Tales of a Kaitou:
NEW STUDENT
Kaito Kuroba was known in his class as a trickster, a prank, and the king of fun. Or fun for him at the very least. If you knew what was good for you, you didn't get in his way and you didn't make yourself an open target. That's not to say Kuroba was mean with his pranks, except maybe the pranks he played on one overly serious blonde detective, but rather, his pranks were extravagant and often hard to clean. Still, Kaito was well liked amongst his classmates as being both a joy to speak with and an intellectual competitor. The only one in the class nearly as smart as the overly energetic teen, was the same blonde detective the trickster so often targeted.
Funny enough though, no one doubted the two were actually fairly good friends. When one was in trouble, the other always seemed to appear and vice versa. In sports especially, when the two teamed up, they were nearly unstoppable. The problem was when they were pitted against each other. No one else mattered but the magician and the detective. The only one who was either stupid enough or brave enough to get in between them was Aoko Nakamori, their mutual friend and the tricksters long time crush. She was the only one who could make either boy behave themselves and when it came to Kuroba, that was actually quite the feat. Still, Aoko herself could be quite fierce and dangerous. If angered enough, she used a mop like a kendo player used a wooden sword.
Aside from the fierce rivalry and friendship they all held, only one thing the two did that seemed to really rile up the magician was when they both bad talked Kaito's idol, Kaitou Kid. No one in the class really knew what the blonde would say to make Kuroba so annoyed, but he often brought the many multi-colored pranks on himself and the class did well to keep out of the way in those instances. No one really knew why Aoko often escaped said pranks, but many guessed the trickster was a bit fearful of her, nearly as much as the rest of the class was.
Therefore, when new students arrived at their school and most specifically, in their class, they often warned the new kids immediately that if they wished to live out a safe and fairly ordinary school life, they should stay clear of Kaito and his two closest friends, Saguru Hakuba and Aoko Nakamori.
So it was when a new student arrived at Ekoda high, they quickly warned him of what might transpire should he cross their path. The new kid, to their surprise however, just smirked and told them plainly he didn't mind and was in fact, excited, to meet such a trio.
"A magician like Kaitou Kid?" he had laughed when they told him of their classmate's skills. "I would like to see that."
They only hoped he knew what he was getting into as he took his seat that just so happened to be on the left of Kaito Kuroba.
TOAK
It was an ordinary day for the magician thief, or at least ordinary for him. The night before, he had held his heist as Kaitou Kid and stole the jewel known as "the red peony". Unfortunately, the jewel wasn't Pandora, but that was fine, if nothing else he'd had fun! It was hard not to have fun when his detectives attended and more so, when two of them showed at the same time. Of course, things were never fully as they seemed.
Saguru Hakuba's attendance was never a surprise to Kaito. The blonde was his classmate, his rival, and his best friend. Though it had once been a matter of life and death as the blonde had been dead set on capturing the thief and turning him in, the past year together playing cat and mouse across the rooftops had led to a unique understanding between the thief and detective and an even odder friendship in their personal lives. It still surprised him even now, how close he and Hakuba had become.
Then of course there was Conan Edogawa who he knew to be the former Shinichi Kudo. Though the latter had been shrunk into the body of a seven-year-old, it never stopped the legendary teen detective from being the fiercest and most dangerous critic the magician ever faced. If there was one way to describe Shinichi, it was dedicated. Still, the dual identities and the common enemy they shared had brought about a partnership that had taken both by storm. Though it wasn't often he was able to speak to Conan/Kudo as he did Hakuba in a personal manner, the two had become close over the past few months and dare he say, well on their way to becoming good friends.
Then of course there were rougher nights like last night when both detectives showed, as well as a partially expected, but completely unwelcomed guest assassin named Snake. Though he was prepared for the possibility, having his two critics in the line fire had been dangerous and something the thief tried to avoid at all costs. Luckily, he'd had plans in place for such an occasion as he always did at his heists and they all effectively escaped without injury. That being said, the heist happened just last night, and he didn't get home until nearly four in the morning. With school starting at seven, he barely got a full two hours sleep. He was exhausted.
