With the exception of the plot and the original characters that are depicted in the story, the author makes absolutely no profit off of this work of fan fiction, and no copyright infringement is intended on the franchise of Detective Conan that rightfully belong to its owner Aoyama Gosho.

Once again, I would like to thank OnyxKatana for all of her help! Let the ninth act of Paper Faces and first chapter in the year 2017 commence!

By the time Monday rolled around, both Kaito and Shinichi quickly immersed themselves back to their respective studies as well as the joint project for World History. Though it seemed like nothing had really changed between the two classmates, Aoko's womanly intuition tingled; in a subtle way, the date at Tropical Land brought them closer than before, and she strongly believed that a second little get-together was in order. At least, when summer break arrives.

Hakuba, however, did not exactly share the sentiment with his love interest after she giddily told him about the secret date she set up for the class magician last week. In truth, the British detective was more concerned about the possibility of Kudo Shinichi falling in love with Kaito for one reason: Kuroba Kaito was KID. KID was a criminal that needed to be put behind bars for the crimes he had committed. Kudo Shinichi was a respectable detective with a strong sense of justice and…bad luck. A relationship like that could never work out. Therefore, Hakuba decided to have a private conversation during lunch-break about this situation.

But he was not the only one with the same mindframe; Ekoda High's local beauty and witch, Koizumi Akako, needed to warn Kuroba Kaito about the darkness that surrounded the transfer student. A misama so black and large, it almost seemed like it could consume Kudo Shinichi within mere seconds. Although the girl had long since gotten over her attraction to Kuroba Kaito, she considered him a close friend, and felt that it was imperative for him to know about their classmate's situation.

Once the bell signaled the start of lunch break, Kaito went over to Shinichi's desk to discuss a few things about their project. Even though the two of them were able to make a lot of progress in the last few weeks, there were still some details that needed to be finalized, including a few extra bits that either of them recently discovered. The pair soon decided to meet up later this week in the school library and compare notes, then transmute whatever has been gathered to a coherent essay with some visual aid. But no sooner did they finish this agreement that they soon found themselves graced by the presence of one Hakuba Saguru.

"Hello, Kudo-san. Kuroba-kun."

Azure orbs narrowed ever so slightly at the awful sight. How this prat managed to show at the most inopportune moments like this remained a mysterious phenomenon to Kaito, but then again why should that matter? He could still dye the bastard's hair to hot-pink with sparkles at the flick of a wrist, though it wasn't worth Ahouko trying to eviscerate him when there was still a lot of work to do for the World History project.

Fortunately, Kaito's dark expression was cheerfully ignored by Hakuba as the British sleuth turned his undivided attention to Shinichi.

"Kudo-san, I would like to speak with you in private for a few minutes. I assume that's alright with Kuroba-kun, unless you would like to meet up later after school to talk?"

Though mildly surprised to see the serious expression on her classmate's face, Shinichi assumed that he wanted to discuss a case with her, given to how it has become a frequent occurrence for both of Ekoda's famous detectives to provide constructive criticism on mysteries, past or present.

The coffee-haired teen then turned to Kaito and shot him a questioning look. Understanding what she meant, the magician sauntered off with a careless wave and a reminder on when to meet up on Thursday after class. Shinichi smiled at his retreating and averted her gaze back to Hakuba.

"Sure. What case did you want to talk about today, Hakuba-san?" To her surprise, the blonde-haired detective shook his head. "It's not a case that I wish to talk about with you, Kudo-san. The subject I had in mind was Kuroba-kun."

Shinichi immediately felt a headache creeping up in the back of her mind. It was bad enough to spent the entire morning with Aoko giving her a look of utter triumphant every time their eyes met, and to be blunt, the Detective of the East was getting tired of it, especially when the brunette mentioned to Momoi-san how perfect her friends would look as a couple within earshot.

Releasing a small sigh, Shinichi replied. "Look, I'm not really in the mood to be grilled further on how adorable Kaito-kun and I appear next to each other. I've already heard that this morning through Aoko-chan."

Hakuba only raised an eyebrow at the exasperated teen before he continued. "Actually, I did want to talk about your outing but not in the sense you are thinking of. However, I was not aware that the two of you were already on a first-name basis."

Shinichi flushed slightly at his words. It was true that she had started to feel...odd around Kuroba-san, but she has already brushed it off by the logic that it's been so long since anyone has seen her in a weak, emotional state except for her parents and Haibara.

