The coffee shop Conan had selected was genuinely impressive - rich, aromatic blends served in elegant cups, with prices that reflected the quality. While the cost was certainly steep, everyone agreed it was worth paying for excellence rather than risking expensive disappointment.
As the group settled into comfortable conversation over their drinks, two familiar figures were making their way down the street just outside.
"Ran, have you noticed that little detective of yours is nowhere to be seen today?" asked Suzuki Sonoko, adjusting her headband as they walked. "Usually he's practically glued to your side."
Mouri Ran, the unwitting heroine of this world's ongoing mystery saga, looked genuinely worried. "I'm not sure what Conan's up to. He left early this morning saying he was going to play with Dr. Agasa, but when we passed the professor's house earlier, it was completely empty."
The concern in her voice was unmistakably maternal. Despite the complex reality of their relationship, the bond between Ran and Conan had evolved into something resembling a devoted mother worrying about her child - she prepared his meals, waited for him to come home, helped with his schoolwork, and even shared bath time without a second thought.
As they continued their conversation about the missing boy, the two friends found themselves approaching the very coffee shop where their subject of discussion was currently engaged in animated debate.
"Wait a minute," Sonoko said, pressing closer to the large floor-to-ceiling windows. "Isn't that Conan in there?"
She pointed toward a small figure in a familiar blue suit, sandwiched between several adults at a corner table.
"Where?" Ran asked, following her friend's gaze.
"Right there - the kid sitting with all those grown-ups!"
Ran studied the scene more carefully and felt her worry deepen. "That's definitely Conan. But where are Dr. Agasa and Ai? I don't see anyone matching their descriptions."
"Obviously that little liar fed you a story," Sonoko declared bluntly. "He probably snuck off on some adventure without telling you. You know how he is."
"But why would he..." Ran began, wanting to give Conan the benefit of the doubt.
"Only one way to find out," Sonoko interrupted, grabbing her friend's hand. "Let's go ask him directly."
Before Ran could protest, Sonoko was already pulling her toward the coffee shop entrance.
Inside, Conan was deep in conversation with Fuji about the Sherlock Holmes stories, having discovered their mutual appreciation for the legendary detective. Both worlds apparently shared this particular piece of literature, and when two Holmes enthusiasts met, there was never a shortage of material to discuss.
"The brilliance of 'The Final Problem' lies not just in the confrontation with Moriarty," Conan was explaining enthusiastically, "but in how Doyle constructed the ultimate intellectual opponent—"
THUNK!
A sharp rap on his head cut off his literary analysis mid-sentence. Conan spun around angrily, ready to scold whoever had interrupted his discourse.
"What do you think you're—"
The words died in his throat as he found himself face-to-face with Sonoko's stern expression, with Ran standing just behind her looking concerned.
Oh no. Oh no no no.
"Sister Ran!" he stammered, immediately shifting into his seven-year-old persona. "What are you doing here?"
When in doubt, play innocent. It was a strategy that had served him well in the past.
Sonoko opened her mouth to deliver what was undoubtedly going to be a lecture about lying and sneaking around, but at that exact moment, Gustave and Tezuka turned to see what was happening.
The effect on Sonoko was immediate and dramatic. Her stern expression melted away as she found herself confronted by several remarkably handsome faces. Her cheeks flushed pink, and she completely forgot whatever scolding she'd been preparing.
Instead, her hand that had been poised to deliver another disciplinary tap transformed into a gentle, almost affectionate pat on Conan's head.
"Conan, sweetie," she said in a voice honey-sweet with false sisterly concern, "next time you want to go out and have adventures, just let me and Ran know beforehand. We won't try to stop you - we just want to make sure you're safe."
Conan stared at her in disbelief. Are you kidding me? This is the same Sonoko who was ready to lecture me thirty seconds ago?
Having known Sonoko since kindergarten, he recognized her boy-crazy transformation immediately. It was almost embarrassing to watch.
"Are you two the sisters our little friend talks about so often?" Eiji asked with his characteristic friendly grin.
Conan had indeed mentioned both Ran and Sonoko extensively during their time together - Ran always in glowing terms, while Sonoko's mentions had been considerably less flattering. Of course, Sonoko had been equally critical of Conan in return.
"Oh really? What exactly has he said about us?" Sonoko asked with obvious curiosity, her previous maternal act completely forgotten.
"Our little detective is always bragging about his two amazing sisters," Eiji replied smoothly, his talent for improvisation on full display. "He tells us one is incredibly kind and caring - not only does she give him a home, but she takes care of him like family. The other is beautiful and generous, always ready to help him out whenever he's in trouble."
The shameless flattery had its intended effect. Sonoko practically glowed with pride, her composure cracking completely.
"Hahaha! I had no idea that's how Conan saw me!" she laughed with undisguised delight, hands on her hips in a pose of triumphant satisfaction.
"Sonoko!" Ran hissed quietly, tugging at her friend's sleeve in an attempt to restore some dignity to the situation.
The gentle reprimand worked like a splash of cold water. Sonoko immediately snapped back to her "refined lady" persona with impressive speed.
"I'm terribly sorry," she said with practiced elegance. "I don't usually behave so... enthusiastically."
The rapid transformation from giddy schoolgirl to sophisticated young woman was so seamless that even experienced actors would have been impressed.
"I don't believe we've been properly introduced," Ran said diplomatically, stepping forward with her natural grace. Despite Sonoko's lengthy conversation with Eiji, they still didn't know anyone's names.
"Of course! Where are my manners?" Eiji replied cheerfully. "I'm Eiji, and this is Sengoku, Tezuka, Fuji, Gustave, and Chan'er. We're all friends of our little detective here."
"It's lovely to meet you all," Ran replied with a polite bow. "I'm Mouri Ran, and this is my friend Suzuki Sonoko."