Rem’s POV:

“Well,” the elder, bald man, Takeshi Ooi, started, “now that we’re all here, we might as well get started with the meeting. We’re all here to further the growth of the Yotsuba Group by reducing competition, that much has been established already...now the only question is, who is going to die?”

Rem watched as the man sitting beside Higuchi, Eiichi Takahashi, commented,“I must say, I’m not thrilled that we have to do this every single week. This may be irrelevant but I have to wonder, what prompted Kira to start killing business people in addition to the usual criminals?”

“Oh, come on now, Takahashi-san. Have you figured it out?” Kida replied, leaning forward in his seat.

“This is the most advantageous course of action for Kira,” Higuchi commented.

“Advantageous?” Takahashi narrowed his eyes, “the way I see it, Kira’s basically started a killing service…”

In this case, Rem thought to herself, the man’s almost right…

“You have a lot to say considering how stupid you are,” Higuchi spat out, “I’d hate to see you get killed because of it.”

Did Light really make the right choice in picking Higuchi? He seems a little reckless...but, if he gets the heat off of Misa, then perhaps it’s worth all this trouble.

“Despite the fact that we are all relatively young, all of us are all front runners to becoming Yotsuba’s next CEO...not only that but our salaries have already eclipsed compared to all the other employees…” Namikawa stated, “it’s interesting…from what I’ve observed, it’s highly unlikely that Kira would randomly favor a particular company. The way I see it, one of us in this room has to be Kira.”

That guy’s pretty perceptive...but it looks like he doesn’t know which of the eight is Kira.

“So, anyway, we should get back to business,” Higuchi started, ignoring Namikawa’s comment, “does anyone have a proposal? Who should we have Kira eliminate this week, gentlemen?”

Rem shivered, human beings are truly disgusting creatures…

/Meanwhile/

Misa’s POV:

“Light-kun!” Misa happily called out as she entered the main investigation room at the new headquarters. Even she had to admit, the building was rather impressive, despite the fact that L was the one behind the place. The only downside was that she had to share floor with Light’s ex-girlfriend. However, Misa wasn’t going to let that ruin her good mood. There were other things, more important things, on her mind. Misa had a goal to reach, and she was determined to make it, no matter what.

She was going to get what she wanted; a proper date with Light Yagami.

I’ve waited far too long for this…I can’t back down now!

As soon as the blonde caught Light’s attention, she gave a quick wave in his direction. Much to her dismay, he didn’t reciprocate. Misa frowned, pouting a little as she sat down on the couch across from him. She made it a point to ignore a certain raven haired detective, despite that he had been staring at her ever since she entered the room, and despite the fact that he was still quite literally attached to Light.

“Liiiiiight-kun,” Misa repeated, drawing out his name as she leaned forward in an attempt to get a closer look at him, “helloooo, earth to Light. Is anyone home?”

“What do you want, Amane-san?” Light questioned after a moment, finally breaking his silence. He had been trying to ignore her, but he had soon realized that Misa wasn’t going to leave him alone until she got his attention.

Misa frowned, unhappy with the response she got, hmm...what’s up with him? Why’s he in such a sour mood?

“What’s wrong?” she asked, carefully studying him.

Light sighed, closing his eyes a moment. “It’s nothing...please, continue. What were you going to say?”

“Hmm...well, alright. If you insist, Light-kun,” Misa started, “I was wondering if you had something to do today because, well, I was thinking that perhaps-”

“If this is about a date, Misa-chan, I’ve already told you. You should know by now that I’m not interested,” Light interrupted, crossing his legs as he looked over in her direction.

“Awww, come on, Light-kun...just one date...please? For me?” Misa pouted, pushing her bottom lip forward. “I promise I’ll make it worth your while.”

“As I’ve just said, I’m not interested,” Light responded simply, “you know full well how I feel about Kagami-san…besides, we can’t really have much of a date anyway. Have you forgotten about the fact that Ryuzaki-san and I are handcuffed together right now?”

“Oh, no, please. Forget that I’m even here,” L interjected, calmly popping a strawberry in his mouth. “Don’t let my presence bother you.”

“How can I forget about that?” Misa glared at the detective, “why are you even handcuffed to Light-kun anyway? Are you into that sort of thing? That’s so creepy!”

“In case you’ve forgotten, Misa-chan, we’re in the middle of an investigation right now. And I’m determined to do my part in helping to solve the case, even if it means making sacrifices like this,” Light replied, “and, on that note, have you also forgotten that you’re still a prime suspect in this investigation?”

“But, Light-kun…” Misa whined, “all I want is just one date with you. Come on. It’s not fair to not even give me a chance.”

“Why not just do it?” L interjected once more, casting a lazy glance in Light’s direction, “it’s obvious she won’t quit until she gets what she wants. We won’t be able to work in peace unless you shut her up by agreeing to a date.”

Misa crossed her arms, “hey! I heard that! But…hey, wait, are you saying that you’ll let Light and I have a date together? In private?!”

