When she pinned the intruder against the wall, Shizuka Hiratsuka already felt something was off.
Then, that familiar, lazy, teasingly seductive voice reached her ears. Shizuka sighed, releasing her grip from the woman's neck.
"Fujiko. So you're in the States too."
"Hehe, surprised?"
From the dim corner of the room, under the warm glow of the bedside lamp, a striking woman emerged. Dressed in tight leather that left nothing to the imagination, her perfect figure was displayed in full. Her wavy hair fell past her shoulders, radiating mystery and allure. A faint smile curved her lips, as if she could capture hearts without even trying.
And those bright, star-like eyes, brimming with joy as they locked on Shizuka, only made her presence more dangerous.
"Surprised? Not really. Startled, maybe. If I hadn't pulled back just in time, you'd already be on the floor." Shizuka gave her an exasperated glance before walking over to sit on the bed.
"I knew my darling wouldn't be that cruel to me," Fujiko replied with a dazzling smile. She casually sat on the sofa by the bed, picked up the half-finished wine glass Shizuka had just been drinking from, and took a sip as if it were her own.
"Mmm, not bad." Her tongue brushed across her lips before she nodded with approval.
"That's my glass." Shizuka shook her head helplessly. Scolding this woman was pointless; Fujiko was even more reckless than Yukiko.
"What's yours is mine, sweetheart."
"Speak properly, or I'll call the police," Shizuka muttered, rubbing her temples.
Honestly, why was it that everyone she somehow ended up befriending had such… problematic personalities?
"You're as heartless as ever, Shizuka." Fujiko chuckled softly, her gaze never once leaving Shizuka's face.
"Oh? That pajama set you're wearing, wasn't it a gift from me? I'm so touched you like it that much."
"It's just comfortable, that's all," Shizuka replied, scratching the back of her head awkwardly.
"Well, considering it cost five figures, it'd be strange if it weren't comfortable."
"As long as you like it, darling. If there's ever anything you want, just tell me."
"I don't need anything. Unlike you, I don't crave so many things." Shizuka eyed the woman lounging in her room like it was her own house, sipping wine without a care in the world.
"Actually, when I heard about that monkey Lupin today, I should've guessed you were back in the States too. I may not know him well, but targeting the same guy all the time seems a little unfair, doesn't it?"
"It's just business, a collaboration. Sure, I used him to get what I wanted, but I gave him information in return. Made his job easier too." Fujiko stretched out comfortably, crossing her legs, looking more languid than ever.
"But don't worry, there's nothing between us. My heart belongs only to you, darling."
"Who cares?" Shizuka gave her a look of disgust, already used to this woman's shameless sweet talk.
"Forget it. Anyone who becomes your target is probably not a good person anyway. I can't be bothered to get involved." She picked up her phone from the bed, plugged in the charger, and ignored Fujiko.
"Just don't get caught. Otherwise, all the loot you're storing in my Tokyo place is going straight to the museum."
"How can you call them loot? They're love tokens, gifts for you, my Shizuka." Fujiko's eyes sparkled mischievously as she carried her wine glass closer to the bed.
"Whatever. I need to return a call. Stay quiet and don't mess with me, or I won't forgive you." Though her expression was annoyed, Shizuka shifted over slightly to give her room.
"Yes, ma'am." Fujiko giggled, settling in beside her.
Shizuka cast a wary glance at the backpack Fujiko had somehow produced, but decided not to ask. She focused instead on dialing Haruno's number.
"Hello?"
"Hmph!"
"…" Shizuka rubbed her forehead, smiling despite herself.
"Come on, what are you mad about now? My phone ran out of battery, that's all. I wasn't ignoring you. The moment I charged it, I called you back."
"That's not the point, Shizuka! What I want isn't an excuse. I want you to comfort me! I've been worrying about you all day, sending message after message, waiting alone with my phone in the freezing cold!" Haruno's voice was dramatic, sharp in its indignation.
"It's summer. Where exactly are you finding freezing winds, Haruno?"
"I'm mad! Shizuka Hiratsuka, I'm really mad! I waited three whole hours! Is that all you have to say to me?"
Her rant echoed loudly through the speaker, but Shizuka couldn't help laughing. She could already picture Haruno in her mind, flailing like an angry kitten.
"All right, all right. Yukiko dragged me around all day, I didn't even notice when my phone died. Don't be angry. When I get back ah!"
Her voice cut off suddenly, her expression stiffening. She turned her head sharply, cheeks flushing in both irritation and embarrassment.
At some point, Fujiko had changed into silky pajamas and was now smiling at her mischievously, trailing her toes up Shizuka's ankle.
"What's wrong, Shizuka?" Haruno asked quickly, sensing her sudden change in tone.
"Ah, nothing. Just almost pulled the charger out." Shizuka forced her voice into calmness, even as she grabbed Fujiko's wandering hand that had already slipped under her pajama hem to her waist.
She shot Fujiko a furious glare, only to be met with a playful, sparkling smile.
Honestly, this woman… her hands were ice cold, and now she was pressing them against her stomach. No wonder she nearly yelped.