BEEP BEEP BEEP
Shiho woke up to the sound of her alarm. She excitedly jumped out of bed, rushing to hear the next cassette tape from her mom.
"Morning, Shiho-kun!" Agasa called out to her. "I'm glad you're up, can you please help me with something?"
"Ah…right now?"
"Yes! I'm going to need an extra hand with some shopping, but it won't take long. This hardware store has a good deal on materials I need for my next invention. I'd like to go now, before it all gets sold out."
"It's so early…" she yawned. "I'll get dressed and we can go."
'I guess I'll just listen to the tape later…'
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They drove out to a particularly far hardware store, passing about 3 on the way.
"This must be something pretty special…" Shiho said.
"Oh, yes…" Agasa laughed. "Very special, indeed!"
The two ended up being at the store for about an hour.
"Hakase, what's taking you so long?" Shiho sighed, tapping her foot as she held the shopping basket.
"Ah, I just remembered I need one more thing. I'll be right back!" He said as he walked slowly to the back area.
She raised an eyebrow. "You're acting weird…"
Once they finally got in line, Shiho took a peek into the basket, curious what was so important to spend her morning on. It was pretty standard items like washers, a toolkit, aprons, and various screws.
"Hakase, we can get these anywhere! Is it even that much cheaper than the local stores?"
"Ah, you see…" He chuckled. "The quality is unmatched! See these screws? They're stainless steel!"
Shiho put a hand on her hip. "Isn't that what they're usually made out of?"
"Well, yes… but there's just something unique about this particular brand, you know?"
"No, I don't know." She shrugged. "And you needed me here just to help carry this?"
"Oh, yes! Can't be too careful when you get to my age, don't want to pull a muscle!"
"I suppose…"
They rode home after checking out, taking the long way. Shiho didn't complain though, she would be able to listen to her mother's words soon enough.
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Once they got home, Shiho excitedly got out of the car. She quickly carried the shopping bags to the front door, setting it down to grab the house key out of her pocket. Before she put the key in, however, she heard a suspicious rustling sound.
"Did you hear that, Hakase?" She whispered once he caught up to her. "I think there's someone in the house!"
"Oh, I probably just left the fan on." He quickly said.
Shiho narrowed her eyes and peeked through the window. The curtains were drawn, so she couldn't see inside.
'Strange, I could have sworn they were open when we left…'
The cautious young woman quietly unlocked the door. She peered through the crack, and the lights suddenly flickered on.
"SURPRISE!"
A crowd of familiar faces cheered and popped confetti. The Detective Boys, the Mouris, and the Kudos were there, along with a blonde man smiling from the back of the living room.
"...Eh?" Shiho blinked in confusion. Their living room was illuminated with metallic balloons and streamers, a light up sign, and with the glowing faces of her friends.
"Happy Birthday, Shiho-chan!" Yukiko ran up to hug her.
"How did you guys know?"
"Furuya-san clued us in." Yukiko whispered in her ear. "Him and Agasa worked really hard on planning this party just for you."
"They did?" Shiho looked over Yukiko's shoulder, glancing at the two grinning men.
"Yes, they did…" Yukiko examined her before turning her attention to Agasa.
"But Agasa! This is how you have her dress up for her own birthday party?"
Shiho looked down at her attire. She was wearing a t-shirt and jeans, given the original occasion she was expecting.
"I think she looks nice…" He mumbled.
"Of course she looks wonderful for any old day, but today needs more…pizazz! No worries." She gleamed. "It will just take a moment."
Yukiko quickly slipped behind Shiho, gently guiding her to her bedroom.
"Excuse me, pardon me everyone! Birthday girl will be out in just a moment."
The door shut behind the two women, and the guests mingled amongst themselves while the children played with Haro.
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"I know just the dress! We bought it on our shopping spree." Yukiko excitedly said as she looked through the closet.
Shiho put on her outfit, a flowing red dress with a short layered skirt, along with a pair of small gold hoop earrings. She sat down as Yukiko applied some makeup, carefully gliding gloss along her lips. It reminded her of when Akemi first showed her how to apply makeup.
"And one more thing to really bring it all together!" Yukiko smiled as she quickly grabbed something behind Shiho.
"Okay, stay still and close your eyes…"
Shiho did just that, keeping her eyes shut as Yukiko played with her hair.
