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Totomaru Isshiki trudged back from headquarters, his body weighed down by exhaustion after hours of paperwork for recent crime cases.
“So this is what my life has come to after following the great detective's deductions,” he mumbled to himself, rubbing the back of his neck.
On his way home, he decided to stop by Port Café, hoping that a quick coffee might rejuvenate him. As he entered the cozy space, the scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, and he immediately felt a bit lighter.
"Tototo!"
Toto’s ears perked up at the familiar nickname. There was only one person who would call him that. He looked over towards the large window and spotted Spitz, waving energetically at him.
“Spitz!” Toto greeted him, nodding slightly before walking over to join him. He slumped into the chair across from Spitz, barely keeping his eyes open.
“Having a rough day, huh?” Spitz grinned mischievously while taking a sip of his drink.
Toto let out a heavy sigh, resting his head on the cool surface of the table. “Amamiya-senpai... paperwork... tired,” he mumbled into his arm.
Spitz chuckled. “Sounds like you could use something to perk you up.”
Before Toto could respond, another familiar voice chimed in.
“Seems like what you need today is a little brown sugar syrup, Toto.”
Toto groggily lifted his head and found Ron, in his Chasaku Kamokyu disguise, standing beside him. Ron placed a glass filled with dark syrup in front of him, topped with a foamy pattern of a platypus—of course.
Toto blinked in mild terror. “Urm… I was thinking coffee might do the trick…”
Ron shook his head with his usual sly smile. “That won’t do, Toto. Too much coffee isn’t good for you. And I can tell you’ve already had some this morning—judging by the coffee stain on your shirt.”
Toto glanced down at his white shirt and noticed the faint brown mark he hadn’t realized was there. He sighed internally. That was Ron Kamonohashi for you—always noticing the smallest details.
“As if brown sugar syrup is any better for my health,” Toto replied dryly, glaring half-heartedly at Ron.
Ron smirked and leaned down slightly, meeting Toto’s tired gaze. “Brown sugar syrup is excellent for the soul, my dear Toto. Besides, it’s sweet—just like you.”
Toto felt his cheeks heat up, and he quickly turned his attention to the platypus design floating in the syrup, trying to hide his embarrassment. “Y-yeah, right,” he muttered.
Spitz, sensing the shift in the mood, leaned back with a grin. “You two are always like this, huh?”
Ron straightened up, his eyes gleaming with amusement. “What can I say? Taking care of Toto is part of my job.”
Toto huffed. “Don’t call it that. I can take care of myself, you know.”
“Sure you can,” Ron replied, his voice dripping with teasing affection. “Now, drink up.”
Despite his protests, Toto hesitantly took a sip of the syrup. The sweet taste hit his tongue, and surprisingly, it wasn’t as overwhelming as he feared. Still, he grimaced slightly, much to Ron’s delight.
“That’s the face I was waiting for,” Ron said with a chuckle, moving to sit beside Toto.
Toto shot him a look. “You’re enjoying this too much.”
Ron leaned in close, his voice dropping to a whisper. “Of course, I am. I get to watch you flustered.”
Toto huffed, but there was no denying the warmth in his chest. Even on his most exhausting days, moments like these with Ron and their strange little routine made everything feel lighter. Maybe, just maybe, brown sugar syrup wasn’t so bad after all.
“If you two keep acting like this, people are going to assume you just got married,” Spitz said casually, sipping his drink with a knowing grin.
Toto nearly spat out his own drink, eyes wide in disbelief, while Ron only hummed, lost in his own little world as usual.
“What do you mean??” Toto blurted out, his voice rising before he quickly covered his mouth, embarrassed.
Spitz chuckled. “Has anyone ever told you two look like a couple?”
Toto furrowed his brows, crossing his arms as he tilted his head, trying to recall. Now that Spitz mentioned it… they did get mistaken for a couple quite a lot.
There was the uncle at the raffle venue who gave them a couple’s ticket. That doctor from BLUE who asked if they were lovers. And that time Toto was taken hostage as Ron's 'precious person.' Even Ron once mentioned that dying together would make people think they were a couple—and then there were those matching shirts...
“Wow, that many?” Spitz gasped. “Even you, Ron-kun?”
