Thx for the reviews!! From now on, updates will be slower due to the fact that winter break is over, but I'll try to get as much done as possible.

Chapter 8

The actions against the syndicates are going well. So far, with the professor's help, Ai had been able to stop some of their plans before they were carried out. But at the same time, they are starting to get suspicious.

'ACCESS DENIED' the screen now read. The password had been changed for the third time this week, and Ai knew that if she got it wrong for another time, the organization would be alerted.

"Ai-kun, you need rest." The clock hanging in the living room read three thirty. Agasa Hakase had woken up to go to the bathroom, finding the lights still on, and Ai sitting in front of the computer, pondering what to do. "It's three in the morning."

"Oh." Ai answered, but she didn't move.

"Ai-kun!"

Rubbing her eyes, Ai turned to face the professor. "I can't guarantee they won't find out about me, so I have to get as much done as possible. The sooner it's all finished, the more lives can be saved."

"But…" He began, worried. She looked tired, face pale from not getting enough sleep.

"I'm okay." She said with a reassuring smile.

Hakase sighed and plopped down in a chair next to her, thinking if she refuses to rest, she could at least do with the company.

Struck by a thought, Ai logged into her own email account, or rather, Miyano Shiho's. Sure enough, there was a message from them, a short message that would normally have been treated as spam mail.

She highlighted the message, and at the bottom, written in white, is the new password.

The professor watched her work in silence, appalled once more, of the many crimes the organization have committed.

"…Ai-kun… Shinichi's been spending a lot of time with Ran…" He said after awhile, clearing his throat.

"Good." Ai tried hard to concentrate on the computer screen, ignoring the sudden, painful stab inside. She had made sure of this, hadn't she? Why is feeling like this?

"Have you…been… avoiding him?" Hakase asked, choosing his words carefully.

"No." Just giving him and Ran some alone time.

"Ai-kun… you'll hurt his feelings… you know how he is…"

"Oh?" Ai tried to sound unconcerned. The best she could do for him is to stay away, make it easier to forget her once she's gone.

"Ai-kun…" Hakase was going to keep arguing, but Ai interrupted him. "I'm going to bed. Good night, Hakase." She said, switching off the computer.

He saw the pained expression on her face, and decided not to press the matter further. "Good night, Ai-kun."

Lying in her bed, Ai tried to sleep, punching her pillow in a more comfortable shape; she glanced over to her bedside table, expecting the photo taken of the Detective Boys at a camping trip, only to remember that it's not there.

With a sigh, she wondered how one could possibly feel homesick in one's own room.

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A/N: Very short chapter, possibly the shortest yet, I am so sorry!! (begs for forgiveness)