Title: The Christmas Mystery
Chapter: 2/3
Genre: Shounen ai / Slash, Mystery, General, Mitsui's POV
Warning: Mild OOC, mild sap, (not too) lousy plot
DISCLAIMER: SD is not mine.

          {Part Two}

          "OH! My necklace! It's gone!" She breaks down immediately. Her loud sobs is the only sound in the room.
          The rest are speechless, each with his or her ghastly expression. Eyes are wide open, as if about to drop out from their sockets any minute now. One thing for sure, all of us are staring incredulously at the now empty box.
          Miyagi's face is face, far whiter than a corpse's. Ayako's hand covers her mouth, which was wide open in shock. Sakuragi's jaw has literally slammed the floor. Rukawa looks like—Rukawa. Except maybe that pair of raised fox-like eyebrows hint his surprise—a little. Akagi is angry—his anger must have exceeded his astonishment. Min-kun's lips quiver, his glasses nearly slip from the bridge of his nose.
          And me? Well, I can't really say, for I have no mirror with me at that time. But my face ought to have reflected one of the faces present—if not worse.
          "Why? Why?" Haruko wails.
          "I…I can't believe this…" comments Min-kun. His grasps tighten with such force I never knew he could muster. "A theft, right under our noses!"
          "It fell somewhere," says Akagi. I sense he is trying to assure himself. "Let's look for it on the floor."
          "No, nothing," says Sakuragi. "The floor is as clean as a whistle. There's nothing under the coffee table, either."
          All of a sudden a bright idea presents itself to me. An ingenious plan only I can ever come up with.
          If you're thinking I'm starting to sound like Sakuragi Hanamichi and his never-ending 'tensai' act, zip it. I never claimed to be one.
          "It seems we have a mystery on our hands," I announce. I am surprised to hear the words as a calm remark. "Or should I say, on my hands."
          They stare at me; I knew they would do just that. They have a very good reason to be afraid.
          "What do you mean—your hands?" Miyagi points his index finger at me.
          "Meaning, my dear boy, I'm going to solve the case of Haruko's disappeared necklace. And my aide, Kogure Kiminobu."
          I hear loud choking sounds from Miyagi, Akagi and Sakuragi. It is obvious they are trying not to laugh at what I just said. Min-kun and Ayako merely goggle at me. They do not say anything, but just by looking at their eyes I can see doubt in them. Min-kun is surprised to hear my dragging him into my investigation, electing him as my companion-in-detection, I suppose. As you would have thought Rukawa is still himself. He rolls his eyes. Haruko is sobbing like there's no tomorrow.
          "And before this case is solved, no one is allowed to leave the premise—not even to the lawn," I go on.
          "Mitsui! Are you trying to pull our legs? This is serious matter!" demands Akagi.
          I am enraged. "I know that! A theft is no joke, and the same goes to what I told you a moment ago!"
          "But who knows?" chips in Sakuragi. "Maybe you're the culprit—you're trying to hide your tracks by playing detective."
          "Stop accusing me without proof, Sakuragi Hanamichi!" My eyes only see red; I am blind with fury.
          "Do'aho, shut up," Rukawa mutters loudly.
          "Please don't fight! It's Christmas!" The ever-sensible Min-kun, my helper, reminds us. "It's bad enough to have a crime committed right here."
          "Kogure-sempai's right," agrees Ayako. "We're all here when it occurred, so we can't accuse one another without thinking. All of us are under suspicions."
          I throw a thankful glance at Min-kun as Ayako speaks. Even with those worried eyes of his, he smiles weakly at me.
          "I'm not going to cooperate with a detective who's a possible thief—like the rest of us," points out Sakuragi. "If you really want to look into this problem, Mitchy, the first step you should take is to clear your own name, convincing us you're not guilty."
          Ouch, he has a point.
          "I vouch for Hisashi," Min-kun speaks up confidently. "I say he's clean—he's not the thief."
          "But sempai…you're his boyfriend. We can't really take your word into account." Ayako takes a quick look at us.
          "For goodness' sake! We were holding hands all the time—including when the blackout took place. Are you going to suggest Hisashi stole the necklace with his foot?"
          It is, and always will be, a general knowledge that Kogure Kiminobu is a truthful lad. He would never tell lies—be it for his or my own benefit.
          Secondly, he is a bad actor. There is no way his expression can show that much emotion should all is a mere pretence.
          Akagi folds his arms. "Fine! Mitsui, since you think you're so clever, go ahead and try. I've nothing to lose. But I warn you again, you might as well forget it."
          I know is useless to debate with him. I push Akagi's threat out from my mind.
          "Hisashi, if you really want to solve this case," Min-kun is saying, "you'd better hurry up. We promised we'll be home by ten-thirty, remember?"
          Ten-thirty. And the clock behind Min-kun strikes nine. Only one hour and thirty minutes for me.
          "How about it, Mitsui?" asks Miyagi. "Can you really?"
          Can I?
          "Of course he can," Min-kun defends me.
          Why is it so hard for them to have a little faith in me? Am I that stupid?
          Do me a favour and don't answer that.
          "OK, everyone, empty your pockets—or bags, at that," I instruct. "I'll empty mine as well—no exception."
          They obey, although they complain and grunt.
          "Nothing eccentric," remarks Miyagi, gawking at the wallets, keys, and gift boxes. "No trace of the necklace either. "Hey, Rukawa, Hanamichi, you haven't opened your presents."
          "The necklace can't be in any of them. They're still wrapped," I reason.
          "The necklace isn't on us," observes Sakuragi. "Maybe someone sneaked in and ran off with it?"
          "Do'aho, that's impossible," Rukawa says softly.
          "It's TEN-SAI!"
           "Sakuragi, a burglar can't appear and vanish along with Haruko's necklace in twenty seconds," Min-kun tells him.
          I whisper to Sakuragi, "Are you planning to impress Haruko by choosing to study this mystery too?"
          His answer comes hesitantly. "No! A genius like me needs not to do such a thing!"
          "Yare yare…"
          "Are you done?" demands Akagi impatiently.
          "Until I discover the missing necklace, the case is still on." I turn to Min-kun. "I think it's time to cross-question them—one by one. I'll be asking them in the kitchen. Meanwhile you keep a close watch on them. Make sure no one eavesdrops, OK?"
          "I've never seen you this enthusiastic before, Hisashi. You're really resolute about this."
          "Is it wrong?"
          Min-kun watches me. "Not at all. I'll help you in any way I can."
          "That's great! You're the best side-kick!"

