#v;; student tantei || {tdp}

[ahogedetective]

@essenceofjustice || 🍣🥥🔥👿!!!!!!

The supernatural phenomenon behind the 'fiery red-eyed demon' that roams the school halls.... that's what Shuichi was tasked with investigating. This time, at the desperate request of Usami, who has reported seeing that mysterious entity, along with other students. The way she sounded so scared, and her wish to ease her students' worries, along with her own.. it's why Shuichi couldn't possibly say no. Just like with any of his clients; he will not rest until he succeeds in helping them. The truth behind what everyone is actually seeing, is what he's determined to unravel. Not only him, but also his small kouhai who has actually joined him.

"Alright, Yuma... we're here." The two now stand before the main gate. With how dark it is, the giant school looks even more imposing... "I know it's very late right now, but I appreciate you wanting to join me on this. As I believe you said that your brother...also saw this 'fiery eyed spirit' one night, if I'm right? Described just how Usami and everyone saw it... this really is strange.. but, there's no way it's an actual demon everyone has been seeing, right?"

"...No, of course not. There definitely has to be a logical explanation to all this... and we're going to find it, by uncovering the truth. So that Usami, your brother, and everyone, can rest easy... I know we can do it; especially with my talented kouhai by my side." He chuckles softly, giving a small pat to his back. "That being said, trying to find anything, let alone a person, in this gigantic school, is like finding a needle in a haystack. So this might take quite a while; are you ready, Yuma? Though I'm sure you're fully prepared, even while knowing that, anyway."

[ahogedetective]

"Oh really? I see... yeah, I could see you coming here quite a bit, even if just for the monomono machine. ...And you and your friends trying to break it to get free prizes does not surprise me at all. Also, even if I did, it's not as if you would return your ""hard-earned"" prizes, anyway. I know it's just a capsule machine, but it's probably more fun if you just play it the legitimate way..."

Not that he was actually going to tell on him: he doesn't know if he actually was stealing extra prizes out of the machine that much. Plus, he can't say he exactly cares to help protect anything Monokuma might have made... But as long as he wasn't stealing actual items from the store, he wouldn't be too strict about it.

...Which is why he doesn't need to see his face to know he's got a look of mischief on it, as he'll walk up from behind, firmly grip his shoulder, and mutter into his ear while leaning his head over:

"Don't even think about it. You're going to try stealing something, aren't you."

⤐ - ⤐ [prev]

kokichi wipes the fake tears from his eyes as the two step through the doorway into the school store.

honestly, kokichi very rarely came to the school store. it wasn't that he never had anything to get (sure, there were dozens of things he could just take if he wanted), it was the fact that he never had to work for anything. just buying things was no fun; maybe he wanted to have a bit of fun and earn something, hm? that was the best part. it might be why he's more often than not seen trying to rig the machines on the rare occasions that he does come here. you know, instead of using them how they're supposed to be used...

but of course, he's not going to say it out loud when shuichi asks him that directly. it draws his attention back into the conversation, where before it had seemed like kokichi was practically ignoring the other the second they stepped in the room. it wasn't that he did it on purpose, he just had a bad habit of spacing out and letting his thoughts wander.

" oh i come here all the time, don't you know? " kokichi snickers in response to the question. " this is like my favourite hangout spot! i drag people in here aaaall the time. it's suuuper fun to push the machines to their breaking point; we get tons of free prizes from it! "

how much of that was really true? he's not going to say...

" but, don't tell anybody about the theft part, " kokichi continues, still giggling away. " i don't wanna have to turn in all my hard-earned prizes when there's still so much i haven't collected yet... "

as he says it, kokichi's eyes are drifting around the room, glinting as light bounces into them from the various machines scattered around. there's a particular sparkle of mischief in them, the kind that makes it obvious he's got half the guts to try stealing something right now... he's awfully bold today, isn't he?

