[Shirou took a step closer, gently letting go of her hand just to reach up and tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear.]
Shirou: softly Then maybe this time …we don't let it pass us by.
[Shizuka's breath hitched.]
Shizuka: You mean it?
[He nodded.]
Shirou: Yeah. I do.
[No fireworks. No dramatic music. Just two people, standing under the moonlight, connected by a past they didn't realize was shared… and a future they were about to write together.]
[She leaned forward—slowly—giving him every second to stop her if this wasn't real.]
[He didn't.]
[Their lips met in a gentle, hesitant kiss. One that said finally.]
[Not rushed. Not passionate. But sincere.]
[When they pulled away, Shirou grinned.]
Shirou: So… does that mean you're mine now?
[Shizuka laughed.]
Shizuka: Only if you're mine too.
[And together, hand in hand, they finally went back inside.]
[The door closed softly behind them, but in their hearts, something new had just opened.]
[Shirou blinked, his heart still racing from the gentle warmth of it. But before he could even fully take in the reality of what just happened, Shizuka suddenly leaned in and wrapped her arms around him.]
Shizuka: soft and overjoyed
I can't believe it's really you… and that you feel the same.
[She held him tightly, her arms around his back, as if she was scared the moment would disappear if she let go.]
[Shirou's eyes widened for a split second — then slowly, he relaxed, a small smile tugging at his lips as he returned the embrace. His arms wrapped around her just as warmly, pulling her into the kind of hug he never knew he needed — quiet, comforting, and full of meaning.]
Shirou: chuckling lightly
You're really hugging me like that's the end of a fairytale.
Shizuka: muffled into his chest Maybe it is. Or the start of a better one.
[He rested his chin gently on her shoulder, eyes closed, feeling her heartbeat against his own. For a moment, the world didn't matter — not the mafia, not the missions, not the past or future.]
[Just this. Just her.]
[And in the silence of the night, beneath the stars and the quiet hum of the streetlights, two hearts that once beat beside each other in secret finally found their rhythm together — as one.]
[Still wrapped in each other's arms, neither of them wanted to let go.]
[Eventually, after a few more quiet minutes of just holding on, Shirou gently pulled back and looked into Shizuka's eyes, the soft glow of the streetlights casting warmth on her cheeks.]
Shirou: smiling
Come on… let's go back inside. It's cold.
Shizuka: nodding, her voice still soft Yeah... okay.
[The two walked side by side back into the house, not needing to say much. Everything that needed to be said had already been spoken — through their confessions, their kiss, their embrace.]
[As they entered, the hallway was quiet. The others were already asleep, the soft hum of the night settling in.]
[Shirou handed her his hoodie before she stepped into her room.]
Shirou: teasing gently
You can keep it… just don't lose it, alright?
Shizuka: smiling sweetly
No promises.
[They exchanged one last glance, full of unspoken feelings, before each retreating to their rooms.]
[That night, for the first time in a long while, sleep came easily for both of them.]
[Shirou laid back in his bed, staring at the ceiling with a grin he couldn't hide, his thoughts dancing around a single name.]
[Shizuka.]
[Meanwhile, Shizuka held the hoodie close to her, curling up under the covers, her heart still fluttering from everything that had happened.]
[As the night deepened, the house remained still — and within it, two hearts rested soundly, no longer carrying the weight of unanswered feelings.]
[The morning light seeped through the curtains as the scent of coffee and freshly toasted bread filled the house.]
[Ryokou dragged herself into the kitchen like a zombie, her hoodie halfway off her shoulder and her eyes barely open.]
Ryokou: grumbling
Ugh... Why are mornings still a thing?
[Mio sat quietly at the table, flipping through a magazine with little interest. Kei was lazily munching on his cereal, watching Ryokou shuffle across the kitchen like a walking meme.]
[Shirou eventually walked in, yawning, stretching, and rubbing his eyes. He gave a soft "good morning" and sat down, calmly grabbing a piece of toast. Everyone seemed... normal. Yet, somehow, the atmosphere felt different.]
Mio: casually, eyes still on her magazine Where's Shizuka?
Shirou: sipping tea, calmly
Still in her room, I think. Didn't feel like waking her up.
