Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Rain is supposed to be cozy. That’s what people say, right? Curl up with a book, drink tea, listen to soft piano music or whatever.

But when you're a skater with a brand new set of wheels and a list of tricks to try, rain is the worst enemy. Especially when it shows up uninvited on a day off.

“Okay, hear me out,” Reki says, half-buried in his own bed, upper body dangling over the side. “What if Adam is, like… a retired pop idol?”

“A pop idol.” Miya repeats flatly. “You think the devil on wheels used to throw peace signs and cough glitter?”

“Hey, I’m just brainstorming! He’s dramatic! He’s got that whole... sparkle menace thing going on.”

“You mean his deeply disturbing presence?” Miya doesn’t look up from his Switch. He’s somehow gaming, eating Pocky, and judging Reki simultaneously. “And for the record, I’m still going with my original theory: former theatre kid with too much money and no sense of shame.”

They were supposed to be skating at the seaside skatepark, trying new tricks and eating snacks while talking about everything and nothing. Instead, Reki, Langa, and Miya are stuck in Reki’s room. Again. But the Karuta game had vanished somewhere in the chaos Reki generously calls a bedroom, and all they have is a mountain of snacks and a singular brain cell that slowly starts to descend into conspiracy territory.

“Yeah. I don’t think ‘shame’ is a word in Adam’s dictionary,” Langa mumbles from the floor. He’s practically lying flat, long legs sprawled out over the floor. The snacks seem to… magically gravitate towards him, and he’s surrounded by an equal amount of snacks as he is by empty snack wrappers.

Maybe he’s like, a fashion designer,” Reki says. “Y’know, super rich, super dramatic, obsessed with appearances. That cape has flair.”

“That cape is a crime against humanity,” Miya mutters.

“He does dress like a villain in a magical girl anime…” Langa adds, sounding like he genuinely hasn’t decided whether that is an insult or a compliment.

“Right?” Reki sits up for a moment. “He has this whole presence thing going on. The kind of guy who gets out of a limo and the background music automatically kicks in.”

“...You think he has theme music?” Miya asks.

Reki points dramatically. “I know he has theme music.”

“You gotta admit though,” Langa says, propping himself up, “he moves like someone who trained professionally. He’s not just fast, he’s calculated. And he’s clearly used to performing in front of people.”

Miya sighs. “Okay, so we’ve narrowed it down to: performer, rich, attention-seeking, and probably a criminal.”

“Could be a cult leader.”

Miya actually pauses his game to give Reki a look.

“...I’m just saying!” Reki flails his arms, knocking a bag of chips onto the floor. Langa calmly picks them up and continues eating like this is a daily occurrence.

“What about a CEO?” Miya offers. “He wore a suit the first time I saw him. Like, an actual custom-tailored one. It didn’t even wrinkle when he moved.”

“Mmm… maybe,” Reki says. “And didn’t he show up in a limo once? Or was that one of my nightmares?”

“No, that happened,” Langa confirms. “He even had a guy open the door for him like he’s some kind of royal.”

“See?” Reki says. “I’m telling you, he’s loaded.”

“Yeah, and rich usually doesn’t equal normal.” Miya says.

They are silent for a minute, listening to the rain patter on the windows.

“What if we ask Cherry or Joe?” Reki suggests.

Miya raises an eyebrow. “Do you want Cherry to lecture you for three hours about respecting people’s privacy and the integrity of underground culture?”

“Ugh. No.” Reki drops back onto the bed dramatically. “I still have whiplash from the last time I said ‘S’ in public.”

“Yeah, he nearly split your soul in half with a glare,” Miya snickers. He stands up and stretches like a bored cat. “Anyways, he could be a fashion designer or a James Bond villain. I don’t want to know, and I don’t care, as long as he stays far away from me.”

As if on que, there’s a knock at the door.

“Boys?” Reki’s mom calls. “I’m making curry tonight. Are Langa and Miya staying?”

Miya doesn’t even hesitate. “Yes please, Mrs. Kyan!”

Because who could ever say no to Masae Kyan’s homemade cooking?

—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—

Y’know those moments where life feels like a simulation or some messed up version of the Truman Show? That’s what Reki is experiencing right now.

It’s not even three weeks since they spent the night throwing wild theories around about Adam. Today is a normal school day. Conspiracies long forgotten. The sun is out again, and Reki is stuck in social studies instead of skating.

Langa is lying face-down on his desk with a notebook over his head like a sad pancake. He’s trying to either block out the sun, the noise of their classmates, or both. It looks ridiculous, so Reki snaps a quick pic and sends it to Miya. Best friend duty, and all that.

“Alright, class,” the teacher says, closing her laptop with a little too much enthusiasm, “I’ve got some exciting news!”

Reki barely reacts. Nothing exciting has ever come out of this class. Unless someone lights a textbook on fire, he’s not holding his breath.

“As part of our next project, we’ll be learning more about modern government systems. So I’ve arranged something very special…”

A few students groan. One person whispers, “Please not another worksheet.”

“We’ll be taking a field trip,” the teacher says, grinning now, “to the Okinawa Prefectural Government office!”

Reki sits up, mildly interested. A trip means missing class. He can work with that. Out of the corner of his eye he can see Langa slowly lifting his head.

“You’ll get to explore the offices, learn how local government functions, and speak to some real officials. It’s a unique chance to see the people that keep this place going in action!”

Langa turns his head just enough to side-eye Reki. Reki gives him a helpless shrug. Nevermind, politics can’t be saved. This sounds as boring as ever.

“Oh, and the best part,” the teacher adds, practically bouncing on her heels, “is that a recently appointed party leader has agreed to personally give our group a tour!”

That gets a few raised eyebrows. Some students start murmuring, perhaps making theories on who it could be. Not that Reki would know anything about politics or its officials: he and Langa spend more time running away from the law than studying it.

“He’s one of the youngest politicians to take on this kind of role in Okinawa. Charismatic, well-known, and very passionate about his occupation!”

The teacher clicks to the next slide.

Reki nearly falls out of his chair. He grabs the edge of his desk like he might need to physically hold on to this reality.

Langa makes a noise somewhere between a dying cat and a car crash.

Bright blue hair. The smirk of a man who has never known shame. The absolute audacity of those evil eyebrows.

It’s him. It’s Adam. And he’s a politician…

That, honestly, makes way too much sense.

“His name is Ainosuke Shindo,” the teacher says proudly. “Some of you may recognize his name: his family has been involved in politics for generations. I didn’t expect to get such a big name involved, but he was very enthusiastic about connecting with the youth and educating them on the nitty-gritty of politics!”

Reki is going to throw up.

Langa leans toward him without moving his head.

“We’re ditching, right?” He sounds like he’s trying his best to keep himself together, while failing miserably.

No way they’re spending time with Adam off the mountain. He has no business knowing anything about their private lives, and in all honesty, Reki doesn’t think he can stop himself from throttling the man on sight right now. Why him. Why.

“Yeah, absolutely.”

The teacher clicks to the next slide. “Of course, attendance is mandatory, and you’ll all be expected to complete an assignment afterward. It’ll count toward your final grade.”

Reki doesn’t hear the rest. The universe is laughing at them, loudly.

Chapter Text

The second the bell rings, Reki launches out of his seat.

“We have to tell Miya,” he hisses, dragging Langa into the hallway like a man on a mission.

Langa blinks. “Do we, though? What if we… didn’t?”

“He’s gonna find out eventually.” Reki says. “Better from us than, like, a news article. If he finds out we knew and didn’t tell him…”

That shuts Langa up. Rightfully so.

Miya’s classes aren’t finished for another hour or so, but they know him too well. They find him behind the gym of his school, back against the wall, hood up, Switch in hand. He’s got AirPods in and that universal look of someone very obviously not in class.

Reki jogs up. “Miya!”

“No autographs,” Miya mutters without looking up. “And if you’re not holding limited-edition KitKats, you can turn right around.”

“It’s important,” Langa says.

“So is this video of a cat stealing someone’s lunch. We all have our priorities.” Miya shoots back

“It’s about school,” Langa continues, as if that makes a difference.

“Okay? Yours or mine? Because I care about neither.”

“We’re going on a field trip to the Okinawa government building.” Reki says.

“Congrats. I’m in middle school. Try bullying someone your own age.”

Reki hesitates, then decides to rip the bandaid off. No use dancing around the subject.

“Adam is giving the tour.”

Pause.

Miya blinks. Once. Twice. Then takes his AirPod out and slowly turns his head. “Come again?”

“Adam is giving us a tour. He’s a politician or something!” Reki says, trying not to sound manic. “Based on how exited our teacher was, he’s like, one of the biggest politicians right now. She was almost crying tears of joy.”

“His real name is Ainosuke Shindo or something. His family has been in politics for generations.” Langa adds.

“You’re joking,” Miya says. “You have to be joking. Like, this is a prank, right? Am I being filmed? Where’s the hidden camera?”

“Nope,” Reki says. “We looked it up. He’s legit. Suits, speeches, terrifyingly polite press photos… everything. Dude does evil monologuing for his daytime job.”

Miya is silent for a few seconds. “The guy parachuting from helicopters for the drama and aesthetics? That Adam?”

“That Adam,” Langa confirms.

Miya stares into space.

Then, deadpan: “So he is a Bond villain. Cool. Cool cool cool. I love living in a dystopia.”

“Okay but what do we do?!” Reki laments. “It’s mandatory! We can’t just skip, it’s for our grade and… wait, what are you doing?”

Miya pulls out his phone and opens his messaging app with a frown, thumbs flying over the screen.

“Who are you texting?” Reki asks.

“Cherry.”

“Why?!”

“Because I need answers, and if Cherry doesn’t have them, he’s lying.”

To: SkateMom

did u know adam handels our taxes and writes our laws? and is also hosting school trips? is this part of some villain redemption arc or are we all doomed

The reply comes fast.

From: SkateMom

I’m aware that he’s a politician, yes. Were you not? I thought that was common knowledge.

Though I don’t know what you mean with school trips, it seems like something he would do. As, you know, a public figure, who does speeches and appears on television every few days.

Aren’t you the one glued to your phone?

Miya narrows his eyes. “I feel judged.”

