Disclaimer: Do not own anything except charas I made.

Author's notes: I thought I made it clear why KID started calling Conan "tantei-san" instead of "tantei-kun" ;) But if the hints from the last chapters weren't enough, they're going to have a conversation that would make things very obvious.

And imo, Hakuba's deduction was pretty decent. He got almost everything right, didn't he? It's just that KID gained an unexpected ally.

Also, the library incident Kaito will mention is in reference to my other fic, That Day At The Library.

Feature Story Part VII

Pact and Promise

The eight teenagers were back at the Prince Edward Suite. They were cleaning the mess KID made earlier and Hakuba Saguru decided to keep what remains of the thief's exploding note and listening devices.

"He might've left some traces," he said. "I'm not giving up unmasking him, then I'll ask why he does what he does."

He was holding a miniature vacuum cleaner, something he had trouble using. Almost all of them were holding vacuum cleaners, brooms, mops or rag cloths, which they were using to clean up the living room suite.

They originally called for room service but they were denied by an agitated-sounding receptionist, who told them almost all cleaners were busy trying to repair the penthouse game room. Instead, they were just offered some cleaning materials and were asked to tidy the room themselves.

"It's always been an interest of mine to find out the reason behind KID's unusual method of stealing," Saguru continued as he was finding a switch on the vacuum. "And even why he returns his stolen items…"

"Saguru-niiichan, maybe you should first unlock the mystery of his intentions before you unmask him," Edogawa Conan said.

The boy was fluffing the pillows to remove the soot and dust it accumulated. Hattori Heiji was beside the boy and was vacuuming off the dirt that fell from the pillows.

"Wow Conan-kun is using such big words!" Nakamouri Aoko said. "Did you learn that from your Shinichi-niichan? Ran tells me you two are close… And Hakuba-kun, can you just focus on cleaning? Let me get that for you…"

Aoko was mopping the area near the door and she dropped her mop for a while to help Saguru with the vacuum.

"Bad service, this hotel," Heiji said. "It's not like our fault KID had to destroy everything he touches. I say the boys go to the spa too and that we get free everything!"

"Stop whining, Heiji!" Toyama Kazuha said as she hit him on the back with a throw pillow. "Everyone is cleaning too!"

"Hey and we still have our stubs for the free dinner buffet!" Suzuki Sonoko said.

"But I want to try that okonomiyaki Kuroba mentioned!" Heiji said.

"You should, you should!" Kuroba Kaito said. He was kneeling on the floor to sweep the area beneath a rug. "I know the guy who owns the place and I can even ask him to put extra sauce!"

"That would be great!" Heiji said. "Oi you're a magician, ne? Can you teleport there now? I'm really hungry…"

Kaito scratched his head. "I'm afraid a trick like that is kind of impossible," he said.

"But KID was able to do it!" Sonoko said as she stopped wiping dust off the coffee table. "You should learn from him! Next time he appears, try to be more observant!"

"I really think Kuroba here has done more than observe," Saguru said. "If only that evidence was found on him…"

"You're still onto that?" Sonoko asked. "Look, KID is smart, funny, sophisticated, a gentleman, very good with magic… And this guy here is kind of a perv and I actually saw him hiding behind Nakamouri-keibu when KID tried to trap us."

"Oi, oi I wasn't hiding! I just grabbed onto his shirt 'cause I lost balance!" Kaito said.

"You were hiding behind otou-san?" asked Nakamouri Aoko, who was now mopping the area on the floor that has already been swept by Kaito.

"Speaking of, I wonder how the chase is going on," Aoko asked out loud.

"I called Nakamouri-keibu a while ago and they said that they lost KID as he was exiting Beika," Conan said.

"I'm really disappointed, you know," Heiji said. He stopped cleaning and sat on the couch.

"I read all about your chases with KID and thought I could join but you simply gave up," Heiji continued. "Of course, I can't with my back and legs aching like this… but I think that it's also because during the photo shoot, someone as heavy as an elephant was propped on my lap."

"So now you think I'm an elephant?" Kazuha asked.

Heiji and Kazuha started to banter and everyone just ignored them.

"Heiji has a point… Why didn't this brat follow Nakamouri-keibu in pursuit?" Sonoko asked as she sat on the couch. "Don't you think it's weird, too, Ran?"

"Oh? Hmm..." was all that Ran replied.

Ran has been silent the whole time. She was also using a rag cloth to clean the tables and had not spoken a word since they got back to the suite.

"Hey are you okay?" Sonoko asked.

"You must be really, tired," Aoko said as she walked to where Ran was. "You can rest in one of the rooms, if you like. We'll take the cleaning from here…"

"Iie, please don't mind me," Ran said. "Gomen… I just have a lot on my mind…"

Kazuha and Heiji stopped arguing.

"It's not Kudou, is it?" Heiji asked.

"A while ago, I called him and he said some very strange things. He said something like 'go up here' but when I went up the penthouse, KID was there…" Ran said. "And you know, their voices sound so much alike…"

"You're not thinking that Kudou maybe KID because that's just impossible!" Heiji said.

