So now we are neighbors

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"What are you doing?"

Kaito was standing outside of his apartment by Kokichi's door, wearing his uniform. 

"Waiting," Kaito said, "We work at the same place, so it's natural that we would leave together."

"You don't need to wait for me."

"You can't tell me not to."

Kokichi didn't glare at him like yesterday but looked away. "Do whatever you like. I don't care." He seemed determined to not even look at Kaito until they got to the police station. Kokichi started walking. Kaito followed.

After the incident last night, Kaito was so bewildered. He returned to his apartment and remembered that he hadn't called his grandparents since he got to the city. So he dialed their number. His grandmother picked up right away.

"Hello?"

"Hey Granny, it's Kaito!"

"Kaito! We've been waiting to hear from you!" his grandmother shouted excitedly in the speaker, "Honey, get over here! It's Kaito on the phone!"

"So, how's your new place? Did you eat? Did you forget to pack anything important?"

"I'm great, how about you?"

"Don't worry about us. Everything is normal here."

"So, how's your job going, Kaito?" his grandfather asked. His grandfather was a retired firefighter with a deep gravelly voice. He was always Kaito's role model and supported his decision to move to Danganronpa city the most.

"It was a rough first day, Gramps," Kaito said honestly, "I have a long way to go."

"You sound a bit bothered. Is there anything specific at work that bothered you?"

"Well, I met this guy at work. He's supposed to be my coworker... He was really rude and said lots of terrible things. Even so, he probably smarter than me. But then, I ran into him after work. He seemed to be crying."

"There are bastards at every job in the world. I won't deny that," his grandfather said, "But do you know him well?"

"No..."

"Don't judge a man after just a day. You don't understand him yet, just like how he doesn't understand you."

"Okay."

"Do you understand what I just said?"

"Yes, Gramps. I'll do my best."

"No matter what, remember that both Granny and I will be here for you."

"I know. Love you to the stars and back."

Kaito decided that he would follow his grandfather's advice; learn more about Kokichi and understand him. Maybe they could reach a middle ground, or maybe it wouldn't help at all. Nevertheless, he needed to try.

On the metro, the two sat down next to each other. This was awkward! The short, violet-eyed boy stared forward, looking oddly irritated about something. His eyelids seemed heavy, blinking way too many times. He was so close right now... Kokichi slowly began to nod to the rhythm of the shaking train. The tired lying detective was much quieter and peaceful. So even the razor-tongued brat had a sleepy face like this...

"What are you looking at?" murmured Kokichi. Kaito realized he had been stating at his face for a long time now.

"I wasn't staring!" Kaito said, turning away, fixing his gaze at the crowded row of seats in front of them. His heart was beating fast, but why?

"You are one enormous idiot, you know, right?" Kokichi muttered tiredly.

"Who are you calling an idiot-"

Kaito turned around to find the liar asleep on his shoulder. Apparently, he was insulting him even in his sleep.

Why was he so tired? When he met him last night, he was upset as well. It was like he stayed up all night instead of sleeping...

"Even if you're an idiot, I still love you."

WHAT? Now Kaito was a hundred percent sure that Kokichi was sleeptalking.

"Idiot older brother," Kokichi whispered. 

I see, Kaito thought, so he has an older sibling, huh?  Though Kokichi was still a complete enigma, knowing this personal detail about him made Kaito feel oddly satisfied.


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