[ahogedetective]

"Yeah....! And it's very nice to meet you, too." His smile warms at the nickname given to him. For a boy as shy as him, he normally was very awkward with people he just met, but something about Amai's bubbly and friendly nature made him feel relaxed around them, already. He liked it...

"Sweet Dream Confections... got it. Yes, I'll keep a close look out for it." The moment he can when Amai is there, Shuichi will definitely visit their shop. He can see himself becoming a regular, already, if all their sweets are as good as this, which he's positive they are!

"Mmhm!! I love it! And thank you so much! I'll be looking forward getting more of it, and your other selections!" When Amai says they have to go, Shuichi gives a nod in understanding.

"Ah, okay: see you later, Amai-kun, may the delivery go well! Yes, I'm sure we will...! A-Ah, pl..please, you're too kind...h-hehe..." He bashfully rubs the back of his head with a blush, before his smile brightens once more. "It was very nice meeting and talking to you, too. Thank you very much again for the tiramisu! I'll be excited to meet with you again...!"

"Of course, of course! Amai is looking forward to it!" They're practically beaming when they hear their name from him. "Yeah, yeah! Shuichi Saihara.... hm.... ah, Shu-chan! It's super super good to meet you! Amai is Amai Sato, aaaand the shop is Sweet Dream Confections. It's a little small, but it's pretty easy to spot."

There was always something satisfying about seeing someone enjoy something they made, and it being someone who was being so nice to them only made it better. "Yay! Amai is so glad that you like it! Amai will make sure there's some for you when you visit the shop!" With how many different sweets they sold and kept stocked, it wouldn't be an issue.

"Ah, Amai should probably get the delivery done for now, buuut Amai hopes we can meet again soon! Talking with someone as charming as you is always a treat." They say with a wink.

[ahogedetective]

A quiet 'thank you-' to Gundham at helping to adjust his cost some more, a smile widens on his face when the other praises his outfit so highly. "Y-You think so? Thank you so much, I'm very glad you think so...!" That made Shuichi love this outfit all the more, especially when Gundham began applying those rings and earrings on him: accessories he rarely ever wore.. He likes it...

"A model? Me? H-Hehe....you flatter me..." Being called pretty made the shy blush on his cheeks darken as he scratches his cheek. "O..Oh, thank you, I-I'm glad you think so...! But honestly, I would probably be far too nervous if it were anyone else... But I feel comfortable modeling for you like this, Gundham-senpai."

And he meant it. He would even be willing to model outfits again for him like this if he asked. Doing so, feels surprisingly very fun...! Then when Gundham offers the outfit to him, his eyes widen in surprise. "I can keep this?! Oh, then yes, please, thank you! I would love to keep this outfit! Ah, then I'll keep the clip one, too. Thank you...! I will definitely wear this out and about at the perfect chances I can. I'm so used to wearing much 'plainer' things, so it'll feel exciting to wear something more fashionable like this.."

Gundham was giving him such a great looking outfit, after all: he couldn't possibly let it go to waste!

There were few things that Gundham would ever turn down, and the chance to dress someone up didn’t even make it on the list. It was interesting getting to use his talent for other people like this rather than to set trends in all the latest magazines and for all the designers. Really, he was half tempted to volunteer to be Shuichi’s personal stylist. Maybe it was his cute face or his willingness to be a muse for him that caught the fashionista’s interest, though he couldn’t help but want to do this for him.

And seeing him in the outfit did not help that at all. He takes a long look at him, looking him up and down before reaching out to adjust the coat before clapping his hands together, a large grin on his face. “Oh, excellent! Just as I foresaw, it appears utterly radiant on you, Shepherd of the Morning Star!” This was going to be such a fun project, and it really only got better as he added accessories to it. Silver rings along with clip on, silver earrings, both for the lobe and helix, were added to him, making the fashionista grin all the more. 

