Asphyxia // PERSONA 5 FF [ under editing ]

CH 11 │Hours of Darkness

“Such instances come at the most unexpected times.”

“I should've known that best…”

Part 1

It was yet another busy morning in the office of the detectives, each having a pile of paperwork to finish. Reports, investigations, recent missing children cases… name it. Everyone was trying their very best to bring justice to those in need, help those who are oppressed, and perform their best diligently, abiding by their morals.

They were truly admirable.

Among them was the popular Ace Detective, Goro Akechi, who became a detective with his intelligence and ability to make reasonable deductions despite being only in third-year high school. The general public had taken a liking to him, looking up to him as a detective idol or public figure because of his undeniable charisma. He was one of the very few talented students, discovered by their seniors. 

Like the others, Akechi sat on his designated chair with his desk having unusually fewer piles compared to others. A carefree and relaxed smile never left his face. He quietly hummed a song as he continued to do his work efficiently, typing his paperwork on a computer.

Regularly, Akechi would have a mug of coffee by his desk. He would take a sip from time to time, enjoying the aroma it gives off. Apart from that, he really needed some caffeine for his work.

Akechi took his mug to take another sip, before drinking the rest. He checked the time on his watch, 'Am I forgetting something…?'

The teen drifted himself onto his own thoughts trying to determine the reason why he had an unsettling feeling in his heart. Why was he worrying too much about everything?

And he remembered it.

"Speaking of… I haven't heard anything from Kyoko since the other day…" Akechi trailed in curiosity as to why the mentioned girl didn't leave any message than she usually does. The last one he got was completely rubbish and seemed impossible to come from his partner.

Kyoko: Hey, Goro! I'm gonna hang out with Ren for the next few days~

Kyoko: I'll leave work to you, 'kay?

It was utterly careless. A bit too careless for the Kyoko he knew to say.

It's been months already since they've known each other, and he knew the flicker of excitement and passion in Kyoko's eyes every time they solved a case. He knew very well that Kyoko would even set aside her own hobbies and leisure time just to do what she was tasked to do, no matter how inconvenient the time it was told to her.

A distressed sigh escaped his lips, feeling his heartbeat fasten. He knitted his eyebrows slightly, trying to organize his thoughts since his worries for the girl's wellbeing was reaching the roof. 

As he held his head, lightly ruffling some of his brown locks, he placed all his bet on Ren. He recalled Ren's determined nod, promising to take care of Kyoko at times he couldn't reach her. After all, the message did say the girl was spending time with the silent teen.

Carefully, Akechi placed back his mug to his desk—

Shatter!

The glass shattering brought him back to his senses. A bit shocked, he lowered his gaze only to see his mug broken into a few pieces.

It was a personalized mug Kyoko gave to him as a gift.

He felt his heart drop at the sight, the bad feeling he had even more intensifying. A cold sweat made its way down to his face, his thoughts overwhelming him.