nhp | (Sutamai) Event: ‘The Maiden Detective in Love’, Part 1 (Reply)

-High-end Club-

Aoyama: Please lower your knife. It’s still not too late to talk things through before you make up your mind… Don’t you think so?

Man: S-SHUT UP!! I’LL KILL YOU ALL!!!

Rei: (Huh—!?)

Kyosuke: …

Naruse: AOYAMA!!

Aoyama: Idiot! Don’t come out!

The tip of the knife glaring with madness—

Naruse: G-Guh!

—completely slid itself deep into Naruse-san’s chest.

Naruse-san, who had jumped out to cover Aoyama-san.

[Thud]

Rei: NARUSE-SAN!!

Why—why did things have to end up this way…

* * *

Two days before—

-Investigation & Planning Division-

Aoyama: … Huh? You’re going to put in a request with Naruse for his help in investigating the matter of the stimulant smuggling?

Seki: He said some time ago that he had sources in that gang operating a smuggling ring, remember?

Aoyama: Yeah, come to think of it…

Rei: But isn’t that gang pretty high on the watch list? They’ve got connections in Mexico too… What kind of source is this?

Seki: He didn’t go so far as to mention that, but from what I’ve been able to confirm over the phone, he said that the intel he can procure is legitimate.

Natsume: I guess in the end, private detectives don’t get questioned into detail on the due process for how they obtain information.

Rei: I see…

I conjured up inside my head the image of Naruse-san.

Naruse Akira—male, twenty-seven years old.

A former NCD agent, and was partners with Aoyama-san.

But because of various reasons, he resigned, and was now running a private detective firm.

Rei: (A detective…)

“The ones who investigate into the hidden truth.” “The ones who spare no second thought to revealing others’ secrets.” “The ones who cooperate with criminals in their manhunt.”

Rei: (I get the definition, but if I really think about it, I don’t know all that much when it comes to Naruse-san’s job…)

Imaoji: The case this time is at a standstill since we’ve been unable to pin down any point of contact with an insider, so Naruse-san’s assistance is of great help.

Seki: Yeah, that’s why…

Seki-san looked at Aoyama-san with somewhat meaningful eyes.

Seki: Can I leave it to you, Aoyama?

Aoyama: … Understood. If it’s to wrap up the case, then I’ll do it.

-Investigation & Planning Division-

Rei: (Wow, what a sullen face…)

(Well, I suppose it’s a different feeling to that of normal ex-colleagues.)

The reason why Naruse-san had quit the NCD and became a detective…

Rei: (I heard it was because he had his heart broken by Aoyama-san.)

Seki: I’m thinking of having you be his aide, Izumi. You up to the task?

My back straightened at Seki-san’s words.

Rei: Yep! Let’s do this, Aoyama-san!

Aoyama: Yeah.

Seki: I’ve already booked an appointment over the phone, so if you leave for Naruse’s office now—

[Door clicks open]

Yui: Whoops, were you guys in the middle of a meeting?

Seki: Yui…

Aoyama: !

Rei: Wasn’t today your day off?

Yui: I’m just dropping by the lab. There was a little something bothering me, so yeah.

Natsume: Kinda feels like it’s been a long time since I’ve seen you in casual clothes, Kotaro-san.

Yui: That so?

Aoyama: ……

Yui: What’s with you, Itsuki?

Aoyama: Huh?

Yui: I don’t remember doing anything to warrant such a plainly obvious, unpleasant-looking face. It’d be one thing if it was coming from Izumi.

Rei: If it was coming… from me?

Natsume: You can’t contain your thirst for research, but you sure have enough sense to calmly analyse the consequences of your everyday behaviour, huh.

Yui: That’s right.

Rei: Why couldn’t you have denied that…

Imaoji: Still, what’s really the matter, Aoyama-san?

Aoyama: No, it’s…

Yui: What? Spit it out.

Aoyama: …… It’s your hairstyle.

Natsume & Seki: His hairstyle?

Aoyama: It’s similar to Naruse’s.

Imaoji & Seki: Huh?

Rei: Ooh! Now that you mention it!

Yui: ……

Gosh, Aoyama~! It’s so not me! It’s them who’s the copycat!

Aoyama: !!

-Investigation & Planning Division-

Aoyama: W-What the hell…

Yui: Girl, you think so too, don’t you? Go on and let him hear it.

