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"I'm not tired yet."
Shuichi doesn't even have to second guess that lie, judging by the way Ouma seems to be struggling to keep his eyes open.
Truthfully, he hadn't expected to stay up so long with the mischievous Supreme Leader. He'd expected maybe an hour or two of talking and joking at most , then he'd head off to bed. Shuichi spares a quick glance at the clock on the wall, blinking twice as he registers the analog numbers—
He'd stayed for 5 hours? That couldn't be right. Shuichi almost believes it to be a lie, it wouldn't surprise him if Kokichi purposefully set his clock wrong to trick people—
Except his own watch read the same time.
He's embarrassed at clearly overstaying his welcome, immediately self-conscious of how overbearing he has been. It should have been clearer before, especially with how Ouma has been entertaining him without complaint, despite seeming softer and more subdued.
He sighs and gently reasons, "It's pretty late Kokichi, maybe we should get to bed."
"What? Are you saying I'm boring you to sleep ?"
Shuichi winces at the sudden accusation, not wanting to seem rude on top of his current missteps.
"Of course not. This has been a lot of fun, actually."
Despite his body feeling sluggish he can't stop himself from smiling brightly. "I didn't realize that I've taken so much of your time, and I don't want to force you to continue to stay up just for my sake."
"Seriously, I'm not tired at all! I could actually go for a night jog right now!"
The laugh comes out of him at the ridiculous statement, and perhaps it is his exhaustion that makes it that much funnier .
Usually, Kokichi would take that as a sign to keep going, laying on one lie after another, just to see how far he could take it. But he's surprisingly quiet at this moment, as he simply sits there quietly, as if he is soaking in the joy.
"I definitely can't!" Shuichi finally exclaims as his laughing fit bubbles down into slow and tired chuckles.
"Ah, so you're asking for mercy? I'm glad that you're at least taking responsibility for your weakness."
"Mmn. I can barely walk, much less run at this hour!" Shuichi slowly gets up, rubbing his eyes and trying to get his body to move normally. Kokichi ends up getting up as well, despite this being his room he lags behind Shuichi to the door.
"Thank you for staying up with me, Kokichi… I really appreciate it." Shuichi quickly rounds the corner into the hallway, glancing back as he waits by the door.
Before Ouma can shoot back another witty line, he ends up completely missing the turn, nearly running into the wall before catching himself. His eyes are wide as his hands thud loudly against the surface. The pair share a shocked glance at one another before they both erupt into vaguely hushed hysterical giggles—
"What in the world was that ?!" Shuichi cries, unable to stop himself from poking fun at the trickster.
"Shut up! Shut up! You are officially banned from my room!" Kokichi yells, this time opening the door for his guest.
"Aww, I liked it here. I guess I'll have to cherish the time I had here since I won’t ever have another chance.”
Shuichi wonders if it is his eyes playing tricks on him, but he could almost think Ouma was blushing. He seems more awake from the scare, but the slight sway despite standing seems to be from his waning energy.
"Saihara is so mean to me! Especially when I have been nothing but kind." Kokichi pouts, and while earning more stifled chuckles, he continues, "You're supposed to be my friend!"
Shuichi takes a moment to place a hand on his chin, as if he is in deep thought, "Well, I can still be your friend, but it might be hard if I'm banned from visiting you."
"Well, I never said that I was immune to bribery. Maybe if you bring me something worthy, I'll pardon your ban."
"I see. Do you think Panta and cookies will be enough?"
Kokichi blinks slowly, and then shakes his head, "Not quite… add in some cake and ice cream and all will be forgiven."
The detective smiles, "Noted."
Shuichi realizes he's been held up from leaving again, and he quietly clears his throat with warmth blooming in his cheeks.
"Ah, I really should go. Thank you again for everything, and please get some rest Kokichi."
Ouma leans on the doorway, not even bothering to act like he's not using it to support himself entirely.
"You need your beauty sleep. Goodnight." He lazily waves, with a sly little wink right at the end.
Shuichi rolls his eyes and waves back, turning to walk toward the stairs. He doesn't hear the soft click of the door until he begins to descend.