"Shinichi, you'd better not tell him, or I'll never forgive you."
"Mom, why are you even in Japan? You don't have any friends here. I should just tell Dad to come pick you up."
"I don't want to. He's always glued to his computer, working on novels, or out socializing. I've had enough."
"Dad's a world-class mystery writer with tons of fans. Of course he's going to socialize a lot."
"But every time he goes out, he comes back smelling like perfume, and there's lipstick all over his collar. Hmph, he's definitely cheating."
"Mom, Dad would never do that. You know how obsessed he is with his writing! He'd never cheat."
Early in the morning, Yukiko and Conan's bickering filled the living room.
Heiji walked out of Ai's room yawning, choosing to ignore the odd mother-and-son pair.
"Heiji, don't go! You be the judge—is this Yusaku Kudo's fault or not?"
Seeing Heiji, Yukiko grabbed his arm and shot Conan a tsundere glare.
"This is your family's business. I'm just an outsider, so I'm staying out of it."
He didn't have the patience for this kind of drama.
"Heiji, don't you have any sympathy? Just standing there while a woman adored by thousands is bullied by two men?"
Yukiko's eyes grew watery, making herself look extra pitiful.
Heiji's expression darkened. "Yukiko, are you really sure you want my opinion?"
"Of course! I need someone to stand up for justice."
"Then stand a little farther away first."
Yukiko was standing right next to him. Heiji worried she might get too worked up and do something rash—he didn't want to get caught in the crossfire.
"Is this far enough?"
Yukiko obediently stepped about a meter back.
Conan was speechless. Since when was Mom this chummy with Hattori?
"First, let me see your phone."
Heiji reached out, signaling for Yukiko to hand it over.
Yukiko hesitated but handed over her phone, a little curious. "Heiji, what do you need my phone for?"
Heiji took the phone and scrolled through her contacts. "I'll help you delete Yusaku Kudo's number."
"Hattori, what are you doing?"
Conan's face darkened and he shot Heiji a glare.
"Hehe, no need—I already deleted it myself."
Yukiko flashed a smug smile.
Heiji froze, speechless, then tossed the phone to Conan and headed for the bathroom.
"You're on your own."
Watching Heiji walk away, Conan's eyes lit up. So Hattori had planned to call Dad. No wonder he wanted the number—but Mom really had deleted it.
Looking at Yukiko, still confused, he sighed. "Forget it. It's not like this is the first or even second time you two have fought. I'm done caring."
"Ugh, I'm so mad! Shinichi, Heiji, none of you men are any good."
Fuming, Yukiko stormed out, heading straight for Mi Haibara's place.
"But Shinichi, you really don't need to tell Yusaku?" Dr. Agasa turned to Conan.
"Of course I do. I was hoping Mom would tell him, but I guess I'll have to do it myself."
Conan flopped onto the sofa, looking helpless.
"Before you call him, make sure he's alone."
Ai suddenly appeared in the living room, her voice low and ghostly, making Conan jump.
"Haibara, could you please make some noise when you walk?"
"Oh, I'll try."
Ai sat down calmly and set out two bowls for breakfast.
"Haibara, what's really going on between you and Hattori? You two seem… unusual."
Conan had wondered about this for ages but never got an answer. Now that his own secret was out, surely he could know, right?
Ai shot Conan a blank look. "None of your business."
She said nothing more, quietly waiting for Heiji to finish in the bathroom and come out.
"You two aren't… boyfriend and girlfriend, are you?"
"Shut up!"
Ai shot Conan a sharp glare, an icy spark in her eyes.
Conan paused, then closed his eyes. "Whatever. I'm not asking."
"Boyfriend and girlfriend? What's this about?"
Heiji came out of the bathroom, catching the tail end of the conversation.
"Nothing. Eat your breakfast."
Ai slid the food toward Heiji and began eating her own breakfast, her face unreadable.
Heiji glanced at Ai, then at Conan, and just shrugged.
After breakfast, to make up for their missed outing the night before, Heiji took Ai to see all of Tokyo. That evening, they were driving back.
Yoko Okino's custom Ford Fiesta glided down the highway.
"Thank you."
Ai, who'd been quiet most of the drive, spoke up softly.
Heiji smiled softly. "I told you on the Ferris wheel last time—I'll protect you. Gin might be hurt, but knowing him, he'll be back. When that happens, things could get dangerous."
"You'll be by my side… right?"
Ai lowered her head, almost muttering the words like a question to herself.
"Yeah, I will."
Just then, Heiji's phone rang.
"Heiji, where are you right now?"
Sonoko's voice sounded a little whiny on the phone.
"I'm about to head to Dr. Agasa's place. What's up?"
When she heard the voice on the phone, Ai immediately turned away, swallowing whatever she'd wanted to say, and quietly gazed out the window.
"Come to my house at seven, okay? The Hatamoto family invited me to a party on their cruise ship. Come with me?" Sonoko coaxed over the phone.
"A cruise party?"
Heiji paused, then nodded. "Alright, I'll pick you up then."
"Yay, Heiji, you're the best! I'm going to go change now."
Sonoko sounded instantly more upbeat.
After Sonoko hung up, Heiji smiled softly. "Ai, if anything ever happens, call me, okay?"
"Got it. Go do your thing."
Ai kept her gaze fixed on the view outside, her expression calm as ever.
After dropping Ai off at Mi Haibara's house, Heiji drove off.
At the Suzuki house, Sonoko was already dressed and waiting for Heiji to arrive.