“Kehehe, such a loss to the world of fashion that you chose to not be a model. There are some designers that would kill to have such a pretty and willing one such as you to show off their creations to the world.” Whether empty or not, there really was something perfect about this guy for it. Though, he was a little giddy that he got to dress him up. “Hm… perhaps you wish to keep this ensemble? It would be a wondrous addition to your wardrobe, and with the size, I have no need of it. You may even keep the clip ons as well… I have a preference for the real thing.” The only reason he had them was for the short time when he didn’t have his ears pierced as much as he did, and even with the success that he had now, he could only imagine how his mother would have scolded him if he just threw them away. Money didn’t grow on trees, or something along those lines.

[ahogedetective]

"L-Let's not do anything extreme and very painful sounding, please!! Y-Yes... I would spare you the boring process of trying to solve the answer, and tell you the parts you would actually find exciting. Because even with cases that you think should have a pretty uneventful conclusion, can have quite the bizarre twist to them..." Almost to the point some seem like they came straight out of a video game... Which are probably the exact kinds that would entertain Miu.

"Yeah, whenever you have the time! And did you have to word it like that?! B... But yes... I'm excited to see it in action, too.." And he probably should have expected her to crack another dirty joke when he asks how he can repay her, but it still caught him completely off guard.

"H-Huuuh?!" His face immediately turns red at that, stammering: "My b...b-body?? Miu!! Th-There you go again, s-saying ridiculous things...!!!"

He turns his head away, whining! "A-Anyway, tell me what y-you actually want!!"

"Nah, I guess I wouldn't mind. Maybe. Otherwise I'd hafta bash my face in with a hammer if it does get to be boring. I guess at the point when you start reachin' for an answer, it does get a little exciting." she smirked. More like she would be nosey as to what was going on in a case the more the answers were revealed so she could criticize it for herself. After all, it was really the drama that she enjoyed especially when it becomes super juicy with more of the details. "But yeah, I'd be down to stop by and see this baby go to work for ya. Even if it means getting to see you gettin' wet for it helping you solve your cases."

As he offered for anyway to repay her back as a thank you for it, it's what she should have thought in the first place to get something back like money. But she purely did this on a whim...it just happened. "I, uh...I actually didn't think this far ahead. Hm! You could pay me back with your body. Show me how you REALLY feel being grateful to me.~" Miu teased, snorting out a playful laughter. Even so, she'd still accept money or any other useful bribe for herself.

[ahogedetective]

"That's wonderful..." His smile warms as she speaks highly of her sister. How great of a bond they share...it made him more determined than ever to help Kanako find Kiko.

"Yes, that's right: we will... and yes, good. I promise to stay close, too." A former grip on her hand once they entered the building, he traverses through the crowd. Aside from a few curious or confused glances here and there, no one thankfully tried to question him about a child being in here.

"... Ah: actually, I think her classroom is nearby. She probably might not be in there anymore right, but it won't hurt to check since we're going to pass by it, anyway, right?" Classes were pretty much over by now, so there probably would not be a lot of people still in the room, anyway. Opening the door, he mutters an: "Excuse us..." To anyone who might hear. Poking his head inside, he lets Kanako do the same as he whispers: "Alright: do we see Kiki in here...?"

She nods happily, smiling brightly up at him. “She the bestest big sister in the whole wide universe, Shushi!!! She teach the bestest things!!” Kanako grins, swinging her little arm with his.

“On a case with detective Shushi and detective Kana! We will find the missing Kiki~!” She giggles, happy to go wherever he were to lead. The child smiles, not at all worried about what people might think about her being there. She would just brush them off, telling them she was working with Detective Shushi to find her big sister who’s missing.

“Detective Kana will stay close!!” Her grip tightens on his hand, not at all liking that it may get crowded, but she would brave the sea of people if it meant she could see her sister!