"You know, Heiji, Ran has a point… Kudou has disappeared and who knows what he's doing?" Kazuha said. "He says he's on a case but can we really trust what he says?"

"Ran, do you want me to read the list again why KID is perfect and then we compare that to your hubby, who isn't all like him?" Sonoko said. "And I've known him for a long time, too, and I know he wouldn't do anything like that…"

"I've also read the reports and case files on KID, especially those that occurred when I'm abroad," Saguru said as he set down the miniature vacuum cleaner. "Kudou Shinichi was accidentally involved during the attempted capture of KID when he planned to steal the clock tower. So it's impossible that they're the same person."

Ran still looked unconvinced.

"You know what's also impossible? That I'm KID!" Kaito said. "He's been around since before we were babies! Unless you're implying I can control my age."

Heiji looked at Conan with a knowing smile.

"Hey Kudou," Heiji said as he bent to whisper to Conan. "You said we need to talk about something…"

Just then, Kaito put an arm around Conan.

"Hey boy, how about that okonomiyaki?" Kaito said. "Now, how about you guys finish cleaning and then we'll meet you at the buffet. Save us seats and then we'll have the okonomiyaki as an appetizer or dessert!"

Everybody gave grunts and nods of approval.

"He just wants to escape his cleaning duties!" Sonoko sneered.

"All right!" Heiji said. "We'll talk later, Kud – Conan-kun!"

When Kaito was ushering Conan out of the room, he noticed that the boy was still looking at Ran.

As he was passing Aoko, he whispered in haste, "Cheer up that girl, will you?"

The girl looked surprised at the request, but nodded.

Once outside and as soon as they made sure that the door was firmly closed, Conan asked, "Rooftop?"

Kaito nodded.

They took the service elevator, for which they haven't returned the access card yet. As they both stepped onto the empty rooftop, Conan made his way to the railings.

"Full moon," Conan said as he pointed to the sky. "And no clouds…"

"Beautiful isn't it, tantei-san?" Kaito asked.

"Not tantei-kun?"

"You're a famous and distinguished detective, Kudou Shinichi," Kaito said. "I should start giving you the proper respect."

"How long have you known?" Conan asked.

"I just had my suspicions since I met you that night when you were tinkering with those fireworks," Kaito said. "And you?"

"Just this morning," Conan said with a smile. "You have to give it to Hakuba. His deduction was spot on. I arrived at the same conclusions, just a breath earlier."

"I guess I have to thank you for that… If you haven't taken the listening devices from me, I would've been found out," Kaito said. "Why did you help me?"

Conan shrugged.

"Impulse?" Conan said. "And you also intrigue me why you manage to stay young after all this time, unless that's a very good disguise…"

Kaito just smirked at him. He walked to where Conan was and rested an arm on the railings.

"Hey, if you could do it, why can't I?" Kaito said.

"Unless…"

Conan remembered a magician named Kuroba Toichi, who is also a good friend of her mother.

Toichi may be this boy's father, Conan thought.

Conan did not forget to recall that Toichi was the same magician who taught her mother and Vermouth the art of disguise. It occurred to Conan that if Kuroba Toichi is affiliated with Vermouth at all, it would not be wise to be close to KID.

"There are people after you," Kaito said.

"Eh?"

"I know because there are people after me, too," Kaito said. "And I don't just mean you detectives and the police."

Conan hesitated if he should mention the existence of the black organization. A possibility exists that he is wrong with his deduction that the previous KID is Kuroba Toichi and that this boy just took over his otou-san's job… What if this boy has been KID ever since? What if his aging was halted too because of the apotoxin, Conan thought.

"But it really intrigues me why you shrank," Kaito said. "Or if my guess is right, your cells are… Maa, they won't die..."

Conan chose to keep silent. It would be a gamble if he told him about the organization. If KID was in it and was just fishing for information, he would surely die. If he isn't a member, then his life would be at risk. Conan doesn't anyone else involved in his bloody affair.

"If you're wise, you better stay away from me," Conan said.

"Who knows? I may already be involved more than you think," Kaito said. "This has something to do with Mizunashi Rena, ne?"

"I'm serious, KID. Stay out of this," Conan said.

Kaito shrugged but Conan sensed that the thief would not let the issue rest. They were silent for a while. They were both consumed in their own thoughts as they gazed at the glowing moon.

"So, what now? You keep my secret, I keep yours? That sort of thing?" Kaito asked.

"I guess…" Conan said. "But if I catch you as KID, I won't let you go."

"Oi you said that you'll ask me why I'm doing this," Kaito said. "It's not like I'm having fun."

Conan just stared at him. "I know you're not a bad person, KID, but I think the less we know about each other's troubles, the less danger we'll attract."

"Hey, hear me out for a while," Kaito said. "I think that based from what happened to you, maybe there's a connection to what I'm searching for and that thing that made you like that… Maybe it's even what I need…"

Conan shook his head. "You're looking for a kind of jewel. But the thing that made me like this is a pill, intended to be a poison," he said.

"How do you know I'm looking for a jewel?"

"I'm a detective, remember?"

