Kudo Shinichi. 23 years old.
Intelligent. Athletic. Sociable. Eloquent. Attractive. A combination of attributes that give rise to a rather arrogant personality. With so much under his belt before reaching his twenties, the takedown of the Black Organization being his greatest accomplishment, nobody would deny that Kudo Shinichi has every reason to be conceited.
Although arrogant as Shinichi was, he was not narcissistic nor was he humble. He did not flaunt his accolades or skills but did not hide them either. He did not seek praises but gladly accepted them should they come his way. He reveled the attention but did not mind if the spotlight was not on him. For everything that Kudo Shinichi was and has done, it was no surprise that many adored the young detective.
With the media constantly on him and his ever-growing fanbase consistently posting about him on social media, Shinichi has developed numerous nicknames. Aside from the nicknames he has been called from the people around him (i.e. "Detective of the East," "Cool Guy," "Silver Bullet," "Heisei Holmes," etc.), Shinichi has often been referred to as: "The hot detective" as given mostly by female teens and young women, "Tokyo's Grim Reaper" by the criminals the famous detective placed behind bars and, quite amusingly, soccer fans in reference to his skills on the field, "Japan's Holmes" by foreign media and fans (which was one of his favorites), and many more. His absolute favorite, however, was given by males around his age: "The Lucky Bastard."
Granted, that probably was not meant to be a nickname, but it stuck. And Kudo Shinichi loved the connotation it has. The nickname acknowledged all his attributes and accomplishments as well as hinted at the envy by its users. Most importantly, it was first given when one of his dates with Ran went viral. If there was anything that Kudo Shinichi did not hide, it was his relationship with his childhood friend and first love. Not many were blessed with a love so pure and sweet as his with Ran. With the love of his life reciprocating his feelings, famous doting parents that give him the freedom to live his life however he wanted, the adoration and respect of the government, the admiration and affection of the community, and the fear of criminals, what did Kudo Shinichi not have?
"The Lucky Bastard" aptly suited him, and he will never deny that.
However, with all the requests from the government and detective agency to aid in their cases, media seeking a word or two, constant soccer recruits knocking on his door, as well as invitations to hang out with friends, Shinichi rarely had time to even bask in all the attention he was getting.
"You're going to break," said thirteen-year-old Haibara Ai to twenty-year-old Kudo Shinichi one day when he visited the professor with the free hour he had before his date with Ran.
Sitting at the breakfast counter, he turned his head to look at her. She sat on the living room couch, nonchalantly flipping though a fashion magazine before she lifted her gaze to glance at him. Turquoise-gray regarded icy blue for one second. Another second and she was back to her magazine.
Ever since Ai presented him with the final antidote to the APTX-4869 three years prior, Shinichi had hardly been in contact with the female before him despite her living just next door. His attention as Kudo Shinichi was wanted by everyone that anyone he knew as Edogawa Conan faded into the background.
It was agreed by the FBI, Shiho, and those involved that the APTX-4869 should never reach public attention despite its creator completing the drug to perfection. If the public ever got wind that de-aging was a possibility, havoc would break out. Humans were never meant to play gods, even though Shiho created that possibility. As such, Shinichi was unable to combine his life with Conan's. Kudo Shinichi and Edogawa Conan were to remain separate entities. Thus, reintroductions happened quite often in Shinichi's life, the most aggravating introduction being with the girl before him as he refused to let the Detective Boys fade with Edogawa Conan.
Ai was one of the very few people that existed in both Conan's and Shinichi's life, but it was for the sake of the Detective Boys that he was introduced to Haibara Ai. Before heading out for a planned weekend activity of camping, he had extended his hand to her and she had arched a brow at him before turning her head and walking off towards the vehicle. Ayumi's and Mitsuhiko's excuse for her being shy did nothing to ease his twitching eyebrow as he watched her sit in the front passenger seat, a haughty smirk on her child-like face.
Thoroughly annoyed, he opened the passenger's door that she just closed. "Children should sit in the back, Ai-chan," came Shinichi, an arrogant grin on his face, which only grew when she glared at him for the way he addressed her. He then unbuckled her seatbelt, easily lifted her off the seat before sitting himself down, and settled her on his lap. "But you can sit with me," he spoke and fastened the seatbelt. He never saw the blush on her face.