Rei: W-Whaaat!?

Yui: My beauty is top notch compared to Naruse, isn’t that right?

Rei: Er… Um, y-yeah, that’s totally how it is!

Girlfriend, you fabulous~!

Imaoji & Seki: ?

Rei: Oh, shoot! M-Maybe it would’ve been more accurate to go with “oh em gee~” here instead?

Natsume: Nah, that’s hardly the issue. The whole thing is a mess.

Rei: Then, I’m passing it to you to take over!

Natsume: ………… Haterz gon hate, wasn’t it?

Imaoji & Seki: ???

Aoyama: I’ve no idea, but… well, it made for a good rehearsal before the real thing.

Yui: I doubt your need for any practice though. At the end of the day, you always smoothly dodge him.

Aoyama: Yeah, I guess you’ve got a point there.

Let’s go, Izumi.

Seki: Give Naruse my thanks for his help.

With that in mind, we headed for Naruse-san’s detective agency.

* * *

-Naruse Detective Agency-

Naruse: A-O-YA-MAAA~ ♡ You’ve come to see me, haven’t you!

Aoyama: ……

-Naruse Detective Agency-

Naruse: Gosh~! You’re a fine piece of male goodness, as ever!

Aoyama: …

Naruse: From the front, the side, the back—the top of your head down to your very feet—you’re so totally my type.

But don’t go getting the wrong idea now. It’s not because you’re my type that I love you, it’s because I love you that you’re my type!

Rei: I see.

Aoyama: … Izumi.

Rei: (!)

The same time a heavy look was directed my way, I could hear Aoyama-san’s silent quip of “Make a move on it and get down to business already”.

Rei: T-Thank you for your cooperation in this matter, Naruse-san!

Naruse: Oh my, you were here too? I only just noticed.

Rei: I’ve been standing next to Aoyama-san from the very beginning…

Naruse: I see you’ve gotten good at erasing your presence from all that experience you’ve built up as a narcotics agent.

You’re practically on the same level as being invisible. Your infiltrations must be perfect, am I right?

Rei: I-Is that supposed to be a compliment??

Naruse: I’m praising you here. Anyhow, take a seat.

Oh, and of course, yours is beside me, Aoyama ♪

Aoyama: It’s hard to talk that way.

Naruse: Oh my, is that because your heart won’t be able to stay calm if next to me?

Aoyama: I’ll sit beside you.

Naruse: That’s what I want to hear ♪

Rei: (That’s Aoyama-san’s ex-partner for you, alright. He really understands him…)

(… I wonder what kind of investigation went on back when these two were together on the scene.)

Naruse: Have you lost some weight, Aoyama?

Aoyama: Stop checking me out.

Rei: (Hmm… it’s hard to imagine.)

10.

-Naruse Detective Agency-

Naruse: Now then.

I believe it’s about time I get to see Aoyama’s determined face when speaking of work and not love.

Aoyama: My understanding is that I’ve been in nothing but work mode since the moment we met. Hurry up and tell us the details of the intel you’ve got for us.

Naruse: The matter of the stimulant smuggling, was it?

Aoyama: Yeah.

Naruse: If that’s the case, then I’m already long done with making the arrangements for acquiring the information.

Aoyama: !

Aoyama-san and I both shook with excitement underneath our calm at the smooth development.

Rei: Thank you, Naruse-san.

Aoyama: Well, you are saving us big time, I guess. Thanks.

Naruse: !!

… What you said just now. I want to hear it one more time.

Aoyama-san then looked at me.

Rei: Thank you, Naruse-san!

Naruse: Girl, not from you! I was clearly after an extra serving of Aoyama’s gratitude!

Aoyama: “Thanks”.

Rei: (So emotionless!)

Naruse: I’ve recorded it in my heart.

Aoyama: You don’t say.

Rei: (He one-sidedly kicked it to the curb!)

(Wait, these two… their interaction completely has me firing off commentary…)

Aoyama: So? What’s there for us to do to obtain this information?

Naruse: Isn’t it obvious?

I’m going to have you two be my partners on the job.

Aoyama: What…

Rei: Your partner?

12.

-Naruse Detective Agency-

Aoyama: What do you mean?

