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

Part 38:suspect

During the early self-study session, Kudo and Kuroba went to the bookstore next to the library to get all the necessary textbooks. Kudo noticed that Kuroba still hadn't fully recovered. He asked, "Is your hand okay?"

"It's not that. It's my right shoulder," Kuroba replied.

"Why don't you take the painkillers the doctor prescribed?"

"Those meds mess with your body's reflexes if you take too much. I don't like the feeling of being mentally trapped.Maybe you should take some, Grim Reaper, maybe there will be less people dead in the world without you."

Spending time with Kuroba Kaito felt natural for Kudo, as if they had been lifelong comrades. Haibara Ai's remarks about "Heart Feelings" seemed like utter nonsense.

Even if there was a spark, it could only be blamed on Kuroba Kaito's unfortunate habit of turning himself into a pitiable, girl-like figure that tugged at the heartstrings.

When Sonoko and Ran entered the classroom, they noticed something unusual, just like the other students—seats seemed to have been rearranged, and there was one more person. As soon as Ran saw Kuroba, she instinctively furrowed her brow.

"Shinichi. Kaito K...Kuroba-kun."

Kuroba Kaito responded with a bright smile, ignoring the curious glances and whispers around them, as he continued to flip through the reference book in front of him. Kudo stood up and spoke to Sonoko and Ran, "Did you walk to school today?"

"Yeah... I tried calling you, but couldn't reach you." Ran glanced nervously at the surrounding students.

"Ah... Kuroba and I went to his old school to complete his transfer paperwork. Sorry about that."

Ran returned a sweet smile. "So... um,Kuroba-kun, what is going on now?"

"The FBI and Japanese police want his help with some cases. They've reached some sort of agreement. Class is starting, Ran. I'll explain later." Kudo returned to his seat on Kuroba's left, while Kuroba, just as he had at Ekoda High, propped his chin in his hand, gazing out the window as he absentmindedly flipped through his book.

"Hey, hey... we've got another handsome guy in our class."

"Really? So the new transfer student the teacher mentioned is him, but doesn't he look a bit familiar?"

"He kind of looks like Kudo Shinichi—"

Everyone exchanged glances.

Indeed, there was someone who bore an uncanny resemblance to Kudo Shinichi, and that person had dominated the news headlines for an entire week, with the buzz only growing. Yet to this individual, it was all news to him.

"No way... Do you think......"

"Don't, don't go there."

The idea seemed absurd, but it didn't stop more and more curious eyes from turning their way—boys, girls, even students from other classes passing by.

The click of high heels signaled the arrival of a blonde-haired, blue-eyed teacher behind the homeroom teacher, whom Kudo recognized instantly.

"Class, I'd like to introduce some new faces today. First, we have a new guidance counselor. If any of you have questions about your future career or college plans, or if you just need someone to talk to, feel free to visit our new counselor."

"Good morning, everyone. You can call me Jodie-sensei.(Japanese call teachers " Sensei".) My office is in the counseling room; it's easy to find. I look forward to seeing you after class." Jodie gave a playful wink to Ran and Kudo as she left the classroom amid the students' applause.