Collar x Malice: Shiraishi, Chapters 3-6 (Good End, Bad End 1)

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Masterlist and guide

THIS CONTINUED TO BE SOME EXCELLENT ANIME BULLSHIT

The end was a little TOO ridiculous for me but I had feels the whole way through (and cried a bunch at one point though not about the ship) and overall I really enjoyed it! WAY less dubconny than I was expecting, in fact on a purely sexual level it's a very innocent story! ON OTHER LEVELS IT IS NOT INNOCENT AT ALL, WARE THE CONTENT NOTES.

Content note: Violence, death, brief mention of sexual assault of minor characters, suicide as a major and repeated theme, poor treatment of mental illness, child harm, fantasy slavery. Violent image.

CHAPTER THREE

Unknown POV.

"We were expendable objects. Every day was the same, until we died. The only way we would leave this place is when we broke and they threw away our corpse. Or when they decided they needed my life to fulfill some duty.

A boy with Shiraishi's colouring in a plain white outfit stands by a grimy wall, overlaid with red peonies, the symbol of Adonis.

HUH

Boy: I wonder if I will ever meet someone from the outside. Either way I must do what is expected of me.

Only here in this walled garden could we survive.

Man in a white coat: Number 14, what are you doing? Move.

Shiraishi wakes from the dream, which he thinks of as an unexpected walk down memory lane.

"No matter what I saw or heard, nothing moved me. That's the way I was made."

But that was ten years ago. He's not sure he could go back to that now. He looks at the grumpy black cat charm he got with Ichika and wonders if what he's feeling is sentimentality.

Shiraishi: What a useless emotion. In the end, what I must do is take everything important away from her. I guess I won't be able to see her smile again. In the end, a doll is just a doll, it can never be human. All I need to do is fulfil my duty as a cog in the larger machine.

I love that like...she IS warming him up, but only because he is forcing himself to LET himself be nicer to her for as yet unspecified Dark Reasons. Chances are he would otherwise have never given her the chance to get under his skin. Because she's nice, but she's not THE NICEST PERSON HE WILL HAVE EVER MET by such a huge margin that it would normally change him this quickly.

And I mean, I did say I love drama :D I looked it up and "Kageyuki Shiraishi" means "Auspicious, white rock", while 14 is juuyon.

Mochida squees about the cute gift he got his beloved wife. Saeki invites Ichika to come out for a two person singles party on Christmas Eve but she just starts thinking about how Shiraishi has never had a Christmas.
Shiraishi: She's spending Christmas with me :) *drags her away*
Ichika: WTF
Shiraishi: You told me Christmas is special to you. You really want to spend it with that guy?

He starts muttering to himself "But none of that matters to me, I just need you to trust me. So why?" He curls over, frozen and miserable looking.

Shiraishi: I'm not being myself, this has no purpose so close to the end. Why do I feel so irritated? Gross. I hate it. It's never hurt like this before. Have I broken?
Ichika, rubbing his back: Shiraishi? You seem like the kind of person who doesn't show weakness, if you even realise you have any. But if you're feeling bad or hurt, tell me, ok? I can't do much but I'll try to help.

They stay like that for a long time before he says he's fine in a shaky voice.
Shiraishi: That was nothing important! Forget about it. All that nasty hurty stuff went away, maybe you drove it off.

Still not entirely sure he wasn't just messing with her, she asks if he'd like a little Christmas party with everyone.
Shiraishi, seeming genuinely confused: You wouldn't willingly spend time with someone you hate. It seems I've gone up in your estimation when I wasn't looking. What did it, the cookies?

She avoids the question but admits to herself that she really has warmed up to him, and wants to help him be happy.

And then, when they're on the way to talk to Takeuchi...THEY BUMP INTO THE WEIRD SIBLINGS!!

...who apologise for bumping into them, weirdly, and then go on their way.

Takeuchi is about to turn Ichika away again when Shiraishi apologises for his earlier behaviour and says she has every reason to mistrust the police. Then his voice takes on an unusually earnest tone and he talks about what a compassionate, hard working cop Ichika is.

Takeuchi: I know you are not a bad person. But...I'm sorry.
Ichika: I understand. But if you think of anything, or have any problems about anything at all, please contact us.
Takeuchi: You...would have tried to stand by a friend to the very end. Wouldn't you?

Ichika is touched by what he said.
Shiraishi: You know who said that, me. You know I had an ulterior motive.
Ichika: Don't be so down on yourself. Even if your words were calculated, I still sensed sincerity in them. They, um...reached me too. If you had an ulterior motive, I don't mind. You still created a positive change for Ms Takeuchi.

Ichika: Hows the search for the mole going?
Shiraishi: There's definitely a mole, but I don't have proof yet. ...if I did find proof this person was connected to Adonis, what would you do?

She gets the feeling he's implying it's someone she knows.
Ichika: I'd ask their reasons. After all, I'm 'connected to Adonis' myself.
Shiraishi: They may just exploit your good will.
Ichika: I'm not saying I'd let them off scot free. But getting to know you has taught me that it isn't right to project my opinions onto someone else.

oh nooooo this was bad enough with Akitoooooo

Ichika finally finds a former student of the free school who's willing to talk to her. The man says Hachisuka was very popular, but 'one of his women must have gotten to him'. And apparently he was rumoured to have had a crush on Mrs Uno, which made his groupies bully her. When she rings these women they're all "oh I was young and dumb and going with the crowd".

Hachisuka's body was discovered by his girlfriend, and NOBODY EVER BRINGS THIS UP or discusses that SHE MIGHT BE IMPORTANT. Just have a line that they talked to her and she wasn't helpful! Anyway.

Mochida: So are you and Shiraishi, uh...together?
Ichika: DEFINITELY NOT. He's just eccentric, his actions don't have any special meaning.

She finds herself thinking about how they DO get along better, and he does make her happy...

She's dragged in to another SBC interrogation and has to admit she doesn't hate Shiraishi as much any more, since he's been so nice. Mukai and Sakuragawa agree he is either seriously into her or is up to something which is...not unjustified.
Sakuragawa: What about you, do you see him as a man?
Ichika: WE'RE JUST COWORKERS.
Sakuragawa and Mukai: Uh huh.
Ichika: I DON'T LIKE HIM AT ALL.
Sakuragawa: Uh. You might want to stop talking right now.
Ichika: I DO NOT.
Mukai: This is about to get interesting, isn't it Director :)
Shiraishi: Sorry to interrupt. Please continue :)

She chases him down, apologising.
Shiraishi: It's not like your distaste for me is new. And if you want to continue being part of the SBC it is wise to go along with Mukai and Sakuragawa's opinions.
Ichika: But I don't hate you! Or...not as much...

