𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 (Kunikida x Y/N)

13: Please help us bring them down

The familiar aroma of coffee lingered in the air as Y/N sat at the cafe table with Atsushi, Dazai, Kunikida, and now Ranpo Edogawa. 

The group's chatter hummed softly around her, but her mind was miles away, trying to process the presence of the man sitting across from her—Ranpo, the detective who could potentially unravel everything she'd worked to hide.

Ranpo, seemingly oblivious to Y/N's discomfort, munched away on a bag of chips. After a few moments, his gaze landed on her. 

"Don't you have anything to order?" he asked, his voice casual, but something about his demeanor made Y/N tense.

She flinched slightly, but luckily, no one seemed to notice. She lifted her head and met Ranpo's eyes. He was smiling, as if he hadn't a care in the world, popping candies into his mouth like a child at recess.

"Uh.....cappuccino." Y/N finally said, her voice a little shaky as she tried to maintain her composure.

The waitress, who had been waiting patiently for her order, nodded and walked away. As soon as she left, Y/N felt a weight lift off her shoulders, but not for long.

Ranpo's gaze didn't leave her. His green eyes gleamed with curiosity, a knowing smile tugging at his lips as he introduced himself. 

"Let me introduce myself properly." he began, tipping his hat slightly. 

"I am Ranpo Edogawa, the greatest detective!" His voice was enthusiastic, and it was clear he believed every word of it.

Y/N forced a nod, trying her best to remain polite. 

"I'm....Y/N L/N. Nice to meet you." she said as formally as she could muster, though her voice betrayed her discomfort.

Ranpo's smirk widened. "No need to be polite. I don't bite." he said playfully, tearing open a new bag of chips and popping one into his mouth.

Y/N blinked, unsure of how to respond. 

"Ah....okay," she replied awkwardly, her voice trailing off. She had heard of Ranpo's reputation, but meeting him in person was something else entirely.

Across from them, Dazai was grinning, clearly enjoying the exchange. The way his eyes darted between Y/N and Ranpo told her he was far too entertained by her unease.

Kunikida, however, had more serious matters on his mind. He cleared his throat, breaking the brief silence. 

"Ranpo." he called, gaining the detective's attention. Ranpo's gaze shifted from Y/N to Kunikida, his expression now curious.

"We might need your help with something." Kunikida began, his tone serious.

Ranpo swallowed his mouthful of chips and nodded, motioning for Kunikida to continue.

Kunikida didn't beat around the bush. 

"I'm sure you already know about my kidnapping incident." he said, his eyes narrowing slightly as he recalled the events. 

"What I need is for you to find out who the Crimson Queen is."

The words hung heavily in the air. Y/N felt her blood run cold. She forced herself to keep still, her hands clasped tightly together under the table. She could feel her pulse pounding in her ears, but she couldn't let it show.