A/N: No excuses guys, this should've been published a long time ago. I just got a bit (okay, A LOT) overwhelmed with real life duties. Sorry for the delay, and thank you so much for the amazing reviews so far! And yet again, I knew zilch about the police system and whatnot. Another quick side note: I changed the main character listing to Hiroki and Nowaki. Egoist fans, rejoice! But it's still Romantica too, of course. Now, enjoy chapter 3 of Pureland!

Something was off. I could feel it.

Everything had seemed all right that day. I was back on schedule (or at least, my schedule), Aikawa was getting her manuscript (whether she liked it or not), and Misaki was safe at university.

But still, a small part of me was anxiously crouched in the back of my mind, mulling over some piece of information that just didn't fit. I glanced over at Aikawa, wishing that she would magically fly away and leave me to confront the strange feeling of dread that was coiled around my stomach like a steel garden hose.

I knew she was close to finishing her editing; I had completed the next installment in my series earlier that day, after she had arrived. It had only taken several hours of bantering, editing, revising, and screeching (courtesy of the demon editor herself). I had quickly printed off the thick packet, and the she-devil practically ripped it out of my hands, salivating, more than eager to read the final draft. I didn't think it was anywhere near a masterpiece, but the publishers just wanted something to shelve; I could plagiarize a whole Tolkien novel and they probably wouldn't even notice. That's what Aikawa was for, anyway. She pushed and pulled me harder than a rope in a tug of war match during due dates, and filtered out all of the crap that somehow made it onto the pages during a sleepless, caffeine-filled night.

Aikawa had been reading through the draft for a while now, and I was getting antsy just sitting around doing nothing. I clasped my hands together and gently stretched them, the bones' muffled cracking resonating through my arms. I stood up from the couch, arching my stiff body and reached for my laptop. I turned towards my editor, her face buried within the snow white pages.

"Are you almost done with that?" I questioned, it was getting late; I had to pick up Misaki from the university soon.

I placed the laptop on the kitchen counter and returned to the couch where Aikawa was seated. I tried making eye contact, maybe the "Usagi-san-glare" would get rid of her. However, her hair covered her face, blocking her features from my already limited view. I leaned over her shoulder, looking at the page she was on.

It was blank.

"U-Usami-sensei," she whispered, her voice heavy and watery, "I don't understand...you..."

I smirked and lightly took the manuscript from her shaking fingers. Her hands fell limply to her lap and she looked up at me me with the eyes of a child who had just lost their favorite toy.

"Usami-sensei, if this really is the last book in your series...how could you end it like this?"

"Hmm," I grunted lightly, I should have known she would react like this.

The normally hyper editor sighed and wiped a sleeve over her eyes, "Usami-sensei, is there something going on between you and Misaki?"

By now, she cleared her eyes of all tears and was staring at me with a new "concerned and worried" mask. She had replaced the manuscript with her purse, and was roughly clutching the open flaps together with a grip that could rival my own.

"Of course not," I replied, "in fact, it's just the opposite. I've ended the series like this so that there will never be any speculation about a sequel."

"Bwaaah! But sensei! Sometimes it's healthy to let people wonder! Don't you think it's a bit...oh I don't know, drastic?"

I swooped back over her and took the open bag from her hands. I gently slipped the thick pile of papers into the open pocket, zipping it up once again and placing it back onto her lap.

"If doing this gives me more free time to spend with Misaki, then so be it."

She stood up so quickly the front of her knees hit the coffee table, nearly sending a few teacups crashing to the floor. She looked furious, the usual comedic element vanished from her face.

"Usami-sensei! I will not let you do this! This will ruin your career! Your fans will be heart broken, and not to mention the publishers!" She had her hands balled into tight fists, her arms rigid and parallel to her body.

"And what about Misaki? Sure, he doesn't like your books, but even he wouldn't approve of this! Please Sensei, I'm begging you to change your decision."

She had calmed down a bit, and was now standing right in front of me, the height difference apparent, as she had to tilt her head quite a bit to look directly into my eyes. I felt a bit remorseful. After all, I had been writing the Junai Romantica series for a few years now. But I knew I was making the right decision. If I wanted to avoid any major conflicts in my relationship with Misaki in the future, then ending the series was a definite requirement.

