Kaito was avoiding her.

He hated it.

It took actively trying to stay away from her for him to realise just how much he gravitated to her. She was just always there, a comforting presence, someone to come back to. He missed lying in her arms on a lazy Sunday morning, or snuggling together on the sofa as the rain poured down outside.

He missed her.

He had dreamed of the day he could finally tell her about everything, all the lies he had to tell, the secrets he kept. He hoped she'd reciprocate his feelings, that he could finally be with her, with no obstacles. But what happened that night was nothing like the fantasy he'd conjured up, it was everything he'd feared.


Aoko was grumbling about Kaitou Kid yet again, how she hated his guts and his cockiness. It was a Friday night and neither of them had work so they were cuddled up on the sofa drinking hot chocolates and watching movies. However, earlier that day it was announced that Kaitou Kid had left another heist notice - his target his time a beautiful sapphire named the 'Daughter of the Sea'.

Kaito chuckled, she really never changed, he remembered the times she would complain about the phantom thief in high school, which would lead them to running around the classroom yelling petty insults at each other. But mostly he remembered how a small part of him died every time she claimed she hated the thief, he felt sort a sort of freedom as Kaitou Kid, minus the being chased by an organisation, he could show off his tricks to an audience who loved him. He could fly over rooftops and get a view no-one else could. Heists came with a thrill, a sense of danger and excitement, that everyday life just doesn't have.

However to him, she came first, if she hated his alter ego, he could take it. If she hated him, he couldn't.

It was a stupid idea, honestly, and to top it all off he came up with it.

After being able to brush off her suspicions for the past couple of years, he couldn't blow it now. So he suggested they go watch the heist, she already knew he had nothing to do that Sunday and sneaking out for the few hours that coincide with the heist was risky.

She gave him the usual 'are you crazy?' look, because honestly it was crazy, but not impossible. At Kid heists there is always a massive crowd, one could easily get separated from friends in it. If he could convince Aoko to come to the heist, that was the hard part over, he could 'lose' her in the crowd and carry out his plan.

It took a little while to convince her, after all she wasn't the type to support the thief, but she conceded (only because it seemed important to Kaito).

And that's how the both of them ended up in the crowd outside a museum, being pushed together, a bit too close for comfort. He almost didn't want to leave, she was clinging onto him adorably, but he'd already announced his heist. So when another wave of people pushed against them he used the chaos to disappear, he could faintly hear Aoko shout his name as he walked further into the crowd. It didn't take her long to call him, he picked up and stalled for time, convincing her he'll find her, all whilst making his way through the crowd and to the museum. This way he could put the heist in motion.

Apart from the extra running, it went well. Surprisingly Hakuba had been there, but over the years wildcards like detectives and the organisation had become easy to overcome. Especially since he had an understanding with Kudou, Hattori and the rest. So when he decided to go straight home, he thought everything would be okay.

Aoko, however, was the one wildcard he could never predict. It hadn't gotten easier over the years, and it was easy to forget she's smarter than she looks. She'd come close to catching him once or twice while he was distracted, and was it easy to get distracted by her. He was too tired to really think about it any further as he made his way back, he texted Aoko to say he wasn't feeling good and was heading back. It should've gone fine, he would go back to their apartment, stash his costume and greet Aoko when she got back.

But it didn't.

Because Aoko had already gone home, finding the whole situation and crowd unbearable.

So he climbed through the window to his bedroom, letting the window close with a soft thud. Aoko who had been in her own bedroom had heard and carefully peered through his door, 'Kaito? Is that you, I didn't hear the door open?' only to be met with the phantom thief, who was just as stunned as her. Unfortunately he'd taken off his hat and monocle, it was hard to deny who he really was.

'Kaito?'

He didn't know how long they stood there, stunned, too confused to talk. He knew he should've said something first, but nothing came to mind, he couldn't make up some flimsy excuse in the hope she'll believe him. He was well and truly screwed.

She moved first, turning around and simply walking away, needing some space.

'Aoko? What are you- Why are you already home? Wait I can explain!' He tried to shrug off the cape and blazer before running after her.

'Why am I home, is that really what you have to say?' She had made her way to the kitchen to pour herself a glass of water, finding it hard to believe what she was seeing.

'No- I- It's just I-'

'I what Kaito? You left me in that crowd, it was awful and here I was thinking you were looking for me,' she walked back up to him, 'did you even think of me once whilst you were out there?'

'Aoko I- Look it wasn't like that,' for once in his life, he truly didn't know what to do. When he thought about telling her, he thought it would be better than this, maybe even romantic. This was a reality check, things like that only happens on TV, he had really hurt her and that wasn't just going to go away.

'Wasn't like what Kaito? 'cuz it sure seems that way to me. How long have you even been doing this? Since we were in high school at the earliest right?'

Worst thing is she was correct, he couldn't lie to her now, not add to the pain.

'Why? Why Kaito? It doesn't look fun, you don't even keep the jewels!'

'Look Aoko, I need you to trust me, but I can't tell you that.'

'Trust you? Trust? I think we're past that now, how long have you been lying to me? Seven, no eight years? And all this time, I refused to believe anyone but you.' She was crying now, sobbing her heart out, but every time he stepped forward to put an arm around her or to offer some comfort she took a step back.

'Aoko, please, I just need you to-'

'Believe more of your lies. You know multiple people told me to be suspicious of you, Hakuba, Akako, Kudou, my father. And guess what Kaito? I chose to believe in you, my best friend.'

