The famous detective stood in front of the professor's door, ready to knock when he heard a rumble of laughter coming from within the house. He had promised Ai he would attend dinner, and he wasn't about to break it. Besides, he was eager to see the kids after all these years, and it wasn't as if he and Ai had a fight.
Shinichi heaved a sigh as he recalled what happened earlier. He knew he was out of line. As soon as Ai asked for his opinion, he messed up. What right did he have to give any input on Ai's relationships? Suddenly, the image of Ai making out with Hiro surfaced once again, and Shinichi gritted his teeth in annoyance. Why can't he get that damn scene out of his head?
Because it was just so unusual to see Ai do something so… uncharacteristically normal. But that's what it was about, wasn't it? Her goal as Haibara Ai was to live an ordinary life, was it not? To experience the normalcy of growing up without fear of having to constantly watch her back, the mundaneness of a fixed routine without the worry of being murdered in her sleep, as well as the ups and downs of a typical teenage romance. Teenage romance…
Who the hell was this Tachibana Hiro? Maybe if he knew more of who the bastard was and what his intentions were, he wouldn't be so hung up on Ai's love life. He paused at that thought. For fuck's sakes, he's acting like he's her goddamn guardian when she doesn't even need one.
He's beginning to get a headache the more he tried to make sense of whatever the fuck was going through his head, so he finally knocked on the door. He didn't expect Ai to be the one to let him in, considering the mood earlier. Not that they had a fight, he reminded himself.
"You don't have to knock each time," she said, holding the door wider. "You were welcomed in this house far before I even knew the professor."
Walking past her into the foyer, he spoke, "You're a resident here. It'll be rude of me to make my way in without your permission."
"You didn't in the past," she pointed out as she bent down to neatly fix his shoes he just took off, and something in her tone made Shinichi think she wasn't just referring to knocking. As if his actions lately were unlike him. He looked down at her, wanting to confirm his assumptions, but all she did was blink blankly up at him. Haibara Ai, ever the enigmatic speaker. Maybe that was why he always found talking to her so aggravatingly stimulating.
"Shin-nii-chan!"
Before Shinichi can even turn his head to the voice, he was enveloped in a tight hug as Ayumi jumped into his arms.
"Hello to you, too, Ayumi-chan," he greeted with a laugh, patting the brunette's head. She looked up, displaying a smile of utmost joy. Shinichi had to agree with Ai. Ayumi grew up well, reminding him of a younger Ran and a little bit of Ai's older sister except Ayumi's hair was of medium length and lightly layered. He smiled at how she still wore a headband.
"You're really bad at keeping promises, you know?" she said with a playful scowl, referring to his promise of keeping in contact. "Just like Conan-kun," she quietly added.
Ai didn't fail to notice Shinichi's split-second pause at the comparison. "Okay," Ai said, ushering the two to start walking, "let's move into the living room, at least. I also need to set the table."
"Come on! Mitsuhiko-kun and Genta-kun are here as well!" Ayumi exclaimed excitedly.
"Hai, hai," he said, allowing himself to be pulled by the shorter girl.
As soon as they entered the living room, Ayumi spoke happily, "Guess who's here?"
Mitsuhiko and Genta paused their video game and turned to their long-time mentor. "Shinichi-onii-chan!" "Shinichi-san!" they both exclaimed, standing up from the couch to regard the older individual.
Shinichi smiled, walking towards them. Their voices, he noted, has dropped, Genta's more so that Mitsuhiko's. "Still playing games, I see," he said, nodding to the television.
A light pink hue tinged Mitsuhiko's ears while Genta furrowed his brows at the comparison to their younger selves. Mitsuhiko shook his head. "We still do, but this game is the professor's," replied Mitsuhiko.
Genta nodded in agreement, "Yeah, we're just testing it. It's pretty boring, though."
Shinichi chuckled at Genta's last sentence, reminding him of how the boy can get easily bored. He took in the younger male and noticed he grew more husky around the chest with quite muscular arms. Ai did say he was captain of the judo and wrestling teams. He also had more of a square jaw. His hair was no longer a bald cut as he grew it out just slightly at the top, fading down to his neck and hiding the shape of his head, bald spot slightly evident. He stood taller, too, at least a couple of centimeters above Shinichi.
"It's not very appealing visually, and, intellectually, it's not much of a challenge," Mitsuhiko added to the criticism of the game.
