There's a lot of moments that I like, some of which I've published and many more which are in later chapters. But my first "favorite" moment occurs through the length of chapter 5. Here's an excerpt for the curious.
He gave a shake of his head before turning back around to the stove and pouring the tea into two cups which he brought over to the table.
Mika picked up the one nearest to her and held it, letting the warmth of the cup seep through both of her cold hands. She took a slow sip. She knew what she wanted to have answered, but no matter how hard she thought about it, she couldnât quite form the words into a proper sentence. A part of her was also afraid of the answer, but sheâd come all this way and wasnât about to turn back now without satisfying at least some part of her curiosity.
âThe color is coming back to your face.â
The casual remark from Kaito brought her back from her pondering. âEh?â She set the tea down to bring both hands to her cheeks. âWas I pale?â
âA bit. Well anyway, if weâre doing this letâs get it over with.â
âOh⊠UmâŠâ The sudden prompt caught her off guard and she spit out the first words that entered her mind. âThat boss guy didnât seem normal...â Mika slowly raised her eyes to meet Kaitoâs, but his expression was completely blank. She was hoping he would elaborate from there, but instead he merely gave a non-committal grunt. With a small sigh to collect her ideas back together, Mika chose to switch tracks somewhat. âWhy do you think he came after me?â
âProbably because youâre an easy target. The new girl in school. Still uncertain, not very familiar with the town, not a lot of friends and beautiful on top of it all.â
Mika felt a blush rising to her cheeks, though his tone was entirely casual, so she figured he didnât mean anything significant by the last phrase. It was merely an objective opinion. âAnd it was easy to use Hattori to get to me I guess,â Mika said, mostly to herself. âAfter that, he disappearedâŠâ Again Mika prompted him, hoping he would explain further, but again, Kaito only 'mm'd' in response. So heâs not going to bother answering unless I actually ask a straightforward question?
âUm⊠did you make him disappear?â
âI guess.â
âYou guess? Isnât that a yes or no question?â
âYes.â
ââYesâ to which question?â Mika demanded as her eyes narrowed on his face.
A hint of a playful smile tugged at the corner of his lips. âNext.â