Ouji-kun and I waved a goodbye as Shin and Ran entered the airport. The former slightly glaring at my best friend and did the 'I'm-watching-you' gesture towards Ouji-kun. I shook my head in exasperation, he's already in his first year of high school and he's still this childish? Okaa-san's genes must be dominant in him. "Don't mind my little brother, please." He chuckled at my words. "I'm used to his hostility, Shino-chan."

"Oh cheesecakes, you shouldn't be used to 'hostility'! That's bad!" There was a glint in his eyes that I couldn't understand and even though it's like that, I refuse to acknowledge things that doesn't make sense that connects to him. Like why his brother keeps calling him Noir or why he calls his older brother Franc. "You really do love cheesecakes now, don't you?"

"Of course! Cheesecakes are food for the heavenly beings!"

"Right, because Shino-chan is a goddess."

My face erupted like a volcano, turning red as deep as lava and smoke made an egress from my ears. My heart pounded against my chest, as if it was an innocent bystander that was framed by another's crimes inside a cell. He chuckled and ruffled my hair as if I were still a child. "Come, I'll walk you home." I meekly nodded and grabbed the hem of his shirt. There's one thing that changed in me that didn't exist in my past life and when I was a child in this world.

I was suddenly directionally challenged. I wasn't like this when I was a kid and I wonder why I suddenly find myself lost in streets I had once been familiar with since I was a child. Especially when I was walking to my University. Ouji-kun had to come and pick me up from where I was and apparently, I was three train rides away. It was one of the most embarrassing day of my life and I hate being reminded of it. My best friend keeps reminding me when we go to the train station together.

The way to the train station was a bit nerve wrecking. Even though I was wearing a hat, sunglasses, a scarf and a sweat shirt, I feel like people will still recognize me if I do anything familiar. I stuck to Ouji-kun the whole way and we arrived at the station with no interruptions, thankfully. Once we boarded the train, I let out a sigh of relief.

At least, we didn't encounter any fanboys. Fanboys are scary. As scary as fangirls, to be in fact. Ouji-kun's warmth enveloped me when he made me lean against him. His Cologne invaded my nostrils and I felt my still tensed shoulders relax. Taking a deep breath, I wondered when he smelled so pleasing. I rested my eyes since I had trouble sleeping last night. One of the things I couldn't forget from the series is Shin's very first case.

At the very least, I could be at ease, knowing that Shin and Ran are in the same plane as Megure-keibu. "Worried?" I hummed in response, now wondering how I never noticed how soothing his voice had become since high school. I mean, he has always been by my side, I should have noticed the changes. Then again, he has always been by my side, meaning that I hear him everyday and wouldn't notice anything until I think about it.

The sound of a vibrating phone took my attention as I lazily peeked at Ouji-kun who picked up his phone. "What do you want now, Franc?" Interest piqued, I leaned closer to him to hear their conversation. «That's no way to talk to your elder brother, Noir. Anyways, is the Lady with you?» I frowned when he mentioned me, there was also a scowl present on my friend's lips. "And if she is?" He spat out. «No need to get so protective. I just wanted to say hi.» If there's anything I learned about Kōtei-san, it's that he's an even bigger of a mystery than Ouji-kun.

"Why did you call?"

«Oh, right. It's about the crows.»

I felt Ouji-kun stiffen up, making me wonder what this crows represent that Kōtei-san mentioned.

"Why are you even telling me this?"

«They're going to get your favourite soon. They deemed it very delicious.»

"Again, why are you telling me this?"

«Is it bad that I'm also after your favourite? After all, it is delicious. That's why I'm telling you this, little brother.»

"Bastard."

I grabbed hold of Ouji-kun's arm, tugging on it to get his attention. When his sapphire blue eyes met mine, his hardened eyes softened. "What was he talking about, Ouji-kun? Whatever it was, it's making you angry and worried." He rested his forehead on mine, and once again, my face erupted like a volcano. "It's nothing you should worry about. Shino-chan just needs to worry about her cases, okay?" Flustered, his words barely registered in my mind as he pulled away.

He wrapped an arm around my shoulders and, to my freaking racing heart, he pulled me closer to him until he placed his chin on the crown of my head. "Shino-chan just needs to trust me. I... will not let danger come close to you, ne?" Nodding, I buried my tomato red face on his chest, and I felt it rumble. Why is he even laughing?

[Kobayashi Ouji]

Chuckling came almost instantly as I saw Shino-chan's red ear. Her flustered expression has always been adorable. Though, I love her smile the most. The very first time I saw Shino-chan's smile, I fell in love with her. Even though I knew that there was something unearthly about her presence, I didn't care in the slightest bit. I don't even care if she's three years younger than me. I buried my nose in her silky brown hair, taking in her scent.

She has always smelled so heavenly that I started comparing her to a goddess a few years back. Cheesy it might be, that's how she looks in my perspective. The only trait I don't like about her is her stubbornness, that trait of hers rivals a bull. Despite it, it is a part of her that makes her charming. I would do anything for Shino-chan. Not once since we've met did she meet my family, or rather, parents. Kōtei already showed himself, and at the worst time possible.

He always steals what I have and so, I have become a bit possessive of my things. Thankfully, Shino-chan doesn't seem to like him at all and Yūjin, somehow, hates his guts. The few times Shinichi-kun met Kōtei was by accident and to me sadistic delight, Shinichi-kun despises Kōtei's guts at first glance. I hate him. Despise him. Why? Because he just said that he's genuinely interested in my Shino-chan, which is something I would not tolerate.

He already stole a lot from me, so I wouldn't let him steal Shino-chan or them. It was okay if his interest was mild but when he admits it to himself and to others, it means he's serious. Then, good for him because this time, I would never let him steal what's mine. Shino-chan is mine, and I met her first. There's no way I would let him do what he wants. Soon enough, the train came to stop as we reached our stop.

I grabbed hold of her hand and lead her out. There were quite an amount of people on the platform even though it's morning. I made sure to tighten my hold around Shino-chan's hand to make sure she wouldn't get separated from me. "Ouji-kun, I... I'm hungry." I peered at her blushing face and chuckled. "Let's eat breakfast then." I searched for the nearest café and I found one in a matter of minutes.

Shino-chan ordered cheesecakes, even though it's only seven in the morning and a cup of latte. I ordered a simple breakfast of waffles and coffee. I saw her eyes flicker from the flower at the center of our table to the vast blue sky. "Trust in Shinichi-kun. This isn't the first time he flew, right?" Her nervous chuckled sounded like bells, even though it's really not. "I know but Shin's a nosy person and can aggravate people without even trying. I'm worried he'll get into fights."

"Ran-kun is with him, isn't she? Then, you have nothing to worry about."

"I... I guess you're right. Ran can keep my little brother in place."

"Here's your order..." I stiffened when I heard the person speak. Kōtei. "... Noir, Lady."

"K-Kōtei-san?"

I saw his eyes glued on Shino-chan, making my blood boil in fury.

Just what is he doing here?