Detective Conan: Midori

CH 5: SHINICHI HAS A GIRLFRIEND?

After class was over for the day, [Name] headed to her apartment on her own. The sky already tinted orange and gold as the sun hid behind the tall skyscrapers.

As she was on her way, her eyes fell on the little boy now living with Ran, Edogawa Conan, and his three friends from school. The four kids were sitting together on a bench inside the park, talking and laughing. The nostalgic sight bringing a smile to the teen's face.

It felt like such a long time ago when the four of them would play like the Detective Boys. Sonoko teasing them to no end, Ran with her whole family together, Shinichi who was only playing detective without having seen the true darkness of the world, and she... she was still a child so ignorant to many things.

Considering the time and that it would be dark soon, [Name] changed directions and approached the little kids, "What are you lot doing still outside at this hour?"

"[Name]-neechan!"

"Tonight's the Sunday Cup finals." Mitsuhiko could barely contain his excitement as he explained, eyes sparkling in anticipation as he wondered who would win.

[Name] raised a brow in surprise, "Hmm. So? Who do you think is going to win, then?"

Genta not hesitating with his answer, "Of course, the Tokyo Spirits. With Hide, there's no way they're gonna lose. He's the leading scorer with 17 goals."

"Hide's good, but I like Naoki better." Ayumi's team choice was obviously also the Tokyo Spirits, though with a different player in mind.

Hearing the name, Mitsuhiko couldn't place where he heard it from at first. Then quickly speaking once he recalled it. "But Naoki was injured during practice and can't play this time. I think the Big Osaka, with Ramos in it, has the better offense and defense. What about you, [Name]-san? What team are you rooting for?"

"Eh? Me?" her brows furrowed as she thought about it, "I have never paid soccer much attention, really. My childhood friend was the one who was quite a big fan. Though, if I had to choose from what that idiot told me..."

Conan looking away, ...Idiot?

"...then, I suppose I would pick Hide. Anyhow, it's getting late. Pick up your things, I'll take you all home."

"Hai!" The kids didn't complain as they packed up. For once obediently doing as told without causing trouble. [Name] took Conan's friends to their homes first, leaving Mouri Detective Agency for last.

Holding hands, the remaining two moved much faster now that they were alone. Ayumi and her two admirers had slowed down their pace along the way, easily getting distracted over any little thing they saw. Conan was the opposite, however. Barely paying attention to most things. It was a rare sight when he did.

Though, unfortunately, that mostly happened when in the middle of a criminal case.

Glancing down at the silent boy, she couldn't help but sigh, "You know, considering your personality, I thought it would be a bit hard for you to make friends. I'm glad I was wrong."

"...Ah? I-I was surprised, too. Haha." Conan scratched the back of his head, forcing out a laugh. He wouldn't lie though. He would have much preferred he didn't have to go back to Elementary School or have "friends" with kids ten years younger than himself.

Going up the steps to the detective agency, Shinichi made sure to make the most childish expression and voice he could muster, "Thank you for bringing me home, [Name]-neechan!"

That whole event on the train to Kyoto had scared him enough as it was. It hadn't been long since he became Conan, and although [Name] did not currently suspect his identity, it didn't mean she wouldn't in the future. She already sees him as abnormal. If he gives away any little hint, he could get found out.