Puppet

CHAPTER 18:


Kiyoshi’s mind was filled with uncertainty that next day. He had awoken on his couch instead of his bed. He had remembered hearing about Luke’s past the night before, and how sad Luke’s past had sounded. Kiyoshi remembered feeling his heart pounding in a way it has never done before. It had beaten faster at the hearing of Luke’s story; at the watching of Luke’s sad face. These new feelings Kiyoshi was having; he did not want them to continue. He felt scared and didn’t know what to do. It was going to be a very, very long day.

--

“Damn,” Topper gave a stretch beside Akina and Kiyoshi that morning, “I can’t wait until my day off. This week has been hell…”

“Tell me about it,” Kiyoshi thought to himself.

“That’s funny,” Akina then spoke; her chin was placed on the back of her hands, “I thought you two were enjoying this week. Has your new partner been wearing you out?”

“Hell yeah,” Topper cried, “But it’s been pretty cool actually doing some tougher cases. That man is a genius when it comes to officer stuff.”

“Yeah,” Akina sighed, smiling at Kiyoshi, whom she still hasn’t spilled her feelings too, “He does seem cool. You guys got lucky.”

“Luck,” Topper began to speak in a joking tone, “Has nothing to do with it. Sir Wakehiko just saw how good of officers Kiyoshi and I are, so he offered Luke a job to be with us.”

“Heh,” Akina giggled, “So you and Kiyoshi are the greatest officers here?”

“You are correct,” Topper joked, sipping his coffee. He had some coffee every day. Akina gave another giggle, turning her head to Kiyoshi. The three turned their heads, then, to the sound of the door’s jingling bell. Luke made his way in, removing his long heavy coat from his body and set it on the coat rack. Kiyoshi felt a tiny blush come to his cheeks, but he didn’t know why. Luke looked the same as he always did. Topper gave Luke a wave before heading over to his desk; just sitting and waiting for a case call. Luke gave Akina and Kiyoshi both a nod as he walked over to the coffee machine. Kiyoshi stayed by Akina, so Akina felt that at that moment was the perfect time…

“Kiyoshi,” Akina then whispered. Kiyoshi turned to her; he now noticed her blushing cheeks, “Um, I’ve been meaning to ask you something.” Kiyoshi gave the girl a nod. Luke looked over at the two, putting on his strong listening ears. “Well,” Akina began to twirl a strand of her pink hair, “I was just wondering if perhaps you’d like to grab a soda or something with me after work today.” Kiyoshi’s eyes widened at this sudden mood change Akina had. Was she asking him out on a date? That was a first. Kiyoshi felt flattered, but as he thought of this, he slightly turned his head to stare over at Luke. Luke was staring back, but in more of a glare so it seemed. Kiyoshi wasn’t sure what Luke was thinking, but Kiyoshi had no idea of what he had been thinking, either. Turning back to the blushing Akina, Kiyoshi gave a smile; followed by a nod.

“Sure,” Kiyoshi then answered; this made Akina squeal in glee, but it made Luke tense up, “That sounds like fun.”

“Oh great,” Akina clapped her hands together, “Tonight then? We can drive to that cute little café just around the corner. The one by that jewelry shop…”

“Okay,” Kiyoshi nodded and waved a goodbye to Akina, who was still looking as happy as the sun. She was thankful that Kiyoshi said yes. It was finally out into the open and she was glad she had asked Kiyoshi out.

As Akina thought of joy at her desk, Luke’s face seemed full of hate and disappointment. Tonight, instead of Kiyoshi telling Luke more about his past life, Kiyoshi would, instead, be staying out with this mortal woman. Luke didn’t know why, but a hint of jealousy inched up all over his body. Before he knew it, the coffee mug in his hand broke from a hardening grasp and hot coffee spilled all over Luke’s hand and the floor. Every officer, including Officer Wakehiko, whom had immerged from his office, turned to the screaming Luke. It stung his hand, but only for a brief second.

“Oh my God,” Akina jumped from her desk and ran over to Luke, along with some other officers. Mostly women, though. They all found Luke to be very attractive, “Luke, are you all right?” Luke felt trapped amongst the female officers. Officer Wakehiko and Topper had joined the scene, too, but Kiyoshi stayed glued to his spot.

“I’m fine,” Luke hissed, setting his unharmed hand underneath his shirt.

“No,” Akina tried to grab for Luke’s hand, “You burnt yourself. Let me look at it…”

“No,” Luke made his way out of the mortal crowd, making sure not to use his power to hurt any of them as he pushed his way through, “I’m fine. I’ll just go run some icy water over it.” Luke made his way for the restrooms as everyone watched his vanishing back. Luke passed by Kiyoshi as he walked for the restrooms. Once he was in an even link next to Kiyoshi, Luke turned his head and Kiyoshi got a good look at Luke’s eyes. Kiyoshi let out a tiny gasp of fear. Luke’s eyes had changed…they were no longer empty. They looked furious.

Once Luke had vanished into the men’s restroom, a janitor got to work right away on the broken mug and coffee. Officers went back to work, but still had concerned looks on their faces for Luke. Kiyoshi was the only one who knew that Luke was fine; that he was immortal, but Kiyoshi still felt a weird feeling in his gut when he saw Luke’s eyes. He tried not to think about them as he went on with the day. Besides, he was going on a date with Akina, the first girl ever to ask him out. He should be feeling very pleased, but was he?

--

“Man what a day,” Akina piled papers on her desk, trying to make the desk look cleaner then it did, “First Luke burns his hand, then several files went missing, and it ended with a sad criminal call.” Akina wanted to pull her hair out, but she settled down and turned to stare at Kiyoshi, who was finishing up typing some information into the compute he sat at, “Oh well,” Akina giggled in her mind, “I’m finally going on a date with Kiyoshi. I’m so excited.” Akina finished prepping her desk before grabbing for her jacket and purse. Setting her purse’s strap over her shoulder, Akina took a huge breath before walking over to Kiyoshi, who was just now shutting the computer down, “Kiyoshi,” Akina greeted with a smile, “Are you ready to go?”

