Haibara Ai never really liked tea. She didn't like the bitter taste that linger, it's weird and doesn't suit her taste. Tea always made her think about things she wanted to leave behind. Ai looked out of her window. It was actually quite lonely when Kudo-kun, or Edogawa-kun wasn't around in this ridiculously huge mansion. She hated this realization, she hated thinking about her mistakes. She lifted the cup to her lips and drank.

Shinichi never asked. But Ai know. From his sharp observant, even if he says nothing, she could see from his eyes that he knew. Ai got to admit that sometimes, Shinichi, or Conan, has the best poker face. However, there was something about the sparkle and passion in his eyes that betrayed his emotions more than his face ever does. And that's how Ai knows. She couldn't read his expression, but she could understand his gaze. Sometimes, somethings doesn't have to be spoken to be understood.

(What do you think of tea?)

(Tea is a contemplative drink, if you ask me.)

Ai never wonders how Shinichi simply knows. Yes, she is amazed by his skills. She never said anything, but she is impressed. He only needs the littlest clue to be able to fit the whole picture. Maybe that's how his brain works. Many people overlook the smallest details because it may be impossible to be related. But he doesn't, even if it's a useless detail, he remembers. And sometimes, it's does 'useless' clues that others overlooked that proved to be the best evidence.

"It's the Channel 5 [1] news reporting to you live. Another female high school student
have been found dead at the pub near her school. Authorities are still investigating
the case, and more information will be revealed when they have found more."

"Another case?" commented Ai nonchalantly as she took another sip of tea, "A serial killer."

It was more of a statement than a question.

"Hm,"

Shinichi did not immediately answer her. Ai glanced at him from the corner of her eyes and her lips curled into a slight smirk. Of course, the case would definitely be on his mind. He's not a detective for nothing. It would be quite impossible for him not to think about any mysteries that came across him. It thrilled him, after all. She knew he was analyzing the case with whatever information he had (and it was quite little, truthfully), and she wonders what kind of conclusion would he comes to, for now.

She took another sip of her tea (it had turned cold, and the bitterness doubled) as she stared at the young detective deep in thoughts, his brows furrowed. She didn't show, but this certain case troubled her as much as it did to him. She wonders who was behind the case, and the motive for the brutal killings. Though, she furrowed her brows, there's something strange about the victims... She took another sip as she pondered on the case.

It had been the third female high school student murdered. The first one was murdered about a month ago, she was found dead on a hotel bed. There was no blood, no sign of struggle, nothing. It wasn't until the report that came back gave them more answers, although it did no help to solve the question. Apparently, there was some sleeping pills found within her body, and a slight amount of HCN in her body. Apparently, it had been spilled into the air when she was drugged and asleep, effectively killing her in a short amount of time.

The second victim was murdered in a similar way, although this time, she was supposedly fed with cyanide. Shinichi who sneaked into the scene managed to catch a whiff of almond, and the test result that returned proved his theory. Her lips and nails had also turned purple when Shinichi was inspecting her corpse. Of course, like always, he was caught by Mouri Kogoro and was thrown out of the window. However, he had gotten all the information he needs, so basically, it's fine. Although it did hurt a lot. Sometimes, Ai wonders how come he hasn't broke any of his bones by now.

"Neh, Kudo-kun," said Ai softly.

Shinichi shook out of his thoughts and look at the girl in front of him, "Hm?"

"Don't you think these three cases...are quite weird?" frowned Ai.

Shinichi frowned, "So you noticed as well."

Ai nodded. She had a theory, but it sounds so ridiculous that she shrugged it off. Until the third case happened. She frowned, she wouldn't say much now. She needs to know more to be able to confirm her theory. Looking at Shinichi, who was deep in thought, she wonders if he has the same theory as him. Although it would be quite impossible. Kudo Shinichi was more of a boy that read mysterious stories, especially when his father is famous for being a mystery writer. She doubts he would have read much of those children fairytale.

Ai didn't know much about them either. But she heard some from Ayumi. Somehow, those stories does fit with those murders. Ai narrowed her eyes, if that is true, this serial murderer is very sick and perverted. Just what motive does he have that caused him to do such things? She took another glance at Shinichi before lifting her cup to drink again, only to find it very quite empty.

"Anyway, I'll find out more," concluded Shinichi, "I'll have to get back."

Ai nodded without replying. She turned her back against the boy. She didn't know if he saw her nod, but she knew he had already left. Of course, he would be worried for the high school girlfriend of his. As much as he tries to deny that she isn't his girlfriend, his blush betrayed him anyway. She smiles to herself as she hops of the sofa and proceed to her room with the television now off.

Hm, without anyone at home, the silence was really quite intimidating sometimes. She chuckles softly before reaching for the doorknob to her room. It wasn't the silence that was intimidating, she realized. It was the loneliness. And Ai found herself wishing for another cup of tea.

[1] I don't know about Japanese news, so forgive me.

There's a lot of things I don't know, so please forgive me. I don't mind if you point out any mistakes or tells me something, it's okay. I have little knowledge over poisons as well, so yeah. I'm not good with mysteries, but I'm quite keen to try. Hence this story ^^

haibaraai4869: Thank you for the review ^^ I'll try my best to do better!