Kei: leaning back She seemed really tired last night. Maybe she's just sleeping in.
[The group nodded along, but Ryokou narrowed her eyes slightly. There was a lingering silence between Shirou's words — something unspoken. Her detective instincts were tingling.]
[Then, right on cue, Shizuka walked into the room.]
[Wearing Shirou's hoodie.]
[The room froze.
Mio looked up from her magazine, Kei's spoon paused midair, and Ryokou's smirk slowly stretched across her face.]
Ryokou: with the most dramatic gasp possible
OHHHHHHHHHHHHHH???
Shizuka: blinking innocently
...Good morning?
Mio: grinning now
Good morning, alright.
Shirou: blushing slightly
You guys are making a big deal out of nothing.
Ryokou: grinning like a cat that caught the canary
Nothing, huh? Sure. I sleep in Kei's clothes all the time too. Oh wait—NO I DON'T.
[Everyone burst into laughter, except Shirou and Shizuka, who were both red-faced but quietly smiling.]
Kei: smirking
Ohhh? So you don't wear my clothes at night, huh? Guess I gotta throw away that oversized shirt you 'borrowed' last week.
Ryokou: eye twitching as everyone snickers
You wanna run that by me again, gorilla?
Kei: grinning wider, resting his chin on his hand
Just sayin'—if you're gonna roast people, make sure you're not toast yourself.
[Ryokou's eyes narrowed like a predator locking onto prey.
Without saying a word, she slowly slipped out of her chair, walked casually over to the wall where her metal baseball bat was hanging by the door, and gripped it with chilling calm.]
Mio: not even looking up from her phone
Uh oh.
Shirou: dryly
Dead man walking.
Kei: blinking
Wait, wait—Ryokou, chill, it's a joke—
[BONK! The aluminum bat made direct contact with the top of his head, sending Kei sliding off his chair like a sack of potatoes.]
Ryokou: adjusting her bangs casually
Joke's over. Who's next?
Kei: from the floor, groaning
I saw heaven. She was holding a bat too.
[The whole group burst into laughter, Shizuka covering her mouth as she giggled beside Shirou, while Mio finally cracked a smile and flipped a page.]
[Ryokou returned to her seat like nothing happened, sipping her tea peacefully.]
[As the laughter died down into chuckles and sips of tea, Ryokou tapped her finger against the side of her cup, eyes narrowing with curiosity. The mischief faded into something a bit more sincere, a rare softness replacing her usual teasing grin.]
[She looked between Shirou and Shizuka, who were now sitting a little too close on the couch—Shizuka still bundled in his hoodie, her knees curled up, and Shirou awkwardly holding his mug as if it was the only thing grounding him.]
Ryokou:
Alright, alright. Jokes aside...
she set her cup down with a soft clink and leaned forward slightly You two... is it official?
[The room fell quiet. Even Kei stopped groaning.]
[Mio raised an eyebrow, watching both of them carefully. Kei sat up a bit straighter, clearly invested now. Even the air seemed to pause, tension riding on the answer.]
[Shirou looked at Shizuka, who turned to meet his gaze. There was hesitation… then a smile.]
Shizuka: softly, but firmly
If Shirou wants it to be… then yeah. I'd say it is.
Shirou: after a moment, giving a small smile
Yeah. It's official.
Ryokou: grinning wide
WOOO! FINALLY!
she leaned back dramatically
I was betting it would take two more weeks. Guess you proved me wrong.
Mio: smiling gently
Happy for you two. You both deserve it.
Kei: pretending to cry
Our little Shirou's growing up so fast…
Shirou: groaning
Oh god. I regret saying anything.
Shizuka: laughing softly
Too late. It's been announced to the council.
[The squad basked in the warm moment, the soft buzz of a new chapter beginning among their group.]
[After the laughter and teasing mellowed down, the group finished their breakfast in content silence—plates cleared, mugs emptied, and the usual chaos fading into the comfort of routine.]
[Just as Shirou reached for the last piece of toast, Mio's phone vibrated on the table.]
[She picked it up, glanced at the screen.]
Mio: It's from Sera.
[Everyone instinctively quieted as she answered.]
Mio: Hello? pausing, listening
...Right now?
[Everyone turned to her.]
