The Sapphire that lost its Spark.

Chapter 2 (Aoko)

It was already 5 pm. No single sign of Kaito nor Aoko's father.

"Kaito... where on earth did you go?", Aoko mumbled into her knees.
It had been 10 hours since her father called and announced he would work for a long time today, but Aoko didn't know the reason. He didn't specify in any way.
All she knows is that it must be about Kaitou Kid.

That stupid thief pulled a heist the night before again, which is why she'd been alone all day.
Yeah, she's used to that. It's always the same. However... for some strange reason, Kaito was gone too...

He's usually home on weekends since he's so lazy that he can't even get out of bed in the morning. Hence, she wakes him up by basically waking up the entire neighborhood: yelling over the balcony!

It's usually always light-hearted, and Aoko knows he doesn't take it against her. He normally enjoys the breakfast she makes for him in the morning... same with lunch or dinner... but he didn't come for any of these today.

Aoko tried contacting his mother, Chikage-san, and even his acquaintance Jii he often hangs around with... but Aoko unfortunately didn't get any useful answer.

Jii kept hanging up on her for some reason, and she clearly recalls the conversation she'd had with Chikage. And what those interactions accomplished was getting her stupidly worried about that Bakaito!

She shouldn't get worried about him, he always gets into trouble for such stupid reasons and she knows he'd return eventually....

After all, they made a promise... not to leave each other behind, ever.
They're best friends, and nothing would EVER change that.

...

Right?

....

All of the sudden, she was feeling cold. Really cold. That was the worst feeling she's ever had in her life.
Like her heart froze to dry ice in milliseconds, giving her no time to adjust, until it shattered to pieces and left glacial sickening crumbs in her stomach.

What was that feeling about?

As Aoko tried to shake those feelings off, she sank back into thoughts.

~ 5 hours ago ~

*Jeez! That stupid Kaito... he's really not home... maybe his mother knows where he is? Perhaps he told her-*, she unknowingly thought.

She carefully dialed the number of Chikage Kuroba! Gladly saved her contact in case Kaito ever misbehaved so she could snitch on him anytime she wanted.
But now it's not about that... it's about him vanishing without telling anyone!

She had to wait for a really long time.
*Why isn't she just picking up? Is she busy too?*

Luckily, Mrs Kuroba finally picked up with an unsteady breathing. Aoko distinctly heard that, but ignored it for the time being not to make her uncomfortable.

"Oh, hello Aoko! What is it? Why are you calling me?", she didn't sound well.

-"Hey uhm... thanks for picking up! Im sorry if I'm bothering you but I was wondering- do you know where Kaito is? He's not home and just disappeared without telling anyone! And I'm getting worried about that obnoxious idiot!!"

Silence. Uneasy silence. Did she say something wrong?

-"Chikage-san... are you still there...?"

She released a hysterical laugh. That was odd. Really odd.

"Oh Aoko! Why are you so worried? I-it's not like he's still a little kid- who can't take care of himself! I'm sure he's just busy doing silly things as always... cheer up Aoko!"