"W-Wait!" Aoko skipped on one leg and out of her house, her shoelace still untied.
Her father stopped and turned, giving a sigh and raised his eyebrows as he watched his clumsy daughter still trying to manage her shoelace without falling flat on her face. After several tries of hopping and tying her laces at the same time, Aoko gave up her stupid stunts and decided to do it in a proper manner.
She squatted down in her position and tucked her foot more nicely before giving a strong tug onto the strings.
"The heist starts at seven, why are you going so early today?" Ginzo frowned.
Aoko sprang up to her feet once she was ready and skipped over to her father's side. They began walking out of their house and towards the car that was parked just outside their house, a scene that Aoko rarely saw since her father used the car go to work and he was always at work.
"There's nothing to do at home."
"What about Kaito-kun? I thought you'll go with him later."
Ginzo unlocked the door and get in the driver seat while Aoko sat next to him and they shut their door in sync, though she did it with more force intended and the car shook a little due to the impact she caused. He stared at Aoko for a moment before he went to deal with his seat belts.
"Don't even talk about him." Aoko finally said, gritting her teeth and grabbing her seat belts. She wished she didn't help Kaito ask her father for an extra entrance ticket to the museum that Kid was holding his heist at and let him pay for himself.
That ungrateful jerk, calling her stupid and flat-chested whenever he opened his mouth and pissing her off every single time. Yesterday, he called her a bunch of nicknames that Aoko didn't wish to ever hear for 31 times!
The number wasn't random. Aoko decided to count that day since she wanted to know how much she was willing to endure him and when she heard it for the 31st times, she decided that she had enough.
It was a Saturday today so they hadn't talk or meet each other yet and Aoko couldn't be bothered either. She was determined to ignore his calls if he called and ask to go to the museum together.
Too bad for him. She got a free ride from her dad and he would have to squeeze on a train or something.
Her father started the car and began to drive. "You two had a fight?"
Aoko crossed her arms and glared out of the window, giving a soft hiss when they passed by Kaito's house. "Not really. It's more of a one-sided fight. I'm angry with him and he probably didn't even know."
"Communication is key," Ginzo said.
Those words immediately snapped Aoko's neck to her side, her lips parted for a second before she sealed them again. Whatever communication her father was talking about, she wondered if he ever considered using it for their father and daughter relationship before.
"Though fighting between a couple is a common thing." He continued.
Aoko's eyes almost popped out if she didn't blink fast enough.
"Dad?!"
Ginzo glanced over, a flash of pain appeared on his face as he rubbed his ear. "What?"
"Don't ever say that word in front of me and Kaito."
"Fighting?"
"No! C-couple!" Aoko exclaimed and rubbed both side of her arms, feeling the goose bumps under her fingers. It was just a silly and simple word but having to hear it from her father and him actually referring it to Kaito and her just seemed so wrong in many sense.
The car stopped at a traffic light and he gave a questioning gaze at his daughter. "You two aren't dating?"
Aoko rubbed her arms ever harder. "Don't say that anymore." She pleaded.
The older Nakamouri just shrugged and began driving again when the lights turned green. When the car ride grew silent, saved for the occasional grumbling made by her father when a car cut his lane, Aoko focused her attention on the passing houses and trees.
Keiko always thought there was something between Kaito and her, even Haruka too when she wasn't even her close friend in the first place. Hakuba often reminded her not to get too close with Kaito which she still couldn't understand and Akako often treated her as a rival even when she explained that there was nothing going on between Kaito and her.
What exactly did she do to let everyone think that they were together? Was it simply because she was his table-partner? Was it because she was always the one chasing him with a mop and being responsible in getting him to behave appropriately in class? Was it because she was always the one cooking dinner for him and occasionally sharing her lunch with him when he seemed too tired to even walk to the canteen?
She scoffed at the thought and began to picture their life in sequence. So they grew up as childhood friends. A bonus point. They were neighbours too. Wow, another bonus point.
If their life was really as wonderful as fiction, Aoko had read enough novels and watched enough movies to know what would happen next. Probably some silly fights between them or maybe a third party came to disrupt their life. But in the end, they would hug each other and exchange a kiss and all would go well.
Like she said, if their life was really as wonderful as fiction.
Now in high school, both of them were still childhood friends and neighbours. However, those points didn't matter anymore. People change. Distance grew. Friendship, relationship...
