Happy World - Akechi x Reader

Intermission Ⅱ - Christmas Lights

December in Shibuya was chilly, not so much arctic but just enough that you could catch a cold if you didn't bundle up warm enough. In fact, it was the exact perfect temperature for snow to start falling, however, the clouds would not yield and kept the elusive winter magic to themselves, well, at least for the time being.

The streets seemed to be more full than usual at this time of year; tourists taking photos outside iconic landscapes that had been given a wintery makeover, salarymen that were still going about their mundane busy lives, trying their best to make the most of what they had, and couples out shopping together and admiring the Christmas lights that adorned the streets and trees.

"Goro! Look at the lights!" F/N exclaimed; her hand intertwined with Goro's. They were one of these said couples in this portion in time, out trying to find each other the perfect gift in the winter night. It didn't matter to them though, for this was the first time they'd be together for the holiday, with a sense of childlike giddiness controlling them. "Isn't Christmas time just so beautiful?"

Goro took the time to look up and admire the sight before him: Trees had never looked so dazzling than they had today, as they were covered in blue and white LEDs, simulating the look of snow for the definitive winter look. Archways had been covered with soft glowing lights, proving to be a popular spot for couples and families to take pictures together. Whilst your average cynic would call it tacky and tasteless, to those who held the spirit of the season, it was truly a beautiful sight to behold. He'd never really taken the time to admire such things, work and school had always taken top priority for him up to this point. It was truly refreshing to him to be able to enjoy the festivities with the eyes of another, his soulmate and love.

"It is, isn't it?" was all he could simply retort with, turning to look at F/N beside him. She was such a radiant view to him, as the lights reflected of her eyes causing the colours of her irises to pop more than usual, and the softness of her hair being drawn out by the cold colours. Truly, he wished he could snap a photo of her mentally and keep it forever as a beacon of hope for him, especially in his stressful career of celebrity detective prince. "If you'd like, we can take a break from shopping and just look at them for a while?"

F/N turned her attention back towards Goro, contemplating her next words, eyes flicking from side to side before eventually settling on a reply. "That sounds wonderful... but," she hesitated, looking down towards her feet before gripping onto Goro's hand firmer than before and holding it almost level to her chest. "I need to find you the perfect Christmas gift! The stores aren't open forever; you know."

Her sudden outburst had startled Goro, it wasn't something he was quite used to yet since they had only started dating a few months prior. The shock eventually wore off and he had to chuckle to himself about her passion for the season. "I guess you're right there," he smiled, pulling her hand towards his lips and gently kissing her gloved knuckles. Such acts were still new to him, but he always enjoyed the bright red blush that would adorn F/N's immediately after. He chuckled once more, "I still need to find something for you too. Something that suits you."

It was F/N's turn to be taken aback: Goro was usually astute when it came to plans, but for him not to have planned anything for Christmas? "Wait, you haven't found anything either?" she cried loudly, her free hand covering her gaping mouth as she stared at him in disbelief. "Aren't you usually on top of things?"

He had to try his best not to burst out into laughter at her outbursts, it was just so much fun seeing her full of energy, it gave him the energy he needed to carry on with the good parts of life, as it was something he was lacking due to all the sleepless nights he had to endure for his work.

Sure, detective work looked sparkly on the surface, and he certainly made it look that way thanks to all his television appearances, but under the surface, the cracks begin to show: staying up until ungodly hours filling out and filing paperwork related to the numerous classified cases, profiling suspects and writing up reports on them and then there was the actual apprehending of the suspect, some nights would go better than others and it would be evident on his face by the time morning came and -of course- he would always cover the effects with makeup, he had to look perfect for the cameras after all.