[ahogedetective]

He gasps softly when Denki grabs his hand, making his cheeks a darker red. But he doesn't mind it at all, even giving his hand a squeeze as looks back at him again with a softer smile. "I'm sure it will be. Ah, well: I like mystery movies... b-but if that's not interesting to you, then we don't have to! I'll be fine watching whatever you like. J-Just as long as you don't spend too much on me! I know how expensive things at the movie theater can be..."

Then the suggestion of a walk and a picnic, makes him nod eagerly, too. "Oh, that sounds wonderful, too! I like going on walks, and it's been a while since I've had a picnic... yes, let's do that! Ah, not that I mind which one we go with in the end, of course, but a picnic together does sound very fun. I'm fine with whichever place you choose!"

Denki flashes him puppy-dog eyes, doing his best to get a good response - and when he gets one? He smiles the brightest yet and gently grabs his hand.

"I promise, it'll be a night to remember~! We can go to the movies? What kind do you like to watch? I'll take care of tickets and snacks and drinks, of course~!" He's majorly excited now, and very much looking forward to it.

"Or.. or... we could go on a walk? I know some nice places to picnic!"

[ahogedetective]

"Yes..!!" He knew what she meant, so he didn't care to correct her, nor did he try to pay attention to the glares they received, laughing at her dramatic pose as he smiles brighter than ever. With Sonia believing in him so much like this, truly gave him the motivation to try believing in himself, too. Not just at the midterms, but as a detective in general, he was determined to continue working towards the level of confidence he aspires to be.

"Nidai-senpai, huh? Ah, well an Ultimate Team Manager would also be the kind of person that could motivate you the bestl. A-Ahaha, well it's a good thing I already do some training with Momota-kun and Harukawa-san, so I can probably endure that! But his support and motivation would also be very appreciated, especially if he would be willing to help me with things besides sports, too." Even if he really would be put through some rigorous exercising in the process, he wouldn't mind: anything to help him shake off his anxieties and doubts, was something he was always willing to do, especially with the helping hand of someone like them. He really admired how nice his upperclassmen were, and all the more reason he wants to make them proud, deep down.

Shuichi noticed how stiff Sonia's smile gotten, which reminded him- ("Wait... Sonia-senpai doesn't like strong coffee! Yet she's willing to do all this for me. She's too kind... b-but I hope she's not tormenting herself too much to endure it, just for me...") At least, he hopes she would not... but if it's a place she recommends, then it has to be good! So as much as he wanted to insist she doesn't have to force herself to drink any bitter coffee, he did not want to risk seeming ungrateful.

As she explains the procedure for when they meet up again to go over his exam plans, he nods in understanding. "Okay. Thank you: by then, I will definitely have a concrete plan for what I will do. Ah, and meeting again right before them would be nice, even if only do to one final once-over. Whichever I decide to present, I promise it will be something that will impress them. I will. Thank you, Sonia-senpai; For helping me think more seriously about what I will do, and for encouraging me like this. I don't know how successful I may have been, if not for your support and help. I'll come back to you with only great results when I eventually take my exams: I promise!"

"That is correct!" Sonia announced, loud enough for several people at nearby tables in the library to turn and look at them, glaring. She was undeterred, as she gestured to Shuichi in a dramatic fashion: something she'd picked up in her time spent with Gundham and hadn't realized that no, most people didn't address their friends so directly and with such flair. "You have so much to offer the world, Saihara-san! Your most daunting task is not impressing the judges for your midterms, it is believing in yourself and your abilities! When you are able to do that, you shall pass with flying condors, fo' sho'!"

She'd meant 'flying colors,' but Sonia hadn't realized her mistake as she grinned, taking a seat back in her chair. Her bold proclamation of his self-discovery journey had necessitated her getting on her feet to fully embody that of both friend and personal cheerleader. And she wasn't even the best at that, either: the cheerleader part, or better yet, the coach.

"You are most welcome," She chuckled, exhaling with a contented sigh. "But really, if it is ever moral support you need and want a professional in the matter, I highly suggest you seek out Nidai-san. Yes, he will most likely make you run laps and do push-ups, but he will coach and motivate you towards greatness. I do not think his skill is limited to sport, either!"