Aoko sighed inwardly and closed her eyes, leaning her head back on the headrest. It was all Kaito's fault again. Whenever she thought of him, those thoughts would always lead to her thinking about their relationship, or friendship or whatever status they were in. And then there would be no conclusion to it but this annoying pain continuously swirling in her chest for the entire day.
But school aside... Aoko quietly glanced over at her father. To think that her father who was often missing from her life also thought that they were a couple... it made her more confused.
Aoko suddenly got the urge to ask him but since she was the one who said to drop the subject, she didn't have the guts to ask. Furthermore, the closer they were to the museum, the more agitated and restless her father became. After all, Kaitou Kid would appear at that place in just a few hours and her father probably couldn't wait to get there as soon as possible to command his squad.
Asking him now would probably just made him feel irritated at her.
Sinking into her seat, she decided to push those question to the back of her mind for now.
.o.
"Team A, C and D have arrived. Team B is on the way with the lights and equipment." Sakata reported.
"Good. Tell everyone to report at the hall when Team B reached. I want to brief everyone the procedures again." Ginzo remarked and crossed his arms in a huff. "Damn the owner, still insisting to open the museum even when Kaitou Kid is coming. Gives me nothing but trouble."
"There should be enough time! There's still a few hours before the heist starts." Aoko chirped and gazed at her father, hoping to see his frown disappeared with her encouragement. The reaction he gave back to her was like a punch in her face.
"I gave you the walkie-talkie already, why are you still lingering here?"
Aoko pouted. Unable to say anything, she huffed and whirled around in her position, stomping off without turning back once. Why did she even bother trying to lighten her father's mood when all he cared about was Kaitou Kid and his plans on capturing the thief? Glaring ahead, Aoko reminded herself not to try so hard the next time and marched further inside the building.
Like what her father wanted, she would stay the hell away from him. Far, far away.
After a few minutes of endless and pointless walking around the museum, Aoko finally cooled down and her strides became normal again. Going back to her cheerful demeanor and pretending like nothing affected her at all, she strolled down the hall after telling herself it would be all wasted effort to be angry over such a stupid matter.
It was only after a while when something in her heart told her to stop right outside this specific door on the first floor. Her feet obeyed her thoughts without hesitation and she was already making her way towards that particular entrance that caught her eyes out of the other dozen rooms on the same floor.
Kid's heists would only start hours later and she still had plenty of time to look around and think of the possible escape plan. For now, she should enjoy herself before the museum opened to public as she might not have the chance to do so anymore.
There was no way she was going to become like her workaholic father.
Smiling to herself, she walked right into the room with her two hands playfully placed behind her back. Out of ten heist, at least six were held in museums and Aoko got the privilege to explore around for free. Not only did she save on paying the entrance fees, looking at fancy art pieces broaden her creativity a little too.
When Aoko first stepped into the room, her eyes widened in surprise when she became aware that someone was already inside before her. Aoko raised an eyebrow when she noted the person was neither the owner of the museum or any member from the task force and immediately built up her guard and made a stance when she thought of the chance that it could be Kaitou Kid in disguise.
She didn't have to stare for long to she know who the person was.
"K-Kaito?!" Aoko blinked numerous times, still not able to process the image she was seeing.
The said man tilted his head towards her.
"Yo."
"Why are you here?!"
"And why not? You gave me the ticket."
She finally stood by his side, hands on her hips. "The museum is only open to public a few hours later!"
He rubbed the back of his head nonchalantly, his eyes went back to focus on what was ahead of him. "I thought I can come anytime and was only informed a while ago that the museum would open later. But one of the officer recognized me and allowed me in." He finally faced her and he grinned while showing her a victory sign.
Aoko frowned. "You came without me."
His face fell lax and he put his arm down. "You came without me too."
They stared for a moment and she decided to be the first to look away as she set her eyes on her boyish-looking shoes. "It's because you pissed me off." She mumbled.
"What's new?" Kaito turned away again.
Aoko waved her fist threateningly at him. "And you still have the cheeks to say what's new?"
Kaito showed a face that audiences would make when a baby started to cry in the middle of a show. "Don't shout, how am I supposed to enjoy all these art pieces when your voice is echoing in this peaceful room?"
A vein popped on her temple. She knew that insulting each other were their way of communication but Aoko really had enough for today. Her father didn't want her to be around him and now Kaito find her a nuisance. Great, two most precious people in Aoko's world didn't want her to be within an arms' length from them. Her fist that was still hanging in the middle of the air was slowly brought down and she closed her eyes.
