Perfect date with Ranpo Edogawa
February 7, 2025 at 6:40 AM
The sun lazily peeked over the horizon, moving away and nibbling at the clouds, painting them crimson. It was a curious sight! Even if you see sunsets every day, they never get old, especially when you work in an Armed Detective Agency, where every bright and intense day could, in fact, be your last.
Clashes with the Port Mafia, startling and resonating throughout the area; a heap of other problems that need solving. All of this weighs heavily on your shoulders, and you start to cherish simple, serene moments of solitude.
You hear a rustling behind you, sensing someone's gaze even before they approach. Alert and ready, you see a cone of ice cream appear in front of your face: vanilla, drizzled with caramel, and topped with a thin dark chocolate stick.
“Don’t mope around here, or your appearance will make me sick!”
Rampo was holding out the cone to you, a mischievous smile spreading across his lips.
“Are you just going to stand there, or are you going to take it? It’s melting. Or should I eat it myself?”
You hurriedly grabbed the treat, fully aware that your boyfriend wasn’t bluffing!
“Dream on!”
Rampo sat down next to you on the bench, resting his hands behind his head, also watching the nearly disappeared sun.
You glanced at him briefly: his bangs fluttered slightly in the wind, his chest rose and fell with each breath, as if he were simply asleep. But then he perked up and looked at you.
“You’ve been moody all day!”
Of course, he couldn’t help but notice how tired you were after the week, how your gaze had dulled, and how heavy your sighs had become. He genuinely cared.
“I understand that everything happening at work is troubling you, but can you at least let it go outside of the office, say, for a while?”
You stared at the pavement, studying the little tiles arranged in a checkerboard pattern.
“I’m letting go!”
“Nope!”
He stood up, walked over to you, and even through your half-closed eyes, you could feel his piercing gaze. He took your hands and led you somewhere.
“You think too much! Stop it!”
He seemed to be scolding you, but it wasn’t his style, so his tone was half-joking.
You followed him willingly, trusting him completely.
“Do you know where we’re going now?”
You guessed, and your guess was correct - a new pastry shop! Of course!
You sat down at a table by the window. The pastry shop was bright and spacious, with tables covered in white cloths and made of dark wood, and the cushy couches where you settled were incredibly soft.
“You know, I really love your character and I like that you often think ahead, but sometimes you overdo it. Just relax.”
You sighed heavily, resting your head on the table.
“Lately, I don’t even think about anything much, but my head still feels like lead...”
You confessed honestly. You hadn’t had time to rest, and your head was indeed bursting from the strain. You just wanted to hide under the covers and not come out. Why is working so difficult?..
Someone’s hand gently stroked your hair, and in that feeling of complete tranquility and love, you wanted to dissolve entirely. To remain in that tenderness forever.
“Because you don’t know how to relax. Look at me.”
Of course, you couldn’t help but look. Rampo leaned across the table and lightly, but with great sensitivity, kissed you. Those kisses were the best medicine for everything! They were sweeter than the sweetest candy and gentler than the most delightful dessert!
“Sometimes you just need to indulge yourself, you know? Just turn off your phone and enjoy a delicious cake!”
Speaking of which, the cake arrived very quickly. It was very moist with an excellent cherry soak that gave a slight tang, unfolding on the tongue with an incredible bouquet.
Tea from a small porcelain cup added charm to the sweetness, though maybe it was so tasty because the cup was just so beautiful! It shimmered with pearlescence, and the tiny spoon next to the plate had a little cat paw at the end.
“I really like this cake!” You savored a small piece on your tongue with great pleasure, feeling it literally melt.
Rampo smiled at you but then unexpectedly added:
“You know, I can see when you’re feeling bad and when you’re happy. I like to see you smile, but I also want to know what’s troubling you. If you’re upset or just tired, you can talk to me about it or ask for a hug. Oh, your most splendid and genius boyfriend in the world might not be able to refuse such a small request! Though the payment might be kisses, but that’s not too expensive, is it?” He flashed a mischievous smile, and you felt like laughing.
“Does the genius’s crown pinch?”
“Don’t worry about that!”
And by the end of the day, you were met with the softest hugs, the best movie, and the best company!