Archive of Our Own ^beta

A man is a calm, strong presence… 

Naoto could remember that tense conversation with his grandfather; that day where he made it clear to his guardian that he was his grandson , rather than his granddaughter.

He could remember the way his grandfather paused for a moment, calm eyes staring into Naoto’s own. The way his fingers tapped against the table in thought. The way he took a breath in, then a breath out, then spoke. 

“This will not be easy for you,” he said. “People will not understand.” 

“I don’t care,” Naoto replied. “This is what I want. This is what I need . I don’t think… I can keep living as I am.”

Another breath. Shakier this time. 

“I do not want to lose more of my family,” his grandfather said, brow furrowed and clearly choosing his words carefully. “If this is something you need, I will support you. I will do what I can to shield you - but you must be careful. You must keep this information private. The more people who know a secret…” 

“… the harder it is to keep,” Naoto said, finishing the sentence with ease. He’d heard his grandfather say it dozens of times over the years. It was a philosophy his grandfather believed wholeheartedly.

Criminals always found a way to incriminate themselves, if you let them.

Naoto wasn’t sure how he felt about that, to be quite honest.

“A grandson…” Naoto’s grandfather looked thoughtful. “Do you plan to change your name?” 

Naoto shook his head. “I want to stay as Naoto Shirogane. It is a name my parents gave to me, and it is one that I am fond of.”

Naoto had always liked his name, and the truth it invoked. 

One day, he was going to be a famous detective, like his family before him, and he’d fight for the truth, no matter what it took. 

A man doesn’t cower in the face of danger… 

The police had accepted Mitsuo Kubo’s convenient confession, despite the glaring holes in his story. The person they were looking for was a cold, calculating killer, capable of ending his victim’s lives without causing obvious, visible damage. 

An angry teenage boy who bashed his teacher’s skull in, likely with a baseball bat or some similar bludgeon, did not fit the killer’s modus operandi in the slightest.

A copy-cat killer. 

The police had arrested the wrong man. Though Kubo was not innocent, he would be tried for two murders he was not responsible for - a violation of the legal system that Naoto could not stand for - and the person responsible would get away without consequence. He had to bring the real killer to justice, even if it put his own life into danger.

He knew exactly what he needed to do. 

One television interview later, and the bait was set. 

Never let it be said that Naoto Shirogane was a coward. 

A man is someone who knows his own self… 

Naoto couldn’t believe this snivelling little boy was supposed to be him. The boy was so pitiful and small - a far cry from the confident persona Naoto showed to the world. 

That must be how your peers feel about you… poor, pitiful, little Naoto, still clinging onto what he has left of his Mommy and Daddy. 

Never ready to let go, are you? 

The thought was sharp and clung to the back of Naoto’s mind. 

It made him angry, lashing out at his Shadow, denying that they were one in the same. 

He felt guilty as he watched the Investigation Team fight his Shadow. He thought about the way his Shadow looked up at him with wide eyes, reverently whispering, “Are we a real boy now?” 

He thought about himself at that age - determined to grow up into a man his parents could be proud of. 

He thought about how inadequate he felt. The way the adults around him stopped treating him like a little girl, only to turn around and treat him like a little boy. 

The way no one ever listened because he was just a child. 

He didn’t hate this part of him - this childish and puerile part. He hated the way it made people treat him. It was still a part of him, though. The part that sobbed and screamed at his parents funeral, asking his grandfather when mom and dad were coming back. 

A part he had kept buried for far too long. 

Thinking about it like that made his Shadow Self a lot easier to accept. 

Of course, the Investigation Team had questions. Everyone always had questions. Especially about him. 

“Naoto…” Yosuke started, before hesitating. “Your Shadow Self…” 

“We’ve all been there, Nao-kun!” Rise quickly interjected. “Except Yu-senpai, but he’s a special case. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about.”

“I’m sure you have questions,” Naoto said. “I would rather you ask them now.”

An awkward silence fell over the group before Chie spoke up. “You’re not… a girl, are you? It’s okay if you are! I’m just… confused?” 

“I was assigned female at birth, but I do not consider myself to be a woman,” Naoto explained. “I have been living as a male for the last six years - a decision I am firmly happy to have made.”

Yosuke raised an eyebrow. “That’s something you can do?” 

“Yosuke!” 

“I’m just surprised!” Yosuke exclaimed. “I don’t really get it, but…” 

“I’m sure this will not change how you treat me…?” Naoto hated how hesitant he sounded.

