"So, what exactly are we doing today?"
Sitting in the dining room on the first floor, Shizuka Hiratsuka nibbled on her sandwich while curiously eyeing Yukiko, who was still glued to her phone, typing away at someone.
"Don't worry, I've got everything planned. I guarantee you'll have a wonderful time, Shizuka~" Yukiko winked playfully, offering no hint of their actual destination.
By now, Shizuka was used to Yukiko's mischievous little habits.
Swallowing the last bite of her sandwich, Shizuka's gaze drifted toward the man across the table Yusaku Kudo who had already finished his breakfast and was calmly sipping coffee while reading the newspaper.
"What is it, Shizuka?" Yusaku, whose senses were always razor-sharp, immediately noticed her glance. He set the paper down slightly and gave her a gentle smile.
"It's nothing. I was just wondering… Yusaku, are you heading out today to help catch Lupin?" Shizuka asked with a casual smile.
"More or less. They did invite me, but honestly, whether I go or not doesn't really matter. If the police can't even manage their own security and need outside help, well, that commissioner doesn't have much authority to begin with." Yusaku chuckled softly, lifted his cup, and took a slow sip.
"I see…" Shizuka murmured thoughtfully. Outwardly she always complained about Fujiko, but in truth, the two were close friends. No matter how boastful Fujiko sounded about her skills, if she really got caught, Shizuka couldn't help but worry.
"Why? Do you need me to do something for you?" Yusaku asked, his sharp eyes flickering as he watched her lost in thought.
"Ah, nothing like that. I was just thinking Lupin usually works with his crew, and as much as I hate to admit it, those guys are pretty formidable. If you run into them, Yusaku, just… be careful." Shizuka leaned back, scratching her head with an awkward laugh.
As for her friendship with Fujiko, she felt it best to keep that to herself. Fujiko might be good at heart in her own way, but her reputation as an infamous thief outweighed everything else. If people knew about their relationship, Shizuka could already imagine the chaos it would bring to her life.
"Don't worry. I'm just going out of curiosity, not to get too involved. There are plenty of capable people here in America, so I won't need to step in much."
"Alright then. Just take care of yourself, Yusaku."
"Speaking of which Shizuka, are you done eating? If so, go upstairs and pack a few things. We'll be heading out soon~" Yukiko finally put her phone away and turned to her with a bright smile.
"Huh? Pack a bag?" Shizuka blinked in confusion, not quite catching on.
"Yep. We'll be staying out for a couple of days this time. Since Yusaku has his own business, there's no point in us going back home." Yukiko stood and picked up her plate as if to clean up.
"Shizuka, you don't need to bring everything. Just a couple of changes of clothes and toiletries will do."
"Oh, alright then. Yukiko, can you find me a bag to use?"
"Sure thing. I'll grab one after I finish here." With a smile, Yukiko agreed and watched Shizuka disappear upstairs before her gaze lingered, her expression turning sly.
"Yusaku, it seems Shizuka's worried about her friend~" she said teasingly as she wrapped her arms over his shoulders.
"Mm. I knew Shizuka had her own kind of charm, but I never expected her to be friends with the world-famous thief, Fujiko Mine." Yusaku chuckled, shaking his head. Shizuka was never great at hiding her feelings, especially not in front of someone like him, whose keen perception could pierce right through her.
"That just means you don't know her as well as I do. The Shizuka I know is the most captivating woman in the world~" Yukiko poked Yusaku's forehead with her finger, grinning mischievously.
"Oh? More captivating than you? That's the first time I've heard you admit something like that." Yusaku laughed softly, taking her hand from his shoulder and kissing the back of it.
"Hmph~ Of course I'm the most charming woman too. But Shizuka's different. She has a kind of allure all her own." Yukiko pulled her hand back, her eyes carrying a subtle gleam.
"Maybe you wouldn't understand men usually don't."
"No, I do understand. That's why I'm glad I met you first, Yukiko." Yusaku shook his head with a helpless smile.
"Ha! Then you'd better count your blessings for marrying me~" Yukiko paused for a moment but quickly burst into laughter, looking pleased.
"Though I probably shouldn't ask… Yukiko, I'm curious. What exactly are you planning for Shizuka?"
"Oh, come on, don't pry so much. I have it all figured out." She playfully pushed his shoulder with mock annoyance.
"Go get your things ready, Yusaku. I'll check on Shizuka upstairs."
Humming cheerfully, Yukiko hopped up the stairs. Yusaku watched her go, shaking his head with an amused sigh.
"So much for cleaning up the dishes."
…
"Yukiko, where exactly are we going today?" After an hour in the car, Shizuka finally gave in and asked.
"Hmph, I thought you'd hold out until we actually arrived." Yukiko pushed her sunglasses up onto her head and gave her a teasing grin.
"Seriously though, we've been driving for over an hour. We're about to leave the city at this rate," Shizuka pressed.
"Exactly we're heading out of the city~"
"Ugh." Shizuka clicked her tongue in frustration. This woman never gave a straight answer, and it was driving her crazy. She clenched her fists, resisting the urge to knock some sense into her.
"If you're bored, how about you take the wheel for a while?" Yukiko laughed, watching Shizuka sulk like a child turning away in a huff.
"Hmph!"
"Well? Want to?"
"Fine hand it over!"