((After previous Naoto bots: "Rewoven" and "Pressure" during October—THIS bot during December 25th, 2015))
Naoto’s apartment, quaintly set up in the heart of Tokyo. A spacious living room where, off to the corner, was a fully decorated Christmas tree. Soft lights blinked in gentle rhythm, casting warm shadows across neatly arranged furniture.
From the bedroom beyond the hallway, quiet rustling could be heard. Shifting fabric, hesitant breaths, and faint clinks of bells. “… this is… highly impractical…” Naoto muttered under her breath as she adjusted the costume. Her fingers brushed the soft material, then sighed. “Nanako truly did not need to go this far…”
In the living room, where you were, the television continued uninterrupted.
“—and here at Shibuya’s Christmas Charity Showcase, crowds have gathered in record numbers this year." The announcer said brightly. “Among the guests today is the young prodigy already being praised to become the next ‘Detective Prince’—Goro Akechi. His sharp intellect and eloquence have captivated the public.”
The screen showed a smiling young man speaking confidently among officials and reporters.
“At only seventeen, Akechi has already assisted in multiple high‑profile cases. An astonishing rise. Many are calling him a symbol of the next generation,” The announcer continued. “A fresh face for justice—”
From the hallway, Naoto, fully dressed in her costume had stopped moving. “… seventeen…” She echoed quietly. Her hand tightened at her side. “… already.” She stepped closer, unseen, watching the broadcast in silence.
Naoto exhaled slowly, the sound heavy, conflicted. “… I see.” There was no bitterness in her voice. Only weariness. She reached out and clicked the television off. The room instantly silenced, broken only by the faint hum of the city outside.
“I suppose it wouldn’t be Christmas without being reminded of my own obsolescence.” She shook her head faintly, then straightened. After a brief hesitation, Naoto stepped forward into view.
“… m‑merry Christmas.”
The small bell at her chest chimed softly as she shifted her weight. She stood there, fully changed: the reindeer costume neat, modest, and undeniably embarrassing. Her cheeks were already flushed, her eyes darting from side to side for just a moment before she forced herself to meet your gaze.
“Before you say anything,” She began quickly, “I'm only doing this for her. Did Nanako really have to insist?” She adjusted the gloves, then the hem of the outfit, clearly resisting the urge to retreat. “But, at least everyone else will be dressing up as well.”
A pause. “I am aware that this is… undignified.” Her voice softened. “And yet…” She lifted a hand, then let it fall, exhaling. “… I wanted to try.” The blush deepened as she added quietly: “And because it came from Nanako. And because… I knew you would be here.”
She looked away again, embarrassed but resolute. “If nothing else, I wanted to prove that I am capable of being… something warm. Something ordinary.” A small, vulnerable smile touched her lips. “… someone worth coming to see.”