[ Old ] Crossroad 『Detective Conan』

Chapter 44 - It is more reassuring

   Yoko glared at Jinpei before lowering her head. The old man, as the policeman had said, must have been Agasa. So he suggested that he go to his house while he finished his day.
   It wasn't a bad idea. She didn't want to feel that feeling of being watched again. Even if it happened twice, it could happen again. But on the one hand, she didn't want to disturb anyone.

   The girl sighed before raising her head.
   -I'll ask Haibara-san and Agasa-hakase if they're okay. She finally said.
   She thought that if she refused, the man would make her go.

   The former high school student had her arms crossed on her windowsill. She just stared at the city, feeling the cold wind, lost in thought. She thought back to what had happened, this feeling of being watched without knowing where it came from. But she didn't like it. She hated this feeling.
   Suddenly, she rubbed her loose hair hard. This story took her head and worried her. At this rate, she wasn't going to sleep. Still, she was tired. She had to learn to think less sometimes.

   Yoko was leaning on her table, looking out. She was waiting for her friends, and saw if she saw at least one. If one of the group arrived, the others would not be far away.
   The girl couldn't hold back a yawn. She was tired. She had gone to bed late enough to get up earlier than usual. So she only wanted one thing: sleep.

   -Hello Yoko-chan!
   The concerned one jumped and nearly banging her head against the table, her head slipping from her hand. Turning, she saw Ayumi.
   -H... Hi...
   -Looks like you scared her. Mitsuhiko mocked gently.
   -I was just lost in my thoughts, it's nothing.

   Seeing Ai settling down at her table, the girl with the glasses got up and walked towards her.
   -Uh... Haibara-san... Can I ask you something... please? she asked a little hesitantly.
   -What's the matter ? Answered the redhead.
   -Uh... Would you mind if today and for a few days I... I stay at Agasa-hakase's house until Matsuda-keiji comes to pick me up?
   Hearing this, Conan raised his eyebrows. Even the one for whom the question was intended was surprised.
   -Something is happening ? Asked the boy with glasses.

   As Yoko was about to answer, she was surprised by the sudden approach of the three children. They were in their places, the previous moment. She would have thought they hadn't listened. Or at least hope. But now they were all listening.
   -What's happening to you, Yoko-chan? Ayumi asked.
   - Is it... so suspicious what I asked?
   -Usually you go home alone, if you say stay at Haibara-san's and Matsuda-keiji is going to pick you up, there's a problem. Mitsuhiko explained.
   - Are you being followed?! You witnessed something and you're afraid that we'll take it out on you?! Tried to guess Genta.

   They were tougher than expected. Even knowing them, it was rather surprising.
   A little stuck, the former high school student began to think of an excuse. If she could come up with even an idea of ​​what to say to them, so as not to worry them, that would be good.

   -Maybe she's just tired of being alone.
   Everyone turned their heads towards Conan, who had just spoken.
   -As you know, she often finds herself alone at home, never knowing what time Matsuda-keiji completes the job . Explained the boy.
   There was a silence within the group, the time to grasp what he was saying.
   - It's true that she must be bored alone! Shouted the girl in the headband
   -And then, at Hakase's there are lots of games, she has plenty to do with Haibara-san! Added the freckled boy.
   -Yes! Approved the largest of the group.

   The brown-eyed girl sighed in relief. That was one less excuse to find at least, and what his comrade had said was a completely possible thing.
   -You'll tell us about it later, whispered the boy with the glasses.
   -I don't think it will be possible. Added the redhead.
   She pointed to the kids chatting. Specifically, talking about playing at Agasa.
  -I'll explain as soon as I can... Laughed the girl with tied hair nervously.

   What cut the discussions in the whole class was the arrival of Kobayashi. Everyone standing immediately went to sit down.

   Finding a time to talk to Ai and Conan was no more complicated than expected. At school, it was impossible. Outside, already simpler.
   Yoko, and her two friends, kept more away from Genta, Ayumi and Mitsuhiko. The latter debated on the game they were going to play first, not paying attention to their three comrades in the background.

   -So ? Started the redhead. What happens to you ?
   -... Twice, I felt watched.
   -Eh ? What ?
   The bespectacled boy looked serious.
   -I don't know how to explain. It was a few days apart, when I was returning. The first time I didn't tell anyone. I wasn't sure of anything. But the second time I told Matsuda-keiji, and it was he who suggested I go to Agasa-hakase. she explained.
   - Were you followed home? Conan asked.
   -I don't know. I just rushed home the first time. The second time, I went to a combini to feel safer. It lasted longer, but impossible to know where it came from...

   The boy raised his hand to his chin in thought. Ai simply looked suspicious. There wasn't a lot of information to pull from what their comrades did. A lot of people could have a reason to follow a child.
   Either way, it wasn't reassuring, and Yoko's request was understandable. Besides, if it could avoid any future problems, it was better that she stay in a place where she would be safe.

   -You can stay as long as you want. Finally say the redhead.
   -Thanks ! I just hope you don't mind...
   - If that had been the case, I would have refused. In this situation, I guess Kudo-kun would have brought you to his house.
   -Occhan would certainly not have been happy... The latter sighed with a smile.
   -"Occhan"? Repeated Yoko
   She tilted her head to the side, not understanding who he was talking about.
   -He's talking about his girlfriend's father. Ai explained with a slightly mocking smile.
   - She's not my girlfriend...!
   From there, the atmosphere was more pleasant. And they soon arrived at Agasa's.