Reki snorts. “Yeah. Wonder why.”

From: SkateMom

Why, is your class going to the government building? Seems like a weird trip for middle school.

To: SkateMom

no, reki and langa just came over screaming bloody murder because their class has a mandatory trip lol

From: SkateMom

You’re with Reki and Langa? Aren’t you supposed to be in class?

To: SkateMom

define “supposed to”

Miya opens another chat, thumbs flying over his screen again.

“Who are you texting now?” Langa asks, also leaning in closer.

“Shadow,” Miya says without looking up. “I figured if we’re going to spiral into madness, we might as well include the guy who thrives in chaos. Just asking how flammable government buildings are. Hypothetically.”

Reki groans. “You were right Langa. We should’ve just let him find out on his own.”

“Too late,” Miya says. “I’ve been interested in this for two full minutes and I’ve now committed to being part of the problem.” He pockets his phone. “Anyways, have fun with being escorted through the halls of political doom by a man who dresses like a chandelier. I, personally, will be watching from a safe distance.”

As he turns to leave, his phone buzzes again. He checks it, snorts, and holds it up.

From: FloppyTheClown

depends on the firepower

asking for a friend or a felony?

Miya smiles. “Shadow’s in.”

Chapter Text

Furious typing on a keyboard, the aggressive rustling of paper and quiet curse words have filled the office for quite some time now. The source? A desk overflowing with paperwork and half-eaten takeout, all belonging to the agitated redhead writing up a storm in the midst of it all.

“Ah, Kiriko! I don’t wanna disturb you, but Mr. Miyamoto wants to talk.”

A head with blonde hair and a slight stubble sticks out from behind the Great Wall of Bureaucracy, greatly startling the woman.

“My god, Kazuki, give me a warning next time, will ya?!” She brings a hand to her chest. “You scared the life outta me. If it wasn’t for the mountain of paperwork in the way, I might’ve hit you.”

“I’m sorry! You were so focused, I figured calling your name wouldn’t work.” The man chuckles, a bit uneasy. He has seen what that woman is capable of, and for once in his life is grateful for the piles of paperwork.

Inspector Kiriko Kamata. She started her career in Tokyo, but was transferred to Okinawa to investigate a local government party suspected of some shady dealings. She’s strong willed and stubborn: so sure that there is more to this case than meets the eye, but thus far unable to prove it. Hence the amount of files and reports, and the lazer focus on them. Kazuki would feel bad for the amount of work she takes on if he didn’t know her so well, and that multiple people, including some higher ups, have told her to let the case rest. She simply refuses.

“I’m busy,” Kiriko sighs while slowly getting up. “What does he need me for?”

“I dunno, don’t shoot the messenger.” Kazuki says, raising his hands in mock surrender and slowly making his way back to his own desk. “But I’m sure it’s about that case you’re working on. Honestly, what else could it be?”

Kiriko takes one last look at her desk before turning around and heading to the office of Chief Inspector Miyamoto.

—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—

“Ah, Miss Kamata, come in please.”

Kiriko closes the door behind her, quickly scanning the room. Neat as always, no speck of dust in sight. Paperwork stacked in perfect piles, with an insane amount of coloured tabs, organising everything. Pens and pencils are perfectly aligned on the desk, almost freakishly so. She thinks back to her own desk and feels a slight twinge of shame.

“Mr. Miyamoto. You wanted to talk to me?”

“Yes, yes, please sit down.” He gestures to the big leather chair in front of his desk. So, this was going to be a long conversation. Either that, or he doesn’t want to give her the opportunity for a quick escape. Great.

Yukichi Miyamoto has been the Chief Inspector for over two decades, still going strong even at the age of 53. He personally requested Kiriko’s help for the Shindo case after hearing about her abilities from a friend over in Tokyo. Quite the praise… not that Kiriko cares much about that.

Mr. Miyamoto starts talking once she sits down. “Miss Kamata, I think it comes without surprise that this meeting is about the Shindo case.”

Kiriko crosses one leg over the other and leans back slightly, arms folded. “Figured as much. Nothing else I’ve been doing.”

Miyamoto gives a polite, reserved smile. “Yes, you’ve been working day and night. I admire your dedication, truly, I do, but I’m beginning to wonder if we’re stretching resources too thin on something that continues to evade any concrete evidence.”

Kiriko doesn’t respond immediately. She watches him carefully, weighing every word, every twitch of his brow. He’s calm. Collected. But cautious, like someone trying to gently pry a bone from a dog’s jaws.

“I know what you’re gonna say,” she replies, her tone steady but firm. “You think it’s a dead end.”

“I think ,” he says, emphasising the word gently, “that we have very little to show for months of effort. Your instincts are sharp, Kiriko, and your record is flawless. But sometimes even the best hunters follow trails that vanish into fog.”

Her jaw tightens. “This trail hasn’t vanished. It’s just well hidden. There’s a difference.”

Miyamoto clasps his hands together. “Look, we both know Ainosuke Shindo comes from a family with deep roots. Old money, old power. The kind of influence that builds walls wherever we try to dig. He has friends in high places, and even rumors won’t stick without evidence.”

Kiriko leans forward. “That’s exactly why I can’t stop. This kind of protection? The silence? It’s not coincidence. It’s a dance. Every time I get close, a witness backs out. A document disappears. Someone ‘retires early.’ That’s not bad luck, sir.”

“You’re emotionally invested,” Miyamoto counters. “And that clouds judgment.”

“I’m invested in getting justice,” she snaps. “If I wanted easy wins, I’d go back to parking violations in Tokyo.”

He raises his eyebrows, a flicker of surprise, maybe even respect, crossing his face. “No one’s questioning your drive, Kamata. But we have to be strategic. Shindo is smart. If we poke too hard without proof, he’ll know we’re looking, and he’ll close ranks tighter than ever.”

Kiriko very strategically decides to leave out the fact that Shindo knows she’s prodding. Has even made direct contact with her. Unfortunately. That man does not know what personal boundaries are.

Still, she doesn’t back down. “Then we get smarter. We dig deeper. We talk to people who aren’t on the record. We follow the money, not through his name, but through the names he hides behind. I know it’s there. The pieces just haven’t lined up yet.”

Miyamoto sighs, and for a moment, he looks tired.

“I brought to Okinawa because you’re relentless. And I admire that. But I also brought you here because I trust your judgment. So if you tell me, without doubt, that this case still has legs, then I’ll back you. But I need more than a hunch, Kamata. I need something I can justify when the higher-ups come knocking on my door.”

Kiriko hesitates, then speaks. “Give me two more months. I’ll bring you something solid. I promise.”

He studies her for a moment. Then he nods. “Two months. And if you don’t have anything tangible, I’m taking you off the case.”

Kiriko rises, nods once, and leaves without another word.

—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—

If you would ask Kojiro when he signed those adoption papers, he wouldn’t be able to tell you. Even so, he’s committed to the dad life now, even if Kaoru makes fun of him for using the extremely corny ‘#1 unofficial dad’ mugs they got for father’s day. One pink, one green. It was supposed to be a prank from Reki, Langa and Miya, but Kojiro sweared he’ll use it for the rest of his life, and has yet to break that promise. Whatever, he knows Kaoru feels the same.

Even so, he would appreciate it if the kids in question could keep his restaurant in one piece.

Exactly 12 seconds ago, a red haired teenager barged into the restaurant with the force of a hurricane, dragging two others with him. Exactly 11 seconds ago, Kojiro got the fright of his life and dropped Kaoru’s bowl of pasta, splattering it everywhere. Exactly 7 seconds ago Reki realised what he had done and started apologising as if his life depended on it. Based on Kaoru’s stare, maybe it did.

Doesn’t mean that Kojiro can’t laugh his ass off. Hey, it’s wasted pasta, but it’s also a Kaoru covered head to toe in carbonara.

“Reki. Please sit down. And stop laughing, you damn gorilla, and get me a towel instead.” Kaoru grits, obviously trying very hard not to commit a homicide.

“I’LL GET I’LL GET IT I’LL GET IT.” Reki shouts, bolting to the kitchen.

After everything settles down, with the carbonara cleaned up and served again, Kaoru sighs and turns to Reki, who has managed to eat half a basket of garlic bread in the time it took Kaoru to clean up and change into a clean shirt.

“You were saying?” he asks, voice flat, fan twitching slightly in his lap like a loaded weapon. Reki swallows nervously. “Right. Sorry. Uh, it’s about the field trip. You already know about that.”

“The field trip? That’s why you broke down the door?!” Kaoru asks bewildered.

Kojiro walks back in with drinks. “You mean the government one with Adam? Kaoru told me about that.”

“A government field trip? Is that  why Miya asked me how flammable government buildings are?” Shadow asks, mildly amused, ignoring Kaoru’s incredulous stare.

They fill everyone in on the details with full theatrics on Reki’s part. Langa pipes up every now and then, adding some context when Reki flies off the rails of the conversation. Miya just gives sarcastic quips when he feels like it.

“I’m sorry. Adam is a what?!” Shadow booms halfway.

“Thank you!” Miya speaks up. “That’s the energy I need. Cherry made it sound like it was common knowledge!”

Kojiro stares at him. “That’s because it is? He’s on the news basically every other day. Aren’t you the one on that phone all the time?”

Miya glares daggers at him and then at Kaoru, who struggles to conceal a snort. Yeah, they got this parent life covered.

“I’m more concerned why you don’t know,” Kojiro turns to Shadow. “Aren’t you an adult? An adult that votes?”

“Doesn’t mean I keep up with the politicians. Boring stuff, I just wanna know what they stand for. Don’t need to know their personal lives. At least, that’s what I thought…” he huffs.

“We didn’t know either,” says Langa. “It was quite the experience.”

“Yeah,” Reki snickers. “Our teacher was practically swooning while we tried really hard not to jump from the nearest window.“

“Anyways,” Langa continues. “Apparently he wants to connect with the youth,” he says, air-quoting and rolling his eyes.

“That isn’t surprising, unfortunately. He’s always been obsessed with performance and control. You’ve seen him on the track. Politics just gives him a bigger stage with a bigger audience.” Kaoru shrugs.