Then so be it.
Just as Aoko was about to turn away and leave the room like what Kaito wished for, she suddenly felt slender fingers grabbing hold on her wrist, stopping her movements without fail. Her body froze despite the warmth that was radiating on her skin.
"Hey, what do you think of this?"
Aoko glanced at Kaito over her shoulder, her face etched with confusion. "Huh?"
He gestured his head over at the direction he was looking at and her gaze followed until it landed on the huge art that was hung right in front of them. All these while, she was so focused on Kaito that she didn't even notice such a large painting at all.
His fingers left her wrist and she said nothing about that brief physical contact. Instead, she turned her full body to the painting and her attention was fixated at the picture that Kaito asked her to comment.
It was a painting of a lady sitting on a small bench at the corner, with her face buried deep into her two hands. Behind her was a man, still holding onto the knife that he stabbed right at the woman's back. The painting simply conveyed the meaning of betrayal, but something in the man's eyes told Aoko the story wasn't so simple.
The man... he looked frightened and sad too.
Aoko considered what she should reply to Kaito's question for a while but decided to keep her answers simple first. "The woman was betrayed by the man."
"Yeah." He muttered.
She thought Kaito would prompt her for more answer and not just let the conversation end there but she was wrong. Giving him a sidelong glance, she stared at his usual poker face before she choose to continue to say what she really felt.
"However, I supposed the man didn't want to betray the woman." Aoko licked her lips carefully. "He looked like he was suffering as much as her."
"Do you think she should forgive him?"
Aoko turned her head sharply over at Kaito. She was expecting to hear at least a remark about her answer, but a question like that... She glanced back at the painting again.
"It depends on what form of betrayal and the reason behind it." Aoko shrugged. "Nonetheless, the woman is still betrayed and that fact doesn't change. So no matter if she forgives him or not, she wouldn't feel the same amount of trust towards him anymore, I guess."
For now, Aoko wasn't sure if there was anything else for her to add to her answer. She kept her lips closed, contemplating for a few seconds during the deafening silence until a random thought sprang into her mind and her mouth moved on its own.
"Then... do you think he deserves to seek for her forgiveness?"
It might have been her imagination but she felt the room went colder by a few degree. Aoko peered over at Kaito. His arms were crossed, lips pursed and eyes focused in a way that she had rarely seen. It was more like she never seen him looked so concentrated like this before, at least not for studies or anything related in school.
"Well," He started and she cut off her thoughts, deciding to listen to what he had to say, "it depends on what kind of betrayal, like you said. If it's grave, maybe he doesn't deserves it."
"Hmm, what if the reasons were understandable?"
"I don't think the reasons matter to the woman anyway."
Aoko didn't know what to say anymore. All she could do was to watch him quietly from the corner of her eyes before looking back at the painting again. Slowly, she moved towards the small plate nailed to the wall beside the frame, her eyes darting across each words.
It was painted by a foreigner and Aoko couldn't tell if the name represented a female or a male artist. The title for the work was called Grief but it could have represented the grief of the man or woman in the painting.
In the end, there were always two stories to tell in just one picture.
She turned her head and stared at Kaito. "Never knew you're interested in art appreciation."
"Of course not. I've asked for an entrance ticket to the museum because I'm interested in baking."
Aoko clicked her tongue.
Kaito slightly grinned at his success for irritating her and rubbed his stomach. "You wanna eat dinner? I'm really hungry though."
"Dinner at this timing?!" Aoko narrowed her eyes. "You've skipped lunch again, right?"
He flicked his hair in a manner that made her want to punch his face. "Mother knows best."
Aoko raised her arm. "Well son, come over here right now because you deserve a beating from your mother."
It wasn't really surprising to know that no matter where they were, it would always be the perfect place for Kaito to do his running while Aoko would do her chasing.
.o.
When both of them finished eating their late lunch (early dinner) at a ramen stand a few streets away, they went straight back to the museum, to find it packed with many people who obviously wasn't there to appreciate the art pieces at all.
Everyone was crowded at the first floor, leaving the second and third floor empty despite the vast number or artifacts displayed just for today's exhibition because no one cared about those when they were only concerned about the crystal placed on the stand made of stone. Actually, they weren't interested in the jewel either. What they cared about was that Kaitou Kid would be there to steal that gem away.