Of course, some of his success allowed his pupils to get out of their own heads. Sonia included: when she fretted over an important speech or royal visit, she'd come to her classmate and friend to vent about her problems and in turn, Nidai had her running and practicing throwing boxing punches and jabs with a bag and hand mitts. Something about punching her worries out always ensured a successful official appearance later on, though she couldn't explain the reasoning behind it.

At least she could explain her reasoning behind her choice for Shuichi's treat upon passing the midterms. Sonia grinned as she put the menu away after he'd perused it. She'd even gone to the cafe itself to get it, the strong smell of coffee beans intense enough that she'd bought a piece of pound cake partly to sniff, partly to eat, while pocketing one of the paper take home menus. From the look of things, it seemed like the place that frowned upon adding sugar or excess milk to their beverage, and she wanted to blend in when they inevitably visited the establishment together.

The corners of her mouth twitched as she stood. Her smile was still there, but it was tightened at the idea of trying to acclimate herself to coffee before the main caffeinated event. Thus far, her self-imposed limited exposure came from Starbucks Frappuccinos and the occasional sweet, limited edition latte. "We will meet again the week after next and go over your plans for the exam," She instructed him, "And then once more, if needed, before the exams itself. I am interested to see what you decide to present to the examiners, Saihara-san. I am sure you shall find a thought-provoking case to solve!"

[ahogedetective]

He was going to just roll his eyes if Kokichi kept on with his 'evil leader' rambling, until he made even him surprised with the headpats he gave him. "Aha." Honestly, Shuichi probably should have expected that reaction.. but it still wasn't as worse as he anticipated it was going to be. He definitely expected Kokichi to full on smack his hand away from his head. The bats to his arm were pretty harmless...

"That bad, huh... well, to be fair, you did tell me to figure it out on my own, sooo..." When he thinks about it, would Kokichi tell him if he did give him extra attention the "right" away, anyway? "Well you certainly beg for attention like one: like a puppy.... a-and hey, I'm trying, okay! It was just the first idea to come to mind...!"

Though oddly enough, Kokichi doesn't seem as bothered by it as he's acting like he is. Plus, Shuichi's hand is still in his hair... Maybe he could have a bit of fun with this.... "W-Well then... how about this?" Along with several more pats to his head, he's now giving it a soft ruffle! For such a messy mop of hair, he thinks to himself: it feels surprisingly soft...and nice to touch....

“Telling you the answers is booring! B-O-R-I-N-G! Besides, I am a supreme leader of evil, all you plebs should be bowing down to m―” Cut off from whatever charade he had planned, he freezes up, eyes widening as Saihara places a hand atop his head. It takes him a moment to process what's happening, taken aback from... this! Not even he could hide the flash of surprise that flickers across his face, although quick to mask it with annoyance.

“Awful. Zero out of ten experience.” Aggressively batting, or giving a half-hearted attempt to, at Saihara's arm, he grumbles, looking pointedly at the floor. Ouma was determined to NOT tell him that it did feel pleasant. ( More than pleasant, really, it was nice to not be manhandled for a change. ) Nuh uh. Not at all. “I'm not some kind of animal, Saihara-chan. For a detective, you're kind of a dunce to think this will placate me!”

...Although he insists that he won't, he does seem rather content being petted.

[ahogedetective]

"I-I see... Yes, that certainly is a mystery... H-Hah: number one of the Great 7 Mysteries of Angie Yonaga, huh? You certainly are a mystery, sometimes."

Though the smile on his face made it clear that he didn't mean that in a bad way, chuckling when seeing her twirl around so happily like that. Angie was always one of the more mysterious classmates of his. She was always so bright and cheerful, yet he felt there was a lot more going on with her than she lets on... so he hoped that, as learns more about these 'mysteries' pertaining to her-maybe even solve them someday-he could grow closer to her. See more of Angie's thoughts and feelings. "So, enlighten me: what are the other mysteries about you, Angie-san? I'm curious."

