"So, your recent case led to the freedom of an innocent man accused of raping a woman... Tell us, how did you figure it out?"
I took a deep breath and put my hands on my lap to calm myself down. My brain was constantly searching for the right things to say until I spotted Ryuji and Ann from the corner of my eye, giving me a thumbs-up.
"The man had countless of witnesses who claimed he could never do something so vile. And as I investigated the case even more, I noticed how the woman's past partners claimed she was manipulative. I figured it out when she began crying while I read through her testimony and changed it a bit to see if she caught it."
"So, you were testing her. As expected from you, L/N... You've gained a sudden boost of popularity once they wrote reports about the case. How do you feel?"
"To be honest, I'm a bit afraid. It took me a lot to get myself to accept this interview."
The reporter laughed and clapped her hands along with the audience. She rubbed my knee as if she were comforting me. All I could feel were her plastic nails digging through the fabric of my pants.
"Of course! It was a bit of a shock finding out you actually accepted an interview by yourself. I've only seen you with Akechi-kun twice in the media."
Why did you have to bring him in this? We were talking about my case. Don't change the subject for your own pleasure...
"I'm getting used to it. How can I be a great detective if I can't get over my stage fright?"
"That is true... Now, tell us something new about your relationship with Akechi? Have you two done anything lately?"
Here we go again.
"Other than bicker of who will be paying for the electricity bills, not really. We've been focusing on our work lately and we don't have much time to ourselves these days."
The audience laughed at my joke at first. The reporter seems to be enjoying this interview. I wasn't. How much longer? Didn't they say it was only an hour?
It's been an hour, right?
I took a quick glance at the timer behind the reporter.
It's only been twenty minutes...
Fuck.
"Ah, young love. You two are such a power couple. Just seeing you two work together so well makes me so glad for you two. Girl-to-girl, have you been thinking of marriage?"
"I'd be crazy if I was thinking of marriage at such a young age. I'm still in high school, for God's sake!" My voice squeaked as I was caught off-guard. Marriage? No, I'm way too young. I have a future way ahead of me!
It's such a stupid question, too! What is she thinking? Does she think high school couples will stay together forever?
I wanted to laugh. This will make it to the the headlines. That's what she wanted, I guess.
She's the reporter who lost her husband to someone way younger than her. The hell does she know about having a good marriage anyway?
Fuck her bullshit. She's just trying to get a reaction out of me. And she was clearly satisfied with the outcome as the girls on stage were interested in the topic. I bet the girls in the back were taking their pitchforks out to terrorize me...
Their hungry eyes burned through my head.
"You've never even considered it? Don't tell me you haven't imagined a family with a handsome young man as him..."
"No, I haven't, in fact," I frowned.
The reporter's lips curled into a scowl before she clapped her hands and leaned back against her chair.
"You're so focused on your career! That's almost admirable of you!"
"Almost?"
"I mean- Akechi has been the one taking care of you, hasn't he? I can't imagine what he'd waste his money-"
"Hold on? Waste? I hope you're not implying I depend on Goro financially. Because, I am just fine without anyone's help. How about you? How did you manage to get such a fine dress?"
The reporter straightened her dress and showed off her ring smugly.
Impressive ring. It sparkled under the spotlight. I could almost see my reflection through the mineral.
My mind raced around as I inspected the ring. She pulled away after a couple seconds. I didn't realize I was actually staring at the ring for too long.
"Our wedding is in two months. We've been planning this for such a long time..." The audienced aww'ed as the reporter fanned her face with those fake tears of hers. "Sorry, I get too emotional..."
"Such a wonderful ring... You know, diamonds tend to last long," I smiled, closing my eyes for a second before my hands rested on my lap once more. I took a deep breath and prepared myself for the worst.
At least, someone will get a laugh out of it. Because I will when the security escorts me out.
I leaned in closer, lowering my chin to make my voice louder on the microphone hanging on my collar.
I conjured up the nicest voice I had and-
"Now, let's hope this husband lasts longer than the last one..."
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Dude! That was so priceless!" Ryuji burst through the doors as I exited the building. I had the money already in my pockets. And the reporter's request to limit any interactions with her studio.
I crumpled the paper up and threw it in the trash.
"You definitely got banned. I would have done the same," Ann said, biting her lip. She was trying her hardest not to laugh. Her cheeks were almost red.
I chuckled and nodded.
"It doesn't matter. At least other studios know what not to ask... I've gotten a couple new requests immediately after this one. I already know what's going to be on the headlines," Ryuji wrapped his arm around my shoulder and messed my hair up.
"Famous reporter gets roasted by teenage detective! Dude! That shit is gonna make it big!"
"I didn't like her anyway. She was getting way out of your comfort zone," Ann crossed her arms as we walked over to the train station. "I would have left at that point."
"I was thinking of leaving, but I decided to give her a taste of her own medicine," I hummed. "Anyway, will we be heading to the palace today?"
"Hopefully Akira says so. I have a photoshoot tomorrow and I can't postpone it..." Ann sighed.
"About that... How did you and Morgana think of that move of yours?" Ryuji slid his arm back and stood next to Ann.
"Morgana wanted to meet up with me and told me the details of the attack. It came out way better than I expected," Ann explained to us how she did it. We listened to every thing she told us until we made it to the train.
"Holy shit, I think I got an idea," Ryuji grinned and grabbed my arm. "You know how you're super fast, right? Let's try this out!"
He pulled me in closer and whispered the idea the entire train ride.
"No fair! I want to hear your idea too!" Ann pulled his hair with a scowl.
"Ow! You'll have to wait and see it for yourself!" Ryuji pulled back and grinned as I took in the information.
An attack like that could work if Ryuji is patient and I am fast enough to hit the enemy before it sets off...
I'll have to give him a signal or else I'll end up getting hurt.
I should have told the reporter about my decision to work alone! Shit! Why am I just remembering about that?
I threw my head back and let out a small curse in frustration. When will I have a chance like this again?
"Somethin' wrong?"
"I got too personal with the reporter that I never got the chance to tell the public about me working alone..." I grumbled.
Ryuji raised an eyebrow and hunched his back as usual. Ann sighed and shook her head.
"That reporter distracted you, that's why. I wouldn't blame you if you forgot," Ann reassured me and placed her hand on my shoulder. "Come on, let's go get some crepes before we head home!"
Ann with her sweets... It's a miracle she hasn't gained any weight. The blessing of a fast metabolism is something anyone would die for.
"And Ryuji here is spotting us!"
"Huh?! The hell are you talking about?" Ryuji exclaimed as he chased Ann out of the train once the doors opened.
I walk out after them and smile as Ann's laugh and Ryuji's scream faded away.
Those two would make an amazing couple.