Yawning as he walked, the thief nearly stumbled for the third time on his way to school and probably would have fallen if a strong grip hadn't suddenly positioned itself around his bicep, effectively steadying him.
"You should have just skipped today. All you will end up doing is sleeping through class."
Kaito grinned and looked up at the blonde detective who was a good couple inches taller than him. Though it used to bother him, how short he was, he soon discovered it worked out well for his female disguises.
"Aw, are you concerned about me, Haku-chan~?" he sang with a grin.
The blonde huffed, ignoring the question completely as he raked a critical eye over the magician's pale appearance. The thief had been having more and more heists lately and it was beginning to show.
"You look sick, you're not running a fever are you?" the blonde asked, reaching up to place a cool hand against the slightly warm forehead.
Kaito pulled away without thinking. He didn't like being touched. Still, when he noticed the worry in his friend's eyes, he sighed and allowed the other to do as he pleased.
"Slightly warm, but not noticeably. Perhaps you should return home?"
Kaito waved him off. While he appreciated the obvious concern, he had raised himself since he was eight years alone. It wasn't like that would suddenly change now. He would be fine.
"BAKAITO!" a voice shouted.
He braced himself as Aoko Nakamori slammed into him from behind. Luckily Hakuba was there or they both would have probably hit the ground rather hard.
"Geez, easy Aoko, I didn't sleep well."
"And he's sick," Hakuba added.
Sending his "friend" a look that screamed the word 'traitor', the magician found himself avoiding looking at Aoko's eyes. She always got motherly and over-protective when Kaito was hurt or ill and while it somewhat annoyed him, he couldn't find himself really minding most of the time.
"Kaito…" he started.
As he had with Hakuba, he just waved her off. "I'm fine, now come on, class will start soon. Last one there is a rotten banana!"
With a puff of smoke, the magician was gone, leaving his two friends behind.
As Kaito reached the classroom door, he paused when he noticed a new face sitting to the left of his usual seat. Curious, but not feeling overly friendly today, he decided to forgo introductions until after he slept a while. Sitting his backpack down on the right side of his chair, he flopped down and closed his eyes.
A sudden tap on his shoulder had his eyes reopening as he stared into the face of the new student.
"Hi there," the other boy grinned, "I'm Arlo Kale. I just moved here from Beika. Who are you?"
Kaito wondered if he stared at the other teen long enough, Arlo would get the message to scram before Kaito got annoyed and pranked him. Then again, maybe no one warned him about Kaito's reputation?
Checking his poker face was intact and forcing himself to act friendlier than he felt, the tired magician sat up and smiled. "My name is Kaito Kuroba," he snapped his finger and offered a rose, "magician extraordinaire. Welcome to Ekoda High, Arlo."
Arlo barely blinked at the offered yellow flower as he took it and twirled it between two fingers with a slightly awed, bewildered smile.
"Magician, huh? That explains a lot."
Kaito wondered what that comment was supposed to mean but decided he didn't care enough to figure it out right now. Closing his eyes, he attempted to sleep… only, Arlo didn't seem ready to end their conversation after only a slight introduction.
"So, if you're a magician, why haven't you performed on a stage?" the other boy questioned.
Kaito shrugged. "Don't feel like it."
"Hmm… then can you really call yourself a magician?"
Kaito opened one eye and gazed at the smiling face above his own. Uncomfortably close to his own, he noted, but KID, master of a thousand different disguises, showed no sign it bothered him as he replied. "Yes."
The other blinked at the simple answer before laughing. The laugh was ordinary enough, but something about it sent a shiver down Kaito's spine. He didn't know what it was, but there was something almost… odd and chilling about this new student. He didn't like him and since when did Kaito Kuroba dislike anyone without a reason? Instinct screamed there was definitely a reason, he just didn't know it yet.
"Your funny," the other boy grinned, "I think we should be friends."
Kaito raised an eyebrow, but then just turned his head away and once again closed his eyes. "Whatever," he mumbled.
