----------------------------------------
Saturday May 9th 6:47 am
Yesterday night, when I got home, a message from Shiro came in. It read:
Good work! We’re going to be meeting at 12pm on saturday.
Herbe Aoi #703 Higashi-ku
*remember to bring the note and the bag I gave you*
---Bye!------
˙(∆¬∆)˙
The thing at the end made me question exactly who it is that sent that text. It’s exactly how Kaho texts when she’s in airhead mode, which worries me. A poorly drawn map also came in along with the message, hinting that finding the place would take skill and determination.
I walk downstairs to see my sister sleeping on the couch, still in her work clothes. Funny enough, she actually ended up staying late at work. I take the blanket that fell from her body and put it back on her.
The reason I got up so early was because I went to bed really early yesterday. On Fridays I usually fall asleep immediately I get home, because of all the stress accumulated over the course of the week. Well, I didn’t get up early just because of that, I was also thirsty.
“Water, water.” (Yuno)
After getting myself something to drink, I got back to my room and started the homework I got yesterday.
----------------------------------------
Saturday 11:10 am
I start heading out a bit early, since I haven’t been to the area Shiro lives in before.
“Going somewhere today?” (Yuko)
“Yeah. Did you get enough sleep? You got home pretty late last night.” (Yuno)
“Yeah, I did. Well, go on now. Don’t let me stop you.” (Yuko)
“Thanks. Bye.” (Yuno)
Luckily for me, Yuko doesn’t ask many questions. As long as I’m not causing trouble, and my grades are fine, I can leave the house as I please, given I’m not getting home at 12 every night.
----------------------------------------
Saturday 12:17pm
It took a little while to find the place because I got lost twice. Shiro’s house was in an apartment building, and it didn’t look cheap. I knock and immediately hear the door open.
“I was beginning to wonder when you’d arrive. Come in.” (Shiro)
“Sorry, I got lost twice, due to your shitty map.” (Yuno)
“W-well, I did it while I was half asleep you know? If I was fully awake, it would have been a hundred, no, a million times better.” (Shiro)
“So you drew an important map, something that basically determines my fate, as I could have died if I had stumbled into a shady place, half asleep? Alright, I’ll pretend that I believe you.” (Yuno)
“You’re mean to me for no reason.” (Shiro)
“And whose fault is that? Anyway, what are we gonna do?” (Yuno)
“I’m glad you asked. We’re, or rather, you’re gonna pick out some much needed tools.” (Shiro)
“What? Tools?” (Yuno)
“Follow me.” (Shiro)
I walk inside and follow Shiro up the stairs, which lead to a bedroom, that I assume is his room. He walks to his bed and touches the pillow.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.
“I hope you’re not trying to say something like ‘come in bed with me’ right now.” (Yuno)
“Like hell I am. Just follow me, you’ll see.” (Shiro)
That sounds slightly suspicious. But then again, I am curious.
“Alright.” (Yuno)
Shiro removes both the pillows and the covers to reveal a lever. He pulls on it and immediately I hear a low rumbling.
“What the hell…” (Yuno)
“Surprised? Well of course you’d be.” (Shiro)
The bed opens and stairs leading downwards are visible. I walk down the stairs, making sure to walk carefully behind Shiro. If I were to fall, I’d have him as a soft landing.
“Wha...What’s all this?” (Yuno)
“Ko’s secret base. It’s where all the cool stuff is kept. Gadgets in one corner! Attire in another! And let’s not forget, in the very back, your very own trusted fridge, where all the high-calorie foods are kept!” (Shiro)
“You should try to become an announcer. You’d make a killing. I have to admit though, this is pretty cool. How on earth did you build all this? Or even find the money to pay for it all?” (Yuno)
“Straight to the point, aren’t we? We don’t need to get into that today, it’s a little difficult to explain anyway. Follow me.” (Shiro)
I walk with Shiro towards an area with weapons like guns and other things I don’t recognize.
“W-what’s with the weapons?” (Yuno)
“Oh, they’re not real, they’re just to scare people and they’re only used in emergencies.” (Shiro)
“Is this thievery or terrorism? I really can’t tell.” (Yuno)
“Like I said, most of them aren’t real.” (Shiro)
“You just said most didn’t you?” (Yuno)
“Did I? Well anyway, choose one for this job. It’s kind of an easy job to do, so you don’t need something crazy. These ones over here are fake.” (Shiro)
“...alright.” (Yuno)
I pick the plainest, most average (for guns) and normal looking gun I could possibly pick. I don’t want any of that exotic shit.