Upon his words, Shinichi shifted his gaze to regard the president of the science and math clubs. The young academic student was almost his height save for an inch or so. He had more of an angular face and his freckles were still evident but barely visible compared to before. His dark brown hair was styled neatly, representing his formal upbringing. Shinichi also noted Mitsuhiko wasn't quite as thin as his younger self.
"The professor still makes games as well?" Shinichi asked, picking up the game cover and quickly scanning the synopsis.
"For the upcoming school festival," answered Ayumi, watching him flip the cover back and forth. "We're planning on selling it to help fund the club."
Shinichi lifted his eyes to look at the teens before him. "The Detective Club?"
Genta nodded. "Ayumi created the club," he said plopping down on the sofa with the others following in taking a seat.
Mitsuhiko smiled and added, "It's the only reason why she became Student Council President."
From behind him, Ai spoke as she set the table, "Since everyone was developing new interest and desired to experience other things, Ayumi wanted to at least create the Detective Club so that we can all meet at least once a week despite other obligations."
At this, Shinichi was impressed and looked over to the petite brunette, a dark pink hue creeping up the young girl's cheeks.
Hating the attention, she waved her arms in embarrassment. "But Ai-chan's the president of the club!"
Ai scoffed as Ayumi's efforts at shifting the attention was futile. "That's only because you're busy as StuCo President."
"That's really great, Ayumi-chan," Shinichi proclaimed proudly and reached out to pat the girl on the head once more. Ayumi's blush couldn't deepen any further, her face as red as a tomato.
"Since we're talking about the Detective Club," Mitsuhiko began, gaining Shinichi's attention once again. "When we heard from Ai-chan that you were back in Japan, we were hoping you can come to the school festival and be our star guest."
Shinichi noticed all teens were looking hopefully and eagerly at him, reminding him of Ai's expression when she had invited him for dinner. Ah… that was why he was particularly invited today (since the past couple of weeks, he had casually invited himself).
He nodded. "I can do that," he committed himself and chuckled when all three teens expressed their elation at his answer. No sooner did the conversation pick-up with the teenagers updating Shinichi about the latest happenings within their lives, and Shinichi was pleased to see that the Detective Boys was as easy to talk to despite becoming teenagers.
Thirty minutes later, Ai interrupted them to announce dinner was ready. "I'll get Hakase and Hiro," said Ai before disappearing down the stairs leading to the basement, which caused Shinichi to slightly falter in stride as he headed towards the dining table.
Ayumi noticed such misstep and supplied, "Hiro-kun is a member of the Detective Club," clearly mistaking Shinichi's furrowed brows of irritation for creased brows of confusion.
Shinichi knew that already. What he wanted to know was… Shinichi stopped. What did he want to know? If Hiro and Ai were really dating? Why the hell was this Hiro bastard kissing Ai? Why was Ai even entertaining a teenage boy's hormonal whims? How far did they go? Save for the last one, he already knew the answers to those questions, didn't he?
"We all know he joined only because of Ai-chan," Genta continued, eyes sparkling as he stared at the food.
"That may be true, but he still contributes his share to the club," Ayumi countered as she sat down beside Mitsuhiko and Genta on one side of the dining table. "Besides, we needed another member to make the club official."
"If Conan-kun was still with us, we wouldn't have needed a new member," Genta pointed out, already filling his plate with rice and wincing when Ayumi smacked his hand away before he could even touch the curry.
Shinichi looked at Genta, his words brought about a slight guilt to cloud his heart. The kids still thought about him these past six years. He also realized he should stop referring to them as kids, considering that many years had passed. Smiling solemnly, he took the seat adjacent to Mitsuhiko at one end of the table. "He thinks about you guys as well," Shinichi said softly, taking a plate for himself.
Ayumi, Mitsuhiko, and Genta simultaneously looked at Shinichi before glancing at each other, exchanging similar knowing smiles.
It was then that the three remaining individuals finally emerged from the lab, and all eyes noticed Ai and Hiro on either side of the professor, helping the elder man walk. Genta immediately moved to replace Ai.
"What happened?" Shinichi questioned, concerned.
"Hakase was clumsy and tripped over one of his inventions," answered Hiro as they passed by Shinichi.
Ai moved next to Shinichi to get out of the way. The tall detective turned to her, questioningly. "He should be okay, though. I already wrapped his ankle," said Ai as she watched Mitsuhiko pull out the professor's chair and Genta and Hiro help the professor to sit.
"You're getting older, Hakase. Please take care of yourself better," Mitsuhiko spoke for everyone, who nodded in agreement.