          The lights are not really bright, but enough for me to see my companion across the table.
          haruko is dabbing her red eyes with her handkerchief.
          "Are you ready to answer a few questions?" I ask solemnly.
          Haruko nods, apathetic.
          For the reason that nobody can provide an alibi, I will have to ask some other questions.
          "Did you feel anything out of ordinary during the blackout? Anything suspicious? Did you feel as if somebody was moving in front of you?"
          She shakes her head.
          I sigh. "Tell me what you did before, during and after the blackout?"
          "Why, Mitsui-sempai, you were there yourself. I opened my gift—that's when we all saw the necklace. After that I replaced it inside the box. Soon before the blackout I put it on the table."
          I nod thoughtfully, "Any idea who might've done it?"
          Haruko bites her lower lip as she thinks. Finally she shakes her head,
          "How much does it cost, do you know?"
          She names its price. She is right when she says it is expensive.
          "That's a lot of digits," I state. I thank her before she departs.

          He glares at me, making me uncomfortable.
          "Why would I steal my own sister's necklace?" Akagi disputes. "I don't wear jewellery!"
          This is going to be tricky. "Tell me how did you persuade your parents to buy the necklace for Haruko."
          Akagi gives me another of his (in)famous looks, as if telling me I'm just making myself look foolish. But he plays along anyway, just to humour me I reckon. "I told them Haruko's been a good girl, so she deserves to have it for her Christmas present."
          "Who paid for it?"
          "They did. Not a single yen left my pocket."
          "Did you notice anything during the blackout?"
          "No. I only heard them complaining."
          I put my fingertips together. "You're not experiencing any financial problem?"
          "No, never had."
          "That's all. Thank you Akagi."
          "No. Thank you for squandering my time."

          "OK, so, Miyagi—"
          "Aya-chan's innocent!" he interrupts. "And so am I!"
          "Yes, yes, Miyagi, sit down. Thank you. What were you doing when the lights went out?"
          "Nothing. I fainted, don't you remember? I only woke up a second before the lights came back—or was it after?"
          "Oh, yeah."
          "So I don't know anything. But one thing's for sure—Aya-chan didn't do it."
          "I'll ask Ayako for myself to find out. Any financial problem, Miyagi?"
          He pauses. He shakes his head.
          I dismiss him. Miyagi lied, that I am certain.
          Two days ago, he himself told all of us he needed some money.

          Rukawa looks at me unemotionally. There is not even the slightest fear on his face. Either he's really blameless, or he's so damned good in hiding his culpability. Somehow I'm inclined to believe the latter option…
          "What were you doing during the blackout?"
          "Nothing. I was asleep."
          "Right…" I don't believe him. "It's impracticable to say you were asleep the whole time, Rukawa. Considering you were sitting exactly next to the victim."
          Oh, yeah. I forgot to mention our positions. Well, from Haruko's right, it was Rukawa, Sakuragi, me, Min-kun, Miyagi, Ayako and finally Akagi. We were sitting in a circle. So whether Rukawa realizes it or not, he has the most opportunity to commit the larceny.
          "I didn't do it."
          He read my mind. Damn.
          "Sure, Rukawa. That's what everybody says."
          This boy could perform any crime and get away with it easily. Trying to make him confess is roughly speaking as feasible as making rocks bleed.

