The walkie-talkie static faded into the background as Detective Yumi disappeared into the shifting crowd. Raito stood still for a moment longer, watching the spot she vanished into before turning his attention back to Emi.
She was dozing lightly against his chest, one of her small hands clutching the strap of his jacket. Her tiny breaths were steady, calm. Innocent.
"So," came Kurai's voice, casual and curling in the back of his mind like smoke, "are you going to chase after her and play the hero today, or…?"
Raito's expression didn't change as he adjusted Emi's weight on his chest and turned toward the nearest vendor booth.
"No," he said flatly. "I came here for Kawai Kitty Con. I'm not letting anything get in the way of that."
Kurai chuckled. "Even if someone's life is at stake?"
"Then they picked the wrong day to be in danger."
His response was calm, absolute, and unapologetic.
He resumed his slow walk through the convention floor, eyes flicking over displays of plush toys, limited-edition figurines, Kawai Kitty-themed blankets, and pastel tote bags. Occasionally, he'd pause to inspect a rare collectible, always checking its condition and authenticity before silently adding it to his growing collection.
Vendors smiled politely, more than one of them commenting on how "well-behaved" Emi was. Raito would give them a faint nod and move on.
The excitement and chatter of the con buzzed around him, a world of vibrant joy and nostalgia he had always admired from a distance. This time, he was in it—and despite the occasional side-eyes or stares, he felt oddly… at peace.
Hours passed unnoticed. His bag was fuller now. Emi was awake again, chewing on the ear of a Kitty plush while he sipped a canned drink.
And then he saw her again.
Detective Yumi Aikawa.
She was walking toward him fast, eyes locked on his like she had already decided something in her head. Her uniform jacket was half-unzipped now, revealing a badge clipped to her belt. Her walkie-talkie buzzed with muffled noise.
Raito tilted his head slightly.
She stopped in front of him, catching her breath before blurting out, "I need your help."
Raito blinked once.
"…Why?"
But she didn't answer right away. Her serious expression didn't fade.
The background noise of the con dimmed around them.