I wonder if he actually used Sakuragawa's name or the translator was just being sloppy.

He keeps walking, so she grabs his coat and shouts "I don't hate you!"

She hears people muttering that she must be too new to know what Shiraishi is like.

Shiraishi: 'You don't hate me'. Really :D
Ichika: Can we not discuss this right now D:
Shiraishi: But it has such a nice ring to it. 'I don't hate you'. Hey, Ichika, I don't hate you either :)

Given his reputation, and how Japanese works, this is seen by the watching coworkers as a public mutual declaration of love.

He takes her to the roof and basically says "You're the one who cares about public opinion and social skills and now everyone's going to think you're into weirdos lol."
Ichika: Well I wanted to make sure you didn't get the wrong idea about me. But what exactly did you mean when you said...that.
Shiraishi: That I don't hate you. You could even say...I like you.
Ichika: o.O
Shiraishi: Just when I think I have you figured out you do something unpredictable. I don't find you boring. Percentage wise-

Ichika decides he just means she's further on the like(amusing) than hate(boring) scale.

Shiraishi: So how did it feel to have someone say they like you? Did it make your heart go doki-doki?
Ichika, lying: No. Shiraishi, you shouldn't toss the word 'like' around lightly when it comes to people. I figured it out after a moment but others may get the wrong idea.
Shiraishi: I won't. I mean, you're the first one I've felt this way about. We're complete opposites, I thought there was no way we could understand each other. But now I'm even thinking it might be kinda nice if you would come to see me even after the case is wrapped up.

Yeah I ship it.

She's still not sure if he's still messing with her. Either way he always throws her for a loop. But he's trying to understand her. And she...

Shiraishi: I don't intend to force it on you, so don't worry. The relationship we have now entertains me. You even said you don't hate me. That's enough for now. So, how did the interviews go?

He mutters that tens years is a long time. People can change. But Takeuchi seems stuck in the same rut. Ichika wonders what's up with the children, who would be 18 now.

Shiraishi: I have little understanding of that kind of thing. Are family relationships that important?
Ichika: I can't say that I got along all that well with my own family. But Kazuki is important to me.
Shiraishi: Sounds nice. I doubt anyone would care if I died. For the longest time I didn't care about that, but now it seems kinda lonely.
Ichika: Um. I would be sad if something happened to you.
Shiraishi, softly: ...thank you.
Ichika: You said I'm cat-like but I think you are more catlike. Don't vanish into the night without a word, ok?
Shiraishi: Cats are creatures of whimsy. I can't make any promises.
Ichika: That's fine. I'll just investigate and find you :)

When they go back inside she flinches from everyone's gazes, embarrassed, which Shiraishi finds hilarious.

She gets a text from Sukaragawa saying "You've got guts" and one from Mukai saying "With you on our side the Director won't be able to move against us".

Just as Ichika is telling herself not to overthink her complicated feelings about him and how he might feel about her, Shiraishi shows up with a sandwich saying he's decided to keep her company on night shift. She points out this will fuel the rumours and he points out he never cares about that sort of thing.
Ichika: I care.
Shiraishi: Rumours start because you deny it. Embrace it and noone will say anything.

He keeps staring at her, and when she decides a sandwich can't be enough for such a big guy and offers him some of her dinner he nabs the omelette she'd already bitten, since it seemed to be her favourite. Just as she's feeling complicated about him not seeming to care about the indirect kiss, and deciding he probably doesn't even care about romantic stuff, he's all "So that's two indirect kisses now ;)"

She doesn't say anything and just turns to eat facing away from him but gives in when he acts sad which he is very smug about.

NO, GAME, WANTING TO KILL SOMEONE TO SEE WHAT IT'S LIKE IS NOT 'CLASSIC BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER' >:(

Apparently Hachisuka's mother had a history of paying money to hush up any scandals around her, and made regular donations to the school. So Hachisuka was basically free to do what he wanted knowing the school would cover it up. Shiraishi suspects he pressured the married Uno to reciprocate, and when she didn't, love turned to hate, and he found a way to hurt her without getting his hands dirty. That she was driven to murderous desperation implies there was more to it than a few pranks from jealous girls. And she had a LOT of counselling appointments with Sunamori.

One of Hachisuka's groupies, Misako Yoshitani, got her parents to make trouble for Uno with the school.

Saeki comes in with snacks for Ichika then awkwardly tries to leave when he sees Shiraishi, but Ichika insists he stay.

Saeki: Hoshino is great you better look after her!
Ichika: We're not dating it's all a misunderstanding!
Saeki: The rumour's all over the station...but people have short memories.
Shiraishi: Unless we don't avert X-Day, in which case we may all die :)

Seeing how shippy Ichika and Shiraishi are, Saeki says he can see why there's rumours, and says he won't be outdone and will get his own Christmas date.

Yanagi rings Shiraishi, asking if he has any info on Adonis, and Shiraishi says he's busy with his own case.
Shiraishi: The one thing important to me is-

He is overcome with EXISTENTIAL CRISIS. What IS the most important thing? The case? His duty? Or is it...her?

He laughs to himself. His goal has always been to fulfil the original duty that is the reason for his existence. Ichika is close to solving the cases on her own. His duty is done. The next step is only logical.

He rings (Mutini?)
Shiraishi: I understand him now. Of course you already know.
Mutini?: I tried to stop him but he wouldn't listen, saying he could not sit quietly in the wings.
Shiraishi: You know I can't defy him. If he orders it, I will even turn against you.
Mutini?: You are not the only danger to me any more. Anything could happen.

WAIT. THE CHILDREN NAMED WITH NUMBERS. ZERO.

Did they all escape the original...lab/assassin school/whatever and Zero became the new leader? Or are they still part of the original organisation?

Mutini?: My words no longer reach him. The test measures in September were nothing more than a temporary stopgap.
Shiraishi: I've discovered one more interesting thing. I know who the September and October executor was. And why the murderer was executed as well.
Mutini?: Under normal circumstances, there would be no need for you to know that information.
Shiraishi: I'm happy simply having solved the problem. But if I've figured it out, it's only a matter of time before the investigation catches on.
Mutini?: I have contributed nothing to that executioner. Should they be caught, it is not my problem.
Shiraishi: Expendable pawns to the end, hmm? Ah well. They aren't really true humans. You are obsessed with only one person, after all.
Mutini?: What are you going to do now?
Shiraishi: I am conducting a long term experiment, one that not many get to do. I think that is what those ten years were for.

