T.A series Volume 7: Feathers of Fury

Chapter 14 - A Furious Neighbour

"Professor Agasa, do you know of anyone that Professor Shibuya could've been friends with aside from you?" Emiko probed.

"He didn't have many friends, that's for sure. Especially the ones in NASA, but if I were to say one....there was one person he was particularly close to, a fellow student from his university days when Professor Shibuya was a lecturer before he became a rocket scientist. Now, what was his name?" While he thought, he carefully searched on his phone and then he snapped his fingers."Ah yes, another professor. The name is Professor Hoga Eiichiro," he recalled

"Do you know where we could find him?" asked Junko.

"That's easy," Professor Agasa grinned. "He's still at Teitan University. He lectures in nuclear physics."

"Great! Let's head to Teitan University and talk to Professor Hoga," Ran suggested, feeling hopeful that he might have some valuable information about Professor Shibuya.

"By the way, I know I shouldn't ask this, but I noticed that you and Shinichi rarely drop by together anymore, why is that?" Professor Agasa frowned worriedly at the 6-year-old girl.

Ran hesitated for a moment, not sure how to respond. Then Emiko took it a step forward by revealing, "He had been extremely busy after becoming Ranran's apprentice, especially since we have been dealing with a few dangerous cases lately, that is all."

The brown-haired little girl appreciated Emiko's attempt to deflect the question, as Agasa sighed with relief, "That is good, cause recently, Shinichi told me to call him if Ran-san was ever here, let him know so he won't drop by. I was thinking whether he was doing so since he is avoiding you, but now that I hear this, I guess he must be doing so to protect you."

Ran's heart sank a little upon hearing this. She had noticed that Shinichi seemed distant and preoccupied lately, but she didn't realize that he had asked Professor Agasa to inform him when she visited. 

"Maybe he needs some space," Junko suggested, trying to be supportive.

"Yeah, he's been working hard on his detective training," Emiko added. "He probably just needs some time to focus."

Ran nodded, trying to hide her disappointment. "I guess so."

"It wasn't just that, Shinichi also informed me to let him know that should Ran-san ever drop by his place, I am to tell her to leave since he would be very busy," Agasa adds.

Ran's heart sank even further at Professor Agasa's words. It was evident that Shinichi was intentionally avoiding her, and it hurt to know that he didn't want her around thanks to what happened last night, especially those words she directed towards Ranran.

Feeling a mix of hurt and frustration, Ran tried to put on a brave face. "I understand. If he needs space and time to focus, I won't bother him."

Junko and Emiko exchanged concerned glances, sensing Ran's true feelings beneath her words. 

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"Huh!? Protect Ran!? Pure nonsense! It's clear cut Shinichi is avoiding Ran!"

Those were the words Junko ranted in the shared cab with Emiko and Ran, while the cab took them to Teitan University. Emiko glanced at Ran, who was sitting quietly in the backseat, looking lost in thought. She knew that Junko's words had struck a nerve with her, but she also understood Junko's frustration. 

"Junko, I think what you're saying is getting to Ran," Emiko said gently, trying to diffuse the situation. "We don't fully understand what's going on with Shinichi, so let's not jump to conclusions."