"You heard what happened detective?"
"Yes, it's a shame isn't it?"
She was ill, clutching onto Misaki as her own after losing her child years ago. It's clear she wasn't in the right mind,
The incident was declared as a suicide. I know she didn't seem okay to be on her own so maybe she did take her own life.
But why?
The grief? Unable to handle the empty presence of Takahashi, or was it because she found out something bad had happened to him..? No, she wouldn't leave until he was brought justice if something were to happen.
Unless…
She discovered something no one was supposed to know. Was it the kidnapper?
"It's best to continue investigating this before someone else gets hurt"
"Yes sir"
The police officer left the detective at his desk, "what a damn shame Ms. Hana".
I wondered because perhaps it will convince me I had no part, I don't know what happened.
I cannot face the reality of my actions.
Ding
"The money has been deposited to your account, glad you agreed to keep silent detective. You made the right choice for you and your kids."
Sighing I checked my balance, and 10 million yen was deposited into my bank.
I'm sorry kid, I'm sorry Hana-San.
My family needs me.
"Hiro-Sannn!"
I grunted yet felt relieved he was home, peaking my head out the bathroom door to look at the man taking off his shoes.
"Welcome home Nowaki.." "How was work?"
It was now 9 pm and I was getting ready for bed. After spitting the mouthwash out I made my way to greet my "boyfriend".
Well, we were technically in a relationship, physically..and romantically... Though calling him my boyfriend seems weird but I'll get used to it.
After Nowaki took off his shoes he hugged me close ranting about his day,
"Work was interesting today, I heard a protest outside the hospital and it was distrupting the patients."
"It was about that kid"
Confused I looked up at him, "what kid?".
Though he looked surprised by my question he asked nothing of it,
"The singer all over the news, we saw him at the store remember? Takahiro's brother."
It then hit me, Misaki Takahashi.
God, I felt so stupid, he has been circulating all over the internet as if he wasn't already. Though I felt bad, I've known Takahiro since 11th grade and I didn't bother to ask how he was doing.
"Right..why would there be a protest? I mean I know he's missing but why protest, isn't he just like every other missing teen?"
Nowaki gave me a slightly shocked stare, letting go of me we walked into the kitchen.
"Well Hiro-San, he is famous and loved by millions so I'm not surprised fans are going this far to get him back. Though that doesn't change the fact that he and other missing people deserve the same treatment and reaction."
"That's true but hasn't he only been missing for a few days?"
"Well regardless I had to deal with so many patients complaining about the noise today and the yelling itself was giving me a headache. Luckily they walked by only for a few minutes."
"Why outside a hospital?"
"Well the place the boy was last seen was outside BearMart and that store is only a few miles from the hospital."
Placing down the two teas Nowaki ran up to me, grabbing my waist and throwing me onto the couch.
"HUH? WHAT THE HELL?"
"I'm thirsty," he said proceeding to lick my ear, blush spread across my face as I pushed him off.
"I MADE YOU TEA"
"Yes but thirsty for something else" the man smirked.
Nowaki got up and grabbed our teas, I sat up taking the drink from his hand.
We both sat together drinking in silence, it always felt nice just being together even if there wasn't much to talk about.
Though I had something on my mind since Nowaki mentioned the kid.
Taking a sip of my tea, it was warm and refreshing. "Nowaki"
"Yes, Hiro?"
He always called me that, not that I minded.
"Do you think, if we maybe walked with that kid or made sure he went home safely he would still be here?"
The man swallowed his sip from the green tea, placing the cup down he faced me with this face I hated seeing.
It was sincere, worried yet soft.
"Do you feel responsible for his disappearance Hiro-San?"
I sighed, placing my cup down on the small coffee table.
"Just think about it, he is famous and I had connections with him so why did I think it was okay to let him walk around alone at such a time? We were the last to see him Nowaki, yet we did nothing."
The man stared at me, sighing wrapping his arms around me. Hugging me close once more.
