"Y/n?" I heard a meek voice coming from the door, "I'm here!"
"You can just come in Shuichi, I've known you for a long time..."
Shuichi gently opened the door, "I can't just come in... That's not polite..."
The shy detective took his seat across the lounge from me. He seemed to be very embarrassed, hiding behind his hat meekly.
"I was surprised when you suddenly called, is everything alright?"
"I uh- need your help on something.... Something kind of dumb...."
"I'm sure it's not dumb, just tell me alright?"
"Well..." He averted his eyes, "A girl went missing and-" His face was bright red. "Since you're a girl, could you please help me?"
I was shocked, this is what he was being so shy about?
"That sounds easy enough, what would you like me to do?"
"Go undercover with me, as my- my" He started to stutter.
"My what?"
He quietly whispered, "my girlfriend..."
Now it was my turn to redden, "w-why would I have to do t-that?!"
Shuichi looked down trodden, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked, I know you wouldn't want to be seen with a guy like me...."
"It's fine, honestly Shuichi! It's just pretend right?"
I figured he would cheer up, he looked even more depressed though. "Yeah...Pretend..."
~*~
"Uh...I'm not used to places like this." Shuichi was gripping his forehead like he had a headache.
"So, What kind of girl are we looking for?" I glanced at Shuichi, who started to shuffle through his bag.
Shuichi opened a tan file, "Her name is Hanako Nodaka, she seems to be-" Shuichi looked surprised "Very "revealing," She likes the mall and hanging with her friends. She left after what looked to be an argument with her father over a boy."
"So that's why we're at a mall then?" I glanced around, the mall was packed.
"Yes..." Shuichi looked like he remembered something. "Ah, that's right! We have to pretend we're a couple!"
I looked at Shuichi, I wonder what's going on in his head? "So, how do couples act then? What do we do?"
Shuichi looked startled, "I figured you would know, you've gone on dates with lots of guys right?"
I shook my head, "Never, you're the first."
Shuichi brightened considerably, smiling for the first time on our outing.
"Let's try this." Shuichi put his hands in mine, it was nice and warm. "T-This is what couples do right?!"
"Your hands are freezing...Are you cold... Honey...?" Shuichi took off his large black coat and draped it over my shoulders "Would you like some coffee? I brought some money with me."
"That sounds great Shuichi!" I smiled, Shuichi responding with a very bashful nod.
~*~
"Are you two on a date?" The inquisitive waiter was smiling with glee, "You guys are a cute couple!"
Shuichi was hiding behind the menu, "S-Something like that, I'll have the coffee extra dark. And the ladies with cream."
The waiter took the menus, "Coming right up!"
Shuichi was sitting across the table, smiling shyly.
"Thanks for coming with m y/n, I know this is just pretend but-" He took off his cap and placed it on my head. "You really do look very pretty."
"I want to admit something to you... Something I feel very guilty about. It's..."
"Your drinks are here!" The loud waitress came in carrying our drinks, I couldn't help but notice her name tag.
"Hanako Nodoka..."
The girl walked away, a dance in her step.
"Hey Shuichi..Isn't that the girl we've come for?" I started to get out of my seat, only for Shuichi to grab my hand.
"Wait Y/n! I need to tell you something!" Shuichi took the file out of the bag, showing me it's contents.
"It's blank?"
Shuichi guiltily nodded, "I just wanted to go on a date with you... I didn't know how to ask though."
"Hmmm." I rested my hand on my chin. "How about we switch this from a pretend date... To a real one?"
Shuichi looked surprised, "You're not mad?"
I slightly shook my head, "I'm a bit angry you didn't ask me, but I know how shy you are so..."
Shuichi looked relieved, "I'll ask now then" He looked me deep in the eyes, "Will you, Y/n, go on a date with me?"
~*~
"Now that we're a couple, a real couple this time." Shuichi nervously scratched his nose. "What should we do?"
Shuichi responded a little loudly, "You know... We can..." He pointed to the mistletoe above us, "Kiss."
Shuichi leaned in, his face beat red.
"I love you, Y/n."
Shuichi took hold of my hand, and put his gentle lips against mine.
