Prisoner's Conviction (Yandere Detective x Reader x Yandere Heirs)

Chapter 25: The Fears of a Child Seem Too Petrifying

Hotaka was awfully cheerful about being in that neighborhood. He spoke to anyone that passed by with absolute joy, and truth be told, the younger girl couldn't tell whether it was because he was always amicable or if he knew them to begin with. Either way, it was somewhat comforting to see him smiling. It was very like his personality, something that, despite being around him for a while, she never truly got used to. He was far beyond the introverts she was typically surrounded by.

"Do you come by here often?" the younger girl questioned, watching the male throw a basketball back to a few kids who squealed over trying to grab it, "You seem close. To everyone, I mean."

"Yeah, we all love each other here. Like a big family, I guess. That's really the only way to keep going. You won't see anything like this near hoity-toity people like Ryota."

"No kidding."

"But, yeah, I come here often. I try to help them out whenever I can, but no matter how much I earn, it never seems enough. Honestly, sometimes I kind of wish I was born into money to help out more, but if I was, I wouldn't have gotten to know everyone like I have. Not really a win-win situation, but I'm glad I even got one win. Does that make sense?"

(Y/n) nodded, giving a small chuckle. The male was very preoccupied with the people around him, always attempting to cheer them up or provide any support he could. Even if he couldn't, she wouldn't have imagined he would give up there. No, he seemed like the type to keep giving even if he had nothing more to give. He was that kind of person, and anyone could see that from a mile away. She didn't think the word "nice" or "kind" gave him enough credit. It was like he was some kind of angel. He certainly seemed like it with all the grateful gazes he received.

The two continued to walk until they reached a house. It was small and made of clay, a bit dilapidated, but from the sounds of the cheers coming from inside it, it didn't matter to the residents. In fact, as the purple-haired male shouted out something, the squeals only continued, the cloth that acted as a door being thrown aside. Kids of varying sizes, ages, and appearances rushed out and tackled the older boy to the ground, giggling and nuzzling him with utter affection.

"Hotaka! Welcome home!" they cheered, only a handful of them noticing he had brought home an unfamiliar girl.

A few stared with whispers to one another, shy to speak to her. She smiled, kneeling down to be on their level. With Nami, she had learned that speaking to her on her knees helped the younger girl feel more at ease. So to see that it eased the younger kids before her made her smile. She was glad she didn't intimidate them, and in fact, was rather welcomed by them, a few girls stepping forward to observe her. Some of them began to toy with her hair while others attempted to introduce themselves with bright smiles. All the while, Hotaka looked on with approval.

"These are my siblings," the male explained, motioning to the energetic children, "There's more inside, or probably wandering around the area somewhere. Wanna come inside?"

Nodding gently, the younger girl walked behind the children who pulled on her hands and pushed her forward. They were eager to show her inside, the cheerful atmosphere a bit offputting, but welcoming nonetheless. Food was being cooked inside with older siblings rushing around to set the table or help an older woman. She spoke loudly, instructing her older children to do this or that, everyone listening and following instructions, but retorting sassily with heightened tones.

Hotaka raised his hand, saying something that sounded similar to "maman", referring to the woman as his mother. It wasn't incredibly surprising, considering she held domain over the household. The woman looked over to the boy and gave a soft smile, leaving the numerous things cooking on the stove to hug him tightly. She then began to speak rapidly to him, even the male himself having a difficult time keeping up with her.