Haibara turned her head and smiled.
"Oh? You didn't know?"
"It was because of Akashi that I came here in the first place."
Little Ayumi and Mitsuhiko stared in shock, their expressions clouding over.
Neither of them dared to say anything more.
Conan, on the other hand, narrowed his eyes, staring at Haibara with suspicion.
Is she… actually living with that little brat?
Wasn't he staying at Auntie Eri's house?
What's going on here?
But Akashi ignored Conan's gaze entirely.
Without hesitation, he waved at Haibara, motioning for her to follow, and casually walked off.
Little Loli trailed behind him, her short legs struggling to keep up.
As the two disappeared through the classroom door, they left behind a room full of heartbroken children.
Haibara glanced up at him and smirked.
"Can't deny it—looks like you're pretty popular at school."
Akashi chuckled.
"I tend to be more popular with older women."
"..."
Haibara's smirk vanished instantly.
Just as the two stepped out of the school gates, a cheerful voice rang through the air like silver bells.
"Akashi, over here!"
Haibara lifted her gaze and spotted a stunning high school girl with a graceful figure and radiant energy, practically bounding toward them.
She frowned slightly, her small hands instinctively clutching Akashi's sleeve.
The approaching girl wore polished black leather shoes, and the absolute zone beneath her skirt was… distracting, to say the least.
Ran walked up with light, brisk steps, then leaned down to observe Haibara with curiosity.
"So, you're Ai-chan? Akashi's good friend?"
"Mom has told me about you!"
Her voice was warm and cheerful, and her smile sincere.
"You're so cute!"
Haibara froze, momentarily overwhelmed by Ran's enthusiasm.
Feeling a little uneasy, she took a small step back and hid behind Akashi.
Akashi, noticing her reaction, quickly made the introductions.
"This is Ran Mōri, Auntie Eri's daughter."
"She lives with her dad at the detective agency. Conan's staying there too."
At those words, Haibara's eyes narrowed slightly.
Ah… I see.
So that's why this guy chose to stay at Eri's house.
It wasn't just about convenience—it was a strategic move to keep a close eye on Shinichi in his shrunken state.
I misjudged him.
Filling in the gaps in her mind, Haibara's gaze softened as she looked at Akashi.
But before she could say anything—
Akashi barely had time to react before he suddenly felt himself lifted off the ground.
Ran had scooped him up into a tight embrace!
Haibara's blue eyes widened in shock.
And to make things worse—
That little shota's face was practically buried in Ran's… chest!
Akashi didn't resist at all.
Ran giggled, patting his head affectionately.
"That's not very polite, Akashi! You have to call me 'Big Sis'!"
Haibara's expression darkened instantly.
Her pink lips pressed together in a tight pout.
Forget keeping an eye on Shinichi!
This guy isn't here for espionage—he's clearly just enjoying being spoiled by this mother-daughter duo!
Her gaze toward Akashi turned cold once more—filled with undisguised disdain.
However, Ran didn't seem to notice Haibara's expression and continued speaking excitedly.
"Today, Dad made plans to go to a hot spring resort in Tochigi Prefecture for a class reunion," she said cheerfully.
"A whole group of them booked a stay at Tochigi Grand Hot Spring Hotel!"
"Let's go too! A nice soak in the hot springs will feel amazing!"
Her eyes sparkled with anticipation as she spoke.
She was clearly excited, but she also feared Akashi might refuse.
Akashi, however, instantly recognized the scenario.
Class reunion. Hot spring hotel. Murder case.
There would definitely be a murder at that location.
A perfect opportunity to check in and observe the case firsthand.
But then, he glanced at Haibara, wondering if she'd want to go.
Before he could ask, Ran had already turned to her.
"Ai-chan, you should come too!" she said brightly.
"I'll just tell my mom."
"I remember they have a spectacular fireworks show there!"
At the mention of fireworks, Haibara's eyes flickered with interest.
She had been trapped in the organization for so long, she'd barely had the chance to enjoy hot springs, let alone watch fireworks in a relaxed setting.
