Read Watch 365- :: Kaito | Tapas Community

I woke up early in the morning and found the keys of the station on my desk.

FLASHBACK

Kaito: (throwing the keys) Catch.

Me: Hey! (catching them)

Kaito: To be a firefighter, you must be alert at all times.

Me: Noted, mister.

Kaito: Hey. Don't be cheeky with your mentor.

Me: (in Japanese) Yes, sir.

END OF FLASHBACK

I remembered that Kaito left me with the keys, and I forgot to return the keys because I had to rush to the hospital. Before heading there, I ran to the station to return the keys. I locked the doors and rushed out the door and down the stairs. I saw the dear elderly ladies, and I greeted them though in a hurry. I didn't bother catching a bus. Besides, all the more better if I know how to run fast, right?

I crossed two roads before I could reach the station, and by the time I arrived, I was met by the team's eyes on me. I quickly searched around for Kaito, but he was not there, which was surprising.

Sharla: Kaito is not in today.

I turned and looked at Sharla. She always seemed distant, yet always knew what I was thinking.

Me: Thanks, I just wanted to return the keys to him.

I walked over to them and handed the keys to the station to Sharla.

Sharla: Yes, we were looking for them, but luckily, we had a spare.

Me: Sorry for the trouble.

Sharla: Not a problem... the rookie loves her job so much she took the keys home, huh?

Xander and the others laughed, and I joined them, though for a short time. Sharla wasn't... easy to understand - to me. But most of the time, I could tell she was simply being sarcastic.

Me: Please tell him that I apologize for taking the keys when he comes back?

Sharla: No need - he will be back by Monday.

Me: (surprised) Oh? By Monday?

Xander: Yeah. He took three days off, he will be back on Monday.

I felt guilty immediately. When he took care of me in the rain... perhaps he caught a cold afterward and couldn't make it to work?

Me: Thanks, Sharla, thanks, Xander.

Sharla: Welcome.

Xander: Anything for the rookie.

Me: Xander, you're impossible to deal with sometimes. Anyway, I am out. See you on Monday!

Xander: Okay, rookie!

Everyone else waved me goodbye, and I walked out of the station. One problem fixed. Now, I was headed for the hospital. I waited for the bus that came five minutes after I arrived at the bus stop, and on my trip to see Dad in the hospital, I couldn't help but think about Kaito's well-being. I hope he didn't take himself out of work for me. I had conflicted thoughts on whether or not to call him.

Though, I have to admit... It would be nice to see what activities Kaito gets up to during his days off from the station.

Kaito's POV

I was at the hospital with Zayla's dad as we played a game of cards together. We had long chats and even heard some secrets that I was told never to tell Zayla about in my life.

Zayla's dad: (Japanese) You know, my daughter always talks about you so much that it feels like we knew you a long time ago.

Me: (shocked; Japanese) Really?

Zayla's dad: (Japanese) Of course! Zayla really loves you a lot. She fancies you, and you inspire her to do her best as a firefighter.

I was taken aback by his first words. I choked while drinking water, making Zayla's dad laugh at my flustered self. I was not used to confessions said so early - especially from parents.

Zayla's dad: Never thought a girl would like you.

Me: Why would she fall for someone like me? I am busy and emotionally unavailable.

Zayla's dad: To yourself, sure. To Zayla - as far as she's concerned, when she loves - though young - she loves from her heart. You know Kaito?

Me: Yes, sir?

He gestured for me to come closer.

Zayla's dad: Whenever you are free, visit me again. Let's play another game of cards and have more man-talk without Zayla knowing.

Me: I will.

I stood up, and before I left, I looked at him again and spoke.

Me: An, sir?

Zayla's dad: Yes, son?

Me: You and Mrs. Kimura have raised an amazing daughter. Don't tell her this, but after she visited you, she cried about you and your condition. I know I might be prying too much, but just know... Zayla is an amazing daughter... and firefighter.

Zayla's dad: Thank you for your kind words, son, and that is why I am thankful to mentors like yourself who never undermine the potential rookie firefighters have to join the ranks of the best. With that, I thank you, too, for taking care of her.

Me: (smiles) She's my responsibility. I am simply doing my job.

Zayla's dad: Such a humble young man you are-

He then received a message from Zayla that she was heading for the hospital.

Me: Time for me to leave.

Zayla's dad: Thanks for visiting and the meals.

Me: (Japanese) My pleasure, sir. Bye.

Zayla's dad: (Japanese) Bye!

Zayla's POV

I arrived at the hospital and went straight into Dad's ward room. It was full of warmth, as if someone else had come to visit him. Dad saw me and gestured for me to sit.

Dad: Ah, Zayla!

Me: Morning, Dad! How are you doing today?

Dad: Great! Never been better; in fact, a young man came and visited me today.

Me: (surprised) A young man?

Dad: Yes, he even bought you a meal.

I opened the takeaway and my, oh my, the meal ordered for me was ramen noodles with barbeque sauce with chicken. I took my first noodle slurp and looked at my dad.

Me: So, this young man... who was he?

Dad: You will find answers afterward, my girl. How about you eat? Tell me, did you eat breakfast?

Me: (low voice) No, dad.

Dad: Good. Now enjoy those meals, and be thankful!

Me: (smiling) Yes, Dad!

As I continued eating, I couldn't help but wonder who this 'young man' was. I sensed it was Kaito, but then, how did he remember my favorite meal?

Dad: By that young man, I meant your crush.

I instantly turned red. I looked at my dad.

Me: (gasps) You mean... Kaito?!

Dad: Yes - poor daughter, I couldn't keep you in the dark for long. Your puppy eyes do something to me. I hope you aren't being naughty and playful with Kaito at the station.

Me: (blushing) No!

I looked away from my dad and continued eating, this time, each noodle slurp with more appreciation for the person who bought it and who made my day even further.

Kaito.