Chapter Text
“Stolen…goods?” Shizuku took a sip of her miso soup before looking at the detective in front of her.
“Indeed, the reason I came here yesterday was to find clues about my client’s stolen item.”
“Hmm, it's a bit rare for someone to come to this place. So, it’s not an ideal spot for pickpocketing.” Shizuku rubs her chin with her fingers.
Tsukasa let out a soft sigh. Now he just realized that solving this case will be much tougher than it seems. The detective lay flat on the floor’s carpet, staring at the ceiling as he started regretting his decision.
Shizuku looks at the depressed detective. She put down the bowl that had been emptied up, and fixed her mask position, before lifting herself up. The Miko approaches the detective, squatting down near him before she speaks. “I could help you if you want.”
Tsukasa’s gaze shifted towards Shizuku, his head lifting up slightly.
“I mean, I’ve been living in this forest since childhood. I might know some secret place where the pickpocketter hid the goods they found.” Shizuku spoke in a soft and sweet voice, as if she was an older sister to the detective.
Tsukasa's heart almost stopped at the sweetness of The Miko's tone. He lay in silence for a bit before finally sitting up. “I don’t want to bother your activity though,”
“It’s alright, I’ve done all of my activities during the morning.” Shizuku spoke in a prideful tone, her hand crossed on her chest.
“Don’t you need rest? Maintaining a shrine could be tiring—espescially if you’re doing it by your own.”
“Don’t worry about that, I’m all refreshed by the food you gave me.” Shizuku shook both of her hands in front, before letting out a soft chuckle. “Besides, I don’t want anyone to search through the forest all by themselves— especially someone who rarely visits this place.” Shizuku pauses to look at the two empty bowls and an empty plate on the table. “Besides, I need to repay you for those delicious meals.”
Tsukasa rests his hands on the back of his head. “You don't need to repay them, you know?”
“Still though…I’d feel bad if I didn’t do that.” Shizuku looks down onto the floor. Making the detective guilty for not agreeing with her.
Tsukasa took a breath and smiled. “Well, if you insist on going…I might need a hand later.”
“Then it’s been decided. I’ll help you with the case, and you’ll bring me some food until this case is completed.”
Tsukasa stood up and started to wear the detective cloak that he put on the floor. “So, do you have any recommendations on where we should start the investigation?” Tsukasa turned around and looked at Shizuku.
Shizuku claps both of her hands, his head tilt slightly towards them. “How about the cave near this shrine.”
“Cave?”
“Yes, there’s a small cave near this shrine.” Shizuku stood up and walked towards the door.
Tsukasa watches as she stands near the sliding doorframe. The moonlight illuminated her long light blue hair, making it look dimmer yet even more beautiful than usual.
Underneath the fox mask she’s wearing, Tsukasa could feel a soft smile as she spoke. “What are you waiting for? Come, I’ll lead the way.”