“But why? We’re kids. The youth in question can’t vote yet.” says Miya.

Kojiro shrugs. “Because as long as he plays his political mind tricks, you might grow up to be voters. Or fans. Or even work for him. You kids are the future. Influence them young, or whatever creepy fantasy Adam’s playing out. Getting into schools gives him influence.”

Miya fake gags.

“Okay, but we’re all in agreement that this is bad, right?” Reki asks, gesturing wildly. “Like, he’s already a menace. He’s a menace on the track! What happens when he’s in a suit and legally allowed to make speeches to the public? To children?!”

“He’s already been doing that,” Kaoru says. “You just haven’t been paying attention.”

“Yeah okay, but now we have to pretend to be interested while he monologues!” Reki cries, flopping on the table dramatically.

Kaoru sighs and massages the bridge of his nose.

“So, what do we do?” Langa asks.

Kaoru raises an eyebrow. “Besides attending the field trip and trying not to get expelled for committing arson?”

Miya smiles. “That’s still on the table.”

“You’re not even gonna be there.” Langa says.

“Yeah, but I’d voluntarily come to school if arson was involved.”

Reki suddenly perks up. “Wait, but what if we mess with him a little?”

“Oh no,” Kaoru mutters, praying to whatever god that is listening.

“No, no, hear me out!” Reki’s eyes are gleaming now. “We can’t not go. But that doesn’t mean we have to play along. He wants to be respected and admired, right? What if we act like total idiots?”

“That’s not a prank,” Shadow snorts. “That’s just you being yourself.”

“ Shut up. ” Reki elbows him. “I mean, like, ask him super weird questions. Be annoying. Make him uncomfortable. Confuse him.”

Langa nods. “Like, ‘If you’re a politician, how many ducks are legally allowed in a courtroom?’”

“Yes!! Exactly!”

“Or ‘If the government controls our currency, why can’t we change it to Monopoly money?’” Miya suggests.

“Guys…” Kojiro says, a warning in his voice, but he’s definitely hiding a grin.

“We could fake fanboying,” Reki says, really getting into it now. “Start clapping after every sentence. Ask for his autograph.”

“Make the slightest, least obvious references to S and watch him sweat,” Shadow offers.

“Oh my god,” Miya breathes, “you’re going to die. But like. Hilariously. I’ll fix your funeral if you ask him whether the eyebrows are part of the job description.”

Kaoru covers his face with his hand. “You’re going to get expelled. Or worse, arrested for harassment.”

“I’m just saying!” Reki says. “If we have to suffer, he should too! They won’t arrest kids. Worse come to worst, security will kick us out, and we’re free to go.”

“I don’t think that’s how that works,” Kojiro says.

“Personally, I love this plan.” Shadow grins. “What’s the budget? Do we have fog machines?”

“No,” Kaoru says instantly.

“ Yes, ” Reki says at the exact same time, eyes practically sparkling. “It’s official. We prank Adam.”

“Operation Peacock Doom,” Langa says, grinning.

“I hate all of you,” Kaoru mutters.

Kojiro laughs. “Don’t lie. You’re making a spreadsheet in your head right now.”

Kaoru doesn’t deny it.

Reki leans back, satisfied. “We may be doomed, but at least it’ll be entertaining.”

“You’re gonna traumatize a politician,” Shadow says, utterly delighted. “I’ve never been more proud.”

—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—

Kazuki watches Kiriko returning to her desk like he’s watching a bomb about to explode. “Well? You survived?”

She grabs a fresh folder from the pile and flips it open. “Two months. That’s all I’ve got.”

A new voice whistles. “That’s more generous than I expected. Miyamoto must like you.”

A woman appears, holding a cup of tea in one hand and a file in the other. Short brown hair, glasses, and prominent freckles all over her face. She has the air of someone approachable, someone kind and maybe a bit simpleminded, but Kiriko knows she has a brain that can’t be underestimated. Akiko Fujioka, not an investigator like Kiriko and Kazuki, but a detective specialised in serious felonies and homicide.

“I don’t need him to like me, Akiko.” She mutters. “I just need him to let me work.”

“Hah, so very you. So, what is your next plan?”

“I don’t know, Akiko, I’m working on it. Don’t ya your own cases to solve? Why bother me?” Kiriko grits.

“Hmm, I do have my own stuff to work on. Must mean that you don’t want this new information I got on Shindo, correct?” She smiles, holding up the file.

Kiriko perks up. “You have what?”

Kazuki laughs and walks over from his desk. “Akiko, stop bullying the poor woman.”

“Alright, alright, here ya go. Your phone rang while you were away. Your target is giving a tour for a bunch of high schoolers next week. Connecting with the youth or something. Might not be much, that’s for you to decide.”

Kiriko practically launches for the file . “Aside from public speeches and the occasional stroll around the building, he hardly makes an appearance. Those kids are gonna ask questions, this might be a golden opportunity.”

“They’re high school kids on a government field trip, Kiriko.” Kazuki sighs. “They’re gonna ask about taxes and laws.”

Akiko laughs. “No, Kazuki, they’re high school kids forced to attend a government field trip. They’re gonna ask bullshit questions and mess around.”

“Well, good luck with that then, Kiri. I’m sure it’ll be valuable for your investigation.” Kazuki snickers, walking back to his own desk.

But Kiriko isn’t listening anymore. She pushes her sleeves up and scans the page. In 5 days, Ainosuke Shindo will give a tour for a local high school. 25 students and two chaperones. 10:00 till 13:30. That’s all.

Not much, but it’s enough. It’s a lead, and she can’t afford to be picky right now.

Chapter Text

The sun is shining. The birds are chirping. The flower are blooming. Children are laughing and playing in the fields.

Reki thinks it’s offensive.

He drags his feet like he’s walking to his own execution. Well, it might as well be.

He and Langa spend the last few days coming up with stupid ideas to prank Adam with, with the occasional ideas from Miya that may or may not be felonies. Still, they have some solid ideas, but it’s Adam we’re talking about.

“Does he even know it’s us that’s coming on the trip?” Langa whispers in his ear.

Reki hadn’t even thought of that. He’s sure he has some sort of list of names, but who knows. Keeping the class together is the job of his teachers.

He hopes he doesn’t. An Adam that is prepared for something like that is simply terrifying.

“Alright class! Please, eyes on me.” If their teacher was exited before, she’s ecstatic now. She’s practically buzzing with excitement, getting a lot of side eyes from her students.

“Must be nice, not having to fear Death by Boredom,” a classmate whispers to her friend. Reki would love to be able to agree with that statement. He’s experiencing Death by Pure Horror.

Langa isn’t doing much better. He’s biting his nails, a nervous habit of his. Sure, they were exited before. Thinking of stupid pranks with Miya and Shadow was fun. Cherry gave some good advice disguised as anything other than that, and Joe was the only one who dared to call him out on his bullshit, saying that Cherry would pay a lot of money to see Adam’s face when it all happens. They had fun.

Emphasis on the past tense.

Adam is scarily unpredictably. Their classmates might be bored… Reki is about to combust.

“We’re about to enter the building. Please, gather up by the big statue on the right. Mr. Shindo, our tour guide, will meet us there in a few minutes. I want to count heads, and Mr. Yamada will hand out some worksheets before Shindo gets here.”

A collective groan at the mention of the worksheets. Mr. Yamada smiles, knowing full well that Mrs. Sato spend hours on making this trip ‘as fun as possible’ for the students, forgetting that not everyone is as interested in politics as she is.

As they walk inside, Reki and Langa get a notification on their phones. The group chat, with display names carefully chosen by Miya. No one bothers changing them anymore, he always changes them back.

> SK8 it till u make it

From: TinyTerrorCat

@SlimeBoy @Snowman good luck today lol. keep us updated.

From: FloppyTheClown

tell us if u need backup!!!! 😜

From: TinyTerrorCat

or a getaway car 😸

From: SkateDad

Miya you can’t drive

From: TinyTerrorCat

watch me 🥰

From: SkateMom

Ignoring that. Reki, Langa, please don’t do anything too rash. Adam is unpredicatble.

From: SlimeBoy

as if we dont know that 💀💀

From: Snowman

Reki looks like he just ate spoiled meat

From: SlimeBoy

oi you’re not much better dude 😵‍💫

From: SkateDad

Relaaax you’ll be fine!! Adam can’t do much in public

From: SlimeBoy

he’s doing a great job at making me regret my existence rn 💪💪💪

From: SkateDad

Pretty sure that that’s a common occurrence with him lol

From: SkateDad

Also. Make sure to document everything. We want video evidence!!!!

From: SkateMom

Preferably with Adam’s face.

They arrive at the meeting point and pocket their phones. Mr. Yamada hands out worksheets and pens while Mrs. Sato counts heads, making sure no student can ditch halfway.

Then a voice speaks up. “There you are, and precisely on time! How exiting~!”

Reki can’t hide the full-body twitch when he hears that voice. Langa looks like he might faint.

“Mr. Shindo! It’s a great honour to be guided by one of Okinawa’s most important figures, of course we can’t arrive late.” Mrs. Sato practically bows down to 90 degrees. A few students snicker, or groan in embarrassment.

Adam— no, Shindo’s eyes scan the students with a welcoming smile that reeks of power and influence.

Then he freezes. Does a double take. And stares right into Reki’s eyes with mild surprise and a slight frown, which Reki thinks might be the political equivalent of pure shock and fear.

Okay. So he didn’t know they were gonna be here. And he’s clearly not happy that they are. Could he be nervous? That changes things.

All fear suddenly forgotten, Reki flashes him a grin and a peace sign. Langa waves, smiling.

“Mr. Shindo, do you know Reki and Langa?” Mrs. Sato asks curiously.

Shindo composes himself quickly. “Ah, I think I might have seen them at a local event a while back. They asked… interesting questions. Isn’t that right, young man?” He asks, staring through Langa’s soul.

Langa gives a quick nod and Shindo expertly diverts the conversation.

“Jesus. That was quick. And efficient.” Reki whispers.

“Yeah, duh, he’s trained for this.” Langa whispers back. “Also, local event isn’t that big of a stretch.”

“Fair. But he didn’t know, man, and he looked shocked! Maybe this won’t be so bad after all.”