"Oh, right… Uhm, how long have you been like that?" Kaito asked. "I remember the incident at the clock tower that Hakuba mentioned. You were still your normal size then, ne?"

Conan nodded. "The shrinking happened shortly after that," he said.

"Do you ever get back to your old self?" Kaito asked.

"Sometimes," Conan said. "The girl who made the poison fled from the organization and is currently working on an antidote. She tests her developments on me."

"That's complicated," Kaito said. "Oh, but I mean – hey cheer up! You and that karate girl are all gloomy and it's ruining the mood! They say we look alike a lot – what do you think about that, huh? I honestly think I'm more handsome…"

Conan raised a brow at him.

"You'll bring that up now?" the boy asked. "But to answer your question, I don't think we look alike because I actually wash my hair."

"Oi what's that's supposed to mean?"

"It means exactly what it means," Conan said.

"You know, I think that even before the clock tower incident, we already met," Kaito said. "When I was younger, there was this snooty boy who looked a lot like me. We met at the library and he even chased me around."

Conan denied having any knowledge of this but he did recall an instance when a boy who looked very much like him almost got him kicked out of the Beika Public Library.

"I was sure that was you," Kaito said. "It's like we've been destined to meet, you see…"

"You're making a big deal out of this," Conan said. "I don't know why you find it so fascinating, to the point of comparing yourself to me and saying blasphemous things such as thieves and detectives are like the sky and ocean."

"Can't help it," Kaito said. "It's like you're my brother. I used to think you're a little brother, but now, a big brother is more apt."

"Big brother…?" Conan said and remembered the incident with the ox hide wallet.

"That's it! You called me that! You called me your big brother!" Conan said. "About ten years ago, at Teitan Elemantary library! Don't you remember?"

Kaito just blinked at him. "Did the gas knock you out really bad?"

So he wasn't KID then, Conan thought, confirming once and for all that the KID whom his father chased after isn't the same as the one standing beside him in that rooftop.

"So that's it," Conan said. "And here I was thinking, you stopped growing too, just like me."

"I could, you know," Kaito said with a smirk. "As soon as I get what I'm searching for…"

"What is it? The object you're searching for, I mean… Why can't you just ask for police assistance?" Conan said.

"What happened to 'stay out of each other's business?' ne?" Kaito said. "Anyway, we have to get going soon. Get that okonomiyaki before anyone gets suspicious. Do you mind if we stop over somewhere a bit?"

Conan shook his head. "As long as you do me a favor, too," he said.

O O O

Himekaidou Aya was in the Nichiuri TV's parking lot for employees. She had just submitted her article and resignation letter. Other than breaking the record for the fastest submission for an article in the history of the station, she also begged a fellow reporter to take over her story on the detectives.

As she walked to her car, a second-hand, yellow sedan she bought with her college savings, she remembered to do one more thing.

She rushed back to the newsroom. She looked around and saw that there was only one other editor left, who was taking a nap on his desk. She checked her watch. It was almost eight in the evening. She tiptoed to her cubicle and removed her blazer. She set it down on top of her table then she opened her computer.

After typing a command to make all files visible, she permanently deleted the folder that contained research materials about Mizunashi Rena.

"Being a good girl and following the tantei's orders?"

Aya turned to see a man in white suit and silk, top hat. The face behind the monocle looked clearer now and an apparent smirk was visible.

"KID! You scared me! Why do you keep sneaking up on me like that?" Aya said.

"Because you have such a cute expression on your face when you're surprised," KID said.

Aya blushed.

"Did you get my gift?" KID asked.

Aya fished out the plane ticket from her blazer.

"This? I don't even know how to…" Aya started.

"No need to thank me," KID said. "It's the same flight and seat that your idiot of an editor cancelled. Charged it to him, of course. Didn't help him that his credit card number and codes are all in his computer."

Aya smiled at him. "Thanks, really," she said.

"I was surprised when I came about and there was something inside my blazer," she continued. "Hey, since I specifically found this inside my blazer, you didn't touch anything else, did you?"

"What do you mean?" KID asked.

Aya's face was getting redder.

"You even left a note…" she said as she took out a crumpled paper inside the other side of her blazer.

"My lovely Pulitzer winner, use this ticket to fly to your dream. PS Take care of your beautiful legs and please maintain your figure," Aya read.

"What's with the beautiful legs and figure thing, ne?" she asked. "Maybe when the strings fell on us and we became paralyzed for a while… Maybe… What I mean is, when you were inserting this ticket in my blazer's pocket, did you touch me somewhere else?"

"What do you think I would – ?"

Still red in the cheeks, she grabbed his tie and pulled him closer to her. "I said, did you attempt to molest me, Kuroba Kaito-kun?"

KID's smirk disappeared as he removed Aya's hand from his silk, pink tie.

"I don't know what you're talking about, princess," he said.

Aya pouted. "Really? I was pretty sure the Kuroba father and son were KID, based on Kudou Yusaku's files. I've been obsessed and reading them since I've been given the KID interview. And when Hakuba Saguru mentioned a Kuroba Kaito coming to the interview, I thought it was really you and that you had a plan worked out…"

KID took a step closer to the reporter. They were so close that Aya could see the bright, blue eye behind the glass of the monocle.