'Aoko,' he tried to get closer to her, as much as he hurt her and deserved this, watching her cry was killing him. Usually when she cried he could offer some comfort, but now there was a wall between them and he couldn't get past it.

'NO! You stay away from me!'

He stayed this time.

'I really did trust you, you know.'

'I know.'

'Just leave me alone.'

'Aoko, I-'

'Do you want me to say it out loud?'

'No really Aoko-'

'I hate you Kaito. I hate you. I don't ever want to see you again,' she had her back turned to him, but she was still shaking, he reached out to her. After a moment's thought he pulled his arm back, 'so, please, leave.'

'You know Aoko, the reason I don't want to tell you, it's because I don't want to lose someone dear to me. If you know the truth, you'll be targeted too.'

She still didn't turn back to face him.

'I love you enough to do that. Protect you, so you can hate me all you want. Just stay safe.'

She stayed facing away from him, she stayed that way until she heard the door lock, the words 'I love you too' stuck in her throat.


He was doing what she wanted, staying away from her.

At least he was making sure she didn't notice him.

How could he miss her book release party, he felt proud that she was finally able to finish it. So he attended, even if it was very briefly, to see her smiling on stage with her book. To see her greet her friends even some of her idols. He felt happy for her, even if he wasn't supposed to be there. He left as soon as she caught his eyes, afraid she'd see through his disguise.

At the Kudou's anniversary party he had left early, that was true, in a setting with old friends and alcohol he couldn't guarantee he wouldn't say something he'd regret. He watched her for a bit afterwards, as she laughed with Ran and Kazuha, looking just like her normal self. He didn't catch the sad look she cast around the room, confirming his absence. He was staying away for her own safety, she didn't have to be involved.

He saw her on TV, on ads in stores, even on social media. She was honestly everywhere, he couldn't avoid buying her book, but after seeing the first few pages, he couldn't read on, because in her dedications she'd left a message. It made him feel guilty, for avoiding her, but he didn't want to hurt her more.

To my best friend,
I couldn't have done this without you.
Hope you enjoy the book.
~ A

His heart hurt a little looking at the hand drawn heart at the end of the message, she really never changes.

He made up his mind he was going to give her flowers, and maybe leave a note. He settled for a bouquet of purple irises with ivory roses and a pink flower he couldn't remember the name of. The cashier had said something about it meaning congratulations, which was probably the better option. His usual roses would send the wrong message and he didn't want her to feel worse.

'Will that be all? Or would you like a note as well?'

'I'll take the note as well,' if he couldn't think of a message he just wouldn't include it.

'Okay, do you have a message in mind, we can print the message for you.'

'Um no, it's okay, I'll write something myself,' the cashier chuckled, most likely having gotten the wrong impression.

'Ooh a romantic note for Aoko-chan, or do you have someone else in mind?'

Kaito jumped at the voice next to him, until he realised just who would annoy him like this, 'Kaa-san?'

'Oh Kaito, you've gotten quite bold, are you finally dating?'

'No! Please stop embarrassing me.'

'Oh no that would be completely against my principles.'

'Okay then why are you here?'

'To buy a something for Aoko-chan, I'm guessing you're doing the same.'

'Thank you for visiting, will that be all?' The cashier smiled at the mother and son duo currently arguing.

'No, please add this to the bill,' Chikage placed a potted on the till.

'Pay for your own flowers.'

'Don't be stingy Kaito, I know you're not busy, Aoko-chan told me all about your little fight.'

'She did?'

'Well the expensive bottle of wine I bought for the both of you did,' she chuckled as the cashier rung up her purchase.

'You made her drink? You know she's a complete lightweight.'

'Uhuh, I didn't force her, but she did tell me some interesting things last night,' she thanked the cashier before turning to leave.

'Wait,' he quickly paid for everything before grabbing everything and running after his mum. 'What do you mean everything?'

'You really didn't attend her party?' His flustered look proved her point, the idiot couldn't stay away from her.

'She doesn't want to see me.'

'You keep telling yourself that.'

'What?'

'Nothing.'

His mum then revealed the plant was for Jii-san and not Aoko because she'd already given her her presents. So she waved goodbye to him to walk in the direction of Jii's bar. Leaving Kaito to wonder why she couldn't pay for her own stuff and whether she was properly going to visit him, or if she was going to bother someone else.

So as he walked to the apartment he once shared with Aoko, he thought about what he could say on the note, 'I miss you too', 'Your book was good', 'Do you still hate me?'.

He shook his head, it just sounded sappy and ridiculous, she'd probably throw them away if she found out who they're from. Maybe it was best leaving out the note, but for some reason he couldn't, so he settled for a small 'K' in the corner, if she noticed, she noticed. If she didn't then she didn't.

As he walked up the stairs to the apartment he suddenly felt nervous, what if she was there, or happens to open the door as he placed the flowers down. No, she couldn't be home, he made sure, she's currently out with her editor, most likely discussing her book or next work. Filled with slightly more confidence he walked to the front door, he carefully placed the bouquet down, making sure not the damage the flowers or crumple the note.


Later that night he received a call from Jii-san, who had news on a new jewel. It was being displayed in a museum in an exclusive event, only for one weekend. And such is the duty of Kaitou Kid, he had to hold a heist.


'A heist, huh?'

'Maybe I should go.'