For a while afterward, Hayashi Yoshiki lived a very relaxed life.
He didn't need to do anything in particular.
His daily routine mostly involved self-improvement at the Organization's training grounds and occasionally experimenting with the Death Note.
Meanwhile, his fame continued to grow.
Fans drawn in by his image, readers attracted by the reasoning in his novels… with the help of a mystery segment broadcast live on Beika TV, and the case where Yoko Okino personally expressed her gratitude during an interview—plus the support of both his publisher and the Organization—Hayashi Yoshiki occasionally encountered people asking for his autograph when he went out.
"Have you really considered becoming a detective?"
Eri Kisaki looked at him, trying to dissuade him again. "Yoshiki, you're doing far better as a mystery novelist, both in reputation and income. There's really no need to make this change."
Eri Kisaki chose her words carefully.
It wasn't that she looked down on detectives—she was just worried.
This kid had been getting too much hype recently.
Sure, there were lots of people who admired him, but that also meant there were plenty who would be displeased. It might appear like a sea of flowers, but beneath the surface, there was plenty of smoke and fire.
If he could maintain his success after switching to detective work, that would be fine—but if he stumbled on a difficult case, public opinion could shift dramatically.
As a lawyer, Eri Kisaki had seen too many similar examples. Bright new stars in the entertainment or music worlds were praised endlessly when they debuted. But once they hit a major setback, pessimism and mockery came pouring in.
Many of those young stars would crumble under the weight of that ridicule and end up depressed for a long time.
What baffled Eri Kisaki most was that these media outlets often didn't even mean harm. They were just catering to demand, writing what would sell.
"Actually, I already have a pretty good idea of what you're thinking, Aunt Eri."
"I won't deny that I enjoy this kind of popularity. But even if my reputation suddenly crashes, I don't think I'll be affected."
As Hayashi Yoshiki spoke, his handsome features radiated a warm and confident light. He smiled gently and added, "I'm very confident in myself, and that's why I want to try. As a detective, I'd be able to punish clever criminals or help clear someone's name. I think that's really meaningful."
Sunlight poured through a window, casting warm light across a corner of the living room.
What a bright expression.
Looking at his joyful face, Eri Kisaki felt something soft stir in her heart.
She let out a long breath, her shoulders relaxing.
"Yoshiki is always so calm."
"Well, I have to do my best to keep Aunt Eri from worrying."
Eri Kisaki was momentarily speechless.
And yet, as if in response to Hayashi Yoshiki's smile, she broke into a warm smile of her own.
"Pack up. We're going out. I'll go get changed."
Today was one of Eri Kisaki's rare days off, and she just happened to be in the mood for a walk.
Not long after, she came back out dressed for the occasion.
She was still as elegant and well-groomed as ever.
Her soft brown hair was neatly pinned up. She wore a white base blouse beneath a tailored grey jacket that hugged her figure perfectly. Below, a fitted black skirt and sheer black stockings revealed shapely, alluring legs—just the right balance of elegance and allure.
"You look beautiful, Aunt Eri."
"Haha, otherwise I'd be too embarrassed to be seen walking next to you."
Eri Kisaki gave a dazzling smile.
With her makeup done, her eyes and brows sparkled with charm. When she laughed, she had all the allure of a sophisticated woman in her thirties.
"What are you talking about?"
"That's right. It's a shame Ran can't come today because she's in school."
Eri Kisaki stood at the doorway, one hand braced against the wall as she slipped on her shoes.
"I remember Teitan High School gets out pretty early. Maybe we can invite her after school?"
"We'll see how it goes."
Smiling, Eri Kisaki picked up her keys and waited for Hayashi Yoshiki to follow her out.
They went downstairs together.
Today, Eri Kisaki was the one driving again. After all, the driver's seat in her Mini Cooper was a bit cramped for Hayashi Yoshiki.
As they pulled out of the garage, she asked:
"Want to eat something first?"
"Breakfast... How about a McDonald's healthy breakfast?"
"Why do you like eating that so much?"
"...Because it's really delicious."
Hearing her question, Hayashi Yoshiki's voice turned soft and slightly sheepish.
The beautiful woman glanced over and noticed his slight embarrassment. Her lips curled into a smile.
This boy always gave the impression of being mature and reliable, but sometimes he could also be unexpectedly cute...
"All right then, let's go with that. I haven't had it in a while."
"Then after that, let's head to the mall. I need to pick up a few groceries... and check out some clothes. Since you're somewhat of a public figure now, you've got to start caring about your image."
"I'm fine with that. There's a bank next to the mall—I need to stop by and withdraw some cash."
It was still a hassle living in a society without mobile payments. Cards and cash were always needed.
Thankfully, Editor Asamiya had told him yesterday that last quarter's earnings had already been deposited in his account. Hayashi Yoshiki just needed to verify the amount at the teller.
But seriously, how did the last quarter go by so quickly?
Suddenly struck by a strange thought, Hayashi Yoshiki pulled out his phone to check the date.
One glance—and he froze.
"Is today April 13th?"
"But wasn't it just yesterday...?"
Looking at the confused expression on Eri Kisaki's face, Hayashi Yoshiki didn't explain right away.
It felt like ever since that kid got turned into a child, time itself had been going haywire.
In his previous life, Hayashi Yoshiki had known there was something strange about this world's sense of time, but he had never cared much about it.
But now he was experiencing it for himself—how it had clearly been April 2nd just yesterday, and yet suddenly it was April 13th. It was baffling.
Even more astonishing: despite the massive gap in dates, today just so happened to be that "next Friday" Gin had mentioned.
Luckily, he had checked the time on his phone. Otherwise, he might have missed the meeting with Gin—and who knew what the consequences would have been?
From now on, I'd better check the date every morning when I wake up.
Also... I wonder if this weird time distortion will have any effect on the Death Note.