August 28th, 11:24:13pm, just outside of the Kuroba household.

Hakuba parked his car, retrieved his duffel, then thought better of it. He couldn’t remember if he’d actually sent the text asking if he could come over or if he’d just imagined it. Perhaps there’d been a phone call or an email. Had he mentioned it in passing? The detective hesitated next to the car and checked his pocket watch, then verified it against his wrist watch. It did nothing to recall what he was missing. Which was, specifically, his phone.

In his haste to leave his house on a sudden whim (or had it been?), he’d left it behind. He could have gone back for it. He probably should have. But he was already there and, if Kaito would oblige, he wouldn’t need it. Hakuba checked his watch again, then left the car to put on a brave face. 

He knocked, then wrang his hands anxiously, waiting for a response. Was Kaito even home? Leaning back, he checked for any signs in the windows, but immediately turned back to the door and retrieved his pocket watch once again. 

Please be home… please answer…