Reki makes sure Mrs. Sato isn’t looking when he grabs his phone and shoots a quick text to the group chat.

> SK8 it till u make it

From: SlimeBoy

pretty sure we just gave adam the fright of his life. don’t think he knew we were involved in all this.

fear forgotten. this is war

From: TinyTerrorCat

HELL YEAH ‼️

—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—

Ten minutes later, after introductions are had and rules discussed, Shindo starts the tour. Langa doesn’t even make it 1 minute before mentally checking out of this whole charade.

Shindo leads the group through perfect pristine halls, past glowing plaques and carefully staged “casual” staff doing totally-not-scripted things like typing and sipping tea in harmony. It’s like a well orchestrated dance: totally Adam’s style.

Langa has to admit, against his will, that he’s good at speeches. Though he’d rather call it monologuing. He’s waxing poetic about the ins-and-outs of politics, waltzing the students around the building and answering any questions that come up. Some students have gotten interested, and are asking genuinely for their own benefit. Others are wandering around, doing anything but listen to the man, with Mrs. Sato and Mr. Yamada trying to herd them together.

Reki makes it twenty minutes before cracking. He raises his hand. Langa smiles. Here we go.

Shindo pauses. Langa can see the mental calculations going on behind those eyes. “Ah. Yes? A question?”

Reki smiles kindly. “So, uh… if someone accidentally build, say, a very large ramp in a warehouse, would that be, like… legal?”

A weird question, and Langa can see some confusion on their classmates and teachers. But not completely out of line.

Adam, to his credit, barely reacts. “I wouldn’t know how someone could… accidentally build a ramp in a warehouse. But it all depends on the ownership of the warehouse, and the safety of the structure of the ramp.”

Another student, to Langa and Reki’s absolute delight, mutters under his breath, “Well. That’s not a no.”

Adam keeps going as if nothing had happened, and Langa opens his phone.

> SK8 it till u make it

From: Snowman

Can confirm, if someone were to accidentally build a ramp in a warehouse, it’s completely legal as long as the ramp is well structured and the warehouse is not owned by someone

So if someone. Hypothetically. Would like to accidentally build a sturdy skating ramp in an abandoned warehouse somewhere in the mountains, good news!!!

We’re not sure about the legality of creating public skating “clubs” yet, will update on that soon

From: TinyTerrorCat

oh my god this is the best day of my life

From: SkatingDad

OMG 😂😂😂

Don’t forget to make videos!!!!!!

Ten minutes later.

From: Snowman

Alright. Skating clubs are totally legal! If you want to do it at school, you might need permission, depending on the rules of your school. But outside of school you can make as many clubs as you want! Make sure you DONT destruct private property though, and don’t cause public disturbance 😔

From: SlimeBoy

ADAM ALMOSR PISSED HIS PANTS WHEN LANGA ASKED ABT SKATEBAORDING

IM TRYING SO HARD TO KEEP MY FACE BLANK AHAHAHHAHFHFJD

From: SlimeBoy

Video attachment: shaky and unstable. Reki is clearly trying to be discreet, while trying not to shake with laughter. Even then, you can catch glimpses of Adam, and his and Langa’s voices are loud and clear.

“You were filming?!” Langa whispers excitedly.

“Of course,” Reki grins.

From: TinyTerrorCat

I TAKE EVERYTHING BACK I LIKE SCHOOL. WHY CANT I BE THERE

From: FloppyTheClown

HOLY FUCKING SHIT THIS IS HILARIOUS 💀💀💀

The tour continues, but they aren’t done yet.

Langa raises his hand.

“What’s your stance on freedom of expression and protest, and the forms it can take?”

Adam’s smile twitches. “Everyone is free to speak up if they feel unhappy with the way our government works, as long as it does not disturb society. If they wish to use peaceful protests, then that is their right. Likewise, everyone is free to express themselves as long as they don’t disturb the peace. We want to help the people as much as we can.”

“What if that form is skateboarding?“ Langa asks innocently.

Reki does a great job at hiding a snort with a cough, in Langa’s opinion. To their classmates it just looks like the two boys known for skateboarding are asking questions relevant to their hobby and what the government thinks about it, knowing it’s frowned upon by society.

But Langa can see Shindo’s eye violently twitching, and smiles sweetly.

On the contrary, Shindo’s smile sharpens. “I’d say it depends on the execution.”

He’s cracking. This is great.

They continue walking. Langa sees Reki tapping away on his phone and looks over his shoulder.

> SK8 it till u make it

From: SlimeBoy

Video attachment: Again, shaky and unstable, but even on this crappy recording you can see Adam losing his composure.

From: SlimeBoy

I CANTTTTT

also 😭 “free to express urself as long as u don’t disturb the peace” utter bullcrap coming from mr. “i will dance the tango with you at breakneck speed and then throw u off the nearest cliff” but pop off i guess

From: SkateMom

I can’t believe I was against this idea. This is hilarious.

Kojiro isn’t in chat, but know that it is because he’s watching the videos over and over, laughing his ass off.

From: FloppyTheClown

THIS IS GREAT BEBWGAHSHAJSHAH

From: TinyTerrorCat

OH MY GOD operation peacock doom is working

ask him about the monopoly money PLEASE

From: SlimeBoy

ahhh our teacher would definitely tell us off. if we fuck around too obviously she’ll forbid us from asking questions.

From: SkateDad

OH this is AWESOME

Ask him about small, or locally owned businesses. Don’t know much about his whole deal, but heard from one of the waitresses at the restaurant that he’s planning something to make the lives of locally owned businesses easier, by funding and all that

And specify that a friend of yours, who owns an italian restaurant, is interested to hear more about his plans for that

He’ll know it’s me

From: SkateMom

Oh, I need that on video.

Reki just about throws his arm into the air, with a grin that seems simply enthusiastic to his peers, and absolutely manic to Langa and Shindo. If it was possible to see someone’s soul leave their body in real time, then they would see Shindo’s ascend at this very moment.

“…yes? Reki, was it?”

“So, like, a friend of mine is interested in one of your ideas for Okinawa. So we did some research beforehand, and we saw some mentions of plans for locally owned businesses. And my friend owns an Italian restaurant here in Okinawa, right? Would it be possible to give us more information on this?”

Shindo keeps smiling, and answers his question with detailed explanations and grand plans for small businesses. He talks about how they are the centre of community and culture, and how we must support them and their creativity.

Mrs. Sato has never looked this proud of her students. Mr. Yamada is mildly confused, but Reki is nothing if not an enthusiastic ray of sunshine, so he sees nothing wrong with the situation.

Their classmates, specifically the ones standing closer to Reki and Langa, have noticed something slightly off. They’ve been using their phone and whispering a lot, but even the few that sometimes hang out with them at lunch don’t think much of it. Most of them aren’t paying attention, anyway.

But Reki and Langa see how Shindo is two seconds away from a nervous breakdown. They’re thriving.

—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—

Remind her to take Akiko out for some coffee soon, because even Kiriko did not think this trip would be worth it this much .

She was in the building long before the students arrived, and Shindo has most likely already spotted her. That man has eyes everywhere, but it doesn’t matter. She just has to tail him and his group at a safe distance.

When the students some in, her eyes scan every one of them. They seemed bored at best, which checks out. But then she notices two boys near the back. They’re easy to spot, with hair brighter than the rest. But that’s not why she picked them out.

Reading body language comes with the job. She’s an investigator, and a damn good one at that. She deals with carefully structured facades and politicians with plastic smiles on a daily basis, and has for years. She’s learned to read between the lines of professional deception, and these kids aren’t even trying to hide their obvious unease.

The blue haired kid looks like he might be sick. The red haired one looks ready to bolt at any given moment. Both of them are nervously looking around, as if they’re searching for a specific person.

And when Shindo appears, the red haired one twitches. Violently. Both snap their eyes to Shindo in what Kiriko can only describe as pure fear .

What the hell?!

But what’s even more surprising is Shindo’s expression when he notices the students. For the first time in months of investigating, after digging deep and trying to make him squirm with no change in that creepy smile, Kiriko can see Shindo’s picture perfect mask falter. He looks shocked and… is that fear? It can’t be.

It takes everything in her not to run up to the group and rattle the information out of those boys.

Reki and Langa. That’s what their teacher calls them. The moment Shindo looks at them, it’s like understanding flashes over their faces. And then they wave at Shindo. Throw a casual peace sign. As if all their fear is forgotten the moment they see Shindo’s unease… but did they? Kiriko is trained, and you wouldn’t know what to see in his expression except slight surprise, unless you knew what to look for.

She’s two seconds away from ripping the hair from her skull. Who the hell are these kids?!

Chapter Text

“So, like, a friend of mine is interested in one of your ideas for Okinawa. So we did some research beforehand, and we saw some mentions of plans for locally owned businesses. And my friend owns an Italian restaurant here in Okinawa, right? Would it be possible to give us more information on this?”

Langa has his camera at the ready, trying to be more discreet. He’s sure that Cherry, Joe, Miya and Shadow would defy time, space and physics to jump through the device and be there in person if they can’t see Adam’s mental breakdown on video anymore. Best not to let his device be confiscated by his teachers for… whatever reason.

You can just see the cogs working in Shindo’s brain, and everything falling into place. Langa can practically hear the ding of realization in his mind, and watches with glee as Adam… sorry, Shindo blinks twice, and recovers with the air of a man who just swallowed a wasp and is pretending it was a piece of candy.

“Oh, I see,” Shindo says smoothly. “Yes, we are in the early stages of a new program to support small, community-based ventures. We believe that the locals in Okinawa keep our culture alive, and it’s essential to preserve our local culture while still allowing room for growth. They are the heart of creativity and I, as well as my colleagues, admire their resilience in a world that’s revolving more and more around the big cooperations.”

He pauses, just a beat too long.

“Please do thank your friend for their interest.”

Reki gives him a thumbs up. “Will do!”

> SK8 it till u make it

From: Snowman

Video attachment.