"And as you know, I have perfect pitch," Aya continued as she fought hard not to stammer. "I can sense even the tiniest difference in voice. When you came to me as Tsukikage-san, I thought he had only sore throat. I only knew for sure that you weren't the real Tsukikage-san when I touched your hand."

"Go on, love," KID said as he took another step towards Aya. "It turns me on when I hear you talk like this…"

Aya took a step backwards. "Maa, today, Jinno-san's voice changed twice. So I suspect that your accomplice posed as Jinno-san during the day and then you switched with him in the afternoon," she said.

"And?" KID asked as he took another step. The end of Aya's stiletto was bumping into KID's spotless white shoes.

"That boy who hid behind Nakamouri-keibu… His voice is also different from the one we filmed after KID flew away," Aya said. "And KID's voice during the interview is similar to yours. It's the same pitch and everything… So maybe, it really is you…"

"Do you really want to know?" KID whispered into Aya's ear.

Aya felt her heart beating faster. She needs to fight this, she thought. She shouldn't let some cocky teenager get a hold of her like this. If she can, she should beat him in his own game.

Aya smiled. Before KID could react, she pushed him down hard on the floor. KID was caught unaware and fell on his back.

"Oi what was that –"

KID sat up just as Aya knelt between his legs.

"Hey what are you – "

Aya mounted on his lap and straddled him. KID gave a faint gasp.

"You asked if I want to know you," she said. "My answer is yes, KID. I want to know you… A lot…"

She traced a line on his suit – from the top of his collar down to his belt – using the tip of her finger.

"I want to know everything about you," she whispered onto his ear.

Aya could hear the thief's heart beating faster than hers. His breath was short and heavy.

"Himekaidou-san, I…"

Aya laughed. She quickly stood up and offered a hand to KID.

"Just teasing!" she said. "Now do you know how it feels?"

KID frowned at her. "Never tease a man like that. If I wasn't a gentleman, I might've lost control," he said.

"Right. You know what, KID? Even if I was to throw myself at you, I'm pretty sure you wouldn't bulge – I mean, budge! Budge!" Aya said before giggling.

KID's face was scarlet as he noticed a prominent bulge in the front of his pants. He stood up in haste and faced away.

"That wasn't – " KID said. "I'm a growing boy, okay! And you're an attractive woman!"

"I know I am," Aya said as her smile grew wider. "But I'm positively sure you find someone else more attractive, ne? A certain girl who 'worries a lot' and is obviously not attracted to Hakuba Saguru…"

"I don't know what you're talking about," KID said, his face still turned away.

"You kids are such in denial of your feelings," Aya said. "Trust me… It gets easier when you get older…"

KID scoffed."Still don't know what you're talking about," he said.

Aya shook her head in frustration that the thief isn't getting her message.

"Don't worry," she said. "I won't tell anyone…"

"Gomen, princess… I still don't know what you mean," KID replied, his back still turned to her.

"Fine, play that card," Aya said. "Hey, I'll be back from the coverage after a few weeks. Maa, actually, if this grows into a big story, I might be gone for a while. Promise to wait for my return?"

KID took her hand and gave it a kiss.

"With all my heart, princess," he said.

Aya withdrew her hand. "When I get back, and if you still want to know me..."

"I'll know where to find you," KID replied. "That's what you want me to say, ne?"

"Actually, what I meant was, try to drop me a line beforehand," Aya said with a brow raised. "I'm going to die so young from a heart attack because of your surprise visits!"

"Oh. Noted," KID said with a small giggle. "Now if you excuse me, I need to take care of some unfinished business of great consequence."

"I'll see you when I get back, KID," Aya said. "I'll clear the cameras for you."

"Already done," KID said. "Don't miss me too much. Now close your eyes and count to three."

Aya shut her eyes but before she could start counting, she felt a familiar pair of lips touch hers. She opened her eyes in shock but she was already standing by herself, alone, in her cubicle.

"Baka, KID," she whispered to herself as she grabbed her blazer and left the dark newsroom of Nichiuri TV for the very last time.

O O O

"I'm sorry for asking another favor so soon, Jii-chan."

"It's my pleasure, obo-chama."

"Did you have trouble fleeing from the police a while ago?"

"Not at all. Thank you for your concern."

"Oh. Uhm, did you get my message? And the…"

"Hai. I already bought one."

"Did you get the one with strawberries?"

"Hai."

"Oh, that's great. That's all. Keep your device on so you'll know when we can switch."

"I will, obo-chama."

"Jii, thanks for this. Chichi would have been so thankful to you, too."

"And your otou-san would be beaming with pride in heaven, to see how much you've grown."

"I hope..."

O O O

"You got the okonomiyaki?"

"Yeah… You called for the necessary back up?"

"Of course."

"And are you done flirting with that reporter?"

"I was just being a gentleman, appreciating a lady, and bidding a proper goodbye. You should try it sometimes."

"Try what exactly? Oh! I get what you mean, you sly thief."