Yet her curiosity rose significantly by the fact that he wanted to talk about the date, though did not interrogate her about it as Aoko-chan had. And why in the world would want to talk about it in the first place? That particular question was answered by the next few words that came out of Hakuba-san's mouth, shocking Shinichi to the core.

"Kudo-san, I think it would be in your best interest to stay away from Kuroba-kun," He immediately held up his hand in the air when he saw Shinichi gape at him like a fish. "Don't get me wrong. He is a good man, but I don't think that a romantic relationship between the two of you would work out."

Shinichi blinked at him for a moment before she regained some semblance of composure, and cleared her throat until she could answer her classmate properly. "While I appreciate your concern, I cannot fathom the reason behind your logic. Kuroba-san has given me no reason to doubt him, even though he may be an insufferable prat at times with his antics. Furthermore, we went to Tropical Land strictly as friends even though Aoko is convinced otherwise. The two of us only agreed to act as a couple so we didn't upset her. I can say with absolute certainty that there is nothing romantic between Kuroba Kaito and myself."

Hakuba hummed softly, as if he accepted her words, but was not completely convinced. "I'll take your word for it, Kudo-san. I only approached you because I was worried as a friend. I do not doubt that Kuroba-kun is a good person, and that you would work well with him, as a friend or something more. However, there are certain complications thrown into the mix, they are a cause for concern."

Shinichi gave him a confused look. "I'm not sure I'm following you. Would you mind elaborating it?"

Hakuba rubbed the bridge of his nose, trying to come up with a less harsh way to say it. After spending a few moments in silent contemplation, he decided to upfront with the detective. There was no way to soften the blow with any verbal method.

"Kudo-san, I have strong suspicions that Kuroba Kaito is Kaitou KID."

Shinichi's eyes widened at the vehement proclamation that was just said. It seemed too preposterous to be true, especially by someone such as Hakuba-san. Yet he seemed very convinced of its solidarity. A dramatic, hyperactive classmate aspiring to become the world's greatest magician. A flamboyant, suave and mysterious Phantom Thief with a strict 'nobody-gets-hurt' creed.

How was it possible for these two completely different individuals to be the one and the same?

"Hakuba-kun, forgive me for not being convinced. As a detective, I cannot believe this unless I form the same conclusion as you have, through my own deductive reasoning. Until then, I will keep your words in mind."

Hakuba nodded at her, acknowledging her words. "That's quite alright, Kudo-san. It's what I'd expect of a fellow detective, really. I formed my conclusions from certain experiences, and you can form your own beliefs through the same way, if not a little differently. And never forget what Sir Conan Doyle meant by these words, something that I know you have followed all your life. 'When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.' At this point, Kuroba Kaito being KID is my improbable truth. However, I have no concrete evidence, which is why it shall remain a mere theory until I can prove otherwise."

He stepped back, and inclined his head in a bow. "Enjoy your lunch, Kudo-san. Oh, and some friendly advice for you before I take my leave: Aoko-kun is out to set you up on another date with Kuroba-kun. I heard her discussing it with Momoi-san in third period, so you may want to be on the lookout."

Upon hearing Shinichi groan at this unfortunate revelation, Hakuba could not help the laugh that bubbled from within him. Nevermore had he been more grateful to remain away from the wrong end of Nakamori Aoko's matchmaking schemes.

xPFx

Kaito was cursing Hakuba to Hell and back as he walked back to his desk with a sour expression. It was bad enough that the prat was giving him those strange and not-so-subtle glances the whole morning; worst of all, he had absolutely no idea what he had done to receive the unwanted attention. KID hasn't even been able to conduct a heist lately with everything that's been going on in school!

Just when he was about to ponder even further pertaining on his classmate's bizarre behavior, Kaito felt someone tap him lightly on the shoulder. The magician looked to the side and saw Koizumi Akako smiling at him, at least for a few seconds until her pretty face was schooled into a serious expression. After becoming familiar with the local witch over the last two years or so, Kaito knew instinctively that she needed to talk to him, and she was not going to take 'no' for an answer. He watched her hands point towards the classroom doors, and raised an eyebrow.

Oh. So she wants to talk where none of our classmates will hear us? But...is talking in the hallway really a good idea? Kaito thought with a confused look, though decided to not to question the raven-haired witch as she walked towards the sliding doors. He waited about five minutes or so before he got up and followed Akako. When he looked around, Kaito saw her standing at the end of the corridor.