From: SlimeBoy

@SkateDad adam sends his regards 🥰

From: SkateDad

YOU KIDS ARE GETTING FREE PIZZA FOR LIFE 🤣🤣🤣

—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—

Kiriko had done countless investigations before being stationed in Okinawa. She had brought down criminal organisations, played political games with bigwigs just like Shindo, and even solved some ancient cold cases. She has seen it all, experienced it all, and has been tripped up by some insane real-life plot twists. Nothing phases her anymore.

Or so she thought.

Never, in her years and years of strange investigations and stranger suspects, did she think tailing her very dangerous target would be funny .

But they are. The kids at least, whose names she by now has scribbled down a total of five times with circles, exclamation marks and bold underlining. Reki and Langa. They’re really funny.

Mind you, she doesn’t understand anything they’re doing. Not really. It’s like they keep making inside jokes and references concerning Shindo, but she can’t help but be amused despite the insanity of the situation. But Shindo seems to get it as well, judging by his reactions, even though the questions are weirdly… normal.

They make sense. Most are about skateboarding, clearly a hobby of the two boys. Others are about their friends, and some about the finer details of Shindo’s plans for Okinawa. They keep recording and texting on their phones while trying not to laugh too loud. Clearly, there is something more behind it, but the kids aren’t acting out too obviously, so their teachers are none the wiser. It takes a professional, or perhaps someone who knows what to look for to see the forced smile and small facial reactions on Shindo.

Which is a whole other thing. There are reactions. That’s a first. Kiriko has thrown evidence of corruption right to his face, multiple times. She had done everything to back him in a corner. And whenever she succeeded, even somewhat, Shindo would keep that perfect façade. That perfect smile. The flirting. He never wavered.

But these kids… Two seemingly random high schoolers, who, from the perspective of their classmates, just seem weirdly interested. Shindo seemed to recognise them on sight, and the kids recognised him too.

There’s no way these high schoolers are actually connected to political corruption… probably.

It’s most likely related to both their presence and the questions they ask, however innocent those questions may seem.

Skateboarding, huh? Not something she would expect the flamboyant politician to be interested in beyond public interest, but who knows. It does seem related to most of the questions Reki and Langa ask. And every single question they ask seems to agitate Shindo more and more.

She writes it down, next to the names of the kids, and with a lot of question marks.

—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—

“And next up, the conference hall!” Shindo announces with as much flair as always. He goes on about symbolism and heritage when Langa strikes again.

“Mr. Shindo,” he says, tone devastatingly polite. “There’s a lot of powerful imagery here. How important do you think symbolism is to leadership?”

Shindo falters mid-sentence.

“I— well. Symbolism is a strong tool. A leader must sometimes become a symbol themself to inspire others, which is also why logo’s and banners exist. Symbols like that unite people, and show their alliance and believes to others.”

Langa nods slowly. “So for a politician it’s legally allowed to enter the building wearing dramatic clothes and, like, maybe… a cape? Or a mask? Or perhaps something resembling a magical girl villain cosplay? Hypothetically?”

Adam’s eye twitches so hard it looks like Morse code. Perhaps it’s spelling out a cry for help, Langa wouldn’t know. He doesn’t know Morse, nor has he any desire to stop tormenting the man.

“Only if it suits the message,” Shindo grits out.

> SK8 it till u make it

From: SlimeBoy

HE DIDN’T SAY NO. I REPEAT. HE DID NOT SAY COSPLAY IS FORBIDDEN IN THE GOVERNMENT BUILDING.

From: TinyTerrorCat
YOU ASKED ABT COSPLAY!??!,!?!;!!,!;’c

From: FloppyTheClown

YOU PUNKS BETTER HAVE THAT ON CAMERA

From: Snowman
uploading now. wait for the microexpression at 0:18. it's art.

From: SlimeBoy
omfg just imagine the campaign posters. “Vote Shindo: Now With 30% More Glitter And Capes!”

do ya think he’d make dancing the tango legally obligated????

From: TinyTerrorCat

cant believe his decision to wear that atrocious sailor moon villain fit when he skated against langa is still haunting him NOW

From: SkateMom

You guys are getting closer to weird questions, don’t mess around too much. You’ll get in trouble with your teachers.

From: SkateDad

Don’t let the pink haired rat fool you, he just wants to make sure your teachers don’t take his free entertainment away 😜

From: SkateMom

Exactly. Did I stutter?

—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—

They sit down for lunch in the courtyard. Shindo disappears “for a meeting,”  which probably means he’s escaping this personal hell.

Reki and Langa sit on the far side of the lawn, away from their teachers and classmates.

“I think I’m having too much fun,” Langa admits, flopping back on the grass.

“You’re not alone dude,” Reki says, tapping away on his phone.

> SK8 it till u make it
From: SlimeBoy
we’re having lunch. adam disappeared to have a “meeting”… pretty sure that’s an excuse to scream in the janitor closet for 30 minutes 🙂‍↕️

From: FloppyTheClown
LMAOOOOOOOO

“Yo, Reki! Langa!”

Three of their classmates come walking their way, breaking free from the rest of the group . They know who they are: Miko, Michizō and Aya. They often have lunch on the school rooftop as well, and Miko sits right in front of Langa in class, so they’ve talked plenty of times before, and even worked together on some projects.

They aren’t exactly close friends… friendly acquaintances would be a better description, but it’s more than Reki and Langa have with any of their other classmates.

“Mind if we join you?” Michizō calls out when they get close enough. He’s holding his backpack by the strap, dragging it over the floor. Clearly not the first time, considering the absolute horrifying state the backpack is in.

“Not at all!” Reki calls back. It’s unusual, but honestly… What about this day has been remotely normal?

The three of them sit down and take their bento’s from their bags. Reki and Langa pocket their phones for the first time on this trip and decide to be social for once.

“So like… we have a question...” Miko started, munching on her tamagoyaki.

“Yeah, we noticed that you guys were doing some shady shit during the trip!” Michizō interrupts. “What’s that all about?!”

“You make it sound like they’re doing drugs in a government building, idiot. We don’t want to scare them away.” Aya chides. She turns to Reki and Langa, who are slowly starting to feel a sense of dread.

“You two were making videos and typing away on your phones. Don’t worry, I don’t think Mrs. Sato noticed much, but we were right behind you the whole time.”

“Well, not the whole time. Like when you started asking about skating clubs and stuff.”

“That’s basically the whole time, Miko.” Aya sighs. “Anyways, we wanted to ask what you were doing.”

Reki chuckles awkwardly. “It’s kinda hard to explain…”

Michizō all but shoots forward with a huge grin, and glasses askew on his face. “Dude, you were laughing! Like… actually laughing! During a mandatory government trip!! At this point I’m ready to join whatever underground cult you two are a part of to not get bored to death!”

Reki and Langa cringe slightly. Well, that’s not exactly far off…

“Can’t believe I’m saying this, but so am I. You two seem like you’re having fun …” Aya says the last word like it’s from an alien language, an emotion that shouldn’t exist in a place like this.

Reki isn’t sure about this, but Langa jumps to the opportunity. “Actually… we could use the help.”

“Langa, dude! We can’t get caught, or explain any details to them!”

Langa turns to him. “Here we have three classmates that are volunteering to help, and you want to decline ?! We’ve been trying to keep it low-key enough so the teachers don’t take our phones or, heavens forbid, silence us. If we have three more people we can ask more risky stuff!”

“It’s no fun for them if they don’t have the inside jokes though, right? They’d just be making him suffer without understanding what they’re doing!”

Dude. We can’t have them figure out about S, accidental or not…  Reki tries to tell Langa telepathically. Somehow.

Miko snorts. “Okay, I don’t know about you guys, but I, personally, think that making politicians suffer is the absolute height of fun.”

“Yeah honestly, I don’t care about the illegal and shady connections you have with this Shindo guy.” Michizō chimes in. “Making him suffer sounds like a great plan!”

“Again, Michi, you’re accusing them of doing illegal things. We’re trying to join them, not scare them away….” Aya mutters.

And again, he’s not far off… Langa thinks, but it’s Reki who replies.

“Well… if you guys don’t mind asking random ass questions… or potentially getting in trouble with the teachers…”

“Nothing new for Michi.” Miko snickers, resulting in a half-assed slap on her shoulder and an indignant HEY!

It’s risky, but they seem trustworthy enough. No way they’re telling them about S, at least not yet. But Langa is right: they can use the help.

“Then welcome to the team!” Reki says, slamming his bento shut with a wicked grin that could scare off demons. Demons with glitter suits and evil skateboards, specifically.

—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—

Snowman created a new group chat.

Snowman added SlimeBoy, Michizō, Aya, Miko.

SlimeBoy changed the group name to ‘Operation: Peacock Doom 🔥🦚’

> Operation: Peacock Doom 🔥🦚

From: SlimeBoy

welcome to the madness… 😈

Chapter Text

They are not supposed to be here.

The only thought that’s been bouncing around Ainosuke’s head this entire time. They are not supposed to be here, not in his sanctuary. He has perfected this mask, and he can’t have them messing everything up.

Not looking at the list of names, that was his first mistake. He thought it was unimportant, just another show with puppets as easy to manipulate as pawns on a chessboard. He’s better than this. He should’ve been more careful.

For a fraction of a second he had hope. Adam and Shindo are two different masks, no S skater should be able to make that connection.

Except these aren’t your average S regulars. His Eve, and that… pathetic red haired dog that keeps trailing him. Of course they’d recognise him. His Eve had seen his mask fall during their race, after all.

They came prepared. They knew before coming here. And Ainosuke was thrown in a situation he hadn’t orchestrated himself.

That is unacceptable.

He watches them through the window, much like a hawk. His Eve, little Red and some nobodies from their class.

Calm, Ainosuke. Breathe. Control the narrative. Smile. Nod. Act as if you're not picturing twenty different ways to erase the scent of “Adam” from your legacy.

They can’t do much. If they break him, S will fall, and they themselves will be brought down with it.

He had seen that mantis woman, of course he had. One wrong move, and they serve S to that police inspector on a silver platter without realising it. He can’t let that happen.

“Tadashi.”

“Yes, Mr. Ainosuke?”

This is my sanctuary. My stage. I’m in control.

“Take care of them. Discreetly.”

“Of course, sir.”