It's been three years since then and that was the last time he had done anything with the Detective Boys. Despite being his neighbor, the only time Shinichi saw Ai was through his opened curtains as she left for school. He suddenly missed the kids and regretted not visiting the Professor more often. With that in mind, he brought up the idea of having another camping trip to the Professor. It was scheduled for the following weekend but fell through when Shinichi came down with a cold.
"Save your 'I told you so'," Shinichi said, his voice hoarse, as Ai placed a hand on his forehead. She simply arched a brow at him as he pulled the covers over himself. Shinichi watched as the young girl quietly left his room only to come back with a tray holding a glass of water, cold medicine, a hand towel, and a bowl of cold water.
"I had the professor call Mouri-san already. She'll be here in a few minutes to make you something to eat and take care of you. In the meantime, take this medicine and place this towel over your head," she said as she wrung the towel over the bowl.
"Thanks, Haibara," Shinichi spoke, feeling the cold damp towel before letting the cold pull him to sleep. When he finally awoke, Ran was by his bed, full of worry, and Shinichi made a promise to not overwork himself anymore. Nothing pained him more than seeing Ran worry over him.
The next three years came and went as he and Ran attended college. Nothing was on his mind except Ran and education, living out his youth as properly as he could, knowing how important it was to experience everything life had to offer. During those three years, it was only natural his and Ran's relationship advanced. However, they never went further than heavy petting and passionate kissing. Having watched her parents, Ran did not want the same thing to happen to her and Shinichi. She requested they wait until marriage, and Shinichi respected it, albeit it took Shinichi a great amount of restraint to stop after heavy make-out sessions. Their relationship was nothing if not stronger.
Shinichi had graduated a year ahead of Ran with a degree in criminal justice. After a long talk about their future, it was decided that he return to Tokyo to take up the offer with the FBI while Ran stayed in America to finish her degree in physical therapy. One of the first things he did upon returning to Tokyo was to drop by his neighbor's house.
As always, the professor welcomed him warmly. Among all the changes that happened in his life upon entering adulthood, he was grateful that there were certain things that never changed. His friendships were one of them.
"Long time no see, Hakase," said Shinichi after hugging the older man at the door. "I see Haibara's diet was somewhat successful," he said, noticing the professor lost some weight. He followed the professor deeper into the threshold and a smile grew as he looked around the estate. It was as he last remembered it. The position of the furniture, the color of the paint, even the smell of machines in the air was nostalgic.
The professor chuckled in response. "She has been strict of what goes on my plate," he acknowledged. Noticing Shinichi was glancing around as if looking for someone, the professor answered his unasked question, "Ai-kun should be back any minute."
"Buying something for dinner?" Shinichi questioned, glancing at the time. He took a seat at the breakfast counter and watched as the professor filled a kettle with water.
The professor shook his head as he placed the kettle on the stove and turned the burner on. "She's out with Hiro-kun right now," he answered before taking two mugs out from the cupboard. After a second thought, he took out two more.
"Hiro-kun?" Shinichi repeated. "A friend?" he inquired, surprised but pleased that Ai was making new friends.
The professor nodded as he began filling each mug with tea leaves. "You could say that," he replied rendering Shinichi confused by the response. It was either he is or isn't. Suddenly, a motorcycle was heard, catching the attention of the guest, who quirked a brow at the unusual sound associated with the professor's house. "That should be them."
Curious, Shinichi stood up and approached the window. With the evening sun, Shinichi was barely able to make two silhouettes wearing helmets on a red motorbike pull up outside the gate. He watched as the passenger released her hold of the driver and swung her leg to get off the motorcycle. When she took off her helmet, a sudden shock overcame Shinichi. He didn't know why, but he was somewhat expecting a child Haibara Ai to appear, which was absolute foolish once he thought about it.