They make vague veiled threats at each other then Shiraishi says "You once told me you wished you could discard the unnecessary as I do. But having a heart is what makes you human. But it's too late, I can only be myself."

He looks at the night sky, thinking that the world will soon lose all it's colour, and thinks that he didn't have a bad run. He drops the phone charm on the ground. He doesn't need it any more, he can predict her without gathering further data.
Shiraishi: When she finds out it was all an act, she will be so surprised. Or...perhaps disappointed.

Ahhhh???? AHHHHHHH

Somehow still had that tiny hope he wasn't REALLY working for Adonis but NOOOOPE

Meanwhile Ichika is wondering if whoever set up Hachisuka and Sunamori to die will come after Yoshitani next. None of Yoshitani's friends or family have seen her in months. Was she the actual October death?

She calls Shiraishi and her little charm is there on her phone ;_;

He's curt and dismissive, and hangs up. And when she sees him in person, he says he's bored of her now, and walks away :(

AHH ONE OF MY SWITCH CONTROLS STOPPED WORKING SO I CAN PLAY BUT NOT SAVE (OR LOAD?)

Why is everything breaking today /o\ Welp. No guilt about using the walkthrough then!!

Ichika feels awful, and like the worst sort of fool, but tells herself to stop being sentimental and check on Yoshitani.

Bu then she bumps into...Okazaki! He cheerfully tries to come along with whatever she's doing, giving the impression he thinks she might be in trouble, but when she says no he apologises and takes his leave.

And then she bumps into Weird Girl D:

She brushes off Ichika's concern about hanging out in a park alone at 4 in the morning, but when she hears Ichika being motherly at Kazuki over the phone offers shyly that she used to play in this park with her twin brother Shii/Shion.
Ichika: He seemed kind :)
Girl: A sad thing happened and he changed...but he's really kind. He protects me.
Ichika: I'm envious. My parents asked me to look after Kazuki but we don't always get along.
Girl: YOU'RE LUCKY TO HAVE FAMILY >:(

Shion runs up shouting "Suzune!" She says she didn't tell him she was coming here because he gets sad, thinking of their parents. He's happy to see her talking to anyone other than him.

Ichika thinks about how life must be painful for people like these kids and Shiraishi with complicated family situations. YOU DON'T SAY.

She's never actually seen a corpse, so feels a little nervous imagining the worst at Yoshitani's door. She hears the phone ringing inside, and gets permission to get the door opened. But there's noone inside, and noone has seen Yoshitani since the start of October.

Since she can't call Shiraishi, Ichika calls Sakuragawa, who does a forensic analysis in her lunch break. She's very serious and professional about it, and says it looks like Yoshitani was kidnapped by two people, one of them a man. She goes off to tell Investigations. When Shiraishi won't answer his phone, Ichika sends him a brief summary via text and he rings to say to come to his place.

So I'm like (a) Oh no and (b) I forgive him for being so awful last time, if he genuinely meant it as a warning about whatever is about to happen THIS time D:

When she arrives, Shiraishi starts talking about how he agrees with her theory, but then she gets a call from Sakuragawa.
Sakuragawa: Where are you right now?
Ichika: Um. At Shiraishi's house.
Sakuragawa: I see. Well, someone called Satomi Takeuchi has just turned herself in and says she'll only confess to you. This is your moment of truth, Hoshino, Good luck.

Shiraishi's all "I guess she wanted revenge on Hachisuka" and says Ichika should look happier about helping solve a crime. She's not satisfied, and asks Shiraishi to come talk to Takeuchi, but he says that's boring and now the case is solved it's time to say goodbye.

He keeps saying this was all a game for him, just trying out a different way of doing things, as she brings up everything he did for her and said about her.
Ichika: Then why do you look so sad?
Shiraishi: Haha, I'm not-

She pulls him down by his neck tie and shouts into his face that she still believes in the Shiraishi she's seen up until now.
Ichika: Even if that was all a lie to you, you can't just make me forget everything once I've decided to believe it! You know I'm stupid! But then what are you?! Take off your stupid facade for once and show me the real you! Or are you just going to tell me that you're empty inside?!
Shiraishi: Shut up.

In a shaking voice, smile entirely vanished, eyes burning, he says "You don't know anything, and you're constantly running headfirst into walls. You're dragging me into your mess, too. I'm having all these strange hesitations and impulses because of you. Before you I didn't have to think. This isn't me. I must discard unnecessary emotions. I thought everything would go back to normal once I distanced myself from you. So why...the more you believe in me the less I'm able to maintain my true self. It hurts and it sucks!"
Ichika: ...I didn't know you could make that expression.
Shiraishi: Right now all I'm thinking is that I want to know how to make you shut up.
Ichika: I like you like this.
Shiraishi: o.O
Ichika: AS A PERSON D:
Shiraishi: Ha! You were so dominant and then you collapsed like a house of cards :D

When he's overwhelmed, Shiraishi's voice goes very fast, like the words are tumbling out of his mouth beyond his conscious control, and soft, like he's mostly talking to himself. His usual voice is much louder with a self confident ironic sing-song tone.

I CAN SAVE IF I PUT THE CONTROLLER BACK INTO THE SWITCH BODY!!

This would be a perfect time to go to sleep, it's getting late, but I WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT. Also lol was not expecting any femdom fuel on this path but I will take it.

Shiraishi: Being with you is unexpected, which is fun...but everything ends, and now I'm afraid of that ending. I was never like this before.
Ichika: Then I won't let it end. Shiraishi, I don't know what's bothering you, and I probably can't solve it. But let's make a deal. If you feel afraid that it will all end, then let's stand up to that fear together.
Shiraishi: o.O
Ichika: Please help me solve these incidents and put a stop to X-Day. Will you discard your ambivalence and fight with me to protect this city? I realised after we were separated...I need you. I don't want to be apart from you.
Shiraishi: I thought I understood everything about you but it seems I don't have enough data. But you said it was a deal, what's the benefit for me?
Ichika: When you're afraid, no matter what happens, I'll be by your side.
Shiraishi: So the bargaining chip is you. You have no skills, no experience...but to me, it's the best reward you can offer. I must observe you more, so have no choice but to take your deal. And even I'm curious to hear from Takeuchi. So let's go :)

feels ;_;

Mochida has convinced Morioka that Ichika is up to doing the interview. But Morioka is already familiar with Shiraishi, having seen Yanagi cover for him many times when they were partners, and doesn't trust him. Shiraishi politely bows, possibly switching to proper formal language for a superior, and says he promises not to add fuel to the fire.

