SIOC fic. What happens when an SI is reborn as the younger sister of Akai Shuuichi and Haneda Shuukichi and the older sister of Sera Masumi? Two-shots but now multi-chapter. Spoilers Episode 1018 and Chapter 1037 onwards. This chapter also mentioned the Bride of Halloween. If you're not updated on the anime, manga or movie 25, read at your own risk.
Detective Conan and Harry Potter doesn't belong to me.
Chapter Summary: Masami meets Furuya and the boys again.
Author's Notes: Ah, 疲れった。。。the dialogue for this chapter took a while. I'm not an oblivious person when it comes to love and affection… But Masami is the opposite. Read on, and you will understand.
PS: My Grammarly decided to end the subscription so the first half is fixed by Grammarly and the second half is not. I don't have any money to buy another subscription. =(
If I had been on the lookout for any suspicious activity around me years ago, I'd have been more anxious these coming months because Shinichi's seventeenth birthday is coming up. Yusaku-sensei and Yukiko are both in Japan for the occasion, and I came home from New York six months ago. My mark for the start of the timeline is Shinichi's seventeenth birthday, but I can't remember if the Roller Coaster Case is before or after his seventeenth birthday. I remember the first movie that mentioned his birthday. However, some fans consider the movies non-canon. I can't even remember if his birthday was mentioned in a regular episode or OVA.
In the past, all four of us would go on a holiday for Shinichi's birthday five days or a week since it falls within Golden Week. We'd go out of town when he was younger, but as he grew older, we'd go abroad. We went to Hawaii for his sixteenth birthday, and I saw Yusaku-sensei teach Shinichi how to use a gun firsthand. I tried it, but let's just say it's better if no one gives me a firearm. Or any weapon, really. Except a kitchen knife. Or a rock. Both Kudou men also gave me a heart attack when Yusaku-sensei gave the reins of the speedboat to Shinichi without adequately teaching him how to steer or change gear. I can't remember if the series had shown Shinichi ever loving speed because I swear it felt like we went from forty kilometres per hour to a hundred kilometres per hour in five seconds. I only heard them laughing in exhilaration while I held on to dear life— while I tried to keep my bikini top on and holding my hair away from my face— I scowled at the delight on Yukiko's face, not minding that her bikini was about to fall off and almost choking on her own hair.
Yusaku-sensei, Yukiko, don't you dare give a car to Shinichi once he's legal for him to drive. I don't think my heart can take it.
For some reason, Yusaku-sensei and Yukiko wanted to celebrate at home this year, and Shinichi was also looking forward to it. I was puzzled, but I understood when I heard he invited his friends from school. Yusaku-sensei and Yukiko wanted to hire a chef from a high-end restaurant to cater the party but, at the same time, requested my version of beef stew. It's not that fancy. It does have red wine (sometimes cognac, sometimes both), but instead of adding flour or cornstarch as a thickener, I add one whole tin of spiced liver pâté to the sauce, making it more savoury.
I told them there was no need to hire a caterer, as I'm more than happy to prepare food. I suggested a barbecue since Shinichi's birthday falls on a Saturday and the weather is good.
"We can use the Blackstone your mom gave to your Dad and grill burgers and sausages. Your friends can pick their desired toppings, and I can make the tray sliders you like so much," I told Shinichi, ruffling his hair affectionately. "I also gave Professor Agasa the döner kebab grill I bought from New York and asked him to put in a few modifications on it. After a lot of testing, it's ready to use." I frowned. "He's more excited about this than I. I think he's thinking of selling it."
"Can we also do a seafood boil?" Shinichi asked excitedly, eyes bright and hair standing on end. It's something we did when all four of us went to New Orleans for his fourteenth birthday. He adored it so much that he watched the cooking process like a hawk.
"Sure! But you're in charge of that," I said, trying not to cringe at the mention of seafood.
He agreed enthusiastically. "Can you also make a lemon meringue pie? And a chocolate cake?"
"With booze or no booze?" I whispered to him conspiratorially.
"With," he whispered back with a grin, his eyes copying mine, glancing at his unsuspecting parents.