“Of course not,” Yukiko said. “As long as you’re happy, that’s what’s important, right?” 

“I think it’s kind of cool,” Kanji mumbled. “You know, doing what you want. Not caring if other people don’t get it… or whatever.” 

The relief was instant, but Naoto fought to school his expression. Nodding, he replied, “I am glad to have your support.” 

If Naoto was going to find the killer… it would be good for him to have allies.

A man is someone who is willing to listen to those around him…

When Naoto got a phone call from Kanji one afternoon, they skeptically picked up. “Hello? Tatsumi-san?”

“I already told you to call me Kanji,” Kanji grumbled. “Anyways, I gotta ask - do you wanna come to our guys' night on Saturday?”

“A guys’ night?” Naoto repeated. “You’re inviting me?”

“Yeah? Why wouldn’t I invite you? It’s a guys’ night, and you’re a guy. Are you coming or not?” 

Naoto had never felt such an immediate jolt of euphoria. “I would love to.” 

“Hell yeah! It’s Yu’s turn to pick what we’re doing, but I’ll add you to the chat so you can see what we’re talking about and stuff.” 

When Naoto was added to the chat, he saw Yu, Yosuke, Teddie and Kanji engaged in a deep discussion of the best fishing spots in Inaba - it seemed Yu wanted to go fishing once more before winter came and froze the Samegawa over. He added a few of his own thoughts and offered to lend a fishing rod to Yosuke and Teddie, since he had gone fishing with his father a few times. Those rods would collect dust otherwise.

That Saturday, Naoto headed to the Samegawa Floodplains with Yu, Yosuke, Kanji and Teddie. The weather was crisp and clear, and the water was a bright blue. They got set up and started fishing. Yosuke and Kanji were chatting while looking out into the water, whereas Teddie had rolled up his sleeves and the cuffs of his trousers and had waded into the river, trying to catch a fish with his bare hands.

Naoto himself managed to catch a few Inaba Trout. He wasn’t too fond of seafood, but apparently Yu’s uncle liked them, so Naoto was happy to give Yu the fish he caught.

“You’re good at this,” Yu said, watching Naoto reel in his rod. “Have you been fishing much before?” 

“I used to go with my father, sometimes,” Naoto responded. “He liked how peaceful it could be. Just us and the water…”

“He sounds like a good man,” Yu mused. 

Naoto gripped his rod tighter, yanking at the reel a little harder than necessary. “It doesn’t matter how good he was if he’s gone, does it?” 

There was a slight pause as Yu levelled his gaze at Naoto. His eyes were so sharp - sometimes it felt like they could bore right into your soul. “You don’t honestly believe that, do you?” 

Caught off guard, Naoto muttered, “I don’t know what I believe anymore…” 

“I think…” Yu hesitated, as though he wanted to choose his next words carefully. “If someone was a good person, they should be remembered as a good person. The things you do, the life you lived… all of that still matters, even if you made mistakes.”

“My father was practically a saint.” Naoto cast his rod out again. “He cared deeply about seeing justice administered. Even so… a dedication to justice will not always protect you.” 

“It’s still something worth caring about, I think. Someone has to keep his memory alive, right?” 

“... perhaps.” 

The pensive moment was interrupted by Teddie exclaiming, “I got one!” followed by a loud splash and a whine of, “Aww, it got away!”

“Did Teddie fall into the water?” Naoto gasped. Looking over, they could see Kanji had grabbed Teddie by collar and hauled him out onto the shore. Teddie was soaked all the way through, but honestly seemed more upset at losing the fish he caught than he was about getting wet.

Naoto was much more preoccupied with Kanji. 

Evidently, Kanji’s shirt had gotten rather wet as he pulled Teddie out of the water. Naoto found himself staring at the bottle-blond as he got back on his feet. He had always appreciated a well-proportioned physique as much as the next man. 

He was appreciating Kanji very thoroughly, in fact.

“Yeesh, don’t scare us like that, Ted,” Yosuke said. “We’re miles away from home, too! You’re gonna get a cold walking home in wet clothes!”

“That’s assuming Teddie is able to get sick,” Yu pointed out. 

“Who knows…” Yosuke sighed. “Either way, Mom’s gonna get so pissed if he tracks water all over the place.” 

Despite its abrupt ending, Naoto found that he quite enjoyed his first guys’ night.

