Halfway through Naegiri week people! Welcome to Day 4, where the prompt for today is Hallway. Again, took some time for me to think of one for this prompt, but I eventually got something done. Don't want to keep you guys waiting so let's just get into it shall we. Enjoy.

It became a tradition for them that had begun unexpectedly. It started when Kyoko had forgotten her notebook in class and Makoto quickly rushed to return it to her. They had some time left before their next class so they had talked for a bit before they had to leave. Since then, they always met alone in the hallways between classes.

Since Kyoko was always busy with cases, this was perfect for them to get to know each other more. Sometimes when they didn't talk when they met, just enjoyed each other's company. Whenever they did talk it was mostly about how things have been for them, but over time they started talking about themselves. Makoto, and even Kyoko herself, was surprised when she opened herself up to him. She always kept to herself, yet she was comfortable with Makoto knowing somethings about her. She trusted him, even enough to tell him the significance of her gloves and what was under them.

Of course she didn't show them to him, that much she was still uncomfortable about, but he didn't mind, saying that she doesn't have to show them to him if she doesn't want to. During their hallway meetings she learned as much about Makoto as he did about her. She learned just how kind of a person Makoto was and started to understand him better than before.

These hallway meetings of theirs were some of their favorite moments in Hope's Peak, which was why Makoto was confused when Kyoko failed to show up one time. He was at their usual spot waiting for her, but she never arrived. Eventually he had to leave for class and just chalked her absence up to being busy with detective work. He didn't blame her, she had her own responsibilities and he understood completely.

But then she didn't show up again for their next meeting. And the one after that. And after that. Then she didn't show up for a whole month.

Makoto was worried that he did something wrong. In class Kyoko wouldn't look at him and anytime he tried to talk to her she just walked away before he could speak. He didn't understand what was happening between them. He still arrived at their meeting place, hoping that she might show up again soon. It may seem petty, but he still waits for her. Than one day, after a whole month, she showed up again.

Kyoko didn't look at him, just stood there in front of him. He wasn't sure what to say now that she showed up again. They both stood there in silence, until Kyoko spoke, "I'm sure you're wondering why I have avoided you?"

"Yeah, I am," he responded, "Kyoko, was there something I did wrong that made you mad at me?"

"No you did nothing wrong, and I wasn't mad at you to begin with," she clarified, "Just, I was dealing with something."

"What, you can tell me Kyoko?"

"I'm not sure if that would help since it involves you."

"What do you mean?" he asked.

"Lately, I felt like I've been getting distracted in my duty as a detective and I felt it was because of our meetings. As much as I enjoy spending time with you Makoto, my priority as a detective comes first," she explained.

"Oh, I see," he said sadly.

"So I figured that if I avoided you everything will be fixed," she continued, before finally looking at him, "However they didn't, in fact it actually got worse. I couldn't focus on any cases because my thoughts always led back to you."

A small blush formed on Makoto as he was caught off guard from what she said, but she continued, "No matter how much I tried to focus I was always thinking about you, and how much I missed you."

"Kyoko…"

"I understand if you're mad at me, and if you don't forgive me for avoiding you that's fine. I just wanted to let you know why I wa-" she continued before Makoto interrupted her.

"I'm not mad at you!" He exclaimed, which surprised her, "I could never be mad at you for something like that! Yes I was upset when you were avoiding me, but never mad. I always knew you had a good reason for it."

"You did?" she said questioningly.

"Yeah, I know you Kyoko. You wouldn't just suddenly leave without an explanation," he said, "I know your work as a detective is important to you, and if it meant having to avoid me than I would undert-." He was interrupted when he felt something on his cheek. Something soft.

Kyoko had just kissed his cheek.

He was blushing madly and was left speechless. Kyoko smiled at him with a small blush on her cheeks. "We can discuss my reasoning for that in our next meeting," she said calmly as she walked away, leaving Makoto there in shock, still in awe at the detective's actions.

He was looking forward to their next meeting.

This was honestly the best idea I could come up with for this prompt. I know it's not much but I work with what I got. Hope you enjoyed and stay tune for tomorrow!

Sain'ofu.