"Sorry," I put my hands on her shoulders and steered her to the door, grabbing her purse and coat on the way out, "but this is my choice. I love Misaki more than writing, and certainly more than making money that I don't even need. Surely, as a romantic, you can understand that, Aikawa."

As she passed through the doorway and into the hall, I released her shoulders and handed her the coat and bag. She looked up at me with sad eyes, quietly slipping her jacket over her shoulders.

"I hope you know what you're doing, Sensei," she sighed.

"I do," I smirked, "don't worry about it. If the publishers give you any crap, tell them to take it up with me. Remind them of the award winning Moon In the Box series, which is still ongoing."

She managed to flash a weak smile, "all right. But don't give up on that one, okay? You may be rich, but you still need some kind of an income."

"I know. Good luck Aikawa. Sorry for springing this on you."

"Hmm," she slung her bag around her arm and turned to leave, "just don't do it again. Goodbye Usami-sensei."

I waved in her direction, softly swinging the door closed as she walked down the hallway. But right before the door completely sealed me off from the outside world, I caught a glimpse of Aikawa looking over her shoulder, mouthing something to me.

Before I could even comprehend what she was saying, the door shut, leaving me slightly confused, curious as to what she had mouthed. I brushed it off, knowing her, she was probably cussing me out under her breath.

I let out a breezy chuckle, rolling my eyes at the classic Aikawa move. Her expression didn't match the words I thought she was saying, but I chose to ignore it. The devastated, despondent look that had crossed her face was probably just a fabrication of my own imagination anyway.

I didn't have time to worry about that anyway, I needed to figure out the dreadful feeling that was looming over me like an eternal storm cloud. I looked away from the door, and grabbed my phone, keys, and coat, hoping that Misaki's cheerful demeanor would snap me out of it.

I left the apartment and locked the door behind me, briefly wondering if Aikawa was still lingering around. A quick sweep of the hall confirmed that she was long gone. It wasn't that big of a deal, I would just call her later to check in.

I began my trek to the elevator, the loud pattering of rain echoing in my ears as wave after wave relentlessly beat against the thin windows of the building. Logically, I knew they would hold, but I couldn't help wonder what would happen if the rain was suddenly too much, and they all burst into thousands of shards of glass.

"I know. Good luck Aikawa. Sorry for springing this on you."

"Hmm," I slung my heavy bag across my shoulder, the burden of the manuscript weighing me down like an anchor, "just don't do it again. Goodbye Usami-sensei."

He waved at me softly as I walked towards the stairs. I couldn't take the elevator now, no matter how heavy my bag was. I needed to blow off some steam.

Of course I was devastated. For Usami-sensei to end his most beloved series so abruptly...it was a sin. Normally, I would never let him do something like this. I would chew him out more than a dog does a bone. But he seemed so final. He was as stubborn as a mule, anyway.

Sensei said he wanted to end it because of Misaki. I knew I could understand that. He was right, underneath all the rage, I was just a big romantic.

I sighed, maybe this was a good decision. Usami and Misaki's relationship had some twists and turns, maybe taking out a big conflicting factor was a benefit. Still, I couldn't help but feel the ending to the Junai series was way too abrupt.

I stopped in my tracks, hearing the door swing gently into place. I turned to look at Usami, all of the evening's emotions subconsciously painted on my face. I didn't know if he could hear me, but I spoke anyway.

"I would have understood if you wanted to end the series, but you didn't have to kill him."

On days like these, I was glad I could keep my car in a parking garage. It was still pouring, even after hours of nonstop rain. I suddenly remembered that one of the things I was trying to recall earlier was hoping Misaki had made it to school before the rain had started.

I smiled at the thought of a soaking Misaki sliding his way onto the passenger seat.

"U-Usagi-san, sorry for getting your car wet, it's raining pretty hard out there."

Then, like always, I would smile devilishly at him.

"Oh Misaki," I would whisper, "don't worry about it. I'm sure you can make up for it later."

"B-baka Usagi...you're nothing but a big perv. Just drive."

I would chuckle and say, "all right, but when we get home, I'm helping you out of those wet clothes."

Then his face would turn that gorgeous rosy color, and he would look down at the floor mumbling.

"Stupid pervert, always looking for new situations to take advantage of me..."

And even though he thinks I won't see it, he'll smile down at the sopping ground and look back at me through his dripping hair. Such little tokens of affection, and he doesn't even know that I notice them.

