shopping district. The date had been going well—until Souji suddenly grabbed Naoto's hand.

Naoto's entire body stiffened like she had just been caught sneaking into a crime scene. "S-Senpai?!"

Souji hummed in response, completely unfazed by her reaction. "Hmm?"

"You—you're holding my hand." Naoto's face was now a very slight but undeniable shade of pink.

"I am," Souji confirmed with a nod.

A long silence followed. Naoto, usually the master of deduction, found herself at a loss. "…May I ask why?"

Souji tilted his head as if the answer should have been obvious. "Well, statistically speaking, handholding is a universally recognized gesture of affection between couples."

Naoto's eye twitched. "Statistically?"

"Yes." Souji nodded sagely. "Studies show that holding hands increases oxytocin levels, which strengthens emotional bonds. In other words, holding hands is scientifically beneficial to our relationship."

Naoto was still trying to process this when Souji continued.

"Also," he added, "by holding hands, we create a unified front. If a sudden threat appears—such as a rogue Shadow or a very aggressive street vendor—we won't be separated."

Naoto stared at him. "You… believe holding hands grants us a tactical advantage?"

"Of course. Imagine if we're ambushed." Souji's eyes gleamed with intensity. "Instead of wasting precious seconds regrouping, we're already synchronized. Instant teamwork."

Naoto inhaled deeply. "Senpai, we are not on a battlefield."

"You never know," Souji said ominously.

Naoto sighed, her free hand massaging her temple. "Only you could turn a simple romantic gesture into a calculated strategy."

Souji grinned. "That's why you like me, right?"

Naoto paused, her face warming again. "That is—beside the point."

Souji, clearly pleased with himself, gave her hand a slight squeeze. "Either way, you're not letting go."

Naoto opened her mouth—only to realize that she indeed had not pulled away. She quickly looked away, her hat casting a shadow over her eyes. "…That is also beside the point."

Souji chuckled. "So, for the sake of romance and tactical efficiency, we'll continue holding hands?"

"…For now," Naoto muttered.

And just like that, their walk continued—hand in hand.

It was another peaceful day in Inaba, and Souji Yuu had once again found a way to completely baffle Naoto Shirogane. This time, it was with a simple question—or so she had thought.

"Naoto," Souji began, walking beside her on the way to Junes. "I'm going to guess your favorite color."

Naoto raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Well, that should be rather easy, shouldn't it?"

Souji closed his eyes and smirked. "One might think so. But I want to get it right on the first try."

Naoto crossed her arms, a bit amused now. "Alright, Senpai. Go ahead."

Souji took a dramatic pause before his answer. Then, with absolute certainty, he said:

"…Orange."

Naoto blinked. "What?"

"Orange," Souji repeated. "Final answer."

Naoto stared at him, completely dumbfounded. "Senpai, I literally wear blue every single day."

"Exactly," Souji said, nodding as if that made perfect sense.

Naoto squinted. "That doesn't explain anything."

Souji sighed and crossed his arms, as if disappointed she wasn't keeping up. "Naoto, blue is obvious. Too obvious. A detective of your caliber wouldn't choose something so predictable as your favorite color."

Naoto opened her mouth, then closed it. She wasn't sure how, but she felt like she was losing this conversation. "That is… not how that works."

Souji continued. "Orange, on the other hand, is the perfect contrast to blue. It symbolizes energy, warmth, and adventure—things you secretly long for despite your composed exterior."

Naoto's face twitched. "I don't know whether to be impressed or concerned that you've psychoanalyzed me based on a random color."

Souji smirked. "And yet, you haven't denied it."

Naoto exhaled sharply. "…My favorite color is blue, Senpai."

Souji shook his head. "Nope. It's orange."

"I just told you—"

Souji leaned in with a grin. "The fact that you feel the need to insist on blue just proves my point."

Naoto took a deep breath, placed a hand on her hat, and turned away. "You are impossible."

"And you love it," Souji said, grinning.

Naoto sighed. "That is—beside the point."

As they walked, Souji reached into his pocket and pulled out something small. Without a word, he handed it to Naoto.

Naoto hesitated before looking down. In her hand was a neatly folded handkerchief—deep orange, with small blue patterns along the edges.

"…What is this?" she asked, voice quieter now.

Souji smiled. "Just a little something I thought you'd like."

Naoto stared at it for a long moment before carefully tucking it into her coat pocket. "…Thank you."

They continued walking, and though Naoto didn't say it, the warmth in her expression gave away what she was thinking.