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"Sis, are you almost done?" a 14 year old Shiho said stiffly, not wanting to mess up her placement.
"Almost…and… finished!" Akemi grinned, handing Shiho a mirror. "So, do you like it?"
"It looks really pretty, but…" Shiho hesitated, staring at her face covered in shimmer and shades of pink. "I can't wear stuff like this in the lab, I can't even have perfume! The glitter could contaminate the area, and scents could distract from any abnormalities we need to take note o-."
"Oh, Shiho!" Akemi sighed. "Not everything has to be about work, no matter what those people say." She lovingly gazed at her younger sister, fixing some hair that was stuck to her face. "It's okay to let yourself sparkle too."
Shiho looked away, unsure of her sister's words.
"And if you can't have perfume…" She smirked. "Well, it's not your fault if mine just happens to rub off on you, right?" She said as she pulled in Shiho for a hug.
"Too tight!" Shiho giggled.
"What was that? Not tight enough?" Akemi held her even closer.
Looking at her face, it seemed like Akemi was letting out a boisterous laugh. When Shiho closed her eyes, however, she could hear a distant cry in the depths of her older sister's voice.
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"Done! Okay, what do you think?"
Shiho opened her eyes, looking directly at her reflection. Her red Fusae scarf was tied into a headband, peeking over her shoulders. It was just the type of look that would make Akemi squeal in excitement.
"I look…beautiful." She said with a hint of surprise.
"We're all so proud of you." Yukiko softly said as she hugged her from behind. "Come on, let's go have fun with everyone."
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The guests enjoyed sandwiches prepared by Rei as they went up to the birthday girl one by one, showering her with gifts and attention.
"Here, Shiho-chan!" Ran handed her a box that was carefully wrapped in lavender paper. "Shinichi and I picked it out together!"
Shiho gently unwrapped it, revealing an assortment of high end ballpoint pens and other stationery.
"You mentioned you were looking for work, so we figured you could use these." Shinichi explained.
"It's wonderful." Shiho's fingers glided along her name engraved on the pens. "But I'm not looking for work anymore. I'm actually starting as a clinical assistant next week. The manager called me yesterday."
"Oh, that's fantastic!"
"Yeah, good luck Miyano!"
Shiho shyly nodded, unable to hold back her smile.
"Okay okay, we're next!" Genta shouted from behind the pair. "Ahem." He cleared his throat.
"On behalf of the Detective Boys, we would like to present this gift to celebrate your birthday and as a token of our gratitude for saving our lives!"
"We put together our own money to buy it!" Ayumi excitedly said.
"We hope you like it, Shiho-neesan!" Mitsuhiko proudly stood.
Shiho thanked them and curiously unrolled the paper tube. It was a poster of Ryusuke Higo.
"Oh, I love it you guys!" Shiho giggled at the fierce look on Higo's face. "I'll be sure to frame this."
The group jumped in glee, happy that their gift was a success.
Next was Agasa, who handed her a small box.
"It's a voice changer choker, so you can talk to the children as Ai without straining your voice." He whispered to her. 'Though, I'll give you your real gift next week…'
"I also got you this card!"
Shiho's eyes widened in surprise when she read the front.
"Happy birthday to my amazing…daughter?"
"I hope you don't mind… I thought it fit us best." He smiled. "The children got to write letters to Haibara Ai, so I thought I should write something to her as well."
Shiho opened the card, revealing a neatly written note surrounded by a watercolor design.
Dear Ai-kun,
I'll never forget the first day we met. It turned out to be one of the best moments of my life, because that's when I met a new addition to my family. Even then, I could already tell you were a really special girl. With a tough exterior remains a kind, loving heart. You are so intelligent and driven, I know that your dreams will come true. I'm so happy that I get to be by your side to see you take on this next stage of your life. Never, ever give up! I'm rooting for you.
Love, Hiroshi Agasa
"Hakase…" Shiho covered her face with the card.
"I mean every word, Shiho-kun. Happy birthday!"
Agasa turned to Rei, giving him a wave to come forward.
Shiho looked up at the tense young man, who was hiding something behind his back.
"Happy birthday, Shiho." He said as he handed her a bouquet of flowers. "I hope you'll accept these."
Shiho was surprised by the large pink flowers that overflowed in its wrapping. "These are…"
"They're peonies! Do you like it?"