Toto blinked in horror as he realized he’d said all of that out loud. “This stupid mouth of mine…” he muttered, cheeks burning.
Ron simply leaned back, humming in amusement. “Doesn’t it just show how close we are?” he mused nonchalantly, as if being mistaken for a couple was the most natural thing in the world.
Toto cringed even harder, while Spitz chuckled awkwardly. “But being mistaken for a couple, huh… well, never mind.”
There was a pause before Spitz suddenly perked up, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Oh! Speaking of that raffle… you won the grand prize, didn’t you, Tototo? Why don’t you go back to the hot spring again?”
"I won the grand prize" Ron interrupted.
“For what?” Toto asked, still flustered but slowly regaining his composure. Completely ignoring Ron.
“Don’t you need a break? It’s the best place to relax, right? Well, aside from the murder case that happened last time,” Spitz added, leaning back in his seat with a smirk.
Toto sighed. “I don’t even have the ticket anymore…”
Spitz’s smirk widened. “Did you forget who was working there at the time?”
Toto gasped, eyes widening in realization. “Right… you were undercover as the employee to catch Ron on act!”
“Bingo,” Spitz grinned. “And I can still pull some strings. So, how about it? Ready for some well-deserved relaxation?”
Toto hesitated, glancing at Ron, who hadn’t said much but was watching him with an amused smile. He wasn’t sure whether he could handle another trip with Ron to a hot spring.
Especially now, with the added weight of all those assumptions people were making about them…
But maybe, just maybe, he could use the break after all.
-
So, they arrived, and it was the same taxi driver who brought both Ron and Toto to the Benizome Annex. As the driver dropped them off, Toto finally broke the silence.
“We should’ve picked the homestay,” he muttered, eyeing the familiar inn they’d stayed at before.
“It still looks like a typhoon tore through this place,” Ron hummed, nonchalantly dragging his suitcase inside.
Before Toto could respond, the inn's owner suddenly appeared, beaming. “If it isn’t Nanban-sama and Isshiki-sama! Welcome back, our lovely couple!”
Toto nearly tripped over his own feet at the enthusiastic greeting. His face turned red as he opened his mouth to correct her, but Ron was quicker.
“Thank you,” Ron smiled smoothly, as though the comment didn’t faze him at all.
Toto shot Ron an incredulous look. “W-what do you mean, thank you? We’re not—"
But the owner wasn’t listening. “Oh, you must be exhausted! Come in, come in. We’ve kept your favorite room just as you left it!”
Toto groaned, rubbing his temples. “This is why we should’ve picked somewhere else…”
Ron merely chuckled, leaning over to whisper in Toto’s ear, “You know, we do make a convincing couple.”
Toto’s face flushed deeper, but he didn’t have the energy to argue. "Cut it out, and I swear if you brought your Life Game board with you too-- "
"Too late~"
-
“Ahhh, it feels so good,” Toto sighed blissfully as he sank into the hot spring, feeling the warmth envelop his body. “I missed this.”
The tension from endless paperwork and cases melted away in the heat, and he closed his eyes, savoring the moment. For once, his mind was quiet.
Ron, lounging beside him with his arms casually draped over the edge of the bath, grinned. “You do seem more relaxed. Maybe this trip wasn’t such a bad idea after all, hmm?”
Toto chuckled softly. “Yeah, even I needed a break. Just... some peace and quiet."
Ron hummed in agreement, watching the steam rise from the water, his sky-blue eyes peeking out from under his messy bangs. "I could get used to this too. No cases, no disguises... just you and me."
Toto flushed slightly, though the heat of the spring helped conceal it. "Says the one that keep begging me to bring him more cases. We both know as soon as we get back, we'll be swamped again."
"True," Ron said, leaning his head back and closing his eyes, still with a slight smirk. "But let’s enjoy it while it lasts. Besides, there’s something nice about just being ‘us’ without the pretense of work.”
Toto shifted, feeling Ron’s words resonate a little too deeply. They did spend so much time focused on cases and investigations, always running from one crime scene to the next. Being here like this, just the two of them in the quiet, felt oddly intimate.