Kaito walked up to her and casually leaned against the wall. "Alright, so what's this one about?"

Akako promptly replied. "Kudo Shinichi."

The dark-haired teen gave her a deadpanned stare. "You know as well as I do that the 'date' was for Ahouko's benefit and our peace of mind. There's nothing going on between me and Shin-chan!"

To his surprise, Akako narrowed her eyes and gave him a deadly glare. "I couldn't care less about whether or not the two of you are dating, you silly magician. This is bigger than your romantic life. This is strictly about Kudo-san. I can sense a cloud over her. Her emotions are agitated, and have been for quite some time. There is something in her life that has literally formed a darkness around her. If this contaminating corruption isn't fixed soon, then there is a chance of it completely engulfing her. And this is one case where prevention is better than the cure."

Kaito's laid-back manner had grown more and more serious with each word that came out of Akako's mouth. He could sense that the coffee-haired teen sleuth had been troubled, but it hadn't crossed his mind that the issue would grow to one where Ekoda's residential witch was willing to get involved. Taking a deep breath, he exhaled slowly.

"Alright. So, how do we remedy this problem? I talked to Shinichi yesterday, and I think we tackled a major issue that's been eating at her for a while now. Has her 'cloud' decreased any, or is it still as bad as before?"

Akako cleared her throat. "Well, that's another thing. I've been monitoring her for a few days now, and I observed that this darkness subsides a little whenever she's around Hakuba-kun or Nakamori-chan. However, when she's around you, it recedes up considerably, or very nearly disappears altogether, which is saying a lot considering the situation. So, I think that you have helped her with it, whether intentionally or not."

Kaito absorbed whatever magical jargon Akako was explaining. Well, it made sense, at least to a certain degree. He was usually able to distract Shinichi from whatever was bothering her, and had become the person she had vented her troubles twice since the beginning of the school year. Perhaps she found him comfortable to talk to or trusted him to a certain level. If he could help her by being a shoulder to cry on, or being her pillar then why couldn't he be that person? They were starting to become close friends, and Kaito genuinely enjoyed the company offered by the sharp-witted girl.

"Okay. I'll make sure to keep an eye out for this. We need to help Shinichi get out of this. Thank you for telling me about this, Koizumi-san."

As he turned to leave, he felt Akako's hand on his shoulder, pulling him back. He sent her a questioning glance. The ruby-eyed beauty opened her mouth to say something, but faltered for a moment. She lightly shook her head, as if gathering her thoughts. Lowering her voice, so that it was only just audible to the magician, she spoke again.

"There's something else. I took the liberty of reading Kudo-san's aura. Not surprisingly, it was unsettled and turbulent. However, it wasn't a raging disturbance, which means that she has gotten used to the unrest."

Kaito rolled his eyes. "Didn't you just say that whatever's troubling her has been going on for a while now? Of course she would be used to it!"

"Shut up and let me talk, you insolent magician," Akako hissed with a displeased glare. "Reading auras is a witch's gift! It is nothing like your petty tricks where you pretend to read minds. Anyway, as I was saying before you interrupted me, about Kudo-san's aura...the interesting thing about it was that I know one other person with a similar one."

Akako paused to look at Kaito and make sure he was able to understand what she was saying with no confusion. When she found his azure orbs locked onto hers with the utmost attention, she continued.

"Her aura is very similar to yours, Kuroba-kun."

Kaito's face gave away nothing, save for a single eyebrow raising. His Poker Face was perfectly in place. But behind the passive expression he was showing to the sorceress, so many questions were going off in his mind. Damn Akako for confusing him even more with her magic jargon! Why couldn't she be straightforward and just say it like Shin-chan does?

"The unrest I see in her aura is reminiscent to the one I can see in yours. If I had to guess, I would say that she has a massive secret. One that is comparable to your secret about your alternate identity. Only something that big could cause a turbulence like the one I sense. Whatever it is, I suggest you be on your guard and try to help her before the darkness grows any larger."

Satisfied, the raven-haired classmate walked away from Kaito without another word. What the witch told him just now has given him a lot to think about, especially about the troubled aura that Shin-chan supposedly possesses. It struck a cord inside him; earlier, he had been convinced that the 'darkness' around Shinichi had been due to her fears about her curse and everything that has happened since she transferred to Ekoda, including a less than pleasant circumstance on which she had parted with her best friend.