At some point in the last week or two, Kanji must have decided to start calling Naoto whenever he felt like it. Naoto didn’t really mind it, though, since Kanji was fun to talk to. One afternoon, while Naoto and Kanji were talking, Kanji posed a question to him that he hadn’t expected.

“Do you have a bike?” 

“A bike? Do you mean a motorcycle, or…?” 

“Nah, I mean like a scooter. Yosuke was talking about riding our scooters up to Okina City next weekend, ‘cause there’s a music shop he wants to check out. He wasn’t sure if you had one, and he didn’t want to ask.” 

“It’s not as though I bite ,” Naoto scoffed, pulling his cap over his face to hide its redness. 

“Yeah, but you’ve kinda got this intimidating vibe to you,” Kanji said. “Yosuke’s great and all, but he gets all weird around new people sometimes.” 

Naoto nodded, both in understanding and agreement. “That makes sense. As for your initial question, I could reasonably procure a scooter by this Saturday.” 

“Alright, awesome! I'll let him know you can come, then.” 

As Kanji hung up, Naoto found himself feeling a surprising burst of affection. 

A man is someone who knows how to be honest, even when it's hard…

Yu, Yosuke, Kanji, Teddie and Naoto made their way to Okina City that weekend. For The Record was a quiet, little music store, tucked away in the back-streets. Every single possible space was stuffed with old vinyl records, CDs and even some music-related merch.

At one point or another, Naoto and Yosuke ended up standing next to each other. Yosuke was flipping through a box of records while Naoto wondered if his grandfather would appreciate a record. Perhaps some classical music. Yosuke kept eyeing Naoto, when he thought he wasn’t looking.

“If you have something to say to me, please speak up,” Naoto snapped. “I don’t appreciate being stared at.”

“Do you… like coming to our guys’ nights?”

Naoto blinked. “What sort of question is that?” 

“I dunno. When Kanji first said we should invite you, I really didn’t want to,” Yosuke admitted, like he was disclosing a terrible secret. 

“... because I was not born a man?” Naoto concluded. “I thought you’d be more accepting, Hanamura.” 

“It’s not that!” Yosuke insisted. “It’s more just… I guess I thought you didn’t have anything in common with us. I mean, we’re all just normal guys, really, but you’re kind of a celebrity. I kinda thought you’d get bored going fishing or shopping with us or whatever. You kinda looked bored a minute ago, to be honest.” 

“I was never terribly interested in music, but that does not mean that I do not enjoy your company.” Naoto hesitated. “I was never very sociable when I was young, so I do not know if I am misunderstanding things, but it seems to me that the point of these outings is for each individual to choose an activity they enjoy to share with their peers. I may not especially like music, but if this is something you are passionate about, I do not mind learning more about it.” 

Yosuke managed a lop-sided grin. “Well, I saw you eyeing up the classical section. You into the classics?” 

“My grandfather used to play Bach a lot when I was little,” Naoto said. “I was thinking about buying him a record, but I honestly do not know what to look for.” 

“Let me help. I mean, I kinda owe you one, right?” 

Naoto smiled. “I don’t think I would mind the help.” 

Naoto came home that night with a beautiful vinyl record, which he gifted to his grandfather. It had been a little pricey, but it was worth it to see his grandfather’s eyes light up. 

Two weeks later, when it was Teddie’s turn to choose what they did for their guys’ night, Naoto very nearly turned down the invitation. Of course, Kanji noticed him going quiet on the group chat while Teddie, Yosuke and Yu were still chatting and gave Naoto a call. 

“Hey, are you good, dude? You don’t usually go quiet on us like that.”

“Admittedly… I’m not sure I want to do karaoke with you all.” 

“Yeah? Are you not big into singing or something?” 

Naoto frowned, trying to think of a way to explain this to Kanji without making it sound like a ridiculous complaint. “As you should be aware, I am able to lower my speaking voice relatively successfully. However, since I do not sing often, my vocal range is rather limited and not typical of a man my age.” 

Kanji was quiet for a moment. “So, you don’t wanna go to karaoke ‘cuz you think you’ll sound like a girl?”  

Naoto grimaced. “In so many words, yes.”

“Well… I mean, if you don’t wanna come, that’s chill. I bet Teddie would be fine with picking something else, or you could just skip this week, or whatever.” Kanji sounded a little… disappointed at the idea, which Naoto filed away for later. It was nice to know that Kanji wanted to spend time with him. “You don’t have to sing, though. Like you can just come along. Karaoke is more about hanging out and having a good time, you know? And if you do decide to sing, no one’s gonna judge you. If they do, I’ll beat their ass.”