—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—

> Operation: Peacock Doom 🔥🦚

From: SlimeBoy

are we ready????? 🔥🔥🔥

From: Michizō

HELL YEAH

best gc name i’ve ever seen btw

so true the man is like a peacock i’m nooot gonna lie

From: Snowman

Ooooh we’ve already come up with a gazillion descriptions for him…

Chandelier. James Bond villain. Retired pop idol. Sailor moon villain

From: Slimeboy

that last one is 100% my favourite

From: Miko

can’t believe i haven’t mentioned this yet. but with all due respect, what’s with the names???

why is langa a snowman?? what’s a slimeboy???????

From: Snowman

Well, I’m from Canada

From: Aya

Just about the only thing we know for certain when it comes to you… ;)

From: Michizō

KMAO yeah that first introduction will go down in the history books 🫡

“Rude…” Langa muttered.

“Well. They’re not lying.” Reki snickered.

Break is over, and they are back in the main building. They decided to keep distance and play it cool. Their newly acquired partners in crime don’t know Adam like they do, and don’t understand how dangerous he actually is.

They discussed some questions and topics during the break, and agreed to communicate through the groupchat alone. Let Adam be surprised by their involvement. Let him second guess himself… oh, this is the best idea they have ever had.

They also decided to give him some false sense of security, so they won’t do anything for at least 30 minutes.

Then Reki realises they put their phones on silent mode, and that they hadn’t checked up on their S friends in a while .

He grabs his and winces at the first message that’s visible on the homescreen.

> SK8 it till u make it

From: TinyTerrorCat

@SlimeBoy @Snowman i will come over, chop off your toes and force feed them to adam. it has been ages WHERE ARE YOU

From: SlimeBoy

OKAY HOLD ON HOLD ON

please don’t

From: TinyTerrorCat

WATCH ME 😾😾😾

From: Snowman

Okay but we actually have an exiting update. But also we’re not doing anything for 30 minutes to confuse him.

From: SkateDad

That’s smart, let him squirm lol

From: SkateMom

An update?

From: SlimeBoy

three classmates are helping us HAH

we made a whole gc called operation peacock doom

and before cherry uses divine retribution to have lightning strike me down, no they don’t know anything abt s and we’re not telling them anythnig

From: TinyTerrorCat

thats… something.

From: FoppyTheClown

nice and all but are u sure that works???

without… i dont know… ACCIDENTIALLY REVEALING S?!?!?!? 

From: Snowman

They’re weirdly willing to just. Do random stuff without asking questions.

From: SlimeBoy

what mandatory torture does to a person

anything to get some entertainment, in their own words lmfao

From: SkateMom

I suppose they’re highschoolers, first and foremost.

From: SlimeBoy

Exactly 🙂‍↕️

From: TinyTerrorCat

ohh... nevermind i’m intrigued 😼

—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—

They were given three simple rules:

#1 Listen to our instructions, however weird they may seem.

#2 Act normal: don’t get caught by the teachers.

#3 Reign hell on this guy.

And Michizō thinks it’s surprisingly easy. It had been exactly 30 minutes when Reki raised his hand again, and asked some bullshit question about… a friend and cats? Nope, not questioning it, he’s not breaking Rule #1 before he gets his fun.

He checks his phone and tries not to snort. Sometime during the 30 minutes they decided to give each other weird nicknames like Reki and Langa have. Code names is what they called it, not entirely for the giggles. Now, if their teachers snatch one of their phones, they won’t know who else is involved.

> Operation: Peacock Doom 🔥🦚

From: NiceTryLosers [Aya]

@Snowman Give us a sign when you’re ready :)

From: Snowman

5 minutes!

From: NiceTryLosers [Aya]

Aye aye captain! o7

Five minutes later, Miko raises her hand. A face of pure innocence, one that hadn’t betrayed the politician yet. A trap hidden behind fashionable eyeliner, flashy clothes and vibrant pink hair with yellow highlights.

“Ah, yes, young lady.” Shindo smiles easily.

“I was actually thinking about something. Are there many religious people working here, perhaps you yourself?”

Shindo nods in thought. “Not me particularly, though there are a few people with varying religious backgrounds working in this establishment.”

Michizō sees Reki frowning. Not in anger, rather pure confusion. But Miko isn’t done yet.

“Ah, yes. I was wondering whether that changes your stance on… anything, honestly. Actually, I saw a painting with the Garden of Eden in the hall a while back! I’ve always been interested in the story of Adam and Eve, even though I’m not religious myself. It reminded me of this question.”

Shindo quickly flicks his eyes to Reki and Langa, and back.

“Ah. I see. That painting… is there indeed. Well, it doesn’t change anything for me specifically, no.” And he turns around, continuing the tour.

Is Michizō reaching, or was that last reply more of a dismissal? Was the guy actually nervous, or is he seeing things because he’s searching for it?

> Operation: Peacock Doom 🔥🦚

From: WhatLikeItsHard? [Miko]

…and, scene *bows*

From: SlimeBoy

AHHH PERFECT!!! he def tried to deflect that one AHAHHAAH

From: CultSnackCoordinator [Michizō]

WAIT FRRR??? i thought i was reaching 😭😭

From: NiceTryLosers

Nooo that last answer was much less detailed, I think you’re right!!

From: CultLeaderCoordinator [Michizō]

okayyy all hail miko omg 🛐🛐🛐

From: Snowman

Alright Michi you’re next

From: CultLeaderCoordinator

WOOP WOOP 🕺🏻

—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—

There is no way. It’s a coincidence. It has to be.

On any normal day, that question would not shake Ainosuke in the slightest. He might’ve gotten exited to talk about it. But with the presence of them …

No, he’s reaching. On any normal day, that question wouldn’t shake him, so it doesn’t have to now. He won’t act until he’s absolutely sure that there is more behind this...

He has a plan, Tadashi will take care of it. Just keep going, keep the act up.

I am in control.

Yet this is the most stress he’s ever had.

—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—

This is the most fun he’s ever had.

Reki has no idea what’s going on in Adam’s brain, but he can practically see him losing it. Miko’s question was perfect, the timing was perfect… Adam’s reaction was perfect.

He scrolls back up to the messages they sent during the break. Yeah, they were sitting right next to each other, but they needed a way to review the plan later on.

> Operation: Peacock Doom 🔥🦚

From: SlimeBoy

okay YES aya that is a perfect idea for miko

now something for michi, maybe five minutes later? ten?

From: Snowman
@SlimeBoy Maybe this time something that’ll annoy him but not too obviously related to… stuff.

From: WhatLikeItsHard? [Miko]

OKAY hear me out

casually mention how government buildings sometimes have weird EMF readings

aka ghosts 🥰

From: Snowman

Ohhh ask if he’s ever experienced something supernatural

From: SlimeBoy

ASK IF THE BUILDING IS HAUNTED

@Michizō do it

From: CultSnackCoordinator

oh i am ON IT ‼️‼️

From: WhatLikeItsHard?

OHHH thats PERFECT for michi!!!!!

From: NiceTryLosers

Tell him you heard crazy whispers or something!! >:D

From: WhatLikeItsHard?

noooo wait wait aya YOU should do that!!!

And so, back in the present and about ten minutes after Miko’s performance, they’re standing next to a scale model of the city's future urban layout, and Michizō raises his hand.

Shindo eyes him, a bit wary perhaps. He just points at him in affirmation.

“Is it true,” Michizō asks, “that some buildings have electromagnetic activity spikes?”

A pause. Then: “Some older buildings may experience electrical irregularities, yes.”

“Cool!” Michizō continues. “So has anyone here… ever seen a ghost?”

Shindo’s jaw twitches. “No,” he says flatly.

Mrs. Sato laughs nervously. “Oh dear, I hope not!”

A student mutters, “My grandma says government buildings are cursed.”

Somewhere to Michizō’s left, Reki gasps dramatically. “That explains so much!”

Aya jumps in. “I felt a cold spot near that office door over there. Could that have anything to do with ghosts? Does anyone have an EMF scanner?”

Before Shindo could react, Mr. Yamada jumps in. “Alright, everyone. That’s enough jokes for now, let’s allow Mr. Shindo to do his job, okay?”

—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—

“Take care of them. Discreetly.”

“Of course, sir.”

Whatever Mr. Ainosuke needs, Tadashi should provide. That’s in his contract, and that’s what Mr. Ainosuke expects from his dog.

Except Tadashi has no idea how to take care of this problem.

He, too, had recognised them. Of course he had, but too late to intervene.

Mr. Ainosuke had instructed Tadashi before the tour to work from the shadows, as he so often had. He was to make sure the tour was perfect, that everything and everyone was in the right place at the right time. And in hindsight, that was for the better, because those two would have immediately recognised him, too. Especially the redhead.

Mr. Ainosuke told him to take care of them, during the break. To make sure they got out of here before something happened that they couldn’t salvage.

But how do you pluck two teenagers from a crowd, with their teachers right there?

So he was content to just observe for now. They can’t mess this up, it had to be done discreetly, like Mr. Ainosuke said himself.

And it was through this patience and observation that he noticed three other students with… peculiar behaviour.

A girl with pink-and-yellow hair, a brown haired girl with two braids, and a boy with black hair and glasses.

He takes a quick peek at the list with names and faces ( that they should’ve looked at beforehand , he thinks bitterly) and confirms their identities.

“Take care of them .”

Those three have clearly been conspiring with the redhead and Snow. He had seen them during the break, and now they are also laughing silently while texting furiously on their phones. They’re clearly communicating.

And then one of those girls asks a question about the Garden of Eden. Tadashi’s blood runs cold. There is no such thing as coincidences. Are they related to S? Or are they being instructed? Is that why they are so obviously communicating?

He can’t touch Snow or the redhead. That’s too obvious. Too risky. But the others, those three… he can work with that. He can isolate them, and perhaps that will scare the other two. Clip their wings without making them scream.

He walks the other way.

Chapter Text

“Is it true,” Langa asks, “that government officials are allowed to decorate their offices however they want? Like, even if it’s a theme?”

A few other students perk up. One girl giggles. “Like if they made it Hello Kitty themed or something?”

