He adjusted the bridge of his spectacles, persisting with his analysis.
"Furthermore, it is already past 4:00 PM. The sun has moved beyond its peak intensity, so he should remain uncompromised."
"Oh, truly? Then all is well!" Genta exclaimed, guffawing in relief.
The troupe of five children then navigated the thoroughfares of Beika Ward.
As they progressed, Genta, Mitsuhiko, and Ayumi began distributing pamphlets to the pedestrians traversing their path.
Inscribed upon the leaflets were the words:
"We'll solve any case at all – Detective Boys."
Ayumi extended a leaflet to a passerby while enthusiastically announcing, "We provide solutions to any predicament!"
Genta emulated her, hoisting his arm high as he brandished a leaflet in the air. "Entrust it to us!"
Mitsuhiko joined the fray, mimicking their gestures with equal fervor.
Meanwhile, Conan's mouth twitched imperceptibly as he observed the trio marketing their self-anointed organization—something they had apparently conceived only yesterday.
Genta noticed his hesitation and barked, "Hey, Conan! What are you doing? Cease your loitering and assist us!"
Conan averted his gaze, meticulously avoiding eye contact.
"I am a high school detective… Shinichi Kudo…" he grumbled under his breath. "I am not about to indulge in infantile charades…"
As he muttered, his vision shifted.
He glanced at the boy treading beside him.
Suzuki.
He stood with a certain height—comparable to Genta—but was strikingly lithe. Because of the shadow projected by his cap, Conan was unable to perceive his entire face, nor even his eyes. The brim eclipsed his features, concealing them in totality.
Then, abruptly—
Suzuki pivoted his head to the right.
Conan trailed his line of sight.
And there, he perceived a trio of individuals in conversation.
One of them—
Was his childhood companion. Ran!
Conan perceived three figures ahead—two maidens donning the uniform of Teitan High: a cerulean vest layered over a snow-white polo, paired with pleated skirts that terminated just above the knee, all in harmonizing shades of cobalt.
"Ran?" Conan ejaculated, jolted as his vision anchored upon her. Adjacent to her stood a gentleman in a crimson shirt, immersed in dialogue with her.
Inquisitiveness conquered his restraint.
Involuntarily, Conan crept closer, slipping into the periphery of a nearby corner and concealing himself to intercept their exchange. His pupils sharpened, his concentration riveted upon the man addressing her.
He captured the gentleman's voice with crystalline clarity.
"Ran-san… I am here today to petition you regarding a matter of great consequence."
"A matter of great consequence…" Conan echoed in a hushed, suspicious breath.
The man persisted, "Ran-san, I am here to request… that you accompany me on a date."
"Eh?! D-date?!" Conan blurted in a fit of shock, his eyes dilating.
The suitor continued.
"Would you grace me with your presence at tomorrow's Valentine gala?"
The woman flanking Ran inclined her head in bewilderment. "A Valentine gala?"
The man nodded, executing a shallow bow as he elucidated, "Indeed. On that occasion, ladies are customary to bestow chocolates upon the gentlemen they admire. And should the feelings be reciprocal, the gentleman shall consume the confectionary then and there."
The woman beside Ran inquired, "Will Minagawa-san be in attendance as well?"
The man pivoted toward her and rejoined, "Naturally. The festivities are being hosted at his residence, after all."
Her eyes ignited with zeal. She clasped her palms together and exclaimed, "Ahh… then Ran and I shall unequivocally attend!"
Ran absorbed her companion's declaration and reacted instantaneously.
"Sonoko!" she hissed, visibly discomposed.
She had offered no such consent—yet Sonoko was already presiding over the assumption that they would both be present.
"R-really?" the man stammered, his visage illuminating. He clenched both fists and bellowed, "Yattaaa!! This is magnificent! I am profoundly grateful!"
Conan, still eavesdropping from his sanctuary, grumbled under his breath, "A mere Valentine party… what trivialities…"
Yet, despite his dismissive words, a subtle undercurrent of irritation—and possessiveness—crept into his tone.
The man then retreated to his vehicle, gesturing as he prepared to depart.
"Until then! I shall arrive to collect you tomorrow!" he called out, waving with exuberance—specifically toward Ran—before accelerating away, palpably electrified.
Ran and Sonoko returned the gesture.
Once the automobile vanished from sight, Ran confronted Sonoko.
"Why did you grant consent without consulting me?!" she demanded.
Sonoko merely smirked, planting her hands firmly upon her hips.
"I suppose I was accurate in my assessment after all."
"Eh…?" Ran uttered, perplexed.
Sonoko leaned in conspiratorially and whispered, "You harbor feelings for Shinichi, do you not? You are simply remaining steadfast to him, rebuffing every other suitor with your customary 'no, thank you' routine."
Ran immediately turned a vibrant shade of crimson, flustered beyond articulation.
"Don't be preposterous!" she retorted. "Who would genuinely admire that obsessive mystery fanatic?!"
Nearby, Conan absorbed every syllable.
His frame twitched imperceptibly.
He scowled, visibly vexed, and muttered into the ether, "Well… my apologies for being a mystery fanatic…"
Ran crossed her arms over her chest, still palpably piqued by the insinuation, when she abruptly heard Sonoko speak again.
"So… you shall attend the Valentine gala, correct?"
She was overtly baiting Ran; if she declined, Sonoko's hypothesis would be validated. Consequently, Ran felt compelled to acquiesce.
Ran straightened her posture and answered resolutely, "Of course, I shall go!"
"Yossh… it is settled!" Sonoko proclaimed, satisfied.
But before she could elaborate, she was interrupted by the gravelly, debilitated voice of a child—a voice she recognized instantly.
"Nee-san, what are you doing here?"
Ran and Sonoko both swiveled around.
Stationed there was a youth wielding an obsidian umbrella, shrouded entirely in funereal attire.
Ran arched an eyebrow, scrutinizing him with care.
However, Sonoko surged toward him without delay.
The boy stood roughly six feet distant.
Sonoko hurried over, knelt, and spoke with an air of urgency and maternal concern, "Leon?! What are you doing here unaccompanied? Did Father not stipulate that you were to summon the butler to transport you home after the bell?"
The boy—Leon—replied in a muted, raspy tone, "I am commuting with the other children."
Sonoko had been diligently studying English specifically to bridge the communication gap with him. While her spoken fluency was lacking, her comprehension was formidable.
Upon hearing his rejoinder, she immediately shook her head in disapproval.
"Nope. You must adhere to Father's directives. Remain here—I shall initiate a call immediately."
The facetious, playful persona she had exhibited moments ago vanished entirely, replaced by the demeanor of a responsible, vigilant, and fiercely protective elder sister.
Ran approached the pair and asked, "Sonoko? What is the matter?"
AM N. NOT.(っ－＿－)っ♤♤DRAFT♤♤