Kudo Shinichi was a detective, everyone knows that. But he's just not any mediocre detective, he was one of the best among the profession, if not the best. He had unraveled all of the mysteries he had ever encountered. All except for two.
The first one was the Black Organization. The Black Organization that changed the life of the Holmes of the 21st century. With it's intricate evil networks, he has never ever found a substantial clue that will not lead him to his or his loved ones deathbeds.
The second one was Haibara Ai. Or Shiho Miyano, a former member of the Org. Now and then, he would feel that he had actually finally understood her. But alas, no! She was always full of surprises. Once in a while she would confide in him, listen to him, and he would feel happy. But most of the time, she will stay silent and blank despite her known, but well-hidden, pain.
Shinichi knew there was more to her. He knew that her being cold, sarcastic, and distant was just a facade. Or a kind of protection. Not only for herself, but also for others. It was so that nobody would get involved with her. So that nobody would be put in danger, so that she wouldn't feel guilty for someone's death, or the pain of losing someone. For her, solitude is the best option.
He knew that she was kind. He saw her take care of abandoned animals. She had tended to his wounds after every fruitless encounter with the Organization. She helped him out of situations that could have revealed his identity. She had listened to his ramblings about missing being seventeen, being a detective, being free, being with Ran. He didn't know how much it hurt her.
She was so near, yet so distant. So close but untouchable. She was a flame barred by a wall, her warmth encased by the cold.
But Shinichi doesn't care. He promised her. He would protect her, whether she liked it or not. He will touch the flame, even if it burns him. He will do this, because she needs him, because he needs her.