Three years had passed since he last saw her at the age of thirteen. Even then, he noticed that her features were starting to mature from her ten-year-old self. At the age of sixteen, of course she should look different to her child version. Out of everything he has witnessed, how could a natural thing as puberty shock Kudo Shinichi?
That wasn't the only thing he found surprising as he watched the scene unfold before him. The driver of the motorcycle then took off his helmet, revealing a rather handsome male teenager. He watched as the two adolescents talked for a couple of minutes before he saw the boy lean up and Ai met him halfway in an anything-but-innocent kiss that made Shinichi finally turn away and leave the window.
For the first time, Shinichi wondered if he had been too absorbed in his college life with Ran to pay any attention to his friends. What happened within the last three years?
Professor Agase raised his brows as Shinichi quickly reclaimed his seat by the breakfast counter just as the front door opened. Shinichi ignored his inquisitive look.
"Do we have a guest, Hakase?" came Ai's voice from the foyer as she neatly placed her shoes together before slipping on her house slippers.
Shinichi noted the subtle drop in her voice that sounded honey-like. It wasn't the first time he spoke to a teenage Ai as he had previously conversed with Miyano Shiho, but he couldn't help but noticed the change. She emerged from the threshold and Shinichi took in her full appearance as she slung off her jacket and hung it on the coat rack.
She was just two years shy from her previous life's age before the effects of the APTX-4869 replaced Miyano Shiho with Haibara Ai. Her face slimmed from the round child-like face he was so used to seeing, revealing a slender jaw. Her hair that was shoulder length was slightly longer and tied back into a ponytail. Her figure matured into that of a young woman's with a tiny waste and curved hips that were accentuated by skinny jeans. Seeing her in teenage form should be nothing new, but why was he so enthralled by her appearance now?
"Kudo-kun," Ai spoke, finally noticing his presence. Out of all the possible people to be visiting, Kudo Shinichi did not cross her mind. So the look of surprise on her face should be a given, but it only lasted for a second before her usual smirk graced her features.
It was then that Shinichi smiled as the look she gave him did not change despite everything else about her. "Been awhile, Haibara," he responded.
"Try three years," she replied with a light humor as she took over the chore of making tea and motioned for the professor to take a seat. "How was America?" she questioned Shinichi. Noticing four cups, Ai momentarily regarded the professor with a shake of her head. "Hiro has evening training today," she said before Shinichi could reply to her question.
Shinichi arched a brow at the statement. He had wondered who the fourth cup was for when the professor took it out, and it appears this Hiro-kun has often had tea in the professor's house before.
"America?" Ai prompted after clearing the extra mug. She lifted her eyes to glance at him and Shinichi noted there was more gray in her irises.
"It was great," he answered and proceeded to talk about his educational adventures at Harvard. "Thank you," he briefly broke from his story to say as Ai placed his cup of tea before him. He took a sip and paused. The tea was perfect, but he didn't recall her asking how he wanted his tea. Something about her remembering how he liked his tea with one sugar and a splash of milk oddly warmed his heart, as well as made it ache in guilt.
Ai nodded in return before leaning over the countertop across Shinichi and the professor and brought her own cup to her lips. "Congratulations, Kudo-kun," she praised after he finished his overview of the past three years.
"Yes, congratulations, Shinichi," the professor chimed in to which Shinichi thanked both of them in response.
Ai walked over to where her apron hung. Draping it over her head, she turned to Shinichi. "Will you be having dinner with us or do you and Mouri-san have plans?" she inquired, tying her apron behind her.
Shinichi shook his head. "Ran is still in America, finishing her degree. She still has a year and a half left."
Ai nodded in understanding. "Then, I'll be cooking for three tonight," she spoke, more to herself.
The professor excused himself to his lab as he had a deadline for a new invention, leaving Ai and Shinichi in the kitchen. Shinichi's eyes followed Ai as she walked back and forth, taking ingredients and placing them back. "How are the kids?" he questioned, slightly feeling awkward with nothing to do, although he didn't know why.
