April 23, 2013
Makoto Niijima stood before her classmates, singing her happy birthday, thanks to her homeroom teacher's insistence. Despite Makoto's protestations, the teacher compelled the students to stand and sing, citing Makoto's academic excellence. Unable to escape the spotlight, Makoto stood still, offering only a smile as her peers reluctantly sang. Noticing their discomfort, she couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt.
Once the song concluded, Makoto graciously clapped her hands, bowed, and expressed gratitude. However, as she made her way back to her desk, whispers from her classmates about being the 'teacher's pet' and accusations of privilege followed her. Frustrated, Makoto dismissed these claims, asserting that her success resulted from punctuality, organization, and academic prowess.
"You shouldn't let them bother you, Niijima-san," a soft voice interrupted her thoughts. Makoto turned to see Haru Okumura, a reserved girl who rarely spoke unless spoken to. The fact that Haru was talking to her surprised Makoto. Haru's eyes shifted to Makoto's old buchimaru case. "Oh, I have one too!" She pulled out a newer case with glitter.
"Cool, you got the special edition!" Makoto smiled though jealousy filled her head. "Hey, they're supposed to be in stores next month. How did you get one?" she demanded.
The atmosphere between the two girls became awkward. Haru tucked her auburn hair behind her ear and avoided making eye contact. "My father knows the company, so he made a special request for me to have one before everyone gets one." Then, her eyes widened in excitement. "Oh, I can ask my father to get you one."
Makoto immediately shook her head and said, "No." Her father taught her never to accept anything from people, as if she were a beggar. "But that you for asking."
"Girls!" Makoto and Haru almost jumped out of their seats. Their teacher marched up to them with a stern expression. "Niijima-chan, today is a special day, but that doesn't mean you can interrupt the class." Makoto lowered her head in shame, hearing some of her classmates snigger.
"Look at that," she heard. "The teacher's pet got in trouble."
"Sorry, Sensei," Haru spoke up. "It was me that started talking to Niijima-san. She's not at fault here." The older woman glanced over at Haru with a smile. "It's alright, Okumura-chan. You two aren't in trouble. But please, pay attention from now on. You two can continue talking during the break."
Just as the teacher began to walk back to the podium, the door opened, revealing the principal. "Excuse me, Niijima-san needs to come to my office." He beckoned the girl forward. The classroom erupted in whispers. Makoto glanced at Haru and then at her homeroom teacher, who gestured for her to follow the principal. The girl got up from her seat and stepped out into the hallway. "Sensei, am I in trouble for talking?"
"No, Niijima-san," the principal reassured her as they made their way to his office.
When Makoto stepped inside the principal's office, she was surprised to see her older sister, Sae. "Sis?"
Sae turned her head, seeing Makoto staring at her with confusion. Whipping away her tears, she stood from the chair and staggered to the more petite girl. "Makoto," Sae kneeled and placed her hands on Makoto's shoulders. "Father has been in an accident while working. He got hit by a truck, and… he's dead. Father's dead," Sae chocked out the heart-wrenching revelation, leaving Makoto in stunned silence.
April 23rd, Present Day
Makoto's eyes snapped open as she gasped for air. Quickly sitting up in bed, Makoto frantically scanned the room for her father until she realized she was in her bedroom at the apartment she shared with Sae. Makoto sighed, ran her fingers through her hair, and laid back down. Glancing at the calendar, she noted the date. Great, today is my birthday… and also Dad's death.
Acknowledging that she couldn't stay in bed all day, Makoto swung her legs from underneath the bedsheets. As she went to stand up, her phone buzzed on the nightstand. Seeing Goro on the caller ID, she answered, "Good morning!" Despite Goro Akechi's arrogant demeanor, he knew how to make her feel special when down. "You should have texted me. I know how busy you are in the mornings."
Background noises suggested Goro was in a café. "You know that I'm never too busy for you, Makoto. Happy Birthday!"
"Thank you."
"So, what are the birthday girl's plans for tonight? Other than studying?"
