ouranswer

[ouranswer]

Happy New Year.

She had seen many years pass by without the calendar changing. While she kept that fact in the back of her mind, her eyes frequently wandered to the date, attempting to make sense of the phenomena she had been experiencing for, by her count, over a decade now.

She would always go back to the Killing Game. It felt like a certainty, like an unchangeable part of her fate. Sometimes the month changed, the hour wasn’t the same, and she would wake with her memories jumbled until she met her untimely demise… and then she would come back. It was a sick, unfunny joke, the kind that made her feel hopeless in the face of her inescapable future. What was the point of making bonds, if they were to reset like nothing had happened? What was the point of working, or sleeping, or trying?

After the first time, she had put all her efforts into discovering the cause of this anomaly. After the fifty time, she had almost completely given up on it. …Hope was a beautifully fleeting little thing, and she had discovered that first hand. It could motivate one to keep throwing themselves into the abyss of despair with no clue as to whether they would be able to climb back up… and sometimes, that hope would only grant you the absolute despair of failure in the end. She had experienced it when climbing the unending well that was her father’s expectations. She had experienced it when faced with her grandfather’s wishes for her, and when attempting to fit into a hole in society that she could not fulfill. She had felt that pain, again and again, only to be met with the roadblock of the killing game at the end of her journey. The ultimate inevitability of death, with none of its finality.

…it was December 31st.

What had changed? She… could not quite tell. She was aware that she had changed, in many ways. Her thoughts and actions differed, both because of the people she had met and because of her own experiences. Had others changed? She wasn’t really sure, not in most of the cases. But she had never lived through this year without the Killing Game occuring.

This year, their last year at Hope’s Peak, was always marked by the cruel claws of the death game. None of that had happened this time.

Natsu’s home was the chosen one for them to reunite and celebrate. She had been delighted to receive her classmates, her warm smile and even warmer hugs being a good change of pace. …Yukie… had gotten used to her subdued, diminished attitude of the Killing Game, so this reminded her of how she could always brighten her day (even when the detective refused to admit it). Her house was a little far from the most populated areas of the city, fittingly isolated, so she could always focus on her writing. Asa had made it a habit to drop by to make sure she wasn’t feeling lonely, living far from her family, and to walk all the way to school with her close friend and confidant. Natsu’s chattiness always contrasted nicely against Asa’s cool, attentive demeanor, in a way that… reminded her of someone, or something. She couldn’t tell who or what, but it made her smile all the same, seeing Natsu happily parroting around her good friend.

Shuji had brought his siblings with him, intending on making sure that they were having a fun time while their mother dedicated herself to hard work even in this day. They were very small and they were many, but Yukie wasn’t shocked to note he could perfectly capture their attention. He had always been a kind, gentle older brother to his siblings… though it did shock her to see Dorothy and the little ones getting along. She picked the tiniest of them in her arms, sitting down with them and telling the children stories of fun detectives chasing after great thieves. Was she struck by the inspiration seeing the children run after each other, or was that something she had intended to write? Whatever the case was, it was rare to spot a genuine smile on her face like in this moment…

Of course, no class reunion would be the same without their class representative, Mariah. She and Sakutaro were the ones who worked their hardest to help organize Natsu’s house, the decoration vibrant and warm, contrasting the cold outside. Mariah had to convince her strict family to allow her to spend time with her friends during this time; it took most of the class writing to them to make it happen, and when it did, there were tears and laugh and celebration. …During the Killing Game, sometimes, she and Mariah would bond over their family’s expectations weighting heavily on their shoulders. She was glad that, now, she could rely on all of them. Sakutaro was going to record a new song at his studio after celebrations, but he agreed to postpone it so he could spend more time with his classmates. Despite his haughty demeanor sometimes, he really was soft deep down.

Despite transferring into their class later on, and despite not being there in the original Killing Game, Mizuki was someone Yukie could not see herself without nowadays. Her rough manner of speech contrasted the gentle way she handled the plates she was setting down at the table, with the help of Hiroko and a reluctant Fumiko. Despite insisting such puny work was beneath her, Fumiko had done her best to participate in this “class event” this time, even smiling from time to time as Hiroko walked her through preparations for the food. Apparently, Fumiko would spend most of her holidays working on studying for her next performances. To have come with them, she must have trusted them quite a lot; Hiroko was always on board, immediately joining Mizuki in happy chatter and chants for the success of their cooking and the neat little ornaments they had bought. Mizuki herself said she wanted to give a good example to her gang, sending them pictures of her “goody-two-shoes behavior” to them, whatever that meant.

