If Bug had waited just a little bit longer, there could have been a two-for-one friend deal; it's only a few minutes after Shinji and the orange head out on their jaunt that Kyoko arrives home from work. Not that she knows it, or that there's any evidence that anything is amiss.

True, usually Shinji at least is around at this time, even if Kaito isn't, but that's no immediate cause for concern. He's probably just off doing Shinji things! Making the rounds at various gardens! Maybe he and Kaito actually stole away for a rare date! Good! They should really do that more often!!

Ignoring the unhappy twist in her stomach, because it is bad and not supposed to exist, Kyoko heads to the kitchen, determined to sneak in some secret preparations. Cake Day is nigh, after all.

She's slicing orange peels--and silently apologizing to Bug--while sugar and water come to a boil on the stove when she feels a vibration in her pocket. Ah? Ah?? Huh? Oh--a message?

No, a call. That's a little unusual, coming from Shinji, but Kyoko doesn't think about it too much until that tiny voice is in her ear.

"... Yes?" Something in that voice has her stomach twisting in a wholly different way than before. "Did... something happen?"