Naruse: It’s exactly as I said. I’m going to get you to be my partner once again.

But as a detective, and not as a narcotics agent ♪

Rei: A detective…

Aoyama: Are you telling us to do your job in exchange for the information?

Naruse: We’ll be making contact with the source provider in three days time for this matter.

Until then, if I can check off all my other requests, I’ll be able to seriously focus on assisting the NCD.

It’s a win-win situation.

Aoyama: …

Aoyama-san sent me a look seeking after my answer, and I of course nodded my agreement.

Rei: (So that we can close up the case is a large reason for it, but…)

(To be honest, I’m also a little curious as to what sort of work Naruse-san does normally.)

Aoyama: … Fine, we’re in.

Naruse: Thanks ♪ I knew my man would see it my way.

Aoyama: I’m not yours.

Naruse: *Giggles* It’s been a while since I’ve tasted this feeling.

(But the me this time around is a bit different from all my previous selves. Prepare yourself, Aoyama!)

(First up is ‘Step One’!)

Now that that’s settled, let’s snap to it and go deal with some of these requests!

Rei: Somehow, he kind of seems to be having fun, doesn’t he?

Aoyama: Yeah…

14.

-Kujo Household: Front Gate-

Rei: Huh? Isn’t this place…

Aoyama: From what I’m seeing, this is Kujo Soma’s residence.

Naruse: That’s because the job to celebrate the comeback of us being partners again is the search for the kitty, lil Colin.

Aoyama: A kitty?

Naruse: I have a witness saying that there’s a cat who looks like lil Colin often coming into this mansion’s garden. I got hold of this information when I was scouting the area.

Aoyama: You were scouting the area… in order to find a cat?

Naruse: You think I’m blowing things out of proportion? To my client in particular, this kitty is family.

Aoyama: ……

… You’re right. It was thoughtless of me to question. Sorry.

Naruse: !!

Rei: … Need another serving of that?

Naruse: Nope. The voice recorder in my heart is running perfectly.

Aoyama: …

Naruse: At any rate, lil Colin might be in the garden of this Kujo estate.

But if I were to suddenly show up, I would only come off as suspicious, right?

Rei: But as for Aoyama-san and I, since we’re acquainted with everyone in the Kujo Household… That’s why you wanted us to come with you?

Naruse: The timing was excellent. It means that I can for certain save on any effort from going to waste.

Aoyama: So you’ve basically got all that looked into, huh.

Naruse: Whatever the request may be, thou shall deal with it efficiently and with grace.

That’s my policy as a detective.

Rei: (That policy is one I’d like to earnestly learn from.)

(Or rather, I guess he takes on these types of requests as well.)

(Searching for a cat may be a tad bit on the unexpected side though.)

Naruse: This morning, I received a call from my client. They seemed to be rather distraught.

If possible… No, I absolutely want to find this kitty by today.

Aoyama: … Got it. We’ll help you look for the cat.

Naruse: I’m counting on you.

With a natural ease, he put his fist out and bumped Aoyama-san on the shoulder.

Rei: (Oooh!! So partner-like!)

Naruse: It’s also been a while for something like this.

Aoyama: …

Rei: Right then, I’ll give ringing the interphone a go.

[Ding dong]

A few seconds after the sound of the doorbell rang out…

Miyase: “Yes? Oh… Izumi-san? Why, hello.”

I relayed my greetings and a brief summary of the reason for our visit to the gentle voice on the other side of the interphone.

16.

-Kujo Household: Living Room-

Miyase: Is that right? So a lost kitty has made its way into this manor’s garden…

Naruse: Thank you for so readily permitting us to conduct a search of the place, despite the abrupt intrusion.

Miyase: No, not at all. I’m sure the kitty is just as well feeling helpless from being separated from its family.

Aoyama: Sorry for being sudden, but could we have a look around the garden?

Miyase: Yes, of course.

* * *

-Kujo Household: Garden-

Rei: Wow, so pretty…

Miyase-san had led the way, and as soon as we stepped foot into the garden, I unintentionally let out a sigh of awe.

We were being greeted by the spring flowers not lacking in a display of exuberance.

Miyase: *Chuckles* Your mouth is hanging wide open, Izumi-san.

Rei: Oh! Sorry! I’ll close it now.

Miyase: … Izumi-san?

Rei: Yeah?