The sound of voices washed over him as other students began to trickle into the classroom. Finally, he felt the familiar presence of Hakuba and Aoko. Calmed immensely by their appearance, he felt himself doze.
TOAK
Hakuba and Aoko entered the classroom, unsurprised to see Kaito already sleeping. What they were surprised to see was a new student on the magician's left.
"You must be new," Aoko smiled, holding out her hand, "My name is Aoko Nakamori."
The other student stared at her hand and smiled, but he didn't take the offered appendage. "My name is Arlo Kale," he replied and turned his eyes back to the slumbering magician.
Aoko and Hakuba frowned, both a bit put off by the rude behavior.
"My name is Saguru Hakuba, detective."
The other snapped his gaze to him and a smirk spread across his lips. "The Hakuba who chases Kaitou Kid?"
Saguru nodded, surprised the other knew about his reputation.
"Uh, yeah… that's right."
"A pleasure," the boy replied, shaking his hand.
Curious, Hakuba motioned to Aoko who was watching with obvious confusion.
"Aoko is the daughter of Inspector Nakamori who runs the Kaitou Kid task force."
"Oh, your related to that Nakamori," the boy grinned, "that's awesome. Nice to meet you guys."
Aoko smiled back but took her seat in silence behind Hakuba who sat to the right of the thief. As the two began piling their books on their desk for class, Saguru noticed the new student seemed quite taken to Kuroba. He didn't know if the magician had perhaps introduced himself before class and that was why or if it was something else, but the kid definitely seemed somewhat… enamored, with the thief.
"Are you by chance, a Kaitou Kid fan?" Hakuba asked suddenly.
The other boy looked up, his eyes intense. "Yes, very much so. I think the moonlight magician is beautiful. There is really no one else like him. I've been to several of his heists throughout Japan."
"Oh, how splendid," Hakuba stated casually. He wasn't sure he liked the way this new student seemed to be focusing completely on the sleeping magician between them. He didn't know what it was, but something about the kid rubbed him the wrong way. As the teacher walked in, he shook off those feelings, but he couldn't quite get rid of the slight nagging feeling he had throughout the day.
TOAK
Kaito groaned as the lunch bell rang. He felt like he had only just fallen asleep. Stretching and yawning, he looked around and his eyes fell on Hakuba and Aoko. The two were just packing up their things to go to the roof and eat, as per their usual meeting place, when a hand on his shoulder had him tensing. Now normally, Kaito wouldn't have reacted at all to a sudden touch, but he was a bit off his game today due to his lack of sleep. Almost immediately the hand flinched back and Kaito noted Hakuba watching them intently as Kuroba turned to the new student standing behind him.
"Sorry about that, Kaito-kun," the boy replied smiling, "I wanted to ask if you would like to eat lunch with me?"
Eye twitching at the informal use of his first, Kaito placed a carefully constructed mask on and smiled pleasantly, but apologetically. "Ah sorry, I promised to eat lunch with Hakuba and Aoko. Maybe another time?"
The other frowned but nodded before smiling again. "Okay… sure, yeah. Next time then, Kaito-kun."
"That kid is either stupid or brave," a couple classmates whispered as they passed.
"You sure make friends easily, Kuroba-kun," a voice replied.
Kaito looked back and smiled. "Hey, Vista-chan," he greeted his classmate.
She smiled. Anara Vista was fairly new to the class as well, but not quite as new as Arlo as she watched the odd new student vanish into the hall.
"You know you can call me Anara, Kuroba-kun. Anyways, we have that project due next week. You said you would help me with it, Kuroba-kun. Should I ask someone else?"
Kaito blinked before smiling a bit sheepishly.
"Sorry Vis…err, Anara-chan, I forgot. I'll help you with it tomorrow, if that's okay. I'm not feeling too well today."
She nodded. "That's fine. Bye Aoko-chan!"
Aoko waved goodbye as she and Hakuba stepped up beside him.
"Interesting individual," Hakuba commented.
