"I have to tell you something.. about the Yakuza," Isabella whispered. Samantha shook her head and stepped away from her. She didn't want to talk about work. Not after what happened with Oliver. She didn't want to hear about any more crime for a while.

"I don't think now is a good time, Isabella." Samantha gulped. It was hard for her to swallow. Her throat felt dry.

"It's really important." Isabella frowned. She reached down in her pockets and pulled out a USB drive. "When Oliver quit 2 months ago, he came into my office and gave me this. I looked through it, and from what I saw, it doesn't look so good. There's a disturbing video on here, along with a hidden journal entry. I'll the titles of the folders are written in Japanese, but I think it may be a rape case."

"A rape case?" Samantha repeated in a weak tone.

"I looked through it but something went wrong with the drive as I was looking through it. It's bugged. Before he left, I asked Oliver where he got it from. He told me he found it hidden in between some folders on a shelf in the general office. Someone must've hidden it. I'm going to find a hacker who can tell me which computer the document was created on."

"How do you know it's something to do with the Yakuza?"

"Do you remember when they broadcasted a photo of the potential suspect of Oliver's murder? In the video, it's the same guy. I noticed that on his backpack, there's an image of a snake biting a turtle. I researched it, and after hours of digging, I found out that it's a Yakuza sign." Isabella looked around silently. "We have to keep this quiet and find out more information."

If Isabella was telling the truth, she was having mixed feelings about it. If Oliver was killed by someone who was part of the Yakuza, maybe now was the time to start fearing for their lives. Just knowing the information they had was enough to get them both killed. Who's to say that they aren't next on the list to be murdered?

"Isabella, I really think we should abandon this project. Maybe it's too dangerous."

"We can't back down now! We are so close to finding out Kaito's true identity, and finding out which family he's working for!" Isabella frowned. "Don't you want to avenge Oliver's death? You were closer to him than I ever was!"

Isabella was in denial. They were nowhere near close revealing Kaito's face. They were a step closer to finding out who he worked for, but if they crossed over that line, Samantha feared what was going to happen.

"I still think we should focus on other stories. Maybe it's about time for us to stop chasing after criminals we're not able to handle."

"Are you saying you won't want to work together anymore?" Isabella growled at her. Samantha held her hands up in defense.

"What? No, I'm saying that we should—"

"Forget it." Isabella shoved the flash drive into her bag and glared at Samantha. "I'll work on it myself. You're so weak-minded, which will get you nowhere as a journalist. Bravery is important."

"I'm not weak-minded, I'm just careful!"

"You're pathetic." Isabella hissed and stormed away. Samantha felt lost. She wanted to help Isabella, but she felt that it was time to back off. Oliver being killed off by a member of organized crime struck her. No amount of money was worth her losing her life over.

She needed to let off steam. Her emotions were all over the place. She was angry with herself, sad for Oliver, and frustrated with Isabella's lack of understanding. She hopped in her car and drove to the Bunny's Barista.

It was already closed, but she didn't care. After moving to Cartersville when her parents passed away, Isabella and Oliver were pretty much the only friends she had to talk to. But now, she felt like she didn't have anyone else to go to.

She parked and realized that it was going to rain. The dark clouds loomed in the sky, and thunder began to clack loudly. She hopped out of her car and opened the back door, before realizing she left her umbrella at her apartment.

"Crap." Samantha hiccuped and slammed the door closed. Maybe she should just sit in her car and text Leo. She went back to her front door and reached for the handle, but when she pulled on it, it wouldn't budge.

She locked herself out of her car. She stomped her foot and swore under her breath. "No!" Her phone and everything else were still left inside. Then it started to rain hard. Her straight hair began to curl back up and she groaned loudly before looking at the building.

The lights inside were off, and the blinds were shut. She raced towards the entrance and pulled on the door, but it was locked. That was the last straw for her. Now she was standing in the pouring rain with no shelter. She couldn't get back in her car or call anyone for help.

A tear skidded down Samantha's face, and then another one. She leaned against the building and began to break down emotionally. Her sobs were uncontrollable. She slouched over and wailed as loud as she could, but the thunder overstepped her screams.

Fortunately, Kaito could hear the squeals and hiccups from inside. He just left the hidden room and pressed the button so the wall could shift back into place. He was on his way to a mission, but Haruka was in charge of taking him there.

But the odd sound is what he wanted to investigate first. He walked to the entrance of the shop and peered out of the window. He saw Samantha standing outside in the rain with her arms crossed. She was crying, and it shocked him.

He quickly placed his hair back into a bun and put on the glasses Haruka gave him. Then he hid his weapons underneath the couch pillows. He cursed at himself for almost revealing himself in front of her.

He rushed back and unlocked the door and opened it. "Samantha?" He called out to her. She gazed up and looked at him. Kaito studied her expression and frowned. Before he could say anything else, Samantha wrapped her arms around his torso and dug her face into his chest. "Woah! What's wrong?"

She didn't answer, her shoulders bobbed up and down as she cried. It was still pouring outside and he felt the side of his shoulder starting to get wet. "Let's get inside, you'll catch a cold."

Samantha nodded tiredly. She allowed him to take a step back and close the door. The warmth from the cafe brought comfort to her somewhat.

"Do you need something to drink? Like water?"

"N-no." Samantha sniffled.

Kaito wasn't exactly sure what to do now. In a few minutes, he was supposed to go out. He didn't know what else to offer to her while she was in tears. Did she want a flower, a cookie? Maybe some chocolate?

"What happened?" Kaito forced out the question. He wasn't going to know how to deal with her if he didn't know why she was crying. Women weren't his expertise.