The professor noticed all individuals casting worried looks his way. "I'm fine. As Hiro-kun said, I was just clumsy," he expressed, which did nothing to abate the concerned gazes. "I'm fine," he reassured. "Let's eat now, shall we? Ai-kun?"
At being called, Ai released a sigh. "Come on," she muttered to Shinichi, nudging him slightly with her elbow.
A couple of minutes into dinner, Hiro turned to Shinichi. "I apologize for not greeting you earlier, Kudo-san," Hiro stated. "I was helping Hakase with his inventions."
Shinichi regarded the younger boy who sat at the other side of Ai near the professor. "No worries," Shinichi replied. He then saw Ai casually place more fukujinzuke on Hiro's plate and another brow twitch happens. "So, Hiro-kun," Shinichi called, gaining the male teen's attention, who did not notice the slight acerbity in how his name was said. "Since you're part of the Detective Club, I take it you like mysteries?"
Ayumi, Mitsuhiko, and Genta all glanced at Shinichi in puzzlement, considering they had mentioned his reasoning for joining the Detective Club.
Hiro didn't think much of the question. "Can't say as much as the other members," he replied honestly and added, "but I admit it's fun."
"Oh? What makes it fun?" Shinichi asked, intrigued to his answer.
Briefly glancing at Ai that did not go unnoticed by Shinichi, Hiro answered, "I don't find the thrill and suspense in mysteries exciting, but the incentives to solve the puzzles are what motivates me."
Shinichi saw Ai, who had been casually eating, pause consuming her food, chopsticks at her lips and unmoving. He quirked a brow at her stillness. Eyes trained on the girl to his right, he spoke to Hiro, "Must be some incentives to motivate a non-mystery-lover. I'm curious to what prizes the Detective Club supplies for their activities. I also didn't think the members would have a need for such incentives."
Shinichi wasn't the type of person to rely on body language as he preferred undeniable, cold, hard, concrete evidence as proof, but he couldn't deny the light pink tinge that graced the scientist's cheeks. There was only one reason Ai would blush at the topic at hand. Whatever incentives Hiro mentioned was being supplied by Ai, and if he were to gander a guess, said incentives was related to the image that did not want to go away. Shinichi internally scoffed; he could still read her after all.
"You mean the overnight trips?" Genta interrupted, mouth half full. "I like those, too, since we get to miss classes."
At Genta's input, Ai resumed eating (not without the slight relaxation of her shoulders that did not go unobserved by Shinichi), and Hiro nodded in agreement, looking at the husky teen wrestler. "Yeah. We're lucky to have Ayumi as our StuCo Prez to approve of our club enhancement activities. We should have another one soon," he suggested, and the atmosphere was once again filled with excitement as the teens planned their next overnight trip.
Amidst the enthusiastic chatter of the teenagers, Ai could feel it. She could feel him continue to look at her, but when she turned her head to question if he wanted something, he was engaged in a conversation with Mitsuhiko about one of his many cases. It couldn't be her imagination, though. The entire left side of her body could feel the effects of his stare. With a simple look, he brought about a heat and tingling a sensation as if he personally touched her. As if he grazed his fingers ever so lightly on her skin, starting from her temple, to the tip of her ear, to her jaw, sliding down her neck, and gliding across her collar bone to the end of her shoulder. She did her best to pay it no mind, but that feeling lingered even after dinner.
When they had tea and cookies afterwards, she was aware that Shinichi purposefully sat across from her. And when she happened to look up while taking a sip of her tea, she locked eyes with him, and the look he casted her rendered her still as her body became aflame under his dark and intense stare. She immediately turned her head away, wondering if her cheeks were red because she oddly felt flushed by his gaze. Breath catching in her throat, she excused herself and retired to her room, unable to take it anymore.
An hour later, she finally emerged, wanting a glass of water, and was slightly surprised to see Shinichi still in the kitchen, cleaning up. She had assumed everyone had left home. A feeling of anxiousness engulfed her, but if she were to turn around and head back to her room, she was sure the next time she meets Shinichi, things will be needlessly awkward. So, she ignored the feeling of unease simmering in the lower part of her heart and strode to his side by the kitchen sink.
"Let me," she spoke, tying her hair into a ponytail.
"There's not much left, but you can help me dry," he replied, briefly glancing at her before going back to his task of washing the remaining dishes.
Ai nodded and grabbed the dry cloth. She reached for one of the wet dishes he placed on the drying towel and wiped it dry before placing it on the rack. "Thank you," she began. She figured one of them should break the silence, although she never felt the need to before. She continued, "for agreeing to come to the school festival. I know you're busy as is already, and we're piling onto that."
