-Yuri-
Turns out, it was also on the first floor of our building. I just hadn't noticed because I wasn't that observant yet. We were now in front of a door with a sign that read "POIROT CLUB 🕵️".
"Can you handle it on your own?" he asked.
"Yes, go ahead. You can go now."
"Alright."
As he left, I stared at the door for too long. I took a deep breath to prepare myself to join a detective club-the dream I had always wanted to achieve.
I knocked. Once, twice, three times.
Though it felt a little wrong, I turned the knob-it wasn't locked.
Out of instinct, I opened the door and saw no one inside. Then-
"Excuse me. What is it?"
I turned around and saw a tall guy. I barely reached his shoulder.
He was wearing glasses like me, and his face looked innocent rather than intimidating.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Are you Xian?" I asked.
"I am. Why?" he replied.
"I'd like to join the club."
"Ah, okay. Go ahead, come in."
We went inside, and I felt the cold breeze from the air conditioner-it was as if it was on full power.
There was a table at the center and an office chair. He sat there and gestured for me to sit on the sofa by the side.
"So, please state your name and occupation."
"I am Yuri Casanova. I'm 17 years old, and I just recently moved here."
"Nice to meet you, Yuri. I'm Xian Amamiya. So, why do you want to join the club?"
"Because it's my dream to become a detective. Well, not a police detective-but someone who solves mysteries."
"Ah, so it's your desire to solve mysteries?"
"Yes, sir."
"That's a good motive. Well, you're officially a member of the Poirot Club."
"Wait-just like that?"
"Yes. No tests or anything. If someone has the desire to solve mysteries, that's enough reason to be part of the club."
"Thanks!"
"Now that you're here, let me tell you the basics of this club," said Xian.
"Basics?" I asked.
"Yes. In the Poirot Club, we only take cases within our limits. So we handle mysteries that happen on a daily basis. We can't take cases like murders, since that's beyond our scope."
"Oh, okay."
That sounded reasonable.
"We also don't ask for rewards. In the Poirot Club, it's better to help people without expecting prizes-since some rewards aren't acceptable. It's up to the client if they wish to give one. We also don't decline cases easily, but like I said, we refuse cases beyond our limitations-like murders and such."
"Okay, noted."
"Good. I'm pretty sure you'll enjoy it here. I further deduced that you live in an apartment-and that you didn't walk to school."
"Precisely so, but how could you tell?"
"Well, I don't smell smoke on you. When people walk to school, they pass by a small eatery nearby that's always smoking-and the smell clings to their clothes. But I don't smell that on you. Also, your shoes aren't wet, even though it's been raining this month."
"Wow! Didn't expect the club leader to be this brilliant."
"It's all about observation, Yuri. Don't worry-you'll learn this skill too."
Then we heard a knock at the door. It was light but quick.
"Who is it?"
"The President of the Student Council."
Xian stood up and opened the door. I saw a man-it was the same student I saw on stage earlier. Jeremiah King, the Student Council President.
"Mr. Jeremiah. It's you."
"Yes, it's me. May I come in?"
"Of course."
As he walked in, he glanced around, examining every corner of the room, even the photos on the shelf.
"What can we do for you?"
"I'd like to propose a new rule for the club."
"New... rule?"
"Yes. The contract already has the principal's signature. I want the club to solve any type of mystery-no boundaries, no limitations."
"What?"
"You heard me right. All cases must be solved-whether it's a murder or a disappearance."
"That's not possible! It's not appropriate for others yet-"
"You dare defy me, Amamiya? Besides, you're a college student. Every grade level is represented here except elementary. The school's reputation would be ruined if a murder case went cold."
Xian fell silent, staring at the floor, sweating despite the cold air.
I had nothing to say, so I just listened.
"The principal told me the Poirot Club once solved murders-back when there were no limitations, and all cases were resolved. One leader just added a new rule that limited the cases. I wonder... why?"
"It's none of your business, Jeremiah."
"Really? Fine. But the new rule is official and enforced now, understood?"
Xian just nodded.
"Good! Who knows-this kid might experience it in her first or second case."
"Don't involve the kid in this conversation!"
"Why not? She's your new partner. The club was about to be shut down anyway since you were the only member left. Thanks to this kid, that didn't happen."
After saying those words, he suddenly left-without even closing the door.
Xian's face was full of disappointment. The lenses of his glasses caught the light from above.
"Kuya, are you okay?" I asked.
"Of course. Why wouldn't I be? I'm fine, Yuri. Thanks," he replied.
Then a boy suddenly rushed into the room, panting.
"Hello? Is something wrong?" Xian asked.
"Detective Xian, the Principal's calling you right now!" the boy shouted.
"Huh? Why?"
"The trophy for the competition is missing!"
"What? Missing?"
"Yes, sir!"
"Yuri, looks like you'll be experiencing your first case already. Do you want to come along?" Xian asked.
"Yes," I replied.
We left the room, turned off all the lights, shut the door with a loud slam, and hurried out.
We exited the building since the Principal's office was on the other side. I didn't mind-I ran as fast as I could.
This is my first case, and it happened right after I joined.
A test to prove whether I'm worthy of being a member of this club or not.
I'll solve this.
I will solve this!