However, prior experience had taught him that Akako's powers were something to never to be taken lightly. If she said that Shinichi's aura was unstable and needed to be observed closely or else it will cause trouble, then he would do whatever he can to keep this 'darkness' under control.

There was another thing that puzzled him greatly. Akako said that the type of inner turbulence she sensed was probably due to keeping a major secret close to the heart, in so many words. And aside from Jii, Kaito was the only other person who knew that his civilian identity acted as a mask for the Phantom Thief Kaitou KID. So then what could be so important to Shin-chan that she had it for so long, that her body has gotten used to the stress of carrying it?

As he walked back to class, Kaito made a mental note to ask Shinichi about this...problem. Yet before he could even approach the coffee-haired girl about that, he needed to earn her confidence and trust. From there, he could ask about Edogawa Agatha's whereabouts. Neither of his favorite detectives were all right, and he needed to get to the bottom of this situation, and quickly.

xPFx

When classes had ended on a rainy Wednesday afternoon, Shinichi found herself sitting in a quaint little cafe with hot coffee sitting innocently on the side. After giving it much contemplation, the teen sleuth decided to give the Nakajima Publishing Group a phone call and let them know that she was interested in meeting the literary agent that her father recommended. While Shinichi had conducted her own research on the company itself, she was somewhat surprised that one of the largest publishing houses in Ekoda would willingly to a few altercations to their schedule to meet with her. It might have to do something with the fact that a few of Kudo Yuusaku's Night Baron books had brought in a steady profit for them. Maybe their line of thinking was this: does the daughter of this famous mystery author have just as much talent as her father when it comes to writing prose? And if she does, is it worth investing time to read a fifty-page manuscript, much less spend a few yen to publish the rest of it?

Shinichi shrugged and took a sip of her beverage. Worse case scenario is that I move onto something else that can help handle my stress. Video games and shopping on Sundays are definitely out of the question. The Detective of the East chuckled quietly at her little joke, savoring the coffee's satisfying aftertaste until her dark blue orbs caught sight of a bespectacled man in a two-piece suit, looking absolutely haggard as he walked inside the establishment with a tiny 'ding' of the bell above the door.

She watched as his head swiveled from the left to the right until their eyes made contact with each other. He tentatively approached the booth she was occupying, a sheepish smile on his face. Can't be that much older than his early to late twenties. Mud is splattered in at least four places on the left pant leg and three on the left, so he must have just gotten off at the train station and ran all the way here from the intersection at the 4th Street and Clover Boulevard. But that place is still undergoing some construction, so he most likely took another detour that he thought was a shortcut and ended up here. Is he new to the area?

"Um...are you Kudo Shinichi?"

The man's voice jolted Shinichi from her silent observation and she blinked before smiling shyly. "Er, yes. That's me. I didn't mean to be rude. It's been...a long day for me." The dark-haired teen then stood up to greet with a low, respective bow. "Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to see me today."

"T-the p-pleasure is all mine, Kudo-san! I apologize for running a little late though. This is my first time conducting an interview in this area, so please be patient with me!" He stuttered, returning Shinichi's bow with one of his own. The Detective of the East nodded, and the two of them took a seat in the booth just as a perky waitress approached them with a smile and notepad. Once he had placed an order for orange-spiced tea with lemon on the side, the man went straight to business as soon as he pulled out clipped papers from his briefcase.

"The Witch's Banquet definitely has the potential to become something phenomenal, but I do have to agree that the amount of violence in just fifty pages is a bit much for an eight-year-old to pick up and read. It might bring in more interest if targeted audience are middle-school or even high-school readers. Revision is needed in some areas, and there is a limit to how many times you can use a word within a three to five page limit. I'd strongly recommend using a thesaurus. I do know a few useful tools on our company website that we provide for budding writers. I'll jot them down for you before we leave."

Shinichi hummed thoughtfully, carefully digesting all of this new information into her little grey cells. While she had a vague idea on what sort of rules that her father had to follow when he was working on his books, but who would have thought that these regulations were particularly specific? She certainly didn't.

Just when the man - who introduced himself as Sakano Nisei - was about to take his leave from the cafe so he could catch the next train back to the literature agency, a shrill scream echoed in the establishment. Instinctively, Shinichi stood up and ran to the source, only to discover a waitress lying motionlessly on the bathroom floor. The sleuth suddenly felt cold.

