Another… 

The detective looked from the rose to the coffee, then back again, before lifting his head to look around the kitchen. It was silent and still, as it always was so late (or early). Still, he swallowed and offered a small “Hello?” before reaching for the rose, examining it cautiously. 

Things like this didn’t happen to him. True, he had his admirers, but they had been forced to go through proper channels for some time now. And it wasn’t as if just anyone could get through the security at the Hakuba household. Baaya, perhaps…?  

No, she’d been in bed hours ago. He’d checked on her earlier when pacing the inner perimeter. But then who…? Dare he hope that it be Kaitou Kid? The thought hurt almost as much as it thrilled him. Certainly, Kid was the most logical explanation, for a variety of factors, but… 

Hakuba brought the rose to his lips and kissed it once, tenderly, taking in that subtle scent. Was it a dream? No; there wasn’t enough fire. Perhaps a trap, then? 

Perhaps.

But if it is, he thought, picking up the coffee cup with his other hand to return to work, I think I’ll allow myself a few moments of foolish enjoyment, anyway…