Makoto rolled her eyes as she prepared for her morning run. "Haha, very funny. You should change your career from detective to comedian." Grabbing her earphones, she closed her bedroom door behind her. "But to answer your question… no, I don't have any plans."
"I thought you and Sae-san were going to visit your dad. You two aren't doing that this year?"
"I don't know," Makoto responded, running her finger through her hair out of frustration. "Lately, me and Sis haven't been on good terms, but that doesn't give her an excuse to be a bitch. She would rather be at her workplace rather than at home."
Makoto checked Sae's bedroom and found it empty. The woman wasn't in the living room or kitchen. Typical, she must have left for work. Makoto didn't want Goro to think she was childish for being upset that she might not hang out with Sae on her special day.
"Hey, about this." Someone called Goro's name in the background. "Later tonight, when done in the office, I'll pick you up at your place. We'll go to Kichijoji and go to the jazz bar that you like so much. You can order your favorite mocktail while we listen to the live band. And then, we can head to Penguin Sniper and play billiards or darts. It's up to you, birthday girl."
"Look at you, always having a plan," Makoto said with a smile. Maybe hanging out with Goro in Kichijoji wouldn't be too bad. "Sure. What time will you be here?"
"Maybe around sevenish."
"Well then, I'll see you at seven." Makoto hung up and left the apartment for her fifteen-minute jog around the neighborhood. After finishing, she checked the mailbox and headed to her apartment to prepare for school.
Exiting the train and leaving the Aoyama-Itchome trail station, Makoto faced a little girl tugging on her father's police uniform. Time seemed to slow as Makoto saw her younger self and her father. Oh, Father, why did you have to die so soon and leave me all alone? I can't do this without you.
Wiping away a tear, Makoto continued her walk to school. Stepping inside Shujin Academy, some peers greeted her with a smile and wished her a happy birthday. She thanked them and hurried to the student council room for peace before school started and to review neglected paperwork.
Makoto placed her school bag on the table and grabbed a folder with upcoming events. On May 6th, the annual 'Welcome Back,' showcasing every extracurricular activity at Shujin Academy, would occur in the gymnasium. Makoto sighed, thinking about Akira. She anticipated an uproar among students due to the delinquent with a criminal record joining their club. She would need to address the issue in the next student council bi-weekly meeting after school.
###
When the final bell rang, Makoto swung her bag over her shoulder, ready to exit the classroom. However, her homeroom teacher, Hiruta, intercepted her. "Niijima-san, Principal Kobayakawa requests you to visit his office immediately."
Cocking an eyebrow in confusion at the unusual request, Makoto questioned, "But the Student Council –"
"Student Council will survive without their president," he reassured her. "Please, don't keep Principal Kobayakawa waiting."
Principal Kobayakawa doesn't request me unless something is vital, Makoto thought as she respectfully bowed to Hiruta before heading to the principal's office. Nervousness grew as she approached her destination, questions swirling in her mind about the purpose of this unexpected meeting.
Stopping before the door, she straightened her hair and uniform before knocking. A few seconds later, Makoto heard Principal Kobayakawa's voice. "Come in," he said. She took a deep breath, turned the doorknob, and stepped inside, immediately regretting her presence. Sitting across from Principal Kobayawa was an angry Sae. "Niijima-san, I'm so glad that you can join us. Please close the door and have a seat."
Makoto complied and sat beside Sae, her curiosity and apprehension growing. Clearing her throat, she asked, "What is this about? Why is my sister here?"
"I asked your sister here because we need to understand your strange behavior lately." Principal Kobayakawa turned to Sae. "I'm sorry to call you away from work, Prosecutor Niijima. I hope you weren't busy."
"I was," Sae stated in a flat tone.
Principal Kobayakawa cleared his throat before continuing. "Niijima-san, there have been complaints from students and teachers about you spending an awful amount of time with Kurusu-san, Sakamoto-san, Mishima-san, and even Takamaki-san. Four troubling students and three of them are on the list of expulsion. Your association with them is making everyone uncomfortable."
"Uncomfortable?" Makoto was flabbergasted. "Principal Kobayakawa, that is absurd. My friendship with them is no one's business. I have continued to be a diligent student and president of the student council. Who filed a complaint?"