Someone...someone has died again. Even when it didn't happen at Tropical Land...I still carry this damned curse whenever I go. No. No...I can't like that. Remember what Kuroba-san said. I'm not a harbinger of Death. I...I was just here at the wrong place at the wrong time. And standing here like this won't bring this poor woman the justice that she deserves. Hardening her rattled nerves, the Detective of the East went straight to work.

Once she had calmed the startled customers with the strong suggestion to get comfortable in the cafe or else possibly be questioned as a suspect by the police, Shinichi collected personal and contact information related to the victim. Taking a pair of gloves she always carried in her schoolbag, the dark-haired teen took pictures and carefully examined the body.

It did not take Shinichi very long to point out the cause of death as well as the person responsible for this crime. The victim, twenty-three year old Seguchi Misa, was having an affair with the business man she was serving at table four, but his wife found out. Fed up with his philandering attitude, she decided to take matters into her own hands and tried to pay off the waitress to leave her husband. When the victim refused the money, the wife decided to use poison via the mints Misa always ate in between her breaks, a habit that the murderer speculated by three days' of observation. And then two days ago, she had sent them to Misa through the mail as a gift from a 'happy customer'. Now, the poison had taken its full effect, killing Misa.

By the time Shinichi had finished her reasoning to the sputtering middle-aged woman whom was being accused of murder, Inspector Megure arrived on the scene with Shiratori. Not wanting to interfere any further now that the police were here Shinichi handed her notes to the portly man before excusing herself from the restroom to find the agent. Fortunately, he was still sitting at their booth, though his face was still white as a sheet.

Shinichi frowned sadly until the top half of her lithe frame lowered itself to a bow much deeper than the one she had presented to Sakano-san earlier. "Please accept my sincerest apologies! I...did not know this would happen, nor had any intention of delaying your schedule any further. If the idea of publishing the manuscript is out of the question due to this situation, I understand."

The sleuth did not dare look up from the ground, afraid that she has now possibly scared this poor man so badly that he probably did not want to be associated with Shinichi any further. A few moments of silence passed until the agent responded in a soft, astounded voice.

"You are truly your father's daughter, Kudo-chan."

Shinichi flushed at his words. She had been expecting something entirely different, so the young woman wasn't sure if he meant that as a comment or a compliment, but it struck something in her. "A-Ah, thank you, Sir. However, I apologize again, and I hope you will accept it."

The man smiled at her and dismissively waved his hand. "Don't worry about it. I finally understand why your manuscript seemed so detailed and realistic for a teenager. It is truly remarkable how you managed to capture the mystery and suspense of your cases, then able to convey it through your story. The only other author I personally know whose characters and writing seem so realistic is Yuusaku himself. In that, and in the way you solve mysteries, I can see Yuusaku in you."

He then got a far-off look in his eyes, as if he was remembering something in the distant past. When he remained silent for a while, Shinichi thought it best to enquire if he was alright. The man jerked back to reality and vehemently shook his head, offering the girl a sheepish smile.

"It's nothing. All this talk of mysteries reminded me of an incident at my old publishing house. Almost eighteen years ago I worked under a senior editor named Aoyagi Toji. He was a good man and was great at what he did, but then he had suddenly quit his job and left without any prior notice or subsequent explanation, as if he vanished into thin air! He left everything at his desk that day, except for a manuscript he received from someone with the initial B. That same manuscript was featured in the news a few days later, right in an article that talked about the unsolved Borja mystery. But all this fuss happened much before your time, young lady, so I wouldn't be surprised if you weren't familiar with it."

Shinichi was surprised. Who would have thought that meeting Sakano-san would provide insight on an investigation she had almost forgotten due to schoolwork and catching up with other cold cases? The files on the Borja case were thin and provided little evidence to point out a suspect. Not even her father could a case efficiently with such scarce information.

Deciding to fish more details while she could, Shinichi asked. "I do recall my father mentioning the name Borja once. I believe it was some event he attended when he had only just started out with the Night Baron series? Sponsored by a writing magazine called The Quill?"