He shook his head. "It's nothing," he said, rinsing the last dish and shutting off the faucet. He turned his body to face Ai, and waited until she was finished drying the dishes in front of her before handing her the glass cup.
As she took the last dish from him, her slender fingers touched his rough ones and her heart skipped a beat at the contact. When did physical contact with him make her so conscious? If this goes on any longer, she wouldn't be able to stay in the same room as him.
She took the glass from him and began wiping it. Ignoring the obvious way he was staring down at her, she hesitantly began, "Is there something bothering you?" She placed the now dry dish on the rack and lifted her head to look him in the eyes. Although she wanted to turn her gaze away, she held firm.
He was quiet for a long while, and she had half the mind to just go back to her room until she felt his hand touch the ends of her ponytail that rested on her shoulder. "You're growing your hair out," he stated.
Furrowing her brows at the simple sentence, she looked down to where he caressed her locks. "I thought that I'd opt for a longer hairstyle since my hair was short the last time I was sixteen," she answered his voiced observation nonetheless, and then her eyebrows rose in surprise as she saw him reach around for the band holding her ponytail. Confused, she searched his eyes as she felt him pull the band, loosening her ponytail until her strawberry blonde locks tumbled softly onto her shoulders.
"Kudo…kun…?"
He always loved the color of her hair, probably since he first met her. It reminded him of cherry blossoms. Everyone admired the pink petals, but the dark mystery associated with the cherry blossoms attracted only a few. Her hair stopped right above her bust line and was soft within his touch. The color emphasized the specks of turquois within her gray irises. Haibara Ai, formerly Miyano Shiho, was absolutely beautiful.
"Shinichi," he retorted, finally letting go of her hair. Seeing her wrinkled forehead, he clarified, "I noticed you allowed the kids to call you by your first name and you call them by theirs, but you still refer to me by my last name."
Ai stared at the man two feet in front of her, trying to read his mind only to find out she couldn't. Before, she was able to tell what was on his mind. By his simple expressions, she was able to tell apart his emotions, from the smug realization of solving a case to the pure embarrassed joy when he advances his relationship with his childhood love. Why is it that as she stares at the man currently in front of her, she could not for the life of her tell what he's currently thinking or feeling? The only thing she was absolutely sure of was that he currently wanted her to call him by his first name as he stared back at her, waiting patiently for her to say something. And so, with everything else a confusion that she would rather cast aside, she quietly said his name.
"Shinichi."
Strange. Shinichi has heard his name uttered by countless of people, but no one brought about a strange feeling within his heart as Ai uttering his name. Not even Ran. When Ran said his name, he recalled the feeling of happiness, a sweet joy mixed with slight embarrassment as they both called each other by their first name for the first time. Ai, however, stirred something entirely different within him that he couldn't quite figure out. In order to decipher it, he decided he needed to hear her again. He took a step closer, the distance decreasing significantly. "Say it again."
Something told her that if she were to repeat his name right now, something will change between them. For better or worse, she didn't know, so she remained silent. But amidst her silence, she could hear the loud thumping in her heart.
"Is something wrong?" she asked instead, concern evident in her voice. "You're acting… different…"
Shinichi was taken aback. Him? Different? For the past month, all he could think about was how different she was. "Me?" he questioned bewildered. "You're the one who's changed," he finally voiced, doing a once-over on her entire body. "You're…" he trailed off. He couldn't finish it because when he thought of what he wanted to say, Ran flashed through his mind. Like lighting, he stepped away from her.
Ai was startled at the sudden movement. "Shinichi?"
Shinichi froze at the sound of his name, a feeling of caution bubbling at the back of his mind as he was now fully aware of the feeling Ai awakened within him. He understood why Ran flashed through his mind a second ago. And he realized why seeing that kiss mark on her neck irritated him so.
"I gotta go," he voiced lowly and proceeded towards the front door, leaving a confused Ai behind. Entering his house, he went straight to his room, took out his phone, and dialed Ran's number. He needed to talk to Ran. He needed to hear Ran's voice. He needed to hear Ran say his name. He needed to hear Ran say his name to erase Ai's voice echoing in his head.
He released an aggravated sigh when it went straight to voicemail. He hung-up and tried again. Ran, pick up, he pleaded. If she didn't pick up, Shinichi was forced to continue to hear Ai's voice uttering his name. And if that continued, he wouldn't be able to ignore the feeling within him. And if he couldn't ignore the feeling within him, he couldn't deny that he was lusting after Ai.
Shinichi clenched his jaw when it once again went to voicemail.