I remember seeing a video of a chocolate cake with stout on YouTube and decided to make it for my birthday in my previous life. I made it again, but with bourbon butter, when I turned twenty-one in this life. Yusaku-sensei and Yukiko were in Scotland then, so it was just Shinichi, Professor Agasa, Haru-chan, and I. Professor Agasa loved it so much that he requested it for his birthdays instead of me buying him a gift. I let Shinichi have a taste even though he's a minor. The alcohol was cooked off anyway.
Yusaku-sensei was overly zealous about a barbecue and offered to man the grill. To the horror of the birthday boy, Yukiko offered to do party games.
"I promise to get board games and the like," I whispered to him. He smiled at me in relief. Unknown to him, I know a lot of great party games from my previous life. Good ones and embarrassing ones.
Hence, I'm currently in Haido City because this is the only store that sells the mini sausages Shinichi likes. It also sells a lot of international goods. I found a pack of readymade tart shells for hors d'oeuvres, a pie shell I can use for the Lemon Meringue Pie Shinichi requested. I'm willing to make a cake from scratch but pie shells elude me. My last attempt was so hard, it chipped Shuuichi's tooth. Since I was here, I have also bought essentials like eggs, milk, bread, pasta, meat, and other pantry goods along with crisps, sweets and pop for the party. After I paid for my cart, I went to the car park to load the groceries into my car so I could visit the pharmacy to buy medicines for my first aid kit.
When I got home from New York, I knew I only had a few months to prepare before the inevitable Roller Coaster Case. With Shinichi always getting hurt, I took the initiative to prepare a first aid kit. It was initially small with just the essential items like a box of surgical gloves, bandages and gauze pads, swabs, alcohol and tweezers. However, as I list people's injuries in the series, I'd buy additional items that I think would be a great addition to the kit. Eventually, I had to buy a small seven kilo luggage which I filled to the brim with medical supplies, extra clothes and even protein bars and saline bags. I had to organise it before I left this morning so I knew which ones needed replacing and which ones I needed to throw away. I had to give some to Professor Agasa because he always gets injured when making his inventions. Almost all oral medicines, protein bars and saline bags need to be thrown away as they're expired.
Before going home, I decided to detour and visit a local bakery. It's a small bakery that's situated within the residential areas. I accidentally found this gem when Haru-chan and I got lost one time when we were invited to a party. I became a regular and I always get their coffee cakes and blueberry cheesecake tarts. Shinichi loves the lemon bars and Danish pastries. It was just around the corner when I saw someone I recognised. He was running in the opposite direction, and I had to call his name several times to get his attention.
"Date-san!"
He looked frantic and hurried, but he stopped to greet me. "Masami-chan, you're back in Japan?"
"I got back home six months ago," I smiled, slightly wondering how he knew I left Japan. Maybe he heard from the media. I did went to some interviews in New York. I pressed the hazard button and pulled up the brake pedal. "You look to be in a hurry. Get in, and I can drive you where you need to go." I unlocked the doors and waited for him to get in. Other than his clothes looking worse for wear and his face dirty, he looked fine.
He hesitated, but his facial expression changed like he remembered something. "Masami-chan, I remember you telling us you know first aid?"
I instantly got worried. "Did something happen? Are you injured?"
"I'm not, but I'm on my way to the pharmacy to buy supplies and medicine," he hastily explained. "But come with me first." He got in the passenger seat, and I followed his directions to a small, nondescript house.
"I have a first aid kit in the back. You don't have to go to the pharmacy," I explained as I followed his directions. I parked the car on the carport, took the first aid luggage from the boot, and followed him. "Is this your house?"
He didn't answer me. Instead, he unlocked the front door and let me in. He locked the door as soon as I passed the threshold. "Hagiwara! Matsuda! I brought some help!"
I heard hurried footsteps, and then Matsuda Jinpei came into view. My eyes widen in horror. The front of his shirt is bloodied, and his coat is slashed to pieces. He appears to be nursing his left hand with what looks to be a dislocated finger. The right side of his face is covered in blood, probably because of the nasty cut above his right eye. His knuckles are bloody and swollen.
"What happened?!" I demanded. The luggage dropped to the floor with a loud bang as I let it go and I rushed towards him to inspect his injuries.
"This is nothing," Matsuda chuckled weakly. "You should see the other guy." I noticed him tilting his head to the side, as if moving the side of his head closer to me so he can hear me properly.
"He's not the worst one," Date appeared behind me, the small luggage slung on his shoulder. He looked worriedly at Matsuda.