“A date? Yes. In private? I’m afraid not; I’ll still be here, of course. But, like I said, just pretend that I’m not even there,” L replied.

“What will it take for you to take off those creepy handcuffs and let Light and I have a proper date?!” Misa demanded.

“Look, to be blunt, even if I removed the handcuffs, I’d still be watching you two through the security cameras.”

Misa narrowed her eyes at the detective, “handcuffs and security cameras too? You really are a pervert!”

The detective, however, seemed unfazed at her accusation, “you can call me whatever you’d like, the point is, I have to keep an eye on the two of you for purposes relating to the investigation. As Light-kun said, you are a prime suspect in this case. As is Light-kun himself, which is why I’m going to such great lengths.”

“I still don’t even know why I’m a suspect! I’ve told you, I don’t know anything about Kira! All I know is that I’m in love with Light Yagami, and all I want is a simple date with him! Is that so much to ask for?!” Misa gave an exasperated sigh, looking around the room. She was going to find a way. There was no way she’d take no for an answer.

What should I do…? If there’s absolutely no way to get L to give Light and I some private time, then perhaps I should change my strategy somewhat…hmm....

Misa scanned the room, looking around in despair. She knew that it would take a miracle in order to get the great detective to budge.

Unfortunately, it seems that my options are rather limited...but, even so, I can’t give up! No, I refuse to give up!

After a moment, her gaze fell on Keiko, who was sitting in the corner of the room, looking over her notebook in concentration. Misa watched as the girl tucked away a runaway strand of hair behind her ear. The gears in Misa’s mind were slowly starting to turn.

Hmm...

Misa turned around to shoot a quick glance at Light and L before focusing her attention back to Keiko, an idea forming in her head. An idea that Misa hoped L would agree to. It was almost like a compromise of sorts.

Even though she’s technically my rival, I have to admit, she’s pretty cute. Of course, she’s nowhere near my level, but I suppose she’ll have to do. There are no other girls around here anyway.

Misa glanced back over at the detective, whom she noticed happened to also be looking over in Keiko’s direction. Although it was subtle, Misa didn’t miss the slight tug on his lips as he studied the light brown haired girl. His features seemed more relaxed than what she had grown used to seeing over the course of the last few days.

Wait a second…that’s the first time I’ve seen that creepy, annoying detective smile...in fact, I’ve never seen him look so happy before. How interesting…heh, a smile curled her lips, if he’s interested in Keiko, then perhaps he’ll agree to my idea…and if Keiko and L get closer then it’s less competition for me...wow, look at me being a matchmaker! Anyway, it’s a win win! Light Yagami, you’re going to be mine once and for all!

“Ryuzaki-san,” Misa started, still looking over at the detective, “if Light-kun and I can’t have a date on our own then how about we just have a double date?! That way I won’t feel so awkward having you around and I can still spend time with Light-kun.”

“You want a double date?” L questioned, letting the idea sink in for a moment, “Amane-san, you mean-”

An overly excited Misa cut him off before he could finish his sentence, “yes! A double date! Light-kun with me, and you with Keiko-chan!”

Heh, it looks like my little plan might actually work!

Keiko’s POV:

Upon hearing her name enter the conversation, a startled Keiko looked over at the rest of the group sitting together on the couches in front of her. She had been trying, and failing, to tune out the current conversation. The last thing she expected, given the topic of discussion, was to be unwillingly dragged into things.

Misa wants to do a double date?! With L and I?! What’s her motive? Keiko bit her lip, scrutinizing the blonde haired girl, who seemed way too excited for the early morning hour.

Does she really see that as the only way she’ll get to spend time with Light-kun? Well…I suppose she’s right. It sounds like Light doesn’t want to spend any time alone with her, and there’s no way L would even allow that anyway. So, given the current state of things, this must have been the best option in Misa’s mind...

Keiko honestly wasn’t sure how she felt about the situation. On one hand, she would get to spend more time with the detective. On the other hand, not only would she have to deal with the girl that ruined her relationship with her ex-boyfriend, but she would have to deal with her ex-boyfriend himself.

Wonderful...

She wasn’t even sure how to react about possibly going on a double date with the guy she was kind of crushing on, the ex-boyfriend she kind of missed, and the girl she responsible for all her relationship drama.

The four of them. Alone. Together. It almost seemed like a recipe for disaster. No, scratch that, it was a recipe for disaster.

“It’s perfect!” Misa continued on, still talking to the detective, “besides, you and Keiko-chan would be so cute together as a couple!”

W-what?

While Keiko knew that Misa was only saying that because she wanted to persuade L to agree to a double date, a part of Keiko wondered if there was any truth to her words.

Keiko’s heart leapt in her chest at the thought, would we really be good together? I haven’t really thought about that before, actually being a couple with him...and I doubt I’ll ever find out what it’d be like, considering how L reacted to the kiss the other day…I don’t know what he’s thinking, and at this rate, I never will. That’s the most frustrating thing about him, he’s not easy to read and he’s always so cryptic.

