Chapter 7
That's my man
"Took ya long enough."
Aoko jumped. It was Kaito leaning on his balcony again.
"You were waiting for me?" She stepped closer to the rails.
"Yes and no," came his vague reply.
Aoko looked up. "Cloudy tonight."
"Are we really gonna talk about the weather?" Kaito asked, eyebrows raised.
"Hmm, guess not. How's Chikage?"
"Still at headquarters. She overworks herself too," Kaito said.
"Are you okay now though?" Aoko asked in a gentle voice.
"Yes and no."
"You should stop that. Being all mysterious doesn't suit you."
Kaito laughed. "So what does suit me?"
"Hmmm, I wonder..."
Kaito suddenly jumped to her balcony and Aoko yelped!
"Geez, stop doing that! You'll give me a heart attack one day."
Kaito ignored this and asked again, "So what suits me?"
Aoko walked slowly to him.
"Roses." One step.
"Doves." Another step.
"Confetti?" She laughed. One more step.
She was so close to Kaito now but he surprised her by moving forward to meet her.
"You?" He asked.
Aoko blushed a very pretty shade of red. "You said that, not me."
Boldly, Kaito wrapped his hands around her waist. "Hmmm, I wonder," he mimicked her.
"What?" Aoko said looking at his face. She put her arms around his neck.
"I wonder if I can kiss you?"
Aoko stiffened. "Uhm..."
"You can decline. It's understandable, though it's hard to resist me, I know." He joked.
"Close your eyes," Aoko suddenly said.
"Seriously?" Kaito was actually stunned.
"Close your eyes before I change my mind."
"Yes ma'am!" Kaito closed his eyes and instead of feeling something soft on his lips, he felt something cold brush his nose.
He opened his eyes. "An Eskimo kiss?" Slight disappointment coloring his tone. "Your nose is cold."
"It's a cold night!" Aoko laughed. "That's all you get tonight! So...are you okay now?"
"Better, thanks."
And they stood there for a while, wrapped in each other's arms.
Aoko pressed her head onto Kaito's chest. She could hear his heartbeat and it echoed in her mind. She found it the most soothing sound she's ever heard.
"I like you."
"What was that?" Kaito said, looking at her.
"I like you," Aoko repeated.
"I thought the kiss established that."
"Just thought you'd wanna hear it," she shrugged.
"I like you too," he whispered in her ear and a million goosebumps spread through her body.
All she could do was nod.
"It's getting late," Kaito finally said. "Walk you to work tomorrow?"
Aoko stepped back. "If you're late—"
"My sweet, when have I ever been late?"
"Never, darling. Just making sure you know," she laughed at their nicknames.
Kaito leapt and balanced on the railings. "Sweet dreams," he said and kissed her hand.
"Good night," she sighed. And the two went into their respective rooms.
Aoko had a hard time dozing off but when she finally did, she had the sweetest dreams.