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Shuichi’s steps quickened as he pushed open the doors to the interrogation room. There sat Japan’s own Arsène Lupin, the infamous phantom thief and leader of the organization DICE himself, Kokichi Ouma.
“Mr. Detective! I didn’t expect you here.” Ouma grinned upon seeing him in a way that made Shuichi believe he’d absolutely expected him.
“Cut the crap, Ouma,” Shuichi quickly bit back before he could get started. “Tell me what happened.”
“Well apparently I stabbed a man with a dagger! Isn’t that exciting?” he replied nonchalantly with that signature grin still plastered on his face. Shuichi internally groaned as he contemplated switching out his morning coffee for wine. This was going to be a long day.
“That’s what the reports are saying, but what actually happened?”
“You’re saying you don’t think I did it?” Kokichi confirmed with an unreadable expression on his face as he stared at him with his violet eyes.
“I’m saying it doesn’t fit your M.O. DICE is an organization centered around petty crimes and harmless pranks, not murder,” he answered, turning his warm grey eyes away, unable to meet his gaze, his aversion to eye contact rearing again.
“You’ve been chasing me all throughout Japan for months now, I thought the great Mr. Detective would be happy to finally catch me.” The phantom thief pouted while one of his hands fidgeted with something in a pocket of his white clothes, still avoiding the question, Shuichi noted. “That’s circumstantial evidence at best and you know it.”
“Only if I catch you for a crime you actually committed.” The detective sighed as he hammered down his frustration. “I know you don’t think the police will believe you, you don’t trust them, but haven’t we known each other long enough for you to trust me?” he pleaded sincerely, at this Kokichi went silent.
“Why do you believe me?’ He asked looking carefully at Shuichi for any trace of dishonesty in his answer.
“Because…because I trust you, as insane as that sounds.” Shuichi answered slowly, forcing himself to maintain eye-contact so Kokichi would understand the seriousness of what he said next. “I’m willing to put myself on the line for you because I trust you, so can you please trust me too?”
Kokichi’s eyes widened when he detected no dishonesty in his words before letting out a chuckle that turned into full on laughter. “Nehehe–you’re an idiot, you know that?” He smiled at Shuichi softly.
“That’s a lie.” Shuichi countered, unable to keep the fondness out of his voice.
“Fine you’re right, I didn’t kill him.” Kokichi relented at last. “But I didn’t see who did it. Whoever they were was smart enough to stay out of sight, like an assassin or something.” He explained with a shrug.
Shuichi nodded patiently as he noted all this down, finally he was getting somewhere! It wasn’t much, but Kokichi seemed to be cooperating with him for now at least. “Alright, thanks, for talking to me. I’m going to get some more coffee, and start investigating, I’ll see you later?”
“Well it’s not like I’m going anywhere.” Kokichi nodded flippantly. “See you around Mr. Detective!” though the return to his signature grin led Shuichi to believe he was scheming something as usual. He left relieved that he might not need to switch to wine today.
When Shuichi returned it was to an empty room with unlocked handcuffs on the table. The sounds of the panicking police station became background noise. He shouldn’t have been surprised, the elusive phantom thief had always had a knack for lock-picking, he must’ve had a paperclip stashed somewhere in his clothes. There was a note where Kokichi had been sitting just moments before. Shuichi carefully opened the note to examine it, familiar purple glitter stashed inside falling onto the floor. It wasn’t difficult for him to guess who wrote it.
Dear Mr. Detective,
Apologies for leaving without saying goodbye (rude I know) but DICE needs me, and I won’t be of use to them behind bars. No one would listen to me if I was put on trial. But don’t worry about little old me, I’m putting the best detective I know on the case to clear my name! ;) I don’t normally trust anyone, but I’m trusting you…When you’re ready I know you’ll find me, you always do.
Sincerely, your beloved Phantom Thief
Shuichi blushed reading the ending, but quickly forced the thought out of his mind. He’d bought him more time by escaping. He knew from experience Kokichi could put up a chase. Now he’d just need to solve this case, Kokichi was trusting him to, and that was all the motivation he needed. Then he’d find Kokichi again, he always did.