"Sorry for the wait, Yoshiki-kun."
Yoko Okino ca running over, her expression glowing with delight.
As she slipped into the passenger seat and fastened her seatbelt, she smiled and leaned slightly toward Hayashi Yoshiki, whispering:
"Yoshiki-kun, do you want so water? I got orange juice from the vending machine."
"Thanks, that's perfect."
Yoshiki accepted the drink and glanced at her makeup—ticulous, the lipstick fresh and glistening. It must have been reapplied just monts ago.
"Did the shoot go well today?"
"Yes! I finished all the scheduled scenes. Everyone kept complinting !"
"Then I'm sure your performance was exceptional."
"It's not that amazing..."
Yoko blushed lightly, averting her gaze with a shy smile.
She looked over at Yoshiki, who was focused on the road, her gaze softening.
"What is it?"
"Nothing. It's just... isn't it a bit early to head to dinner?"
"Yes, so I thought we could take a little drive first. But more importantly—Yoko hasn't told where the restaurant is yet."
"Ah!"
Only then did Yoko realize her oversight.
She quickly, bashfully shared the location, then asked curiously:
"What were you up to today, Yoshiki-kun?"
"I went to see a psychiatrist."
"Huh?!"
"Surprised? I was diagnosed with sothing called 'ti disorientation' today."
As he explained his symptoms while keeping his eyes on the road, Yoko listened with genuine concern.
When he finished, she leaned forward, looking straight at him.
"...That sounds really tough for you, Yoshiki-kun."
"A little, maybe."
"But if the doctor says it's not serious, then I'm sure you'll get better soon."
"I think so too."
He smiled with ease.
In truth, Yoshiki didn't see it as a problem. He believed the "ti distortion" had begun around the ti Shinichi Kudo shrank—when the plot of this world truly began. If the story had no end, then neither would this peculiar stasis in ti.
Which, in a sense, ant eternal life.
He didn't share that thought out loud.
The drive was short.
Rush hour traffic made sightseeing a chore, so Yoshiki and Yoko soon arrived at the Chinese restaurant she'd ntioned before.
"You two have reserved a private room. Please follow ."
Due to her public identity, dining in the main hall wasn't an option. Even with only two guests, they were placed in a large, round private room that could easily seat a dozen.
"Not exactly a romantic setting,"Yoshiki said with a playful tone.
Yoko laughed, choosing to sit beside him rather than across the vast table.
"The dumplings I had here last ti were amazing."
"Then I definitely need to try them today."
"Oh, and they have sweet apricot wine too—but you're driving, so..."
"Feel free to enjoy it. I'll stick with tea."
Ordering didn't take long.
Yoko went ahead and ordered a glass of apricot wine. As soon as she took a sip, her cheeks turned pink.
"Too bad I can't toast with you, Yoshiki-kun..." she murmured with a gentle smile. "Maybe next ti we can take a taxi?"
Already thinking about next ti?
Yoshiki studied her beautiful, joyful face. She truly was a charming woman—an idol with warmth, elegance, and just enough boldness to shine in private monts.
"Then let's plan for sowhere more atmospheric next ti."
"Mm..." she nodded quietly, hiding her smile behind the wine glass.
Soon, the food arrived.
Yoko went straight for the dumplings she'd been craving.
As she lifted one carefully on her spoon, Yoshiki called out softly:
"Yoko."
"Yes?"
"No vinegar?"
"You an the red one?"
"Yeah. In China, I think it's illegal not to dip xiaolongbao in vinegar."
"Eh?! Really?"
"Of course not."
He laughed at her wide-eyed expression.
"Geez, Yoshiki-kun!"
She pouted playfully but obediently tried dipping her dumpling. The vinegar, infused with slivers of pickled red ginger, brought a refreshing kick to the dish.
"Wow... this is delicious!"
Yoshiki agreed. The food was excellent. It even sparked nostalgia—this place captured flavors he hadn't tasted in ages.
After dinner, they headed back to the car.
Even during the short walk from the restaurant, Yoko had to keep her sunglasses and hat on. Only once they were back in the vehicle did she relax.
Yoshiki glanced over at her.
"Is Yoko really full?"
"Yes. I have to watch my figure, after all."
"That ans you're satisfied with how you look now, right? Then Yoko's figure must be flawless."
"Well, I am pretty confident."
Yoko chuckled, not shy at all—just proud.
Girls with a hint of narcissism could be irresistibly charming.
"So, where should we go next—"
Ding-ling-ling~ Ding-ling-ling~
Yoko's phone rang.
She quickly raised a finger to her lips, signaling Yoshiki to stay quiet.
"Hello? It's ."
"Ah... but I'm out right now. Can't it wait until tomorrow?"
"...Fine. I'll co now."
After she hung up, her smile faded.
Before she could speak, Yoshiki asked gently:
"Is it work?"
"Yeah... Sorry, Yoshiki-kun. I thought I could get away for the night, but they just gave another scene to shoot."
"It's all right. Work cos first."
"Still, it's a sha..."
"Let's plan for your next day off then."
"I'd like that."
Yoko didn't hesitate.
Once they reached her agency building, she leaned over and smiled.
"Thanks for tonight, Yoshiki-kun. I really had a good ti."
" too."
And with that, she slipped back inside.
Yoshiki didn't rush ho.
It was still early. He took a longer route back, idly letting the city pass by—until sothing caught his eye.
Screeeech—!
His tires screeched as he slamd on the brakes, causing the car to lurch.
He quickly shifted into reverse, backed up several ters, rolled down the window and called out:
"What are you two doing here?"
Standing at the alley's edge were the infamous duo:
Fat and Tall. No-Brain and Unhappy. Gin's underlings.
—And they looked like trouble.
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