Maybe orange wasn't such a bad color after all.

The evening was calm at Junes, the Investigation Team having gathered at their usual food court spot. Most of them were eating peacefully—until Souji Yuu, with an unreadable expression, suddenly reached out and stroked Teddie's fur.

Teddie froze mid-sentence. "W-Whoa, Sensei! Personal space!"

Souji didn't respond immediately. Instead, he slowly ran his hand down Teddie's arm again, his eyes narrowing in deep concentration. Naoto, watching from across the table, raised an eyebrow. "Senpai… what exactly are you doing?"

Souji didn't look up. "Something's been bothering me for a while, Naoto."

Teddie huffed, puffing out his fluffy chest. "If it's about my unbearable cuteness, I get it, but—"

Souji suddenly squeezed Teddie's arm gently. "What is this?" he murmured, as if questioning the fundamental nature of existence.

Yosuke groaned. "Dude, he's fur! Why are you acting like it's some eldritch horror?"

Souji finally looked up at Naoto, his face deadly serious. "Naoto. I need your expertise. This… this texture—it doesn't make sense."

Naoto sighed. "And what, pray tell, is confusing about it?"

Souji pointed dramatically at Teddie. "It's too soft."

The table fell silent.

Chie blinked. "Uh… is that a bad thing?"

"Yes," Souji said immediately. "It defies logic. It's not normal plush soft. It's like…" He rubbed his fingers together thoughtfully. "It's like touching a cloud made of silk that's been genetically modified for maximum fluffiness."

Teddie beamed. "Ooooh! You noticed! My bear-beauty routine is second to none!"

Souji ignored him, turning to Naoto with a sharp gaze. "Naoto. How do we explain this? Is this an advanced form of synthetic material? An unknown species of fur? A government experiment?!"

Naoto stared at him. "…You're asking me to scientifically analyze Teddie's fur?"

Souji nodded. "Yes. For the sake of knowledge."

Teddie gasped. "Sensei, does this mean I'm a mystery even Naoto-chi can't solve?!"

Naoto let out a slow exhale. "I am not conducting forensic tests on Teddie's fluff."

Souji crossed his arms. "Then how can we ever be sure?"

Kanji leaned forward, rubbing his chin. "I mean… now that he mentions it, Teddy's fluff is kinda weird. Like, it don't feel like regular stuffing or fabric…"

Yosuke groaned. "Oh, great. Now we're all questioning it."

Rise, who had been observing with amusement, suddenly reached out and touched Teddie's head. She blinked. "Wait… now I'm curious. This is unnaturally soft…"

Teddie wiggled happily. "I know, right?! I'm an enigma of fluffiness!"

Naoto sighed deeply. "I refuse to be part of this ridiculous discussion."

Souji, however, leaned in closer, his expression intense. "Naoto. I need you to at least consider one final possibility."

Naoto pinched the bridge of her nose. "What now?"

Souji's voice dropped to a whisper. "What if his fur… isn't actually fur?"

The group froze. Even Teddie blinked.

"…Then what is it?" Chie asked slowly.

Souji narrowed his eyes. "We may never know."

Naoto stood up. "I'm leaving."

Teddie squealed. "Mystery fur confirmed! I am an enigma!"

As Naoto walked away, Souji called after her, grinning. "Admit it, you're curious!"

The Investigation Team was gathered at the Junes food court once again when Souji Yuu suddenly dropped a bombshell question in the middle of their conversation.

"Kanji," he said, setting his drink down. "What's your favorite plushie?"

Silence.

Kanji Tatsumi, who had been mid-sip of his soda, immediately choked. "Wh—?!" He coughed violently while Yosuke patted him on the back, looking at Souji like he had just asked if Kanji wore frilly dresses to bed.

"Dude, what kind of question is that?" Yosuke asked.

Souji remained perfectly serious. "An important one." He turned back to Kanji, eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Well?"

Kanji wiped his mouth aggressively with his sleeve, his face turning red—not from the soda incident, but from the sheer audacity of this conversation. "Tch, why the hell do you wanna know that?!"

Chie, now fully interested, leaned in. "Wait, Kanji has to have a favorite, right? I mean, he makes them himself."

Rise gasped dramatically. "Ohhh! Kanji-kun totally has a secret favorite plushie, doesn't he?!"

Naoto, who had been trying very hard to ignore the chaos, sighed and glanced at Souji. "And what, pray tell, compelled you to bring this up?"

