Strawberries were on sale.

Matsuda found himself staring at the sign out in front of the little vendor, stopped in mid step much to the aggravation of those behind him who did not let their destination be hindranced by fruit. They haughtily moved around him, making sure to voice their complaints in a loud tone amongst themselves, to which the young man blushed and flurried out quick apologies.

He was on his way to the NPA. He wasn’t supposed to stop on the way to work, not to mention that he hated being late, especially since no one saw him of much use as it was. Being late would not help the reputation.

But strawberries were on sale.

He wasn’t sure why this was enough for him to freeze in his tracks, but he clearly had. After all, they were just fruit, there was plenty enough of it in the world. But perhaps they were running low at headquarters?

Then again, did it even matter? For God’s sake, they were strawberries.

But they were on sale.

--

“You’re late, Matsuda-san.”

He made no remark to this as he stared at the back of the speaker who seemed oh so intent on his work. Instead, he walked forward, standing beside the man who continued to stare at the computer screen, not so much as even glancing at him in question. Expression neutral, Matsuda drew the package from the inside of his jacket, sliding it in front of L, who finally paused at this to turn his attention to the young man, an unfathomable expression in the dark eyes.

“Strawberries were on sale.”