Mio: nodding
Yeah. We're on it. she hung up and looked at the others with a more serious tone Sera said we need to gather at the Investigations Unit office. She didn't give details, but it sounded urgent.
Ryokou: stretching her arms
And here I thought today was gonna be our chill day, Well, good luck to you guys then, I'll keep the house in guard as usual.
Shirou: Thanks, sis. That'll be a great help.
Kei: grinning If Sera calls, it means something's about to go down.
Shizuka: rising with her hoodie still on Let's get ready.
Shirou: adjusting his watch
Alright. Let's move.
[With swift coordination and shared understanding, they gathered their things. Whatever the reason behind Sera's call, one thing was clear—today wasn't going to be as quiet as it started.]
[The Investigations Unit gathered quickly in the command room, the tension palpable.]
[Captain Reina Kanzaki pointed at a large digital map projected onto the screen, pins marking several locations across Minato-ku.]
Reina: We've tracked SoveCle's movements for weeks. This building here—she tapped the largest red marker on the map—is their main storage house. Weapons, cash, and other illicit goods pass through here regularly.
[Officer Sera Kanzaki nodded grimly.]
Sera: Our intel confirms a major shipment is expected within the hour. If we strike now, we can intercept before the goods leave the premises.
[Officer Ryou Ishijima folded his arms, eyes sharp.]
Ryou: Any word on security?
Sera: Heavily guarded. Surveillance cameras, patrols, and armed guards. But our advantage is the element of surprise.
Shin:
We'll need to coordinate carefully. A direct assault could be risky.
Reina: Agreed. Ryou and Shin, you'll lead the entry team. Sera, Shirou, Mio, Shizuka, and Kei will cover the perimeter and be ready to move in if needed.
[The team nodded, each preparing their gear with determined focus.]
Reina: This is our chance to strike a major blow against SoveCle. Let's make it count.
[As Shirou, Mio, Shizuka, and Kei entered the main briefing room, Reina looked up from her tablet and gave them a nod of acknowledgment.]
Reina: Good timing. We're about to finalize the plan.
[At her side, Ryou and Shin exchanged glances, then turned toward the newcomers.]
Ryou: You four should suit up. This isn't going to be a simple patrol.
Shin: Yeah. Get your gear on and meet us at the staging area. We'll run through the details again before we move out.
Mio: determined
Understood.
Shirou: checking his watch
Let's gear up then.
[The group headed toward the armory, the weight of their responsibility settling over them as they prepared for what lay ahead.]
[As Shirou pulled on his tactical vest and adjusted the straps, his fingers trembled slightly—not from fear, but from the weight of what was to come.]
Shirou: inner monologue This isn't just another mission. It's more than busting some criminals or stopping a shipment. Every move we make here could tip the scales. SoveCle isn't just any syndicate—they're organized, ruthless, and they've hurt people I care about.
[He glanced over at Mio, who was tightening her gloves with quiet focus, and then at Shizuka, her eyes sharp despite the calm she tried to project. Kei was beside them, trying to keep his usual lighthearted grin, but Shirou knew even he felt the gravity.]
Shirou: inner monologue I have to stay sharp. I can't afford to make mistakes.
But I also have to protect them—all of them.
This mission... it's not just about justice anymore. It's personal.
[His heartbeat quickened as the final pieces of his gear clicked into place. He exhaled deeply, steeling himself.]
Shirou: inner monologue No matter what happens, I'll see this through.
[Fully geared up, Shirou, Mio, Shizuka, and Kei joined Captain Reina, Sera, Ryou, and Shin as they climbed into the armored van parked outside the Investigations Unit HQ.]
[The heavy doors slid shut behind them, sealing the team inside.]
Ryou: Reinforcements from the Metropolitan Police's Special Tactical Response Team and the Cyber Crimes Division are en route. We'll have multiple units backing us up.
[Outside, squad cars with flashing lights and tactical trucks were assembling, their drivers and officers preparing for rapid deployment.]
Sera: checking her comms
Command has confirmed coordinated support. All units are on channel Delta. Maintain comm discipline and situational awareness.
Reina: Good. The more backup, the better. SoveCle won't know what hit them.
[The van rumbled to life and pulled away from the HQ, rolling through the streets as the combined force converged toward the target location.]