The editor's eyes lit up. "Ah yes, now I remember! The incident happened after hosting a party for the finalists of a writing contest. Kudo Yuusaku was there with another finalist, Ushiromiya George, I think was the name. It is a shame that your father was not present when the tragedy occurred. I'm certain that he would have solved the mystery just as efficiently as you might in the near future. And now, I really must get going or else I'll miss the next train back to the agency. Thank you, Kudo-san, for your time. I hope to hear from you soon. Have a good day!"

xPFx

Relieved, and also filled with brimming curiosity from the information she just received from the man, Shinichi left the cafe to the street that would led her back to Clyro Villa. A lot has definitely happened today. From being offered a chance to publish her own novel to solving another random mystery. Let's just hope that the walk home will be uneventful and quiet. I still have to finish collecting material for the project before I meet Kuroba-san at the library tomorrow. And definitely look into the information that Sakano-san has given me pertaining to the Borja case. Still...why would Sakano-san's co-worker just up and leave like he did after he got that manuscript? Was there something in there that could have caused a scandal? Or...another motive for murder aside from inheritance money? I think I will have a talk with Dad about this. Maybe he can shed some light about this Aoyagi Toji. The Detective of the East thought, making a left turn onto the intersection at 3rd Ave and Jade Dragon Street when a familiar, and cheerful voice called out her name.

"Shin-chan!"

The coffee-haired turned around to the source of the noise and stopped in her tracks. "Oh, Kuroba-san. What are you doing here?" The class prankster frowned, puffing out his cheeks with a slightly annoyed expression on his face.

"For the umpteenth time Shin-chan, call me Kaito! K-A-I-T-O. It's not that hard!

Shinichi's blue orbs rolled at the exaggeration as a small smirk twitched the corners of her mouth. "Of course, of course. But really, I wasn't expecting to see you around here. Doing some shopping?"

Kaito huffed and crossed his arms, holding up his nose in an almost arrogant manner. "Yup! Just restocking some supplies for my next trick I'll be presenting to class before summer break starts!" He explained, looking at the coffee-haired sleuth with a mischievous glimmer in his azure eyes.

Shinichi almost felt her left eye twitch at the answer. "I pity the poor souls who will witness such an act of horror."

"Horror? What I do is a work of art, Shin-chan! Art!" Kaito exclaimed, placing a hand over his heart as crocodile tears fell down his face. "You've wounded me!"

"The 'art' or the ego that's the size of a truck?"

"Why must you be so cruel to me? Is this how one treats the love of their life?"

Shinichi frowned and lightly punched Kaito's arm. "Shut up. It's bad enough that at least half of the class thinks we're dating. I don't need rumours of 'true love' or something flying around as well. Honestly, you'd think people had better things to do than meddle in other people's nonexistent relationships!"

Kaito held up his hands in mock surrender. "I know what you mean. When Hakuba and Aoko first started hanging out together, the rumours around them had reached an all time high. Right to where Aoko assembled the student body during Golden Week and said that if she heard any more gossip between her and Hakuba, she would release her unbridled rage with a mop from the janitor's closet. And as you have come to realize since your transfer, I am literally the only one in school who can get away from the mop assault without as much as speck of dirt on my shirt! That's why no one says anything about them. And as bad as it sounds, the two of us are the next most 'happening' thing since those two. So, I strongly suggest you to be prepared for more interrogation on 'dates' and 'juicy details'."

Shinichi groaned out loud at his words as a bubble of laughter left Kaito's mouth at the exasperated expression on the poor girl's face. When his head swiveled to the side of the street, the magician's eyes instantly brightened at the sight of an ice cream shop.

"Hey, why don't we get some ice cream before we head home, Shin-chan? This place over here is really good, and it isn't busy right now!"

"But what about preparing for your show? Isn't it essential for a magician to make sure he has everything he needs to cause chaos for his audience? And before you ask me, I have no interest in being an accomplice."

Kaito shot Shinichi a playful glare. " Fine. Don't be an accomplice. Be my assistant and help me plan everything out. I'll even buy you a dress for the act. Well, you can help me plan that over ice cream. Now, come on or else it will too late to savor the sugary goodness that is ice cream!" He exclaimed, grabbing Shinichi's wrist and started to drag her towards the brightly lit establishment.

"And what I'm saying is in one ear and out the other, isn't it? It's a small wonder how can you still get the top grades in school." Shinichi muttered. Kaito threw the detective a shark-like smirk as he held the door open for his lady companion.

Around five minutes of decision-making and an extra two seconds for Kaito to pay for their treats, the teens left the shop with medium-sized plastic cups and spoons in their hands. After a snide comment on how it was a miracle that the class magician was so fit despite ingesting ridiculous amounts of sugar, the two of them decided to take a walk around the shopping plaza while enjoying their sugary snacks.

