[ Discontinued ] Crossroad 『Detective Conan』

Chapter 66 - Answer

   -You've made up with Sato-keiji? Really? Yoko asked, surprised.
   She looked at Jinpei sitting opposite her at the table, who was content to continue eating.
   -You didn't believe me when I told you I was going to make an effort? Said the man.
   -Well... What surprises me is that it's so quick...
   She was silent for a moment, her gaze drifting to the side before looking at the policeman again.
   -You're not lying to reassure me? she asked.
   -Don't you think I would have lied to you a long time ago if that were the case?
   He pouted as the young girl nodded, embarrassed.

   After a drink, Jinpei looked at her flatmate.
   -How did things go with you and that kid with the glasses?
   -Erm... I'm... I'm giving him time to think things over...
   The policeman sighed annoyed.
   -You're not going to get an answer by giving him time, you know... On the contrary, you give him time to come up with a good excuse or something like that... He already has a tendency to come up with lame excuses when it comes to business, but it works...
   That wasn't wrong. Conan was capable of finding an excuse. But Yoko couldn't press him for an answer...

   The young girl got up to clear her plate.
   -Well, when you see him again you'll ask him, won't you? You should be able to find a moment to talk to him. Jinpei sighed. The sooner we know his answer, the sooner we'll be able to find out how to act...
   -I'll try, but I can't promise anything...
   -... At least make an effort.
   This last sentence was pronounced with a mocking smile that Yoko understood.
   From Monday onwards, she was going to have to force Conan to answer her...

   Monday was a public holiday, so Yoko had to wait until Tuesday to finally see the boy with glasses. This suited her because it gave her time to think about how to talk to him.
   To talk to him, she had to wait until playtime, the morning being rather complicated with Genta, Ayumi and Mitsuhiko.

   The young girl took the time to breathe, remaining a little alone in a corner of the courtyard. She had to leave Conan no escape, which was certainly going to be easier said than done.
   Once she felt more or less ready, not wishing to wait any longer so that playtime was not over before she could act, she headed for the football pitch where the boy was playing.

   -Conan-kun! called Yoko.
   The boy in question turned round in surprise, taking the ball he was supposed to catch on the head. Those playing with him said a few words, sounding like they were grumbling. The brunet quickly excused himself before leaving the pitch, rubbing his head.
   -What's the matter? he asked.
   -Erm... Could I talk to you? Please?
   -Eh? Erm... yeah?

   Without further ado, although she could sense a hesitation that she was trying her best to suppress, she grabbed her comrade's arm and pulled him further away. He was even more surprised, looking as if he hadn't immediately understood what she was talking about. It was thanks to the look Ai gave him on the way that he remembered.

   When the two of them were as far away as possible from any other children who might be able to hear their conversation, the young girl spoke up.
   -I wanted to know if... You'd had time to think about my request... The one about... if you'd agree to help me...
   Conan swallowed. Even though he already had the answer, he didn't know how to tell it to his comrade. And he had completely forgotten to act on his idea. To tell the truth, it hadn't been the easiest of days, so his mind had been elsewhere.

   -What did you say? urged Yoko.
   -I haven't really had time to think about it... The boy improvised with a nervous laugh. If you could give me some time...
   -No! I need an answer now so... Please!
   Now his classmate, who usually stood back and gave up easily from his point of view, was more stubborn than expected. A determined gleam shone in her eyes.

   He couldn't help but sigh inwardly when the bell rang.
   -Come on, let's go to class...
   -No! I'm not letting you go until I get an answer. I don't care if we're late!
    It was complicated... It was complicated for Yoko to act like this. She wasn't used to it any more. But she had promised to make an effort, she had promised to Jinpei.

   The young detective was stunned and embarrassed. He would never have imagined that his friend would act like this in order to get an answer. She was so determined...
   He watched the last students return to their classrooms before looking at Yoko, facing her with a sigh.
   -I can't accept, it's too dangerous. I know you're already mixed up in this, and the organisation knows your identity... At least Vermouth does, but it's still dangerous... For the moment your safety should be fine, but it won't last. But don't worry! I promise you'll be protected and this organisation will be destroyed!

   The wind ruffled both children's hair. The young girl stared at Conan in silence while he spoke, before putting on a disappointed face and releasing her comrade.
   -I'm telling you no for your safety and that of Matsuda-keiji, otherwise I would have gladly accepted, believe me. he added. Come on, Kobayashi-sensei won't be happy otherwise.

   He began to walk away as the brunette raised her head.
   -... But I...
   She stopped, looking away. She wanted to make herself useful. She didn't want to sit in a corner and do nothing. She couldn't sit back and let other people take risks while she did nothing, when she could certainly do something.
   But she didn't dare say it. The kid with the glasses had probably guessed it, but he was going to continue refusing anyway. What else could she do but keep quiet and bow to his choice?

   -I can understand that... Sorry to have kept you...
   Yoko lowered her head and walked past Conan back into the building. What more could she do now?