HOSPITALITY

[002] LUMINARY OF THE STARS.

The rubber wheels clacked against the pristine marble, jolting at Shuichi's nerves as they continued the stroll within the hallway. Doctors and nurses would walk by, clipboards in hand, to stop and observe Shuichi.  Their piercing gazes shifting across his entire body.

Sonia would glance at them, share a smile and greeting, before fastening her pace on the chair. His heart was racing with fear, dreading the moment he had to step into the cafeteria and see who would meet him.

Two doors stood tall above the detective, ominously casting their shadows from above him. The walls lined with white paint, as the light bounced off from the hardened-liquid. Large lights casted from the roof, reflecting off anything they could as Sonia reached for the door, presenting a welcoming-reassuring smile. The marble underneath him elegantly casting his reflection, which he has yet to see clearly.

Shuichi's head perked up at the sound of distinct chatter, as the two doors opened--creaking with an agonizing sound that delayed the moment he had to lay eyes on anyone from before.

His eyes took a moment to adjust, dialting and pulsating at his pupils before his vision began to etch out the figures in the cafeteria slowly.

A shadow illuminated his vision, their hair spiking upward to the sky, a slumped over jacket draped across their arm. They had purple painted against them, confidence practically pumping out of their body.

Kaito Momota.

"Hello Momota-Kun, how has your lunch been?" Sonia greeted, hauling the detective forward despite his dread at high-peak.

The purple-haired astronaut casted a smile, before crossing his arms and tapping his foot across the tiles, "Great! How has your lunch break been going, Dr. Nevermind-Sama?"

Shuichi's cap dangled in front of his eyes, along with the book in case he decided to snatch his writing-kit. His heartbeat pounded through his entire body, vibrating against his chest shakily.

"I haven't had my lunch break yet," Sonia chuckled to herself, before putting a firm-but-welcoming hand on Shuichi's shoulder. "Buuuut, Saihara here finally woke up!"

Kaito looked at the detective, as if his stare burned holes into his skin, ego standing high as he pulled out a cocky grin.

"Sidekick! I missed you, buddy!"

Shuichi kept the cap down, delaying the moment he had to set eyes on the purpled-hair astrologist anytime soon. Guilt panging at his heart like a dagger, knowing he was the reason for this confident astronaut's execution. His best friend died because of him, and the despair was eating away at him.

The blonde-haired doctor let go of the wheelchair, before whispering something into the astronaut's ear. Her voice whistled through the air tauntingly at the detective, as she cupped her hand to avoid it echoing to Shuichi.

Kaito gave an understanding nod, before walking to the front of the wheelchair and kneeling down in front of Shuichi. Sonia stood back supportively, giving the astronaut a thumbs-up and smiling proudly at him. Both of them practically radiated confidence, as Kaito looked back at his covered-face.

"Shuichi," He reached for his hands, bringing down the notebook and cupping the detective's hands in his own. "I don't blame you for my death. It was my fault, not yours.  I'm the one that agreed to Ouma-Kun's plan."

Kaito brought one of his hands to Shuichi's cheek, using his thumb to rub the side of it. His overwhelming shadow of confidence practically gone, replaced with the welcoming aroma of reassurance. Shuichi's two hands held by one of the astronaut's, his other hand pushing against the detective's cheek.