Naoto chuckled, and after considering his options for a few moments, he answered, “I think… I will come, though I probably will not sing.” 

“That’s totally chill! It’s gonna be awesome to have you there, man!” 

Naoto hung up with a smile on his face. As he had noticed recently, Kanji was very easy to be fond of. 

A man is someone who makes sure his friends are happy…

Karaoke ended up being more fun than Naoto expected. Watching everyone belt their hearts out was genuinely enjoyable, and Naoto found his face getting a little hot as Kanji sang Muscle Blues , a surprisingly emotional song about compensating for an absent father. 

Then, when it was Teddie’s turn, he looked through the song options and excitedly selected Break Out Of… , which was a duet between a man and a woman. “I need one of you to sing it with me!” Teddie exclaimed. “Nao-kun, could you do it?”

Naoto felt his skin go prickly as he tried to think of a way to gently turn Teddie down, but it felt like everyone’s eyes were on him. This was precisely what he didn’t want to happen when he agreed to come to karaoke - to be pigeonholed into the role of a girl as soon as it became convenient for everyone else to stop treating him like a man. 

“Teddie…” Naoto couldn’t find the words he needed. “I don’t know…” 

“Please? I bet you’d be so good at the guy parts!” 

Naoto blinked. “You don’t… want me to sing the woman’s part?” 

“Why would I want that?” Teddie scoffed. “Everyone knows the girl parts always sound cooler! I want the cooler part!”

For a moment, Naoto was too stunned to speak. Then, he started laughing. 

“So… wanna sing it with me?” Teddie asked, oblivious to Naoto’s prior plight. “I bet we’d be really good!”

“… hand me the microphone,” Naoto said, before he could change his mind. 

Even if Naoto was not as fast a singer as Lotus Juice, it felt good to sing without caring how he sounded. 

A man is someone who shares his passions and joys with his friends…

Nanako’s hospitalization was weighing heavily on everyone. They had been so angry with Namatame that they had nearly decided to dispense justice of their own accord. Naoto felt sick when he thought about how close they’d been to doing something so terrible. Killing an innocent man wouldn’t have been justice. His whole family would have been ashamed. 

At least they had a real suspect now. The true killer: Tohru Adachi.

A part of Naoto wanted to charge into the TV World right away and bring Adachi to justice, making him pay for what he’d done - to Ms. Yamano, Ms. Konishi and inadvertently Mr. Morooka, as well as Nanako, Yukiko, Kanji, Rise, and himself.

It was astonishing how one man could cause so much chaos and suffering, just because he was bored .

Though the Investigation Team wanted to capture Adachi as soon as they could, they were well aware that Yu was in no condition to delve into the TV World. Their leader was a complete wreck. He hadn’t slept properly in days, and barely ate without Teddie pushing him to. 

In the end, Kanji was the one who suggested they spend some time together - see if they could bring a little joy to the depressed and lonely leader.

“I was thinking I could make us some yukata. Once we catch Adachi, it’ll probably be close to New Year’s, so we’ll want to celebrate, right? I can make one for Nanako and Ryotaro as well.” 

Yu had almost smiled at that, which everyone considered a win, and Kanji whisked them away to his mother’s shop so he could take their measurements. He was extremely meticulous, moving slowly and carefully noting down measurements in a small notebook. Naoto had never seen him so focused.

It was only years of practice that allowed Naoto to keep his breathing steady, even as his heartbeat raced. Kanji was so close . 

And he didn’t seem flustered by the proximity. None of the other guys seemed to care all that much either, joking around and rolling their eyes when Kanji asked them to lift an arm or turn around. 

Somehow, until that moment, Naoto had never quite registered his own attraction to Kanji – at least, he had never admitted that attraction to himself. It made plenty of sense, though. Kanji was tall and handsome, if a little rough around the edges. His confidence and boldness was plain to see, though he was just as delicate and gentle when the time called for it. Not that Naoto would ever risk causing problems within the Investigation team. 

Even so, who wouldn’t fall in love with someone like Kanji? It was simple biology, really. Hormones and chemical signals in the brain telling someone that they were in love. It didn’t have to mean anything. 

… did Naoto want it to mean something? 

“– do you want?” 

Naoto snapped back into his body all at once. “P-Pardon?” 

“What color do you want?” Kanji repeated, rolling up his tape measure. “Geez, you were off in your own world, huh?” 