I slipped into the passenger seat, quickly shoving the keys in the ignition and instantly turning up the heat. That way, the car would be nice and toasty by the time I got to Misaki. I pressed my foot against the gas peddle and drove out of the exit, cursing when the rain instantly obscured my view. I snapped on the windshield wipers, but even then the window was still muddled by the cascade of water.

I started towards Misaki's university, driving through thick puddles and miniature rivers that were forming on the roads. After a few minutes, I was forced to stop at a red light, and I gently eased the car to a halt. I drummed my fingers on the steering wheel, waiting for the cars on the other roads to pass. I casually stole a glance at the dash top clock. It was getting a bit close to the school's final bell.

I impatiently gripped the wheel and tapped my foot against the floor, staring at the harsh red light. After what seemed like ages, it finally turned a bright green and my lane was allowed to pass. I sped up a little, but Misaki's berating voice echoed in my head.

"Usagi-san! You idiot. Don't speed up like that, especially when it's raining like this..."

That had been last month, when the rain was just as bad as it was today. At first, I didn't listen. Looking back, I'm glad I did, since I learned a valuable piece of information about Misaki that day.

I smirk and continue to drive at the speed I'm at. Granted, it's only 10 miles over the limit. But when I look over to Misaki, he's gripping the leather lining of the door so hard that his fingertips are turning dark red.

Startled, I instantly slow down.

"Misaki," I whisper, "what's wrong?"

His fingers are still stiffly gripping the car lining, not easing up in the slightest.

Instinctively, I reach over to his clenched hands and cover them with my own, carefully trying not to hurt him as I pry his fingers from the material.

His hands remain compacted as tight fists, stuck between my two larger ones. I gently try to massage them open, but he is resilient, and just closes them harder.

"Misaki," I half shout, worried for his own safety, "you're going to hurt yourself. Just tell me what's wrong."

At this, his hands loosen just enough for me to wiggle my own between them and lace our fingers together, hopefully to prevent him from doing any more damage. The little red crescent marks on his palms don't escape my eyes as I squeeze his hands firmly.

"Tell me, I can't fix it if you keep quiet, Misaki."

He finally looks up at me with round, watery eyes. The painfully obvious fake smile on his lips is so out of place, only making my heart ache.

"Don't even try to pretend there's nothing wrong." Usually, he gets out of situations like this with a grin and a frenzied excuse. Not this time.

He drops the smile, slowly, his mouth forming a downcast frown instead. He dips his head back down, but I catch a glimpse of the tears falling from his eyes just in time. His soft sniffles are the only sound in the car, other than the racing thumps of my heart.

"It...it's just...my parents."

Oh. The internal me smacks myself in the face repeatedly, astounded by the amount of insensitivity I had displayed. I know about Misaki's parents. His older brother had told me a long time ago about their deaths.

"They were in a car crash." It flies out of my mouth before I can stop it. I nearly clamp my hand over my lips, but Misaki stops me with an eerily gentle chuckle.

"So you do pay attention when I tell you things. I guess that's good."

He seems to have stopped crying, but a few stray tears remain on his cheeks. I unwind one of my hands from the tangle of our fingers and gently brush away the small rivulets with the pad of my thumb.

"I'm sorry," I murmur, "I didn't mean to bring up any bad memories."

"No, it's alright, you didn't know..."

Puzzled, I loosen my grip on his hands just a little, "No, I do, both you and Takahiro have mentioned it before."

"No, not about the crash," he looks to his right, out towards the storm that was dissipating, albeit slowly, "the rain."

I have so many questions, but he speaks again before I can get a word in, keeping his eyes trained on the small water droplets on the windows. They remind me too much of his tears.

"When my parents passed away, it was late at night, and the roads were clear. Everyone else was safe at home, hiding from the rain."

I stay quiet, not wanting to interrupt.

"It was raining so hard...and the tires had such little traction..." he pauses and clenches my hand tighter. He hasn't released it once since I first grabbed his.

Clearing his throat, he continues, "we slid right off the road, and flipped over so many times...I can still remember it so vividly. Everything is so clear, it's like it's still happening right now, Usagi-san-"

"Misaki, hey, it's okay. That's enough," I keep my voice firm, but gentle.