Miyase: A-ha, you opened your mouth again.

Rei: … Are you by any chance teasing me?

Miyase: I am. Just a smidgen.

Naruse: (This guy’s got a strangely honey-like air about him… He’s not my type, but he’s got a good-looking face. An incredibly handsome face, I’ll say.)

(But from experience, you can’t let your guard down with these types.)

(They tend to have an outrageous flip-side to them…)

Rei: Oh!

Miyase: —Oops.

I had stumbled over from being mesmerised by the flowers, and Miyase-san had easily caught hold of me.

Miyase: Are you alright?

Rei: S-Sorry! Thanks for that!

Aoyama: You okay?

Rei: Yeah. The flowers really are beautiful, so I lost myself staring at them.

Miyase: You give me such delightful words.

Not to worry. If you slip again the next time you’re captivated by the flowers, I’ll be sure to support you.

Rei: Wha…

Miyase: I’m just kidding. Did I end up slightly embarrassing myself with what I said just now?

Rei: I-I’m feeling embarrassed here too, s-so we’re cool!

Miyase: Thank goodness.

Naruse: (… Huh? What is this?? The springtime of youth???)

(If that’s how we’re playing it, then I’ll also show you a blossoming romance! Time to put ‘Step One’ into action!!)

Aoyama: —hey!

Rei: (Hm?)

18.

-Kujo Household: Garden-

When I turned around to Aoyama-san’s voice…

Naruse: I’m so sorry, Aoyama. I totally kind of tripped there.

Aoyama: Hurry up and let go of me.

Naruse: It wouldn’t hurt to stay like this for a little while longer, don’t you think?

Aoyama: I’m going to go look for the cat.

Aoyama: Hey, wait up! Aoyama~!

Girl, you and Miyase-san go search in that direction!

Rei: Y-You got it!

Miyase: … Well then, shall we have a look around this area here?

Rei: Thanks for offering to help. Although I do feel bad for making you do this…

Oh, but I suppose us freely walking around the place wouldn’t sit well with you either, huh…

Miyase: Nonsense. We trust you guys.

But please do also allow me to give you a hand looking for the kitty.

Rei: … You really okay with that? I’m sure you have other work to be doing as well—

Miyase: I was just about done with the tasks inside the manor and taking my break, so it’s fine.

Besides…

Miyase-san slowly swept his gaze over the flowers.

After smiling widely to himself, he once again focused his eyes on me.

Miyase: I was wanting to go for a walk around this spring garden with someone who would genuinely be taken away by the flowers I’ve nurtured full of love.

Rei: (Wow… he sure does say things in a romantic way.)

Perhaps people who were able to bloom beautiful flowers were also capable of expressing themselves abundantly.

As if agreeing with my wonder, a warm breeze lightly blew by.

The scent of a flower still unknown to me—one that was somewhat sweet and somewhat bitter—brushed the tip of my nose.

Miyase: Seeing as I also have a not-so-pure reason for it, I would be happy if you could let me give you a hand… I would enjoy doing so.

Rei: … Thank you. I’ll take you up on your word for it then.

Miyase: Thank goodness. Shall we first go try having a look at the spot where the kitty takes its afternoon nap?

20.

-Kujo Household: Garden-

Kujo & Kaname: …………

Kujo: … Kaname.

Kaname: Yeah?

Kujo: … There’s a cat here.

Kaname: Yeah, there is.

Kujo: … It’s sleeping.

Kaname: Yeah, it is.

Kujo: ……

Kaname: … How long have you been here watching the cat, Kujo-san?

Kujo: Since a little while ago… about an hour, maybe.

Kaname: A “little”…

(Koya-kun was kicking up a ruckus saying that he wasn’t around, so I came to look for him, but…)

(He was here for an hour… staring at a cat?)

Kujo: I had heard from Go that cats often wander into the garden. The opportunity to witness that is a valuable one.

Kaname: It might be my first time seeing it for myself as well.

Kujo: … Kaname.

Kaname: What is it?

Kujo: Can you speak cat?

Kaname: Huh? …… What language is that?

Kujo: The cat one. For example, meow~

Miyase: What’s this now? May I ask what it is that you’re doing?

Kaname: Oh, Go-san, and… Onee-san?

Rei: Hello.

