Beat Buddy
Let's go on patrol, Captain!
I was enjoying a lazy weekend afternoon, when...
Annah suddenly popped up with a bright smile.
Patrol?
Ah, not a patrol! Let's go for a walk!
Eheh, guess I've been saying it so much it's become a force of habit.
So you know how we're Journey Captain and Journey member?
In town guard terms... we're basically partners!
Partners?
Yup! And town guard partners aren't just regular teammates.
They're more like... soulmates!
Someone you trust so deeply, you do things you'd never do with anyone else!
Things you can only do when you believe in each other completely!
Like what?
...
...L-like feeding each other donuts...?
...Do town guards really do that?
Ahem, well, I was giving an example!
But based on my experience, the best way to build trust between partners is...
Going on patrols— I mean, for walks!
Well... I suppose I don't mind.
Heheh, great! As your senior, I'll guide the way!
Hmhmm, hmhm...
...Annah?
Yes, Captain?
Is this really how a walk is supposed to go...?
Ever since we left Candle Square, Annah has been clinging to my right arm.
...Her grip was tight, not wanting to let go for even a second.
Ah, y-you mean this?
...Well, we are partners, right?
I figured this level of closeness is totally fine between partners!
If you say so...
Look at that—the town guard's getting intimate in broad daylight...
No, that ain't it.
See how she's got an iron grip on that dude's right arm?
Town guards always secure the right arm when detaining someone.
In other words, this isn't a date but an arrest in progress.
You can't survive in NOA if you take things at face value!
O-oh... I see...
...
Hmhm, hmhmm...
...Huh? Is that donut powder I smell?
Oh! That reminds me, there's a really famous bakery nearby!
You've heard of Street Bakers, right? Their donuts are amazing!
What do you think? Want to grab a few?
Sure, why not.
Let's see... One chocolate glazed...
You said you liked the butter cream one last time... Oh! And the strawberry jam donut holes!
You move around a lot but barely eat, Captain, so...
Isn't that a bit too much?
Nah, this much is fine!
We're sharing anyway, and I get the town guard discount!
You just sit back and receive your donuts, Captain!
Well, thanks, then...
Eheh, that's the spirit.
Besides, it might be a while before you get sweet snacks again.
...Annah, what do you mean?
Why wouldn't I see snacks again?
There will come a time when you look back on this moment and regret holding back.
And you'll be wishing you'd had just one more bite.
*Murmur* *Murmur*
Did she say he won't be having sweets for a while...?
And he'll regret it if he doesn't eat them now...?
This is... you know, that, right?
Where the town guard buys you one last meal before they arrest you?
So that good-looking guy is actually...
NO! I'm not...!
Candle Square's training meals are healthy but they don't taste that great.
And with our Journey ahead, there might be less time for snacks!
Right, Annah?
Eheh, of course!
That little "eheh" just made it worse...!
After that, Annah and I wandered around together...
But somehow, no matter where we went, people kept misunderstanding.
...Or maybe they weren't misunderstandings?
Maybe... just maybe...
—tain?
Captain? Are you okay?
Sorry. I just spaced out a little.
...Where are we?
Oh, this place?
Actually... I've always wanted to come here with you.
A massive building loomed before us.
...It radiated an intimidating "no civilians allowed" vibe.
Reading the plaque at the front...
"Town Guard HQ"?
Yup! This is the HQ!
It's where the experts in arrest and law enforcement work around the clock to uphold justice!
S-so... haven't you ever wondered what the town guard actually does?
The team—uh, my colleagues, would be so excited to meet you!
Well, maybe just a quick look...
...Hmm?
Captain?
You look a little pale all of a sudden...
So this was your plan...!
...Huh?
The puzzle pieces all fit.
I was still one of Annah's suspects.
She had been gathering evidence to prove I was the nudist creep in disguise...!
You brought me here to interrogate me, didn't you?!
Just like in those police movies!
...What?
Captain, whatever you're thinking... it's not—
...Whoa?!
I grabbed Annah's shoulders and locked eyes with her.
W-w-w-we're way too close right now!
Annah, you have to believe me!
I'm really not the guy!
I-I believe you, okay? Just... please, back up a little...?!
M-my heart can't take it if you rush in like that!
So you're not going to take me in, right?
Take you in for what?!
So... you thought I'd lock you in an interrogation room...
and ask if you've been running around in nothing but a black coat...?
Sorry...
I mean... it's not like I've never imagined being alone with you in an interrogation room...
Anyway! You don't need to worry about that!
As long as you don't get caught in the act of wearing nothing but a coat!
I won't be hauling you in for questioning.
But if you're planning that, I'd like a heads-up, okay?
I also need to mentally prepare myself...
That's never happening!
Thankfully, the misunderstanding with Annah was resolved...
But until that black-coated nudist is caught, this kind of situation was bound to happen again.
I could feel it in my gut...