"Hidetoshi Odagiri-san and Kamoshida-san," he answered. "Odagiri-san stated that you have been distant from meetings and events. He also mentioned that you aren't fit to be student council president."
"Sir, I –"
"I'm not finished!" Kobayakawa raised his voice, startling Makoto. Glancing at Sae, who remained still, he continued, "I have half a mind to strip you of your duties after what Kamoshida told me. He knows you've been scheming with Kurusu and his friends to get him fired. Are you out of your mind, Niijima-san?"
"I am doing what is right."
"And what is it exactly? Sakamoto has been obsessed with Kamoshida since last year over an unfortunate incident that was his to blame. He dragged Kurusu into his little scheme, then Mishima and Takamaki, and now look what's happening. Do you want to end up like them, Niijima?"
When Makoto lowered her head and didn't say a word, Kobayakawa turned his attention to Sae. "Prosecutor Niijima, I know it isn't easy to raise a child while having a successful career and no male figure around, but maybe you can –"
"Don't tell me how to raise a child. I've been doing this for three years now." Sae glared. "None of this would be happening if you didn't let her watch over that damn criminal in the first place. Makoto has a habit of trying to help everyone, so it's no surprise that he brainwashed her."
Makoto jumped out of her seat and stared down at Sae. Tears formed in her eyes, but she didn't care. "I didn't let Akira brainwash me! Something has been going on at this school since Kamoshida was employed. First, with the track team, and then an athlete almost died. I'm just trying to –"
"Sit down," Sae sternly said, grabbing Makoto's wrist tightly, causing her to flinch. Once she plopped down in the chair, Sae let go of her wrist and looked at the principal. "Principal Kobayakawa, I apologize for Makoto's immature behavior lately. Is there anything she can do that will keep her position and not damage her acceptance to college?"
"Yes, she'll need to stop associating with Kurusu and his friends and start acting like the student council president again," he turned to Makoto. "You'll also need to apologize to Kamoshida. He's upset that a student like yourself would stoop so low into harassing him. Volleyball practice should be over now, so Kamoshida should be in his office. Are we clear, Niijima-san?"
"Yes, sir," Makoto said and stood up. "I am sorry for straying away from my duties as student council president and making everyone doubt me. I will not make that mistake again." She bowed to Principal Kobayakawa before leaving the office with Sae.
When Sae closed the door behind her, the two sisters silently stood in the hallway. "I am going back to the office because, unlike someone, I have important things to do."
"Sis, I –"
"Don't. The adult is talking." Sae raised her index finger to silence Makoto. "For three years, I have tried to give you the perfect life without Dad. I enrolled you in Shujin Academy, so you are guaranteed to get into the best university in Japan. I am working non-stop to put food on the table and clothes on your back. And this is how you want to thank me? By conspiring with delinquents?"
"They're not delinquents," Makoto argued. "They are innocent students that Kamoshida wants gone because they want justice. If Dad were alive, he would –"
"Don't you dare finish that sentence," Sae stated, her voice getting louder. "If Dad were alive, he would, with all his might, try to uncover the truth. And look what happened to him. He died and left all of his responsibilities to me. It is time that you grow up."
"But I was only –"
"I don't have time for this." Sae walked around Makoto and headed to the stairwell. "You're going to apologize to Kamoshida right now and head straight home." And with that, Sae walked further down the stairs and out of Makoto's sight.
Makoto went to head toward Kamoshida's office, but she decided to stop by the student council room first. Stepping inside, she saw that the meeting was over, and Odagiri stayed behind to work on homework. He glanced to see Makoto glaring at him. "Ah, Niijima-san, how did the meeting with Principal Kobayakawa go?"
"You lied," Makoto stated.
Odagiri tilted his head. "Lied about what? I only told the principal everything that I and the other officers noticed. You have been spending time with that transfer student, and people have been talking. I'm trying to protect the student council's reputation while you're trying to ruin it."
"Well, that's soon going to stop starting right now. Oh, and the next time you go to the principal and spread lies about me, your ass will be kicked out," Makoto stated before taking her leave.
