"Hello, Boy!" Detective Saito's voice broke through the tense atmosphere, his presence like a cold wind cutting through the warm summer air.
I turned around, my heart still pounding from Hana's unexpected confession.
The sight of Saito's stern face reminded me of the gravity of the situation at hand.
He had always been an imposing figure, and now, more than ever, I felt the weight of his scrutiny.
But more than that, I felt like he didn't have friendly intentions.
"Detective Saito," I greeted him, trying to steady my voice and compose myself. "What brings you here?"
Saito gave me a knowing look. "I was in the area. Thought I could ask some questions to your friend, Hiro, and see how he's holding up. But it seems I found something more interesting." He said, with a cold voice.
His eyes bore into mine, and I knew he was referring to the massacre at the abandoned school.
"What do you mean, Detective?" I asked, with a little bit of anxiety in my voice.
He let out a small sigh and then looked at me again.
"Can we talk somewhere private?" he asked, glancing around the busy hospital entrance.
I nodded and swallowed some saliva, leading him to a quiet corner of the hospital courtyard, away from prying eyes and ears.
The air was filled with the distant hum of traffic and the occasional chirping of birds, a stark contrast to the turmoil inside me.
When we arrived at the destined place, Detective Saito placed in front of me and started to talk.
His eyes were locked on mine, like he wanted to scrutinize inside my soul.
I felt his gaze directly into my heart, like a dagger.
Saito wasted no time.
"Kai, we need to talk about the massacre. All the victims had their throats slit, a very distinct and, might I add, familiar method. You know what I mean, right?"
His eyes never left mine, searching for any sign of guilt or hesitation.
I took a deep breath, ready to play my part.
"You're basically asking if Hina is involved in this, right…?" I asked with a sigh, trying to remain calm.
The detective nodded silently.
"That's not the problem. The method of killing is the same of the two men who died some time ago… I asked you to keep an eye on Hina, but I haven't received any calls from you. And I also heard that you're collaborating with Yuki Nakamura." He said.
"…" I didn't answer, instead I looked away from him.
"Suzuki-Kun, I'm here to help you. Im not your enemy, so please, tell me everything you know." He said, trying to reassure me.
Then, I looked him into his eyes and finally spoke.
His expression was still the same: cold and distant.
"Detective, I… I was there, but I didn't see who did it," I began, my voice shaking just the right amount. "Naomi and I were kidnapped. We were taken to that abandoned school. I managed to escape, but… it was a miracle. I barely got out with Naomi."
"Naomi? There was a girl with you?" He asked.
I nodded.
"Yeah… I didn't want to talk to anyone about this because I simply don't want to do run into bad people… I'm scared because I don't know anything." I managed to say, trying to sound as natural as I could.
Saito's expression didn't change.
He was a seasoned detective, and he had probably heard every lie and half-truth imaginable. "So, you're telling me you saw nothing? No one?"
I shook my head. "No, Detective. It was dark, and everything happened so fast. I heard screams, and then… I just ran. Naomi was unconscious. I had to get her out of there... I got kidnapped by… those gangsters… and there were a boss who kept us hostage."
Saito's eyes narrowed. "Convenient, don't you think? That you didn't see anything, but managed to escape unharmed? Do you remember the face of the guys who kidnapped you? And how did you manage to escape a school full of criminals where every single angle was under surveillance ?" He asked.
I felt a bead of sweat trickle down my back.
"It wasn't like that. I was lucky, that's all. And Naomi… she's still in shock. She hasn't been able to tell me much either. The only thing I heard were the screams of people who were fighting against someone… but… all I did was running away with Naomi. I didn't expect a massacre to happen… I'm sorry, detective."
The detective studied me for a long moment, and I could feel the weight of his suspicion.
"Kai, I know you're hiding something. This isn't just about luck. The method, the precision… it's too familiar. And we both know who we're thinking of. It's impossible for someone inexperienced like you to run away like that, so I ask: is Hina involved in this?"
I looked down, trying to appear as conflicted and scared as possible.
"Detective, I swear, I don't know anything else. Hina… she couldn't have done this. She's… she's not capable of such violence… outside the things I told you, nothing more happened. We've been peacefully enjoying our time together."
Saito leaned closer, his voice a low growl.
"You'd be surprised what people are capable of, especially when they're desperate or cornered. If you know anything, Kai, now is the time to come clean. Before more people get hurt. If you don't tell me the truth, more people will die under her hand, and a war is going to start."
My mind kept racing with countless mixed emotions and thoughts.
I didn't know what to think or what to say…
My fear was talking for me.
I met his gaze, trying to convey both fear and sincerity. "Detective, I wish I could help more. But I don't know anything. I just want to keep my friends safe… I want to live peacefully…" I said, while a fake tear fell from my eye while looking down.
I started to tremble voluntarily.
I had to be as much believable as possible.
Saito was not a stupid.
Luckily, my behavior seemed to work.
Saito straightened up, his eyes still locked on mine. "I'll be watching you, Kai. And if I find out you're withholding information, there will be consequences. For you and for Hina. So, once again, I ask you to share any kind of information with me." He said with a low voice.
With that, he turned and walked away, leaving me standing there, my heart racing.
I had managed to keep my secret for the moment, but I knew Saito wouldn't give up easily.
I needed to find a way to protect Hina, Hana, and everyone else I cared about.
And I had to do it quickly, before Saito or someone dangerous uncovered the truth.
As I watched Saito disappear into the distance, I felt a renewed sense of determination.
I had to outsmart the detective and find a way to expose Haruto's involvement without putting myself or my friends in more danger.
The path ahead was perilous, but I had no choice.
I had to protect the people I loved, no matter the cost.
After remembering about Haruto, I decided to call the detective once again.
"Detective !!!" I shouted.
He turned his head towards me.
Then, he walked closer to me again and looked into my eyes with a big intensity.
"What is it, boy?" He asked.
"I think of… someone that might be involved." I said.
"Uhm? Who is it?" He asked , with a curious voice.
"Haruto, a schoolmate of mine… Naomi mumbled his name and I heard his name multiple times while I was kidnapped. Do you think that he might be involved in this?" I asked, with a direct tone.
Detective Saito let out a sigh of relief.
"I knew that you wanted to say something… that's a good choice. Who's this Haruto?" He asked.
I then explained him everything that I found about him, including the fact that Hiro said to me, being careful not to mention Hina.
He listened carefully, like he was writing all of my informations on a notebook.
After our talk, he thanked me and walked away.
"I'll investigate, so please , all you have to do is live your life normally until I call you, okay?" The detective said.
His lips curved into a small smile, like he was proud about something.
I nodded at him and then watched his figure getting smaller and smaller with every step he took.
I let out a sigh of relief.
I was able to protect Hina… for now.
Then my phone rang.
I picked it up and saw a call from a hidden number.
I had a very bad feeling but all I could do was picking up.
"Yes? Who's there?" I asked.
"Hello, Kai. This is Yuki Nakamura. I'm calling you to ask if you're free now."'
A shiver ran trough all my spine.