As Gold as the Sun (Oumatsu!Phantom Thief Au)

Coffee Stains

Shuichi's laugh filled the cafe, making Kaede's heart flutter as he played her heart like a piano. It's moments like these that Kaede cherishes; morning coffee and long chats about whatever comes to mind. The two of them have been doing these kinds of things since grade school.

Kaede loved everything about Shuichi, she knew him better than any song she has played. So, it was inevitable for her to catch feelings for him. Not that Kaede would tell him, she doesn't think she ever could, especially not now.

"It's nice to finally have coffee together again," Shuichi smiled, Kaede could stare at his smile for hours. "That Phantom Thief has been really active as of recently." Shuichi said with a sigh.

Kaede frowned at the mention of the infamous Phantom Thief. Shuichi works at his uncle's old detective agency, and he was probably the best detective there. Maybe that's why he got the Phantom Thief case, Kaede personally thinks it's unfair to him. Shuichi has pulled so many all-nighters just to find the next heist location, only for the thief to get away every time.

"It's alright, I understand how busy you get. But you can't work too hard you know!" Kaede said with a pout. He always had the tendency to overwork himself when it comes to detective work. Even now Shuichi was still working on that stupid case, evident by all the papers thrown about on the table they were occupying.

"I know I know, but we're getting really close! I can feel it!" He said with that gleam in his eyes that made Kaede melt. He looked so confident and proud of himself, who was Kaede to ruin that?

"I'm sure you are, but you can't catch a thief if you're exhausted all the time. I'll start making care packages again if I need to." Kaede smiled at him.

"Oh no, you don't have to do anything like that." With an embarrassed chuckle, Shuichi rubbed the back of his neck.

Kaede was sure he felt embarrassed because he thinks he doesn't deserve all of the extra support, but that just wasn't true! Kaede loved making him care packages and would start doing it again in a heartbeat. It was a way for her to express how much she loves and cares about him, even if it's only viewed platonically.

"Alright, you better take good care of yourself then!" Kaede pouted for a few seconds before chuckling to show Shuichi that she wasn't upset with him.

"Ah, ShuShu pulled another all-nighter eh?" An all too familiar voice spoke up. There was a hand placed in Shuichi's hair as it began to ruffle it. The way his hair moved made Kaede think of a nighttime stroll on the beach, watching as the waves meet the sand. But a storm arose inside of her as she fully realized who was disturbing their outing.

Rantaro Amami: Shuichi's detective partner, and the bane of Kaede's existence. Kaede knew it was wrong to hate the guy, she had her jealousy to blame for that, but seeing the two be so close just made Kaede's blood boil. They had met when Shuichi graduated from his apprenticeship, becoming a full-fledged detective. While only two years ago, it felt like eons for Kaede.

Rantaro whispered something into Shuichi's ear, making his face flush with a red hue that Kaede only wished she could cause. Oh how Kaede's heart shattered, she would be an idiot to think Shuichi only reacted this way because of his shy demeanor. Yet there Kaede was, playing the role of the fool, as she held onto this desperate hope of any chance her love is requited.

They began to speak amongst themselves as if Kaede wasn't even there. They were both so lost in their world of nothing but each other. Kaede wanted to scream at Rantaro for showing up, scream at him for stealing Shuichi's heart, scream for countless other things she held against him.

'It isn't fair! I finally get to spend time with Shuichi after two whole weeks of canceled plans! But no! Rantaro had to come and... no, that's not fair to Rantaro.' Kaede frowned at her own thoughts.