Simpland

Chapter 1

    I walk into the library, looking around. The windows are big, letting the sunlight stream in. It's slightly unused, which is funny since it's full of so many books, albeit covered with layers of dust. I take a deep breath, nervous. I promised Kunikida I would meet him here.
    While walking through the shelves of books, I see Poe in the mystery novel section. He looks lost in thought, reaching out to grab something. The sunlight hits him, illuminating his hair and clothes in an almost ethereal way. Karl is curled up near his neck, sleeping soundly. It makes my heart speed up.
    "Hey, Poe. What are you doing here?" I ask, softly. He's not usually outside much and it's nice to see him, even if he isn't making much contact with anyone in an empty library.
    He jumps, and I can see the hesitance in his body language. Even Karl, in his sleep, stirs. It almost makes me feel bad. He doesn't turn to look at me, instead transfixing on the books in front of him. "... Hi, Y/N." He doesn't say anything for a bit, almost lost in what to say next. I stay where I am to let him finish. "... I'm looking for a reference for my new novel."
    I feel my chest warm. He's so cute! But I really worry about him... He tends to stop caring for himself when he works on a new novel... I wish I could help him, but I haven't forgotten about Kunikida. I waive that thought away, however, focusing on Poe. "What did Ranpo say about the last one?"
    He immediately drops his nervous demeanor and instead turns to me, fire in him. "You wanna know what he said? I'll tell you exactly what he said! He said that it took him a whole minute more to solve than last time! Can you believe it?!"
    I can't help the genuine excitement that overcomes me after I see him so happy, "That's amazing, Poe!"
    He rambles on, "Yeah...! And he said that I'm getting better; I think I might actually beat him next time!"
    I get super enthusiastic! He's so adorable!! "Really? I—"
    "Y/N?"
    My stomach drops and my chest gets cold. I turn around and see Kunikida standing with his arms crossed, a scowl etched onto his face. It makes me tense, and I can sense Poe trying to shrink into himself. "Oh, Kunikida, I was just about to try and find you...!"
    "I'm sure you were. Who's that?"
    I think Poe is trying to just will himself out of existence behind me, and honestly I don't blame him. "Oh, he's just a friend!"
    "That's nice. We have work to do, you know."
    Kunikida's apprehension is almost palpable and it makes the atmosphere extremely thick. Flustered and jittery, I pipe up, "Yeah, of course! Let's go! I'll see you around, Poe!" I lead Kunikida away by his arm and glance back at Poe apologetically. Whether he actually sees it or not underneath his bangs, I'm not sure, but at least I could say I tried.
    I try to lead him away from Poe as fast as possible. "So who was that?" Kunikida presses.
      "I told you, he was just a friend," I whisper to him harshly.
    "You aren't exactly answering me."
    "I don't need to, he was just a friend. Why does it matter so much anyway?"
    I know I'm being defensive for no reason, but it's a little out of character for him to act so aggressive. Why does he have to micromanage who I talk to?
    Kunikida pulls his arm back, stopping us from moving any further. "Why can't you just tell me? Does he mean something to you?"
    I sigh. "Kunikida, he doesn't mean anything. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be so mean... It was just a little pushy, the way you asked. I won't keep you waiting anymore, I promise."
    I can sense his anger dissipate a bit, but he's still a little on edge. I feel terrible for lashing out at him... He's my friend, and I know he cares about me. And Poe isn't... the least suspicious character in the world, I have to admit that. The fact that he's in the Guild, too... I don't even want to think about what would happen if he found out.
    Kunikida calms and takes a deep breath, holding out his arm again for me to grab onto. It makes me smile to see him at least try to help the air clear. I take his arm and lead him to a table near one of the windows.
    The light streams through them, casting the library in a warm orange glow. I start to sit down in one of the chairs, "Let's get started on the work now, okay?"
    Kunikida takes the seat across from me, setting out the papers and starting up the laptop, setting it on the table. I look at him while he takes everything out, with the light gently illuminating his face.
    Kunikida takes one of the papers, types something on the laptop, and motions to another folder closer to me, "Y/N, can you pass me that file?" I snap out of my daze, and grab a folder for him, "Yes! Here you go, Kunikida."
    "Thank you," He replies, and hands me a pile of papers, along with a pen. "Can you underline the more important details for me? The president needs a report on the last case done by today." I nod at him, grabbing a pen and getting to work, underlining parts that seem helpful, annotating here and there.
    "Hey, Y/N?"
    I look up, surprised. Kunikida looks embarrassed, averting his eyes and fidgeting with his pen."I'm sorry for how I acted before... Would you like to get some lunch with me at the cafe on the way back to the Agency?"
    Taken aback, I answer, "Of course, I'd love to!" I add, on a calmer note, "And please don't feel upset...? I promise it's alright."
    Placated, Kunikida nods to himself. "Thank you," he replies, getting back to his work almost immediately.
    I look down at the stack of papers in front of me and try to focus. It's hard with Kunikida right across from me, but I manage.