"Shut up! Not that! Just go make that call. I'll be there in ten."

"Rendezvous at the lobby after. Stick to the plan."

O O O

The teenagers at the Prince Edward suite of the Prince Royal Hotel were finally done cleaning.

The girls were slumped on the couch while the boys sat with their legs crossed on the carpeted part of the living room.

"Do we wait for Kaito and Conan-kun?" Aoko asked. "Do you want to watch some TV while we wait?"

"IIE!" shouted both Heiji and Kazuha.

The rest stared at them with quizzical looks. The two turned red in response.

"The quality of television shows these days are degrading," Kazuha said.

"And at night, even during the afternoon, the shows can be very risqué," Heiji said.

"Oh… Maa, all right... You guys want to go to the buffet now?" asked Aoko. "We have Kaito and Conan-kun's meal stubs. I'll just text Kaito to go straight there…"

"Can we sit here for a while? I'm soooo tired. I can't believe one smoke bomb note thingy would be so messy and hard to clean!" said Sonoko, who was resting her head on the couch's arm.

"That KID is so troublesome!" Kazuha said.

"Oh yeah? You were blushing and can't keep your eyes off him when he was being interviewed!" Heiji said.

"You already have Heiji! Back off KID!" Sonoko told Kazuha.

"What do you mean 'have Heiji'? Why doesn't anyone believe we're not together?" Kazuha said in an obvious tone of frustration.

"And do people really think that my standards are that low to be hooking up with a girl like Kazuha?" Heiji asked in disbelief.

"Oh but you two would look so perfect together!" Aoko said.

"'Look' is quite different from actually 'being'," Saguru commented.

"But you meant 'we would be so perfect together', ne?" Heiji asked Aoko.

"Oh! So you're actually concerned!" Sonoko teased Heiji.

"Iie! I was just clarifying the sentence!" Heiji said loudly.

"How about we talk about something else?" Aoko said. "Ne, Ran, I heard you're Kanto's karate champion!"

The girl, who was still silent, gave a weak smile and nodded. Almost all of Aoko's attempts at cheering her up had been futile.

"She's really good! Yesterday, she broke this electricity post at school!" Sonoko said.

"The metal one with wires and stuff?" Aoko said.

"Is there any other kind?" Sonoko asked with a raised brow.

"Sugoi!" Aoko said. "I wish I was as strong as you are..."

Ran shook her head. "I'm not as strong as you think I am…" she said.

"Ran, what are you talking about? You're one of the strongest girls I know – physically and emotionally!" Kazuha said. "If I was in your situation, waiting for Kudou-kun, I'd go crazy!"

"I think I'm already going crazy," Ran said.

"Do you want us boys to leave so you can have your girl talk?" Heiji asked.

"If this is a private matter, we wouldn't want to intrude," Saguru agreed.

"Iie… Gomen, I don't know why I'm so emotional lately…" Ran said.

"It's just probably one of those bad weather days," Aoko said. "Not to mention we've been bullied by KID and – "

The phone in the living room rang.

"I'll get it!" Heiji said.

He stood up and walked to the telephone.

"Moshi, moshi," he said after picking up the receiver.

"This is Hattori Heiji. Hai, she's here," he said. "You want her to go down? Just her? Maa, okay…"

He put down the receiver.

"Aoko, someone's in the lobby to deliver something to you," Heiji said. "The instruction was also strict that you come alone."

They all looked at Aoko, who shrugged her shoulders.

"Sounds like a trap to me," Saguru said. "Do you want me to escort you?"

"Maa, it's a lobby and it's filled with people, ne?" Aoko said. "I'll just call when something seems suspicious."

"Are you sure?" Saguru asked.

Aoko thought about the girls in the room and felt that if she gives in to Saguru's insistence, she would seem weak.

Sonoko is ridiculously rich, Ran is a karate champion and Kazuha can do aikido. All the girls have something special about them and she is as plain as you could get, Aoko thought.

"I can manage alone, really," she said.

"If you say so," Saguru said. "Please call if you feel uneasy and we'll be there in a heartbeat."

"Guys, guys, no need to worry. I'm a big girl! Just keep on resting and wait for those two, ne?" Aoko said.

With that, she left the room and proceeded to the lobby. The rest of them sat quietly for a while before Heiji broke the silence.

"What's taking those two so long? You think we should call them? I want my okonomiyaki!" Heiji said. "I can hear my stomach grumbling…"

He rubbed his torso and Kazuha looked at him and shook her head.

"You're hopeless, Heiji," she said. "You're like a little – "

The living room curtain suddenly swung to the side to reveal an opened glass door to their suite balcony. On the balcony was a man in a white suit and silk top hat.

"KID!" they all shouted.

They all stood up and backed against the thief. Only Sonoko remained on her spot. Her eyes were once again sparkling, in the shape of hearts.

"Nobody move!" Heiji shouted. "He might pull some trick again…"

"No tricks tonight, tantei-san," KID said. "Just delivering something…"

"Call the kid!" Saguru told Heiji.

"Wha?"

"Call the boy! Conan! Call him now!" Saguru said. "Ask him where he is and if Kaito is with him!"