She briefly takes a moment to twirl in happiness, relieved herself that the method of blocking out the cold was so simple! Having no need for such practices, and most on her island being unaware of weather overseas, her knowledge on what to even do about it is clearly lacking.

She apparently took it the same as basking in the sun.

☼ < ❝Oh, Angie can feel the wind, it just isn't cold. And she has felt small amounts of these things before... but other than that, nobody knows! It is just one of the Great 7 Mysteries of Angie Yonaga! That one is Number 1!❞

[ahogedetective]

Shuichi quietly listens as Gundham answers. "I see, I see...." Seeing a smile light up Gundham's face as he talks about the tiny puppy was nice... nothing made him happier, than to see someone who does care for animals like he does.

"I'm honored that you wanted my assistance. I promise that we will find her; I will make sure of it. Now let's see... with the information you've given me, I think we can narrow down the possible places where Sunflower may be at. She dislikes loud places and most likely wouldn't reside in the bushes, so it's very unlikely she's still somewhere in the school grounds. Her dislike for water can make us count out possibly being anywhere near a pond or some body of water..."

"Ah, but you said she likes sleeping in flower beds, bubbles and cheese, huh? Then do you think... the most likely places we could find her are perhaps... the park, or a nearby bakery? The park does have some flower beds, and is a very peaceful place... and children are often at a park as well, so maybe some could be there, playing with some bubbles? If that's not too much of a stretch... and as for bakeries, maybe she could have followed the scent of cheese wafted through one, and could be there, perhaps? And both areas aren't too far away from the school, as I assume she would want to stick to areas that are familiar to her, if I'm correct...?"

The agreence had a relieved breath helping to ease the breeder's tense shoulders down as it slowly left his lungs, his phone being repocketed while Gundham took a moment to ponder the questions asked. "She...enjoys sleeping in flower beds, those being the place she is most likely to be found when we are at my mother's home. I've checked every man made garden I could find amongst the school's grounds, however there are simply too many bushes to search on my own, nor do I believe she would find cover under one due to her annoyance with the branches poking her."

His posture seemed to relax all the more as he spoke of the puppy, his face growing soft with a smile as he mused through his memories. "She also likes bubbles and cheese, though she does not like water or loud noises. As for where I last saw her, we were in class. She was asleep in my pocket, but awoke and fled when Ibuki was showing the Devil Dancer her newest musical track. I had chased after her, but with the bell sounding for the passing period, I quickly lost sight of her amongst the masses..."

And now he was back to looking worried, a deep breath being taken to quell an anxious mind as he ducked into his scarf. "A few of my classmates are looking as well, though I thought you to be a powerful ally to add, hearing of your skills pertaining to clairvoyance."

[ahogedetective]

"Why do you think!? A-And that's different! Those are pets!! And those nicknames are at least cute...." And the other suggestions that Kazuichi was giving, was hardly any better! "O-Oh my god...." It looks like his bike was fated to match with his nickname.... and then when he gives the grand nickname of Plate-

"Pl-Plate...." Along with that pun with it-in which he'd die if someone actually made that joke-he just gives a small sigh in defeat. Much as he still prefers a more normal name for his bike, he figures he probably shouldn't be too picky, since Kazuichi is repairing it for free foe him. Though he is 100% blaming him if he gets laughed at for real! "O-Ohh, fine, I give up: s-sure, let's go with... Pl-Plate."

“H-huh? Why would they laugh? Soy sauce is yummy, and I hear people call their pets food names like cookie and biscuits all the time…” It seemed like the mechanic genuinely didn’t see what was wrong with calling a bike soy sauce. “Well… I guess we could call it Seafood instead, or Rice… Actually, Rice does sound kind of cute. We should go with that one!” He was intent on giving it a name that would match with Sushi. “Or Plate!! ‘cause sushi comes on a plate. That way, whenever you arrive somewhere people can be like��� Sushi came on a Plate!! That’s genius!!”

