Chapter Text
Fumi stopped at the crossing, glancing up at the illuminated sign. Aobahara was certainly a stark contrast to where she lived. It was bustling, bright and noisy. It wouldn't be where she'd usually go if it wasn't the haunting ground of a certain someone. The cars stopped, the light turning green and she crossed. The InaUsaKa detective agency was just ahead, a little way out from the centre. It was tucked in a quieter corner of the city, just far out enough to not be too noisy but just close enough to get good customers.
Fumi opened the door slowly, peering her head in.
“Good morning!” She chirped as she looked around the messy office. Anime merch was piled up on the shelves alongside case notes pinned to a whiteboard that was amuck with scribbles. A girl on the other side of the room looked up, a wide smile spreading across her face.
“Fumi! You came!”
“O-Of course I did, Inaho..!” Fumi giggled, albeit a little nervously. Her best friend and classmate, Inaho, had invited her to join her detective agency. Although it was advertised to the naked eye as a regular detective agency it was actually for Yokai mysteries. Both girls had a secret they had to keep from most other kids in class, they wielded Yokai watches that allowed them to see and befriend Yokai.
“I’m so excited to start solving mysteries with you, Fumi!” Inaho grinned, her cheeks flushing in excitement.
“Hey!” A little voice piped up, a small Yokai clambering onto the desk next to her. “Don’t act like I haven’t been working with you all this time! It’s all of our detective agency dani! Ina-Usa-Ka!” He snapped, crossing his arms. Despite his cross tone, he was a small and rather adorable Yokai.
“Usaaaa… I know… “ Inaho grumbled, “I’m just excited to spend more time with Fumi… we’re not in the same class, remember?”
Fumi chuckled as she watched the two argue, it was never a real argument, more a little squabble between the two of them.
“Usapyon!” She beamed, “I’m happy to see you too!” The grouchy little Yokai found it hard to hold back a perky smile. He hopped off the desk, waddling over to be lifted into Fumi’s open arms. She giggled as she squeezed him in a hug.
“Are there any requests today?” Fumi put down her bag and meandered over behind the desk where Inaho was sat. The desk, just like the rest of the office, was stuffed with anime figures and plushies. She recognised a couple of cute girls from a few of the anime Inaho shared with her during their movie nights.
“Not yet… “ Inaho huffed, pouting slightly. She had her laptop up on the desk with the InaUsaKa blog on view. They would get posts whenever someone needed help but the feed was empty.
“Oh, I was hoping we could start something straight away… “ Fumi sighed and dropped Usapyon back onto the desk.
Just then, the door opened, the bell above it ringing. Everyone looked up in unison to see someone walking in slowly, a dark hood shrouding their face.
“Chi-watchi! Welcome to the InaUsaKa detective agency!” Inaho called out eagerly as she gave her usual greeting. “Your wish came true, Fumi!” She whispered behind one hand.
“What can we do for you?” Fumi walked closer, bowing politely.
“I… um… “ The figure looked across the three of them slowly, seemingly sighing in relief as they noticed Usapyon. Although much of their face couldn't be seen, all of them could tell they were a little anxious. “I wanted your help to… go to Yomakai.”
“Eh? Yomakai! Sure thing!” Inaho grinned, standing up abruptly. “Come on guys!” She was eager to take such an easy sounding job.
“Are they are Yokai?” Fumi whispered as she carried Usapyon off the desk.
“Yeah, feels like it.” Inaho shrugged.
“Why would a Yokai need help going to the Yokai world?”
“Beats me… “ Usapyon muttered unhelpfully.
The four of them headed outside to where an Ungaikyo was sat, watching the world go by.
“Here’s the Ungaikyo!” Inaho gestured, “Where we headed then?”
The Yokai looked down, fidgeting with their hands.
“Um… New Yoma City… “ They muttered.
“Yeah! We can do that, just stay close!”
Inaho reached out her hand to the Ungaikyo and the three of them were swallowed by light.
“Here we are!” Inaho called out as the three of them landed on the grass of the public park. “New Yoma City!” She suddenly jumped as her stomach growled loudly. Everyone looked at her in shock. “Ahh..! I didn’t have breakfast..!” She mumbled sheepishly.
“Inaho..!” Fumi giggled in a half scolding manner, “Breakfast is important you know..!”
“Can we get something to eat?”
“Well, let’s ask our customer first..!" Fumi turned to the Yokai with a smile. "We’re here now, is that everything you wanted?”
“Well actually I… “ They mumbled, “I have to meet with someone… “
“I’ve got a plan!” Inaho jumped in between them, making both of them jump in shock. “First! We get food! Second! We finish your request!”
“I-Inaho… that’s a little unprofessional… “ Fumi sighed. Putting her own needs first was a very Inaho thing to do.
“I’m… okay with it… “ The Yokai added quickly.
“Okay then… “ Fumi sighed, a little embarrassed by Inaho’s selfishness. She had a sneaking feeling their client didn't have many other options.
The four of them headed to the food district, Inaho continuously mumbling about what to eat. The smell of cooked goods instantly invaded the nostrils. It was hard not to be sucked in when in the area along with the large props of foods on top of the respective buildings.
“Um, would you like to choose?” Fumi nudged the Yokai’s side gently, “Since well, we should be helping you.” They looked up at the restaurants, eyes going between the three choices.
“I like… Sukiyaki… “ They nodded slowly, “Is that okay?”
“That sounds lovely!”
“Sukiyaki? That’s a bit fancy dani… “ Usapyon grumbled, reaching for Fumi’s hand.
“You always eat junk food! You can’t judge!” Inaho snapped, flicking the ears on his helmet. “Haven Sukiyaki it is!” Usapyon growled but she'd skipped inside before he could even give his reply.
Inaho was inside first, greeting the Wicked Yokai cheerfully. Fukai led them to their seats at the back of the restaurant, giving her usual attractive welcome.
“She’s so pretty~!” Inaho cooed, sighing longingly as she slumped down in her seat. Fumi giggled as she watched her gazing off. Of course Inaho had eyes for any pretty girl.
“What’s their name?” The Yokai pointed across the room at Hakai who was tending to another table.
“Hakai, he’s kinda grouchy… “ Fumi mused. The Yokai nodded, looking back but rubbing at their arm nervously. Fumi could swear she saw a blush of pink on their cheeks. She was honestly surprised Inaho hadn't gushed about him either as she could go either way. All of them fell silent as they slipped into their menus, crushes could wait when such delicious smells were taunting them.
“Fumi, Fumi… “ Usapyon tugged at Fumi’s arm, pulling her in behind the menu. “Do you get a weird feeling from them?” He pointed at their client who was also behind their menu.
“N-No..?”
“Eh, must be a Yokai thing… I’m getting bad vibes dani…” He huffed and Fumi frowned. She hadn't thought so but his accusation made her stomach tighten a little.
“Um, who is it you’re meeting?” Fumi spoke up.
The Yokai looked up but quickly buried their head back into their menu.
“It’s… no one special… I just want to apologise to them… about something I did… “
“That’s very brave of you! It’s really hard apologising sometimes!” Fumi smiled, lighting up a little. Perhaps Usapyon's instinct was wrong after all.
“Well… yes… “ They nodded.
“Excuse me, may I take your order?” The Fukai strode over, wielding her notepad and charming smile. Half the table became a little distracted for a moment.
"Yeah, I'll have the-"
“You can take my phone number!” Inaho piped up.
“Inaho!” Fumi and Usapyon yelled.