Kujo: Wasn’t there supposed to be no visits scheduled in for today?

Rei: Sorry for suddenly dropping by. I came here together with Aoyama-san and a detective called Naruse-san, and…

Miyase: They’re apparently searching for a kitty.

Kujo: A kitty…

Rei: The one in this photo.

I showed my phone screen to both of them.

Kaname: … That cat is sleeping right here.

Miyase & Rei: Huh?

Kujo: I’d like to ask that you quietly crouch down so that you don’t wake them.

At that show of consideration, I remembered myself and lowered my voice.

Rei: Got it. Pardon me, then.

When I softly went to crouch down beside Kujo-san…

I spotted an adorable cat sleeping with its fluffy tummy gently rising and falling.

* * *

Around that same time…

-Kujo Household: Garden-

Naruse: (A-ha! My senses are telling me that a cat could be inside that bush…)

Aoyama: What’s up?

Naruse: I’m going to have a tiny peek to see if lil Colin is inside that bush over there.

Aoyama: (… I forgot that he also did this sort of work.)

Naruse: Lil Co~liiin? If you’re there, give us a meow~

Aoyama: (This guy… even if you didn’t ask, he’d come bragging to you about his shoes being from some Italian brand or whatever.)

(Did he become fine with getting it dirty for a cat?)

Naruse: (… Not here, huh.)

(*Gasp*!! Is Aoyama… staring at me?)

(This is, without a doubt, a chance to enact ‘Step One’!)

O-Oops! I, like, so tripped again when there’s nothing in my way~!

Aoyama: Oomph—hey! Stop clinging onto me for every single little thing!

Naruse: Sorry~ But it was a good call you were there for me.

Aoyama: … Naruse.

Naruse: W-What? W-Why are you looking at me so serious all of a sudden…

Aoyama: Are you sure you don’t need to take a break?

Naruse: Huh?

Aoyama: For you to trip over nothing, it could be that you hurt yourself somewhere the first time around.

We’ll look for the cat, so you go on and rest.

Naruse: Aoyama…

Aoyama: (Seeing as he’ll only be an extra baggage on not just me, but Izumi as well.)

Naruse: (All you people out there in the woooorld, listen up!! The person I love—!!! Is sooo mega unbelievably sweeet!!!)

Aoyama: Why’d you pump your fist in the air…

Naruse: I’ll be careful not to fall over anymore! Thanks for worrying about me.

Now then, we need to make haste with finding lil Colin. Otherwise—

Rei: Naruse-san, Aoyama-san.

Naruse: Oh.

Aoyama: That cat…

Rei: Yep! We’ve got lil Colin safely under our wings!

22.

-Kujo Household: Garden-

Naruse: Oh my, the cat is as adorable as its picture.

The cat gave a small meow…

… from where it was in Kaname-kun’s arms.

Kaname: ……

Kujo: I bet it must be rather pleasant being held in Kaname’s arms.

Kaname: What do you mean, being held in my arms…

Miyase: The minute the cat woke up, it did after all go straight towards you, Kaname-kun.

Naruse: From out of a diverse selection of fine men, it chose to attach itself to the pretty boy—this cat is quite something else.

Kaname: … What?

Kujo: Go, this person is…

Naruse: I apologise for the late introductions. My name is Naruse Akira.

I operate in the detective line of work, so don’t hesitate to come to me if there’s anything.

Naruse-san offered up his business card with a professional smile.

Kujo: I’m Kujo Soma. I’ll hold onto your contact details.

Naruse: Oh no, what a tastefully refined voice you have. That strait-laced expression is also rather attractive.

Kujo: ……

Miyase: Isn’t that great, Kujo-san? He gave you a compliment.

Kujo: … Indeed…?

Rei: (The professional smile was only for a second…)

(Maybe it could be that he’s determining at a moment’s glance who he can show his real face to?)

A former NCD agent—one that was at least on par with being partners to the brilliant and capable, Aoyama-san.

Rei: (It’s only a given that his people-judging skills are unparalleled, huh…)

Aoyama: Anyhow, it’s a good thing we found the cat. Call the client to let them know, and then we’ll go drop him off.

Naruse: Yeah.

Rei: They’re bound to be very happy with the news!

I turned around to properly face Miyase-san and the others, and bowed my head.

