Ran smiled and leaned against Shinichi. He, in turn, put an arm around her shoulders and hugged her close. His head ducked down, lips by her ear to whisper something sweet and romantic that left Ran blushing but with a radiant smile. Finally, she was happy. Shinichi was back, he loved her, and in that moment, everything was perfect.

Yet Kazuha couldn't bring herself to feel happy for her friend. Instead, a tear slid down her cheek. She was a fool. Kudo-kun was restored, the Syndicate was behind bars, and Ran was happier than she'd ever been before. She should be pleased. Should be able to smile for her best friend. In place of the smile was cold, bitter jealousy.

"Yo, Kazuha," Heiji greeted. She stiffened. She hadn't even heard him come in. Wiping away her tears, she put on a fake smile and turned to him. Immediately, a look of concern crossed the detective's face. "Ya alright?" he asked.

Kazuha wanted to laugh. She should have known he would notice. Even if there were no tears, the redness of her eyes was more than enough to be discovered. Famous detective Hattori Heiji really lived up to his name. "Yeah," she croaked. "I'm fine." Then Heiji's expression darkened. She unconsciously lifted a hand to her cheek, horrified to find it wet once more.

The Osakan teen crossed the room and stood by her side. "Hey, what's wrong?" he asked. There were no traces of mockery. Not even he- who argued with and ridiculed her on a daily basis- would taunt her in times like this. That was when he took up his 'best friend' role. His hand came to rest on her shoulder, and she flinched away.

"'M fine," she lied.

"Sure ya are. And I suppose yer crying like someone ran over yer puppy cause yer happy," he scoffed. Kazuha bit her lip, trying not to sob. "Kazuha," he began warningly.

Suddenly, words were pouring out.

"I-I know I should be happy f-for them," she whimpered. "I, I mean, Ran-chan and Kudo-kun are finallly together. B-but I can't help but feel jeal-ous. I like someone too, Heiji. Why c-can't he like me back?" She swept at her eyes, trying to brush away the tears that kept falling. Heiji only stared. Stared at her face, speckled with salty droplets. Her glistening green eyes. The way the setting sun seemed to cast shadows upon her that outlined her face perfectly. When had she…? Was she always that beautiful?

I like someone too. Suddenly the detective's heart froze over. She… liked someone? He swallowed thickly, feeling his mouth and throat go dry. It was hard to breathe. Why was that so painful? Heart hammering (more like throbbing- he swore it had been stabbed), the teen clawed his voice back. "Tha- Um… Who is it?" He winced at his own stammering. He had literally no idea what to say. He, Hattori Heiji, young genius and probably the most outgoing guy you could ever meet, was at loss. His friendly, carefree nature had abandoned him. His knee-jerk scream reaction had failed. Even his composed detective mind had shut down.

Then Kazuha's eyes (and he only just realized they were his favorite shade of green- that darkened emerald) locked onto his and he stopped breathing entirely. No words were spoken. The raw pain etched onto her face, directed at him of all people, was all the answer he needed. She… Kazuha liked him? Heiji had always known they were best friends, perhaps a bit more. He felt at ease when she was around. He loved their daily arguments (she really was the only one who could irritate him that much). He felt like he would die when she was in danger, and nearly collapsed from relief when he saw she was safe. But… she liked him? That wasn't possible.

Was it?

Heiji took a step forward, murmuring, "God, Kazuha… I didn't… I don't…" What? He didn't what? Didn't know? Didn't feel the same? Kazuha was his best friend, something of an annoying little sister (Somehow that didn't seem quite right). That was the way it had always been (Who says things can't change?).

The girl, the young woman, lifted a hand to silence him. "It's okay, Heiji," she hiccuped. "I know you don't like me in that way. It's s-stupid, right? Everyone said we were a couple. We always denied it." Heiji found himself unconsciously moving forward. (What are you doing) "And now here I am, crying like an idiot because they were right. I really do like you Heiji." He lifted a hand, mesmerized. His gaze was fixed on her face. Her eyes were red-rimmed, cheeks flushed a shade darker than rose. (This isn't right, she's your friend, nothing more) "A-and I think it may be more 'n that. I think I may love you, Heiji. But-!"

Her words caught in her throat. Kazuha's shining eyes were wide with shock. Heiji's mirrored them. His hand rested on her cheek, gentle and warm. His fingers were calloused, rough against her smooth skin from his years of kendo. Neither breathed. Their hearts were fluttering.. "Hei…ji?" Kazuha breathed.

"I…" he leaned forward. She tried to move back, but his free hand snaked around her back and held her in place. He was so close, he could feel her warm breath on his face. Her name left his lips before what little space between them vanished.

All rational thought was gone. It had left a long, long time ago, when he first saw her tear-stained face. Kazuha's lips were soft against his chapped ones, tasting of salt water and something else he couldn't name nor describe but left him craving for more. He held her closer, pressing her to him with a possessiveness he didn't know he had. (but then again, he didn't know about any of these feelings until now) And when had her hands gotten around his neck? Heiji decided he didn't care because it meant she was responding and that was all that mattered.

They parted with muddled minds and little breath. Two pairs of green eyes opened, still bright with… what? It was impossible to tell, but it was amazing.

"Heiji?" The Osaka girl asked faintly. The detective gave her a smile that's was uncharacteristically shy. Then, with another rush of nerves and excitement, he reached for her again.

Look, fluff! :D Random fluff from outer space! No, seriously. I have no idea where it came from. An imaginary meteor drilled into my head and planted the idea there, refusing to let me rest until I finished it. Anyway, thay's all I want to say. Sayonara!