Miyuki never enjoyed socializing with anyone but Fumiko, but today, she was softly stretching herself by the window, gracefully doing her warm-ups while striking conversation with Taro and… Kyo. …Kyo was the one who had surprised Yukie at all. After all, in every Killing Game…

…

…no, that Kyo maybe wasn’t the same as this one anymore. They smiled at the others, clinging onto a hope they had denounced before, casting aside everything that was good. Was it because they had done their best to be there for them, to support them on their journey through high school alongside everyone else? Whatever the case was, they seemed… different. Happier. Taro laughed at something his best friend said, warmly hugging them from the side as Miyuki explained her favorite parts of practice. They seemed to be getting along, despite being an unlikely trio. Was that a hint of interest in Miyuki’s eyes? Yukie couldn’t help but melt at the thought. …Was that how she had looked when she was separated from the others, first trying to integrate herself into her class?

There was, of course, the potential murder case. Junichirou chased after Ryuunosuke, who had been managing to stealthily evade the silly googly-eyed glasses Junichirou wanted him to wear. After being chased around the table multiple times, almost bumping on the girls setting the table, Ryuunosuke gave in after a warm kiss to the cheek from his boyfriend. Junichirou always had that power over him, making him into butter on the spot. It was adorable to see, and even more adorable to see how Junichirou himself seemed to melt at his lover’s reaction. Those two were sure to come over to her later to chat, being her friends, but she decided not to interrupt the two lovebirds for the time being.

…then… there was one of her lovers. He wasn’t part of their class, being two years their senior, but she had invited him all the same. Olliver Carlisle was enjoying a warm cup of chocolate in the corner of the living room, sitting in the sofa alongside Tetsuo. Both of them were in a relationship with her, just as much as they were with each other; that much was easy to see, with how Tetsuo shamelessly had his arm around Carlisle’s shoulders, throwing the most embarrassing lines his way without a hint of awareness. And yet, her partner only smiled and coolly retorted with flirting of his own, …which usually led to Tetsuo’s cheeks flaring up, before he found the right words to reply. Tetsuo’s attitude was embarrassing and too public for her taste… though, that was part of why she had fallen for him, just like Carlisle’s sharp intellect and collected behavior, paired with his caring nature, had won her over. She hadn’t managed to get all of her lovers together for this celebration, but she’d be sure to snatch some pictures to send the others later.

“…You okay? You’ve been looking teary-eyed at everyone for a while now.”

She looked at Shinobu, who had been at her side for a while now.

Huh?

…

Oh. She smiled, cleaning away a stray tear or two with the back of her hand. When had she become so emotional? “I was just thinking of the past, is all.”

Shinobu had been her friend for what felt like ages, just as much as Junichirou and Ryuunosuke. All the moments they had shared together, all the little gestures, the kind words… they had built up to her extreme appreciation of him. He had never stopped caring, even when she wasn’t at her best, or when she could have done more than she did.

She wanted to voice those feelings, her hand on the windowsill as they looked outside, but she was stopped.

“…Yukie?”

His voice was soft, hesitant. She was still getting used to her first name being said this way, so gently. “What is it?”

He didn’t look at her. The first hints of fireworks hit the skies, the noise her classmates made as they rushed to the other windows almost obscuring his words.

“Thank you. …For not giving up on me.”

…She smiled, leaning closer to his shoulder.

How could she give up on him? He had been the one to guide her towards light she was sure she wouldn’t be able to see anymore. He had been the one to motivate her, to give her hope, just as much as Tetsuo and Olliver and… well, those names were some she would rather keep to herself.

The fireworks illuminated the skies, mixing in with stars for the brief moment they crackled, fizzling out just as fast as they had come.

For the first time in forever, the future was one of uncertainty… but that was fine. Whatever it was, she was sure she could take it.

[ouranswer]

Airi?

“You seem to be eating better than the last time I saw you, at least.”

“…Yeah.”

I didn’t want to concern Morishita more than I should, so mentioning my past problems was something I’d like to avoid. I didn’t wait for her to ask me to sit down, taking a seat in one of the chairs facing her desk. …Chisaka Airi was a friend of my uncle’s from when he was still much younger, and she knew me from birth, so there was no need for that much.

Morishita, who didn’t have that history with her, just sat down by my side out of his little concern for pleasantries. It was a bit refreshing, but also very worrying in this setting.