Shiho held the flowers close to smell the delicate fragrance. "I love it, Rei. They're beautiful."
She smiled sweetly, lightly touching the green leaves that sprinkled throughout the bouquet. "You have no idea how perfect these are."
His mouth opened as if he was about to say something, until a clapping sound rang throughout the room.
"Okay, everyone!" Yukiko cheered from the kitchen. She brought out a sponge cake decorated with berries and a 1 and 9 candle sticking out of it.
As Shiho was distracted, Rei quickly reached for his guitar, and the group all sang together.
Her cheeks quickly became red, flustered by all the eyes on her. However, she couldn't help but chuckle at a certain detective's off key voice in the background.
Yukiko set the cake down in front of her.
She paused, looking at the flaming candles as the wax started to slowly drip. This was different than a prayer at a shrine, releasing it out to the world. She needed to tell herself what she truly wanted, and keep it close to her heart. She already had more than she could ever dream of, and her deepest desires were ones that could never happen. She could never be held by Akemi again, and she surely could never speak to her mother. She felt saddened by this harsh truth, but the excited faces of everyone she was able to meet along the way seemed to lighten that pain, even just a little.
She glanced at the man whom she had met the most recently, who was leaning against the back of the couch. He smiled, noticing her gaze. He mouthed 'make a wish' to her.
Shiho turned back and took in a breath.
'I wish... I wish you could stay by side...'
Shiho blew out the candles, followed by cheering from the crowd.
She never had a day like this before, and she would never, ever forget it.
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The day continued with the children playing video games together with Shinichi and Shiho, and the rest playing card games and singing karaoke. Although, karaoke was mostly Kogoro singing all of Yoko Okino's hit songs. Everyone had a wonderful time together, eventually heading home as it got late.
The house was now left with just Shiho, Agasa and Rei, who stayed behind to help clean up. Everything was put back in its place, save for the streamers that Haro insisted on using as a makeshift bed to nap in.
Shiho excused herself to go downstairs for a moment. She was tired, but nothing could stop her from finally listening to her mother's next words.
She pressed play and closed her eyes to take in everything. After a few minutes, her eyes opened in surprise. The tape finished playing, and she swiftly ran back upstairs.
"Rei, come with me!" Shiho gasped.
"Eh? Is everything alright?"
Shiho reached for his hand, pulling him to the basement. Rei awkwardly rushed down the steps to keep up with her. He looked around the area, confused about what could be so urgent.
"Shiho, what's wr-"
He was quickly interrupted as she tucked his hair behind his ears. Her fingers gently grazed against his skin, making him fall quiet.
Shiho reached up, placing a pair of headphones on him, further confusing him.
"Listen carefully, okay?"
Rei nodded, fixing the headphones on his head as she pressed play.
"To my darling Shiho, happy 19th birthday!"
Rei let out a gasp as he heard a familiar voice. "...Shiho…is it really okay of I-"
"Shh! Just listen!"
Rei continued to hear Elena's message, trying his best to compose himself.
"I hope you're doing well, my love. Are you taking care of yourself? I wish I could be there to patch you up whenever you get hurt, but I trust that you are safe and sound if you are listening to this message. Come to think of it, there was a young boy I used to patch up often at our old clinic. I felt an instant connection with him! He was mixed race like me. His name was Furuya Rei…"
Shiho suddenly felt a pair of arms wrap around her waist from behind her.
"...I remember when Akemi first brought him over. He was the cutest little thing, with a spunky attitude to boot! Oh, I wonder what kind of person he'll grow up to be… I'm sure he'll be strong and kind."
She affectionately rubbed Rei's arm as he rested his head on her, continuing to hear the rest of the tape.
"...Until next time sweetie, bye bye…"
"It's your birthday, but I feel like I got a gift…" He chuckled. Rei took off the headphones and set them down with one hand, continuing to hold Shiho with the other.
"She was right, you know, how you grew up to be strong and kind…" She whispered.
Rei didn't say anything back, returning his other hand to hold her completely.
Shiho looked down at the arms that were around her waist. They were firm but slightly hovered. His fingers lightly played with the fabric of her dress, and his head drooped over her shoulder, as if he were deep in thought.
She suddenly recalled the fortune she received the other day. 'Be considerate and cherish the atmosphere…'
Shiho turned around to face Rei. She got on her toes and pulled him in close, wrapping around his neck and letting out a soft sigh.
