"You're well invited, then," she chuckled fondly, perplexed by this funny, strange fellow. "You're far too interesting and strange for me to not keep poking and prodding at anyway. I'm afraid you're stuck with me, Takuto."

How strange, how fun, to say someone's first name with her mouth as a friend and as a peer for the first time in such a long time. Just like how the Thieves always called each other by their first names - even their grouchy cop tagalong.

"Good guess on the cakes, by the way - I love strawberries."