He grimaces, stroking one of my fingers before separating his hands from me completely.

"I guess what I'm trying to tell you is...I really don't like the rain. it reminds me so much of that night. My stomach lurches and my head starts hurting, but it get's so much worse when I'm in a car. I guess I...really don't want something to happen to anyone."

A blush finds it's way onto his face, bringing a bit of the usual Misaki back into the light. The red chases away the sickly pale that definitely does not belong on his cheeks.

"Especially...especially you, Usagi-san."

After that, I always made sure to drive carefully, especially when it was raining.

The rain had only seemed to worsen by the time I finally made it to Misaki's university.

I parked near the curb outside the main entrance, as close to the main doors as possible, since I had forgotten an umbrella and would be relying only on my thin jacket to keep me dry. Misaki would surely yell at me later for risking a cold.

Removing the keys from the ignition and pocketing them, I pushed open the door and jumped out, closing it as fast as I could. I practically jogged to the main entrance, realizing halfway there that by some unfortunate circumstance, my jacket did not have a hood. Damn.

The courtyard was empty as I ran through it, most of the students probably waiting inside for a ride. I reached the doors and yanked them open, the metal nearly slipping from my wet hands. I stepped inside the building, immediately assaulted by a blast of warm air. Grateful for the comforting respite, I removed my soaked jacket and draped it over my arm, dripping water over my pants and shoes. It didn't matter, my whole wardrobe was waterlogged anyway.

I was in the lobby, where, true to my prediction, most of the students were huddled together in small groups. Or "posses," as Misaki had once informed me. I searched the divided crowd for my smaller counterpart, looking for the telltale sign of his messy, chocolate brown hair. I spotted a few brunettes, but they were most definitely not Misaki, as two of them were extremely tall, and the other was female.

A few more minutes of fruitless searching had me exasperated. Where the hell was he? I decided to check one of his teacher's rooms. According to his schedule, the class he had last period was fortunately, not very far from the lobby.

I started towards the room, but was almost immediately stopped by a terribly familiar student, about my height. His hair was an odd shade, almost silver in color, but sort of appearing light brown. He was taller than Misaki, and possessed a bit more bulk than his narrow frame. I growled, and narrowed my eyes at the mahogany orbs of Sumi Keiichi.

"Usami-san," he said, "what a pleasure seeing you here." I had only met the kid a few times, but I already despised him. He was a bad influence on Misaki, constantly enticing him with offers to attend drinking parties and group dates. Not to mention, he always seemed to have his grubby hands on him when I wasn't around.

Naturally, Misaki only saw the good in others, and snapped at me whenever I said anything bad about the upperclassman. I tried my best to remain neutral most of the time, but Misaki wasn't here right now. I didn't have to hide my opinions.

"I don't have time to deal with your tricks right now, Sumi. I suggest you back away before I get really mad."

He shot me a look that could only be described as smug. His smirk was easily taunting, but his eyes held an expression I couldn't identify.

"I see, when your boy toy isn't around, the tiger shows his true stripes. Very sneaky. Speaking of our resident clueless brunette, where was he today? Locked in the tower by the angry dragon?"

I lost my scowl, but only for a split second. I put my poker face back on and stayed as calm as possible. He had information about Misaki. He was hiding something, and I needed to figure it out.

"What are you talking about? He went to school today. He wasn't home all day."

This genuinely seemed to surprise Keiichi, and he looked as shocked as his lack of emotions could muster, "really? I assumed he got sick or something. He definitely was not here at all today."

I could feel my blood boiling. Either this kid was lying right to my face, or he was telling the truth. I was too worked up to tell, so I just continued the impromptu interrogation.

"Are you absolutely sure he wasn't here today?"

He shook his head, bangs falling into his face, "positive. He missed both of the classes we had together, and lunch. I didn't see him in the halls either. And we usually pass each other at least twice on a normal day."

I tried to hate him, but something in my gut was telling me he was not lying. Still, I felt like he was hiding something.

"Are you lying?"

"No. Not during a time like this."

I furrowed my eyes, and grumbled, "a time like what, exactly?"

He almost looked frightened, and lowered his voice to a dangerous level, "I think you know what I'm talking about, Usami-san. It is no longer safe to joke about disappearances in Japan."