Chisaka-saichou didn’t seem to mind, sitting down by her desk. “I was going to ask you to come, but seems like that wasn’t needed. …So, what brings you here?”

[ouranswer]

Just be confident, or at least fake it till you make it

Chisaka-saichou’s office was grand, just like anything she owned.

From her chair to the paintings on the walls, everything was recognizably expensive, but not in a tacky sense; it was elegant and beautiful, unequivocally hers. The bookshelves were a mix of foreign and local books, ranging from titles I could recognize from detective literature circles to books on foreign history, politics, philosophy and the like.

Fancy. Intimidatingly fancy.

But she, in the other hand, was anything but. She paced around the room, a wood carver in hands, meticulously taking bits off the wooden doll she held.

Chisaka-saichou looked at me, before smiling. “You’ve grown up quite a lot, Yucchan. …Come on in, you and your friend.”

Why does she have to be like this?

[ouranswer]

You should cool the blushing before you meet him

Morishita, like the ass he is, nodded along and let go off my face. “Yeah, I think Chisaka-saichou would be making some comments if she saw how blushy you get, pfff…”

“Shush it.”

The elevator opened, and we stepped outside almost right away. We could hear steps from inside the office at the other side of the hallway, with a golden sign indicating its owner.

…alright.

I just have to open the door, and talk with the saichou. This is going to be fine. This won’t be any problem, I’m sure of it.

Morishita held my hand. …Instead of being embarrassing, it was oddly comforting, as I took a step forward to knock on the door.

[ouranswer]

Why do you hide it?

“What can I say, my girlfriend’s a little shy, and wants to look all professional—”

I sighed, before hiding my face on his arm. Fine! If he won’t stop talking about it, then I refuse to give him the satisfaction of seeing me blush! I know that’s the only reason why he keeps mentioning it in front of strangers, geez…

…he cups my face with both hands, pulling my head up a little. “Case in point. She’s not just a little shy, she’s also absolutely adorable, to the point she has to hide this cute face before I can do something even more embarrassing~”

I admit, I couldn’t hold back a little chuckle at that one. This sort of embarrassing couple talk was never something I appreciated, but… well, when it came from him, it was more endearing than anything else. I put my hands on top of his. “You’re horrible, you know that?”

“And you love me for it~♡”

[ouranswer]

Hey, at least it got the job done. Even if it was a little embarrassing

I leaned against the wall inside the elevator, hiding my face between my hands. Why is he like this. Why does he have to act like this. Why does he have to say that sort of thing out in public where anyone can hear it.

He put his hand on my shoulder, rubbing it a little bit. “…sorry, you know I’ve been way too excited about that one~”

……

…

I couldn’t even be upset at him. This drives me mad. I should be fuming, he just blurted out that in a public space, knowing how embarrassed I get when he does it, …but I can’t, not even a little bit. And that makes me even more angry.

I couldn’t act like I forgave him already, because then he’d just do it again. So, I held onto his arm, trying to look angrier than I really was.

He just laughed, like he knew what I was trying to do. “Alright, alright, I won’t say tell other people about that again. Is that fine?”

“…yeah.”

[ouranswer]

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

I was red to the tip of my ears. I was furious, fuming even. There were no words to describe how absolutely mad I was at this man, and yet I could also write an essay on how much I despised every aspect of his being. Now I quite understand why he and Sato get along so well.

THEY BOTH ARE INSUFFERABLE, IRRITATING—

“That about sums it up,” I managed to get the words out, lowering my head the slightest bit. As furious as I was, I could not ruin Morishita’s act or admission.

The secretary took a few seconds looking at me, then at Morishita, before nodding and moving towards the phone. “Give me a few seconds.”

It took her little time to be answered on the phone, and about a minute to wrap up her call. Whatever they discussed, I could not quite focus, but it was enough to warrant us a silent nod towards the elevator. …I walked in, dragging the stupid stupid stupid man behind me as I did.

[ouranswer]

Should've kept your head down

“He’s with me,” I was quick to point out. If the saichou wanted to talk with me, well, best I imposed that from the start. “He’s…”

…he’s what? He’s not an acquaintance or a classmate, much less a co-worker; calling him that would be disingenuous. And… um, after last case, I wasn’t really sure if calling him a friend was going to cut it… actually, why are my relationships either very clear-cut or this mess?

“…someone special to me,” I concluded, trying my best to not die at what I was actually saying.

“…someone special?”