"I guess... it's not so bad," Toto mumbled, glancing sideways at Ron, who looked perfectly at ease. "Still, the owner calling us a couple again—"
"You’re still stuck on that?" Ron interrupted with a chuckle. "Toto, I told you, we make a great pair. What’s the harm?"
Toto splashed water at Ron, who dodged easily with a grin. "Stop saying that! People are going to get the wrong idea!"
"Is it really the 'wrong' idea?" Ron teased, his grin widening.
Toto sputtered, caught off guard, before sinking lower into the water, his face glowing red. "Just... relax."
Ron chuckled and leaned back again, content. Despite the teasing, he found comfort in their companionship here—no mysteries to solve, just a rare moment of stillness between them.
-
Later that night, as they were walking to the Beni Room, Ron suddenly stopped, catching something out of the corner of his eye. Toto, mid-sentence about his workload, paused and watched as Ron wandered into a random room.
"Let’s play again, Toto," Ron said, holding up a familiar racket, eyes gleaming with excitement.
"As if! Last time wasn’t fair, and you made that ridiculous rule where the loser becomes the winner’s slave for life!" Toto huffed, crossing his arms.
Ron tilted his head playfully. "Hmm... does Officer Isshiki want to set a new rule?"
"No. I don't want to play it with you"
"Well then, I’ll set the rule again," Ron said, passing another racket to Toto and bouncing the ball on the table. "The loser..."
"W-wait! I said I don't want to--"
Ron tossed the ball into the air. "...will..." He smirked as he swung the racket, "...sleep in the same futon as the winner!"
Ron hit the ball hard, and Toto, caught off guard, barely blocked it with his racket, sending the ball sailing back to Ron's side of the table.
To his surprise, Ron made no move to hit it back, letting Toto win.
"Would you look at that? You won, Toto," Ron said with a sly smile.
"Wh-what?" Toto blinked in confusion. "I—see?? You’re being unfair again!"
"Am I?" Ron shrugged, putting down his racket. "But you won, Toto." He stretched his arms lazily. "This game made me feel sooo sleepy..."
Toto flushed, realizing he’d just fallen into Ron’s trap once again.
-
"Come on, Mr. Winner," Ron teased, patting the empty spot beside him on the futon.
"Please don’t call me that," Toto muttered, his face turning red as he stood there awkwardly. He watched Ron, who was already comfortably sprawled on the futon, looking completely at ease.
Toto hesitated, unsure of what to do next. Ron’s smile remained playful as he tapped the space again. "Don’t worry, Toto. A promise is a promise."
Toto sighed, finally giving in as he lay down next to Ron, trying to keep as much distance as possible.
"What’s the matter, Toto? Scared of sharing the bed with me?" Ron teased, with his usual playful smile.
Toto huffed, still unsure. "It’s not about being scared! It’s just... awkward."
Ron chuckled softly, his blue eyes peeking through his messy bangs. "Awkward? We’ve worked together for so long, solving cases, even dealing with life-and-death situations. And now, you're shy about sleeping next to me?"
"Shut up, and goodnight."
Ron turned on his side, watching Toto with a gentle look. "You know, you’re always so serious, even when you don't need to be."
Toto blushed under Ron's gaze. "Well, I have to be. Someone has to keep things under control with you around."
Ron’s smile softened. "I’m glad it’s you."
Toto's heart fluttered at the unexpected sincerity, his usual defenses melting away for just a moment. He turned his face to hide the pink creeping up his cheeks. But then Ron suddenly rolled to his side.
Toto's pulse quickening as Ron rested against him. The subtle warmth of Ron's presence made the moment both comforting and nerve-wracking.
"..."
"..."
"You're... too close," Toto whispered, his cheeks burning.
Ron lifted his head slightly and smirked. "Too close? I think it's just perfect."
Toto huffed in embarrassment. "Says the one who’s been glued to me all day."
Ron chuckled softly, his eyes softening as he gazed at Toto. "Maybe that’s because being close to you makes me feel... safe. Relaxed."
Toto's heart fluttered. "You’re such a sweet-talker," he muttered, trying to sound unaffected, but Ron's words hit him harder than he expected.
"Maybe," Ron said with a light laugh. "But it's true. You’re special to me, Toto."