"Anara-chan is pretty nice," Aoko nodded, explaining. "She had a hard time fitting in at the beginning, but she seems more comfortable now."
"Yeah, she seems happier then when she first transferred in," Kaito agreed, "She hardly ever smiled."
Aoko have the magician a tight hug from behind.
"That's because Kaito is so good with people and he makes them laugh!" she cheered, before her smile turned predatory. "So, who is up for a shopping trip after school today?!"
"Aokoooo," both boys whined as she just grinned with glee.
As school finally came to an end, Kaito went to his locker to grab his books. Opening it, he was surprised to find a card with his name.
"Ooh, does Kaito have a secret admirer?" Aoko teased.
Hakuba smirked. "Love letter?"
Kaito opened it, smiling. "I don't know, it just says "Thanks for being a friend. Hope you feel better soon."
Aoko and Hakuba were silent, but curious. The magician was well liked in the class, so it could have come from anyone. Shrugging it off, the three walked side by side off the school grounds. Though he was more awake now than he had been earlier, Kaito still felt beyond drained.
"You look tried, Kaito, maybe you should go home?" Aoko suggested.
Kaito thought about that. Should he just go home and sleep? That did sound kind of nice…
"Yeah, I may do that. See you guys tomorrow."
They waved goodbye and Kaito started home. He was about half way there when he felt an odd shiver run down his spine, like someone was watching him. Turning, he peered around, but he didn't see anything. Wondering if it was just his imagination, he continued towards his house. Flopping down on his bed, he snuggled into the covers and fell fast asleep.
The letters in his locker continued from that day forward. They were small notes at first, just telling him how funny a prank was or how truly fantastic his acrobatic abilities were. Kaito enjoyed them in the beginning, but then things began to get weird.
Arlo, who obviously liked Katio a lot since day one, had become a real nuisance for the thief and his friends. He was a constant tag along and always right in the magician's personal business. Kaito tried to be patient. He tried to be nice, but the kid was becoming a real creeper at times. He would walk in on Kaito when Kaito was changing for gym class and just stare at him or he would follow him into the bathroom between classes. Even Hakuba had commented on how clingy and creepy the new kid was concerning the trickster.
It wasn't like Kaito hadn't pranked him. In fact, Arlo had become his main target just to see if it would get the kid off his back, but nothing seemed to work. If anything, Arlo just seemed to find it funny. And the notes in Kaito's locker after school, it was only a gut feeling, but Kuroba was certain they were from Arlo.
"He's driving me crazy," he confessed to his two friends on the school roof later that week, "he keeps following me and today, I saw him snap a picture of me with his phone. Again!"
"He just likes you Kaito. I think it's kind of cute," Aoko giggled.
"I think it's creepy," Hakuba scoffed, "he's been like this towards Kuroba since day one."
"Exactly and I wasn't even that nice to the kid then, so why?! Why does he like me?"
"Maybe he just knows you're a good person," Aoko tried, "or maybe he's lonely. We should probably give him a chance."
Kaito sighed, nodding. "I guess. I think those notes I get in my locker are from him."
"How do you figure?" Hakuba asked, curious.
"I don't know, I just… I mean they didn't really start coming until he came, right? So, it can't that much of a coincidence."
"That makes sense," Hakuba agreed.
"Well I think its adorable he has a crush on Kaito, besides its not like he's hurting anyone. If he does something inappropriate, that's different, but a couple photos aren't a big deal, right?"
Except after that day on the roof, things changed. The notes continued to come, always short and sweet, but they took a more romantic turn. Kaito just tossed them in the trash each time. While he didn't necessarily mind the kid's obvious infatuation, that didn't mean he returned it.
So, it was when the day came that a red envelope appeared instead of the usual white one. Curious, he tore it open and sighed.
"What is it?" Aoko questioned, seeing his expression.
"Love confession."
Hakuba blinked. "When?"
"After school in the classroom."
"We will wait for you outside then," Aoko told him.
Sure enough when that time came, Arlo remained behind.
