[Fukushima Household – Morning]
[The soft clatter of ceramic cups and the gentle hum of the electric fan filled the room. Morning light streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow across the wooden floor.]
[Shirou sat by the low table, sipping coffee while scrolling through messages on his phone. Kei was sprawled across the couch, flipping lazily through TV channels with bed hair that looked like it fought a storm and lost.]
[Ryokou sat cross-legged on the floor with her laptop open, pretending to do work—but everyone knew she was probably watching cat videos again.]
[Shizuka, still in her oversized sweater, was curled up on a bean bag with a book, quietly turning the pages with a sleepy focus.]
[Mio stood by the kitchen counter, tying her hair into a ponytail as she poured herself some tea. Her cheeks flushed slightly as she recalled last night's encounter.]
Kei: yawning Anyone else feel like today's gonna be too chill?
Ryokou: glancing at him without emotion Don't jinx it.
[Meanwhile, elsewhere in the city…]
[Investigations Unit HQ – Shibuya Ward Police Department]
[The usual clacking of keyboards and shuffling of reports filled the room. Unlike the easygoing house, the officers were already knee-deep in paperwork and internal briefings.]
[Reina sat at her desk, reviewing reports with narrowed eyes. A stack of documents detailing mafia movements was slowly but surely building up beside her.]
[Ryou stood near the printer, unamused as it jammed—again.]
[Shin wearing glasses today, was diligently typing up intel logs.]
[Sera leaned back in her chair, arms crossed behind her head as she stared at a corkboard covered in red strings, photos, and tactical plans. Her usual tough expression was softer today—calm, but focused.]
Shin: still typing So, what's the plan for today?
Reina: without looking up
Nothing yet. But keep your phones close. I bet something's bound to come up soon.
[Back at the house, things were still lighthearted.]
Mio: sitting down next to Shizuka I'm thinking of going to the bookstore later. I forgot to return the book that was supposed to be last Friday.
Kei: from the couch OHHH~ Here we go again!
Shirou: quietly sipping his coffee with a quiet smirk You sure it was only just a book to return to?
Mio: smirking If he was there again, maybe you all would ship us non-stop.
[They all shared a laugh—just another quiet morning in the life of a squad that had been through more than most.]
[But unknown to them… today wouldn't stay quiet for long.]
[Investigations Unit HQ – Shibuya Ward Police Department]
[The ticking clock echoed faintly across the quiet office. Most of the officers had already finished their reports for the day, but one desk still had its lamp on—papers scattered, highlighters uncapped, and a half-finished cup of coffee growing cold.]
[Captain Reina had fallen asleep at her desk, her head resting against a stack of case files. Her usually sharp and vigilant eyes were now closed, her breathing steady, if just a bit uneven.]
[A strand of her dark hair slipped over her face, and her hand still clutched a pen as if she intended to finish one last annotation but never made it.]
[Sera, sitting a desk across from her, glanced over from her screen and sighed softly. She stood up, walked over quietly, and gently turned off Reina's desk lamp to give her some rest.]
Sera: whispering to Ryou and Shin She's been pulling all-nighters again… can't even count how many this week.
Shin: adjusting her glasses and looking over with concern She's shouldering most of the logistics and intel work alone. She won't ask for help even if she's falling apart.
Ryou: letting out a small grunt Typical Reina. Drives herself harder than anyone else. he looked over at her, softening a little Let her rest. We've got her back while she's out.
[Sera pulled off her jacket and gently draped it over Reina's shoulders, then silently returned to her seat.]
[The lights in the HQ dimmed slightly with the setting sun filtering through the blinds.]
Shin: standing up and stretching I need caffeine. My brain's drying up.
[She glanced at the vending machine across the room, then gave a sigh and grabbed her coat.]
Shin: Vending machine's out of my usual. I'm heading to that coffee shop down the street.
Ryou: Coffee run? Count me in. I could use a break from staring at paperwork. he pushed back his chair with a groan Besides, Sera might want something too.
Sera: without looking up from her screen I'm good. Just keep Reina covered while I finish her shift reports. She's been at this non-stop.
Shin: softly Right.
[The two headed for the door, tossing a quick glance back at Reina, who was still sound asleep under Sera's jacket.]
Ryou: grinning faintly She really knocked out cold, huh? Kinda cute like this.