Oh God. Don’t make me elab-

“What, you don’t know about the things that go on between a guy and a girl?” Morishita put his arm around my shoulder, giving her the sweetest, most sickeningly charming smile I’ve seen. “We’re lovers, duh.”

I WILL COMMIT A CRIME, AND IT WILL BREAK THE GENEVA CONVENTION.

[ouranswer]

Don't be suspicious, don't be suspicious~

Well, screw you too.

I approached the counter, before smiling at the lady standing on the other side. She was very well-dressed, fitting right in with the environment in her gray suit and golden pince-nez. …It was the kind of face that imposed respect, with her sharp features and cold eyes. I had to take note of it later, for writing reference…

“I’m Yukie Kisarijo, I’ve come here to have a meeting with Chisaka-saichou…”

The secretary took a glance at the phone behind her, before raising an eyebrow. “The saichou called in just now, to ask me to mark a meeting with you. You can come right in.”

“Nice~! Well, this was easier than I thought! Let’s get go—”

Why did he have to open his big mouth?

The secretary snapped her fingers, getting his attention before he kept walking. “Are you here to schedule a meeting with the saichou as well?”

[ouranswer]

Why do you need to see them?

“You’ve got to be kidding me.”

Of all times for the anons to join, it had to be when I needed them LEAST.

“Oh hey, the anons are back,” Morishita was quick to point out, before scratching at the back of his head. DON’T ENTERTAIN THEM? “We’ve got a bit of an issue with bringing a relative of mine to Japan, so leave it to the biggest business conglomerate in East Asia to handle that~”

It was sickening to have to think in those terms when visiting the saichou, but I braced myself for it and just nodded.

I walked towards the front desk. Time to pull this off…

[ouranswer]

Mischief.

This was a very, very delicate operation. I cannot stress enough how important it was that we remained as inconspicuous as possible, and that we did not cause too much of a ruckus. After all, I was going to be visiting an old family friend… for business.

This business just so happened to involve the least inconspicuous, most annoyingly eye-catching person that I knew. …Or maybe the second one. Whatever the case was, I was trying to keep this man in check.

“Alright, I get it! No running off on my own, no talking without the signal, no trying to stand out…” Tetsuo basically brushed off what I told him, nodding way too emphatically to not be messing with me.

“Remember, this is all because of you,” I poked his arm, looking deep in his eyes with the most serious scowl I could pull off, “so you better be on your best behavior. That, and you owe me one.”

He didn’t even seem phased. In fact, he looked positively delighted at the sight of my frown, shrugging with that big grin of his. “Even if I didn’t, I’d help you out no matter what, so…”

…

I hate him, dearly. How can this guy make me get red like this? It’s like he enjoys making me flustered! I had to look away and remind myself of what was my purpose here in the first place (and I had to hold back from snapping at his “awww, Are You Blushing~!?” comments. How can one man be this insufferable? I have no idea, truly.)

I grabbed his wrist, dragging him into the big, white building we were supposed to go into. This was all for him, so I hoped he wouldn’t cause issues to anyone but myself. …Making me go and visit an old friend just for business, he got some nerve! …What wouldn’t I do for him?

Apparently, I would at least let go of my pride for long enough to visit Chisaka-saichou.

[ouranswer]

It was just the usual. Boxes upon boxes of sweets and the like even if she had no interest in them, flowers and more flowers even if they only shed petals and were troublesome to take care of, and it went on to the generic gifts a ballerina received after her performance.

Of course, she was also celebrating her birthday. That was her secret, however.

So, when she found a small box decorated like a birthday box… she was surprised. The little tag in it, from “a patron of the arts”, was the only indication of who had sent it to her. She ripped the wrapper as quietly as she could, raising an eyebrow once she got rid of the box’s cover.

A beautiful necklace. …She couldn’t help but be enchanted by the beautiful, pink jewel that adorned it.

Whoever got her that must have paid an exorbitant amount for it…

[Birthday Girl: Miyuki Tachikawa]

[ouranswer]

(Whispers) happy birthday shinobu

“…thank you.”

He means it, as much as he doesn’t feel like it’s something he deserves.

[ouranswer]

It took them some hours, of course. Between theorizing and reading and chatting enthusiastically, and some truly comical mistakes when reading (mostly committed by Tetsuo) besides awful analogies (19>X>18 came to mind, the thing that made Shinobu of all people burst into laughter), they were very entertained by the story. After the first deaths, the pace picked up fantastically—a couple died in a closed room, one in the bathroom and the other in the bedroom, with the door and window locked, the room chained from the inside. The grandfather disappeared from his study and was found burning in the boiler room, alongside a servant that couldn’t have been killed by any of the living people since all of them were together. Then the two remaining servants and the family doctor died in the parlor, while the only living child faced the wall, and the only living adult was found with a smoking gun and a gunshot to her forehead.

