"Hello, Kaito-kun, I'm so glad that you could make it," Ran smiled warmly at Kaito, and beckoned him to sit down. "Please, sit down."
Kaito smiled back, and sat down. "I'm happy to come, Ran-san," He said, politely, although he was very curious as to why Ran wanted to talk to him in private for. He had some suspicions, but...
"Would you like something to drink?" She asked, turning half-way to the kitchen.
"No, no! That's okay!" Kaito shook his head, waving his hands in protest.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. Um...Ran-san? What did you want to talk to me about?" He questioned as she sat down. She gave him a thoughtful look.
"Well...mostly, I just wanted to get to know you better. You're going to be a big part of Shinichi's life – and I think you already are. I want us to be friends," Ran said, sincerely, and Kaito smiled at her, surprised. She smiled back at him, but added, "I also wanted to tell you that I'll break your arm if you ever hurt Shinichi, so you better watch yourself, Kaito-kun." She said sweetly, smiling brightly at him.
Kaito laughed nervously when she giggled.
S-scary... He thought, although he was happy that Ran cared so much for Shinichi. He knew that things were still a little tense between her and Shinichi, so it was heartening to know that she still cared about him.
Kaito would be crushed if Aoko ever severed ties with him, which was why he was so scared to let her know. He didn't want to lose his sister, his best friend.
Shinichi's a lot braver than I am, he thought, ruefully, with an inner sigh.
He smiled at Ran.
"If that ever happens, Ran-san, I promise not to run from you," Kaito assured her, being perfectly serious. "I'd deserve to have my arm broken, and a lot worse, if I ever hurt him. But..." He hesitated, looking a little bashful. "He's my world. I'd be...really sad, if I ever lost him."
I love him.
Ran stared at him, appraising his sincerity, and then she smiled softly at him. She saw a little bit of herself in him. She was letting Shinichi go – she had too – but he'll always have a special place in her heart, as her first love, if nothing else. He was her best friend, that stupid detective otaku...
"I'll hold you to that, Kaito-kun. Now..." She grinned, leaning forwards. "Tell me about yourself."