𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐬

file 052 | memories feel like weapons

episodes 429—430 — two people who can't return

"There she is!"

Suzume flinched at Sonoko's shout and turned to stare at her friend with wide eyes. "Sonoko!" she hissed as she approached. "Was that necessary?"

"Yep!" Sonoko grinned teasingly.

Ran chuckled awkwardly. "Maybe don't tease her right now?" she asked Sonoko, who tilted her head in confusion. "She's a bit bummed that she hasn't gotten a date that she was promised."

Cheeks burning red, Suzume huffed and turned on her heels, heading up the stairs to the Mouri Detective Agency. "I'm not bummed!"

"She's totally bummed," Sonoko muttered to Ran, who nodded. "You haven't taken her on another date?"

"Not me," Ran denied as they followed behind the teenage detective. "A good friend of hers asked her on a date and she said yes, but they haven't been able to go because he's been busy with work."

"Oh, he's an older guy, huh?" Sonoko asked, eyes sparkling. "Is it the roommate? Or Tall, Dark, and Handsome?"

"It's not Hikaru or Matsuda," Suzume cut in, giving her an unimpressed look. "You haven't met him."

Ran chuckled as she opened the door to the agency, where Kogoro was sitting on the couch with a book open on his lap.

"Welcome home, Ran. You're early," he greeted. "Sorry for asking just as you came in, but could you make me some coffee? My little gray cells can't function correctly unless it's your coffee."

"Are you quoting someone?" Ran asked.

"Ojisan, are you alright?" Sonoko asked as well, slightly unnerved.

Kogoro's eyes widened when he saw Sonoko and he tossed the book over the back of the couch. "What's this? What's Miss Horse Carriage doing here?"

She glared at him. "W-Wait a minute!"

Ran and Suzume quickly stopped her from charging.

"That classmate I told you about is coming over," Ran reminded her father.

"Eh?" Suzume blinked. "That transfer student? Why?"

"He's a big fan of Dad," Ran answered with a nod.

"When did this happen?"

"When you were doing those errands for the student council," Ran said, shrugging.

"I still don't know why you help them when you're not part of it," Sonoko grumbled with crossed arms.

Believe me, if I knew, I would tell you...

~ — — — ~

"Geez, I didn't plan on giving any grand welcomings today," Kogoro sighed as he leaned back in his chair.

"But really. Are you worried about impressing a high school boy?" Sonoko poked.

Kogoro's face fell blank. "A boy?" He leaned forward in his seat with wide eyes. "A boy?! Huh? Wasn't it a girl who looked like that announcer, Mizunashi Rena?"

Suzume swallowed at the mention of the woman, who was still unconscious at the hospital under FBI watch, last she heard from Shuichi and Jodie.

Ran put her hands on her hips, squinting at her father. "What do you mean? I told you it was a guy."

"Geez, you talked about him like he was a girl..."

A knock came from the door.

"Come in."