Sera: dryly, without missing a beat If she hears that, you're going to be writing reports for a week straight.
Ryou: chuckling Yeah, fair enough.
[The office door shut behind them with a soft click, leaving Sera in silence once more—just the quiet hum of the monitor and the slow, rhythmic breathing of her sister keeping her company.]
[Outside, Shin and Ryou stepped into the cool morning breeze, the buzz of the city barely kicking in. The streets of Shibuya were calm, and the corner coffee shop ahead glowed warmly in the early light.]
[Café Yukimo – Shibuya, Tokyo]
[The door chimed softly as Shin and Ryou stepped inside the cozy café tucked just around the corner from the station. The warm scent of roasted beans and faint jazz music filled the space.]
Barista: Welcome in!
[They found a spot near the window, where the sunlight cast golden rays across the table. Shin leaned back in her chair, arms crossed.]
Shin: smirking You're not just here for coffee, are you?
Ryou: grinning as he glanced at the menu Is that your way of asking if I'm following you?
Shin: I'm not that interesting. pauses Or am I?
Ryou: grabbing the chance to play along Oh, you are. I mean, you throw thugs over tables and still manage to complain about burnt coffee. That's range.
Shin: chuckling, then raising a brow You watch me that closely, huh?
[He looked at her with that usual easy-going smile of his, but his eyes were just a little too steady.]
Ryou: Of course. You're my teammate. beat And... you're kinda hard to ignore.
[A flicker crossed Shin's expression—subtle, unreadable—but her gaze drifted momentarily to the window.]
Shin: You're ridiculous. she said quietly, but didn't look annoyed
Ryou: lightly tapping the table But I got you to smile. That's rare.
Shin: hiding it behind a sip of coffee Don't get used to it. her tone had softened
[They sat in comfortable silence for a bit—just two comrades finding a rare moment of peace in their usual chaos.]
[As they left with their drinks in hand, the moment lingered between them—unspoken but clear.]
[The two officers walked side by side down the sidewalk, each holding their drinks. The afternoon breeze carried the scent of early summer, brushing past them gently.]
Ryou: glancing sideways Hey, Shin. beat You free on our day off next week?
Shin: raising a brow without turning her head Why?
Ryou: grinning
Just thought we could check out that spot near Meguro—the one with the riverside market and that weird little bookstore. shrugs slightly Seems like something you'd like.
Shin: sips her drink, eyes narrowed thoughtfully You're oddly specific today.
Ryou: Well, it's either that or let Kei drag me into another game tournament. I'd rather gamble on your company.
Shin: finally looking at him with a small, skeptical smirk
You're asking me out... to a bookstore and street food stalls?
Ryou: pretending to act shocked Hey now, that's quality bonding material. Way better than watching you kick down doors at work.
Shin: after a short pause, looking ahead again I'll think about it.
Ryou: grinning I'll take that as a yes.
[She didn't reply, but the faintest trace of a smile lingered on her lips as they crossed the street together.]
[Near Investigations Unit HQ]
[The late morning breeze carried the scent of roasted coffee as Ryou and Shin strolled down the sidewalk, cups in hand. They had just exited the local coffee shop, light chatter between them about patrol routes and paperwork overload.]
[Suddenly, a scream snapped through the street.]
Woman: Thief! He took my bag!
[Both turned toward the source. A man in a gray hoodie bolted through the crowd with a purse in hand.]
Shin: glancing at Ryou, arms full with coffee and snacks
Don't you dare—
Ryou: grinning Hold this. hands her his coffee mid-stride Just a sec.
Shin: mockingly annoyed Show off...
[With swift steps, he gave chase. Pedestrians stepped aside as Ryou weaved effortlessly between them, his focus locked on the snatcher. The man tried to slip into a side alley, but Ryou anticipated it, cutting him off by vaulting a small divider and tackling him to the ground.]
Ryou: firmly, already reaching for his handcuffs Stay down. You're done.
[A few moments later, Ryou emerged back onto the main street with the suspect cuffed and the purse retrieved. A nearby beat officer responded to the disturbance and took over processing the criminal.]
[Shin stood waiting at the corner, coffee still in hand—untouched.]
Shin: dryly You're lucky I didn't drink your coffee.
Ryou: grinning as he took it back Please. You wouldn't dare.
Shin: Try me next time you pull that without a plan.