Makoto exited the main building, walked across the courtyard to the practice building, and made it to Kamoshida's office just in time. He left his office with his bag in hand, ready to go for the day. "Kamoshida-sensei," Makoto called out.
The man had a smirk on his face. "Niijima-san, I thought you would never show your pretty little face. How about we step inside my office and –"
"I'm more comfortable if we speak in the hallway."
A frown formed on Kamoshida's face. "Okay."
"I apologize for scheming with Kurusu, Sakamoto, Takamaki, and Mishima to get you fired." Makoto felt like she was about to vomit. "I don't know what came over me, but I am truly sorry. Is there a way for you to forgive me? I'll make sure it'll never happen again."
Kamoshida's frown turned into a sickening grin, and his eyebrows rosed. "Well, there is something you can do for me that will make me forget your involvement." He stepped forward and gently caressed Makoto's shoulder. She stepped back. "Ah, don't be like that, Niijima-san. You want me to forgive you, right?"
"Not like that. And if you touch me again, I'll tell my sister and have you arrested quicker than you can blink." Makoto didn't give Kamoshida another glance as she turned around and hurried out of the building.
Makoto took a deep breath once she reached the train station and onto the train. She felt like everyone around her turned against her just because she was doing the right thing. Today was different from how she expected her birthday to turn out. Makoto planned to visit the cemetery to visit her dad and possibly eat with Sae. Just then, Makoto felt her phone vibrating. She pulled it out and saw a text message from Goro.
Goro: Sorry, but I won't be able to take you out tonight. Something came up in the office. Maybe next time?
Makoto stared at the message, feeling her heart sank.
Makoto: You don't have to apologize. I know how busy you are.
She tucked her phone back into her pocket. She stared out of the window, seeing buildings come and go. "Happy birthday to me."
###
Zenkichi had never expected to set foot in The Velvet Room again after his divorce from Aoi, but here he is. The Velvet Room, a classy dance club in Shinjuku, is frequented by elites and the mafia. Zenkichi used to spend his time there, drowning his sorrows in alcohol and substances, paying girls to listen to his woes. Those dark times are behind him now; he promised to stay away if he wanted to be part of Akane's life.
Glancing at Goro, Zenkichi noticed the intern shoving his phone into his pocket. "What got you in a foul mood? Had a hot date, but she canceled?"
"No, more like I canceled on her."
"You should call her after we're done. We shouldn't be here that long," Zenkichi said as he and Goro exited the vehicle. "I just want to ask some questions and look at the security footage."
The pair walked towards the entrance, brushing off the shouts of party-goers eager to enter the club. Theodore, one of Zenkichi's favorite bouncers, eyed the detective with surprise. "Are my eyes deceiving me, or is that Zenkichi Hasegawa standing before me?"
Zenkichi opened his arms wide, embracing Theodore. "The one and only. How have you been, Theo?"
"I had better days," he responded. Theodore's eyes shifted towards Goro, who stood behind Zenkichi. "You must be Zen's new intern?" Goro nodded. "His last intern looked around your age but sadly died during a case." Goro gulped.
"He's kidding," Zenkichi said. "Theodore, how often do I have to tell you to stop scaring my interns."
"As many times I want." Theodore's face turned serious. "What are you doing here, Zenkichi? You know Igor doesn't like any trouble. It's bad for his business."
"I just want to ask a couple of questions and look at the security footage regarding the disappearance of Kikuchi-san," Zenkichi responded and noticed Theodore's eyes filled with sadness.
The detective sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. He had heard rumors in The Velvet Room that Theodore and Eda liked each other. The rumors turned out true when Eda disappeared. "I thought you gave up on the case."
"I can't let a poor girl like Kikuchi-san believe she's never going to be found while the culprit walks." Zenkichi cleared his throat. "Where is Igor, Theo?"
Theodore glanced inside the club and spotted Igor at the bar, talking to the bartender. "He's over at the bar but with Elizabeth."
"Seeing my past fling wasn't on my to-do list," Zenkichi mumbled to himself before thanking Theodore and gesturing for Goro to follow.
