[HIATUS] The Scarlet Memories [Detective Conan OC] (English)

Chapter 24

- Say... Toru?

He corrects me, laughing.

- Tooru.

- Yes, sorry..

I don't really like this false name... But I mustn't break his cover...

- I know I decided to come on my own, but...

He looks at me with a falsely disillusioned look.

- You don't want anymore, right? Do you want to stay in the car?

- If you don't mind...

- I don't, but it'll be boring for you.

- ...It's okay with me!

He puts the car keys and a phone on the dashboard.

- In that case I leave you here! You can put some music on, but be careful with the battery.

- ...Ok, thank you!

He gets out of the car with his racquet and heads for the tennis courts.

I pick up the phone. It doesn't need a code to be unlocked. So I'm looking if I can put some music on. Nothing is personalized but the device seems old...

Is this phone for me...?

I find a suitable application and put a random playlist on. Calm, wordless melodies follow one another and I search the phone only to find a folder full of photos of Zero and Hiro-nii. I look at them one by one and quickly lose track of time. The screen eventually darkens, the photo gallery being replaced by the incoming call interface. The number is registered under the name "Tooru". I regain consciousness of my surroundings and of the time that has passed.

It's been an hour already?

I take Zero's call.

- Hello?

He answers me in a mocking tone.

- How are you? Aren't you too bored?

- Absolutely not! I didn't even see the time fly!

- Is that so ? Good for you, then...

- Let me guess... You call me to tell me that it will last longer than expected and ask me to come again?

He laughs softly.

- Almost. A person we met offered to stay and eat with her and her friends... If you want, I can come get you.

...I really want to stay here, but I admit that I'm hungry...

- ...Okay, I'm waiting for you...

The call ends and I continue to look at the photos as the music slowly comes back. After what seems like just a few minutes, I hear a knock on the window. I turn my head to Zero, who is waiting for me outside. I grab the keys and get out of the car.