[They walked back toward HQ, the brief excitement fading into calm once more. Ryou took a long sip of his drink.]
Ryou: sighing in satisfaction
Still warm. That's a win.
Shin: quietly, glancing at him
Yeah… you did good. pauses
But next time, I'm doing the chasing.
Ryou: teasing
You just want the spotlight.
Shin: smirking
Maybe I do.
[The two continued walking—coffees safe, thief in custody—and a quiet sense of something deeper beginning to form between them.]
[Past midnight]
[The night air was cool but not harsh, a gentle breeze tugging at the branches of nearby trees. The neighborhood lay hushed under a sleepy veil, windows dimmed and streets washed silver by the moonlight. The distant hum of the city was reduced to a faint murmur — almost like a lullaby for those still chasing sleep.]
[Shirou had failed to fall asleep for the third night in a row.]
[He wasn't anxious. Not exactly. But something inside him remained unsettled — maybe the past few weeks had finally caught up to him. Maybe it was the raid, or the way chaos faded into silence too quickly. Maybe it was how things changed once people started to depend on him.]
[Or maybe it was her.]
[He wore his hoodie without bothering to flip the hood up, slipping on his slippers like a ghost in his own home. As he crept quietly toward the door, hand gripping the knob, a voice behind him softly called out.]
Shizuka: Shirou…?
[He froze mid-step, turning to find her illuminated by the faint kitchen light.]
[Shizuka stood in her oversized shirt and shorts, clutching a half-full glass of water. Her hair spilled messily over her shoulders, eyes blinking in sleepy confusion.]
Shirou: quietly
Sorry, did I wake you up?
Shizuka: shaking her head slowly No… Just thirsty. But… she looked at his shoes Are you going somewhere?
Shirou: Just out for a walk. Couldn't sleep.
[There was a short pause, before her eyes softened.]
Shizuka: …Can I come?
[He blinked.]
Shirou: It's late. Are you sure?
[She offered a tiny smile and nodded.]
Shizuka: I won't talk much. I just… don't want to be alone either.
[They exchanged jackets—his hoodie now draped over her—and stepped out quietly into the night.]
[The road ahead was bathed in pale silver, streetlights flickering occasionally. Neither of them spoke right away. It wasn't awkward; it was peaceful. Comfortable, even.]
[Their footsteps made soft echoes on the sidewalk, their arms brushing occasionally without pulling away.]
[After a few blocks, Shizuka broke the silence.]
Shizuka: softly
I used to hate the quiet.
[Shirou turned toward her, walking at a slower pace to match her stride.]
Shirou: Yeah?
What changed?
Shizuka: You.
[His heart skipped for a second.]
Shizuka: smiling faintly, gaze fixed on the stars Being alone in silence used to mean remembering everything I wanted to forget. But now… I don't know. The silence feels okay, if I'm beside you.
[He looked at her for a moment longer, lips parting slightly. But no words came.]
[Not yet.]
[They sat down on a roadside bench nearby, under a streetlight that cast warm yellow hues over their faces. Shizuka pulled the hoodie sleeves over her hands and tucked her legs slightly.]
Shirou: You've gotten… stronger. he glanced up at the sky Back then, you looked like the world had taken everything from you. But now…
Shizuka: Now I have people who gave something back.
[They looked at each other, then looked away.]
[A breeze swept past them. She shivered lightly, so he leaned over and tugged the hoodie hood over her head. She blinked at the gesture.]
Shizuka: soft giggle
You always do that.
Shirou: smirking And you always look good in it.
[Her face flushed a soft pink, but she didn't hide her smile.]
[There was a pause — not awkward, but heavy with things left unspoken.]
Shizuka: after a deep breath
Do you think… this will last? All of us, living together. Laughing, fighting, watching TV after a long day like nothing happened?
Shirou: his voice was quiet, but sure Maybe not forever. But… I want to keep it going as long as I can. As long as we can.
Shizuka: murmuring
Even if one day we go back to being strangers?
Shirou: looking at her with surprising earnestness
I'd never let that happen.
[Her breath caught in her throat.]
[They sat in silence again.]
[Closer this time.]
[When they stood and walked back, her hand brushed his again. And this time, slowly—timidly—she wrapped her fingers around his.]
[He didn't pull away.]
[They walked home hand-in-hand under the moonlight, the silence between them filled with quiet promises neither had the courage to speak aloud yet.]