          "Ask away."
          "Thank you Ayako. You recall, when the blackout occurred, what were you doing?"
          "I was sipping my juice. I didn't move—as a matter of fact I don't think anyone did."
          "How much is your bracelet?"
          She looks at the jewellery on her wrist as she answers.
          "That's a small fortune," I remark offhandedly. "It's a funny thing—only Haruko's necklace is missing. Any idea why?"
          Ayako solely smiles at me coolly. "Are you suggesting I stole the necklace?"
          "Everyone's a suspect. It just struck me as peculiar that your bracelet managed to escape from the fate of Haruko's necklace."
          A nod. "I see. It's normal to suspect me, I guess—in view of the fact that I'm the only girl—aside from Haruko—present when the pilfering took place. You must think I want to have the necklace for myself, don't you?"
          I do not answer. Ayako probably guesses what my answer would be.
          "More to the point, I was just saying to Kogure-sempai—I might be the most plausible thief."
          "Oh, why is that?"
          "I shan't deny it, Mitsui-sempai. My dad's company is in danger of facing bankruptcy. You can say I'm in need of money right now."
          Our eyes meet, her placid ones and my puzzled ones.

          And last but not least, the self-proclaimed genius, Sakuragi Hanamichi. He raises his eyebrows, telling me to start.
          "During the blackout—what were you up to?"
          "The blameless genius didn't do anything. I thought it was better for me if I remain motionless, because I thought the electricity might come back in a jiffy. Besides, it was too short a time to do much."
          "Uh-huh. Did you sense anything suspicious?"
          Sakuragi waves a careless hand. "The only mistrustful matter that I observed so far is you wanting to be a detective, that's all."
          "I resent that."
          "It's up to you. Anything else?"
          "Yeah. Who do you suspect?"
          "Gori. He has a good number of chances—to just swipe that necklace without anyone noticing. Above and beyond, he was seated unerringly beside Haruko-san."
          "He doesn't have a motive. What about Rukawa? He was sitting close to Haruko—closer than you were to her, that is. Why didn't you suspect him?"
          The redhead shrugs. "It's just a hunch on my part—not more than that. The fox is too stupid to plan this thievery."

          "So, how did the cross-examining go?" asks Min-kun as he joined me.
          "It was a failure, if I may say so myself. A pity I don't have the air that'll make a criminal confess on the spot."
          Min-kun laughs. "It's not the detective's air, Hisashi, that makes him a successful hound—it's his skills."
          "Quite so. What happened in the living room whilst I was in the kitchen?"
          "I made Sakuragi and Rukawa open the gifts they have with them. Sakuragi's box contained a wristwatch, Rukawa's a few CDs. Sakuragi told me that the watch is meant for Haruko, and Rukawa said he went to a relative's house before he came here, and that the CDs were given to him by his cousin. However…"
          My ears become attentive. "However…?"
          Min-kun shows me the wristwatch. "Branded, you see. But the design—it's masculine. It doesn't make sense to give this to Haruko."
          I scrutinize it. "Then again…the redhead might be speaking the truth. Common sense isn't exactly his strong point. Perhaps that's why this watch is still with him."
          "Probably. But there's too many 'mights' in this case."
          ""I see what you mean. It's like you know something's wrong, yet you can't put your finger on it."
          Min-kun urges me to rejoin the party in the living room.
          "I think we should search the area again," Akagi is saying. "The necklace can't possibly disappear into this air."
          They do just that. Miyagi pushes the sofas aside, Sakuragi empties the flower pots, and Ayako checks the cabinets. Akagi removes the sofa cushions, until he gives a deep yell.
          "Haruko! I found your necklace! It's right here!"
          WHAT?
          "Oh! It is my necklace!" She snatches the necklace away from its hiding place, pressing it against his cheek lovingly.
          "There, we've found it!" exclaims Miyagi triumphantly.
          "I told you there's no need for a detective," Akagi glances at me coldly. I returned his intimidating look.
          "The person who sat here must be the thief," muses Ayako. "If my memory does not fail me, the person who sat here was…"
          Eyes turn to look at the person as we recall who it was.
          Gasps.

{End of Part Two}

Author's Notes: I'm starting to think that this whole mystery is rather absurd…oh well, me and my self-esteem problem…