New Girl

Comfort

It doesn't take long for everyone to know we get one more genius in the school. Miyano-san turns out to be brilliant, possibly even more than Shinichi. And the admire for her increases. Teachers start to count on her. Classmates wants to be in the same team with her.

And she is indeed really cool, and mysterious. Some even already called her the Ice Queen. She doesn't talk much, and if she does, her words will be limited but smart. She always looks bored and sleepy, but she can shut people with her eyes.

I don't mind her being smart. Or beautiful. Or cool. It's admirable. What I am concern of is beyond that.

I feel like Shinichi is becoming a different person when he's with her. Or more precisely, he's becoming like her -- cool and mysterious. There are many times when I catch them talking in low voices, only among them. And it seems that they have their own inside jokes. She doesn't smile often, but she sometimes let out a smirk and tease Shinichi. And Shinichi only smirk and reply back....or pouts. I never imagine that Shinichi will pout, especially because of a girl. I always loose when we are teasing each other.

Additionally, when Shinichi is back, it's natural for me to assume that Shinichi will always be by my side. Although he has a lot of friends, i've always been proud of being someone that he is most comfortable with. He usually stick with me. Even when I was with Sonoko, he would join us.

I didn't realize it at first. Shinichi was gone for a long time, so I don't always look for him around. Only when I remember that he's back and not beside me that I sart looking for him.

And there he is, standing by the beauty. Seems like they are talking casually. Shinichi stand like usual, a bit laid back with both hands in his pocket, while the lady crossed her arms.

And Shinichi doesn't look for me.

***

Today we're having a group discussion, me, Sonoko, Shinichi, and Miyano-san. We're planning to do the group work in the library. All the girls already arrived but Shinichi is nowhere to be found. I called him several times but he did not pick up, so we decide to go in first. Who cares about that case maniac?

After an hour without news from Shinichi, I start to be anxious. What if he goes missing again? I decide to try to call Shinichi again. This time, he picks up.

"Oy Ran. Sorry, I'm in the middle of a case. I will try to make it fast, but you can start first. I'll call you later"

"We already -" I haven't even finished my sentence when he hungs up. I sighed. That's just Shinichi being Shinichi.

"Where is that idiot?" I hear Sonoko ask.

"Doing a case." I answered.

Sonoko rant about him being irresponsible about our schoold task and leaving us, especially me, behind. I don't really pay attention to what she says, because I'm unconciously pay attention to the girl in front of me.

Miyano-san looks calm and uninterupted, as usual. Is it because she doesn't really care about Shinichi's absence? Or because she already knows where Shinichi is?

I get distracted from my thought when her phone suddenly vibrates, indicating a call coming in. I'm about to turn my head to the other direction, but the caller name that pops up stops me.

Sherlock.

She takes a glance at the caller and rolls her eyes before picking up. And like I guessed, I can faintly hear Shinichi speaking on the other side of the phone, though I can't really hear what he says, I only can hear Miyano-san's response.

"My my, I was wondering why my day was so peaceful today. What do you need?"

"That's possible, but nothing is free."

"Depends on the difficulty. I'll let you know in 20 minutes."

"15, and it's my best offer."

She hungs the phone and turns to her laptop. I can conclude from the one sided conversation that Shinichi is asking for her help. The fact that it was so hard for me to reach him, but he calls her just like that stings.

In 10 minutes, her phone vibrates again.

"I said 15 minutes, impatient freak."

"Yeah I already get the data. I'm sending it to you with the price of new make up."

"No, a girl can never have enough make up. So it's a deal or not?"

"Okay. Anyway this case will take more than 1 or 2 days. So you better come here and do your part. Or find another group."

Miyano-san hungs up again.

"So Shinichi will come?" I try to ask casually.

She doesn't seem surprised when I indicate I know he's calling, nor she makes any comment about it. She only answer, "he better be."

***

Starting then, I start to be more aware of their togetherness. And they are always together. I want to trick my mind into thinking that she's the one who follows Shinichi around, but I've seen the fact that it isn't.

I often see her alone, reading magazine or books, and Shinichi will come to her. When I'm with Sonoko, instead of joining us right away, Shinichi will call up to her first. And even when we're all together, Shinichi naturally takes place by her side.

I'm trying not to be selfish, but it stings me when I realize, Shinichi finds comfort in another person.

***