Short one shot written for Lorine of the French web boards Beika Street, following her comment: "Hi, I'm looking for a ShinRan fan like me to write a romantic fic on this pairing happening at Shinichi's second home in Hawaii. [...] This idea is close to my heart yet I have no inspiration, so if someone is willing..."

Much awaited vacation.

Ran was sat on the balcony of the Kudos' holiday home. In front of her eyes she could see the magnificent Hawaiian landscape, hers to admire at will. It was so different from Tokyo: the ocean was so near, so blue, she could see the seabed from here despite being more than fifty yards away. The weather was splendid, warm enough that Ran was hesitant to put on anything more than a tank top. She would have gladly put on her swim suit to go and enjoy the beach along with Shinichi's mother, but...

Ran sighed. The time difference between Hawaii and Japan wasn't that great, and she and Shinichi had had no issues adapting. His parents had been here a couple of weeks already, and had prepared their rooms along with a fully comprehensive schedule of activities, at least for Shinichi.

In the week since their arrival, Ran had visited several tourist attractions of the island with Yukiko as a guide, whereas Yusaku, putting his writing work to the side to spend time with his son, was introducing the latter to his many resident friends who were more than pleased to teach or remind him of the basics of their trades. In the evenings the four would meet up for dinner in a restaurant of the adults' choosing to discuss their day. Ran never had much input in the conversation, the other three having already visited the touristic spots dozens of times. Shinichi however would eagerly explain in full detail what he'd been up to that day. His descriptions were so precise that Ran quickly lost track of what he was saying, while her admiration of him grew.

It was only on the seventh evening, as Shinichi enthusiastically described how he'd been taught to fly a Boeing airplane that afternoon, that Ran finally realised why she'd been feeling so dissatisfied with this summer vacation abroad that she'd been so graciously offered, after having awaited it so eagerly.

She hadn't come to see Hawaii. She hadn't wanted to spend her time with Yukiko. She had chosen to come and spend the holiday at Shinichi's side, and until now, she hadn't been given the slightest chance.

However she didn't say anything. She did not want to appear ungrateful after all, and it was good that Shinichi got to spend some time with his dad. She was just saddened that there was still and always this distance between them. She had dared to hope that now that they had started highschool that distance might start to shrink. What a dreamer she was, truly.

When the next day Yukiko offered to take her to the neighbouring town, Ran politely declined, claiming that she was tired. Yukiko thought nothing of it, finding the explanation reasonable, and encouraged Ran to do what she wanted with her day. When Yukiko left to go sunbathe on the beach, Ran refused nicely the invitation to tag along. So there she was, sat on the balcony, observing the scenery and mulling over her broken dreams. If things continued as they were, she might have to ask the Kudos if they could send her back home early under the pretence of homesickness. Not that she minded spending time with Yukiko; on the contrary, she admired her greatly. It's just that she was fed up of feeling so insignificant each evening when Shinichi spoke of all that his father had to offer him and of all the things he had enjoyed doing without her at his side.

It put tears in her eyes. She didn't enjoy feeling so disappointed, so unappreciative, but she didn't know what to do to improve her situation.

"Ran?"

Surprised to hear the voice of the one that filled her thoughts, Ran hurriedly wiped her cheeks before turning around.

"Shinichi? What are you doing here? I thought you were with your dad, visiting his volcanologist friend."

Ran couldn't help blushing as she saw him. There he was, nonchalantly leaning against the doorframe. His hair was dancing in the weak breeze that made the balcony so pleasant; his Hawaiian shirt was doing the same. His shorts were short, offering Ran the most agreeable sight of his legs. He had a curious expression on his face.

"Mom told me when we called her that you weren't feeling too well this morning, so I asked Dad if we could just spend the afternoon at the house."

Ran felt her face redden even more. To have Shinichi drop his activities because of her had not been her intention. It was slightly embarrassing.

"You know, you didn't need to come back here. Don't you worry about me, enjoy your holidays with your dad!"

"Because you honestly think I want to spend my afternoon looking at pebbles and hearing my dad tell me the many ways in which compared to him I remain an ignorant kid?" Shinichi retorted. "I'd much rather spend my time with you. Besides, one of his editors has at long last managed to catch him again. He's locked up in his studio till supper time. I knew it was bound to happen sooner or later."

Ran smiled as she heard Shinichi state so clearly that he preferred her company. It didn't stop her from replying with some indignation.

"Ah, so it is when one is expected to stare at pebbles that one thinks to spend some time with their childhood friend, yet when Boeing crafts are involved..."

"Oye, oye... Don't pull such an ugly face. I'm not lying. I am honestly happy to have you here with me. In fact, I'll prove it to you: I managed to convince my parents to let you come with me scuba-diving tomorrow."

"Huh?" Ran barely dared believe her ears.

"Just the two of us. At least if you're feeling better by tomorrow and want to that is. You should see the fish around here, I'm sure you'll love it!"

Ran let loose a small laugh at the sight of Shinichi waving his arms about so energetically in an attempt to convince her. He even had a touch of red to his cheeks that made him look so deliciously cute.

"You're an idiot, Shinichi. It would be my pleasure!"

Confused at the insult being followed with a yes, Shinichi came to sit down next to her, his hands behind his head, eyes pleated and long legs stretched out in front of him.

"Honestly Ran, I'll never understand you..."

Ran watched him sulk for a good five minutes with a grin on her face. All her dissatisfaction had vanished in this one exchange. She was happy, and only felt immense gratitude for Shinichi, who understood her better than he could ever imagine.

She threw a towel at his face.

"I'll race you to the beach!"

When Yukiko saw Shinichi and Ran running together towards the salty waters of the sea, she felt reassured. It was good to see the two enjoying their vacation at long last.

Fin