It took a single flash of a camera and a figure vanishing into the sea of people to put Kaito's guard up. The streets were a perfect place to become a target. Especially with people out and about. Glimpsing sideways, Kaito was relieved to see Shinichi still chattering away.

In return, he threw a few nods and basic answers showing that he was still listening. He didn't need the detective to get involved in the mess. Not when they were having such a lovely time. Kaito clicked his tongue. He had to eliminate this person as quickly as possible. The expression darkened. The idea of someone else taking photos of his detective infuriated him.

When Kaito saw a nearby cafe, he beamed with charm, seizing the chance to tug on Shinichi's jacket.

"This place looks nice. Why don't we go here?" Kaito's mellow proposal hung in the air. Manipulating situations had always been his forte. He just needed Shinichi to take advantage of the appeal. The detective threw a glance at the cafe. For a moment Kaito thought Shinichi would reject him, giving the stalker another opportunity to take photos. Fortunately, the man must have seen something worthy on the cafe's menu, as he returned a rousing nod.

Kaito's smile widened. Perfect.

Kaito took the lead and effortlessly pushed on the glass door. The pair sauntered in—a cloak of warmth and the rich aroma of coffee could be detected. Faint smoothing music wafted from the speakers, concealed from their eyes. A waiter welcomed them with a smile that had no doubt been practised in front of a mirror.

Taking a seat near the window, Kaito was confident that the purser would promptly take the bait. Their coats slumped over the cafe's chairs.

"You certainly have a good eye for places." Shinichi's compliment drew Kaito out of his mental planning. Kaito felt his chest swell with merriment.

"I'm glad to hear that," Kaito replied. He shifted casually, taking in the sight of Shinchi scrutinising the menu. Kaito wondered if Shinichi was aware of his adorable mannerisms. The way his blue eyes squinted or his face adorned a pure look of concentration. Kaito wished he had brought his camera along.

It was no surprise to Kaito when the waiter arrived, carrying their orders. The first thing he spotted was the brewing cup of black coffee alongside a decorated vanilla slice. Typical Shinichi.

Shinichi consumed the beverage in a swift motion. A talent only Shinichi could attain, considering how hot the liquid was. The mug was still in hand as Shinichi's free left hand shot up, a signal to the waiter. Kaito shook his head, a velvet chuckle escaping his lips.

"You know I'm only going to buy you one coffee," Kaito enunciated. The mug landed back on the table with a faint thud. The table legs shuddered at the hasty foray.

"That's fine. I'll buy another cup with my money. Shinichi huffed, taking smallish morsels from his vanilla slice.

It was Shinichi's turn to act astounded upon Kaito's food appearance, Shinichi's eyes dilated, while Kaito rubbed his hands gleefully at the sight of the drizzled chocolate cake, accompanied by a searing mug of hot chocolate. There was even a chocolate cookie on the side.

"Isn't that a bit too much?" Shinichi exclaimed incredulously. Kaito avoided the question in favour of stabbing the fork in the cake. He popped the slice in his mouth.

"You don't see me questioning your coffee dosages," Kaito grumbled between mouthfuls.

"You did a minute ago".

Kaito shot Shinichi a reproachful look at the comment.

Shinichi did another double-take at the sugary food decorating Kaito's side of the table.

"I'd always assumed you had a sweet tooth, though not to this extent".

'Well, you have learned something new about me. The man had tried sounding flirtatious, only to backfire from choking a little due to swallowing more than his mouth could handle. Shinichi surprisingly chortled a little and courteously poured him a glass of water. The laughter was much more honest. It held the same warmth, caressing—fondness, Kaito's mind supplied.

He loved it.

Kaito wasn't embellishing when he said he nearly dropped his fork at the sight of Shinichi leaning in—an expression of interest decorating his beautiful complexion. Kaito managed to calm his racing heart, and he followed Shinichi's movements silently.

The detective continued to scrutinise the cake in the same manner as he would look at the dead bodies at a crime scene.

"Uh, detective what are you-"

Shinichi had picked up the fork and penetrated the cake's side with such viciousness, making Kaito jump out of his seat. He didn't. It was a near thought.

The sound attained them a tandem of looks from the other diners.

"Hm, this will do" Shinchi proclaimed, the cake's slice hovering over his lips. Pieces of cake crumbled off, falling onto the unsoiled plate.

"I thought you didn't like sweets," Kaito stated candidly.

Shinichi shrugged, nibbling lightly.

"Just curious to see what was so good about this cake".

Oh, Shinchi. Do you know how much my heart is beating right now?

"Aww, detective..." Kaito gushed, making Shinichi roll his eyes. He sat back. The fork clattered.

"It's too sweet". The detective said finally.

The pair continued to snack on their treats in the comfort of each other's presence. Alongside, Shinchi's informative warnings and advice on the dangers of consuming too much chocolate in one sitting. They paid no mind to the diners who came and in out.

" Welcome sir!" the waitress's robotic, jovial voice snagged Kaito's attention. Blue eyes ignited up with animosity at the sight of a middle-aged man. A white mask obscured the man's lower face. His hairy hands were tucked away in the jacket's pockets. A camera dangled loosely, like a noose around the man's neck. Kaito's tongue clicked.

So this was the supposed stalker. Took him long enough to show up.