"He's this way," I turned to Matsuda as he guided me to the living room.
The living room's a mess. All the furniture is shoved to the side, and the tatami floor is covered in blood. I all but jumped into action when I saw a man lying on the tatami mat with bloodied blonde hair with a huge gash on his chest and the rest of his body is covered in cuts.
"Furuya-san," I whispered. I knelt beside him, inspecting his injured body. I removed his shirt entirely. The boys had already removed his trousers, leaving him writhing on the floor in pain, wearing only his pants. The gash looks even nasty with the shirt off. It doesn't look deep but it's gushing a lot of blood.
His eyes are closed, and his face scrunched in pain while his body shakes from tremors. He opened his eyes when I called his name. "M-Ma-sami…san."
"He lost a lot of blood," Hagiwara told me. He's crouching down opposite me, a wet and bloodied rag in his hands and looking exhausted. There's an open first aid kit beside him but it doesn't have anything in it. I'm relieved to see him alive and well. Well, well as he can be. He didn't appear injured except for some bruising on his face and a cut on his lower lip.
"If he lost a lot of blood, he needs a transfusion." I turned to Date. I slid the luggage closer to me to grab a clean washcloth and pressed it hard against his chest. "He needs a hospital."
"We've been telling that to him from the start," a newcomer said. Hiro came into view, a metal syringe filled with a pink liquid in his hands. His knuckles also look beaten and bloodied, and he has a cut on his shirt, though he doesn't appear to be bleeding anywhere. The only things that concerned me were the bump on his forehead and swollen right eye. His upper and lower lids and his cheekbone are so swollen I doubt he could see with that eye. "I got the antidote."
"Poison?" I got to work quickly. "Continue the pressure on his chest wound." Hagiwara's hand replaced mine. His whole arm was coated in blood. I grabbed a bottle of water from the bag and poured it on the arm closest to me, rubbing it gently to clean it. Seeing no wounds, I poured water on a clean washcloth and wiped down his inner arm. Then I sanitised my hands, put on the gloves, and sanitised Furuya's inner arm. Hiro handed me the antidote. "Is anyone else poisoned?"
"Just him."
Without hesitation, I found a vein and injected the antidote. He winced when the needle pricked him, so I tried to finish it as quickly as possible. "He still needs a transfusion if he lost a lot of blood."
"Please… no… hospital…" Furuya managed to say before he rolled his eyes and fainted.
"What is his blood type?" I asked the room. I may look calm, but my heart is beating fast against my chest and I tried to steady my trembling hands due to adrenaline. I rummaged for my handsfree from my bag and immediately dialled a number from my favourite contact list. I saw them looking at each other unsurely. Hagiwara reached out for my phone, but Hiro grabbed his hand to stop him and shook his head.
"A positive," Hiro answered.
My call was answered after the first ring. "Araide-kun."
Since Furuya refused to go to the hospital, I assumed he could not be seen the way he is now or he could not be seen with his current company. Probably, he was already a double agent with the Black Organisation or in the process of getting in, so I had to reassure the boys that Araide-kun could be trusted. He's a doctor and can help supply the blood needed for Furuya. I only know basic first aid, and I'm not a registered nurse. I can't just stroll into a hospital and ask for donated blood like I'm buying over-the-counter medicine.
I gave the keys to my car to Date and told him the address of Araide-kun's clinic. However, I asked Hiro and Date beforehand to transfer the things I bought from the car and into the kitchen.
I patched up Furuya as best as I could. I piled gauzes on his chest to make sure the bleeding is controlled and I cleaned his wounds before covering him in bandages. His chest wound may not be that deep but he might need stiches so I'll leave Araide-kun to decide what's best to do. I asked Hiro and Hagiwara to help transfer him to a clean futon in the upstairs bedroom. He's not yet out of the woods but he doesn't look in pain anymore, though he would occasionally gasp and frown in discomfort. I also patched up Matsuda. The wound above his eye is not that deep, and he assured me that half of the blood on his clothes is Furuya's. I cleaned, disinfected and bandaged his busted knuckles, leaving his left hand unbandaged and the bend finger. I'm unsure if his wrist is broken or dislocated, though I gave him a sling so he doesn't jostle it too much. Better get Araide-kun to have a look at it before I do anything. An X-ray would be ideal.