"I honestly don't even know how to explain everything that's going on right now." Samantha wiped her tears but they continued to fall. She went over to the couch where Kaito hid his weapons, and he quickly ushered her to the other side of the seat.

"Start from the beginning." Kaito cleared his throat nervously. He tucked the pillow behind him and over the gun completely as he sat down. "Why were you standing out in the rain? You could've just called me."

"... My co-worker, Oliver passed away, and it's all my fault. I just argued with Isabella, and I was just so frustrated so I drove here." Samantha spouted all at once. "But then I forgot my umbrella.. and then I left my phone in the car, and I locked my keys inside with it. I'm just having a horrid day, and I can't take it anymore." She hiccuped again.

There was a lot of information to handle. Kaito wondered if Isabella was the same woman who published those rumored articles about him. How was Oliver's death her fault? He wasn't understanding anything she was saying.

"I'm sorry to hear that, but why do you think it's your fault?"

"You remember how I was writing articles about that Assassin?" Samantha swallowed. "He was with us and he was involved in helping us publish all those reports. But I guess the Yakuza got involved somehow. I knew that he worked less, and then one day, he quit. I tried contacting him, and I assumed he was busy.. but... he was killed."

"You didn't kill him, though. So why are you upset?"

"Because I could've prevented it."

"You didn't know he was going to get attacked."

"I should've been more observant."

"It doesn't matter. He would've been killed either way. Crap happens in life." Kaito awkwardly raised his hand and placed it on her shoulder. "Don't beat yourself up because of that. Did they catch the killer?"

"N-no.. that's that an entirely different issue." Samantha huffed. "I think... I don't want to chase after that Assassin anymore. I'm fearing for my life right now. Oliver had to have been killed for a reason."

Kaito leaned closer to her. What exactly did she mean? Did someone threaten her at her job? "You don't think it was the assassin, do you?"

"According to Isabella, that's not the case at all. But I don't want to talk about her right now. I just needed someone to talk to." She sniffled some more. "I'm sorry I came here so suddenly, Leo."

"It's fine." Kaito lied and unknowingly reached up and wiped her tears. Both of them froze at his action. Kaito said something to cease the awkward silence. "I told you that it's okay to stop by whenever you're stressed."

"You're Japanese, aren't you?" Samantha asked suddenly.

"Yeah."

"What do you know about the Yakuza?"

"They're not exactly the type of people you'd want to associate with. From what I understand, they're dangerous. Personally, I don't like talking about them." Kaito finished and glanced at the clock behind them. Haruka was probably waiting outside by now.

"I agree." Samantha sighed. "That's why I—"

"Could you hold that thought for one second?" Kaito smiled and stood up when his phone started buzzing. And he helped her stand up and nudged her toward the counter. "Stay here for one moment. I have to take this call."

"Alright." Samantha nodded at him.

Kaito walked into the men's bathroom and shut the door behind him. "Haruka, give me a moment." He answered the call.

"Where are you?"

"You caught me at a pretty bad time." Kaito rubbed the back of his neck. "Give me 10 minutes, I just woke up." He lied. A knock on the door caused him to jump, and he hung up the call before Haruka could say anything else. Then he opened the door slightly, only to see Samantha standing there.

"I don't mean to be rude, but can I use your store phone to call a cab? I have to go home and get my spare key to unlock my car."

"Sure." He walked out of the bathroom and noticed Haruka standing at the door through the window. Kaito panicked and dragged Samantha away and out of his sight. "Wait, maybe you should use my phone! Or better yet, I can take you back."

"Aw, you're sweet. But you seem pretty busy, so I don't want to impose—" Samantha was about to turn around but Kaito stopped her.

"Busy? I'm not busy!" He lied. Lying was something he was starting to get used to. He glanced at the door one more time before looking back at her. He grabbed both of her hands and fake smiled. "I don't mind making a few sacrifices just for you."

Samantha felt the heat rise to her cheeks. Leo was holding her hands affectionately, in a way that was more than friendly. Maybe he was interested in her after all. "That's very nice of you Leo, but don't make too many sacrifices. I wouldn't want you to get in trouble or anything, not for me at least."

"It's no trouble at all."

Samantha's heart fluttered. But she decided not to give in so easily to him. "Your flirting skills are going to have to get better. I really appreciate the offer, but you've already helped me so many times. I don't want to use you or feel like I'm taking advantage of your kindness." She placed a soft kiss next to his cheek and tapped his shoulder.

Kaito's body stiffened. That kiss was very close to his lips, and for some reason, it made him feel uneasy. Samantha took a step back, and he saw Haruka go for the handle. He panicked. What was he going to do? If Samantha saw Haruka, their mission was over.

His identity would be compromised.

Kaito swore under his breath and grabbed Samantha by her arm, then he spun her around as quickly as he could. She gasped and fell against him as Haruka pulled open the door. Kaito grabbed Samantha by her chin and crashed his lips onto hers.

Haruka stopped when he saw Kaito having an affectionate scene with the journalist. Kaito looked up and motioned for Haruka to leave immediately. Haruka nodded and backed out of the door and rushed back to his car as quickly as possible.

Samantha was too stunned to do anything. It was her first kiss, so she wasn't sure what to do. She pulled away quickly and blushed. Kaito blinked at her, not believing that he did what he did to her. He wasn't a virgin or anything, but he hadn't kissed anyone in a long time.

Why wasn't she saying anything? Kaito was puzzled by her lack of reaction. "I'm sorry, I just—" Kaito started, but he was stopped when she yanked him forward and pulled him in for another kiss.

She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer, and Kaito returned the action by placing an arm around her waist.