Belladonna's soprano voice filled Zenkichi and Goro's ears when they entered the club. Zenkichi's eyes scanned the room until he spotted Igor at the bar, just like Theodore said. Igor has always been a strange person to Zenkichi. He is a bizarre older gentleman with a long nose and bulging eyes. No one knows the man's past and how he obtained The Velvet Room; only that he came from overseas ten years ago and made residents in Tokyo.
Igor stood tall behind the bar counter while chatting with Elizabeth, the beautiful bartender and Zenkichi's past fling. They paused the conversation when they noticed Zenkichi and Goro walking their way. "Zenkichi," a significant grin formed on Igor's face. "It's been such a long time. How have you been?"
"It has been a long time, huh?" He turned his attention to Elizabeth. "Hey, Liz!"
She scoffed. "It's Elizabeth, you bastard."
"Aw, come on, Liz. Is that a way to talk to a detective?"
"No, but if the detective is you… then yes." Elizabeth gave Zenkichi one last nasty look before making a drink for a customer.
"Zenkichi, let's talk inside my office." Igor gestured for them to follow him. "What's your name, my boy?"
"Goro Akechi, sir. I'm Hasegawa's intern."
"Well, it's nice to meet you." Igor opened his door, letting Goro and Zenkichi inside before closing the door behind him. "So, how can I help you, gentlemen?"
Zenkichi took out Eda's photo and gave it to Igor. "I am reopening the disappearance of Kikuchi-san, Igor. Her father came to visit me and begged me to find her. I couldn't say no."
"Yes, her disappearance struck a nerve with the other employees. Some days, I imagine Kikuchi-san walking through those doors with a smile." Igor gave the photo back to Zenkichi. "What do you want from me?"
"Just a couple of answers, and I want to look at the security footage. If you don't mind."
"I don't mind. Ask away."
Zenkichi gave his notepad and pen to Goro. "When was the last time you saw Kikuchi-san?"
"New Year's Eve. The club was packed that night with regulars and a lot of tourists.
"When was her shift supposed to end?"
"She's a college student, so around midnight."
"Who did she see last?"
Igor shrugged. "I don't know."
Zenkichi frowned. "You don't know who she spoke to last? C'mon, Igor, that's bullshit, and you know it. When I was a regular, you always walked around, watching the girls like a hawk. But you suddenly don't remember?" He took out his phone. "How about I call the station and tell them that illegal drug deals occur here?"
Igor sighed. "She was with Suguru Kamoshida, but it doesn't mean anything. Kamoshida is a good regular, and the girls love him."
Zenkichi and Goro shared a look. "Kamoshida's name sure has been popping up lately," Goro said.
"What are you talking about?" Igor asked. "You know something about Kamoshida?"
"It has something to do with another case," Zenkichi explained. "Igor, can we please see any footage that night?"
"Sure thing." Igor pulled up the security footage and gestured for Goro and Zenkichi to stand behind him. "See, there's Kikuchi-san and Kamoshida. Everything seems normal."
And Igor was right. In the black and white footage, Kamoshida sat in a small booth with Eda on his lap. The pair laughed at something Eda said, and then she offered him a drink. The pair talked for another ten minutes, then Kamoshida glanced down at his watch and pushed Eda off his lap. Igor switched to another camera angle that showed Kamoshida leaving The Velvet Room.
"As I told you, she did talk to Kamoshida but didn't leave with him," Igor said.
Zenkichi rubbed his goatee. "You said Kamoshida is a regular?" Igor nodded. "When does he usually come here?"
"Kamoshida doesn't have a fixed schedule since he's a teacher at Shujin Academy."
"Igor…"
"Okay, okay, okay. Kamoshida has been showing his face on Wednesday from ten to midnight."
"Thanks, Igor." Zenkichi turned to Goro. "We're leaving."
The pair headed towards the door when Igor said, "What makes you so sure Kamoshida was involved? Someone could have abducted Kikuchi-san at the train station. It can happen, you know."
"Let's just say it's a detective intuition."