“I suppose…” Naoto thought for a moment. “I’m quite fond of navy blue.”

“Makes sense. You wear it a lot.” Kanji scribbled something down in his notebook. “Why do you like it so much? Ain’t judgin’, just curious.”

“It’s a little embarrassing… I used to enjoy going stargazing with my mother when I was a child. The color blue is still oddly comforting to me… it reminds me of her.”

“... mine is lavender.” 

“Lavender?” 

“Yeah. My mom used to grow some in our garden. Used to have loads of the stuff. I always thought purple was pretty ‘cause of that. First thing I ever made on a sewing machine was a little drawstring bag to keep some dried lavender in. Helped me sleep.” 

Naoto couldn’t help the fond smile that appeared on his face. “Do you plan to wear a purple yukata?” 

“Eh, I don’t really think I can pull it off.”

Naoto frowned. “I think… it would be a shame to spend so much time making yukatas for everyone else, only to not wear one yourself.” 

Kanji hesitated, tapping his notebook with his pen almost absentmindedly. “... maybe if I finish everyone else's in time, I’ll think about it.”

“I’d like to see you in one,” Naoto said, surprising even himself with his candor. 

Kanji raised an eyebrow, putting down his notebook and pen and standing to his full height. He started moving towards Naoto, and Naoto was quickly remembering how tall Kanji was compared to him. “Wouldja now? That’s surprising…” 

It was such an obvious attempt to flirt. Like a guy trying to hit on a girl. 

Red-faced, Naoto strode away from Kanji and snatched up his jacket and hat from the table, taking his phone out of his pocket. “It seems I missed a call from my grandfather. I should head home. I appreciate your efforts. Have a pleasant day.”

“Wait, Naoto!”

“Goodbye, Tatsumi.” 

Naoto shut the door firmly behind himself and didn’t stop walking until he was safely home.

Honestly, what was wrong with him?

Grandfather didn’t raise him to act like this because of a boy . He couldn’t forget that they had a killer to catch. He didn’t have time to play the part of a pining, love-stuck fool.

Kanji was probably straight anyway. If he was attracted to Naoto, it was most likely because he still saw Naoto as a girl on some subconscious level.

Stupid hormones. Stupid chemical signals. Stupid Naoto . 

Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. 

What is a man? Are you a man, Naoto? Or are you just pretending? 

Kanji tried to call and text him a few times after that, but Naoto didn’t respond. He didn’t do much of anything, really. He lay away in bed, starting at the ceiling. He stopped going to school. He covered the mirror in the bathroom with a towel and started showering in the dark again. When his grandfather saw the covered mirror, he raised an eyebrow but said nothing, which was good, because Naoto wouldn’t have known what to say back.

The streak was broken when Yu asked if they could make a trip to the TV World to delve into Magatsu Inaba for the first time.

Though he desperately wanted to say no, Naoto had no real reason to avoid Kanji besides his own childish hurt feelings. 

The Investigation Team met at JUNES and headed into the TV World for what might be the final time. 

A man is willing to sacrifice himself for the ones he loves…

The Investigation Team had faced many tough foes in the TV World, but this powerful Chaos Fuzz was proving to be one of the most dangerous – able to summon additional smaller Chaos Fuzzes, as well as Amorous Snakes and Yearning Pots. The Investigation Team could barely stay on their feet underneath the barrage of oncoming attacks, especially with how many times they were turned fearful and knocked out by the Yearning Pots’ Ghastly Wails.

They finally managed to whittle away most of the main Chaos Fuzz’ health when he crit Kanji during a Rampage. Its vicious gleam could be felt even without any eyes as he turned to the bottle-blond and began charging up a Cruel Attack.

Naoto remembered dashing in Kanji’s path and sending Yamato Takeru to Blight the Chaos Fuzz. Then, there was searing pain, and then darkness.

When Naoto came to, the Chaos Fuzz was gone. Naoto was half-concerned it was one of Adachi’s illusions when he saw the rest of the Investigation Team in one piece.

He was willing to believe that things were fine now. Thanks to Yukiko’s Salvation spell, nobody was all that worse for wear.

Something positively murderous crossed over Kanji’s face, and he stomped over to Naoto.

“Alright, Naoto, what the hell is your problem?”

“ My problem? I saved your life, and that’s your choice of response?”

“You could have died!” 

“Of course I could have! But I’m not some fragile little girl you need to protect!” Naoto snapped, his tone mocking. He always did that; went for the kill when he felt scared. “I can handle myself!” 