In those last moments, the four cousins (Battler, voiced by Sato, Jessica, voiced by a very entertained Tetsuo, George, voiced by Shinobu, and Maria, voiced by Fuyuko) were in front of the witch's portrait, after finding the last victim's body. Battler, with the rifle he took from the body ready, told the culprit to show themselves.

And… they did. There was no image, but in the last moments, Maria hugged “the witch”, and both of them cackled as the clock struck midnight.

The credits rolled, telling of the bottle that arrived at the shore and that, while not all of the bodies were accounted for by the police, the possibilities of any of them having survived were close to none. Two new elements were added to the menu screen, but when Yukie was talking of playing those new additions as well—

“Isn’t that enough playing for now?”

Yukie turned to her mother. Her eyebags were the same as always, and so was her small yet forceful smile. “But mom, they haven’t even seen the Tea Party yet—!”

“Tea Party or no Tea Party, you’ve been playing for hours,” Chidori sighed, and gestured towards the other guests (the ones too scared to play… well, Suzuyo and Chika). “You have to think of your other friends as well.”

She pouted. She couldn’t argue against her mother, and so the gaming session was brought to a close between laughter and enthusiastic discussions over what had truly happened in the island during those days.

“Aw, I wanted to use my fake Russian accent for a bit longer with Jessica,” Tetsuo threw his head backwards, still in his seat. “But how will the game even continue? I mean, everyone dies, and there’s still more? I don’t get it!”

“Don’t ask, Kisarijo might actually spoil you it you’re persistent enough,” Shinobu rose from his chair, stretching his arms above his head. “But I have to say, it was fun voicing the cousins with you two. …Sato could do something to improve his protagonist voice.”

“Like your good, responsible older cousin voice was any better.”

“You gave your female character a ‘shady Russian guy’ accent, you have no rights to complain.”

Einosuke knocked against the opened door, his head peeking through before stopping to stand in the doorway. The leash that was looped around his wrist continued to be behind the wall. Like the vampire he was, he was going to wait until he was allowed inside. But, whether or not he was, he was going to at least talk to the birthday girl. ( :3)

The one to show up at the door wasn’t Yukie, sadly enough. After all, she was a busy birthday girl, surrounded by friends and family. She was loudly chatting with Kaito about his toys, a beautiful Sherlock doll resting in her hands, so the one to pick the door had to be someone else.

“…sorry, today Yukie-chan’s not taking cases. Can you give me your name so I can pass it on to her?”

There’s something… off, about how Ryoichi looks at him. Even then, he keeps his hand in the doorway, looking at Einosuke in expectation. No one can get in without Yukie approving of it, so of course, neither can he.

(@dr-passionate-production )

[ouranswer]

His birthdays were quiet. His okaasan would usually be working when he arrived home, and his mother was deep into sleep by that time. There was cake on the fridge, the store-bought kind that he liked because it wasn't too sweet. There was no birthday party, and being honest, he told all of his classmates a fake birthday date every time. …That's how he got his gifts individually, claiming he would be too busy for them to throw a party. He wasn't, really, but it felt better that way.

But there was someone who knew, so he avoided his house like the plague every time his birthday came around. He picked the small box in front of his window, sighing at the prospect of whatever new trinket his former boss had gotten him.

And, next to it… a beautiful golden rose.

…he never told her, but… the moment he saw it, he was sure that it must have been her. He picked it as well, allowing himself to smile to his otherwise empty room.

That was truly a good birthday, if he received a gift from both of them…

[Birthday Boy: Shinobu Nakahara]

[ouranswer]

“Whenever this character shows up,” She pointed enthusiastically at the menu, the other people avoiding looking at the screen for possible spoilers. The character she indicated was a redhead with an… interesting suit. “You have to read the lines! Sometimes you pick up narration too, but don’t worry, everyone gets the same amount of narration eventually.”

This just so happened to be a lie.

The story wasn’t half bad at the beginning, if only dragging a bit. Everyone picked a character they seemed to enjoy and voiced them thoroughly, even when the scenes was just a long airplane ride. It seemed like a standard slice of life game about a rich family meeting for the year, with the estranged protagonist coming back after being away for a long time… well, until things started to get stranger and stranger.

