〚 白鐘 直斗 - 𝐍𝐚𝐨𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐞〛

【 私は少しずつ自分自身を受け入れるようになりました...そしてそれはもう私を妨げることはありません。 】 ═ ═ ╰☆╮ ═ ═ 【 ❝𝘐'𝘷𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘱𝘵 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘣𝘪𝘵 𝘣𝘺 𝘣𝘪𝘵... 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘮𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳.❞ 】

Naoto had always seen about lavish parties and dates during the new year when she’s working, sporting such luxurious dresses. It has made her a bit curious… no harm in trying it out, right?

If you somehow managed to get into the detective’s good graces enough to spend the holidays with her… Well, it definitely won’t be a day the either of you two forget. Merry Christmas, and stay safe!

Suppose it’s a good thing it’s so close to the holidays. Behavior generally tends to be better around this time, meaning less work for her. Though of course, she’ll have her thoughts on it anyway. Nothing slips past her mind. Mostly.

❝Damn it… I might really have to start wrapping these things down again. These looks are starting to get annoying… all over some useless flesh.❞ Out of all people, why was she the one stuck with them? Especially with how serious she’s supposed be taken as a detective…

Me right now with all the good interactions I’ve had today-

“I’m glad to hear you’re able to depend on me, then. That’s the most important thing at the end of the day. It seems as though we’ll have no trouble getting along with each other.”

“That’s good to hear then. It’s not often myself I have many people to talk to on such a level… so perhaps we can exchange some meaningful words sometime.”

“Perhaps then you can help me understand more? Truthfully, you’re one of the few people I’d actually want to know more about. While you make yourself appear rather simple, I feel as though there’s much more to you than it seems.”

Seeing her pleased with Naoto’s words was really a treat in itself. It was hard not to feel a bit more chipper around such a bright personality, a breath of fresh air from the stress of work. “I’m glad I can earn such a reaction from you, then.”

“I wouldn’t say you’re annoying. Perhaps a bit… overwhelming, at times. Even so, I can tell that you mean no harm, and that everything you say is the genuine truth.”

“You say you aren’t too specialized in social cues, but I think there’d be countless people who would’ve killed to earn the attention of praise of someone as yourself. I’d say you’re more deserving of genuine words than most.”

It was definitely a bit overwhelming to hear all at once, even enough to bring a light red tint to the detective’s face. “I… I appreciate your honesty. It’s not really often I have someone come and say such things to me, after all…”

“…Thank you. Perhaps I’ll try being more appreciative of your views of me then.” While the bluntness was a bit more than she was used to, it’s not like she hadn’t liked the praise.

“Well, I won’t completely dismiss it. I’m always glad to be a good role model to look up to. Even if you enjoy it a bit too much at times.”

“If anything, I should be the one fawning over my cute kouhai. Not that that’s really my thing, but, you get the point. Just don’t get carried away.”

“…Flattery won’t get you far, I’m afraid. Not to mention, I wouldn’t exactly consider myself ‘cute’…”

Very much true. Looking forward to learning plenty about her then.

It’s something that Naoto never really considered much either. Guess that makes two of them.

“You really are too damn persistent at the worst times…”