KID smiled and walked to the girls as Heiji took his phone from his pocket and dialed Conan's number.

"Ladies, I apologize for the way I behaved tonight," KID said. "I have to admit I was rather harsh. Because of that, I have a peace offering…"

Just beside them, Heiji was already talking to Conan. Saguru walked to beside Heiji and leaned towards the phone so he could hear the conversation.

"You're with Kaito?"

"Of course I am! There was a long line at the store that's why we're still on our way back," Conan said from the other end of the line. "You want me to give him the phone?"

There was some scuffle at the other end of the line.

"Moshi, moshi! Hattori? We're already on our way back!" Kaito said. "I hope you're not too hungry!"

"Oh," Heiji said. "Not really… Just… Well, okay bye bye. Meet you two at the buffet later!"

They exchanged goodbyes and Heiji put his phone back in his pocket.

"Are you convinced once and for all that Kaito is not this thief?" Heiji said.

Saguru smirked. "No, not yet…" he said.

"I can't see why you're not giving up just because – hey! What are you giving to Kazuha?" Heiji said.

The thief, was in fact, handing a bouquet of red roses to the girl. It was wrapped with pink, scented paper.

"That may be drugged with something! Don't smell it!" Heiji said.

"Heiji he was just apologizing to being un-gentlemanly to us girls!" Sonoko said. "Look we got roses, too!"

She showed him her own bouquet, which was wrapped in yellow, crepe paper.

When KID approached Ran and offered a bouquet, the karate champion shook her head.

"You don't want it? Is your boyfriend going to be mad?" KID asked.

Ran looked up at him. "He's not… I mean, maybe you can explain why – "

Her phone rang. Her eyes widened when she saw the number on screen. She immediately took the call.

"Shinichi!"

"Oi Ran, how are you? I'm sorry about the call a while ago. I'm lacking sleep, you see," Shinichi said. "Did KID appear? Were you able to capture him?"

Ran looked at KID then at her phone.

"You're not – " Ran said to KID.

"I'm not what?" Ran could hear Shinichi's voice on the phone.

"I'll call you later, Shinichi," Ran said. "He's kind of still here…"

"He? You mean KID? Oi! Where? Where are you? Run away from – "

Ran turned off her phone.

"You're not Shinichi?" Ran asked KID.

"I'm sorry, princess," KID said. "Just a thief, not a detective… But I met this detective you confuse me with. He fought bravely during our battle at the clock tower. A boy like that wouldn't want to see you so sad."

"It's just that you sound so much like him," Ran said.

She took a step closer.

"And when I look at you, I think…"

"It's all right," said KID, who turned away. "It's like that when you think about someone too much. Everything seems to remind you of that person…"

"KID! You lousy thief! Why did you really return?" Heiji asked, his voice angry and confused.

"As I said, it's to give these lovely ladies a peace offering," KID said as he materialized another bouquet and handed it to Ran, who coyly accepted.

"As I recall, there's another girl in your group, but it's unfortunate that I have to go now," KID said as he adjusted what seemed to be an earpiece.

He slowly backed away to the balcony and gave a final bow.

"Hakuba let's get him before he flies away!" Heiji shouted then turned to where Hakuba was, only to find him gone and the door, ajar.

"See you later, ladies, tantei-san. Jaa!" he said as his cape formed into a triangular hang glider.

With that, he stepped onto the balcony railing then threw himself into the darkness of the night.

O O O

Nakamouri Aoko had just asked the people manning the reception desk about the call she received.

They said that they just delivered the message from an outside call.

"Can I have the number of the caller please?" she asked. "You do have caller ID, ne?"

Someone had tapped her shoulder. She turned to see Kuroba Kaito, carrying a red box.

"It's my number," he said.

"Why?" she asked.

The magician stretched out his arm to give her the box. His head was turned away and Aoko thought that he was hiding a forming blush on his cheeks.

She took the box with both her hands.

"What is it?" she asked.

"Ice cream cake," Kaito said. "When the boy and I were getting the okonomiyaki, we passed by a store selling these."

"Oh," Aoko said. "Thanks…"

"I know how much you like it and I really didn't plan on buying because I just had enough money for the okonomiyaki," Kaito said. "It was the boy who insisted that I should buy, so I did but we ended up walking back here."

"That explains why it took you so long," Aoko said with a smile. "But thanks... Where is that boy?"

"He met some classmates of his outside and he said he wants to talk to them for a while," Kaito said.

"You left Conan-kun out there, carrying a big box of okonomiyaki?" Aoko asked. "You made the kid carry that thing all the way from Shibuya? KAITO!"

"Two boxes, actually… And oi I was carrying your ice cream cake and that's actually the heavier one!" Kaito said.

Aoko blushed. "You didn't have to…" she said. "I'll share it with everyone later, ne?"

"But that's why I gave it to you beforehand! I want you to taste it first!" Kaito said. "The store said it's a new variety that's why I wanted you to have the first bite…"

"Oh," Aoko said. "But I don't have utensils with me."