I also brought with me the clothes Shuuichi used in New York. I stuffed it at the bottom of the luggage, thinking it could be helpful if Shinichi needed adult clothes in the future. That is if I couldn't prevent him from turning into Conan. Come to think of it, I might need to stock up small clothes for him too. Shinichi's old clothes when he was young is no go. Sure they're in storage— Yukiko won't hear reason to throw them out— but I think Shinichi— or rather Conan— would appreciate updated clothes. I asked Hiro to help Matsuda change clothes while I dressed Furuya with the help of Hagiwara.
When I turned to Hagiwara and Hiro for their injuries, they assured me they were alright and not bleeding. Hiro assured me that the blood on his clothes was from the person they were fighting. I didn't ask any further questions, though I could tell they were waiting for it and they expect me to question them from the side eyes I'm seeing. I just gave them the instant ice packs from the luggage. Their faces turned to relief once the cold pack made contact on their bruised flesh.
I was cooking in the kitchen when Date and Araide-kun arrived. He came in still wearing his coat, hair ruffled, eyeglasses skewed, and stethoscope on his shoulders. He's carrying a doctor's bag and a polystyrene box, which I suspect has a blood bag. His face was etched in worry until he saw me. His sigh of relief made me smile. He placed his bag and the box on the floor and came closer to me to inspect my face after giving me a tight hug.
"Are you alright?" he asked me worriedly. He caressed my face with his knuckles as he gripped my elbow tight. "Are you hurt?"
"I'm fine," I assured him. I turned off the stove and laced my fingers to his. "Follow me."
I led him to the room where Furuya was. Hagiwara and Hiro are already inside with Matsuda. They must have cleaned up the living room if they were standing guard on Furuya's bed.
Araide-kun didn't need any prompting and started setting up. "Matsuda-san's left hand also needs looking after," I told Araide-kun, pointing at Matsuda. "I'm not sure if his wrist is broken or sprained. His finger is probably just dislocated or broken too. I thought I'd leave it for you to check."
He nodded absentmindedly, his face unreadable and dark.
I came back to the kitchen to check on the chicken noodle soup I was making.
"He your boyfriend?" I jumped. I turned to see Date standing on the kitchen's threshold, spinning my car keys with his forefinger playfully as he smiled at me cheekily.
"Just a friend," I answered as I turned on the stove again. "I met him while I was in uni."
He hummed and placed my car key on the table. "He didn't sound like 'just a friend' when we were on the way here," he said. He sat at the dining table to watch me work. "He all but threatened to hurt me if he found you injured or hurt."
That doesn't sound like Araide-kun at all. I always knew him to be soft-spoken and gentle. Him threatening someone bodily harm is unthinkable.
A year before I left for New York, Shinichi's school called me while I was driving home from the airport. Yusaku-sensei and Yukiko left Japan for Switzerland this time. The school tried to contact them first but called me when they couldn't reach them. Shinichi got a concussion when one of his classmates hit his head accidentally with a baseball bat during P.E. I rushed to the hospital where I met the doctor assigned to Shinichi's case, Araide Yoshiteru, and his son Tomoaki, Shinichi's school nurse.
Yoshiteru-sensei was visiting the school to see his son when the accident happened. When they learned of Shinichi's condition, they immediately rushed him to the hospital. I met them in the emergency room. Professor Agasa was at a conference in Osaka at that time, so I was left alone in the waiting area while they checked Shinichi.
I was crying and inconsolable. This is the worst thing that happened to Shinichi under my care. I've heard several stories about what happens to people when concussed, and I'm worried if it will affect Shinichi in any way in the future. Araide-kun assured me of my worries by sitting with me in the waiting room. He held my hands and told me everything they needed to do to check on Shinichi's condition.
Shinichi was okay in the end, though the doctor said that Shinichi might forget some details but he's otherwise fine. He had to take precautions for the following weeks so I called off work to care for him. The doctor said no running and no late nights so no football for now. Araide-kun would visit after school to check on Shinichi and check up on me. I was embarrassed that he had to see me vulnerable, but he assured me it was normal and not to worry about it.
