Invisible String (Lawlight)

Chapter Four

Light's POV

The following week of my stay at the Task Force headquarters, the tension remained suffocating. L and I worked side by side, the handcuffs a constant reminder of our unspoken battle. The atmosphere was heavy with suspicion, but it wasn't until the phone rang that the balance shifted.

"Light, L, we have a visitor," my father's voice cut through the tension, his tone calm but with an undercurrent of curiosity.

I exchanged a glance with L, who was as unreadable as ever. Visitors were uncommon, especially given the sensitive nature of our work. But nothing could have prepared me for who stepped through the door.

"Misa?" I couldn't hide my surprise as Misa Amane swept into the room, her presence immediately drawing the attention of everyone there.

She was as striking as ever, her blonde hair perfectly styled, her clothes carefully chosen to enhance her charm. But behind her playful smile, I could see something darker—jealousy, maybe even suspicion.

"Light!" she exclaimed, rushing toward me without hesitation. She flung her arms around me, completely ignoring the disapproving stares from the Task Force members. "I missed you so much!"

I stiffened slightly, aware of L's gaze on us as the cuffs jiggled between us. His eyes were sharp, but his expression remained neutral. I couldn't afford to let Misa's impulsiveness jeopardize everything I'd worked for.

"Misa, what are you doing here?" I asked, keeping my voice light but firm. "This isn't a place for casual visits."

She pulled back slightly, pouting as she looked up at me. "I couldn't stay away any longer, Light. I needed to see you. And besides," she added, her voice dropping to a whisper, "I was worried about you."

Before I could respond, Misa's eyes flicked to L, who had been silently observing the exchange. Her expression darkened, and she suddenly pointed an accusing finger at him. "And what is this?" she demanded, her voice rising. "Why are you handcuffed to Light? Are you some kind of pervert?"

The room fell into a stunned silence. The Task Force members exchanged uneasy glances, and I could see my father shift uncomfortably. L, however, remained perfectly calm.

"Misa," I said quickly, trying to defuse the situation. "It's not what you think. L and I are working closely on the case, and this is just a precaution."

Misa glared at L, her jealousy flaring up. "A precaution? This is ridiculous! You're treating Light like a criminal, and now you're handcuffing yourself to him? How much closer do you need to be?"

L's gaze flicked toward me, his dark eyes narrowing slightly. "Miss Amane," he said, his voice calm and measured, "this is a serious investigation, and certain measures are necessary to ensure the safety and success of our work. There is nothing inappropriate about our arrangement."

Misa crossed her arms, clearly not convinced. "I don't care what you say. It's still weird. Light, you shouldn't have to put up with this."

I forced a smile, trying to soothe her. "Misa, please. This is just temporary. You don't need to worry about it."

She looked at me, her expression softening slightly, but there was still a trace of hurt in her eyes. "I just don't like the idea of you being so close to him, Light. It feels... wrong."

L didn't react to her words, but I could sense something in the air—something subtle, almost imperceptible. It was as if L was more aware of the dynamic between Misa and me than I had realized, though he gave no outward sign of it.

"Misa," I said gently, "I appreciate your concern, but this is something that has to be done for now. Please trust me."

She hesitated, clearly torn, but finally nodded and spoke quietly, "Okay, Light. But promise me you'll be careful."