My eyes widened, and I shoved past him, intent on getting to Misaki's class. I did not trust Sumi Keiichi in the slightest. Despite what my gut was trying to tell me.

"Usami-san, wait-"

I could care less what he wanted to say anymore. His smug smirk wormed it's way into my brain and stayed there, daring me to turn around and pound him into the nearest wall. I had to remain calm, for Misaki's sake.

It took all the willpower I had, but at last, I reached the final class Misaki would have had. I burst through the door, not caring if there was an after school class or meeting, I needed answers. Now.

Fortunately, the class was empty, save for a lone student and the presumed teacher. The student's eyes were wide at the sudden entrance, and she scurried to grab her books and thank the teacher. As the blonde brushed past me, uttering a quick "sorry," I walked to the desk. The professor was middle aged, with graying black hair and a kind smile. But kindness was the last thing on my mind at the moment.

"I can't say I approve of your entrance, but you look like you're in a hurry. How can I help you?"

He clasped his hands together, leaning forward and waiting for an answer. I hastily obliged.

"Do you have Misaki Takahashi in your final class for the day?"

I expected him to look for a class attendance sheet, but he just smiled and nodded, "why, yes, I do. He's quite a bright student, but he needs to learn to apply himself more. I do believe he has quite a bit of potential."

Against my current feelings, I let out a soft smirk. That's Misaki, alright. I cleared my throat and refocused, "was he in class today?"

His smile dropped a little, but the professor kept his friendly aura, "as a matter of fact, he was not. I thought it had something to do with the rain. A lot of students keep getting colds from this awful weather."

So Keiichi wasn't lying. That came as a big shock, although it did convince me to start paying more attention to my gut.

The epiphany had me reeling. If Misaki was not in school, for the entire day, than where was he? Had he run off, or gone to his brother's house? There were only a few definite places where I knew Misaki felt comfortable in. He didn't have a car, so he either took the train or walked. Probably the train, since it had been raining nearly all day. Misaki wasn't stupid, he knew what bad weather could do to a person's health.

I was anxious, but I didn't let it show. I simply thanked the professor and turned to leave. His worried voice stopped me.

"Please, tell Misaki to be careful. He could very well catch his death in this weather."

I ran a little faster as the professor's words tumbled over and over in my mind.

Luckily, I didn't see Keiichi again as I sped through the lobby, which was now nearly desolate. Most of the students had gone home for the day, sitting happily in the heated cars of their friends or parents.

Right now, I had more important things to do than sit and wait in a heated car.

I raced through the downpour once more as I headed towards my car. Drenched yet again, I slid into the seat, the water following me and seeping into the driver's seat and floor. Whatever, it didn't matter. I pulled my cellphone from my pocket, praying that it still worked. The screen was a little damp, but I quickly wiped it off. I dialed the first person that Misaki would probably go to that wasn't me.

Takahiro.

I waited a few rings. The voice mail eventually picked up, after about a minute of listening. I was disappointed, but knew I had to subtly find out if Takahiro knew anything about his brother. I didn't want him to worry over what could turn out to be nothing, especially since he already had his job, a wife, and a kid to worry about.

"Hey, Takahiro, it's Akihiko. I was just wondering if Misaki called you yet. He seemed very excited to tell you something this morning. Call me as soon as you can."

There was a sense of urgency in my voice in the last part of the message, but Takahiro wouldn't pick up on it. He was a sweet and generous man, but oftentimes, he was a bit clueless.

One down.

On a hunch, and slightly out of desperation, I called both my father and my brother, receiving identical answers from the two. They had not heard of or seen Misaki all day.

Three down.

I left a message on Aikawa's call, which was a bit dumb, considering she had been with me all day, But still, it was just in case.

Four down.

I talked to the head of Marukawa Publishing, and even the department manager of the section Misaki usually visited, but still, nothing. I had already checked the school, and the apartment.

There was no one left.

I felt a bit queasy, and something felt hard and obstructive in the back of my throat. Misaki was a smart boy, right? He would never get into a completely terrible situation.

I tried to force the memory of him getting into my brother's car so easily out of my mind.

There was one place left to call, but there would be no going back after I made that decision. If I contacted them, the situation would feel too real, and I wasn't ready to admit that something had happened to Misaki. My Misaki.

