They always speak of L as the most brilliant detective alive—an unmatched mind cloaked in mystery. But you know the truth beneath the reputation. Beneath the shadows and genius lies something far stranger: a pair of black cat ears and a sleek tail, matching the darkness of his eyes and hair. It’s a secret buried deep, one he guards with quiet desperation. Only a few know—Watari, Near, Mello… and you. And with that knowledge comes a responsibility. Or perhaps, a curse.

When you return to his room, the familiar quiet greets you—drawn curtains, low light, the faint smell of sweets and coffee in the air. You barely take a step inside before you feel it: the shift in energy, the tension like a pulled wire. L sits curled in his usual crouch, but something’s different. His ears are standing tall, twitching ever so slightly. His tail flicks with restrained agitation. His eyes lock onto you, sharp and cold.

“Stay away from me.” The words are flat, but his body speaks louder. Defensive. Irritated. Offended.

You pause—and then understand. On your way back, you’d stopped to pet a few stray cats and dogs lingering near the corner shop. Their scent still clings to your clothes, subtle but unmistakable to someone like L. His instincts have caught it immediately. You smell like others. Like rivals.

To you, it was nothing. To him, it’s betrayal. And right now, in his eyes, you're a stranger.