“Ryuzaki-san and my ex-girlfriend?! Together?! As a cute couple?!” Light sputtered out, disbelief written all over his features, “no way! That’s just crazy!”

What? Is the thought of L and I together really all that crazy?

For some reason, Light’s comment somewhat bothered her.

What does it matter what he thinks anyway? Even though I still miss him, I can’t forget how he broke my heart, and the one that helped me forget him is L...who, judging by his behavior, I’ll never have a chance with. Ever.

The sound of L’s voice broke through Keiko’s thoughts, “you know, Misa-chan, I wouldn’t object to that...unless Keiko-chan is uncomfortable with the idea.”

W-what did he say?!

Keiko could feel her face starting to turn pink at his comment, which only intensified as the detective’s dark eyes met her own.

L seriously isn’t objecting to the idea?! What is he thinking? Hmm…could this be because he might actually like-no, Keiko, don’t you dare finish that thought. You must know that he’s only okay with the idea because he wants to keep an eye on Light and Misa. You know, because of the investigation. Don’t kid yourself, there’s no other reason. Besides, if he really liked you, then he wouldn’t have said that kissing you was a mistake…right?

Keiko let out a soft sigh, but, if that’s the case then why did he compliment me? It makes no sense. He makes no sense…

“You can’t be serious, Ryuzaki-san,” Light interjected once more. He then turned around to look over at Keiko, “Keiko-chan, please, you should tell Ryuzaki-san you’re not okay with this, that you don’t want to do it…surely you know how absurd this idea sounds…”

Keiko could see from his expression that, if she agreed, not only would he be annoyed because then he’d have to deal with Misa, but he’d also be hurt at the thought of Keiko agreeing to a date with L, even if it was only for the investigation.

Why’s Light doing this now?! It’s not fair! When I was head over heels for him, he broke my heart...and now here I am, finally putting the pieces back together and starting to move on, and he complicates things even more!

“Who are you to tell me what I should and shouldn’t do, Light-kun?” Keiko snapped, letting her emotions overwhelm her, but she wasn’t done yet. She had more, a lot more, to get off her chest.

“From what I remember, we’re not a couple anymore, in fact, we haven’t been for a while now...besides, if you want to talk about shoulds and should nots so badly then let me just say this; you shouldn’t have broken my heart, Light-kun,” Keiko continued on, now standing up from her seat in the corner of the room.

She walked towards the group, her gaze shifting between the three of them sitting on the couches, “that being said, I think I’ll do it....I’ll go on a double date with you, Ryuzaki-san.”

Keiko knew it was a low blow, especially if Light meant what he said the other day, if he did truly love her. Yet, she couldn’t stop the bitter words from escaping her mouth. However, although she was still irritated with Light, when she saw how pained his expression was, she started to feel a little guilty.

Am I a horrible person, agreeing to a double date knowing that Light still has feelings for me? He looks so hurt, and if Light knew about the kiss between L and I, he’d be even more devastated, if that were even possible...then again, Keiko swallowed hard, feeling a little torn, I suppose it's payback for the way he hurt me...and if he turns out to be Kira, it’s revenge for the way he led me on and lied to me...if he’s Kira then that means he’s manipulating me, even right now...

Unable to look at Light any longer, Keiko’s gaze shifted over to the detective. Almost immediately, his dark eyes met hers, a ghost of a smile was on his lips. It was an expression that made her heart skip a beat, and she had to look away, awkwardly tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

He seems rather pleased with the situation...logically, I know it’s because he wants Light to get closer to Misa to help with the investigation...but a part of me would like to think that it’s also because he actually wants to go on a date with me...as stupid as that sounds...ugh, I’m so hopeless...

“Great, then it’s settled! Yay, a date with Light Yagami! I’m so excited, let’s do it as soon as possible,” Misa pumped a fist in the air, breaking the awkward silence that had settled over the room. She looked over at Light, “don’t worry, Light-kun. I’ll help you get over Keiko-chan. I’m your soulmate anyway, not her.”

However, Keiko thought, mentally rolling her eyes, the way Misa is fawning over Light is rather annoying...

L’s POV:

The detective kept his gaze on Keiko, well, I must say...I like seeing this side of her...and while Keiko’s outburst means she feels something for Light Yagami, it’s not entirely a bad thing in this situation. Her yes means more than yes. In fact, her little outburst, and her agreeing to go on a double date with me means that chances of her taking Light back are slim. And while I know part of the reason she agreed to this was to make Light hurt like she did, the fact still remains that, if she doesn’t take Light back then...perhaps the feelings she had when she kissed me are still there...

While the detective couldn’t openly admit it to himself, he liked the thought of Keiko being attracted to him. Perhaps he liked it a little too much for his taste, but it appeared there wasn’t much he could do about that; his feelings for her had grown stronger ever since that kiss. His feelings for her somehow made the case both easier and harder to work on. He enjoyed her company and working with her, but she was also a distraction to him.

A welcomed distraction, but a distraction nonetheless...