Chapter 4
Anywhere else is hollow
Aoko thanked the stars that it wasn't awkward between her and Kaito. No mention at all of what happened— almost happened.
She yawned as she was summarizing a report. She stayed up late watching a series she'd forgotten about, and now she was paying the price.
Someone waved a coffee can in front of her.
"Here. To stop your annoying yawning," Kaito dropped the can onto her lap. "What did you do all night? Watch anime?"
Aoko was too tired to make a snarky retort. "It was a series. And not anime." She opened the can and took a sip. "Thanks, by the way," she raised the drink.
Kaito was about to say something when Aoko's phone rang.
"Hello?"
"Hello, is this Nakamori Aoko?"
"Yes, this is she."
"You're listed as Nakamori Ginzo's emergency contact. He's admitted here—"
Aoko suddenly stood up. After getting the hospital address and ending the call, she stuffed her things into her bag and was about to bolt out the door. Someone grabbed her wrist.
"Aoko, what's wrong?" It was Shinichi.
"Dad— he's— hospital— Dad..." Was all Aoko could say.
"I'll go with you. I have business there too, and I have a bad feeling about this. Let me get my car," Shinichi said.
"I'll come too!" Kazuha said. She walked to Aoko and put her arms around her shoulders. "It'll be okay. I can take a look on how he is, but I bet he's alright."
Aoko nodded, afraid that if she spoke, her voice would crack. Suddenly, someone took her hand. It was Kaito this time. He didn't say anything but squeezed her hand and gave a nod. Aoko nodded back. She took a deep breath and let Kazuha guide her to the car. It was the longest car ride of Aoko's life.
Four shots. Her father had sustained four shots.
To the leg.
Aoko sank to the hospital floor in relief. She had expected so much worse, so so much worse. And now knowing her dad was stable, she cried. Kazuha guided her to one of the chairs and they waited to be called by the nurse to see her dad. Kazuha let Aoko go.
"Dad!" Aoko ran to the bed. "I was so worried." She was tearing up again.
"I'm fine," Ginzo spoke with a gruff. He looked up and saw Aoko's tear marked face. He sighed. "C'mere." And he gave his daughter a hug. "I'm sorry. I'm okay."
Aoko nodded into his shoulder. "I was so scared," she sobbed.
Ginzo patted her head before explaining, "Do you remember the jewel robbery the other day?"
Aoko nodded. Cause she was there.
"Turns out the thieves belong to a larger group involved with kidnappings and murder," he said, angrily. "I just got into the crossfire from last night's bust. But I'll be okay."
"Okay," Aoko said quietly. "I'll stay here til you're discharged."
"Aoko, what about your job?"
"They can manage."
"Aoko..."
"I said I'm staying!" She yelled. But it was contradictory that she left the room grumbling on finding a nurse.
"Aoko?" Kazuha approached.
Aoko sighed. "He's okay. He'll live but he'll be here for a while."
"I take it you're going on a leave?" Kazuha said.
"If that's okay? Would Chikage get mad?"
"No. She'll understand. You go take care of your father."
"I guess Shinichi was right," Aoko said.
Kazuha tilted her head in confusion. "What do you mean?"
"His detective business. He's looking into the syndicate responsible for theft, kidnapping, and murder... They're the ones who shot my dad," her voice was passive but her body shook.
Kazuha held Aoko's hands, voice serious. "It'll be okay. If one of us is on the case, they'll definitely get what's coming to them."
After three days, Ginzo was discharged and three more days, Aoko stayed at home with him. Just to make sure he's really okay to be left alone.
Aoko sighed as she walked into her balcony. It had been a peaceful day, her father was fast asleep now. The night's breeze was calming and she closed her eyes, savoring it. Looking up she could see a rainbow halo surrounding the moon and the sky was dotted with stars.
"Star gazing?"
Aoko looked at the house across. It was Kaito, leisurely leaning on his balcony.
"Wanna see a magic trick?" Kaito suddenly said.
"Sure...?"
"You don't sound sure."
Aoko rolled her eyes. "I'd love to see a magic trick, O' Kaito the great."
He smiled. "That's better!"
And with a snap of his fingers, something floated down to her balcony. It was a red rose petal. And another one fell, and another one, and another one! Aoko twirled, giggling with her arms spread out.
"This is amazing!" It was a gust of rose petals!
"There's more!" And with that a flurry of doves appeared.
Aoko was thoroughly impressed. But Kaito then snapped his fingers again, and the flowers and doves disappeared. She was still breathless, smiling at him.
"I like you."
"What was that?" Kaito was a bit distracted petting a dove, he looked up.
"I... liked the doves," Aoko finished lamely, though part of her had an inkling that he heard her just fine.
"You reporting back tomorrow?" He asked.
"Yeah, dad's returning to work too but no field work. Can't believe he's still complaining," Aoko said in a huff.
"Everyone misses you."
"Not just you?" She teased.
Kaito smiled, "Not just me."
Silence fell and neither minded. They just spent a moment looking at the stars.
"Wanna go to work together?" Kaito said.
"Sure," Aoko agreed a bit too fast.
"I'll swing by at nine!"
"If you're late I swear to god, Kaito," Aoko began.
"I'll be there," Kaito winked. "Good night."
He went back into his room and Aoko retreated to hers too. She felt stupid for feeling giddy. It took her longer than usual to fall asleep though she'll never admit that to anyone.