The Boss made me breakfast that morning. Part of me felt bad for taking advantage but it was warm and I had not gotten paid… like ever. I wasn’t about to start asking for money after she’d so kindly let me stay. I figured it was better to sort things out with Blast now that I was freshly inked. Figure she’d know where to collect my checks as it were. Her apartment was unsurprisingly dark. Clearly I’d missed her. A chill ran down my spine. Assuming she’d made it back okay I hadn’t actually called to make sure on account of not having my phone and… well figuring she’d not appreciate the interruption. What I hadn’t expected was a noise emanating faintly from the bedroom. I could not believe my ears nor my eyes as I saw my tough girl roommate curled up on her futon sobbing to herself.

I wasn’t even sure she’d heard me come in or if she was simply too filled with despair to acknowledge me. I had no idea what to do, I couldn’t even tell what was wrong. It was disquieting watching her sobbing without end. I found my phone in a pile of discarded clothes by the bed. Strangely there was a text from Aoi at the top of the list. “Call me”

I slipped outside and had my phone dial her number.

“Kairi? Have you seen Rumi or Blast?”

There had been no signs of Rumi anywhere, though Blast’s room was a disaster so it was hard to tell.

“I haven’t seen Rumi but Blast is...” I wanted to say bawling her eyes out but I couldn’t bring myself to say it. “She’s really upset for some reason.”

“Is anything missing?”

Blasts apartment was such a mess there was no way I’d be able to tell.

“I can’t tell the place is a wreck. Why?”

“The hidden safe at the Club was cleared out. We think Rumi might be the thief. If you see her drag her ass back here by force if necessary.”

“Woah… Woah… Are you sure?” I wasn’t sure I was cool laying down a beating unless it was really necessary.

“She’s the only one not picking up her phone besides you and Blast.”

I had to admit that was pretty flimsy.

“I mean couldn’t it have been the cops?”

“The cops never found the safe. Everything was there yesterday. Blast was the last one to see her. She’s with you?”

“Yeah, but she seems hurt.”

The concern in Aoi’s voice ticked up a few notches “Is she bleeding? How Badly?”

“I don’t think it's physical she’s just been… crying.” part of me didn’t wanna say that I didn’t want to step on Blast’s rough and tumble persona but it couldn’t be helped.

“I see. I’m on my way over. See if you can calm her down.”

“I’ll try.” The phone clicked as Aoi hung up. She could have at least said goodbye or a see you soon. My stomach was in knots. I didn’t wanna untangle whatever mess waited for me inside. I had my own problems dammit yet here I was having to put Blast back together.

I made my way back into the bedroom and sat down next to her. She hadn’t moved since I stepped out.

“Uh… Are you okay?” I tried to think of something more to say but she just keep weeping. This wasn’t right. This wasn't Blast. Dammit what had happened to that butch dyke who always drove me up the wall? She said nothing. When I took her hand she grasped my fingers they felt rough and yet there was this uncharacteristic frailness to their movement.

Blast wiped her eyes and sniffed.

“I’m sorry.” was all she said. She wiped her eyes again.

“I… She… she used me. She took all my money.”

I couldn’t believe this she was this broken up over at best a few hundred yen? A feeling of disgust and betrayal began to well up but I held it back.

“You’re crying over money?” I sounded more incredulous than I should have.

“No!” She sounded hurt by my comment and fresh tears rolled down her cheeks. She began muttering.

“I… i’d never been with a girl before and I just… I thought she really liked me but...b-” Blast was crying uncontrollably and I felt like a monster. I could feel myself tearing up too. Ah dammit I had made it worse. If there ever was a moment in my life where I truly hated myself it was right then.

“...Umma hates me and.. and I...” I couldn’t make out what she was saying. I just wrapped my arms around her and held on a best I could. I have no idea how long we sat there but when I looked up I say aoi sitting in the other room tapping lightly on her phone. I let go of Blast and pet her head to let her know I’d be back. I signaled Aoi to follow me out. I looked out past the metal railing to the street below before taking a quick step to the side to make room for Aoi. I didn’t wanna stand near the edge. Heights were never really my thing. Being in a plane was one thing but I didn’t have any wings at the moment.

Aoi waited for me to begin.

“Seems like Rumi cleared this place out too.”

“She took something important I take it?” Aoi’s tone was sympathetic.

“In a manner of speaking… Blast.. Hadn’t been with a girl before and..” I made a sweeping motion with my hand.

Aoi cringed in recognition.

“Poor thing that…” Aoi took a deep breath and then started again “I understand.”

“Sorry we couldn’t be of more help...”

She shook her head.

“This was my fault I should have waited until Makoto had time to look into the new girls.” Aoi pulled a playing card and handed it to me.

‘You’ve received a visit from the Ace of Clovers’ was written on the back in what looked like green glitter lipstick. The message was punctuated with a three leaf clover.

“The calling card of Phantom Thief Clover. She has a history of robbing criminals and yakuza.”

“Don’t phantom thieves normally send warning letters before they steal stuff?” I asked half joking.

“She did I found it when I went searching through my physical mail. It piled up while I was gone and I was so focused on getting the club ready I hadn’t sorted through it.” Aoi looked distressed. I wished there was something I could do but she seemed bound and determined to take responsibility. I had a pang of regret telling her about Blast’s condition but I think she would have figured it out eventually.

I took a deep breath and turned back toward the door. Aoi waved and walked off without a word. I headed back inside.

Blast…no... Nana was sitting up finally her eyes were read and she still had a sniffle going.

“You feeling better?” I asked quietly.

She shook her head sadly.

“It just… feels like everyone has something special and… I...”

She grimaced. I got down on my knees and hugged her.

“You do have something special. You’re my girl.”

“Aw c’mon..” she muttered disapprovingly.

I squeezed her tighter.

“No really. Who was the only one to show up to that stupid birthday party all those years back.”

Nana tried to push me away but I locked my grip.

“My mom asked me to… we just played games”

“...and nobody else would play with me but you did. When my mom was hurt and about to lose her shop who offered to help? When my mother kicked me out who let me stay at her apartment no questions asked? You’re an ass but you’re also my best friend and dammit… I love you.”

The shock on her face was priceless. However her next response was not what I was expecting she leaned in and kissed me before I knew what was going on. It was sloppy and warm and it felt like a dam of emotions burst within me. I didn’t know what I was feeling it was a lot of things all things all at once. I was not equipped to sort them all at once. I could feel Nana’s arms wrap around me and pull me closer. She kissed me again before I knew what was what. She pulled back and stared at me fearfully. I’d never seen her scared.

“I’m sorry was that… alright?” she shifted in my arms not letting go or loosening her grip. It definitely hadn’t felt like I’d felt a first kiss would. I didn’t want her to feel rejected so I did the only thing I could think of and kissed her back. It was still strange and awkward but she responded with vigor. I could feel her hands all over my back. Her breath was haggard when we parted some fresh hope sparkled in her eyes.