Accomplice__ Kudo Shinichi x Kaitou Kid, Kaito Kid x Kudo Shinichi

Part 7: Cream Puff

Kudo and Hattori left the police station and called Ran, meeting up at the agreed-upon restaurant. Surprisingly, the usually quiet Kyogoku Makoto was chatting animatedly with the girls.

[Kuroba-kun has gotten really close to Kyogoku Makoto, hasn't he?]

Kuroba Kaito's slender figure stood out, one hand resting directly on Kyogoku Makoto's broad shoulder. He turned his face slightly, and Kyogoku Makoto smiled awkwardly.

[Kuroba-kun, you know that's not what I meant.]

[What are you talking about?] Kuroba leaned closer, whispering inaudible, [You can't just let this chance slip by, can you? Since we're in Kyoto, you should try it.]

[So, what do you suggest, Kuroba-kun?]

[Hehe, leave it to me.]

Kudo turned, his face full of suspicion. [You two aren't plotting something, are you?]

Kuroba's smile faded. [I don't know what you're talking about.]

Hattori, hands on his hips, added, [Stop pretending. I heard something about a date... mmm!] Kuroba quickly covered Hattori's mouth. [Keep it down, Hattori kun, you big mouth.]

Hattori glanced at the girls, who were oblivious to their discussion, and grabbed Kuroba, pulling him outside the room.

[Explain yourself.]

Kuroba rolled his eyes. [Mouri Ran told me all about you and Kazuha. No, she complained. Hattori Heiji, your confessions have been disastrous. You chose the right places, but the key isn't the location or the words; it's the timing.]

[It's not like I can control the timing!] Hattori began counting on his fingers. [Once it was zombies, another time it was a murder case, and another time... a thief disguised as Kazuha... and another time... Hokkaido... Let's just stop, I get your point.]

Kuroba looked horrified. This guy is blaming this on me?

[Since timing isn't on your side, you have to create the opportunity yourself. Eliminate all possible factors and get straight to the point. Simply put, act like a killer planning a crime; you need to create the chance and set the scene.]

[Alright... what do you suggest?]

[The simplest confession is the most straightforward.] Kuroba Kaito was determined to make up for the times he'd inadvertently caused Hattori's failures. He whispered into Hattori's ear, and Hattori's eyes widened. [Wow, good for you, Kuroba!]

On a quiet night, Kazuha had her eyes blindfolded as Aoko and Ran led her to an open-air bar. The crescent moon on the last night of the month looked like a mysterious smile, the cold night wind beneath the starry sky. Kudo could only see Hattori and Kazuha silhouettes as they slowly leaned into each other.

Suddenly, a streak of stars lit up the night sky, followed by dazzling fireworks. One by one, like blooming flowers, colorful and spectacular. Kazuha, both surprised and delighted, hugged Hattori tightly. He was a bit surprised too, considering Kuroba hadn't mentioned this. And they were in the best spot to enjoy the night view.

Kudo Shinichi hid behind the bar counter, suddenly noticing some movement. Kuroba realized his secret spot was already occupied.

Kuroba Kaito, holding a bag of cream puffs, felt it would be strange to turn back now, so he cautiously sat down next to Kudo.

[Kudo-kun? Want one? These are chocolate cream puffs from that famous Red Leaf Sweets shop around the corner. Mouri Ran bought them.]

[You...] Kudo watched as Kuroba adjusted his posture, hands clasped together, wearing a white waiter's uniform with a black vest and bow tie, looking strikingly similar to himself. In the dark, Kudo saw the reflection of the light in Kuroba's deep blue eyes.