[ahogedetective]

"Oh-!!" He lets out a surprised noise when Kiko latches onto him, but he doesn't mind it, and wraps his arms around her in a gentle hug. "I... I can't answer that. I don't know why the judges would fail you... but to me, you are not a failure. I understand it's a hard feeling to shake, but never allow something like rankings, make you ever forget that you became the Ultimate Pianist for a reason." Funnily enough, the kind of things he needed to be constantly reminded of when it came to his own talent. It was why he hopes that she can still feel confident in her skills, and not let this setback deter her for long.

When she says she will play it for him, he gives a soft smile. "Thank you. I can't wait to hear it." Once she's ready to sit back up, he moves his arms away so she can do so. "Yes, I'd love that... and I will be ready to hear you play, anytime. Later today, or tomorrow... or whenever you feel like it. And of course, once you're feeling better, too... I hope I was able to help you do so, even if just a little."

She nods slowly hearing him introduce himself, tears not slowing - Kiko doesn’t trust herself to talk. She does her best to try and calm down, rubbing the tears from her eyes as she takes shaky deep breaths.

Her entire world was being torn apart as she was made to watch the others being given medals before her. Though, when the other scoots closer and provides more contact she immediately turns and latches onto him, sobbing into his shoulder.

“S-Saihara….San…. Why… did they fail me….” Kiko whimpers it out through sobs, even knowing she won’t get an answer. She knew the others had been practicing longer and had others to compose their pieces.

However, being asked the next question, she nods slowly. She sniffles a bit, trying to get to a point where she can speak coherently. There’s a brief pause before she starts speaking, though her face is still in his shoulder. “Yeah… yeah.. I can.. play it for you…” There’s another pause before she takes a deep breath, sitting back up straight and rubbing her eyes aggressively hard to try and stop crying. “W-whenever you want… if you want..”

[ahogedetective]

"I-I'm happy you loved it, too..." His first kiss, being with the boy he came to develop strong feelings for: Shuichi couldn't ask for any better...

"S... So.... I guess that....makes us boyfriends, now? I-I mean: if Denki would like to be, of course... Overtime, I-I've really grown to like you... far more than just a friend. The dates we've went on, and how great of a guy you are in general, I: I really want...."

A hand reaches up to softly cup the boy's cheek. Slowly stroking it with his thumb... "...To be with you. Denki...."

He could feel his heart beating hard, even hearing it in his ears. Everything about this moment is perfect, E V E R Y T H I N G. Nothing else mattered, just him and Shuichi.

And when he’s pulled into another kiss? He feels like he’s floating, pushing into it as he whines a soft sound out. Denki absolutely does not want this moment to end.

He only pulls away once he’s completely out of breath, face flushed as he pouts a bit at the detective. “You.. don’t have to be sorry, Ichi….. that was really nice..”

He glances away, he could F E E L the blush on his face.

[ahogedetective]

"A water bottle... Oh yes, I will make definitely bring one next time. I don't mind carrying one, since yeah! I often carry a backpack with me. Honestly don't know why I didn't think to bring one on such an especially hot day such as this.. but from now on, I'm making I carry at least one on me. I would hate to get this bad, again..."

When she goes to check his forehead, he closes his eyes. Indeed, he could feel himself slowly getting better, too. Thank god for Mikan, he thought to himself... If she hadn't found him, he probably would have passed out somewhere.

"My head is starting to hurt less... the water and riceball is helping so much. I... I promise to just relax for the rest of the week, so I can stay out of this heat as much as possible. I would hate to risk overdoing it and getting sick again, and cause you trouble once more..."

