White Birthday Cards [Naoto/Souji]

[Naoto//Yukiko]

The hustle and bustle of the citizens of Inaba fell on deaf ears as Naoto sat outside one of the smaller restaurants of the Central Shopping District. Sipping absently at a drink held in her hand, her gaze was focused on a white envelope in her right, turning it over between her fingers again and again. A small smile tugged at the corners of her lips and she couldn't help but shake her head. The games she was dragged into at times were ridiculous, but the effort the secretary of the Shirogane Estate put into his actions for her were appreciated. He was one of very few adults that actually paid her mind without reason or need for service.

When she had originally found the envelope just over an hour ago in her shoe-locker, the young detective's first thought had been to throw it away. The presence of love-letters had become more scare, but every month or so, she still received them. It was slightly irksome to say the least; her relationship status had been public for some time now. Still, that hadn't stopped the many attempts of hopefuls those who wished to try and win her heart away from it's current holder. Somewhere in the back of Naoto's mind, she was sure she would have found it entertaining if she'd been anyone else, but it didn't matter. Despite the distance, there was absolutely no one who would be able to shine any brighter than Souji, and the raven would never wish for otherwise. It had been the familiar feel of the card-stock that had caused her to stop and reconsider, and only a few moments to realise who the sender must have been.

"Honestly, couldn't he just allow me to have a calm birthday?" Contrary to her words, the gleam in Naoto's eyes revealed her excitement as she opened the envelope and slipped the card out. It had been several months since the youngest Shirogane had last received or worked on a case, and it would be a lie to say that she hadn't grown bored with the now peaceful state of Inaba. It was unfair to complain, no, the raven was glad the murders had ended, but when things became too peaceful, that meant she was out of a job. Of course, there had been offers for cases outside of the rural town, but she'd turned them down. Right now, she wanted to finish high school and graduate from Yasogami without having to switch as she had to do for her previous schooling.

"Now then, let's see..." Smiling, the detective turned the card over and began to read.