But more importantly—
She glanced at Ran, who was still holding Akashi so affectionately.
Her gaze sharpened.
"Of course, I'll go."
Akashi immediately nodded in agreement.
"Then count me in."
Hearing Akashi's answer, Ran smiled in satisfaction and clapped her hands.
"Great! Then it's settled—the three of us will go together!"
"Now, let's head home and pack up. We'll set off later~"
Just as she turned to leave, a familiar voice suddenly called out.
Ran turned around—
And froze.
Standing at the school gates was Conan.
His wide-eyed expression was a mixture of shock and devastation.
His lips trembled, and his gaze fixed on Ran with betrayal.
Conan had heard everything.
Not one mention of his name.
Wait, what?
Did she just completely forget about me?!
Am I that insignificant?!
His heart clenched.
Seeing Conan's look of despair, Ran felt a slight pang of guilt—but only slight.
She didn't hesitate as she spoke:
"Conan, be a good boy and stay home, okay?"
"I already spoke with the manager of Poirot Café downstairs. You can have dinner there tonight and breakfast tomorrow morning."
That was all.
She had no intention of bringing him along.
Conan staggered back, utterly speechless.
This is insane.
They're seriously going without me?!
She's taking that brat, but not me?!
If this moment had dramatic background music, it would be a tragic orchestral piece.
But Ran remained unfazed.
She always felt there was something strange about Conan.
His morbid fascination with corpses was unnerving.
It wasn't just analyzing crime scenes—
He always had to get close to the bodies!
And just yesterday, her father mentioned seeing him in the bathroom, staring at a naked man with intense focus!
This kid's a little pervert!
And besides—every time she goes out with him, they somehow get dragged into a murder case!
Compared to her precious Akashi, who was adorable, innocent, and completely reliable, Conan was nothing but trouble.
This trip was supposed to help her bond with Akashi again.
There was no way she was letting Conan ruin it!
Unfortunately, her choice of words was too brutal.
Conan felt as if a knife had been stabbed straight into his chest.
How could this be happening?!
No.
No way.
I refuse to accept this!
Conan clenched his fists.
His eyes burned with determination as he watched Akashi's back.
This is all that little devil's fault!
I can't let this continue!
Since Ran wouldn't take him—
Conan immediately spun around and dashed toward Mōri Detective Agency.
I'll get Uncle Mōri to take me there!
Meanwhile, Haibara watched the drama unfold.
As a keen observer, she picked up on the tension between everyone.
So… Shinichi has feelings for this girl, Ran Mōri?
Interesting.
But just as she was lost in thought—
She suddenly felt something off.
Ran was still holding onto Akashi.
Haibara's face darkened instantly.
"Why are you holding Akashi?" she asked flatly.
Ran, completely unfazed, replied matter-of-factly:
"I'm protecting him, of course!"
"He's still too young. If I don't hold onto him, some random suspicious auntie might try to kidnap him off the street!"
Haibara remained unconvinced.
Ran, noticing her doubt, smirked.
To prove her point, she let go of Akashi's hand and held both of them instead—one in each hand—as they walked home.
They hadn't walked far when an outrageous scene unfolded before Haibara's eyes.
A group of high school girls suddenly swarmed Akashi, touching his face and giggling excitedly.
Then, three young white-collar women passed by and—
Without hesitation—
Forcibly kissed him.
As if that weren't enough, an auntie from the nearby convenience store rushed out and showered him with free sweets.
By the time they finally managed to pull Akashi away, Haibara's expression was one of utter disbelief.
Her entire worldview was shaken.
Ran, on the other hand, grinned triumphantly.
Without hesitation, she wrapped her arms tightly around Akashi again.
"See?" she said smugly.
"I was right!"
"My mom specifically asked me to pick up Akashi to be his bodyguard!"
"Who told my precious Akashi to be so good-looking?"
Haibara's eye twitched.
Her lips pressed together tightly.
At this moment—
She finally understood what she was up against.