[But they were there, lingering.]
[Waiting.]
[The night air felt heavy with silence as Shirou and Shizuka slowly returned from their walk. Streetlights cast a golden hue onto the pavement, but neither of them were focused on their surroundings anymore. Their pace had slowed; something unspoken hung in the air.]
[As they neared the front steps of the house, Shirou reached into his hoodie pocket for the key.]
[But Shizuka didn't move.]
Shizuka: quietly Shirou...
[He paused and turned to her.]
Shizuka: Can I ask you something personal?
[Her voice was unusually gentle — not timid, but fragile. A question long buried. One she was afraid of the answer to.]
[He nodded.]
Shirou: Of course.
Shizuka: after a pause
Back when you found me near that lamppost... I said something strange, right?
Like I thought you were someone I knew.
[He gave a faint nod.]
Shirou: Yeah... you said, 'Is it really you?'
[She exhaled, eyes gazing somewhere distant — not at him, but past him, into a memory she couldn't quite reach.]
Shizuka: I never told anyone, but... I keep having this vague memory. A boy. His name, I don't remember. His face… blurry. But I remember how he made me feel.
Shizuka: softly Like I wasn't alone. Like the world wasn't so heavy.
[Shirou listened closely.]
Shizuka: It was back in high school. I used to sit by the garden during lunch... where barely anyone else would go.
[That made Shirou blink. Something stirred in his mind.]
Shirou: ...By the east wing?
[Shizuka's head turned sharply.]
Shizuka: Wait—how did you know that?
[He looked at her, brow furrowed now, his own memory rushing in.]
Shirou: Because I used to sit there too. Not because it was quiet—but because I liked sketching the trees near the garden wall. There was a girl who was always there. Quiet. Never noticed me. She always read books.
Shizuka: eyes wide That was me...
[They stared at each other — stunned. Neither had ever realized.]
Shirou: Wait... your high school. You went to Tachibana Academy, right?
Shizuka: nodding slowly
Yeah...
Shirou: So did I.
[A wave of disbelief and something much deeper flooded the space between them. For years, they had been living separate lives, never realizing they were in the same place at the same time—in the same quiet corner of the world, silently coexisting.]
Shizuka: voice shaky now
That can't be a coincidence.
[Shirou gave a quiet smile—almost in awe.]
Shirou: Maybe... you didn't remember a stranger that night. Maybe you remembered me.
[She didn't answer—she couldn't. Her throat tightened with emotion she couldn't name. But her hand reached for his. Not out of instinct, but certainty.]
[And as their fingers intertwined, a new kind of silence bloomed between them.]
[One that finally made sense.]
[Their hands remained lightly intertwined — unsure of what this was just moments ago, but now neither of them wanted to let go.]
[Shirou's breath still caught in his chest at the realization. That the quiet girl in the garden… was her.]
[And Shizuka — eyes misty, heart thudding — looked down at their joined hands, then back up at him.]
Shizuka: softly
That boy… I used to wonder what happened to him.
[Shirou tilted his head slightly.]
Shirou: You remembered him all this time?
[She gave a light nod.]
Shizuka: quiet, honest
I didn't even know his name. But he used to draw. He never bothered me, never interrupted. Just… sat there. And I felt like I wasn't invisible.
[She swallowed.]
Shizuka: I think I… used to like him. I remember I was in a despair back then, a lot of events happened on my life forcing me to give it all up. I was about to end it all, but...
Shirou: He came to stop you, right?
Shizuka: Right. He stopped me, not only because he has sympathy for me, it's because he cared about me ever since.
We might not have much conversation, but we understand it both that staying in the school garden makes your weakness vulnerable.
[Shirou stared at her, heart pounding, stunned into silence.]
Shizuka: a breathless chuckle
And now I find out… it was you.
[Shirou slowly smiled — genuine, warm, touched with disbelief.]
Shirou: I used to look forward to those lunches because you were there. You always seemed so peaceful. I didn't know how to talk to you… I thought I'd ruin that quiet. And that time I saw you in despair, I didn't think much of a choice but to save you. Telling you that things can still work for you.
[The tension faded, melting into something more tender, more real.]
Shizuka:
You really were him.
And I guess, even after everything… maybe I still like you.
[Silence settled again. But this time, it was full — full of unspoken emotion, shared memories, and a new understanding.]