Surrounding the stand were four guards that her father appointed, their back facing the jewel. Within a few meters of space, the inspector got all his men to line up in one straight row, blocking the citizens from getting too close to the gem that was worth a million or two.
Even Aoko couldn't get any closer. Not like she wasn't allowed to, it was more like she couldn't even get the chance. In just that first floor, it was flooded with the amount of people that were supposed to be spread evenly across all museum's floors.
"K-Kaito?" She turned her head everywhere, her voice lost to the chattering and excited squeals made by Kid's fan. No matter how much Aoko looked, Kaito was still nowhere to be found, though she wasn't expecting to find him within the crowd. It was natural that they got separated after all. They weren't holding hands or tugging onto each other or sticking side by side-
She shook her head desperately. What was her mind even heading to?
Aoko apologized for the fifth time for stepping onto someone's foot again. Now she understood why her father refused or hated to let the public to be anywhere near the venue of the heists. They were often outside the buildings or even forbidden to be near the area where Kid's heists were held and today seemed like it was her first time to be in a heist where the owner allowed the place to be accessed to the public.
And she didn't like it.
Finally after almost a full hour of squeezing and standing, Aoko managed to find the stairs to the second floor and she climbed up a few steps, trying to get as much fresh air as she could. She glanced back from her height and her eyes twitched. All she could see were human heads; she couldn't even see the floor anymore.
She stared across the hall, her eyes fell on the protected jewel before she scratched her chin. Stopping Kid from getting the jewel seemed nearly impossible so once again, she gave herself the task of finding the location where the thief would use to escape.
Turning her back to the crowd, she flew up the stairs and when she finally reached the second floor, it nearly scared her at how quiet and empty it was. The difference between the two levels were just so big that Aoko almost thought she just transported to another dimension or some sort.
Aoko felt the phone in her pocket and shook her head. For now, it would be best if she worked alone. She didn't need Kaito to help her. At least not when she still had a debt she hadn't paid to Kaitou Kid and getting help from someone who was smarter and quicker than her to go against the phantom thief would be a little unfair for the latter.
Not just that, she didn't want her relationship with Kid, or whatever their connection was called to be known to anyone else. She could only foresee nothing but trouble along the way if someone knew about them.
But sometimes, Aoko wondered what Kaito's reaction would be if he ever knew, though she decided to keep the curiosity within herself. It would be better this way.
She began walking down the quiet passageway, feeling a little nervous. She wouldn't be scared if Kaitou Kid appeared right before her but it would be a whole different story if the one that popped right in front of her wasn't a human.
The dim-lit and empty corridor puzzled Aoko for a moment. She thought it would be wise to have guards keeping check on the other floors since leaving it unattended like that would make Kid escaped even easier, though it seemed her father had a different idea from her. She sighed inwardly.
Maybe she should head up to the third floor. Or the roof? Would Kaitou Kid waste so much effort, passing through the crowd with the help of a disguise and speed up to the top floor just to get away? If she was him, she wouldn't do that. Then again, she was never him.
The silence made her tiptoed her way towards the other end that would lead to the stairs to the third floor. Something in her gut was urging her to turn back because the further she walked, the creepier the museum became. All she could do was to tell herself not to turn back because she wasn't sure what she might expect behind her.
Okay, Aoko. Stop scaring yourself! Ghost doesn't exist. Ghost doesn't-
"There's too many people there. We can't get the jewel."
Her breath hitched and she froze on her spot.
"We can shoot. This way, everyone will leave the building."
No, the voices weren't coming from her back but from the room that she was about to pass by in just a few steps. She clasped both of her hands together, a way to help her muster courage before she carefully creep forward.
The room was more well-lit then the corridor due to the spot lights shining on the paintings to emphasize on the beautiful art pieces. Just knowing about that soothed Aoko since she was pretty sure ghost didn't like lights, based on all the horror movies she had watched.
Tentatively, she stuck her head out a little behind the door-less entrance to see who or what was inside the room, talking.
"Are you an idiot? The last thing we want is to get any attention on ourselves."
From her point of view, she saw a few paintings and sculptures and her eyes continued to scan across the room, hoping to locate the source of those gruff and deep voices, and finally she did.
Standing in the middle of the room were a bunch of men dressed in trench coats and hats. There was one that was remarkably outstanding, with his dark-coloured trench coats compared to the rest who were wearing beige-coloured. The way that particular man stood, he seemed to be the one having the authority over the others too.
"Attention is indeed the last thing we want." The leader spoke. "But the jewel is the first thing we want too."