After that, we became fast friends. He'd keep me company after his shift. We'd go out for lunch near the school, and he would drive me home. Sometimes, I'd invite him over for dinner. It's just Shinichi and I at home anyway, and I would often cook for four servings at a time. This prevents more leftovers and keeps both boys fed. For some reason, Shinichi started acting weird whenever Araide-kun was around and would often question why he was still coming over even after he was feeling better from the concussion.
Footsteps broke my reminiscing, and I looked up to see Araide-kun descending the stairs with a contemplating look on his face. He placed his bag on the dining chair and grabbed my hand.
"Masami, could I maybe talk to you in private?"
I nodded, taking five bowls from the cupboard. "Date-san, please serve the soup and eat with the others." I turned to Araide-kun. "Is Furuya-san awake, or is he still sleeping?" I asked him.
"He's still sleeping," he said. "He's not yet allowed to eat solid foods, but chicken noodle soup is fine." He peered into the pot and nodded. "I also set a drip of Morphine for him but it's only a light dose so that should give him restless sleep for about six hours. He can eat and drink once he wakes up." He smiled at me. "I had to stitch up his chest and his blood pressure is too low for my liking but I already gave him medication for that. He should be alright in a couple of hours but he needs monitoring. Your First Aid is as impeccable as always."
Date snorted. He was smiling like he knew something and was amused by it. I ignored him.
"I boiled the vegetables until they're super soft so they are easier to eat and digest. I'll come and check up on Furuya-san and Matsuda-san later."
Date nodded, giving Araide-kun a smug smile somehow. Meanwhile, Araide-kun's face looks sullen at Date. He went out to the front yard, his face grim. I sighed, gave the soup tray to Date, and followed Araide-kun.
I saw him pacing, gnawing his lower lip in worry when I closed the front door on my way out. "Thank you," I smiled and hugged him, trying to convey my gratitude. "And I'm sorry for the trouble."
He wrapped me in his arms as he gave the closed door a dark look. "Who are these people, Masami?" he asked me nervously.
I gently pushed him away and sat on the front porch, patting the space beside me so he could sit and calm down. "They're friends. I met them while I was in my second year at university. They were still students at the Police Academy when I met them, though," I hastily explained. Maybe Araide-kun thought of them as criminals. "Do you remember me telling you that I was one of the hostages in a convenience store with Haru-chan? Date-san and Furuya-san were there as hostages, too. Date-san called their classmates for help, and I met Matsuda-san, Hagiwara-san and Hiro-san. Furuya-san also assisted the police when Haruto-kun was killed. I did mention Yuki-kun, right?" He nodded, now looking relieved. "Furuya-san and Date-san were shot during that incident, saving my life and Haru-chan's. Hagiwara-san and Matsuda-san are part of the Bomb Squad now. Date-san will be starting as a detective at the Metropolitan Police Department. I'm not sure what Hiro-san and Furuya-san are doing nowadays, but as far as I know, they are both undercover."
"Undercover? Is that why they insist Blondie not to go to the hospital?"
"It was Furuya-san who insisted on no hospitals," I confirmed, stressing Furuya's name. "Though, according to Hiro, they insisted on bringing him to the hospital from the beginning." I paused, letting that information sink in for him. "Were you busy when I called? I'm sorry, I couldn't ask anyone else for help."
He shook his head and grasped my hand. "You know you can call me anytime you need help," he caressed the back of my hand with his thumb. "Though I wasn't expecting it to help another man in need. Especially five of them."
There's a jab in there somewhere, but I let it go. "I'm sorry."
"No! God," he pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration, sighing deeply. "Why are you apologising? You don't have to apologise."
I gave him a weak smile as I bumped my shoulder into his. He reciprocated and smiled down at me. I leaned my head on his shoulder, sighing in relief. He wrapped his arm on my shoulder as I leaned in further into his chest, just like what I have always done. "You're a great friend, Araide-kun."
He chuckled, but it sounded dejected. "I guess."
I frowned, looking up to inspect his face. He looks so sad and defeated. "What's wrong?"
He just shook his head. His eyes roamed my face, and his mouth opened and closed as if he wanted to say something but could not find the right words.
"What is it?" I asked again, worried now. "Did I say something wrong?"
I heard sniggers and muffled laughs above us. I looked up and realised we were directly below the second-floor window. That must be Furuya's room. Since he's still asleep, the four monkeys must be eavesdropping. I glared, imagining all four of them crouching below the window as they listened to our conversation.