I felt sick, but started the car anyway, my hand trembling as I worked the key into the ignition. At that moment, I made a decision. For Misaki's benefit, I had to take the jump. I knew it in my gut. And that was something I needed to start listening to. Making a phone call would seem too rushed, too unimportant for them to even consider a real plea. I needed to go right to the source.

I pushed my foot against the gas pedal, and sped off to the police headquarters.

With a sinking feeling in my stomach, I pulled in front of the local police station.

The building was small, but the intimidation was enough to drop me to my knees. I had never felt so nervous in my entire life. I knew that walking through those doors was the beginning of the end. Enlisting the help of the police was admitting that something had happened to Misaki, that I couldn't help him myself.

I sucked in a huge breath, feeling the shuddering of my lungs, and released it. It didn't help at all, but I knew what had to be done. I opened the door and once again was pelted by the rain, but felt nothing. It was like a field of anxiety kept the water at bay. I felt so numb, as I walked to the entrance. Courtesy once again thrown to the wind, I threw open the doors.

The floor was set up like a business operation, with cubicle like dividers separating at least a dozen desks. Officers maned computers at each and every single station. They were so involved, that even my unceremonious entrance had not fazed them. A sole officer noticed me, and looked up from the stack of papers strewn across his desk. His computer was turned off, instead, folders and various files covered his workspace.

He stood, somehow ending up in front of me. I was too distracted to notice how he had managed to travel so fast, but I appreciated that at least one person was willing to listen to me.

"Hello," he stated, his voice deep, "are you all right? You look flustered."

"I can only imagine what I look like right now, but that's not the point," I subconsciously crossed my arms over my chest, "I need to speak to the head of this department."

He sighed, looking more tired as the seconds ticked by. He ran a hand threw short, black hair and rubbed a hand over his eye.

"Listen, I'm a senior officer, I'm as good as it gets right now. Any problems you have, can be taken up with me."

I took in the overall appearance of the man. He didn't have officer garb, but instead a matching black pants and jacket, over a wrinkled white dress shirt. He still looked a lot more dignified than the usual police officers that rescued cats from trees or helped old ladies stand up after a fall.

He had worn, steel blue eyes that were nearly gray. He looked older than me, but only by a few years. Obviously, he had been in law enforcement for a long time.

"Well?"

For once, I was speechless. I had no idea where to start. The officer seemed to drop a little of his cold demeanor, and led me over to his desk, instructing me to sit in a chair across from him.

"Before you start, let me at least tell you who you're talking to. I am Senior Agent Miyagi Yoh, from the Japanese branch of the Federal Bureau of Investigation stationed in this country. Let me tell you beforehand, if what you need to tell me is unimportant, please leave now."

I could almost feel a bit of anger rising, but kept it under lock and key. This man was part of the FBI, not the police. They only worked on extremely important cases. The fact that he was talking to me only encouraged me want to gain his assistance.

"Yes, it's quite important. Someone I know-" I grimaced, and clenched my hands into fists against my drenching pants, "someone I care deeply about, is missing."

This seemed to get his attention, "missing? Are you sure they just didn't go somewhere without telling-"

"I'm positive. Misaki would never do that to me. Or his family."

He didn't seem angry that I cut him off, only more intrigued. He was about to ask something, but his gaze was directed to a door opening several feet away. A tall man stepped out of the room, wearing the same black pants as the agent, but sporting a dark navy hoodie instead of a jacket. He was giant, but surprisingly not as cold as the man questioning me.

Agent Yoh called over to him and motioned for him to join us when their eyes met. The man looked behind him, perhaps not expecting to be called, but made his way to us despite his confusion.

"Did you need something, Sir?"

Agent Yoh groaned, "for the hundredth time kid, don't call me Sir."

The tall man sheepishly grinned and apologized, "sorry Si-, oh, I mean Agent Yoh."

He sat in the chair closer to the older man, across from me as well. He had kinder, younger eyes that shone with a brilliant blue. He lacked the wise air that encompassed the other agent, but a strange intelligence was nestled deep in his gaze. Looking at the two, it seemed as though I was seeing the past and present, right next to each other.

"This man is missing someone. He's convinced it's a priority case. I want you to pay attention, and take a few notes. You don't need to say anything, got it?"

He was speaking to the unnamed tall man, who just smiled and took a small notebook and pen from the bag slung across his shoulder. I hadn't even noticed it earlier, I was so distracted by his height.