"We had no responsibility for his actions. He knew it was dangerous yet still went out, though he shouldn't have to fear for his safety it is a cruel world we live in and surely he was well aware of that. Don't feel responsible for a cruel man's actions, whoever took him will be punished."
I took the answer, I wanted something. Anything to calm this guilt. I remember seeing the news about Misaki. I felt horrible knowing I was there just a few minutes before it happened. Though I tried my best to ignore it the guilt was eating me up.
"Thank you Nowaki…I love you"
I felt his embrace tighten, "I love you too Hiro-San"
"43-year-old Hana Shinji was found dead after a train incident, her body lay for hours as the snow fell last night. We wish for no disturbance for the family and friends who are mourning the loss of a beautiful woman who once took great care of Misaki Takahashi and her young boy."
What.
Hana-San…dead..?
This made no sense she was just fine last night..well "fine" is probably the worst way to describe her frantic voice and desperate need for answers.
Still, she was alive and well. It would've never crossed my mind she would be put in danger...
Though, she hung the call so quickly when she mentioned Misaki's "stalker", I know Misaki had one but he never told me the name. I always assumed it was just a fan he kept seeing so he was just having anxiety, perhaps that's why he never told me more.
We heard but didn't listen.
Oh, how I wish I would've, or that this case would just give me the answers straight up.
It's best not to get myself into this mess, I mean look what happened to Hana-San. Who knows what will happen if I interfere, it just doesn't feel safe.
Making up my mind to let the police handle this I got up and decided to read "The Kan". Upon opening the book I realized I had chosen Misaki's favorite. We even watched the movie based on that specific one more than 5 times that same day, he never got tired of it…
Misaki…
He helped me when my family went bankrupt, offering us money and when I lost my part-time job that was paying the bills he paid a months worth of rent. Though he left university for his dream he stayed by my side and continues to support my path of becoming a police officer.
"Thank you for paying my bills for this month Misaki, honestly I don't know what I would've done without you"
"anytime Todo, your my best friend"
Smiling I looked down at Misaki, he was wearing a light yellow short sleeve and light blue jean shorts.
We continued to walk down the path, this park was our favorite place to go to. Especially to talk about 'The Kan', but as we became closer that was only some of what we talked about.
Our conversations became more deep and meaningful, I didn't just learn the outside of Misaki, but the insides too. How he cared about the plants around the garden, careful not to step on any flowers.
How Misaki was thankful for the little things.
His thoughts and feelings revolve around the people he cared about or maybe even strangers. I don't know why Misaki is the way he is, appreciating life without having to experience a time without.
Maybe it was his parent's death, he said he was over it yet I wonder how he felt when he wasn't. Most people don't realize what they have until it's gone, he's not like most people.
"Todo were here!"
Looking up Misaki ran to the benches surrounded by sunflowers and rose bushes, the crashing color tend to hurt my eyes but nature had its way of melting the coldest hearts.
Kind of like Misaki did.
Just behind the benches and trees, there was a large gap for a perfect view of the sunset, every 2 weeks I, and Misaki watch the sunset together, and surprisingly it was always empty. Like it was meant for us.
Together we sat staring at the beauty in silence, we've been here many times, yes but the beauty always seems to change.
"One day I'll repay you Misaki"
His emerald eyes left the sunflowers as they met my dirt-brown ones. Nature's perfect colors.
How silly
"Only when I really need it Todo" he smiled.
Now was the time Misaki, the time I repay you.
This can't be happening
This can't be happening
"Hana…no no no no NO"
Takahiro slammed his fists into the table, startling Manami
"I...I don't understand, why is this happening?"
"Is it a curse? No, we have been nothing but good…why why why"
"Some events don't have a reason Takahiro, it's just how the cruel world works now", Manami said, desperately trying to get her frantic husband back into bed.