Why do they look so... familiar...? Aoko frowned. Who are they?
The more she pondered, the more curious she became. Her head began to tip forward, hoping to see the men more clearly enough to trigger the memory inside her brain. Apparently her desire in wanting to know their identity was far greater than her logical realization that she was bluntly exposing her hiding location behind the wall.
Suddenly, a hand pointed right at her face and she gasped.
"Someone's there!"
Aoko widened her eyes when everyone's head turned towards her direction, all of their attention were directed right onto her and she knew it was the perfect time for her to run. When she realized the direction she ran was away from the stairs to the first floor but towards the other direction where it would lead to the third floor, it was too late for her to regret now.
Even though the corridor was dimly-lit, Aoko could see the there were two ways for her to choose further up front. One still going straight while the other turning right. But of all times, her mind was blank and she couldn't remember the blueprint of the museum she memorized when her father left it on the dining table. She knew one of the choice would lead to the stairs up while the other... she just couldn't recall.
Is it a dead end? Aoko bit her lips and closed her eyes tightly and finally decided on her choice. She instructed her two legs to continue running straight, passing the corridor that would lead to the right side of the museum.
I'll have to bet on this one. Please don't disappoint me!
Running footsteps? Angry shouts? Or worse, gun shots? Aoko couldn't hear anything but the wind hitting against her face and ears. All her senses in her body were telling her to run and to get to safety, ignoring everything else. Even if she was deadly curious and worried about what was behind her, she still didn't dare to look back.
Her main concern was no longer the appearance of a ghost but the possibility of seeing a gun pointing at her head... She didn't want to see that scene because if she did, her legs probably wouldn't listen to her anymore.
After running for a bit more, Aoko finally spotted a green neon sign that showed the exit and Aoko broke into a huge, relief smile.
I'll find someone. I'll find safety. I'll be alright.
Her mind was beginning to clear when she knew she was going to be fine soon. And when Aoko was able to think, it was then she realized she had always been the one doing the chasing and this was the first time she was being chased and it didn't feel great at all.
For some unknown reason, those thoughts suddenly lead her back to Kaito.
Kaito.
At that moment, her feet tripped onto nothing and she fell forward with a loud cry, her body shifting to her left side before she hit the ground. Her first instinct was to stand up and run again but before that could happen, an immense pain shot right through her left arm that had acted as a cushion for her fall and she let out a sharp wince.
There wasn't any time left to cry or think about the pain. Quickly climbing to her feet, Aoko continued running while her left arm was straightened and stiff by her side, afraid to move in fear of feeling the unwanted pain again.
In the darkness, she finally reached the door that would lead to her exit and relief washed over her like her sweat that was trickling down her forehead. That happy moment didn't last long when Aoko extended her right hand forward, her fingers grabbed onto the metal bar and she gasped when the handle she was struggling with refused to move.
She tried a few more times before tears threatening filled her eyes. After Aoko stopped running, she could finally hear properly again and at that exact moment, she began to hear thunderous sound of footsteps coming her way. Giving up on the exit, Aoko turned away from the door that she thought would save her from the start.
Where- Where?!
Her eyes flew to the windows that were lined across the corridor and she ran forward, only to manage another desperate wail when the glass wouldn't budge under her strength of her right arm. Under the dim light, she scanned across the surrounding the second time, her lips quivering as she repeatedly chant to whatever god she knew that existed.
At the corner right beside the window, Aoko finally noted a large and tall statue of a horse that she failed to see when she was too focused onto the exit previously. She wasn't able to think straight with the fear that was riding throughout her body but her legs were able to move on its own and she sprang over to the statue, hiding herself within the tiny space between the wall and the back of the statue.
In the next two seconds, the two men reached to the exact spot she was standing before and began to violently shake the door handle but failed.
"The door's locked!"
"Then where the hell is she?"
They glanced around from their position. One of them approached the window and tried to push it open while the other was looking at the ceiling before his head slowly turned to the sculpture.
He took a step forward.
Aoko squeezed herself tightly together, her eyes wavering in fear as the sound of the steady footsteps were becoming louder and louder.
Please don't look here. Please don't look here. Please don't look here. In her utmost uncomfortable position, she didn't dare to move, didn't dare to breathe. All she could do was to continue praying and praying under the dark shadow of the statue, hoping just a miracle would happen to her. Just one would do.
"Where's the girl?"
