Chapter 44: Mr. Alex
Kaito stood on the path outside the shelter.
Petals torn from the branches of the cherry trees drifted down silently around him.
Pink petals were carried by the wind, and when they touched the surface of the lake, they spread out in gentle ripples.
The waves were calm…
but Kaito's heart was not.
His gaze was fixed on the lake,
as if the answers he was looking for might be hidden beneath the water.
Just then, a familiar, teasing voice came from behind him.
Dr. Mitsuni:
"Hey, musclehead."
Kaito said nothing.
He only glanced back over his shoulder.
Mitsuni had his hands in his pockets.
That usual relaxed, slightly unhinged smile was on his face.
Dr. Mitsuni (laughing):
"Beautiful view, isn't it, Mr. Alex?
You helping us until the main headquarters is repaired… ahh, that really saved us."
Kaito remained silent.
He turned his eyes back to the lake.
Mitsuni tilted his head, studying him.
Then suddenly raised his voice.
Dr. Mitsuni:
"HEYY—this letter is yours."
In one swift motion, he placed a folded envelope into Kaito's hand.
Then he turned around and started walking away.
As he left, he called out over his shoulder:
Dr. Mitsuni:
"HEYY… I think you should read it right away."
And then he disappeared from sight.
Kaito noticed the envelope in his hand.
His fingers tightened instinctively.
When he opened it…
a single sheet of paper fell out.
At the corner of the paper, there was a stain written in blue ink.
It was familiar.
Far too familiar.
Kaito's expression instantly hardened.
"This handwriting…"
He held his breath.
His eyes began to follow the lines.
The Letter
"Kaito,
If you're reading this letter…
then it means I couldn't keep my promise.
Don't be angry.
I know you go quiet when you're angry.
But I want you to know this:
that day, I truly intended to come back.
If I failed…
please don't think it was your fault.
You were always by my side.
You protected me.
You showed me the way.
If I ever fall…
I want you to stay strong.
As long as you're still standing,
it means I'm at peace somewhere.
— Kenji"
Kaito's eyes froze on the words.
One drop…
then another…
They fell onto the paper.
Kaito realized it in shock.
He was crying.
Kaito (whispering):
"Why… why…"
His voice trembled.
Kaito:
"No…
No, this can't be…"
His knees weakened.
He took a step back.
Kaito:
"Kenji…
Why… why…"
His voice broke.
He couldn't hold it in anymore.
He began to sob uncontrollably.
His shoulders shook, his breathing fell apart.
Everything he had suppressed for years spilled out all at once.
He read the letter again and again.
And with every rereading, his sobs grew louder.
From where he was hiding, Mitsuni watched him.
There was a gentle smile on his face.
But his eyes were serious.
Dr. Mitsuni (thinking):
"Ahh, Kaito…
Don't hold it in.
Please…"
Kaito pressed the letter to his chest.
As cherry blossom petals fell at his feet,
he collapsed for the first time.
The silent, strong Kaito…
was now just a grieving man.
And the letter,
trembling in his hands,
forced him to finally allow himself to be that.