"K-Kaito-kun, I… for the past month, I have come to see you as a truly amazing, incredible person. You share a love for Kaitou Kid like me and you have a talent that I believe could be as good as his someday. I… I would be honored if you considered dating me."
Kaito rubbed the back of his neck. While he was normally good with words, he wasn't KID in this situation and something about this guy just naturally put the thief on edge. He wasn't sure how to express himself here properly.
"Look, Kale-kun, I…"
"Arlo," the boy interrupted with a smile, "you can call me Arlo if we are going to be in a relationship, Kaito."
Kuroba frowned. "About that, Kale-kun, I can't date you. I'm sorry."
Arlo stared at him. "You can't… but… is this because of Aoko?"
"What?" Kaito fought the blush, barely keeping it under wraps. "N-No, its not. Look, this is about us. I just don't feel like that towards you. I… I think you're a decent enough guy, but I'm sorry, Kale-kun, it just won't work out between us."
Bowing, he hurried out of the room. He hated rejecting people.
"How did it go?" Aoko asked as they walked home.
"Eh, he was pretty quiet there at the end."
"Well, surely he had to know it wasn't going to happen," Hakuba commented, "I mean, we've only known him a month and it hasn't exactly been an awe-inspiring experience."
Kaito snorted, nodding. "That's true."
Aoko shook her head. "Well, I think we need ice cream. Come on, ice cream time!"
The three laughed, unaware of the eyes watching them.
TOAK
The next day, the class found out Arlo Kale had transferred. Kaito felt a bit guilty, but he didn't think much more on it by the end of the week.
An entire month passed when the sudden odd chill ran down the thief's spine. He was walking home when he felt someone once again watching him from afar. It had been happening a lot lately and he would have been certain he was going crazy if it wasn't for the fact it was only happening on his walks home from school each day and no other time. Perhaps a snoopy new neighbor? He wondered to himself. He snorted at that. If any one was a snoop, it was Kaito himself, but each time he checked his cameras, he didn't notice anything particular, just the usual neighbors, classmates, and locals.
That very next morning when Kaito woke up, he found another red envelope, much like the ones Arlo had placed in his locker, except this one was taped to his front door. It continued like this, a new letter each morning. Kaito began to throw them away without even reading them and then the day came he found another one, on his pillow upon returning home from a heist. The door had definitely been locked.
TOAK
Conan Edogawa sat in the park enjoying his new mystery book as he watched his friends, the detective boys, playing catch a few feet away. Haibara had stayed home due to some new sort of project she was working on that was near completion, and he had, somewhat grudgingly, agreed to "babysit" while she was away.
The sudden appearance of a young woman beside him on the park bench had Conan blinking. The girl was quiet a looker and seemed around his actual age, but the way she was dressed, a bit showy, he had his suspicions.
"Hi, boya," the girl greeted him with a wide smile, "nice day, isn't it?"
Conan sighed and closed his book. Suspicions confirmed.
"What are you doing here, thief?"
The other chuckled lightly in his own voice, his eyes tracking the ball that the detective boys were playing with before he glanced at Shinichi with complete seriousness.
"I need your help."
The comment was so unexpected, Conan had to reconsider what he just heard.
"My help?" he reiterated, "how can I help you with anything?" then suddenly he sat up straight. "Is it them?" he asked, body tense and alert.
"No, easy, sorry, I didn't mean to make you think that," the other sighed. "I… it's kind of a personal problem."
Conan frowned, but couldn't completely deny his interest.
"You came to me, about a personal problem? Aren't you close friends with Hakuba?"
Kaito nodded. "Yeah, but Haku-chan just left for England and won't be back for a couple weeks. I don't know how serious this problem will become, but… I just… you know what," the thief sighed, standing up, "never mind. Sorry, this was a mistake."
"Wait!"
Kaito paused.
"Look, it was obviously important enough that it made you come to me of all people for help. That means whatever it is must be bothering you and since I know you, that makes me wonder what could possibly have Kaitou Kid up in arms when it has nothing to do with the organization. Now, I don't know what I can do with my… lack of personal knowledge, but, if I can help, I will."
