Chapter One: The New Girl The Armed Detective Agency had dealt with a lot of strange people. But Raven might have been one of the most difficult. She stood in the middle of the Agency with her hands shoved into the pockets of her oversized black hoodie, staring at everyone around her. Eighteen years old. Brand-new member. Already visibly annoyed. “Raven,” Fukuzawa said calmly, “you'll be working with—” “No.” The room went quiet. Dazai slowly lifted his head from his desk. Kunikida adjusted his glasses. “You haven't even heard who you're working with,” Kunikida said. “Still no.” “You can't just refuse every assignment!” “Watch me.” Dazai immediately started laughing. Kunikida sighed. “This is going to be difficult.” Raven looked at him. “You seem like you'd make a really good alarm clock.” Kunikida blinked. “What does that even mean?” “It means you're loud and impossible to ignore.” Dazai laughed even harder. “Raven, I think we're going to get along wonderfully.” “I don't.” “Even better!” Raven rolled her eyes. She'd been at the Agency for less than ten minutes. She already missed having complete freedom. She was used to staying up late, going to parties, wandering around the city, and doing whatever she felt like. Now she apparently had to follow schedules and instructions. Absolutely not. Fukuzawa looked at her. “You were recruited because of your ability.” Raven's expression became more serious. “What exactly did you tell them about me?” “Only what was necessary.” “That's not an answer.” “It is the answer you're getting.” Raven stared at him. Fukuzawa stared back. After a few seconds, Raven sighed. “Fine.” Kunikida looked surprised. “You're accepting?” “No. I'm temporarily not arguing.” Dazai leaned toward Atsushi. “I like her.” Atsushi whispered, “Is that a good thing?” “Probably not.” Raven glanced toward the windows. Snowflakes drifted past the glass. Her mood immediately improved. “Oh.” She walked toward the window. “It's snowing.” Atsushi smiled. “You like snow?” “Obviously.” “You looked like you were annoyed with everything five seconds ago.” “I still am.” She watched another snowflake land against the glass. “Snow gets a pass.” Dazai rested his chin in his hand. “You're quite difficult to understand.” “Good.” “Is that intentional?” “Yes.” Kunikida sighed. “This is going to be a challenge.” Raven turned around. “Where's the nearest party?” Everyone stared at her. Atsushi looked confused. “Party?” “Yeah.” “You just started working here.” “And?” “You have work tomorrow.” Raven shrugged. “Tomorrow sounds like tomorrow's problem.” Kunikida looked exhausted already. Fukuzawa simply closed his eyes. Dazai smiled. And somewhere in Yokohama, the Agency's newest detective had already begun causing trouble. She'd been there less than an hour. It was going to be a long winter.
chapter 2 coming In a few minutes