"She's gone Manami! I mean right after I gave her Usagi's number too, and remember what I told you about the noise upstairs? I know somethings going on, mothers instinct!" Takahiro paced around the living room
The woman chucked, "Mother's instinct?".
Takahiro glared, "I raised him Manami, I can be included as a mother to him!"
"Right..well you are definitely someone he looks up to. You may not be his mother or father but you are his older brother whom he is very grateful for."
Silence
Manami cleared her throat, "Takahiro honey.. Usami has his own personal life you know. Jumping to conclusions isn't the best decision, especially at a time like this."
"You don't understand, I know something up with him."
Takahiro never would've thought he would be feeling or even thinking this way about his beloved best friend but he couldn't help it. The thoughts wouldn't escape his mind, Misaki seemed so close yet so far from his grasp.
Ring Ring
Takahiro might as well have been a dog hearing the word 'treat! Or walk!' with the way his head perked up, rushing to answer the phone.
"T-Takahiro Residence!"
"U-um..Takahiro it's Hiroki"
With a hint of disappointment in his voice, "o-oh Hiroki, whats um what's up"
"I heard the news...I was wondering if you wanted to come over for a drink."
A drink...? Takahiro thought to himself, checking the time it was past 9.
Hesitantly, "I supposed I could stop by".
"Great, I'll see you then"
"Right"
Click.
"Well, that was pleasant" Hiroki sarcastically thought to himself.
Knock Knock
…
Knock Knock
Slowly I opened my eyes, ears filled with the harsh bangs. To my surprise a door in the distance swung open yet the bangs continued, opening my eyes I was pulled and stuffed into the covers harshly. Before I even had a chance to process what was going on I heard a low voice whisper into my ear.
"Don't show your face or even dare speak, cover yourself in these sheets if you don't want another punishment follow my lead."
It was stern, feeling a cold sensation under my chin I slowly positioned my eyes as low as I could go. A gun, sure I knew he wouldn't kill me but he would most definitely hurt me and others.
I nodded hesitantly as Usami covered me in blankets, right before the door bust open he sat next to me using his left hand to position the gun to my head under the sheets.
"Your merely a one-night stand I had who a little too much to drink, keep your face low."
BAM
"USAMI SENSEI, WHERE IS THE DAMN MANUSCRIPT"
I jumped and quickly closed my eyes, burying my face into the fresh sheets. A woman's voice echoed through the apartment while the man sat close.
"THAT DAMN PAPER IS GOING TO BE THE END OF ME WHY CANT YOU EVER GET IT DONE?"
the man sighed, "yeah yeah me too if you keep bursting in like an intruder, who knows if one really does come and I think it's you?"
"THEY WOULDN'T MAKE ANY NOISE IF ONE WERE TO BREAK IN, besides I have my reasons."
"Now I am going to sit here until you finish it even if it takes all day and night."
I heard a slight creak in the couch where I assumed the woman had sat down, I was so close to freedom. It was sitting right next to me.
I couldn't risk her safety though, he had a gun and if he wouldn't use it on me there must be a different reason he may have it.
"Who's this kid you got here?" the lady asked, finally noticing my presence.
I wanted to yell, beg and please "I AM MISAKI TAKAHASHI I AM ALIVE"
but I couldn't.
Forcefully I followed the lie that I was a one night stand who had passed out in the living room from the night before, pretending to be asleep.
"Make me a tea while I get to writing then"
"fine"
The couch felt lighter as she stood and walked to the kitchen, hearing the coupon boards open I felt the hand from under the covers leave.
Slowly looking up at the man he put the gun into his pants, looking at me in a warning.
I closed my eyes, there was nothing I could do yet again.
It seemed as if hours had passed I awoke from my nap, opening my eyes there was drool running down my cheek. My head felt hot and my neck hurt from the awkward positioning.
Just when I wanted to get up I remembered that the woman could still be here, peeking through the covers Usami was nowhere in sight. That's odd.. had the woman left yet?
"Are you awake hun?"