...ok I really gotta sleep but WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPPEENNNN

Takeuchi's story:

Uno became increasingly miserable and self hating, saying she didn't deserve to live and was sick of taking care of her children. Takeuchi saw Sunamori berating Uno that Hachisuka might kill himself and it was all her fault and she should just die. And then she saw Sunamori happily laugh with Hachisuka about his plan to punish her for embarrassing him. When Takeuchi confronted them, they just said she'd misheard, and the chairman said to stay quiet or she'd be fired. And then Yoshitani got her mother to say Uno abused her children and was a failure as a mother D:

Afraid for her job, Takeuchi said nothing, and has spent ten years blaming herself for Uno committing suicide. So when Adonis offered a way to punish the perpetrators, she followed their plan to taunt Sunamori into murder and kill Yoshitani. She felt better, but when Ichika and Shiraishi asked her about it she was overcome by her guilt and eventually decided she had to confess.

Shiraishi asks a bunch of questions, but is uncharacteristically patient and empathetic. She clearly doesn't know the details of how Yoshitani died. But it is Ichika who first points out that Uno's children also have a motive.
Takeuchi: THOSE TWO HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS!!
Shiraishi: I have no idea why you'd go to such lengths for someone else's children. But would hiding the truth really be good for them? You asked for her because you don't actually think so.

Takeuchi breaks down and admits that the September killing happened just after she told the children how their mother really died, and they admitted it when asked. So she feels responsible.
Takeuchi: Please...save them ;_;

Shiriashi says Ichika should stay and comfort her while he takes care of the rest, saying this isn't a job for the SRCPO. As opposed to a CSI profiler??

"The truth of this incident will hurt you" yeah I bet it will

And of course the right response is "I don't care if I get hurt"

OH OK Investigations is already on their way, the aim here is to, like, talk the teens down from making their situation worse, not to be the ones bringing them in.

I am SO TENSE for the moment Shiraishi is revealed as Adonis or otherwise has to do something really obviously hinky.

Shiraishi leads Ichika to the place where Uno committed suicide, and looking through the window says he can see what is probably Yoshitani's decomposing body.

Sakuragawa confirms the identity, also trying to shield Ichika from the grosser details. But Ichika decides to CHECK OUT THE CRIME SCENE and look I support you Ichika but I'M not a cop D:

Ok phew the decomposed body has been taken away but that sure is a room where someone was violently stabbed to death. There's also 4 smiling dolls made the resemble the members of the broken family.

Shiraishi says he thinks the Uno siblings will now want to kill themselves, their revenge complete. He quickly mutters to himself "They know they're not wanted in this world. Considering their environment, the only person that needed them was Tackeuchi, who acted as a mother figure. If I were them, I wouldn't want to forsake someone who accepted me. If I lost her, I..."

Seeing how upset he's getting, Ichika says "I'm here" and puts her hand on his cheek. He says "your hand is cold" and puts his hand on top of hers, then says they will either come forward or attack the station, nothing is too crazy for someone already intending to die.

Ichika suggests they went to the park ;_;

The siblings know Ichika is a cop and shoot at her, saying they didn't 'murder' anyone just got rid of some trash. Ichika feels sorry for them and Shiraishi says softly that kindness isn't enough to save someone. When trying to explain how murder doesn't solve anything doesn't convince them, Ichika attempts to shoots the gun from Shion's hand.

But I missed! So they shot back and she died!!

THE END

GOOD THING I HAD GOTTEN SAVING TO WORK

Once she and Shiraishi have subdued the two (with Shiriashi's coat because why bring handcuffs to restrain violent murderers) Ichika says it's the siblings' chance to talk through their feelings and explain the truth.
Shiriashi: She's really stubborn, you might as well talk :)

I really feel like Ichika missed her calling as a social worker/therapist. But I guess those are less helpful than cops in this universe!

Suzune: I don't trust you. But if you promise to save Shii, I'll tell you everything.

WELL THAT WAS SURE A LONG AND UNPLEASANT FLASHBACK

Mostly what you'd expect, but Uno never resented her children. She had just become convinced their lives were so awful they'd be better off dead :(

Suzune couldn't cope with the pain so developed dissociative identity disorder, losing hours and days to 'another her' with no painful emotions or memories. But Shion got her to keep a diary, and with the help of him and Takeuchi she started to feel like herself again.

But then they learned the truth of their mother's death and were consumed with murderous rage.

CHAPTER 5

Not long after this, the siblings were contacted by Adonis, who said they were chosen, and that Adonis 'lent their strength to people with deep sadness in their hearts'.

Suzune: Wait, if Shii is convicted would he get the death penalty??
Shion: You think I'd want to live on in a world without you?
Suzune: Hey, miss...please take your gun and shoot us.
Shion: Our existence is unnecessary.
Ichika: ;_;
Me: ;_;
Shiraishi: If you really wanted to die you'd have done it already. If I was in your shoes I'd have killed Takeuchi the day I learned the truth. She didn't stop your mother dying, then said nothing for ten years.
Shion and Suzune: >:(
Shiraishi: The feeling of someone needing you...it's not bad. It makes you think it's alright to exist. If you had someone like that you might just have been saved... Anyway, I guess I'll just let you two go and have Takeuchi go to jail. She did ask us to look after you for her :)
Suzune: AUNTIE TAKEUCHI DID NOTHING WRONG. WHEN WE DIE SHE WILL BE RELEASED!
Ichika: Oh. They did this for her :(
Suzune: And if we'd killed ourselves earlier she would have thought it was her fault :(
Shion: We left the dolls so the police would know it was us and arrest us but they never did.
Ichika: You should tell Takeuchi what's in your hearts. Won't you regret it if you never share your feelings?
Shiraishi: By the way, I'm a researcher and she's basically a counsellor. It's her job to help people.
Suzune: Then...I want to know what Auntie Takeuchi is feeling.

And so they agree to come to the station. Shiraishi manages to pull strings to allow them to talk to Takeuchi.

IT'S SO SAD

I AM CRYING TOO MUCH TO TYPE

They say they're grateful she told them the truth, so they know it wasn't anything they did wrong that drove their mother to try to erase them. And Takeuchi says they're her children and she loves them and she will always stand by them.

Morioka says they are minors and were taken advantage of by Adonis, so even he sympathises and wants them to have a chance to rehabilitate.

And then Takeuchi screams that the siblings have collapsed. I hope they do ok without their memories, at least they already knew her :(

Ichika feels useless: She helped those three people, and solved those specific cases, but they're no closer to stopping Adonis. And she feels uncomfortably sympathetic to them helping people the law did not.