Rei: Thank you so much for all your assistance.

Miyase: I’m glad that we were of some help.

Kaname: Oh.

Cat: Meow~

Kujo: … Hmph. It’s body stirring in position to get comfortable is another endearing sight.

Miyase: Haha, it’s rubbing its cheeks against you.

Aoyama: It is a kept cat, after all. Sure is friendly with people, huh.

Naruse: !!

(A pretty boy holding a kitten, and the handsome men looking on with a gentle smile…)

(… You know what, this might just be a scene getting your worth out of.)

Cat: Meow~

Kujo: What a tiny voice.

Miyase: Oh, it’s looking at Aoyama-san.

Aoyama: … What’s up lil guy?

Naruse: (The sight of him answering the cat is so cool too…)

(‘Step One’ felt like a complete failure against that outright kindness of his, but I’ll give it what I’ve got with ‘Step Two’!)

24.

-Inside the car-

In the car that Naruse-san was driving, we headed for the place where we’d be making a start on the second request.

Naruse: Our next client is Mrs Yoko Matsumoto. Forty-six years old, and a housewife.

The request is a background investigation into the partner of her son who’s wanting to get married while still being a student.

Rei: Getting married while still a student!? He’s got an amazing amount of spirit on him, huh.

Naruse: Girl, what’s with that reaction? There’s no spice to it.

Rei: But, like, I was completely taken by surprise…

Naruse: Isn’t passionately being in love with each other the best thing ever?

Like with me and Aoyama ♡

Aoyama: … I’m not even going to comment on that.

I did as I was told from Aoyama-san’s look telling me to cut off Naruse-san’s response, and spoke.

Rei: So the both of them are students at Shukuou University, and seeing as they may still be on campus at this time, we’re on our way over there…

Aoyama: University, huh…

Naruse: We might stand out a little if we all just stream in like a herd.

Rei: If it’s Shukuou University, then I’ve got people I know there, so I’ll try giving them a call!

* * *

-University: Cafeteria-

Kawai: Oh, over here~

Hosho: … G-Good afternoon.

Rei: Good afternoon. Thanks for making time for me, you two.

Sorry that it’s out of the blue.

Kawai: No biggie~ It was nice timing since we were already on campus.

26.

-University: Cafeteria-

Kawai: Now then, jumping right into it…

I’ve put together all the information on that student you mentioned over the phone.

Rei: You serious!? Wow, it hasn’t even been an hour since I called you…

Kawai: Ehehe~ The truth is that he just happened to be a friend.

Of Isagi-kun, that is.

Hosho: N-No! T-That’s not it… we just c-coincidentally share the same lectures…

H-Him being my f-friend and all… is u-unthinkable…

Kawai: Isagi-kun’s generosity from lending out his notes and such before a test is what got us the information this time.

Rei: I see. So I guess the credit goes to how kind Isagi-kun is.

Hosho: N-No, that’s h-hardly it—! It was thanks to Kawai-san that we were able to get the story, so…

I-I really didn’t do a-anything.

Kawai: Not true. It’s because you guys are friends that I was able to ask all sorts of things without him getting suss.

Hosho: … S-Sorry, I d-don’t know why, b-but, s-sorry…

Kawai: Oh, perfect, they just walked in. See—those two over there.

When I turned to get a look, I saw a couple holding hands while chatting to their friends.

Kawai: They publicly declared that they would definitely get married as students, so they’re both pretty well-known.

Hosho: (So that’s how it is…)

Kawai: They said that they’d be going to the bridal counselling service that’s a train station over from here for a consultation today.

Rei: Today?

Kawai: Yep. Something about there being a ‘wedding conference’ for student couples only.

Rei: Huh, so they run that kind of thing.

Kawai: Oh, it looks like they’re leaving.

Rei: I gotta go after them!

Sorry this is all so rushed, and really, thanks a bunch you two.

When I went to stand up from my seat, I suddenly stopped short.

Rei: (If it’s limited to only student couples, then it might not be possible to sneak into the conference with just me, Aoyama-san, and Naruse-san…)

Kawai: What’s wrong?

Rei: … Um…

(It would really save us big time… if I could get these guys to come with me.)

(But I already got them to help us out at the last minute to boot, so I can’t go getting them involved any more than this…)

Kawai: Is there still something that we can do?