Souji took a sip of his drink. "It's important to understand our friends on a deeper level."

Kanji twitched. "That's bull!"

Teddie, completely delighted, jumped up. "Kanji, Kanji! Can I guess?! Is it a little teddy bear? Like me?"

Kanji groaned, running a hand through his hair. "Hell no!"

Souji, still calm as ever, tapped his chin. "Hmm… I have a theory."

Kanji immediately glared. "Oh, this better be good, Senpai."

Souji nodded sagely. "Your favorite plushie… is something you made as a kid. But it's not just any plushie—it's a rabbit."

Everyone blinked. Kanji looked like someone had just dropkicked him. "Huh?!"

Souji continued, completely unfazed. "A bunny. Handmade. Possibly with lopsided ears. Maybe stuffed a little too much."

Rise gasped. "Wait, wait, wait! Is he right?!"

Kanji's entire face was practically steaming now. "Th—THAT'S—WHO SAID—"

Yosuke nearly fell out of his seat laughing. "OH MY GOD, DUDE, IT'S TRUE, ISN'T IT?!"

Naoto, despite her best efforts, found herself intrigued. "How exactly did you come to this conclusion, Senpai?"

Souji gave her a knowing look. "Simple deduction. Kanji likes making things by hand, and rabbits are commonly associated with comfort and warmth. Plus, they're deceptively strong despite their soft appearance. Just like him."

A beat of silence.

Kanji stared at Souji like he had just been seen on a molecular level. "…You're freakin' scary, Senpai."

Souji smirked. "So? Am I right?"

Kanji huffed, crossing his arms and looking away. "…It ain't got lopsided ears."

The group exploded into cheers.

Chie cackled. "YOU TOTALLY HAVE A FAVORITE PLUSHIE!"

Teddie wobbled happily. "Kanji-chi and his beloved bunny friend~"

Kanji groaned, covering his face. "I hate all of you."

Souji, looking entirely too satisfied, took another sip of his drink. "Knowledge is power."

Naoto sighed. "And yet, I feel like we've all lost something here today."

Kanji muttered under his breath. "…I swear if anyone so much as mentions this at school, I'm suplexing you."

The Investigation Team had finally finished their latest battle in the Midnight Channel, emerging victorious but exhausted. Back in the real world, the group parted ways, leaving just Souji and Naoto standing near the station.

Naoto adjusted her hat, her expression unusually soft. "You fought well today, Senpai."

Souji smiled, tilting his head. "You too. But then again, you always do."

Naoto looked away, the faintest hint of pink dusting her cheeks. "Flattery will get you nowhere."

Souji stepped a little closer. "Who said I was trying to get anywhere?"

Naoto cleared her throat, suddenly very interested in adjusting her gloves. "…A-anyway, it's late. I should be heading home."

A comfortable silence settled between them as the streetlights flickered on.

Then, as if making a casual observation, Souji said, "You know, we haven't kissed yet."

Naoto froze.

"…Excuse me?" she asked, her voice an octave higher than usual.

Souji tilted his head. "Well, we've been dating for a while now. It just occurred to me."

Naoto's entire face went red. "Y-you can't just say things like that so casually!"

Souji blinked. "Why not? It's true."

Naoto opened her mouth—then closed it. She pulled down her hat to hide her flustered expression. "I—It's not something you just mention like commenting on the weather, Senpai!"

Souji chuckled. "Okay, so how should I mention it?"

Naoto groaned. "That's—that's not the point!"

Souji, as always, ignored the distress of his adorable detective girlfriend and took her hand, gently lacing their fingers together.

Naoto stiffened but didn't pull away.

"…So?" he asked, voice softer now. "Are you against the idea?"

Naoto, still covering half her face with her hat, mumbled, "I never said that…"

Souji smiled. "Then…"

With careful precision, he reached up and gently lifted her hat just enough to see her eyes. Naoto's breath caught as she looked up at him, her heart racing at the intensity in his gaze.

And then, with deliberate slowness, he leaned in.

Naoto barely had time to process the moment before his lips brushed against hers. It was brief—soft, warm, and undeniably real.

When he pulled back, Naoto stood completely frozen.

Processing.

Overheating.

Possibly malfunctioning.

"…Naoto?" Souji tilted his head.

Naoto, still bright red, quickly pulled her hat down again and turned away. "I-I have to go!"

She practically power-walked away, her coat flaring dramatically behind her.

Souji watched her leave, chuckling to himself. "I should kiss her more often."