She finds Shiraishi's phone strap on her desk and goes to find him. He says he made himself scarce so she'd get all the credit. He listens quietly to her talk about how murder is wrong but she can understand why some people want Adonis's 'justice' then says "I see! You should come to my place :)"

He hands her...a sweatshirt, sweatpants, and a towel, and says she should take a bath to relieve fatigue. She's a bit "I have...my own bath???" but she's too charmed by his good intentions to say no for long.

She has a perfectly nice bath with no interruptions but naturally his clothes are WAY too big for her. And then she comes out and sees him unsuccessfully attempting to cook, but he confidently tells her to just wait on the sofa.

Is he doing this because one time she said it's cool Yanagi can cook haha. I think Shiraishi sees Yanagi as like a better version of himself, including someone who would probably be a better partner and love interest for Ichika.

Shiraishi says she looks cute in such overlarge clothes and she tries not to overthink it.

Awww he tried cooking rolled omelette since she said it was her favourite. He's going to throw it out but she's really touched and says it's fine if you cut off the burned bits.
Ichika: You're kind. When I first met you, I thought you might be an Adonis collaborator. But now I trust you, and I'm glad we conduct investigations together.
Shiraishi: I don't understand you...this is all I can do to cheer you up. I thought I could do mostly anything, but with you, I'm fumbling with everything. But...I never want to see you sad.

He smiles and pats her on the head.

Shiraishi: I don't have the same conviction as you. I would never feel pain for someone else. That's why I don't understand your pain and that...makes me miserable.

Then he smiles. "You may not like me treating you like a child, but you did well today. We're alone now, so say whatever's on your mind."

So she talks about her sense of uselessness and he says she shouldn't change her colour for anyone. The conversation turns more cheerful, and she eventually falls asleep.

Shiraishi watches her sleep, wondering if this colour like spring sunshine in his heart is happiness. He feels confused and complicated and thinks "Ichika, you have no idea you're the reason I'm in so much pain."

Ichika wakes in bed next to a sleeping Shiraishi and has a moment of panic before getting distracted by how cute he looks asleep.

Shiraishi: Did you think we had a one night stand? ;D Unfortunately, nothing happened. I wanted to keep observing you but I fell asleep.

He says he contacted Kazuki which I think would be the first time they'd have spoken?? Not a lot of Kazuki on this path.

Shiraishi: I told him I was your partner and I had you take a bath and then took you to bed. He said to say no more and hung up on me.
Ichika: >:( Ugh, fine, I'll explain when I get home.

He smiles gently and says it's nice to wake up next to someone and she realises she has feelings for him, and wants to accept him as he is.

She makes him omurice with a cat drawn in ketchup and he is very enthused.
Shiraishi: I never understood why anyone would want a family, but I think I'm beginning to understand now. Living with you...would be fun.
Ichika: It might be fun.
Shiraishi: You want to be family? :D
Ichika, feeling defensive: I said MIGHT.
Shiraishi: Good enough for me :D

She wonders if he realises she doesn't hate him any more. He needs her to spell things out. I have some trouble reconciling Shiranaishi's childlike obliviousness with the deliberate, carefully aimed cruelty and perfect profiling. It works for me most of the time but then sometimes I look at it too closely and his character won't resolve in my head.

Ichika: I could...cook for you again. I also think it's fun to spend time together.
Shiraishi: ...really?? :) :) :)

He gets pouty at the thought that the case being solved means she might work without someone else in the agency.
Ichika: Our deal is still in effect. We still have to find the mole.
Shiraishi: ...right... >.> And we made another deal, where you offered yourself to me and said you'd do anything for me.
Ichika: That's not...what I said...exactly??
Shiraishi: Anyway, the weather's nice, let's go on a date :D

She's all DID HE REALISE I'M INTO HIM AND DOESN'T MIND??

He takes her...to a back alley to observe cats! Ichika's quietly thinking that this isn't her idea of a date but then he says animals are therapeutic which is something she needs.

He introduces her to the cats by name, and draws them in with a cat toy so she can pat them, softly saying she needs to pat them to be healed. He introduces her to cats across the city and she takes notes to remember all their names.

Shiraishi explains that some of the numbers she didn't meet are gone, like No. 14, vanished one day without warning, with noone else to remember them.
Ichika: Some of those cats are tame, I am sure there are many people who would be sad if they go away. I wish I could have met No. 14.
Shiraishi: I'm sure No. 14 would have been happy to hear that.
Ichika: Why do you like them so much?
Shiraishi: The person who raised me was very strict. When I went to live in the outside world and became a profiler, everything was new. And stray cats seemed so free...
Ichika: Oh, so you're weird because of your upbringing.
Shiraishi: I try to fit in! That's why I always smile :)

She thinks about it and decides his behaviour would in fact go down even worse WITHOUT the smiles, and finds his earnest childishness cute.

Ichika starts to say it's getting late and she should go home, but Shiraishi looks so lost she instead says they should go shopping then cook dinner at his place. He is absolutely delighted and holds her hand and talks about how he'd never thought he'd have a day this happy.
Shiraishi: I didn't know I had these emotions in me. I don't want to reject them. If you feel just a little bit of the feelings I have...

Ichika thinks "I wanted to tell him my feelings but..." ...it's only Chapter 5...

(Yes ok I took 5 years to tell Pia I liked him and we met ON A DATING SITE, that is NOT THE POINT)

Just as she's getting up the courage to tell him after dinner, Ichika says "Oh someone left your phone strap on my desk, I wonder how they knew to give it to me" and he gets a little shaky as he says he'd lost it.

He mutters that there's no point delaying it, and is about to tell her something when...her collar speaks D: D:

The collar: Ichika Hoshino, we were deeply touched by how dedicated you are to your own sense of justice. You certainly have the capacity to become one of us.
Ichika: I don't think so...
Shiraishi: Her justice is incompatible with Adonis. Forcing you to follow her is wrong.
The collar: I don't care about your will. We are the ones who will decide. We desire only the rebirth of Japan. Resisting us will not end well. I will give you three days. Use that time to get your life in order. We will come to get you at 6pm on the 23rd.

Shiraishi says she and Kazuki should stay at Yanagi's place to stay safe. It's a mostly empty building, so even if it's destroyed, the collateral damage will be minimal.
Ichika: I don't want to trouble anyone...
Shiraishi: But you don't care about yourself. There's nothing sadder than not relying on us when you should. Imagine if someone you care about just disappeared. I'd much rather you trouble me and fight by your side.

He watches her cooking for him and thinks about how strong she is. He will protect this thing he has found, even if he has to lose something else.

On the way home he asks the date of Christmas, because he doesn't know even that much about it, and cheerfully discusses the party. She feels bittersweet, because she may be dead by then.