Araide-kun stood up and helped me to stand. He took both of my hands and looked into my eyes, eyebrows furrowed. "You know I care about you, right?" he whispered.
"And I, you, of course."
He touched his forehead to mine, his eyes downcast. "How much?" he murmured. His expression looks like he's ready for the pain, like someone is about to rip a very sticky bandage from his skin.
Perplexed, I straightened and placed my hands on both of his cheeks, forced his eyes to look at me. His eyes widen as I squished his cheeks, making his lips pucker. "What kind of question is that? You're my friend Araide-kun, of course I care about you." I released his cheeks as he rubbed them, showing me his crooked grin. I jabbed my finger against his chest, pouting. "You know, you've been cryptic ever since we met." He let out a watery laugh as he took my hand and flattened it on his chest, just above his heart. "You can tell me anything, you know. I'll listen, just like you did for me."
He gave me a sad smile again. I furrowed my brows, frowning at the cryptic expression again. I didn't understand the dejected expression on his face.
I opened my mouth to voice my concern, but he just fixed me with a determined face. Breathing deeply, he said, "I'm not going to give up." I tilted my head in question, but he surprised me by slapping his cheeks hard. His cheeks are now red, his eyes watery, but he has this determined look on his face that I can't figure out where it came from.
"Araide-kun! What…"
"I need to check my patient," he exclaimed, squeezing my hands. He gave me a quick kiss on my cheek and ran inside the house.
I vaguely heard scrambling limbs, muffled cursing and squabbling on the other side of the upstairs window. I crossed my arms as I scowled up at the window again. Those boys are much too curious for their own good. I guess that's why they're good police officers.
I followed Araide-kun inside but at a much slower pace. I found the empty bowls and spoons on the dish rack, already washed, so I tidied up the kitchen. I placed the garbage and biodegradables into separate bags. I couldn't find any bin in the house so I just left them under the sink for now. I wiped down the kitchen counter, the stove and the dining table with a clean rag. Finally, I swept the floor using the battered broom I found inside the shoe cabinet. I can't find a mop so it's not to my standard cleanliness but it will do for now. I ventured upstairs to check on the boys.
One would be naturally curious as to why all of them looked like they survived a fight with a yakuza, but I told myself that I shouldn't ask. It could be Black Organisation-related or Plamya. It's around that timeline already. Matsuda's head tilt reminds me of someone with a busted eardrums due to an exposure to explosions. The Plamya storyline fits because she uses bombs. Knives and poison are not really her thing— I shook my head. No, I shouldn't pry. Instead, I veered my curiosity to this house instead.
I had my fair share of property tours of Akiya in the last couple of months. All of the houses I've seen so far are filled with trash, abandoned furniture and outdated interiors. I've already purchased one in the fifth district. It was an old bakery with a three-bedroom apartment on the second floor. It'll be perfect as a hideout for an unsuspecting NPA officer who's undercover. Or a group of MI6 undercover agents.
That place was just plain trash dump. The shop's kitchen was a bit clean compared to the apartment above. It's like the whole family went missing because not only they left their personal things and clothes, but there was also rotting food left inside the refrigerator. It was removed by the real estate agency when the property went up on sale but the rotting smell remained. According to them, the elderly couple who previously owned the place died in the premises. The husband died of a heart attack and the wife passed away of old age a few years back. Their only child was killed in a traffic accident, unmarried and no kids.
This house reminds me of that akiya after it was cleaned out but without the unpleasant smell. The front and back yards are trimmed and cleaned as if someone regularly cleaned them. From the outside, the house looks abandoned but well maintained, and the inside seems to be liveable. There wasn't any food in the kitchen cupboard but it was fortunate that I met them after I've gone grocery shopping. The cookware and cooking utensils I found in the kitchen drawers doesn't look brand new but they're not outdated either. The kettle that I found is definitely outdated though. Most kettles nowadays are the plug in type but this one is made from cast iron and needs actual fire to boil water.
I figured it was a safe house, but a safe house for all five of them while working for different departments of law enforcement? Maybe it's their secret hideout.