...

    Kunikida walks beside me as we make our way to Uzumaki Cafe. The owner of the cafe greets us as we walk in. "Oh Kunikida! Y/N! How nice to see you today! The usual?"
    Kunikida answers for us, smiling warmly at the owner, "Yes, please." The owner looke between us back and forth, and I blush. "Anything else?" The owner asks kindly.
    "No thank you, I think we're fine." I reply, embarrassed. Kunikida leads us to one of the booths, closer to the back. It's getting late now, the sun is about to hit the horizon. We sit in silence for a few minutes before the owner comes back with our orders, one espresso, one cappuccino, and one slice of cake.
    "Oh, we didn't order any cake." I say. I look up, and see the owner winking at me discreetly. I don't have time to process it before Kunikida starts talking lowly.
    He clears his throat. "So," he begins, "I know that we've only met for a short while, but there's something I think you need to know."
    My heart speeds up and I can't help but feel breathless. My voice wavers, "What is it...?"
    "Well—"
    "Hey, Kunikida~!" Dazai screams from the front of the cafe.
    "Oh my God, not now," Kunikida groans.
    Dazai slips into the booth behind me and leans over to look at us both, "Whatcha doin'?" Then his eyes widen, sparkling. "WAIT! Don't tell me! Is this a DATE?!" He puts both his hands on his cheeks, cradling them, "You guys are SO CUTE!! Why didn't you tell me you guys were DATING?"
    Kunikida's cheeks turn red and he yells, "IT'S NOT A DATE! WE'RE HAVING A MEETING!"
    Dazai winks. "This is one romantic meeting then! I mean, look! One cake slice? How tropey! And very you, Kunikida."
    While they argue, I look at the owner, who's standing behind the counter and brewing a new coffee. He looks like he's having the time of his life.
    "Anyway," Kunikida grinds through his teeth, turning to me, "as I was saying before Dazai interrupted, I have something important to tell you."
    "Ooh, a confession," Dazai whispers. I blush, feeling his breath on my ear.
    Kunikida stands up, angry. "I can't do this here!" He looks at me apologetically. "I'm sorry, Y/N, but I'll tell you later, when we're alone, okay? I'm going back to the office." As he walks away, Dazai sighs.
    "Geez, what a spaz, am I right?" Dazai gets up and takes Kunikida's seat a little too happily. "Honestly," he drawls, "I don't even know what's up with the guy! Can't even take a little joke, how sad." He looks at me. "Isn't that sad?"
    I smile. As much as I love Kunikida, Dazai's know-it-all attitude is a breath of fresh air, and it's nice to be able to relax a bit. I sigh, looking out of the window in mock sadness. "So sad, I don't remember the last time I saw him smile." I hold one of my hands to my heart and rest the back of my other wrist to my forehead, "It's such a shame to see him so uptight these days."
    Dazai laughs and I see a bright glint in his eyes. He bows, or as much as he can bow while sitting in the cafe's booth. "Don't worry, I'll make sure to keep you entertained in his absence." He looks up from under the fringes of his hair, still bowing, and winks at me while a wide grin on his face. I can't help but feel my cheeks heat up.
     Looking out the window, Dazai hums. The sun is setting, and it's getting darker. "You know, it's going to be evening soon. Are you
heading home?" He rests his chin on his hand, not looking at me.
    I look down at the cappuccino in front of me. No one even ate anything yet, and I decide to remedy that. Eating a bit of the cake and sipping on my now lukewarm drink, I say, "Not particularly, why?"
    Dazai sits up straight, suddenly energized. "Well! If you have nothing else planned, let's go have a drink! I'm meeting a few friends at a bar across town, I'd love for you to join!"
    I blink, having just shoved another piece of cake into my mouth. Muffled, I reply, "I gueth I don' haf anything going on, but what do you mean by a few frienths?"
    Smiling warmly, Dazai laughs. "Don't worry, it's only two people," he reassures me.
    I pretend to think it over, putting the fork down on my plate in a big, showy gesture. "I don't know... What's in it for me?"
    He leans back, crossing his hands behind his head, assuming he's already won. "Free drinks and a night out with me."
    "Not much going on there, but out of pity, okay."
    Dazai gasps in mock hurt and pouts. "Fine, whatever!" Doing a complete 180, he adds, "And like a true gentleman, I'll escort you there! I'll even kiss your hand, princess." He winks flirtatiously, and I roll my eyes but can't help the smile that spreads across my face.