From the corner of her dark blue orbs, Shinichi witnessed Kaito's joyous expression become a thoughtful, even contemplative expression on his face. "You know, when Ahouko and I went to Tropical Land, she told me I'm cold and sweet like ice cream. Is it...weird to say that those words still sort of bother me now?"

Shinichi blinked at him in surprise. "Well...I suppose you wouldn't be giving it much thought if the memory itself bothers you. Unless it still does, and now you are starting to believe it?"

Kaito sighed heavily. "I'm not sure anymore, Shin-chan. I think at this point, no matter how I answer that question, you're already prepared to give me a comment, meaningful or sarcastic."

A heavy silence soon fell upon the pair until the Detective of the East answered her friend, in a soft and cautious voice. "Well, to compare someone's personality to ice cream is bit...extreme to me, especially when I don't use any of those similarities in you, Kuroba-san. Then again, I haven't known for as long as Aoko-chan, so I'm not one to judge. But...if we were comparing each other to something...I'd say you would not be ice cream. Moonlight seems to be more fitting. You might act friendly towards other people, but there are times that you can be distant. And…for some reason you feel...familiar to me, but I don't know from where or how it's even possible since I met you at the beginning of the semester."

Kaito then suddenly stopped walking, and stared at Shinichi with a gaping mouth. For once he struggled to formulate a response when words were one of his specialities. The Detective of East halted in her footsteps as well, looking at him with a quizzical expression on her face.

"Shin-chan, that was - I mean, your...observation was surprisingly profound. I'm touched, I really am. I-I'm not good at making analogies either, something that I've been struggling with for a while in English, but I try. When I say this...please do not punch me so hard that'll be knocked out by the time it's time to turn in our World History project, okay? You have one heck of a right hook."

Shinichi raised an eyebrow at him. "All right? And exactly is on your mind that it might warrant me to resort to violence? It can't possibly be that bad."

The Detective of East watched her companion closely as he inhaled a few deep breaths, before answering Shinichi in a low and soft voice.

"Shin-chan...I think you're like a cloud. Small, out of reach and can have much distance as moonlight. But...you have the possibility to ascend even further into the skies, and to be honest, I wouldn't be surprised if that was true. You've come a long way from where you were before, Shin-chan, at least what you've told me." Kaito looked up from the ground and smiled sheepishly. "That...doesn't make you, angry, does it?"

The sleuth shrugged. "Not really. My Dad used to be a lot more cheesier with his words when making comparisons, especially if Mom thought he was cheating on her with another woman at one of the writing conventions they went to. I prefer things to be short, sweet, and to the point."

Kaito's eyes sparked with mischief, a glint that he was infamous for. "So~! If I ever supposedly 'cheat' on my stunning 'girlfriend', should I use flattering words to seek forgiveness prepared in advance or -"

"Finish that sentence and I might reconsider the possibility of punching you in the face. Better yet, I could use a soccer ball. It would make better impact to wipe off that insufferable smirk on your face." Shinichi snapped, narrowing her eyes at the dark-haired teen. Kaito then grinned and raised his spare hand in surrender.

"Alright, alright. Shutting up now. You know, you actually remind me of another acquaintance of mine. She had an unhealthy love of dangerous soccer balls too. It's surprising, really."

"Huh."

That was the only word Kaito received from Shinichi throughout the rest of their walk through the shopping plaza, at least until they went their separate ways at the entrance. When the magician returned home and got himself settled in, he was surprised to see an unusual sight in the bathroom mirror.

His cheeks were a light shade of red, and Kaito was quite certain that the color was not due to the weather. The smile on his face could only be described as goofy. The magician placed a hand over his face to try and prevent the smile from getting any bigger. Sheesh, I hope Shin-chan won't see me looking like this any time soon! But more importantly...why do I care if she sees me in such a manner?!

It was ridiculous. A gentleman thief being attracted to a detective? This is a recipe that spelled disaster. Especially when Kuroba Kaito has absolutely no idea what do with these newfound feelings for a coffee-haired spitfire.

It looks like Kaito has discovered that his feelings for Shinichi actually run deeper than the close friendship that has been developing! But what will happen now that Hakuba and Akako have warned their respective classmates about the other? Will this realization bring the Phantom Thief any closer to the truth behind Edogawa Agatha's disappearance?

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