Yukie was the only one who didn’t pick a voice. It was clear why when, in the scene where a mysterious letter showed up, she picked a golden smoking pipe from the inside of her pocket—had she prepared that prop in advance?—and began to read out the letter. Her performance was astounding, and probably thoroughly rehearsed for the day she played with a friend. The smile on her face was extraordinary, and the smugness of the Ultimate Consulting Detective finally was shining through. She waved her pipe elegantly, every word that left her decisive and a bit hypnotic. …No wonder, she picked her favorite character in secret and wouldn’t let anyone else voice her, which just so happened to be the mysterious person claiming to be a witch (and the characters with the least lines in this part. Truly, a genius move.)

It was after a while that they paused, once the first six bodies were found inside of a gardening shed. Mariah and Shuji brought them drinks and some snacks, since most had been too engrossed (or distracted) to go and pick some themselves.

Yukie, despite having already played the game, had been taking notes. She enthusiastically shared them with the others, the premises of the case neatly arranged for everyone to solve.

The gardening shed was locked by the only key to it, which had no label and was returned to the servant room. There was a strange magic circle painted in red on the shutter, which was declared authentic by the paranormal expert between the characters. Inside, six people had died, two being a couple of the rich family, the youngest of the family head’s child, the eldest between the successors, and two servants, one of those being only seen by one person in the back of the shed. The couple had their faces completely smashed, like the youngest sister and the servant everyone saw, but the older brother and the other servant had their faces half-smashed.

Everyone’s alibis were… well, dubious, since everyone dispersed during the time the crime was committed.

Every theory was presented firmly to the birthday girl, who chuckled, smiled, took notes of it and asked the next person. She was having the time of her life.

Einosuke knocked against the opened door, his head peeking through before stopping to stand in the doorway. The leash that was looped around his wrist continued to be behind the wall. Like the vampire he was, he was going to wait until he was allowed inside. But, whether or not he was, he was going to at least talk to the birthday girl. ( :3)

The one to show up at the door wasn’t Yukie, sadly enough. After all, she was a busy birthday girl, surrounded by friends and family. She was loudly chatting with Kaito about his toys, a beautiful Sherlock doll resting in her hands, so the one to pick the door had to be someone else.

“…sorry, today Yukie-chan’s not taking cases. Can you give me your name so I can pass it on to her?”

There’s something… off, about how Ryoichi looks at him. Even then, he keeps his hand in the doorway, looking at Einosuke in expectation. No one can get in without Yukie approving of it, so of course, neither can he.

(@dr-passionate-production )

[ouranswer]

“If I’m not cheerful in my own birthday, then when will I be?” She shrugged, but the slight red that spread through her cheeks betrayed the indifference in that act.

That’s when it hit her. The loud sound of seagulls played across the living room, a group of people surrounding the small table they had set. That’s right, Sakutaro and her sister had set up the computer there so they could play! Her friends had gathered around the table, many different chairs and furniture being moved to make seats for everyone, two monitors displaying the game so everyone could see.

The smirk that showed up in her lips… if there was anything to describe it, the word devilish might have fit it the best. Maybe it was that sudden excitement that led her to be bold, but with B.vA having been sadly captured by an enthusiastic Suzuyo, she grabbed Einosuke’s hand and dragged him alongside her.

“Guys! I found the perfect Battler! We can start the game off, the cast’s ready!”

…there’s unsatisfied grumbles from two specific boys he knows well, but hey, the birthday girl decides. She forcefully opens the way so he can sit by her side, in the places right in the middle of everyone. “Let’s start then! We’ll have breaks to make theories during the cases!”

He walked right into her trap.

He had no idea what he was getting into, did he.

Einosuke knocked against the opened door, his head peeking through before stopping to stand in the doorway. The leash that was looped around his wrist continued to be behind the wall. Like the vampire he was, he was going to wait until he was allowed inside. But, whether or not he was, he was going to at least talk to the birthday girl. ( :3)

The one to show up at the door wasn’t Yukie, sadly enough. After all, she was a busy birthday girl, surrounded by friends and family. She was loudly chatting with Kaito about his toys, a beautiful Sherlock doll resting in her hands, so the one to pick the door had to be someone else.

“…sorry, today Yukie-chan’s not taking cases. Can you give me your name so I can pass it on to her?”

There’s something… off, about how Ryoichi looks at him. Even then, he keeps his hand in the doorway, looking at Einosuke in expectation. No one can get in without Yukie approving of it, so of course, neither can he.

(@dr-passionate-production )