Giggling at the thought of five grown men still having a secret hideout like they were still kids, I knocked on the door before entering the room to see Date and Matsuda giving consoling pats on Araide-kun's back. Hiro and Hagiwara gave him pitying looks. Araide-kun, in contrast, looks reluctant to accept their comfort. I handed them the plastic thermos filled with tea with mismatching mugs I saw in the kitchen cupboards and two packs of plain Digestive biscuits for them to share. Before I became baffled at the sudden camaraderie between them despite only meeting each other not thirty minutes ago, I went to see how Furuya is doing.
His hair still looks dirty, and it's sticking to his forehead while his chest and arms are covered in bandages. He doesn't have a blanket on him, and Shuuichi's tracksuit bottoms are a bit long on his legs, but at least he doesn't look cold or shivering even without a shirt. He has a sphygmomanometer around his lower calves and an IV on his left hand with the blood bag and saline hanging on an improvised IV stand using an ironing board and an S hook. His breathing is slow but even, and I don't see any tremors like earlier, which is a good sign. He looks peaceful in his sleep even if he's covered in sweat and dirt.
I glanced at Matsuda. He's now wearing clean clothes with his arm still in the sling. His hand and wrist are covered in thick bandages with his ring finger in a brace under the bandages. I guess his finger was only dislocated and Araide-kun must have corrected it.
I left the room briefly to get the plastic basin from the bathroom and filled it with lukewarm water. I grabbed a washcloth from my bag and returned to Furuya's side. I moved his right arm onto my lap so I could scoot closer to him. I ignored five stares drilling at the side of my head as I washed off the dirt on Furuya's hair, face, and any body part not covered by a bandage. I'm sure by the time he wakes up, he'd appreciate being dirt-free, sweat-free and blood-free.
Before I knew it, he grabbed my wrist, and the washcloth dropped to his chest. Although his grip hurt and threatened to cut the circulation on my hand, I made sure I kept still. I have woken Shuuichi numerous times when he slept in my apartment, and there are times he'd wake up like a cornered wild animal. However, he'd calm down once he knew where he was and who was in his immediate vicinity. My eyes flew to Furuya's face, and I saw his eyes slowly opening. Although they looked dark and cautious at first, his expression slowly cleared as he roamed his eyes around him until they landed on me. His grip on my wrist loosened, but he didn't let go.
"Hey," I cooed, soothingly rubbing his hand on my wrist. "Are you feeling better now?"
He just made an audible hum, closing his eyes once more as he sighed in contentment. I continued cleaning him, and he let go of my wrist as I cleaned the washcloth on the basin before running it through his face, neck, shoulders, and armpits the third time. I jumped when I felt his hand on my elbow. His caressing hands travel down to my arms and grasped my hands, lacing my fingers to his. I looked down at him, blushing. His cheeks are red, but he's smiling. His eyes met mine, soft and a bit dazed. Very slowly, he pulled my right hand towards his face and placed it flat on his cheek. He closed his eyes again but there is a ghost of a content smile on his lips as he breathed out. I nearly jumped when I felt his lips on my left palm. He trapped me with his gaze again as his lips moved to my inner wrist where it lingered the longest.
"Thank you, Masami," he muttered, placing another lingering kiss on my inner wrist before laying my hand flat on his chest where I can feel the whoosh of his breath and his fast heartbeat.
I can feel the heat travel from my stomach up to my face, neck and ears as I stuttered my reply. I pulled my hand away from him, face still red as I rinse the washcloth. I tried to avoid eye contact with him but it's hard not to, as I thought about his searing hot lips against my sensitive wrist and the thunder of his heartbeat on my palm. The butterflies in my stomach fluttered at his strong gaze while my face continue to burn. If it was even possible, it feels like hot steam are coming out from my ears from the intensity of his stare.
I mumbled that I'm going to get fresh water before standing up and leaving the room. I fled to the bathroom like I have hungry wolves snapping their jaws near my ankles. I dumped the dirty water into the toilet and flushed it. While I'm scrubbing the washcloth clean, I looked up to see my reflection on the mirror.
My long strawberry blonde hair still looks pristine, brushed and away from my face because of the fishtail I managed to do this morning. Though I couldn't say the same about my fringe. It's ruffled and standing on ends. It could have happened earlier when I was tending to Furuya's injuries. I never got the chance to put on makeup but managed to apply lip cream, though that's fading now. My green eyes looks brighter and wider than before. The only thing I have not ever seen on my face is the bright blush on my cheeks and ears that's almost the same shade as my red hairband and the look of shock and disbelief.
