MISPER
A Friend's Concern
''Why the hell not? It would be way safer for you, Mikan.'' Argued Hotaru Imai, Mikan's best friend.
''I think the purpose would be destroyed the moment I'd walk into the hospital, don't you think?'' Mikan countered, rolling her eyes, while cooking dinner.
''If he thinks you're out of town, he wouldn't even think of looking for you here. So you'd be safe.'' Hotaru walked around Mikan's apartment, angry and nervous.
Mikan tried the soup she made. ''I know you think well, Hotaru, but if I pretend now that I moved and he saw me walking around the city, Kami-sama knows what might happen. And it's not like he would target me.''
''Of course, he would. You're the daughter of the survivor. And you're pregnant for Kami-sama's sake! Think of your child!''
Mikan turned to Hotaru. ''I can't leave my mother, Hotaru. I know I'm being stupid. But if it means he might come after me and it helps the police to catch him, then I'm willing to play the bait.''
Hotaru was already red with anger. ''No one asked you to play the bait! So don't play the hero and grow up! If I have to, I'll personally drag you out of here and lock you in a room until it's safe! This isn't funny anymore! I let you do stupid things before because I knew you were desperate – but I had no idea how bad it was! What's wrong with you?!''
Mikan's eyes welled up. ''I'm sorry, Hotaru. I know I lied to you about what I was doing, but I just wanted-''
''It doesn't matter what you what! It's about your safety! Your child's safety! He's a killer! Do you want to die? Are you willing to throw your life away just to solve this case?'' Hotaru grabbed her shoulders and shook her. Mikan started to cry and fell into Hotaru's arms. The balck-haired girl hugged her and made her sit, because she was too heavy.
''I just wanted to make sure they catch him.''
Hotaru's voice became gentler. ''I know… But the police is working really hard now. Do them a favour and stay safe, Mikan.''
Mikan nodded and buried her face into Hotaru's shoulder. She came to visit Mikan this afternoon, after she heard the whole story in the news. She felt bad to have worked all the time until now and was hardly any help to Mikan. The two of them did meet up when Yuka was still missing and Hotaru helped her as much as she could, but she did not know what Mikan was doing. She had had no idea.
And this evening, she marched into Mikan's apartment and gave her a piece of her mind. She suggested Mikan hid for the time being until the police caught Persona – or at least pretended to be hiding, so he would come out and search for her. Hotaru had a hunch that Mikan was being targeted, but Mikan did not think so. So they argued back and forth about the matter until Mikan burst in tears.
''I just want you to be all right.'' Hotaru whispered into Mikan's ear and the crying girl nodded. ''You'll be sleeping at mine in a few days, whether you like it or not. I'm not leaving you here.''
''But I have the police protecting my flat.''
''Doesn't matter. That won't help if that crazy guy gets you when they're not looking.''
Mikan sighed, wiping her tears and looking at her friend. ''Thank you, Hotaru. It means a lot to me.''
This time, Hotaru's eyes welled up. ''You silly girl. You have until the end of the week to pack what you need and then I'm taking you with me, all right?''
Mikan nodded, trying to stand up. Hotaru helped her to her feet and together they cooked dinner, without saying another word. Mikan knew Hotaru was right. She was an idiot for staying here, while she might be in danger. But there was this feeling… Something that made her stay. It was not just her crush on Inspector Hyuuga. It was a hunch. A hunch that something will happen one of these days and she should stay and witness it.
But she would listen to Hotaru. In a few days, she would secretly move out and let he police watch over her there.