partners in crime. || [saimota]

four || orientation day.

11037 Absolute Avenue.

Or, more specifically, the penthouse Shuichi would be living in from now on.

He stepped out of a sleek, black car while carrying two suitcases that were his luggage. Apparently, the HOPE had living quarters for every member (for both security and convenience's sake, Kyoko had told him on the ride there), which meant that he would officially be leaving his old life behind.

Shuichi still wasn't sure how he felt about it all.

He glanced back at Kyoko, who made no attempt to exit the car, shooting her a quizzical look. "Um... Aren't you going to get out?"

Kyoko shook her head and chuckled. "I have far too many responsibilities to tend to to be able to give you a tour. But, I'm sure Momota or one of the other members of your team will help you find your way around."

"Ah... Alright then."

"Alright. Goodbye, Saihara. And good luck—you'll need it."

"Yeah, thanks... Bye."

Shuichi shut the door and Kyoko sped off soon after, leaving a wave of anxiety coursing through his body. Trying his best to calm himself down, he turned towards the penthouse.

Well, here's to my new life as a secret agent.

The inside of the penthouse was marble floors, elegantly-crafted glass walls, and high-rise ceilings. It was nothing short of awe-inducing, undoubtedly.

The only problem, though, was that he had no idea where he was even supposed to go.

Shuichi looked around. Kaito was nowhere to be found, and the only other person around was a rather short man standing by myself near a corner who he was hesitant to approach. But... it seemed like he didn't have much of a choice.

And so, gathering his bearings, Shuichi carefully went up to the short man. Now that he was closer, he could see that he had short, blonde hair in a buzzcut and wore a black-and-white pinstripe suit. The dragon eyepatch over his right eye and the scowl on his face really sold the "don't fuck with me" look.

The blonde man raised an apprehensive eyebrow upon noticing Shuichi approaching. "Can I help you?"

"Er, ah, well..." Shuichi's eyes darted everywhere but the man's eyes. "I'm, uh, actually new here, and—"

"Wait." The other man squinted up at him. "Aren't you that recruit Momota's been fucking blabbering about non-stop?"

Shuichi blinked. "I, uh... Yes?"

Immediately, the blonde's face deepened into a scowl again, and he pulled his phone out of his pocket. Angrily punching in a number, he pressed the phone against his ear as someone picked up.

"Where the hell are you and Momota?!" the blonde hissed. He paused as the person on the other end spoke. His scowl only deepened as he responded with, "The fuck you mean you lost him?! Have you seen the guy?" Another pause. "Yeah, the recruit's here." Pause. "Fine, just hurry the hell up, okay?!"

Shuichi was awkwardly watching this exchange as the blonde hung up and stuffed his phone back into his pocket. Sighing, he looked up at the taller man.

"Momota should be here in a bit. In the meantime..." The blonde stuck his hand out for Shuichi to shake. "The name's Fuyuhiko Kuzuryu. Been part of the HOPE for about ten years now."

Ten years?! Shuichi was only acutely aware that his jaw was hanging open.

Fuyuhiko smirked at his reaction. "Pretty fucking impressive, right? I'm also the director of your team."