Mikan liked taking care of others. Having people rely on her made her feel needed and wanted. So she really didn't mind sitting to chat with Shuichi while he recovered. Besides, he always seemed happy to have her around and that only helped boost her confidence more. She needed more friends like him in her life.

"W-Well, yes. That'll do it. M-Maybe next time you should b-bring a bottle of water along with you. I know it might be a bit of a burden carrying something around wh-while you investigate, but it'll save you from feeling sick later," she suggested. "They make smaller ones y-you can carry in a backpack or even in a pocket."

As she conversed with him, her hand shot out to press against his head, testing his temperature. The more he drank water and ate actual food the less feverish he felt.

[ahogedetective]

"Ah?" Even if all Nagito said was 'so', Shuichi still looks up at him in light surprise. But he knew he wasn't wrong: in the end, no matter how Shuichi thought of it, that man still did commit a crime, and rightfully had to be brought to justice for it... "Oh. W...Well..." He drifts off, gaze lowering back to the floor. He always downplays his skills back then, as just 'happening' to solve the case before the police did... but who was to say that the police would have been able to do so, even if he didn't solve it that fast? It was not at all a simple case. He had even become pretty well known, because of it. Had Shuichi not solved it, himself: then who knows if it would have gotten solved on that day... if at all. He truly may have been the only one who could have done so...

"Hm...?" His eyes glance towards Nagito. He silently listens to him give his train of thought of how he sees it. "Ah..." A soft gasp leaves him, eyes slightly growing wide. "Plenty of time to mourn and process what he did.... since he's locked away...." It seemed like a pretty reasonable way to think about the situation and yet; Shuichi never found himself thinking about it like that. His mind was always so clouded with guilt, for placing the man who didn't even have time to mourn or grieve, right into prison.. that it never hit him that prison, would technically give him all the time in the world to fully process what he's done....

".....Well....when you...put it that way... I-I suppose you're not wrong. Sure, maybe the worst place you could be in to mourn someone you've lost, but... it does give him all the time in the world to process what he did. I can only hope he's come to realize by now, that he shouldn't have let his emotions drive him to murder. And...safe from the outside world? And at the same time, the outside world being safe from him... as in he won't have a chance to murder anyone, again... or be murdered, himself? By a family member of the victim?" Almost like a twisted pattern of continuous revenge... He'll never know what kind of person the killer truly was, if he was someone who would usually never murder, or if it wasn't exactly a last resort option, but: if him being in prison meant others were safe from him, or if he was the one safe from others, then maybe... Shuichi doesn't have to feel like he's the horrible one....

"...Thinking about it that way... does kind of help. In my mind, I always thought... was I taking the victim's side, by having that man apprehended? I know a detective shouldn't think like that, but at that time, the way he looked at me. It... it terrified me so much. Made me feel like the monster, there. But... but I know that, if I keep letting it haunt me, it will only hinder my process in trying to believe in myself and my skills, more. S-So... thank you, for trying to cheer me up, Komaeda-senpai. I'm sorry you even have to try talking some sense into me..."

                     ‶  so?  ″ his head tilts slightly, the question spoken very softly. komaeda didn't see how that mattered — he understood the idea of grieving the loss of a love one on an objective level, but he also knew from experience you couldn't let that drag you down. when you lose people left and right on a whim, you tend to stop being able to process the deaths of others in an appropriate manner.  ‶  he still committed a crime. — if you didn't apprehend him, who would've?  ″

                     a man so overcome with despair that he would kill over it. that was unforgivable in komaeda's eyes. but even more so... to bring saihara down like this so long after the fact — to make an ultimate so self conscious of their talent — that was just heartbreaking to the fanatic.

                     ‶  hm... okay, well why not think about it like this?  ″ he raises his finger, an attempt at a reassuring smile on his face.  ‶  now that he's locked away he should have plenty of time to mourn and process what he did. no one can disturb him now, right? not only is the world safe from him... but wouldn't you say he's safe from the outside world?  ″