A small, taffy-colored cloud erupted out of Kaito's clenched hands and a silver fork appeared.

He smiled and handed the fork to Aoko.

"Wait let me get that for you," Kaito said as he took back the cake box and opened it.

The ice cream cake looked like chocolate pie with real strawberries as toppings. Instead of crusts, there were white icing and hardened caramel syrup.

"Go on, have a bite," Kaito said.

Aoko dug the fork at a curve and took a bite.

"How is it?" Kaito asked.

"Cold," she said. "And sweet…"

Kaito smiled.

The receptionist behind the desk cleared her throat. Her hair was disheveled in several places and there were fresh, coffee stains on her plum-colored vest. The two were supposed to ask what her problem is when she spoke.

"Eating is not allowed in the lobby. Please bring that to your room," she said.

"I'll eat it later so let's go to the buffet tables now?" Aoko asked. "I'll make sure I still eat most parts of it."

Kaito frowned, but nodded.

"Let's go reserve a table for everyone and I'll call them – "

"Oh, just in time," Kaito said as he scratched an area just behind his ear. "I'll get Conan-kun outside, too."

"Oh, okay," Aoko said as she took the box from Kaito.

She watched the boy run to the hotel's entrance before turning around to head to the restaurant. She was almost at the door when someone called after her.

"Aoko! KID is here!"

She glanced back and saw Saguru running from where the elevators are.

"Hakuba-kun, what are you talking about?" she asked.

"Is that the delivery relayed in the phone conversation? That may be from KID! It may be a trap!" Saguru said.

"It's from Kaito!" Aoko said.

"Kaito was here?"

"Yeah we've been talking in the lobby and he gave me this cake," Aoko said.

"Where's the boy?"

"Conan-kun? He was talking to some friends outside and Kaito just ran out to get him," Aoko said. "We'll be meeting at the restaurant. I'm saving everyone seats."

"So Kaito was here? Have you been talking to him this whole time?" Saguru asked. "But KID's upstairs so how can he be here?"

"Hakuba-kun! Is this another one of your mind games to put some blame on Kaito?" Aoko asked.

"But KID has just appeared at our suite!" Saguru said.

"He's at our suite?" Aoko said, an expression of shock spreading across her face. "Why did he come back? What'd he do – what's he – and you just left the others there?"

"KID was talking to the girls when I ran out – "

"You just left them!"

"I didn't leave them… I came here to find you," Saguru said.

Aoko was surprised and was speechless.

"I was worried about you," Saguru said. "I thought he was singling you out and the one that appeared in the suite may be a double. It can also be that the delivery to you contains poison or some form of sleeping agent."

Aoko didn't expect it but suddenly, she felt her heart beating faster. It wasn't the same as when she was with Kaito.

Maybe it's just flattery that another boy showed some compassion towards me, she thought.

"I'm just pleased to see that you're safe and that box is – what is it?" Saguru asked.

"Ice cream cake," Aoko said.

"Here, let me get that for you," he said as he took the box from her. "And let's get that table."

Saguru carried the box in one hand and offered her the other.

"I'll take that hand!"

They spun around and saw Kaito and Conan, who each were carrying flat boxes of okonomiyaki.

"Were you acting all smooth and knight-in-shining-armor-ey with Aoko, huh? Huh?" Kaito asked.

"I'm just being my usual, gentlemanly self," Saguru said as he put down his free hand.

"We brought the okonomiyaki!" Conan said as he raised the box he was holding. "Where's Heiji-niichan and the others?"

"Oh no! They're still with KID!" Aoko said.

"KID's still here?" Kaito asked. "Sugoi! Where? Where?"

Saguru narrowed his eyes at him.

"I'm not giving up, just so you know," Saguru told Kaito.

"You should really get a life," Kaito said. "Should we run up to help them with KID? Possibly get his autograph or something?"

"KAITO!" Aoko said. "You're still siding with that lousy thief!"

"Magicians should stick with each other!" Kaito said.

"He kind of didn't thought about that when he attacked you at the penthouse, ne?" Aoko sneered.

"Maybe he thought I was also a – "

Conan's mobile phone rang. Kaito took the other box from him so he could pick up his phone.

"Ran-neechan! We're already at the hotel!" Conan said. "Really? Are you all right?"

The others watched Conan nodding and listening to Ran tell him what was probably be their encounter with KID.

"Hai, hai, she's here… Hai, he's here too. They're both fine," Conan said. "Okay! We're already going to the buffet! See you there!"

"Are they all right?" Aoko asked.

"Hai," Conan said. "KID just left them a while ago and they said they're already on their way down. They were actually running to here to check up on you and Saguru-niichan."

"And when did we get so close?" Saguru asked. "I've got my eye on you too, boy."

"Why are you so hard on the kid?" Kaito asked. "Now c'mon, the okonomiyaki will get cold. Aoko, send a message to the others not to forget our buffet stubs!"

Aoko nodded and took out her phone. She started typing a message as they walked to the restaurant.

"Know what? I'm really glad the day's over," Kaito said with a smile. "And nothing better to cap it off than a good, hearty dinner with new friends!"