AND THEN I HAVE TO DECIDE

WHETHER TO TELL HIM

THAT SANTA ISN'T REAL

Shiraishi: So if it's just someone dressing up then I can be Santa and give you presents :D

She explains that grownups tend to directly hand each other presents and that they should surprise each other, and he says he's not good deciding gifts but will do his best.

Kazuki is not convinced by Ichika vaguely saying that "Adonis is after her" so she has to steal his guitar lol. Shiraishi comes up with a more convincing almost-truth and points out that she's doing this to protect Kazuki.
Enomoto: I know this sucks, but you won't get bored here!
Sasazuka: And if you get frustrated just punch this guy with the eyepatch :)
Yanagi: Don't mind them.
Kazuki: Are these guys really effective bodyguards.
Shiriashi: Special Protective officers are outside, as well.
Kazuki: ...I don't get it, but fine.

Shiriashi walks her to work since she refuses to take any time off, and when she notices him looking sad says she'll cook him dinner at work.

The Shiraishi Bashing Coalition invite Ichika out for drinks, saying they mostly just want to see how she's doing and congratulate her on solving the case (I think they've accepted that she doesn't feel like bashing Shiraishi any more)

She tries turning them down but they insist and Shiraishi says it's fine. He starts to offer to walk her there then says "Wait they wouldn't like that. I'll send Enomoto or something. Mukai and the girl from forensics can beat up anyone, they're not bad choices for bodyguards." When he realises she'd rather be with him he's very happy and tells her to have fun putting him down.

Sakuragawa: He was weirdly nice to me the last time I saw him.
Mukai: He's been very quiet, he must be up to something.
Ichika: He...um...(HE IS WONDERFUL AND I WANT THEM TO DISLIKE HIM LESS)
Sakuragawa: Does he act differently when you're alone, without all the teasing?
Ichika: No, but I've realised there's no malice to it. He doesn't know how to talk to people and I want to help him...
Sakuragawa and Mukai:ಠ_ಠ
Mukai: Hoshino. We're kicking you out of the Shiraishi Bashing Coalition.
Sakuragawa: You have violated the one requirement.
Ichika: I'm sorry. You're right, I don't hate Shiraishi. I guess we can't drink together any more :(
Mukai: What? Of course we can. We thinking of disbanding the coalition anyway. Shiraishi...actually asked us to take you out drinking today. So we have upgraded our opinion from "hate his guts" to "we don't really like him", and you can date him without worrying about us.

Ichika admits she's into him, Sakuragawa gleefully asks for deets but Mukai is all "A CUTE WOMAN LIKES HIM WHY IS HE DRAGGING HIS FEET". They both encourage Ichika to tell him, because it'll make her happy and because the idea of Shiraishi in love is funny.

Mukai: LET'S GO TO ANOTHER BAR :D :D
Sakurawaga: Request denied. I'll get her home.

*ships it*

When Shiraishi finds out she's been kicked out of the coalition and why, he gets a little bashful.

CHAPTER SIX

Aww Kazuki and Enomoto are bonding over music again.

Yanagi: The Hoshino siblings can sleep in my bed and Enomoto's. We'll use the couch.
Ichika: Wait-
Sasazuka: Save your breath. You might not look it, but you're still a woman.

As Shiraishi and Ichika predicted, Enomoto is VERY INTO the idea of a Christmas party and went out and bought a tree despite Yanagi, Sasazuka and Kazuki's dubious disinterest.

Okazaki invites himself in and hands Ichika and Kazuki snacks with names like "habenero natto".
Okazaki: So why is everyone on edge?
Enomoto: We're...sad...you didn't get us snacks...>.>
Okazaki: Uh huh. So you're planning on doing something dangerous.
Shiraishi: We're just annoyed you showed up :) By the way, how are you doing, getting enough sleep?
Okazaki: Yes, though I did wake surrounded by stray cats :)
Shiraishi: I noticed No. 13 had your sleep mask, you're slacking off if a cat can steal from you. You should sleep in an actual bed and come back tomorrow.
Okazaki: I will :)

haha aww Kazuki stops saying Christmas parties are stupid when he realises it makes Enomoto sad.
Ichika: It's good to have something to look forward to.
Shiraishi: ...yeah :(

Mikuni?: Don't you have a dream you want to realise?
Shiraishi: Yes, and I don't care what is sacrificed. Are you sure you're fine with this?
Mikuni?: Getting cold feet? This is also what you want. You who bear the title, "God Killer".

IS IT ANGELS AFTER ALL???

Mikuni?: The power you are seeking, I can share it with you.
Shiraishi: The rebirth of the world to you is everything. So I'm trying to remove the evil threatening you. And I assume that sacrifice is necessary. That's what you want, right?
Mikuni?: Yes. There is no need for personal sentiment. I have a duty to fulfil. But you are still hesitating. Are you concerned that her collar cannot be removed?
Shiraishi: There is only one way to remove her collar. Is that really the truth?
Mikuni?: Regardless, it is the only option available to you. You are the one who pushed for my decision. It is trouble to have you waver due to unnecessary complications.
Shiraishi: This time, I won't make the same mistake.

This is some EXCELLENT ANIME BULLSHIT :D

The next day a whistleblower reveals the names of the Adonis executives, including politicians, members of the Diet, and big name actors.

Just before they part at work, Shiraishi awkwardly says "I wish that you will always be yourself. Don't forget that." and a chill goes down her spine.

There is another Adonis murder in Shinjuki Garden, of a cop this time. Ichika sees Shiraishi in the distance.

That evening, Shiraishi doesn't responds to her calls, and when Mukai grumpily says he still hasn't returned from an investigation, Ichika eventually goes back with Enomoto.

That evening Mukai rings and tries to gently break the news that someone matching Shiraishi's description STABBED MIKUNI TO DEATH IN THE STREET. The footage is all over social media. Ichika is likely to be brought in for questioning. Mukai says she's here for Ichika if she ever wants to talk.

Minegishi: Hello. It's been a while, Yanagi.

He doesn't seem to be convinced by everyone claiming not to know anything but just smiles and says the police will be keeping an eye on them all.

Ichika can't accept that this is real.

Kazuki talks about the time Shiraishi rang him, and he apparently spent the whole conversation talking about how Ichika was really tired and Kazuki should take better care of her.
Kazuki: I thought he was being nosy, but seems weird for someone with personality to murder someone >.>

(Akitooooooo ;_;)

Enomoto: I don't want to believe it. We were nakama :(
Sasazuka: I don't think he'd kill someone so incompetently.
Yanagi: We need to get to the bottom of this.