“Or a lot of pictures with cute animals! Like, I don’t know… peacocks! They’re cool.” Miko adds. Reki snickers: that wasn’t in the script, but he appreciates the improv.

Shindo smiles, pinched. “Within reason, yes. Some… personalisation is permitted.”

Reki jumps in. “So, if someone wanted, hypothetically, to decorate their office with roses and dim lights and velvet curtains and… oh, I don’t know, install a fog machine—”

“I believe we’re getting off topic,” Shindo says sharply.

Mrs. Sato claps her hands. “Let’s all stay focused now! Let’s not make Mr. Shindo regret inviting us!”

> SK8 it till u make it

From: SlimeBoy

Video attachment: as all interactions with Shindo that have been recorded, it’s shaky, but noticeably better quality. Either they are getting better at being discreet, or they just don’t care anymore.

HE’S LOSING IT

rose curtains LMAOOO

this man will snap like a stick by the end of the day

From: Snowman

Also the peacock mention was one of those classmates that are helping!!! We didn’t even discuss that

From: TinyTerrorCat

IM SHITTING MYEFJSHMCJDJD

THAT WAS SO GOOD

why was i not born on that bus. WHERE IS MY MANDATORY SCHOOL TRIP

From: FloppyTheClown

LMAOOOO YOU’VE OFFICIALLY BROKEN MIYA 💀💀💀

OOOH please ask if it's legal to hang paintings of yourself on every wall

"for morale"

From: TinyTerrorCat

or to install dramatic spotlights 😼

From: SkateDad

Gotta admit, you were right to ask those classmates to help you out

I’m still replaying the video about ghosts 😂

From: SlimeBoy

IKRR they’ve been a great help

—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—

Tadashi watches from a corner of the upper floor, practically invisible to the students and staff below. His earpiece crackles faintly, a tap into the building’s internal comms system. Just static now. Quiet. Controlled. Just the way he needs it.

Everything has been set in place. He sends a message.

> From: T.Kikuchi.BJKO@OKNRepOffice,org

Subject: TOUR ADJUSTMENT

To: InternalStaffList (Restricted)

Three students from the group are needed for a special opportunity: potential feature in the upcoming promotional materials. Kindly redirect them to the East Wing interview room.

Names: Michizō Hayakawa, Miko Asano, Aya Nakanishi.

Priority: High.

And then, without waiting for a response, he vanishes down the hall again.

—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—

“Excuse me, kids? Can I borrow you three for a moment?”

Miko, Michizō, and Aya glance at each other.

A staff member in a neat gray blazer and crisp badge beams at them. “We’re selecting a few students for some quick interviews. Nothing big! Just to get some opinions about your visit today, maybe a few fun photos for the newsletter?”

Aya narrows her eyes, skeptical.

Reki subtly shakes his head, but Aya has no idea how to say no without sounding too suspicious. They clearly picked them out for a reason. Michizō looks at Langa, while Miko just shrugs like: screw it, let’s see where this goes.

“Sure,” Aya says finally. “Let’s go.”

As they follow the staff member down the hallway, Reki shoots them a quick message.

> Operation: Peacock Doom 🔥🦚

From: SlimeBoy

you guys okay???

text us if this gets weird, seriously.

From: NiceTryLosers

Noted. We’re not dying today

It should just be an interview, and some pictures. They might’ve chosen us because we weren’t paying attention? Maybe?

From: Snowman

Still, text us please. Keep us updated

From: WhatLikeItsHard?

im gonna steal a pen if they get weird dw 🩷

From: CultSnackCoordinator

our local elle woods strikes again… finding justice for the poor souls who are denied entertainment… through pen robberies…

From: WhatLikeItsHard?

is that elle woods slander i’m detecting??

From: CultSnackCoordinator

oh i would NEVER 😌

From: WhatLikeItsHard?

good. or i will feed you to the interviewers. raw

From: CultSnackCoordinator

yes ma’am 🫡

Reki smiles. But he’s not exactly reassured, something feels off…

—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—

Meanwhile, Tadashi watches the three teenagers enter the room. The “interview room” that they managed to set up within five minutes… their staff is nothing if not efficient. Four staff members greet the kids warmly and begin the rehearsed routine: survey questions, polite conversation, a camera in the corner with a green screen and props.

No one asks why the windows are blacked out.

He presses a button on his tablet and updates the schedule. The teachers will be informed of this soon, and the trio won’t reunite with the group till the end of the tour.

He slips out, quiet as ever.

Problem contained.

For now.

He doesn’t notice the brown-haired girl eyeing him with suspicion as he leaves.

—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—

Back with the main group, Langa nudges Reki. “Did they just get recruited for propaganda?”

“I think they got kidnapped for a government newsletter…” Reki mutters.

He texts them again. No reply. They’re not even reading it.

For the first time since the chaos began, something cold trickles down the back of his neck.

“…Do you think they’ll be okay?”

Langa tilts his head, thoughtful. “They’ll be fine. Probably. Maybe. Aya seems like the type to bite someone.”

“True.” Reki still doesn’t smile. “But we should keep an eye on this. Maybe stop messing around for a bit.”

Shindo smiles politely ahead, gesturing toward an ornate door, continuing the tour as if he hasn’t noticed a thing.

But Reki sees the twitch in his fingers.

The fray in the mask.

And for the first time, Reki wonders if they’ve actually gone too far.

> SK8 it till u make it

From: SlimeBoy

situation update: our partners in crime are gone

taken for “interviews”???

we texted, no response

this smell weird to anyone else?

From: SkateMom

I’m honestly surprised Adam didn’t act sooner, though I’m curious to know why he chose to target your classmates specifically.

From: Snowman

You think he noticed their involvement???

From: SlimeBoy

but he has been here the entire time!!! he didn’t contact anyone. or something

From: SkateDad

As far as you know. He has eyes all over that place.

Also, didn’t you say he left for a bit during the break????

From: SkateMom

You might’ve poked the peacock too hard.

From: TinyTerrorCat

peacocks are violent. they will end you.

From: SkateMom

Don’t worry about them too much. Adam can’t do anything damaging in a government building, especially without evidence. He’s probably trying to scare you.

“Yeah, well. He’s succeeding.” Reki whispers out loud.

He opens the other chat and stares at the unread messages when he makes a decision. It’s unfortunate, and he’ll mourn the loss of the selfies they made and the Adam slander they threw around when they’re safely back home, but it’s a necessary precaution.

> Are you sure you want to delete the group: “Operation: Peacock Doom 🔥🦚”? All existing messages, media, links and docs will be cleared for all members. This cannot be undone. <

> CANCEL <           > DELETE <

—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—

The rest of the day went on without a hitch, if you don’t count the fact that their classmates were missing until the very last moment.

They decided to stop messing around and just followed the tour in silence, their minds racing. The tour ended at 13:30 exactly, and they were herded back to the bus.

When their partners finally joined the main group again, Reki and Langa were already sitting in the back, and their new friends signaled a quick “we’ll talk tomorrow!” before sitting down in the front. Which means that they do have something to tell them… but don’t want to do it over text. Yeah, they’ll talk tomorrow during lunch, after this all blows over a bit. Best to keep distance for now.

Now, not even an hour later and after a quick debrief in class with their teachers and a more detailed explanation on the assignment they have to do (cue a collective groan… most had forgotten about it), Reki and Langa are lazily skating through a quiet part of the city. They’re on their way to Sia la Luce, ready for free pizza and sharing funny details they hadn’t mentioned yet. No time to think about the… shadier sides of this whole mess.

Well, that was the plan at least.

“Excuse me… Reki Kyan and Langa Hasegawa, correct?”

A woman stops them, and they step off their boards. Red hair, immaculate suit and the general vibe of someone with authority.

It sets them on edge immediately.

“…who are you?” Langa asks cautiously.

“Ah, I don’t mean to frighten you. My name is Kiriko Kamata, police inspector. I’d like to ask you some questions, preferably back at the station, if you don’t mind. Don’t worry, you’re not under arrest and have therefore all right to decline.“

She flashes a badge while talking, and Reki has never felt a whiplash like this one.

“We… Wait what? Police— I’m sorry ?!?”

The woman smiles what… seems to be a genuine smile? It’s hard to tell, especially since these boys have never had a positive interaction with any police officer. Ever.

“I’m sorry, I really didn’t mean to ambush you like this. Again, I can assure you that you are not in any trouble, should you refuse. There would be no consequences and we could forget this even happend. But your help may be vital in an ongoing case that’s been stuck for months.”

“Can we at least know why we’re being kidnapped?!”

She blinks, frowns, then seems to think about it.

“Ainosuke Shindo. There is an investigation… that he is involved with, and from my observations on today’s field trip, you two seem to know him. Unfortunately I can’t give you any more details right now.” She pauses for a second. “Also, you’re not being kidnapped, but I hope that that is obvious at the very least.”

And what do you even say to that?

—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—

> SK8 it till u make it

From: SlimeBoy

Picture attachment: A selfie with Langa, cheek to cheek and both smiling… clearly forced. The background shows a waiting room of sorts, with a water dispenser and logo’s of the Okinawan police everywhere.

From: SlimeBoy

update on operation peacock doom!!!!!! 😀👍 apparently just knowing adam alone is suspicious enough to be taken in. langa and i have basically been kidnapped by a police woman. we’re at the station. send help

> Incoming call from: SkateMom

“Oh shit.”

Chapter Text

Maybe subtlety isn’t Kiriko’s strongest suit. In hindsight, she should’ve thought this through. Just a little more. Okay, a lot more. There’s a long list of things she technically should NOT have done today. Near the top of that list: take minors in without alerting parents. Right underneath: interrogate minors without parental consent . And of course: tell said minors they aren’t in trouble , which is both legally shaky and definitely not something she can promise to people, especially not little kids who seem to know more about Shindo than she ever has.

So when the boys ask whether they can contact some adults about this, she took that opportunity immediately. She brought them to the waiting room and told them to wait and do as they please, while she “went and got some files sorted out.”

Which is code for “I need to do some research and figure out if I’ve just accidentally started a legal fire I can’t put out.”

—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—

> SK8 it till u make it

From: SlimeBoy

Picture attachment: A selfie with Langa, cheek to cheek and both smiling… clearly forced. The background shows a waiting room of sorts, with a water dispenser and logo’s of the Okinawan police everywhere.

