To conduct the singing misfortune [Dazai and Reader]

Super Deduction III

It was the middle of the night on a downtown street. We sat on the quieter side of the bustling road in a car. My brother typed away on his laptop as I attempted to make fun by picking at the scabs on my cheeks.

Osamu originally wasn't going to take me with him, but I caught him trying to leave when I woke up. Sasaki was still in the tatami room, so I was on edge. I hate to be a burden to whatever whims he's pulling himself along, but the idea of being stuck in the dorm with my ability and a stranger would have sent me into a panic attack.

"I can't wait for this case to be over." I had no clue what he was doing, but I'm sure it'd turn out okay. Osamu smiles, "I'm no good at this electronic stuff...But I guess this isn't something I can let others do." He chuckles, and I think I get what he's doing now. I hum, trying not to fall asleep, pressing my fingers against the open wounds on my face. "Now, will the Detective Agency – will Kunikida – be able to see through the smoke and mirrors and save the city of Yokohama?"

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The cafe on the first floor of the Agency's building is pleasant. I watch the people going by, sipping on my milkshake as Osamu goes on his mini date with Sasaki – Well, it's not a date, but Osamu wanted it to seem like it was for when Kunikida found him. The rest of the Agency should be just about done with their conference. They were examining the email. I'm sure I have everything summarised in my head already, so I didn't bother to attend the catch-up. I'd sooner slack off with my brother.

"Is this your first time in Yokohama? I could show you around if you want." Osamu made friendly conversation as I watched the woman's reactions and words. "Really? You'd do that for me? I would feel terrible, though... It sounds as if things are chaotic at the Agency with the bomb threat. You even said Detective Kunikida has been busy with phone calls all morning." I hum, "But Kunikida's always like that."

"Yeah, he's a workaholic! A real glutton for punctuality. Get this – If you tell him to meet you at twelve o'clock, he'll show up within ten seconds of twelve every time. What is he, a train?" It was like watching a gossiping 15-year-old talk about the weirdo in class. "Oh my... You don't say."

Kunikida storms to the table, finally finding us, "What do you two think you're doing, skipping work?! And don't use me in your attempts to pick up women!" I giggle into my drink. Osamu ignored him persistently, "Oh, and when we were at this abandoned hospital, Kunikida thought he saw a ghost, and he started shrieking like a little kid—"

"Don't ignore me!" Kunikida swung a hand into the back of Osamu's head, knocking him forward as I burst into laughter. "Ouch! What was that for, Kunikida?" Osamu's hurt expression turns into a smile, "Hmmm? Kunikida? How long have you been there?"

"Don't play dumb! You knew I was behind you! Anyway, what do you think you're both doing? We have a dire emergency, and you're on some fancy date? Not only that but with a victim from one of our cases!" I wave my hand, "Does it count as a date if I'm here, or are you just seeing what you want to see?" Osamu grins, "Are you jealous?"

"I'm not jealous!"

"Come on – Don't be like that. Miss Sasaki was almost killed by some monster. The poor gal's traumatised. Ensuring her safety and tending to her psychological well-being is an urgent duty for the Agency, wouldn't you say? And from my experience, all it takes is a smile and some kind words to get a woman swooning over you if she's fallen on hard times. Besides, how could someone as flippant Kunikida ever have a chance? That's just what makes you Doppo Kunikida. I asked, and she doesn't have family or anyone else. Also, she and her boyfriend separated not too long ago. So she's available, Kunikida."

The man plays oblivious, "Available for what?" He was fully aware.

I grimace, "Men are all the same. A struggling woman should be given the support of someone who wants to help her – Not take advantage of her." Sasaki giggles, "Either way, I appreciate the help." I almost roll my eyes.