She could hear his heartbeat quicken as her body pressed against his. He felt so warm and she fit so naturally, it was like they were melting into one another.
It was just for a minute, but if it were up to them, they would have stayed like that all night long.
TAP TAP TAP TAP
There was a pitter patter from above, probably from Haro looking for his owner.
The noise startled Shiho, snapping her back to reality.
"We should go ba-"
Rei quickly picked her up before she could finish.
"We can keep hugging this way, right?" He smiled nonchalantly.
Shiho blushed at the way he was able to lift her so easily. She conceded, wrapping her arms around him once more.
He slowly carried her up the stairs, carefully taking one step at a time.
Shiho felt his hands firmly grip under her knees and back. Her skirt slightly shifted up, swaying back and forth as he took each step. She quietly giggled, tickled by the blonde strands of hair brushing against her nose. She could smell a hint of menthol, same as the shampoo she used once at his apartment. She never quite favored menthol, as it often reminded her of the cigarettes that Gin liked to smoke. But this scent was far different. The minty fragrance was refreshing and soothing, like a crisp breeze in the summertime. She found herself nuzzling in his hair, knowing that she would part from it in a moment.
Rei gently placed her back down once they got to the top of the staircase, swiftly turning around to open the door.
"Ah, there you are!" Agasa cheerfully waved to them. "Shiho-kun, a delivery for you just arrived!"
"At this time of night?" She questioned.
"I found it by the front door." He said, pointing at a gift bag with tissue paper sticking out of it.
Shiho cautiously peeked inside, pulling out a lavender perfume bottle with a golden cap. She didn't understand it at first, until she removed the cap and took in the notes of violet and wildflowers. No doubt, it was Akemi's favorite perfume. She sprayed a bit into the air, and it felt like she was 14 again. Shiho took a deep breath, welling up with emotion as she remembered that feeling.
"What a lovely fragrance." Agasa smiled. "I wonder who it's from? They didn't leave a note…"
Shiho shook her head. "They didn't need to, only one person would know about something like this…" She quickly wiped her eyes.
"I uh…" Rei muttered, holding Haro. "I guess I should go now, have a good night you two."
"Oh… good ni-"
"Shiho will walk you out!" Agasa interjected. "You're still a guest of ours, after all."
She nodded, putting down the perfume bottle and catching up to him.
Agasa smiled as he saw the pair exit. "Everyone needs a little push now and then." He hummed, retiring to his bedroom.
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Rei let Haro into the white Mazda RX-7 and the two stood in front of the car, chatting for a bit. Neither of them really wanted the other to go, swapping out a simple 'Stay with me' for endless discussion.
"This was a great party." Shiho smiled. "Everything today was just…amazing."
"I'm glad." Rei smiled back. "You deserve it, Shiho."
He gave her one more hug, feeling more comfortable in their newfound affection. Shiho eagerly hugged him back, feeling the same.
He lifted his head to look at her. She recognized the look in his eyes. It had a deep yearning behind them, with a slight tension in the eyebrows from nervousness. Shiho could tell, because she often had the same look when she was around him.
Rei leaned in, and Shiho closed her eyes, tightening her hold around him.
She felt a kiss on each cheek, and heard him whisper 'happy birthday' in her ear. Her face tinted pink. Although she was expecting more, the gesture was plenty to make her heart race.
She muttered a quiet 'thanks' and watched Rei get into his car, lightly biting her lip. They waved goodbye to each other before he drove away.
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Shiho went back inside to the quiet home and was alone in the living room.
She searched for an empty vase and filled it with water, carefully transferring her bouquet into it. She smiled brightly, taking it to her room and setting it by her window.
Shiho opened up her laptop, clicking on the file of her mother's tapes that she had previously saved to her hard drive. She rested her head on her desk, slowly drifting asleep to the sound of her mother's voice.
'Mom, I got my first real job. And the boy you mentioned, I've fallen for him… There's only one tape left, then I won't get to hear any more of your voice. You ask how I am, but I have no way to tell you. Oh, how I wish I could tell you…'
'I love you, Mama.'
Next chapter will be this day from Rei's POV! I hope you enjoy it :D
For Akemi's perfume, the one I had in mind when writing about it is Aqua Allegoria Flora Salvaggia by Guerlain.