﹒ᶻz﹒⊂❤️💚💜⊃ 𝙏𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙩𝙤𝙢𝙮﹒▒﹒

❤️﹒‹𝟥﹒ ⟡﹒𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟒

Two months had passed since Theodore took on the role of Lei Wulong's assistant detective. He had proven himself to be a valuable asset to the police station, working diligently to solve cases alongside Lei and Josie. Today was no different as they delved into the Anais Garcia case, hoping to uncover the truth behind her disappearance.

Theodore had made a breakthrough in his investigation, discovering evidence that linked Anais to the notorious G-Corporation. As he shared his findings with Lei, the seasoned detective couldn't help but feel a mix of surprise and frustration.

"Anais Garcia and G-Corporation? That's an unexpected connection," Lei remarked, rubbing his temples in thought.

Josie looked at the gathered evidence, her eyes widening with concern. "Do you think something happened to Anais? Maybe she's being forced to work for G-Corporation against her will."

Lei nodded gravely. "It's certainly a possibility. We need to find out what G-Corporation's involvement is and rescue Anais if she's in danger."

As they pondered their next course of action, a familiar voice echoed through the police station, drawing their attention. Theodore's heart skipped a beat when he saw Haruko Kiyomizu and Claudio Serafino entering the room. He had longed to see Haruko again, but he pushed aside his personal feelings, focusing on the task at hand.

Lei greeted Haruko with a warm smile. "Haruko, it's good to see you. And Claudio, welcome to our police station."

Haruko bowed politely, her eyes shining with determination. "Thank you, Detective Lei. We're here because we wanted to learn more about Theodore before asking him for a favor."

Claudio extended a hand towards Theodore. "Pleased to meet you, Theodore. Haruko has spoken highly of you."

Theodore shook Claudio's hand, feeling a mix of gratitude and nervousness. "Likewise, Claudio. Thank you for being here."

Josie smiled warmly at Haruko. "It's nice to finally meet you, Haruko. Theodore has told me a lot about you."

Haruko returned the smile, impressed by Josie's presence. "Thank you, Josie. I appreciate all the support you've given Theodore."

Lei noticed the chemistry between Theodore and Haruko, as well as the unspoken questions hanging in the air. He decided to let them have a moment alone and motioned for them to step outside the police station.

Once they were outside, Haruko crossed her arms and looked at Theodore intently. "So, Theodore, why are you here? What made you stay in this world?"

Theodore took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. "Haruko, I wanted to bring you back. I witnessed your parents' deaths, and I couldn't bear to see you suffer anymore."

Claudio's eyes widened in surprise, but he remained silent, allowing Haruko to speak her mind.

Haruko shook her head, her expression resolute. "I appreciate your concern, Theodore, but I can't just follow you home. I didn't stay in this world for Derrick or for Claudio as my boyfriend. I stayed because I want to make a difference, to fight for justice."

Claudio smiled at Haruko's words, proud of her strength and determination. "Haruko is right, Theodore. You must respect her choice and understand that she has her own path to follow."

Theodore couldn't hide his confusion. "But why, Haruko? Why won't you come with me?"

Haruko's gaze softened as she looked at him. "Theodore, if you're still the same person I admired back in the real world, then you'll understand my answer."

Claudio chimed in, offering a piece of advice. "To truly understand Haruko, you need to learn about her past. It will help you find the answers you seek and respect her choices."

Theodore nodded, his expression a mix of understanding and disappointment. "I will give you the time you need, Haruko. When you're ready to talk, I'll be here."

Haruko smiled, grateful for his understanding. "Thank you, Theodore. I appreciate your patience."

As they returned to the police station, Theodore couldn't help but feel a sense of longing and anticipation. He knew that unraveling Haruko's past would take time and effort, but he was determined to understand her better and bridge the gap between them.

Meanwhile, Claudio turned to Theodore with a friendly smile. "You know, Theodore, since we can't compete for Haruko's affection, let's be buddies instead. We can support each other in our own ways."

Theodore chuckled, feeling a weight lifted off his shoulders. "I'd like that, Claudio. It's good to have a friend who understands."

The group reentered the police station, their reunion marked by a renewed sense of camaraderie. They knew that their journey wouldn't be easy, but they had each other to rely on.

As they exchanged stories and shared their plans, Theodore couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude for the friendships he had forged in this strange world. Haruko and Claudio had become pillars of support, and Josie had become a beacon of light in his life.

Haruko looked at Theodore and smiled. "No matter what happens, we'll always be friends, won't we?"

Theodore nodded, a smile playing on his lips. "Absolutely, Haruko. We're in this together, through thick and thin."

With their bonds strengthened and a shared determination to uncover the truth, they embarked on the next phase of their journey. The mysteries of the Mishima Zaibatsu and G-Corporation awaited them, but with their newfound unity and resolve, they were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

As the days turned into weeks, Theodore, Josie, Haruko, and Claudio continued to support each other, both personally and professionally. They discovered new leads, solved intricate puzzles, and unearthed secrets that brought them closer to their goals.

Their friendship flourished, and as they faced the trials and tribulations of their adventure, they knew they could rely on one another. Together, they would unravel the mysteries of this world and protect the ones they cared about.

Theodore looked at his friends, a sense of purpose and determination burning in his eyes. "Let's save Anais, uncover the truth behind G-Corporation, and bring justice to this world. We may face challenges, but with each other by our side, we'll triumph."

And so, their journey continued, with bonds forged in friendship, love, and shared aspirations. They were ready to face whatever lay ahead, knowing that their unity and unwavering resolve would guide them through the darkest of times. Together, they would unravel the mysteries, protect the innocent, and bring about a brighter future.