Resting his chin on the chair's top frame with the characteristic of a cat studying its prey. The waitress allocated the man a table close to where the pair were sitting. The man ordered a few items here and there. Nothing too fancy. Kaito took tremendous pleasure in analysing and jotting down notes in his head.

Such pity he was too far away to catch a glimpse of the sheltered face.

As if his prayers were heard, the man rose and began walking toward the restrooms.

An opportunity had pathed its way to him.

"Be right back Shinichi!" Katio scrambled to his feet, almost toppling over a passing waitress. Shinichi observed the commotion with apparent exasperation. He resumed staring at the people wandering past.

Kaito was still a puzzle he still couldn't figure out.

Kaito didn't have the patience to allow the door to close the slightest, he barged in, startling the middle-aged man. The men's eyes interlocked. The door creaked to a languid close. A veil of silence descended between them.

Eventually, Kaito arched a brow and flashed a whimsical grin. And then, he lunged forward with the gait of an aggressor. The man made an inadequate attempt to duck. Unfortunately, Kaito was the experienced one in this scrabble. The man lost in a heartbeat. Earning himself a fist in the face and a nosebleed that came oozing out afterwards. Kaito recoiled back with disdain.

The man sank. His body slumped against the wall. Beads of sweat dribbled down the man's temple. Blood began staining the jacket's front.

Kaito hovered above, satisfied with his short victory.

"Now, let's see who you are", came the pleasant voice which didn't sound at all cordial from the man's perspective. He jolted feebly, hoping to escape the approaching fingers.

"Ah, Ah", Kaito chastised, scooting closer.

The smile on Kaito's face extended as his fingers pulled down the gross white mask. Kaito made a mental memo to wash his hands after concluding this integration.

The moment was short-lived, and Kaito's eyes turned stern. His head tipped to one side.

Sensing the impending fury, the man cowered, wishing the wall would swallow him.

"You must have a death wish. The nerve to show up in front of me, Takashi-san".

A kick was jabbed into the man's side causing Takashi to tumble sideways. Takashi's face twisted as he expelled endless groans and grunts. The noise was vexing Kaito's ears to the point, that he bundled up some loose tissues and stuffed them into Takashi's gaping mouth.

Kaito's eyes redirected to the camera laying on the tiles. Takashi paled. He knew what was going to happen next.

He was too weak to prevent the other man from flicking through the dozens of photos he had taken of the detective. And the way Kaito's face was drained of all emotions as he did this, only spelt doom for Takashi.

He may as well try to resolve this crisis as much as he could.

"mhmm"

Kaito fired him a scornful glare. A warning. Takashi made another feeble sound, ignoring his growing dread. Kaito ultimately gave in, out of pity or annoyance Takashi assumed it was the latter.

"What is it?"

"A-Are they photos to y-your liking?"

Takashi took Kaito's lack of an answer as an affirmative. After all, he was Kaito's best photographer before being sacked.

"I have more on my computer..." Takashi persisted.

Kaito's lips broke into a delighted grin upon hearing the latest statement.

"Really?" the man said, interest gleaming in those Indigo irises. Takashi's head bopped fiercely.

"The photos can be accessed through my phone as well", Takashi continued. He rambled on and on, believing he truly had Kaito's attention. And the way Kaito was acting, made it all more plausible.

It was understandable the middle-aged man wanted to live. However, he was too blind to see the menace of his words or how he failed to notice Kaito's hand lowering into his own jacket's pocket, drawing out a glistening blade.

And when Kaito shuffled onwards, patting his cheek with the back of his hand. Takashi thought he had won.

"Oh Takashi", the man purred. "You have been so helpful."

Takashi smiled sheepishly, his face renewing some colour.

It was false hope.

The last thing Takashi felt was a burning, searing pain in his flank. It came a few consecutive times. Everything around him was going dim like someone was turning off the lights. Warning bells tolled in his mind.

As the remnant of his consciousness twinkled out, he saw Kaito's disinterested eyes watching. Takashi took in a final puff.

A single tear fell.

The realisation washed over.

He was never going to walk out here alive in the first place.

-----------------------------------------------

Alas, Shinichi was still there. Sipping away on what would be his 3rd or maybe 4th coffee dosage. The afternoon rays draped over his still figure, giving Shinichi a bewitching brilliance.

Kaito had expected to see an empty seat on his return.

The fact Shinichi was still here. In front of him. Made the other man's soul flutter for the hundredth time. He slowed his pace down.

"You're back."

"I am". Kaito slipped into the role of clutching his stomach and giving it a few, pats. Shinichi threw a dubious glance.

Kaito's breath hitched.

"I should have listened to you". Kaito drawled.

Shinichi arched a brow, pondering what Kaito's words meant.

"My butt hurts from sitting on the toilet seat for ages!" Kaito lamented, hunching over again.

"You're right! I seriously need to cut down on my chocolate intakes".

Shinichi's chest shook upon the sudden confession or was it from seeing Kaito's amusing act? Kaito wanted to say it was both. A flurry of laughter escaped from the ravishing, coffee-stained lips. Shinichi's head tossed about—blue eyes twinkling with precise words of 'I told you.

Kaito didn't utter a single word. He didn't dare to, or else if he did..

This image would shatter in a fleeting beat.