From: SlimeBoy

update on operation peacock doom!!!!!! 😀👍 apparently just knowing adam alone is suspicious enough to be taken in. langa and i have basically been kidnapped by a police woman. we’re at the station. send help

> Incoming call from: SkateMom

Reki and Langa stare at the screen like it’s a bomb about to detonate.

“Oh shit.”

“Reki. Pick up. It’s worse if you don’t.”

“Langa. It’s Cherry. Langa, Cherry is about to murder us… ”

“I know Reki. And he will torture us too if you don’t pick up the phone —“

“I really don’t wanna!!”

“This was your idea!”

> SK8 it till u make it

From: SkateMom

Reki Kyan. Pick up the phone. Right now.

And he does, because that tone strikes the fear of God into him, even over text.

Reki answers with the air of someone stepping into their own grave.

“Hiiii Cherry…”

“What the hell is going on.” Cherry’s voice is quiet, clipped, and absolutely lethal.

“Okay, I wanna start this by saying that we have not been arrested!” Reki blurts.

“I would sure hope not?! Bare minimum, Reki. What happend.” Cherry demands. They can hear him rustling around in the background, clearly packing up to come and meet them. And kill them. Probably.

“Okay so,” Reki starts. “We were on our way to Sia la Luce. And this police woman comes up to us… what’s her name?”

“Kikito… or something.” Langa adds.

“Right. Or something. And she knew our names, which was scary. I don’t know how. And then she asks us if we would want to come in for questioning.”

“And you just went?!” Cherry shouts. “The police, Reki. Oh my god you kids are giving me migraines .”

“Well, we didn’t go immediately!” Langa defends. “She said something about Ad— Shindo. She said he’s part in an ongoing investigation and we seemed to know him.”

“Yeah, like she must’ve seen us on the field trip. Oh yeah wait, she actually mentioned the field trip. But we don’t know more than that!!”

Cherry pauses and sighs. A long… long sigh. “I don’t even know where to start with how many levels of idiotic this is. You went with an officer who’s investigating someone you should absolutely not be associated with, on the grounds that you ‘ seemed to know him ’?”

Reki and Langa glance at each other. Wince.

Cherry’s voice sharpens. “How exactly were you planning to talk about Shindo without mentioning it?”

Obviously, they both know what ‘it’ refers to. Neither of them have the answer to that question, though.

“Haha… well. Uhm.” Reki stammers.

“We met him? At a local event?” Langa tries weakly.

Reki cringes. “Dude, that worked when he said it to our teacher. We can’t get away with that with an officer!”

“I’m glad you two seem to finally grasp the situation you put yourself in. Don’t do anything stupid, I’m on my way. Do not speak to anyone until I get there. No interviews, no confessions, no friendly conversation with tea and cookies. Sit. Quietly. Breathe a word to anyone and I swear to fucking god…”

And he hangs up the phone.

Langa stares into space. Probably planning their funeral in great detail, already sending out the invites and picking the best flowers.

Reki stares down at the black screen in his hands.

“I would rather race Adam blindfolded on a gravel road than deal with that energy in person.”

—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—

When Kaoru walks into the police station he spots them instantly. Langa straightens like he’s electrocuted by a thousand volt. Reki turns around so fast he nearly eats the floor.

Kaoru just raises an eyebrow.

“Hello,” He says smoothly. He’s not wearing his usual kimono, trying to keep at least some level of privacy as a public figure. With a casual hoodie and jeans, and his hair up in a ponytail, he’s very hard to recognise: precisely why he chose his S outfit.

Reki and Langa visibly melt into a puddle of pure fear. Good.

Before he can say anything else, a woman appears around the corner. She sizes him up and a flash of recognition flicks over her face, but she says nothing. Well, so much for anonymity.

“Hello. My name is Kiriko Kamata. Are you a parent or legal guardian?” She asks smoothly.

“Not exactly,” Kaoru says. “But I’d still like to know what’s going on.”

“I’m sorry,” she says, not sounding sorry. “Only a parent or legal guardian can be present for the questioning of a minor.”

“Questioning?! You said we weren’t in any trouble!” Reki squeaks.

She stares at him. “I said that I wanted to talk to you. What do you think ‘questioning’ means?”

“But that… it sounds so serious...” Langa adds.

“We’re talking about an ongoing investigation. Yes, it is serious.”

“But…”

Kaoru glares at them. They wince and shut up.

“Either way, I’m not here for questioning,” Kaoru states. “I’m here because two minors were escorted off the street and into a police department without notice or cause. Which is a little unusual, don’t you think?”

Kamata frowns. “They came voluntarily.”

“Ah. Yes. Because teenagers are famously good at resisting authority figures in uniform.”

Her jaw tightens. But to her credit, she doesn’t fold.

“I have questions regarding their association with a person of interest. I didn’t coerce them. They weren’t misled. And I haven’t asked anything without establishing that this is an informal inquiry.”

Kaoru gives her a slow, measured look. “Do we need all the legalities for an ‘informal inquiry?’ I was under the impression that they weren’t in any trouble.”

There’s a pause. A silent standoff.

Finally, she exhales. “Come with me. We’ll talk somewhere private.”

—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—

The officer closes the door behind them and folds her arms. “Unfortunately, I can’t disclose many details about an ongoing investigation.”

Kaoru smiles sharply and sits on a leather chair, Reki and Langa standing right behind him. “Understandable. But I’m hoping you can give us all some context.”

She eyes him a moment longer before she sits down on the other side of the desk. “I just needed some information about their connections with Ainosuke Shindo. The politician.”

“Ah. Well,” Kaoru says, casually shifting in his seat. “My husband owns a restaurant downtown. These two are regulars. They often hang out with some friends, and they like to skateboard. Me and my husband went to school with Shindo, and befriended him through skateboarding as well when we were their age, though we’ve both lost contact with him a long time ago.

“The kids… got curious, once they found out their school trip involved a man that they had heard much about. I have not had any close contact with him since our schooldays, and he does not know Reki and Langa are connections of mine, though he may suspect it now. Anyways, they decided to play a prank by asking some stupid questions. Nothing malicious.”

Kamata raises an eyebrow. Seems to consider him for a moment. “You’re Kaoru Sakurayashiki, are you not? The calligrapher?”

Kaoru hums. “I am.”

She pauses. “I’ve heard of you. You’re well respected, and neither of those two have a serious record. I’m not questioning them because I think they’re involved with anything, I’m just trying to get some sort of timeline.”

Kaoru gives her a nod. “Understandable, but these two are teenagers who just wanted to pull a harmless prank on an old acquaintance of mine.”

She stares at him. Stares at the two boys behind him, who are clearly trying to keep themselves together. Emphasis on trying .

“Fair enough. I have nothing else, you’re free to go.”

“Great.” Kaoru stands. “Come on, delinquents.”

—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—

Kiriko walks back to her own desk in the main room, lost in thought. So she was right, and Shindo has a history with skateboarding. At least that question was answered…

It still doesn’t make any sense. There is no way that Shindo almost pissed his perfectly tailored pants today because some random kids referenced a hobby he had… maybe ten years ago?

It’s not like skateboarding is the most respected hobby out there, and it’s definitely not something befitting of a politician, but she highly doubts that it would scare Shindo this much.

Sakurayashiki is lying. Or omitting the truth. Or perhaps he doesn’t know anything either? Is it all a coincidence? Is she reaching? Shindo was scared shitless, but the boys seemed at ease. Well, they were scared initially, she can’t forget that. And what about those other kids, the ones she saw conspiring with Reki and Langa during the break, who then acted the exact same way? She figured that the boys just recruited them for their little game called “Torture the Politician” but… perhaps they were in on it all along? Except, they only started acting the same way after the break. And then they were hauled off for… something. Those three, what were their names again—

“I know you’re lost in thought, but if you keep pacing in the same spot you’ll— AAIIISH!!!”

“KAZUKI! WHAT DID I SAY ABOUT STARTLING ME!!”

“THAT WASN’T MY INTENTION!” Kazuki rubs his nose. “Geez woman, you got some insane reflexes. I think you broke my nose…”

“Don’t exaggerate, asshole.” Kiriko sighs and sits down. “Sorry. I’m just… busy.”

“Ya don’t say.” Kazuki deadpans.

“Shut up.”

“Look,” Kazuki sits on the edge of her desk. “This case is wearing you thin, and it’s not good for your health. I know you’re on that deadline, and I know you have… what, a month left?”

“A month and three weeks.”

“Right. I know this is important to you, Kiri… but just think about it. Maybe it’s time to pull the plug.”

No way. I have leads now, and they’re frayed to hell and back, but it’s more than I’ve ever had on this case.

“I’ll… think about it.”

Kazuki stands up. “Good. And know that you can always ask for help! Hey, maybe I could—“

“Excuse me? Is Kazuki here? Kazuki Nakanishi? There is someone waiting for you.”

“Ah, I forgot! Tell her I’m on my way!” Kazuki turns to Kiriko. “I’m gonna get some coffee down the street. Want anything?”

“Enough caffeine to send me to the fourth dimension.”

“Roger that!”

—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—/—

Outside, with the boys trailing behind, Kaoru doesn’t speak until they’re far away from the station.

Then he mutters, “That explanation didn’t make a bit of goddamn sense and we all know it. Even a deaf toad could pick out the bullshit.”

Reki and Langa groan in unison.

Kaoru sighs and turns around. “Look, I don’t know what her deal is, but she’s clearly intelligent. She obviously knows more than she lets on, but I think she was genuine when she said you weren’t in trouble, or she would have officially arrested you both. Or at least followed more official procedures, since you’re both minors. I guess I can’t fully blame you for what happend here, I’m confused about most of it myself.

The boys visibly deflate at those words.

“But still. You two are officially banned from solo encounters with law enforcement, mysterious adults, and Adam. In that order. Next time you call me or Kojiro before making a decision.”

Reki salutes him. “Aye aye, sir.”

Langa raises his hand. “And what if Adam comes to us ?”

“Run.”

“From him?”

“Yes.”

“But he’s got a limo!”

“Then run faster .”