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

Side story 2: What happened at night?

"Is it true, Kaito? Did Shinichi really go buy the rings?" Kuroba Chikage's face loomed on the phone screen, her hands braced against a café counter as she shouted excitedly. Kuroba stared at his mother, deadpan.

"Yep, I knew he was keeping things behind my back. Hey,calm down, will you? He's not proposing to you, so why are you so excited?"

"I just didn't expect Shinichi to make the first move! You can't let him take the lead, Kaito."

"So what if he does? It's not like he's asked yet. There's no rush, and that's not even why I called." Kuroba sighed. He wasn't looking for advice on how to one-up Shinichi—what he really needed was clarity.

Even through the screen, Chikage could sense her son's hesitation and unease. "You should thank your father and Uncle Yusaku for keeping your identity hidden so perfectly. No one knows about your blood relation. If you're really serious about this, come to the States. I know someone who can officiate your wedding."

"You're getting way ahead of yourself." Kuroba cut her off, exasperated.

Chikage smiled knowingly. "Kaito, like I've always told you—whatever you decide, I'll support you. Now, I have to run. The fashion show's about to start. We'll talk later."

—------------

"Does Auntie have a boyfriend?"

Momoe blinked her big, shiny eyes—resembling Ran's violet ones. Her short, soft brown hair fell past her shoulders as Aoko braided it, securing it with a hairpin. A gentle smile played on Aoko's lips.

"Yes, I do. Your uncle Nakashima Kenta. But now he's my husband."

She glanced back at Kenta, who had barely made it back from the firm's field trip the night before. He was sprawled out on the sofa in a white tank top, belly up, his dark circles framing tired eyes. If it weren't for his athletic build, he'd look just like a lazy panda.

Is this what hitting midlife looks like?

Aoko held back a chuckle and tied the ribbon at the end of Momoe's braid. "Why are you asking, sweetie? Is there someone you like at school?" Her eyes narrowed playfully. "Did your Daddy tell you stories about me again? Momoe, don't listen to what Kuroba Kaito says—he always exaggerates!"

But Momoe shook her head, focused on her own line of thought. "Mom says if two people are in love, fate will make them partners. And if the time is right, partners will become someone's mom and dad."

Aoko blinked, caught off guard. "Oh, not exactly. I mean, not every couple has to become parents. They can just enjoy being together."

Momoe tilted her head. "Really? So not all couples stay together? Not everyone becomes a mom or dad?"

"That's right." Aoko adjusted the braid thoughtfully. "Sometimes love isn't returned, or life gets in the way. Even when people love each other, they may not become parents. They just like having each other by their side."

Did she even understand any of this? Aoko patted Momoe's head gently and handed her a mirror. "Does anything need adjusting?"

Momoe put the mirror down and asked with a mischievous glint, "What about Daddy? He's so smart and good-looking—he must have people who like him, right? Just like our class president, charming and loving, a lot of boys chase her,too!"

Aoko's gaze softened. "Yes, many people admire and love your Daddy..." She trailed off. "Anyway, Kudo kun......I mean your Dad will be here soon to take you to school."

Then, a sudden question caught Aoko completely off guard.

"Why don't Grandpa and Grandma live together?"