"Pay attention. If you suspect anything odd, let me know so I don't end up wasting everyone's time, understand?"

Again, the man nodded. I didn't really care or understand what he had meant. I was just a civilian, as far as they knew. There was no reason to suspect me for anything.

"So," the agent started, "start with your name, then describe the missing person, and your relationship."

Taking a deep breath, I began, "my name is Akihiko Usami. Yes, before you ask, the novelist. But please, I would like this to remain professional."

Neither said a word. At least they were dedicated to their work.

"His name is Misaki Takahashi. He's been living with me for about a year, ever since his older brother had to move to keep up with his job. He's nineteen years old, and a sophomore at Mitsuhashi University. He has-"

"Wait," the agent stopped me, "so you're not related?"

"No," I sighed impatiently, these details were pointless, "I went to high school with his brother, that's how we met. But that's not important."

Agent Yoh chuckled darkly, "everything is important. Trust me."

I went on, explaining Misaki's physical appearance, personality, and overall life. It felt weird, like I was writing his biography. I ended up spilling the most minute details, like his favorite color, or preferred season. Eventually, we landed on the subject of that morning.

"What happened before he left for school?" Agent Yoh questioned, eyes curious and sharp.

"Nothing. I slept in, like usual. And he left before I woke up. By the time I was awake, he was long gone."

"So you don't actually know if he got to the school?" The younger man interjected, earning a small look from the older agent.

I mentally paused. "Actually...no, I guess I never found out. I texted him, but my editor kept me busy for most of the morning and afternoon."

The piercing blue eyes were focused so intently on me, sweeping across my face in an almost intrusive manner. I felt strangely exposed under this man's gaze. He looked to Agent Yoh and nodded, a tiny smile on his face. I guess I did something right, since he then asked me to explain the rest of the day.

I went through my whole routine that had occurred earlier: driving to Misaki's school, talking to Keiichi, his teacher, and calling just about every connection I had to try and locate him. By the end of my explanation, they seemed convinced. This was a real case.

"Usami-san," the younger man said, standing and coming to rest in front of me, "we promise to do our best to find Misaki."

I almost smiled in pure, desperate relief. They believed me. A small part of me was worried that they would just blow me off. Good thing I was dead wrong.

Agent Yoh also stood, prompting me to rise as well. He walked to the two of us and clamped a hand on my shoulder.

"We cannot assume the worse. But based on your description and timeframe, we believe that this case needs to be prioritized. If we work diligently, we may be able to locate Misaki faster. The first two days are the best for finding missing individuals. It's a good thing you didn't wait to report it."

The younger man smiled, "you made the right decision, Usami-san."

Agent Yoh went back to his desk and shuffled some papers together, shoving them into the top drawer of his desk.

"I suggest you go home and get some rest," he rose a hand as if to stop me, "and before you protest, please keep in mind that we need you alert and aware if you're going to assist us in the investigation. We'll contact you if we find anything."

I wanted to argue against it, but I knew he was right. I couldn't help Misaki if I was a sleep deprived, muttering mess. I nodded sullenly, and buttoned my coat.

"Thank you. For everything, I trust that you know what you're doing."

"Don't worry," the blue eyed man said, "we'll find him."

I wanted to return his almost undetectable smile, but found my lips were frozen shut. I bowed my head slightly instead. I turned away from the two, already hearing their quick movements to probably sort new files and papers.

As I went to push open the door, it slammed open, nearly clocking me in the jaw. A disheveled, brown haired man staggered through, his forearm partially covering his eyes. He groaned, hitting me hard in the shoulder with his own as he blindly stomped past me.

He cursed, and mumbled an apology that was barely audible.

I wanted to pursue him, but I was too exhausted and not even close to angry. I was just drained. Instead, I watched as he made his way towards the back of the room, to what I assumed was the restrooms.

Only mildly confused, I shrugged it off and continued towards my car, trudging through the rain with a newfound sense of dread sitting in my stomach like a boulder.

A/N: And that's chapter 3! Much longer than I anticipated -hand cramp- I know things are going slow right now, but fear not! I promise that things will pick up soon! Next chapter is more Hiroki, and more relationship development with two certain characters -wink wink- Thank you for sticking with this story! The next chapter should be up mid-April, or maybe even sooner!

~Romie