Rei: !

Kawai: Don’t be shy. Go on and tell us.

Rei: … Thanks.

The thing is, I want you to assist us with sneaking into the conference.

Kawai: If you’re fine with me, then I don’t mind at all and would love to help out, but…

I actually have a research presentation shortly after this.

Hosho: …

Kawai: What about you, Isagi-kun?

Hosho: I-I’m—! U-Um, I’d j-just be in the w-way…

Rei: No, you wouldn’t! I’d only feel grateful to you.

To begin with, we’re the ones bothering you guys.

Kawai: Hey, Rei-san. I think you’d do better to ask him in a more honest and open way.

Like, “I want you to lend me a hand, Isagi-kun”, you know?

Hosho: !!

Rei: (In an honest, and open way… Yeah, he’s right.)

Isagi-kun… I know I have a lot of nerve here to be asking you to use up your valuable time for me.

And I do feel bad for getting you mixed up in this.

But I want you to lend me your hand, Isagi-kun! Please!

When I said all that while looking at him straight in the eyes…

Hosho: …

… If I can be of some help, then…

I-I’ll go with you.

Rei: Thank you!

Kawai: Phew, glad that worked out.

Rei: You too, Hikaru-kun. Thanks a lot.

Happy to be teaming up with you, Isagi-kun!

Hosho: Y-Yeah! I-I’ll do my best. L-Let’s do this!

28.

-Inside the car-

Naruse: (Is that girl going to be alright? Well, she does just barely pass for looking like a student, so I suppose it’s fine… I’m sure it’ll be.)

Aoyama: She’s taking forever, that Izumi. We should’ve got her to wear an intercom.

Naruse: Y-Yeah…

(It’s a little like she’s getting ahead of me with how she’s doing my job, and that hits a sore spot for the little girl inside of me, but…)

(Love is all about the strong feeding on the weak! Now is the perfect chance for ‘Step Two’!!)

Aoyama: … What’s gotten into you?

Naruse: Huh!?

Aoyama: You’ve been on edge for a while now. Something on your mind?

Naruse: (That’s Aoyama for you, alright. He pays close attention to people.)

(Right then! I’ll go with this flow for ‘Step Two’!)

… Hey, I want your advice on something. It’s really driving me up the wall, and…

Aoyama: What is it? It’s unusual for you to stand on such formality.

Naruse: (Oooh!! He’s gone into his ‘seriously-listening-to-you’ mode with a deep look on his face!)

(You really do have this sort of side to you, don’t you, Aoyama! Gosh, this is why I love you!!)

Aoyama: After you quit the NCD, you didn’t really… come to me for that kind of advice and stuff, right?

Naruse: What…

Aoyama: Well, if it’s something you can tell me, then I’m all ears. Try talking about it.

Naruse: Aoyama…

(… I don’t like this. Somehow, it feels like my heart is being doused in cold water.)

(He’s super earnestly trying to listen to my ‘troubles’, and here I am, thinking of…)

(… step two…)

……

Aoyama: … Naruse?

[Ring ring]

Naruse: !

Aoyama: Hey, yeah, how’d it go? …… Right, I see. Got it. We’ll wait for you.

Naruse: So how did it go?

Aoyama: We’ll be heading to the bridal counselling service that’s a train station over from here once Izumi gets back. You know the place?

Naruse: Yeah, I do, but… a bridal counselling service?

Aoyama: Sounds like the client’s son and his partner left to go to this student couples only conference.

Naruse: They’re serious about the marriage then.

Anyway, let’s make our way there. Is that girl still taking her time?

Aoyama: What about you?

Naruse: Huh?

Aoyama: The thing you wanted advice on.

Naruse: Oh…

It doesn’t matter anymore. Right now, work takes priority.

Aoyama: … I see.

Naruse: (You truly are sweet.)

(… It looks like ‘Step Two’ is a complete failure as well.)

* * *

-Bridal Counselling Service-

Staff: Everyone who’s here for the ‘Student Marriage Conference’, please make your way inside the venue.

Naruse: Girl, you’re the only ones allowed through, so we’re totally counting on you here!

Rei: Yes, sir! Let’s get going then, Isagi-kun.

Hosho: O-Okay…

30.

-Bridal Counselling Service-

Naruse: At any rate, I want you to come out having investigated the target without raising any suspicions.