Okazaki arrives and says Mikuni refused his usual security detail today. Police Chief Takeda has taken over, with his focus on public opinion, making it harder to find out what's really going on.

Everyone wonders if Shiraishi and Mikuni got to know each other after Shiraishi saved the life of Mikuni's dad, the Prime Minister, two years ago.

Is this how they met or was Mikuni somehow ALSO raised in the weird lab...thing??

Okazaki says what bothers him is that Shiraishi specifically said to visit today, when he is usually unfriendly and was apparently planning a murder.

Once he's gone, Yanagi says the only thing Shiraishi has ever shown signs of caring about enough to kill for...is Ichika. He wouldn't do something like this without reason, so all they can do is find him, and hear him out.

Ichika contacts Sakuragawa, who says the higher ups took over the case, so all she can pass on is that Mikuni died from a single stab wound to the heart, a difficult move.

The next day, Yanagi SILENTLY WRITES ICHIKA A NOTE ON PAPER OMG saying that in the worst case scenario she can just shoot whoever comes after her and the police will protect her. Adonis might set off the collar, then, but she refuses to bow to their threats.

At 6pm, they see the nearby police patrols all frantically pulling back for no apparent reason.

And then...they hear a giant boom. The second floor of the building, below them, is on fire. The only way out is the stairs. Yanagi goes to check it out and there's another explosion. As the only remaining one with any combat experience, Enomoto leads Sasazuka and the Hoshinos down the stairs through thick smoke.

Another explosion knocks Ichika off her feet as she's starting to black out from smoke inhalation, and she is caught by large hands. She wakes in the underground tunnels, in Shiraishi's arms.

Shiraishi, flatly: You should have stayed asleep longer. You will be offered to the one. Remain still until that time.

A low creepy sound loops in the background. She wakes again in the underground church, with Shiraishi staring at her silently, expression flat, ignoring her relieved questions about where he's been and what's going on.

Shiraishi: There is no need for me to pretend to be Kageyuki Shiraishi any more. You should have figured it out by now. I set up the explosives. The others have been dealt with. These are the plans of the one called "Zero" who put that collar on you. I sought you out because I am a member of Adonis.
Ichika: That's impossible.
Shiraishi: If you can say that, then my mission to become someone you hold dear was a success. Just as I was given the order ten years ago to become Kageyuki Shiraishi, profiler, I now become Kageyuki Shiraishi, whom you love.
Ichika: Stop teasing :(
Shiraishi: The mission is complete. Any further contact is meaningless.
The collar: That man isn't the Kageyuki Shiraishi you know. He is Adonis loyal pawn. Isn't that right, No. 14?
Shiraishi: Yes, Zero. I have returned to become the foundation of your ideals.
The collar: Now let us begin the final ceremony.

She never even got to tell him her feelings, but he knew, and it was all a lie?

Ichika: Be quiet! I won't do as you say!
The collar: Then will you leave him be? The one in front of you is a criminal who murdered your friends and family. Oh, and we didn't order him to kill. That was his own judgement.
Ichika: I don't believe you. Shiraishi, are you being threatened?
Shiraishi: Rei Mikuni was removed as a hindrance to Zero, our god. The others interfered when I took you away, so I killed them.
The collar: He doesn't believe himself to be evil. If you don't stop him he will continue to murder. Are you sure you can allow that?

She thinks back over everything she has seen and felt. And she remembers the deal she made.

Ichika: Even if all the days Shiraishi was with me were for his mission...they still happened. As a police officer I should turn my firearm on you and stop you. But I can't do that. Because I've found something more important.
The collar: Number 14 has been indoctrinated to follow the will of Adonis. Emotional pleas have no effect on him. Those who commit crimes are evil. There is no executor left but you. Number 14, hand her the gun.
Ichika: Why are you being told what to do? Zero is trying to kill you. What do YOU want? Where is YOUR will?
Zero: Tell that woman your will.

He puts the gun in her hands and puts it to his head. "Just pull the trigger. This is what Zero wants." She closes her eyes.
Ichika: I want to catch as many criminals as possible so that everyone can live in peace. I held that conviction inside me and dealt with all the incidents until now. But I don't feel it's right to kill someone because they're a criminal. Shiraishi, you are not just Zero's tool. You tried to understand me. You're terrible at cooking, but you're kind. And you told me I can be the way I am. I don't know anyone called number 14. I only know Kageyuki Shiraishi, someone I very much...love! I can't kill you!

His hand shakes and he frowns.

Shiraishi: If you kill me, you will be seen as Zero's ally, and your collar will be removed.
Ichika: If I have to shoulder this regret, it's pointless. I will only live with my heart as it's own.
Shiraishi: Why? My life is worthless.
Ichika: Not to me. Nobody can replace you. Didn't we promise to have a Christmas party together?
Shiraishi, desperately: It was all a lie. Only my mission matters!
Ichika: It's not Christmas yet. You can make that lie become true. I feel sure that not all of it was lies, that you truly felt joy.
Shiraishi: Joy, yes...my heart moves and I think of you...
The collar: I'm surprised, you nearly broke our brainwashing. But it's too late. Number 14, restrain that woman.

Zero emerges.
Zero: Please ensure you do not disappoint me. I am sure you do not wish to die. You have been polluted by this world and cannot see it for what it is. In order to wake you up...it appears that marionette must be destroyed. Number 14, pull the trigger.

Shiraishi screams...and shoots Zero. He pulls Ichika with him into the tunnels, and they run. With a teary smile, he makes sure she's ok, and says thanks to her he was able to defy Zero's orders.

He quickly tells her how to escape while he finds Zero, who he isn't sure is dead, and isn't sure he can resist again, in order to get the code to remove her collar. He says his only goal now is to free her, but to do that he had to kill Mituni, and he can't return with her to the sun.

She refuses to leave his side. "If you care about me enough to do all this, why didn't you try to think of a way out so that we could live together?"
Shiraishi, softly: ...I wanted to :(
Ichika: You have to atone for your crimes. But what you wish for afterwards is up to you. Let's grant your wish together.
Shiraishi: I can't live out in the sun :(
Zero: Yes. You can only live in the sandbox that is Adonis. Dreaming is futile for you :) Witness the end of a pawn that has outlived it's usefulness.

There is an unpleasant sound and Shiraishi falls to the ground, crying out in pain. Ichika points her gun at Zero.

Zero: Is this reminiscent of your childhood training, No. 14?
Shiraishi: Even if she doesn't have the power to save the world...she gave me a dream of a normal life...
Zero: He wants you to live. You're going against No. 14's wishes.
Ichika: You use your slick words to take advantage of people's weaknesses. You oppress the defiant with force, and uphold your own selfish justice to use people like Shiraishi like tools. To me, you are the truly evil one.