When I was in high school, I had my fair share of love confessions from boys. Granted, I like them back but I always tell myself I can't be involved with anyone else because they could be a better match for someone else as I don't really belong here. Yes, I'm born here and I'm grateful for a second chance but my presence in this world would mess things up for the future. It's like if I interfere, even if I try to do a minimal change, Yusaku-sensei and Yukiko won't meet each other and Shinichi won't be born. Well, there's probably a small probability percentage of that from happening but still. I told myself that if I'm going to make changes, it has to be as small as possible or things that would eventually happen. It'll be like I'm just helping things along.
But, then…
I looked up. As if the ceiling doesn't exist, I tried to picture what the boys are doing upstairs. I've made a major change already. Several, if I count being born into the Akai family. My older brothers seems to have the same dynamic as their originals, to which I am grateful, but what about Masumi, Mom, or even Dad? I closed my eyes to try and rid myself of the feeling of regret. Still, I tried to look at the bright side. Without the changes I made, Hagiwara should be dead by now. Matsuda, Hiro and Date to follow. Yet, here there are, alive and well. Do I regret saving them? Should I feel guilty for saving four lives or would it be better if they're dead in the long run? What if death is really their fate? Can I live with the fact that I saved them from certain death only to serve them on a golden platter for the Grim Reaper in a different circumstance? Or what if since I prevented their deaths, someone else would have to take their place? Or worse, their death could have saved a thousand lives. What if their death is the cause for the future events to fall into place and I messed it up by saving four lives?
Before I knew it, the water from the basin is overflowing and sloshing on the bathroom floor and into my trainers and socks. I turned off the water, getting rid of the excess, before exiting the bathroom. I was startled when Araide-kun appeared before me, accidentally tipping the basin and getting him wet.
"Araide-kun!" I yelled. I tried to steady the basin. He shot his hand forward, grabbing the basin from me with his large and steady hands and placed it on top of the washing machine.
"Hey, sorry for scaring— Masami?"
I took a deep breath and look up to him. I tried to give him the brightest smile, even though the muscles on the corners of my lips are somehow forcing them down. "It's fine. I just got a lot in my mind lately." I sniffed. Why does it feel hard to breathe now? It feels like I have something heavy on my chest.
Araide-kun came closer, smiling softly down at me, eyes tender and soft as he framed my face with his huge and warm hands. "Masami, why are you crying?" He wiped my cheeks with his thumbs and I realized that my face is wet. I blinked, finally realising the sting on my eyes as I hiccupped a sob.
"I don't know," I sniffed. "Maybe it's allergies."
He gave me a deadpan look. "You do remember that I questioned you about allergens when you got a reaction after eating shrimp?"
"I'm not allergic to shrimp. I choked on it. Stupid crustacean." I pouted, rubbing my eyes and wiping away the rest of my tears. However, somehow, they just kept on coming.
I was allergic to shrimp. All shellfish, actually. Deathly allergic in my past life. It's not an allergy that I was born with but developed in my adulthood. Shellfish was expensive so when I moved out of my parents' house, I opted to buy cheap meat instead and mostly ate fast food or delivery. I learned the sudden change in my body when I was invited to a backyard party by my neighbour where I enjoyed a crab croquette with a glass of Cosmo. The next thing I knew, I woke up at the hospital hooked to a ventilator. I've been carrying an Epi pen since then.
So I haven't had any shellfish for thirty-odd years until I went to a seafood restaurant with Araide-kun and Shinichi to celebrate Araide-kun's birthday. Araide-kun asked me why I'm only eating fish when the snow crabs, octopus and shrimp looks so tasty. I popped one shrimp casually into my mouth with their encouragement but my mouth automatically rejected it on instinct while my mind is saying it's alright to try because I'm not allergic anymore. I ended up choking on the stupid shrimp, causing a commotion at the restaurant and embarrassing myself in front of strangers.
There was a thunder of footsteps down the stairs. "What happened? Why is she crying?"
I just covered my face with my hands as I try to stop the tears but they just kept on coming. I just felt two warm arms around me and I just let out a huge and loud sob, letting the tears just flow as Araide-kun enveloped me with a tight hug, with Hiro running his hands up and down my back.
In that moment, all I wanted to do is just cry my heart out.
And I did.