O O O

The teenagers were all seated around a long, rectangular table at the Prince Royal Hotel's restaurant. They had just finished eating their buffet dinner and the okonomiyaki only had one piece left.

"That was better than I expected," Heiji said as he took the final slice. He was seated beside Kazuha, who was still finishing her cup of yogurt with mochi and chocolate syrup.

"Good thing there was no corkage in the restaurant," Sonoko said. "I'm pretty sure they have so I'm wondering why they let you in with two boxes of okonomiyaki and even that cake!"

The young heiress had just set down her fork. She was seated facing the shorter length of the table, in between Heiji and Saguru, and just across Conan.

"We actually kind of sneaked it in," Aoko said. She was seated between Saguru and Kaito. She had her head down, as if she was embarrassed about what they did.

"Once we brought back food on the table, I just mixed in the okonomiyaki and cake," Kaito explained. "There were so many food that no one can notice if some didn't come from the buffet!"

"His idea," Saguru explained. "Purely his idea."

"Don't act all high and mighty when you had several slices yourself!" Kaito said.

"Oh and that cake was heavenly!" Kazuha said in a hurry to prevent another exchange of fury and insults. She was seated beside Ran, who was halfway through her slice of ice cream cake.

"Arigatou, Aoko, Kaito-kun," Ran said. She was seated in between Kazuha and Conan and across Kaito.

"No prob. Glad to see you smiling now. You're so more beautiful with a smile," Kaito said.

Conan shot him a dagger look.

"As all girls are," Kaito added. "Oi you know what else we brought and sneaked in?"

"There's some other food you're hiding underneath your shirt?" Heiji asked.

"The cake came from under his shirt?" Sonoko asked in panic.

"I have with me a bottle of red wine!" Kaito said before bending down.

He grabbed the bottle from under the table and looked sideways before placing it on the table.

"It's an imported brand!" Kazuha said.

"Where did you get it, Kaito?" Aoko asked.

"Did you steal it?" Saguru asked.

Kaito stuck his tongue out.

"Gift from a friend of my father," Kaito said. "Haha's not home and it's just gathering dust there so I brought it with me!"

"You've been carrying that thing ever since you came here?" Sonoko asked.

Kaito just winked at him.

"So who wants some?" the magician asked.

Heiji raised his hand. "Me! Me!" he said. "Dude, you're gonna be one of my best friends if you keep this up!"

Kaito opened the bottle with a cork screw he grabbed from his back pocket. Conan assumed the screw wasn't there to begin with.

Everyone emptied their glasses. One by one they passed theirs to Kaito, who poured wine until half of their glasses were filled up.

"Can I have some too?" Conan asked with a big smile on his face.

"Conan-kun! You're too young for this!" Ran said. "Have some lemon juice, instead. There's still some on the buffet table, last time I checked."

"Oh don't worry, I brought him some punch juice," Kaito said as he bent down once again.

When he sat up, he had an opened fruit juice can in his hand. As he handed the can to Conan, he whispered, "That's actually the wine, don't let the girl smell it."

Conan beamed at him.

"Arigatou, Kaito-niichan!" he said.

"It's so cute to see the two of you getting along!" Aoko said.

"But Kaito has a brain of a child so it's not much of an epiphany," Saguru said.

"Don't you mean 'heart of a child'?" Ran asked.

"No, not really," he said.

Saguru looked bored as he cupped a chin with one hand while the other swiveled the wine inside the glass.

"You really won't find it difficult to hang out with that kid," Heiji said with a smile.

"Yeah, Heiji bonds with him a lot," Kazuha said. "Which really surprised me 'cause he doesn't have patience with kids."

"Oh… That's because – you see, he likes mysteries, too," Heiji said. "Isn't that right Ku-Conan-kun?"

Conan nodded. In his head, he's thinking of a hundred ways for payback because Heiji had almost let slip his name several times that day.

"Hey let's have a toast!" Sonoko said. "I'll start… To KID!"

"I won't dare toast to that," Aoko said.

Saguru and Heiji shook their heads. Ran crossed her arms in front of her, forming an X mark.

"Fine! Let's make it to fame!" Sonoko said as she stood up and raised her glass. "Finally! My television and magazine debut!"

"To good food and good company!" Heiji said, who also stood up and clanked her wine glass with Sonoko's.

"To the free spa and massage we'll get later!" Kazuha shrieked, as she followed their action.

"To logic and perseverance," Saguru said as he stood up and raised his glass near the others'.

"To our continued efforts to catch KID!" Aoko said with conviction as she also raised her glass.

"To – uhm, hey don't laugh," Ran said. "To love…"

She stood up with the rest of them and stretched her hand with the glass.

Heiji and Kaito looked at Conan. He chose to ignore their faces that could have very well said "she means she loves you".

The boy stood up on his chair. "Can I give a toast, too?"

They all gave their nods of approval.

"To new friends!" Conan said in his happy-sounding, most childlike voice, as he raised his fruit juice can.

Kaito stood up and made a similar gesture.

"And new allies," he said.

The magician smiled at Conan, who was surprised to find himself smiling back.

Next: The Television Special