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You stepped through the door of the apartment, tired and ready to collapse onto your bed. You couldn't stop thinking about what Fyodor had said earlier; "if you ruin this for us, malyshka, I am going to ruin you. Remember that before you allow foolish feelings to get in the way." The words were like a trapped bird, beating its wings against the walls of your thoughts, unable to break free.
You inhaled the familiar scent of your living room, tinged with the soft glow of lamps casting shadows on the walls. But as you took a step forward, you spotted someone you didn't expect to see at two in the morning still wide awake: Ranpo, seated on the couch, his eyes trained on you as you entered.
Your stomach dropped at the sight of him, even though you weren't too surprised, especially considering the fact that he'd been blowing up your phone since you left. You knew from the rigid set of his shoulders and the frown creasing his brow that he was angry. Your weariness faded, replaced by a prickling sense of unease. You braced yourself for the inevitable confrontation as you approached him.
"Where the hell have you been?" Ranpo snapped, his voice sharp and accusatory. "I've been calling you. It's been three hours."
You rolled your eyes, feeling your own temper flare in response. "Sorry, Dad," you shot back, your tone heavy with sarcasm. "I didn't realise I had a curfew. And also, my phone died. That's why I didn't answer your calls."
Ranpo's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenching. He rose from the couch, towering over you with a scowl. The air around you seemed charged, heavy with unspoken words and frustration. "Lies. Your phone was ringing."
Damn it. Despite the tension, you couldn't help but take in the details of the scene around you. The plush carpet underfoot, the soft light of the lamps casting a soft glow, the way Ranpo's hair fell into his face as he glared at you.
You stood your ground, staring back at Ranpo with defiance. "Fine, I purposefully ignored your calls. Why were you blowing up my phone anyway?"
He crossed his arms over his chest. "Maybe it's because you suddenly left without telling me where you were going, while it was pouring with rain, at nighttime, in a city that you're not familiar with. We may not be the best of friends but even I have enough humanity in me to worry."
You blinked your eyes like an owl, absorbing his words. "So...you care about me?" A corner of your mouth curved up in a mockery of a smile, "wow, detective. I never would have seen that coming."
Ranpo's eyes rolled of their own volition as you turned away from him and headed to the kitchen. Ranpo followed you.
"I'm not a heartless fiend. Of course I care." Ranpo frowned, leaning against the counter as you opened the fridge door, found nothing appealing, and closed it again.