Kaito stared back at his favorite critic who met his gaze evenly, honestly.
"I have a stalker," he admitted.
Shinichi blinked. "You have a… stalker."
"Yeah, I think it's a former classmate of mine. He… it started out as a sweet little crush on me, the true me, and then suddenly, I turned him down and it's become something a bit… more."
Kudo frowned. "Explain."
Kaito went on to explain the cards in his locker and then the one's on his front door and then finally, he explained about the one on his pillow.
"My door was locked, Tantei-kun. I always lock it and my security is excellent. I have camera's up and down that street, but…" he hesitated, "that's what makes this even weirder. I never saw him on any of my camera's. I'm sure its him, but… I don't know, from the beginning he rubbed me the wrong way and now…"
"You think he might have been placed?"
Kaito frowned. "I don't know. I did consider he might have been a bug sent to spy on Hakuba or possibly on my civilian identity who they no doubt suspect could be involved, but the confession was just… I don't know. For once in my life Shin-chan, I'm not sure what I think and it's a bit overwhelming, to be honest."
Kudo was silent, taking everything the thief had said into account.
"Do you have cameras in your house?"
"No, just on the street."
"No sign of forced entry?"
"None."
"Does he suspect your Kaitou Kid?"
"It is possible," Kaito couldn't deny, "Hakuba is never quiet about his suspicions at school and the boy is a big fan of KID, so… you think he knows I'm KID?"
"I think its possible, as you said. There is a lot that doesn't add up here, but enough it makes me feel you may need to take this to the police."
"You know I can't do that, Shin-chan. That's why I came to you."
Shinichi sighed. "I just don't know how much I can do with… you know, who I am and who you are."
Kaito hesitated a moment.
"Wait here a second."
Conan blinked when the teen girl vanished in a puff of smoke. Startled, he glanced around but saw no sign of KID. About to open his book back up and continue reading, thinking maybe KID thought of something, he was surprised when a different stranger walked up to him and took a seat by his side. Looking up, Shinichi could only stare into the exposed, unaltered face of Kaitou Kid's true identity.
"Kaito Kuroba," the teen grinned, producing a white rose out of nowhere. "Please to meet you, Tantei-kun."
And Shinichi could only gape.
TOAK
"You really look eerily similar to me," Conan commented as the two walked towards Kid's home in Ekoda.
"So I have heard," the thief smirked, "helps when I need to disguise as you though."
Conan rolled his eyes as the two walked up to the front door of the teen's home. Unlocking the front door, Kaito walked in, his eyes peeled. Shinichi felt like he was breaking into a stranger's house with how the thief moved so silently and cautiously. Still, if the other did have a stalker, they didn't want to draw unwelcome attention should said stalker still be lurking around.
Making their way up the stairs, they both stalled outside the thief's door before Kaito pushed it open. The room looked untouched, save for the familiar red envelope on the white satin pillow.
"That's what you were talking about?" Conan asked.
"Yeah, but I tossed out the one I told you about. This one is new."
Shinichi felt a shiver run through him at the thought.
"So, what does it say?" Conan asked, sitting on the edge of the bed.
Kaito took out the letter and read it out loud.
"Dear Kaito, though you continue to deny my love for you, I want you to know I don't give up easily. I will always take what's mine and what I want, what will be mine, is you. You have a beautiful magical quality about you and I want to be a part of that magic. Forever yours, Admirer."
Kudo frowned. "You said that Arlo kid confessed to you?"
"Yeah, he wanted to go out with me."
"Did he say he wrote the letters?"
Kaito blinked, "I didn't really think to ask him specifically at the time, so no, I guess he never did say. I just assumed though and when the last one in my locker came about a confession meeting place, he was there, so… I mean… isn't it him?"
Shinichi frowned. Something felt wrong about all this.
"What were the other letters like?"