“Yeah,” Kiyoshi gave Akina a wide smile, “Just let me grab my coat.” Kiyoshi had noticed that Luke mysteriously left work a while ago. Kiyoshi wanted to get Luke out of his mind, though. He wanted to have a good time with Akina. Akina was a sweet girl, Kiyoshi knew this, and he did not want to disappoint.

Grabbing his coat, Kiyoshi followed Akina out and the two left their vehicles in the parking lot. They were going to walk to the café.

--

Entering the tiny café, Kiyoshi and Akina had decided that they’d go ahead and order dinner. The lovely waitress led them to a nice booth beside the window. They thanked the waitress, took a seat, and ordered their colas. Then, true conversation began.

“Kiyoshi,” Akina spoke with nervousness in her voice, though she didn’t tremble that badly, “I want to thank you.”

“For what,” Kiyoshi had asked, though he was sure he already knew.

“For coming out with me,” Akina blushed, “To tell you the truth, I’ve had a small crush on you since you first came to work with us.” Kiyoshi couldn’t believe Akina was spilling this news to him.

“How come,” Kiyoshi began to ask, hoping he wasn’t sounding too rude, “You never told until now?”

“I was shy,” Akina admitted, “I know, it sounds silly. But my mom had told me that I should wait for the men to ask me out on the date. She said that she had waited because she claims that women who ask men on dates are all sluts.” Akina let out a cute laugh, which made Kiyoshi smile, “My mom is paranoid, however. She assumes that a girl asking out a guy is only asking for it, but I’m not…”

“I know,” Kiyoshi said, “You’re not like that. Akina, you’re very sweet.” Kiyoshi noticed the redness in Akina’s cheeks grow brighter. He could see just how happy Akina was.

The waitress soon came back with their colas and was ready to take their orders. Kiyoshi and Akina both ordered the same rice dish, then handed the waitress their menus and she disappeared again. Kiyoshi watched Akina as Akina fixed her messy pony-tail. He kept his eyes on Akina as she went to take a sip of her cola, which was now a very popular drink in Japan. Akina noticed Kiyoshi watching her: she blushed again and put her hands over her cheeks.

“What’s wrong,” Akina asked, “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Sorry,” Kiyoshi answered a blush of his own made its way over his cheeks, “I just never realized how cute you were, but now that I’m sitting with you here, I can definitely see…” Akina nearly passed out by the sudden compliment Kiyoshi flew at her. She bowed her head, staring down at her purse; pretending that it was more interesting.

“Thank you,” Akina soon whispered, happy to see that their food was coming.

Conversation was short once their food arrived. Both just sat there swiftly eating their rice bowls, not having much to say to one another. Once their food began to vanish, however, more discussion took place as Akina began to tell Kiyoshi things about her. Her favorite colors: pink, white, and red, her favorite foods: rice and ice cream, plus some of her hobbies and what she does on her spare time. Kiyoshi went ahead and told Akina his hobbies. The two were enjoying their date, but neither noticed that they were being watched.

Luke kept a close eye on the two mortals. When Luke first noticed Kiyoshi was having a good time, he felt more pain enter his body. This was not how things were supposed to happen.

That girl, Akina; she had ruined everything. Luke cursed under his breath, looking over his shoulder and around the darkened streets. Barely any people were traveling at this time. Luke was hoping he wouldn’t be seen peeking at the two. He was trying to stay at full alert, acting as if he were just standing and waiting for someone. He turned his head to notice the two were ending their dinner time. They got out of their booths, left a tip for the waitress, and made their way out. Luke stayed hidden, watching as Kiyoshi and Akina exit the café. He followed the two as they headed back towards the office station.

“This has been great,” Akina whispered once they were back at the station, “Thank you so much Kiyoshi.”

“Wait a minute,” Kiyoshi stared at Akina with worry, “You don’t have a vehicle?”

“It’s okay,” Akina waved off the thought, “I take the bus.”

“I’ll take you home,” Kiyoshi suddenly said, making both Akina and Luke, who was hiding behind the corner, stare in shock, “Please allow me to take you home.” Akina nearly fainted when Kiyoshi took her hand, leading her over to his motorbike, “It’s the least I can do. You can even borrow my helmet.” Akina did not want to say no. She only nodded her head as Kiyoshi offered her his helmet for the drive. Akina took it nicely and kept saying thanks as Kiyoshi helped her onto the bike. He sat in front of her, not even noticing Akina’s arms wrap around him as he started the engine. Luke had noticed, though, and as the two drove off, Luke swiftly followed.

--

When they reached the tiny house Akina lived in, Kiyoshi got off of his motorbike first before helping Akina off. She gave him a thankful smile as the two of them slowly walked up to the front door of Akina’s adorable little house. It looked almost like a cottage, minus the windmill and well full of water. However, there was a nice little flower garden. Once the two reached the door, Akina turned to give Kiyoshi a smile.

“Well,” Kiyoshi spoke, “This has been fun…” Akina gave a nod, but to her, the date, hopefully, was just getting started.

“Kiyoshi,” Akina said, “The night has really just begun. Would you like to come in and see my house? We can sit on the couch and talk some more.” From behind a tree, Luke heard what Akina had said. He gave a smirk, thinking that Kiyoshi would not do such a thing, but some people can change. With his eyes showing a sudden emotion change, Luke couldn’t believe his ears when Kiyoshi softly answered:

“Sure.”

* End of Chapter 18*