Ai momentarily regarded him with a glance, a soft smile forming on her slender face. "Fine," she answered with an endearing tone as she thought of the kids. "Ayumi-chan grew beautifully. Tsuburaya-kun and Genta-kun have their job filled with keeping the boys away. It's given that she became StuCo President with her kind personality. Tsuburaya-kun became the vice president, helping her with everything. He's also the president of the science and math clubs. Genta-kun is captain of the judo and wrestling clubs. The kids grew up well, as expected."
Shinichi nodded, listening. He was glad and proud, knowing of their accomplishments. As Ai mentioned, he expected nothing less from the Detective Boys. He knew more than anyone how smart the kids are. "And you?" he asked. He never questioned why Ai did not take the antidote six years ago. The answer was easily inferable, given the young scientist's life. But with her new life, he wondered how things have fared for her. "How are you, Haibara?"
The said girl stopped chopping the beef and lifted her head to fully look at the young man sitting in front of her. She stared at him for a long while that almost made Shinichi wished he hadn't asked that question. He searched her eyes and found her expression unreadable, which was strange when he recalled how he could understand her when they were both children, words said or not. And just before he could change the subject to release the awkward silence, she resumed chopping. "I'm fine," she easily answered.
When she didn't continue any further, Shinichi scoffed in slight amusement. Of course, that was all he got. He would've been surprised if she said anything more when asked about her life. Still as secretive and aloof as ever, which pleased him to know rather than irritated him.
Shinichi readied the table as Ai finished dinner. With three years of no communication, Shinichi thought he would have tons of things to catch up with Ai, but their conversations were all rather curt. He didn't mind the silence before. As Conan, silence was a comfortable form of understanding between him and Ai, but now… it seemed to emphasize that Kudo Shinichi and Haibara Ai were not on the same wave-length. But how could that be when he and Conan were one and the same?
Noticing Ai tiptoeing to reach for a serving plate on the top shelf of the cupboard, Shinichi strode behind her and offered his assistance. "Thank you," she expressed and turned around to take the plate from him, not realizing how close he was behind her and was taken aback when he had yet to move away.
Shinichi looked down at the smaller girl before him as he towered over her. She was a good foot shorter than him. The last time he looked at her this closely, he had to crouch down to her level. Now, he only had to lean down. Her eyes were really grayer with specks of blue and light green splattered across, he noted, and quite softer than he last remembered. Her nose was cute and pert. His eyes traveled lower to her lips and he was aware of how perfectly full they were. Suddenly, the image of her kissing this Hiro-kun quickly flashed through his mind, and he immediately stepped away from her.
He moved back too suddenly as if he was only now aware of how close they were, causing Ai to furrow her brows at him. They've been close often times before as they needed to whisper to each other, not wanting others to overhear, or sat next to each other in the car on numerous occasions. Ai was used to the proximity just not the staring.
Before she could question if he was okay, Shinichi's phone rang. "It's Ran," he said, hearing the ringtone he specified for her coming from his pocket. "Excuse me for a moment." He saw Ai nod before he left the kitchen to take the call.
After a peaceful dinner with some catching up on the progress of the professor's inventions, Shinichi returned to his house with a strong feeling of regret he knew was associated with Ai. It wasn't until a week later when Shinichi came home that he realized what exactly it was that he regretted.
Pulling up at his front gate in his Bentley, Shinichi paused before exiting his vehicle as Ai had caught his attention. Specifically speaking, Ai with her friend, Hiro-kun, as the former leaned back on the front gate of his neighbor's house with the latter leaning over her, the two teenagers locked at the mouths.
Shinichi found it rather strange for Ai to be intimate with someone on such a physical level, at least enough to show such PDA, and it finally occurred to him why he was so awestruck of her teenage appearance. He hadn't watched her grow. Haibara Ai knew so much about both Edogawa Conan and Kudo Shinichi, and he always thought he knew about her. However, the shock of seeing her as a teenager made him aware that time had passed, and contrary to what he initially thought, he really knew nothing of how Ai had lived her new life. He didn't know who she was aside from Miyano Shiho, genius scientist with a tragic past, hiding from the Black Organization. Aside from her interest in fashion, her affection for animals, and admiration of Higo Ryusuke, Shinichi knew nothing of the current Ai, a normal teenager.