I jumped, instantly hiding in the covers. Shit.
I heard a slight laugh as the woman's sweet voice moved closer. It was softer than when she had come in yelling hell, "are you a kid past their bedtime? get up let me make you some tea".
Once again the couch was light but my body sunk into the cousins for now I was the only one left.
"U-um no thank you, ma'am, may I-I ask where Usagi is?"
"Usagi?"
I fumbled my words, calling him the name my brother did.
"Well you two must be close for such a nickname, weird I never heard of you before though. Anyways, he went off to buy some cigarettes hun."
I jumped up from the covers, "h-he left?".
The woman who was still in the kitchen looked up, startled by my sudden movement.
"Y-yes.."
A grin grew as I stood up from the couch I had been trapped in, I ran towards the confused woman.
Quickly I hugged her tight, "I am-"
"-Misaki?" the woman finished my sentence, I could tell in her voice she was shocked. Hugging me back he stayed close in silence.
I was pulled back so she could take a good look at me, "Yes….Yes! It really is you! W-What are you doing here I've seen you from the news I-"
"He took me! He took me here and he'll hurt anyone who gets in his way! You need to help me you need to get me out of-"
Creak..
"I'm home"
The door slowly opened as the man confidently walked in, noticing my absence from the couch he dropped the bag which held the cigars that scattered as a result.
"Aikawa"
"Usami..how..where you the one that took Misaki..?"
Silence filled the room, I stood behind my only safety.
"Aikawa"
"ANSWER ME"
The man instead closed the door, walking towards us Aikawa grabbed a kitchen knife.
"I am going to take this boy to the police station and you're going to stay here you monster"
I tugged at Aikawas arm, as she turned to me he continued to walk calmly towards us.
Whispering, "he has a gun we can't leave".
"No"
The man finally spoke up, startled Aikawa turned to the man who was just on the other side of the counter.
"you're going to stay here"
BAM
It all happened so fast, hope was there, and with a pull at the trigger, it was gone.
There she lay, I didn't look beneath me. I knew she was dead, the gun had been swiftly pointed at her head before firing.
I wanted to run but instead, I stood there as I felt my socks soak up the thick liquid. It was warm, yet the man's gaze was cold.
"This is all your fault Misaki"
"No.."
"If you had stayed on the couch this wouldn't have happened"
"No.."
"another life lays beneath you"
"NO"
My once warm wet socks were dry as I sat up from the couch, looking around it was dark out.
When winter comes the sun sets earlier.
Gasping for air I jumped from the couch and sprinted towards the kitchen which was…empty?
"what..I.."
"What are you doing?"
A voice called out from behind, turning I dreaded what I saw. There he was, standing in his pj's with two mugs of what I would assume to be coffee. One of them is for me.
"What..wheres.."
"my editor? she has left now, I finished my work so she wouldn't come to bother us anymore."
"O-oh.."
A nightmare?, I had slept all day..but it all felt too real.
"come sit, I'm sorry we didn't go out like I promised but it's been a tiring day and yesterday's incident drained me. Besides you seemed to tired to go out aswell."
"N-No I want to go outside" Heading for the balcony door to my surprise it was tied and locked shut.
"With this morning's incident that's not happening Misaki, if you want to stretch your legs you can go to your room."
He held out the mug, waiting for me to walk over and take it.
I did exactly that before heading up to the cold room.
My mind must seem to like my suffering, or perhaps it's just as desperate as my heart.
Nonetheless, I grabbed a book to calm my nerves, allowing myself to fall into the work of a writer.
I wonder what an author's story can tell of their character, I wonder how different they may seem.
To me though, books can tell you a lot about a writer.
You never truly know a person until you read what they have taken the time to imagine.
As the night passed Usami read peacefully in the living room while Misaki did the same in his room, the cold wind whistling against the windows begging for an entrance.
It was cold out, so was the frozen body, so was the blood-soaked mop, and so was the freshly bleached floor.