A silence settled between them, the atmosphere shifting from playful to tender. Toto glanced at Ron, noticing the sincerity in his sky-blue eyes. He sighed, realizing that maybe—just maybe—he didn’t mind moments like this.
Ron stretched his arm out, gently brushing a stray hair from Toto's forehead. "Get some rest. After all, Mr. Winner needs his sleep."
Toto groaned, rolling his eyes. "If you call me that again, I’m kicking you off the futon."
Ron just grinned, closing his eyes as he settled comfortably. "Goodnight, Toto."
"Goodnight... Ron," Toto whispered, a faint smile on his lips as he finally allowed himself to relax.
-
The sunlight filtered through the curtains, hitting Toto’s eyelids. He groaned softly, pulling the blanket over his head to block the light. Just as he began to drift back to sleep, a sudden tug on his waist startled him awake.
Toto blinked his eyes open, realizing with a jolt that Ron’s arm was wrapped around his waist, holding him close. He felt his heart skip a beat, and the warmth of Ron’s steady breathing against his back made his face flush.
“Ron…?” he whispered, glancing over his shoulder.
“Mmm, morning, Toto,” Ron mumbled sleepily, his voice muffled. Without opening his eyes, he snuggled closer, seemingly unaware of the effect he was having on Toto.
Toto felt himself freeze for a moment before gently trying to pry Ron’s arm away. “Y-you’re holding too tight.”
Ron groaned and tightened his grip instead, his lips quirking into a faint smile. “Don’t go anywhere. It's too early. And, I’m too comfortable to let you go, Toto”
Toto sighed, knowing that struggling was futile. Instead, he lay still, his face still red as he stared at the ceiling. "Too early..." he thought. "Or maybe, it's just right."
“Why are you so tense?” Ron murmured, his voice still groggy from sleep. He peeked open one eye and smiled lazily. “You're blushing.”
“I am not!” Toto sputtered, trying to scoot away, but Ron simply pulled him closer.
“You always deny it.” Ron chuckled softly, resting his chin on Toto’s shoulder.
Toto gave up struggling, letting out a long sigh. "This is ridiculous."
Ron grinned. “You’re cute when you're flustered."
Toto's face flushed even more as he grumbled, “How am I supposed to get out of this?"
Ron finally let him go but stretched dramatically, looking like he just woke from the most refreshing nap. "You're free...for now," he teased.
Toto rubbed his eyes, trying to regain his composure. "I’m going to get breakfast," he muttered, standing up quickly.
As he hurried off, Ron called after him, "Don't forget to bring me some brown sugar syrup!"
Toto rolled his eyes but couldn’t help the small smile creeping on his face.
-
As they got into the taxi, Toto waved at the inn’s owner, while Ron leaned back, humming to himself with a satisfied smile.
“You’re always welcome here with your partner!” the owner called after them, waving.
Toto laughed awkwardly, mumbling, “A-alright... even though we’re not—” He trailed off as the taxi pulled away.
Ron glanced at him with a teasing smile. “Are we not partners, Toto?”
Toto fidgeted, noticing the driver glancing at them through the rearview mirror. “I mean, we are partners—just in solving cases. Not like… you know… what people think.”
Ron’s smile widened. “But I did notice the heart you put next to my contact name.”
The taxi driver’s eyes widened in surprise.
“That’s—!” Toto flushed and quickly turned his head to the window, his chin resting on his palm. “You did that yourself…”
“True,” Ron admitted, leaning in closer to Toto, his voice lowering. “But you could’ve changed it back... yet you didn’t, did you, Toto?”
Toto stayed silent, staring out of the window, too flustered to respond.
Ron’s voice dropped even more, almost a whisper. “Maybe we should stop denying what people see and make it real.”
Toto’s heart raced as Ron reached out his hand, offering it to him—an invitation to step into something deeper.
The taxi driver kept glancing at them nervously through the mirror, his eyes darting back to the road.
Toto sighed, finally taking Ron’s hand, his face reddening even more as Ron gave it a gentle squeeze.
The taxi driver exhaled in relief, while Ron gazed out of his window, a knowing smile playing on his lips.
Seems like they're a lovely couple now.