Chapter Text

Friction

There were few truths to be found in the world. Ironically, this itself was one of those rare truth. What was another one of these truths?

Naoto Shirogane LOATHED Yu Narakami.

Perhaps loath was a strong word for the detective's feeling towards her Senpai. But 'despised,' ''abhor,' and 'hated' were all too kind to properly describe the seething rage she had for him.

How did she come to despise this man? How did she come to be a reluctant toy for his amusement? It didn't start when they first met. No, it was their second meeting that made Naoto realize how annoying and obnoxious Yu Narukami was.

Naoto was required to take care of herself due to the Shirogane estate being too far to reasonably stay at while investigating the case in Inaba. This was not a difficult challenge for the Detective Prince. She could follow instructions and cook quick, simple meals for herself without problem.

All the same, going to Junes was still an annoying chore that she found herself doing. It was during her first shopping venture that she truly spoke to Narukami. She heard footsteps behind her, but didn't think anything of it. This was a grocery store after all, other customers were to be expected.

"What were you planning on making?"

But that voice caught her attention. The blue haired detective turned to it and found the speaker standing right behind her. It took another moment to remember where she had seen him before. She calmly greeted him.

"You were the one asking about Tatsumi, correct?"

"I am," he replied. He smiled at her, but she merely nodded in response, her face was as even and stoic as her voice.

"May I help you?"

"Sure. I'm looking for something to make for my little sis. What do you think she'd like?" He suddenly inquired, walking beside her and looking at the items on the shelves in front of them. He analyzed the price of one product and she could hear him mumble to himself. "That much? I need to talk to Yosuke about getting a discount around here..."

Naoto stared at the older boy in confusion, before shaking her head in annoyance. I don't have time for this. "I'm afraid I cannot help you with that. I must take my leave. Have a good-" She attempted to walk around the silver haired boy, only for her to stop as she felt a weight being lifted off her head. "My hat!"

"Wow, this is a very well made hat," the thief commented. He gently stroked the edges of the cap with his finger tips, marveling at the feel. "May I ask where you got it?"

"That is NONE of your business!" The detective was ashamed to admit she was in a bit of a panic. Without her hat, she feared her true identity was obvious now. Not to mention she feared for the condition of her father's hat. "Give that back at once!"

"Hm?" The tall silverette easily held the hat out of Naoto's reach. He stared at her slightly flushed face and he smiled. He gently placed the cap back onto her head. "You're cute without it on. Pretty, a bit girlish." Naoto's face got redder, though she thought it to be just from anger. She tipped her hat and pushed past him, leaving with her bag of groceries.

"I'm sorry. Was it something I said? I was trying to compliment you." He was still following her, though Naoto had to admit she was slightly surprised, perhaps she would have even been impressed if he wasn't so annoying. He was walking backwards, yet still keeping up with her. "I find your androgynous appearance is quite attractive."

"Is there a point to this farce of a conversation?" Naoto mumbled, avoiding meeting his eyes.

"Just making small talk. You know, foreplay, before I try asking you out on a date."

Naoto turned to the grinning stranger. At first, her face was shocked at the bluntness and context of the confession. Naoto was no stranger to love confessions. She had a small pile of shredded love letters from love struck, little girls back home. But confessions from another man were rare, and she knew he did not realize her true gender. "F-foreplay?!"

"Yeah. Foreplay. You know...intercourse before the dirty deed is done? I know its strange, but I enjoy talking it out with the girl or boy before we end up doing it. If they're ready for it, of course. I'm not a monster." His face. It was so easy saying what he said. There wasn't a blush, or a chuckle. It was more like stating a simple fact. "Would you prefer I bought you dinner first?"

"Enough!" She shouted, drawing the attention of other customers. She glared at the stranger, venom in her eyes. Girl, boy, it didn't matter. This man knew NOTHING of her struggles or her true self. Which meant he would get the same treatment as any other. "I have no interest in your games,and I certainly have no interest in YOU. It is absolutely ridiculous to treat someone you just met in this regard. Please, leave me alone."

The stranger blinked, his unique, grey eyes staring at her. Unique, she subconsciously realized, to him and her. Once. Twice. Then he smiled. "Well, why didn't you say so?" He gave a slight, though somehow still exaggerated, bow. He stood back up and continued to grin. "My name is Yu Narukami. Let's be friends...?"

The Detective Prince blinked, flabbergasted at this man. She realized why he paused and sighed, her annoyance and frustration evident. "You don't even know my name?"

"I know you're the most beautiful person I've met. You're brilliant, observant, and your eyes shimmer like the night sky. I find you fascinating, different from everyone else I've met in this small town, and in truth, different from a lot of people I've met in the many towns I've lived in."

"..." Naoto turned and walked away, leaving the (in more ways than one) stranger behind.

"By the end of the year, I hope to win you over, my Navy Sweet."

"Yu Narukami." She repeated the name to herself. She had seen him before. He had asked her about Kanji Tatsumi, not to mention he was seen with a previous disappeared high schooler, Yukiko Amagi. Perhaps it was merely coincidence, but it was worth investigating.

I hope to win you over, my Navy Sweet.

"Arrogant ass."

END

Chapters will alternate between focusing on Naoto to focusing on Yu. First four chapters are Naoto focused.

Hopefully you enjoyed the story. I am aiming for a very different Yu Narukami in this story. He's more of an anti-hero, with some very negative traits as the story goes on: Manipulative, uncaring, even cruel, but a big part of the story is Delinquent Yu growing past this and becoming a better man. I hope you stick with me, my friends.

Have a good day.