“Do you really think that’s how I see you?” Kanji spat. “Fuck, Naoto! You can’t do this!”

“Do what ?” 

“Actin’ like I’m the asshole! You’re the one who dropped off the face of the planet. You’re the one who ran away from me for no reason. You’re the one who practically threw yourself at that Shadow, even though I could have handled it. Why are you acting like this?!” 

“BECAUSE YOU LIKE ME!” 

Kanji went silent. His shoulders were shaking, he was breathing so hard. 

“You like me,” Naoto repeated, voice louder yet still sharp as a viper’s hiss, “and you’re straight, and it hurts, because I like you too, and I wish I didn’t.”

“ That’s what this is about?” 

“You’ve told me yourself that you are not attracted to men. In fact, according to the stories I’ve heard about your Shadow Self, you were very vehemently against the idea. You can say you see me as a man all you want, but your feelings clearly run antiparallel to that notion.”

Kanji groaned and ran a hand over his face. “… this is so stupid.”

“Pardon?!” 

“This is so stupid,” Kanji repeated. “You wanna know why? Because I’m not straight, and you’re the reason I realised that! You’re telling me you spent this whole time pissed at me for this, and I coulda told you how I really felt, like, two weeks ago?” 

Naoto’s voice was hardly a whisper. “… you’re not lying? For the sake of my feelings?” 

“Naoto. Do you really think I’m the type of guy who would lie about something like this? Do you honestly think that?” 

“No,” Naoto admitted. “You are typically an honest man.” 

“Yeah, and thank you. I tell it how it is. You’re a guy, and I’m in love with you. Both of those things can be true. And they are, so… yeah.” 

“I think this is the part where you two kiss,” Rise stage-whispered. Yukiko promptly shoved her. 

Naoto’s cheeks went pink. “W-We don’t have to…” 

“No, we don’t,” Kanji responded, “but, uh… I wouldn’t mind, if you don’t mind? Only if you don’t mind, though. I don’t wanna… make you feel like you gotta or whatever.”

Naoto decided to do something a little impulsive. He extended a hand to Kanji, and when he pulled him up, he pulled him in tightly for a kiss.

It was funny – Naoto’s grandfather would always tell him that a first kiss should be electrifying, and that was exactly what this felt like. 

Pure electricity. Naoto’s body felt like a live wire and his ears echoed with the sound of thunder, or perhaps that was simply the sound of his blood rushing past his ears. 

“How was that?” Naoto said, a little short of breath as he pulled away.

“I kinda wanna do it again…” Kanji muttered. 

“How coincidental… so would I.”

“Can you maybe do it once we’re not in the TV World?” Chie said. “I mean, congrats and everything, but like… Shadows?” 

“We’ve made some good progress,” Yu piped up. “I don’t mind retreating for now.” 

As they made their way back to the central hub of the TV World, Kanji holding his hand the whole way, Naoto overheard Yosuke and Chie having a conversation. 

“Kanji’s been gay this whole time?” Yosuke mumbled. “Crazy…”

“Yosuke, please shut up.” 

“I was just surprised! I mean, do we know other gay people?”

“I’m literally a lesbian!”

“... really?!” 

“I have kissed my girlfriend in front of you.” 

“I thought that was just you wishing her luck with midterms!”

“By kissing her on the mouth, though? Really, Yosuke?” 

“I don’t know! Girls are weird!”

A man is whoever he wants to be.  

The Investigation Team was too busy for a guy’s night for a few weeks after that – not long after Adachi’s arrest, they were thrown right into the Hollow Forest, and a month or two later, they were closing the case in Yomotsu Hirasaka. 

At least Naoto got to see Kanji in a handsome lavender yukata on New Year’s. They’d split off from the rest of the Investigation Team to climb the hill that overlooked Inaba and stargazed together. 

It was perfect. 

When they finally had some room to breathe, Naoto mentioned that he’d like to choose what they did for guys’ night, suggesting an escape room. 

“It’ll be nice to solve a mystery that doesn’t matter,” he had said. “Don’t you think?” 

“Locked in a room with you and your boyfriend… can’t see any way that could go wrong,” Yosuke deadpanned.

“I’ll have you know that I’d give my full, undivided attention to the case!” Naoto exclaimed. Squeezing Kanji’s hand, he then mumbled, “Maybe… 90% of my attention.” 

Naoto Shirogane finally felt at home in his own body and his own life, and it was wonderful.