Rei: Roger that!

Naruse: Sit closeby, and be sure to also memorise their conversations.

Hosho: G-Got it…

Naruse: And this is the most important part!

Since you two are ‘lovers’, it’s more natural if there’s less space between you both.

If you at least link arms with each other, then it’s a wholesome display of escorting. You’re capable of that, right?

Rei: Huh?

Hosho: !

Aoyama: Is there any need to go that far?

Hosho: U-Uuh…

Rei: (Isagi-kun is bright red. I dragged him into this, and now I’m putting a burden on him.)

Hosho: … L-Link… a-arms…

Rei: (Hmm… Something that requires less physical contact than linking our arms and gives off the appearance of natural lovers…)

… How’s this, Isagi-kun?

Hosho: !!

I softly held onto his fingers at a level that was not quite up there with holding hands.

Naruse: Oh my, how seemingly innocent. Now if that isn’t cute

Hosho: U-Uuh…

Rei: Sorry about this. If I could get you to bear with it until we sit in our seats, then you’d be doing me a real favour.

Hosho: N-No worries! I’m very sorry too…

M-My hand of all t-things, is what you’re h-holding… I’ll at least do what I can!

Rei: Huh—

He tightly squeezed my hand, but right afterwards, his grip weakened.

Then straight away again, he gave a squeeze, and we were holding hands just a little more intimately than when we started out.

Rei: (Isagi-kun’s hand… is a lot bigger than I thought?)

(Actually, if I really think about it, then I may have slightly played down the whole act of holding hands…)

Hosho: U-Uuh…

Rei: (Like, for some reason, even my face is starting to feel hot!)

Naruse: We’ll be waiting in the car for you.

Aoyama: Sorry I can’t help with anything, but I’m leaving it to you.

Rei: I won’t let you down! We’ve got this, Isagi-kun.

Hosho: Y-Yeah…

* * *

Thereafter, the investigation ended without incident.

-Carpark-

Naruse: You sure you don’t want a lift?

Hosho: Yeah… I’ll be going home by bus.

Naruse: Thank you for cooperating with us. You really saved us big time there.

Rei: Thanks a bunch, Isagi-kun.

Hosho: … If I was of use to you, even a little, then I’m glad…

Rei: Let me return the favour next time. If you could also relay that to Hikaru-kun, that’d be great.

Hosho: Yeah, I’ll be sure to tell him… See you, then.

Isagi-kun left all the while bowing his head over and over again.

Aoyama: So, can we call it a day and split ways?

Naruse: Yep, the only thing left is to file the information from the investigation.

Come by the agency tomorrow at 9am.

Aoyama: Got it. For the time being, we’re heading back to the office, Izumi.

Rei: Okay.

Thanks for everything, Naruse-san!

Naruse: Girl, I was honestly pleased with your efforts as well. Thanks. You did good work out there.

Aoyama: Laters.

Naruse: ……… *Sigh* There he goes…

(I should’ve at least invited him to dinner.)

(… But, how do I say it, I didn’t really feel up to it today, huh.)

(Both ‘Step One’ and ‘Step Two’ ended up being a total bust too.)

… There’s still tomorrow! Tomorrow is, for certain, ‘Step Three’!!

* * *

-Inside the car-

Rei: Today was kind of hectic, huh.

In a different sort of sense to our work in the NCD.

Aoyama: Yeah. Like, searching for a cat or snooping around a student…

Rei: Lil Colin was adorable, wasn’t he?

Aoyama: Such a carefree outlook.

Rei: Well, it has been peaceful in a way.

Aoyama: Guess that’s true.

I aimlessly went to stare outside the car window at the break in our conversation.

The time was just a little after when night fell. The only ones out and about in the office district were adults.

But they were all types of grown-ups.

Men, women, those in suits, those in casual, and those in uniform. You could be guaranteed that there were also a variety of titles and positions to them.

Rei: (Aoyama-san and I are narcotics agents, and Naruse-san is a detective…)

For the first time ever today, I got to experience Naruse-san’s job.

I had gotten a taste of the broad scope of situations revolving around work as a detective.

Right now, I was without a question, filled with a refreshing sense of accomplishment.

(Sutamai) Event: ‘The Maiden Detective in Love’, Part 1

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