Chapter Text
It was a couple days after the culture festival and Kanji was still hearing people talk about him behind his back, just for different reasons than he was used to. As usual he was trying to tune it all out on his way home from school, so he was surprised at someone addressing him by name, “Kanji Tatsumi?”
“Huh?” Kanji turned around to where an older guy in a suit and shades was waving him down. “Yeah, that’s me.”
“Ah!” he stared Kanji up and down “Do you know of a boy known as the Detective Prince, Naoto Shirogane?”
“Ya I know ‘er- uh, him.”
“Good then could you deliver this to him for me? He’ll understand what it means.” He said this as he shoved an envelope into Kanji’s hands and quickly walked away.
“That was weird, guess I’ll give this to Naoto when I see ‘er at school tomorrow.” He thought to himself, continuing his way home through the shopping district.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The next day Kanji decided, after classes had ended, that he should go find Naoto, he had to give her that envelope that old dude gave him. He found her hanging around the first floor hallway and she didn’t seem like she was in a rush to get home. “Uh hey Naoto.”
“Oh hello Kanji-kun, sorry I appear to have been lost in thought.” It seemed like she wasn’t in much of a talking mood.
“Um well, I was supposed to give this to you, some guy gave it to me an’ said you’d get it.” He handed her the envelope.
“What?” She looked at the envelope, “He said I’d understand? What’s that supposed to mean…?” She paused for a moment. “Excuse me, but could you accompany me for a brief period…? I’d like you to tell me more about the events that led to you receiving this card. It wont be long.” Without really waiting for an answer she rushed off and out of the school.
“Wait Naoto!” Dammit hold on!” Kanji rushed after her as a blush spread across his face from the attention he gained by shouting after her, and at the thought that she wanted his help.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naoto brought him all the way to the sheltered table down by the Samegawa flood plain. “Um, I apologize Kanji-kun, I wanted a quiet place to talk. Could you tell me what sort of person gave this to you?”
“S’ no problem,he was an older guy in a suit and dark sunglasses. He got my attention on my way home from school. Seemed like he knew you.”
Naoto pondered this for a moment “Sunglasses and a suit. Hm. Wearing something like that would cause him to stand out quite a bit.”
“Maybe he wanted to make sure his face weren’t seen?”
Naoto’s eyes widened then closed as a small smile spread across her face, “Of course, an astute observation Kanji-kun.”
He blushed at the compliment “S’ nothin”
Naoto continued, “This man must’ve known of you as well and your relation to me, as he wouldn’t trust this to someone he did not know of.” She pondered, placing her chin on her knuckle.” But this is a small town… He could’ve just looked up my address. Why go through the trouble of giving it to you? Is he involved with the case? Or another altogether…? If it’s me he’s after, he could be anyone.”
“If he’s after ya, I’ll make sure he regrets it!” Kanji blurted out, pumping his fist in the air, surprising both himself and Naoto.
“O-of course, Kanji-kun. B-but I cannot drag you further into this. This appears to be my problem to solve.’ They both sat there, a blush growing on each of them.
Kanji spoke up though unsure of where his confidence was coming from, especially since it was over Naoto. “Nah, I-i gotta stick with ya for this. He could be dangerous. N-not that I think you can’t handle yerself, but two people would be better than one right?” His face fully red now.
“Huh?” Naoto’s voiced raised as she was taken aback by his statement. “Er, well… It’s good to hear that you’re worried for me, but…” She looked down a bit. “I’m sorry, I seem to have a bit of a tin ear for other people’s feelings… Yosuke-san’s told me so before. I’ll look into this card and tell you if I find anything of value. So… don’t worry about me.” She looked thoughtfully at Kanji. “I know you must also have a lot going on.”
“Is- is she… worried… about me?” Kanji thought to himself. As they both sat there at that bench together, they felt a faint bond forming between them. “W-while were here, you wanna just chat for a bit?” Kanji stammered out.
Naoto nodded thoughtfully with a smile, “Of course Kanji-kun, what would you like to talk about?” And they sat there for a while talking about various things until it turned dark outside and they decided to return home. Both of them wishing it wasn’t as late as it was.