Over the next couple of days Kaito didn’t want to emerge from his bedroom. The onslaught of question he had to endure back at the classroom did about as much damage as that blasted detective who had destroyed he defenses. He tried to clear his mind and body by working out and training for his next heist but after swallowing a pin to a safe lock he called it quits. He was too distracted by the memory. No matter how long he showered and how hard he scrubbed he could still catch whiffs of Hakuba everywhere, on his clothes, his skin, in his hair and it drove him nuts. The scarf had been tossed to the corner of his room and not touched for a full day before he picked it up and folded it.
He lifted his head from the mountain of pillows to stare at the package. The only reason it sat unopened was because Hakuba’s name was printed on it. He sighed and sat up, debating whether it was a good idea to get him self mixed up in anything he offered. Standing he crossed to it and picked it up.
It was light and barely made any sound when he shook it. He bit his lip and sat down in the desk chair. Happiness bubbled under his skin at the sight of the paper. He scrunched his nose. He removed the bow carefully then worked on each sides of the paper. He slid the box out and set the wrapping aside.
He froze at the store name on the box, slowly lifted the lid and stared down at the red scarf he wanted. He ran out of the room and remained downstairs for the remainder of the holiday.
The Following March (“One Month Before Graduation at Ekoda High”)
“Oh, I know, I know!” Marion said, lifting the tea cup to her mouth again for a quick sip before setting it on the saucer in her other hand. “I can’t believe that they’re growing up so quickly, and I know I’ll never get over just how tall my Saguru is getting…"
The woman took a moment to tuck a lock of wavy blonde hair behind her ear, smirking at her friend on the other end of the screen. "And Kaito-kun. Is he excited to nearly be done with high school? Has he decided on a college?”