﹒ᶻz﹒⊂❤️💚💜⊃ 𝙏𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙩𝙤𝙢𝙮﹒▒﹒

❤️﹒‹𝟥﹒ ⟡﹒𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟎

As Theodore and Josie walked out of Lei Wulong's police station, a sense of relief washed over them. Theodore couldn't shake off the guilt of not revealing the truth to Lei about his origins in the TEKKEN universe. However, Josie reassured him, advising him to choose the right time to disclose his secret.

"Don't worry, Theo," Josie said with a warm smile. "The timing wasn't right today, but you'll find the perfect moment to tell Lei eventually."

Theodore sighed, appreciating Josie's wisdom. "You're right, Josie. I shouldn't rush it. When the time is right, I'll let him know."

Josie nodded, happy that Theodore was feeling better. "Let's not dwell on that now. We should celebrate our progress today!" she suggested.

Theodore agreed, and they decided to make the most of their day by revisiting the mall where they had first met. Josie blushed at the invitation, curious about Theodore's intentions.

"Why here?" she asked, trying to hide her excitement.

"Well, this is where it all began," Theodore replied with a smile. "I thought it would be fitting to come back and celebrate our first phase of the mission together."

Josie's blush deepened, and she chuckled, accepting his offer. As they strolled together, Josie remained silent, still troubled by the rumors and gossip surrounding her and Theodore. Theodore observed her unease and gently asked if she was okay.

Josie sighed, her blush still evident. "I'm okay, but I can't help but feel bothered by all those rumors about me," she confessed.

Theodore frowned, understanding her frustration. "People can be cruel sometimes. Don't let their gossip get to you," he advised.

Easier said than done, Josie thought to herself. Instead, she decided to distract herself and suggested they go to Starbucks.

Theodore nodded, agreeing to her suggestion. As they sat down with their drinks, Josie started to open up about her doubts and worries.

"People at the police station were talking about me, saying I almost killed myself, and they assume you're my boyfriend," Josie said, trying not to cry.

Theodore's expression hardened as he listened. "I don't like that people are making baseless assumptions about us. It's disrespectful to you and your feelings," he said firmly.

Josie nodded, grateful for Theodore's support. "I know it's normal for people to gossip, especially about public figures like me, but it's still hurtful," she admitted.

Theodore reached out and placed a comforting hand on hers. "Just remember, I'm here for you, and I won't let those rumors define our friendship," he assured her.

Josie's eyes welled up with tears, but she managed to hold them back. She appreciated Theodore's kindness and the genuine friendship they had formed. After a moment of silence, she took a deep breath and decided to change the topic.

"So, Theo, what are your plans now that you're officially Lei's assistant detective?" she asked, trying to lighten the mood.

Theodore smiled, thankful for the change in conversation. "Well, my main objective is still to find Haruko and bring her home, but I'm worried about Claudio Serafino. He's Haruko's boyfriend, and I don't want to complicate things," he admitted.

Josie chuckled, amused by Theodore's concerns. "It doesn't matter if Haruko has a man. If your goal is to bring the Kiyomizu Sisters back, then focus on that. Love can't stop you from doing what's right," she advised.

Theodore nodded, appreciating Josie's perspective. "You're right, Josie. I shouldn't let their relationship status deter me from my mission. I'll do whatever it takes to reunite them with their family," he said with determination.

Josie smiled, glad that she could help. "I believe in you, Theo. You'll find a way to make it happen," she said, placing a supportive hand on his shoulder.

Feeling encouraged, Theodore suggested that they continue their day with a fun-filled visit to an arcade, followed by a playful photoshoot in a booth he had discovered during a previous outing with Oliver and Alexander. Josie blushed at the thought but eagerly agreed to his plan.

The rest of the day was filled with laughter and joy as Theodore and Josie played games in the arcade, challenged each other, and captured memorable moments in the photo booth. Time flew by, and as the clock struck 5 in the afternoon, they reluctantly left the mall.

As they walked home together, Theodore couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. Their journey to find the Kiyomizu Sisters continued, but now they faced it with renewed determination and a deeper connection. Josie's words of encouragement and support had lifted his spirits, and he felt grateful to have her by his side.

As they stepped through the front door, Theodore turned to

Josie with a smile. "Thank you, Josie, for making this day so special," he said sincerely.

Josie blushed and smiled back. "No, thank you, Theo. I had a wonderful time today, and I'm glad we could celebrate together," she replied.

Theodore felt a warm feeling in his chest as he realized how much Josie meant to him. "From now on, you should call me Theo," he said, feeling a little bashful.

Josie's eyes sparkled with delight. "Okay, Theo. I like that," she said with a giggle.

Theodore and Josie walked into their home, their hearts light and spirits uplifted. They had enjoyed a day of celebration, strengthening their bond as friends. As they settled in for the evening, they couldn't help but feel excited about the journey ahead, knowing that they could rely on each other every step of the way. Little did they know that the challenges ahead would test their resolve and push them to their limits. But for now, they relished in the joy they had found in each other's company, knowing that together, they could face anything that came their way.