*Aki's P.O.V*
"Who was that?" Nanako asked as she left her room.
I turned to her. "Never mind it's nothing important~"
I added before she can reply: "How are you today? Are you feeling better?"
"A little bit, I guess?"
"Nanako! Aki! Lunch is ready!" Mom called.
Nanako overslept till afternoon. She have skipped her classes for two days so far. I really should do something to make her go back to normal..
We gathered at the dining table. Everyone was chatting and eating, while Nanako sat there silently moving the spoon around in her plate.
Suddenly, the change in my father's tone grabbed her attention.
"Aki, did you request a phone tracking service in my name?" His tone was calm but very serious.
Now all eyes were on me while everyone waited for a response.
I chuckled awkwardly: "Oh dad! It was a joke! I'm sorry okay?"
He clearly wasn't happy with my answer. "What is this all about? Tell me the truth."
I sighed: "Well, my partner in a school project told me she was going outside the country for an urgent trip. But I think she was just bailing on me to make me do all the work instead. So, you know, I just wanted to check if she was being honest.."
My father's tone softened. "Look, sweetie, I appreciate your honesty. But the police tracking system is not a toy. It shouldn't be used for such trivial matters."
He paused for a moment. "I know you are capable of solving your personal issues on your own. So, promise me you would never do that again."
I pouted. "Fine! But you have to promise me in return to show me around the police department!"
"I'll consider that." He slightly chuckled.
Nanako got up after a bit as mom tried to stop her. "Where are you going Nanako? You barely ate anything at all! You didn't like it?"
"I do. I'm just full." She excused myself.
I kept arguing with my father about how unfair it was to make me promise while he wouldn't promise in return.
When we finished eating, I went to my room. I think I'll have to work it out on my own then! I knew he wasn't reliable and would immediately ask my father for confirmation about the tracking!
I kept thinking of a plan B for what seemed like forever! And I finally got it!
I looked through my phone's contacts and called.
"Heeyy giiirl!" She picked up immediately
"Heey Kyoko! How are you?"
"Girl, we literally just saw each other at school! No need for the formalities!"
I chuckled: "Okay, I'll get to the point! Can I come to your place? I want to talk."
"Of course!! You're always welcome at my place! It would be so much fun with you around!" She rejoiced.
"Alright then! I'll see you there!"
After I hung up, I changed into a floral sleeveless top with an olive-green blazer and a pair of ripped jeans.
I took my backpack then went to my mother. "Mom can you drop me at Kyoko's place so that we can study together?"
"Oh that's a great idea! It's always good to study with a friend!"
I waited for her as she went to change then we both got in her car. She dropped me at the supermarket first, since one of the most important policies for mom is to "never go to someone empty-handed".
She gave me some money and told me to get something for my friend. I bought a box of her favorite chocolate then went back to the car as mom drove to Kyoko's place.
After a while mom stopped the car. "Alright call me when you're done! And study well! Don't waste your friend's time with chitchat!"
I left the car. "Okay got it! Bye mom!"
I rang the bell. Few moments later the maid opened the door.
"I'm here to see Kyoko."
"Oh, you must be miss Aki. Please follow me." She escorted me to Kyoko's room, although I already know my way around here.
She knocked. "Miss Kyoko, miss Aki is here."
"Let her in", commanded the voice coming from inside.
The maid opened the door for me then excused herself.
Kyoko grinned widely as soon as she saw me. "Heeey Aki!" She hugged me as I hugged back.
"Heey Kyoko!" I glanced around. "Wow, I sure miss being here!"
"Riiiight! You've been so busy with studying all the time that you no longer hang out here anymore!!" She complained.
"Yeah sorry about that.."
This place sure hasn't changed at all. It's still as fancy and tidy as I last remember it. After all, Kyoko's parents are super rich. She got maids to do everything for her, and she gets everything she wants.
Her room is that of a fairytale. Curtains around the bed. Sparkle everywhere. The whole atmosphere is so fancy that it makes me feel as if Kyoko was a princess of the Victorian age.
"So, what did you want to talk about? I've been dying to know since you called!" She questioned.
"Look, I want you to help me catch a guy!" I whispered.
Her eyes lit up in excitement. "Ohh! You're crushing on someone!!"
"No that's not it!" I hesitated for a second, not sure if I should get her involved. "He broke my sister's heart and she's been lifeless ever since! So.. are you in?"
"Heck yeah!! That'd be the most exciting thing I've ever got to do!"
I got relieved that she agreed to help me. "Cool! I'll send you the details then!"
She teased. "Wait, what's in it for me though?"
"Glad you asked!" I got the box of chocolate from my backpack and gave it to her. "Shall we seal the deal with this?"
She took it happily. "Gosh Aki you're the best! Thank you!"
I grinned then warned her: "Look, this guy is no easy target though! You have to be very careful. Don't disclose any personal information to him. Don't show him your pictures, and it would be better if you don't tell him your real name."
I stopped for a moment to think if I forgot any piece of advice. "Oh and don't open any links he send!"
"No worries, I'm up for the challenge!" She assured me.
We chatted a while longer about my plan, school, and other stuff. When I checked the clock, it was already 6 pm.
"Oh! Look at the time! I think I gotta go!"
She pouted: "Ehh already!"
"It's okay I'll come back soon!" I smiled at her then called my mother. When she arrived to pick me up, Kyoko walked me to the door and thanked me for the fun time she had while chatting with me.
"I'll be counting on you!" I whispered then got in the car and waved her goodbye.
Now it's time to implement my plan.