Zero does something that makes Shiraishi cry out in pain. Ichika pulls the trigger.

And I'm so invested in the story I miss!

Ichika feels herself go woozy.

Zero: You attempted to shoot at evil. I suppose that counts as a passing mark. Fulfil true rebirth together with us.

She is brought to the point of near death again and again, in incredible pain, wishing she was dead. Until she breaks, and pulls the trigger. Again and again.

Me: Oh no, she killed Shiraishi? D:

CG:


Me: ah.

"Zero saw that I had become an executor, and gave 'him' to me. He listened to everything I told him. He sometimes came close to me, like a cat trying to soothe my sadness. But every time I see him, I am reminded that I could not save him. Today I killed Yanagi. The police didn't try to catch Adonis any more. This world is ruled by fear, and what Zero decided was what became the truth. Those who defied would be killed. Everyone began to turn off their minds, like me."

Shiriashi cries, but can't say why, because Zero took his voice. Perhaps he cries for her.

THE END

...gosh.

OK. LETS TRY SHOOTING THAT BASTARD AGAIN

AW YESS

DIE MOTHERFUCKER

BAM BAM

RIGHT IN THE FREAKING HEART

She feels a pain in her neck and falls to her knees. Shiraishi is hysterical about how none of this is worth it without her.

Shiraishi POV

He found the antidote, and called on an underground doctor. He couldn't bear to take her to a real hospital and be torn apart. Maybe that choice is why she's still in a coma.

Shiraishi thinks over his experience of the events of the path, which are mostly what you'd expect. What was going on with Mikuni was that he encouraged an existing rift between him and Zero, and then killed Mikuni while making it look like this was done to support Zero's leadership.

He saw Mikuni as a friend and felt guilty about it. But this way, he was guaranteed to meet Zero in person. Either Ichika would kill him and Zero would remove the collar, or Shiraishi would kill Zero and get the code to release her himself.

He sits by her bedside, just wanting to see her smile one more time before he sends her back to the outside world and atones for his crimes.

Ichika wakes to see Shiraishi crying.

AND DOESN"T KNOWN WHO HE IS

AHHHH

I THOUGHT HE MIGHT GET AMNESIA BUT NOT HER!!!!

She doesn't even recognise her OWN name???

After a pause, he says he's her doctor, and will take responsibility for getting her body and memories back. He forces himself to smile.

CLOSING CREDITS????

DID I MESS UP OR IS THIS GENUINELY THE BEST POSSIBLE ENDING

It's been a YEAR???

The doctor always greets her cheerfully, but always looks so sad. He's told Ichika a pretty accurate description of what happened to her, but left out his own involvement. It's occurred to her that he may have been lying to her, what with the whole...year in a windowless room with no other contact thing. But she chooses to believe him. And she heard him once on the phone with someone called Yanagi saying he just wants her to be able to regain her normal life.

(SHE COULD DO THAT AND STILL SEE HER BROTHER, YOU WEIRDO)

Since then, she has feared the end of her time with the doctor. When their hands touch, her heart beats faster and she feels a familiar feeling she can't quite remember. Her memories feel like they're almost within reach. (MAYBE SEEING HER FRIENDS AND FAMILY WOULD HAVE HELPED WITH THAT, 'DOCTOR')

Today, now that she is able to fully walk again, he asks if she wants to go outside.

She blinks in the unfamiliar light of the sun and he leads her into a Shinjuku he says is recovered because of her.

Ichika: I doubt I did that by myself. I think...there was probably someone who supported me.
Shiraishi, softly: Even without your memories...you are still yourself.

At the entrance to the detective agency, she starts to feel some deja vu. And then at the top of the stairs...a Christmas party is waiting for her. Shiraishi introduces her to her fellow detectives...and her little brother.
Kazuki: So you really don't remember...it's fine as long as you're ok :)

Shiraishi takes her to the roof, and tries to remain calm and smiling as he explains that he's a murderer, and won't be able to see her again after today. He promised himself he would only allow him to remain with until she was recovered, and now must atone.

But she doesn't want to be parted from him. He starts crying and they are both overcome with emotion. He says he loves her, and tries to wish her well and walk away, but something clicks in her head and she shouts that he's always so self-centered.
Ichika: You drag me around and then bottle everything up! It's not over. I told you I had something to tell you at Christmas.
Shiraishi: ...Ichika?
Ichika: It was so strange. My memory was gone and I didn't even know if my 'doctor' was telling the truth. But I felt like I could trust you. Every time you called my name my heart leapt with joy. There was something I needed to tell you and I didn't know what it was. But now I can. I love you. If you are to atone for your crimes, then I will wait as long as it takes. It won't be a burden. So, please come back to me.
Shiraishi: Seems like...I'll have to cave in here...
Ichika: Are you annoyed?
Shiraishi: No. I'm happy. I love you too.

They kiss and he softly says "Wait for me. I will come back to you. You are where I will return."

THE END

The screen cracks and reveals Yanagi's face.

Some red latin text I couldn't figure out flashed across the screen.

The screen shows distorted images of city streets while voices start making accusations like 'Murderer', 'if not for you they'd still be alive'.

A distorted dark room splashed with blood, an obscured twisted figure, a voice saying "Help me" and Yanagi saying "I must kill".

'The box contains ?????'

Yanagi wakes.

The game tells me his route has been unlocked.

WELL. WON'T THAT BE FUN!

I went to take a photo of the Intense Bad Ending and stumbled across various special features, including Okazaki rambling about his hobbies like an idol on a talk show in a way I found very jarring, and a random mildly sexy CG of him in bed? Ahh, because I've seen all his other CGs. The Shiraishi one is VERY bland by comparison. Still, it does make me more motivated to unlock everyone else's full CGs.

I was expecting the route to be sexier tbh but that's FINE it was VERY ROMANTIC. Even if I am still having to just not think about all the better ways they could have handled the amnesia thing.

Sadly the dictionary says Adonis is tust training orphans, not growing them in vats. Boo. Seems like they're much larger and older than they seem.

I am absolutely going to have to try the start iof the Yanagi route before I got to bed because WTF WAS THAT. Does he have Zero as an alternate personality or...WAIT NO PHEW. Just now, Zero was dead and Yanagi was not! OK GOOD. I generally don't like that kind of plot.

I have NO IDEA then. He's presumably not ANOTHER brainwashed Adonis agent so...?????

Also given the progression I am expecting Kazuki to have ALL the LIs as older brothers he's living with by the end of the Yanagi route. Plus Akito. WHO. WILL. BE. FINE.