A new voice abruptly spoke and Aoko recognized it as the leader.
The sound of the footstep stopped and grew fainter as the two men joined his boss who just arrived to the scene.
"She's gone." One underling reported.
"I knew she went the other way. If only you listened to me we could have caught her."
"I swear she went this way!"
"Enough." Their leader snapped. There was silence at first until Aoko felt a hand slammed on the wall right next to her and she jumped, her uninjured hand pressed ever harder onto her mouth, barely suppressing a squeak that almost left her lips.
"That girl doesn't matter. She doesn't have any proof of our existence anyway." The dark and heavy tone sent a shiver down Aoko's spine. "What's important is the gem."
"What do we do now, Boss?"
"That pest will steal the jewel in fifteen minutes. We have to get it from him before he escapes." The leader cast a dangerous look over to his members. "If it's Pandora, we'll do everything to stop him."
Aoko didn't like how he emphasized the simple and innocent word in a way that made it sound so deadly. Aoko shut her eyes tight, her hand began to tremble on her face. And what in the world is Pa-Pandora...?
"We've waste enough time." The leader turned away and towards the direction where they came from, his voice grew softer at that instant. "Let's go."
There was no replies given but the footsteps that continued to echo down the hallway clearly told her that they obeyed their leader without any argument. It was only after a minute had passed when Aoko was sure she could no longer hear any sound coming from the corridor then she dared to release the hand from her mouth and let out a heavy sigh that she had kept within her chest for almost an eternity.
Her hand immediately flew to her left arm and she whimpered.
Shit. Shit. Shit.
"Shit." Aoko finally breathed out the word that had been echoing in her head. Biting her quivering lips, she slowly squeezed her arm and gritted her teeth in pain, the tears that started to form in her eyes were blurring her entire vision. It was only when she was alone and safe enough then she could even register how painful her arm had been all these while.
What kind of sin had she done in her previous life to deserve the moment right now? She started to squirm her aching legs and her possibly dislocated or broken left arm against the wall and statue, hoping to avoid letting her body go numb.
Aoko was scared. In pain. Alone. And only when she feel the cold statue embracing her shivering back then she was able to seek that slightest comfort she had been dying to find the entire time.
Just a while ago, she thought it was going to be the end of her life.
They didn't threaten to kill her, nor point a gun or whip out a knife at her. Basically, Aoko had no idea who they were but based on her sixth sense, she knew they were dangerous and they wouldn't leave her unscathed if she was found. That was what her running legs were obviously thinking despite the fact that her brain wasn't working at all.
Now that her brain was able to register that she was safe, her legs were beginning to die.
I'm fine now. I'm fine now. I'm fine now. The only thing she was capable of doing was to constantly repeat the same words in her head and she didn't mind doing that forever. At least she was safe and that was all that mattered.
With that thought tattooed in her mind, Aoko didn't bother to hold back her sobs and she allowed those warm tears that were flooding her eyes to roll down her cheeks freely.
"I'm fine now..." She mewled.
Aoko didn't know how long she had sat there with her tear-stained face, numb feet and terribly painful arm but she was sure it was long enough for Kaitou Kid to steal the jewel away. She could hear screams and cheers from the fans below, the chants of Kaitou Kid! Kaitou Kid! echoing down the silent hallway and she shut her eyes, hoping that those voice would go away.
After a long session of crying to herself, she decided to finally think about what the bloody hell just happened to her.
Caught.
Run. Run. Run.
Fall.
Run.
"That pest will steal the jewel in five minutes. We have to get it from him before he escapes."
Her eyes flung open and her body stiffened. The scene where she saw Kaitou Kid flying right through the building after he was shot flashed across her eyes repeatedly and a new source of fear began creeping under her skin.
She finally remembered who those men were.
"Kaitou Kid..." Aoko breathed out.
Slowly, Aoko stood up, her back leaned back heavily as she slide up the statue, just so to support her from falling again.
"W-Will he be alright?" She asked no one.
Her face furrowed and she shook her head, trying not to laugh at herself when she was so pathetic already. Why am I worried about that sickening thief-
A hiss left her lips when Aoko realized the grip around her injured arm had tightened unconsciously. She was worried for the so-called phantom thief when she wasn't fine herself. Why was she always such a fool?
But being the fool she always was, Aoko silently prayed for another miracle. She wanted to see him behind bars and not in a pool of blood. Death wasn't what she wanted from him, all she wanted was him to stop thieving, that was all.
