Sugar, Sugar ★

Chapter 4 - 真.

Some were sympathetic. Some were disgusted. Hattori Heiji's burn scars changed the way people treated him. His devoted fan girls were now unsupportive. It seems as if they only liked him for his looks. 88% of the public were petrified too. Heiji didn't mind though, as his sadistic tendencies were helpful with coping. Though... Sometimes, when a reaction was too much, he'd be reminded of how and why he had gotten those marks in the first place.

Damn pressure point. To think he'd actually have one...

After startling enough nurses on the way, Paikaru finally arrived at room 910. He loitered at the entrance, reluctant to show his face. He grunted, and was greeted with a soft, muffled "Hello?" from the other side of the door. Damn. Now he can't pretend that he's not there. 'Fuck it.' He thought, entering quickly.

"Hattori...!"

Bright eyes glimmered. And Hattori couldn't help but squint. It was like being blinded by the morning sun in the morning. Shinichi's eyes were so... Luminous.

Rubbing the back of his head, the Osakan settled down on the chair beside the bed.

"Quite the mess ye've made. Were ya that bored?"

Paikaru asks, gesturing to all the newspaper articles scattered about the once spotless room.

"Yeah, I guess."

Shinichi's laugh was a bit softer than usual, or so Paikaru had noted mentally. The amnesiac leans towards Paikaru, giving the up and down look.

Droopy eyes, slumped posture...

Well. Someone looks fatigued.

"Hattori? Thanks for visiting again. You make my days in here a lot better."

"Mhmm."

The B.O member replies, distracted by the magazines that were sticking out from under the bed. He was struck with a strong sense of déjà vu. Weren't these the magazines he once starred in? Before he could raise his head to question it, he felt a hand patting his head. Paikaru peered up, almost like a frightened puppy.

"So, how was work?"

Shinichi asked, waiting for a response as Paikaru straightened himself up.

"It was... Okay, I guess."

Paikaru responded, not wanting to share his day in much detail. Shinichi doesn't need to know that Paikaru killed three men and dismembered their bodies. Nope.

"That's good... -- Hey! It's almost lunch time soon. Do you wanna eat with me?"

Shinichi was quick to change topic. He points to the clock on the wall with a grin.

"Uh, sure I guess. I'll go ta tha convenience store downstairs and grab somethin'."

One last glance at the pile of magazines was given before Paikaru was out of the room. He hurried through the halls, entering the elevator and huffing a sigh. This can't do. Shinichi and his hyper-curiosity. It's blatantly obvious that he's doing some major digging. Paikaru dragged a scarred hand down his face. He knew he should've stopped seeing Shinichi. Would it be too late if he were to leave the amnesiac's side now?

☔︎ *°・.   ．『 ☆ 』   ．.・°*☔︎

Paikaru came back, about roughly ten minutes later. He managed to buy a decent lunch for about 400 yen. Which was great, since he was very low on money. Very.

Stepping into the room, he lays his eyes on the empty bed. What the--. Where the hell is Shinichi...--

"KUDOU!?"

Paikaru almost shrieked, dropping his plastic bag and stumbling over.

Shinichi was leaning out the window, dangerously close to toppling right out. He's on the ninth freaking floor, he wouldn't survive the fall, would he? Paikaru grabbed Shinichi by the waist, yanking him back into the room. Who's the lousy fuck who unlocked the window!? They were supposed to be locked to prevent suicide!

"Why did ya do that!?"

Paikaru yelled, burying his face into Shinichi's back.

"Why would ya wanna commit suicide!?"

Shinichi was stunned, and it took a few seconds for him to process what had happened. He turned, blinking ever so innocently.

"Hattori...? I was ...Just helping out a little bird. The poor thing fell out of the nest."

"Wh... What...?"

Oh, of freaking course. Paikaru overreacted to nothing. Though, his actions were understandable. Who wouldn't panic if they saw their friend close to falling out the window of a high building?

Shinichi held out his hands, revealing a small sparrow. It chirped, hopping on the amnesiac's palm.
Paikaru didn't even know how to react. He slowly let go of Shinichi, staring wide eyed.

"Ahh... Aheheh... Did I scare you? ...--I'm sorry."

Shinichi hung his head low, and Paikaru waved his hands frantically. Seeing Shinichi like this was heartbreaking.

"I-It's fine. Just don't go close ta tha window like that!"

"Okay!!"

Shinichi beamed, grinning as he stood up.

"But let me return this little guy first."

Paikaru stood, cautiously staying beside Shinichi as he returned the sparrow to its rightful place. There was a nest in the corner of the roof.

Shinichi giggled softly to himself whilst he did this, earning a frown and a raised brow from Paikaru.

"Why are ya laughin'?"

The Osakan asked as the two sat down. Shinichi on his bed and Paikaru on the chair beside it.

"It's nothing! I'm just really happy!" Happy that he knew Paikaru cared for him despite that cold and awkward exterior...