Conan was hot, sweaty, and humiliated. If he wanted to be vindictive, he would parade Haibara in front of Higo, but she could be just as vindictive as he was. The risk wasn't worth the satisfaction. For now, he'd keep his legs together and bear through it for the next two hours.
There was a banquet for a distant acquaintance of Kogoro's, which would have had nothing to do with Conan except that Haibara had saved her from her pursuers. She had refused to linger, but word had circulated that a young girl had heroically saved the life of actress Sawamura Hyoko.
Sources were used, information was found, and Haibara was cordially invited to Sawamura's eighty-fifth birthday party. An eighty-fifth birthday party with copious photographers, reporters, and security guards, all of which reeked of countless mishaps and disastrous outcomes. But 'no' was never an answer for a celebrity, and the Detective Boys were hard-pressed to reap the benefits.
Which landed Conan where we was: wearing a sleeveless maroon dress, black knee-high stockings, black heels, a plain voice-changing choker, and a permed wig that irritated his neck. Even though no one was paying him any mind, after Sawamura spoke to him for a good five minutes, he felt self-conscious enough to keep looking over his shoulder.
He resorted to eavesdropping on other people's conversations as he bid his time. Here he learned that someone was still after Sawamura's life; he switched his priority to finding the culprit. When he spotted not one but two members of the Black Organization, though, he realized the issue was bigger than he thought. He pounced on the opportunity, scouring around for clues.
Of course, Amuro was there as well, probably with an agenda that just so happened to conflict with his. Even with his glasses, his slicked back bangs, and his iron-pressed suit, Conan could easily tell it was him. And with how Amuro's gaze kept meeting his, Conan had a sinking feeling Amuro figured out his identity too. Despite this, he didn't interfere with Conan's efforts until the case was concluded and the ex-member was abducted, maimed, and fatally shot.
Only after did he approach Conan outside of the ballroom. Abashed, Conan glared as Amuro gave him a slow once-over.
"Not a word."
"I never intended to." His eyes flickered to Conan's collar. Tucking his gloved index underneath, he tugged at it lightly. "But I do prefer this over the other one. Was this also Professor Agasa's idea?"
Conan swatted at his hand. "No, he's terrible with this kind of stuff. A friend forced me to wear it."
"Really. I should give this 'friend' of yours my sincerest gratitude."
"Quit it. You know exactly how she feels about you."
Chuckling, Amuro ushered Conan away. As they departed, he shielded him from the crowds, plucked a red zinnia from an abandoned bouquet, and slid it against his ear. Conan yanked it off, but he held it tightly in his fist, begrudgingly warmer inside than before.