"Well, the earlier ones often wrote how kind I was or how amazing my magic tricks were or how awesome my pranks had been in class. They were usually really short and… now that you mention it, Shin-chan, they never were signed Admirer or actually addressed specifically to me in the letter. The envelopes just usually had my name on the front."
"I don't think your stalker is that Arlo kid. The letters at your school maybe were, but these… I could be wrong, but based on the evidence, I think this is two different people."
"But how would they know how to… and why would they…? I mean…" Kaito frowned. Something still felt weird to him about all this.
"I have an idea about how to solve this, but it could be dangerous."
Kaito turned to him. "I'm listening."
TOAK
"You really think he is going to show?" Kaito asked into his wire.
"Relax KID, whoever this is wants your attention. If you left a letter of your own on your pillow for him as we discussed then yes, I think he'll come."
Kaito was silent as he stood by the Ekoda park lake, staring out across the water. At night, he had always enjoyed watching the stars reflect upon its surface, glittering like jewels waiting to be scooped up and stolen away. It reminded him of those quiet nights under the full moon he used to spend with dad, counting the stars as a child.
"You came."
KID turned and stared.
"You…" he whispered, stunned. "Why… I mean, you broke into my house to leave me these letters?"
The shadowed form stepped closer, allowing the moons rays to highlight her form.
"Anara-chan," he whispered, "I don't understand."
She smiled, nodding. "I know. Honestly, the letters started with Arlo," she admitted, "but then… when I saw how happy they seemed to make you, I decided to continue the theme, but you didn't seem as happy with mine on your door. I wanted to express my devotion, so I thought a more personal flare might suffice, so I placed them on your pillow, but that also didn't seem to make you happy. I tried so hard…" she growled, eyes flashing, "why do you keep rejecting me?!"
Kaito flinched at the anger but made sure to keep his mask tight.
"I'm sorry, Anara-chan, had you come to me personally, we may have been able to talk this out more calmly, but… I… I will only love Aoko. I need to tell you that now so that you understand, it's not you. I would reject anyone should they have asked."
The girl scowled. "Everyone thinks your so perfect! You and your magic and your smile and your laugh!" she rushed at him and Kaito barely caught her as she beat at his chest, tears streaming down her cheek. "I … I just… I didn't know how to show my love."
Kaito frowned, gently placing his hands on her shoulders as she cried. He didn't know what to say to her. Sorry I broke your heart? Sorry I can't accept your feelings? "Sorry", was all he could come up with.
Apparently, it had been the wrong thing to say.
"If I can't have you, I'll die!" she cried and ran towards the small lake.
Kaito's eyes widened and ran after her. "Stop!" he shouted.
She dove in and he dove in right after her. She struggled in his arms as he fought to wrench her back out of the water. A sudden unexpected elbow to the face had him seeing stars as he wrestled her out of the water and onto the rocky ground.
"Ki-Kuroba!" Conan shouted, running towards them.
Kaito glanced up, his head a bit fuzzy as he greeted the detective the best he could. "Oh, Tantei-kun, guess we know who my stalker is now."
Conan scowled, quickly pulling off his small jacket and thrusting it at the thief.
Kaito stared.
"Your nose is bleeding, use this."
Kaito raised a hand to his nose and winced at the pain. His nose was really bleeding as blood began to run down his chin and neck. Quickly, he stuck the small jacket to his face as he looked down at the sobbing girl beside him.
"She needs help," he whispered.
"Yeah," Shinichi agreed, with a sad smile, "at least now we know."
Kaito fell back to the ground, his arms spread out as he looked up at the stars. "Yeah, at least now I know," he whispered.
TOAK
Come to find out, Arlo had written the original letters, but once he was rejected, he transferred schools, so he wouldn't have to be around the man who broke his heart. Anara Vista was expelled and sent by the police to see a child psychiatrist. All in all, the days passed, and things went back to normal, at least as normal as they can be when your Kaitou Kid, an internationally wanted jewel thief who happens to be best friends with two detectives and the daughter of his own personal, task force inspector.
So... I had no idea where I was going with this. I just started typing. I hope you found it at least a little enjoyable? Please review!