"He'll be fine." Aoko comforted herself. The sound of the screaming and cheering began to lessen and Aoko knew Kaitou Kid must be conducting his escape plan. She strained her ears, liking the fact that those chants were over so she focused on other sounds that she would pick up but at the same time, she hoped she did not.
Example, a gunshot.
Aoko hiccupped.
She didn't know how long she had been standing there but her hiccups and soft sobs were soon interrupted by the vibrating feeling in her pocket. Her attention was snapped to her phone and she allowed the squeaks to escape her lips when she felt the sharp pain in her arm for the umpteenth times. Aoko tried to straighten her posture again as she pushed herself away from the statue and out of the uncomfortably small space.
Wrong move.
When Aoko left her hiding spot and let her two feet to fully stand on the solid ground by itself, she collapsed on her knee and panted hard, her free hand gently caressing her arm again.
Her phone didn't stop vibrating and Aoko hoped it wouldn't either. Wiping the tears and sweat on her face, she fished out her phone desperately and answered the call without hesitation.
"Hello." She said hoarsely while pressing her left arm against her body.
"Where the hell are you Ahouko? The heist's long over."
Aoko could feel her heart tightened at the sound of Kaito's voice. Without warning, her eyes began to water. Her thoughts and worries about Kaitou Kid vanished and all she could think about was how scared she was again.
What if the men found me? What if I didn't run fast enough? What if I didn't get back up in time? What if I can't see dad and Kaito ever... again?
Kaito cleared his throat. "Aoko?"
Right now, just his voice alone was able to give her comfort, millions of time better than what the statue gave to her.
"I'm turning 18 years old this year, nothing to fear." That was what she told herself and her group of friends as they were hiding behind her while she was fighting against a cockroach in front of her.
"You girls are stupid." Kaito picked up the insect by its feeler and waved it around amusingly, earning everyone's screams including Aoko's.
Admitting it only made her embarrassed but she was always glad that Kaito appeared at the correct time when she needed someone to be by her side. Even simple moments like helping her to fend off insects, she counted them too. Although there were occasions when Kaito wasn't there when she needed someone, she couldn't blame him for it.
He had no obligation to be there for her every time. She was just his best friend and that was the difference between how a relationship and friendship worked.
However this time, Aoko decided to be selfish. She didn't care who she was to Kaito. All she wanted was him to be with her right now because his presence was the only way for her to fully understand that she was really safe from danger.
Her dry and salty lips parted. "Kaito... C-can you come over?" She weakly begged, suddenly feeling very cold. "I'm o-on the second floor."
There was a short silence until Kaito's voice sounded again, this time his tone became serious. "Which part of the second floor?"
She glanced up at the exit door before she let out a breath, her chest feeling extremely heavy and so were her eyelids. "E-Exit B."
"Ok." Immediately, Aoko could hear the sound of wind hitting against the phone. "Oi, are you alright?"
"I-I don't t-think so." She stuttered.
On the cue, Aoko could hear fast and light footsteps heading her way and she recognized them immediately. After all, she had been chasing the only person who was capable of making those footsteps' sound for years.
Slowly, she turned her head and gazed at the figure who appeared right before her in an instant, her hand that was holding onto the phone dropped to her side.
"Why the hell are you kneeling in the middle of the corridor?" Kaito gave a weird look at her and Aoko couldn't find the energy to reply. All she could do was to focus on breathing because she was finding it very hard for her to do so right now.
Kaito slowly squat down beside Aoko, his hand tentatively hovering over her forehead. "Are you-"
"You're fi-finally here..." That was all Aoko could say before she could feel herself leaning forward and falling right into his chest, the pain on her left arm slowly fading and turning numb.
His two arms hastily wrapped around her body and Aoko instantly feel warm at his touch, but the warmth didn't last long even when he held her close to his body and she became cold again. And as black spots began appearing in her vision and his voice started to fade, she wondered why she felt so strangely familiar in Kaito's embrace.
"Aoko! Aoko!"
She couldn't count how many times he shouted her name at that moment.
It was then Aoko suddenly recalled her first encounter with Kaitou Kid and how the thief cradled her in the same way as Kaito when she fainted in the middle of the road. But before she could fully grasp the strange yet nostalgic feeling she felt in Kaito's arm, Aoko fainted.
hmm...
Updates are a little slow nowadays because exams are near sighpie.
But then again, reviews are appreciated yoo