“Really, all these great choices, and you choose that one?” (Shiro)
“Well, it’s not like I want to shoot, sorry, scare people with style. I don’t think I need to.” (Yuno)
“Suit yourself. I guess you can pick something more interesting next time.” (Shiro)
“Why do I get the feeling you just want to be entertained?” (Yuno)
“Wherever did you get that idea from?” (Shiro)
“As I’ve talked to you today, my opinion of you has changed. Not for the better.” (Yuno)
“Speak for yourself. Your personality is pretty terrible, if I was to be honest.” (Shiro)
“I do that on purpose, idiot.” (Yuno)
I realize Shiro has been looking for something for a while now. I have no idea what it is, but he seems intent on finding it.
“Ah! There it is!” (Shiro)
He turns to me holding a large sheet of light blue, rolled up paper.
“What’s that?” (Yuno)
“The plans for how you’re gonna get in and out without anyone noticing.” (Shiro)
“You’ve caught my interest.” (Yuno)
We look at the plans and Shiro explains what I’m gonna do for about an hour or so.
“So...did you bring the bag I gave you?” (Shiro)
“Yeah, what’s in it?” (Yuno)
“Wait, so you haven’t looked?” (Shiro)
“You told me not to look.” (Yuno)
“I only said that so you’d look in the bag. Normally you’d get really curious and not be able to think of anything else, right? Right?” (Shiro)
“What the hell were you trying to do to me?” (Yuno)
“Tch. What do you mean?” (Shiro)
“You just clicked your tongue, didn’t you?” (Yuno)
“I did? Well, open it.” (Shiro)
I open the bag and see clothes in the bag. When I take it out, I see the flashiest, most heavily embroidered piece of clothing I could have ever imagined. Shiro starts to talk, ignoring the shock on my face.
“It’s your costume. You’re wearing this on your first job.” (Shiro)
“Costume?! You never mentioned this!” (Yuno)
“Didn’t I? Phantom thieves usually wear costumes don’t they?” (Shiro)
“How the hell was I supposed to know?! Do I look like I’m well informed about these things?!” (Yuno)
“This is the first time I’ve heard you raise your voice, it’s quite the experience.” (Shiro)
“And who’s fault do you think that is?” (Yuno)
“Oh. You’re back.” (Shiro)
“Haah. How am I supposed to do this?” (Yuno)
“Having second thoughts?” (Shiro)
“...” (Yuno)
“...No, I’ll still do it.” (Yuno)
Shiro smiles.
“Great. You’re gonna do this in two days. I’ve already sent out a calling card.” (Shiro)
“Calling...card? Wait, I saw something about this in Triple Jeopardy 4.” (Yuno)
(Author note: Makes you wonder what triple jeopardy is about, doesn’t it?)
“Oh? So I don’t need to explain. Well, this just leaves one thing.” (Shiro)
“You’d better not say “a kiss” or something.” (Yuno)
“Where do you get these ideas? I meant you need to pick a name.” (Shiro)
“I keep getting more and more embarrassed. All this is embarrassing you know?” (Yuno)
“Really? Ko never had a problem with it.” (Shiro)
“Well, he’s pretty eccentric. What did he call himself?” (Yuno)
“He called himself King.” (Shiro)
“That’s really embarrassing. I hope you don’t expect me to call myself something like “Prince” do you?” (Yuno)
Shiro pauses for a while, and I don’t like it.
“...Why not?” (Shiro)
“You’re kidding me right?” (Yuno)
Why did I even say that. He wouldn’t have gotten the idea if it wasn’t for me.
“Like hell I will…” (Yuno)
After arguing about it for a while, Shiro eventually convinces me to keep the name, knowing that we wouldn’t be able to think of anything better.
“Wait. Normally you’d pick the name then the costume right? I mean, so the name corresponds with the costume. You planned all of this out, didn’t you? Even the costume looks like something a prince would wear.” (Yuno)
“I-I don’t know what you’re talking about.” (Shiro)
This guy…