Disclaimer: I don't claim to own Detective Conan or Magic Kaito. I do, however, claim to know someone that would be quite upset if I did pretend to own this series.
Shinichi sprinted to school, with a plan to complete this trip before that kohai of his decided to injure himself again. It was as if they had a particular understanding, like twins or close siblings, about one-another. One of the things Shinichi instantly found was the younger boy's particular aversion to receiving help, especially if he needed it.
For the past few days, the usual swarm of groupies was absent. Shinichi had thought that they'd give up but...
"Kudo-sempai! Are you really going out with that guy?"
"There was a really mean kid, Kudo-san, he made us all go away! Then he followed you for the entire lunch break, and we couldn't talk to you at all!"
"Kudo-san! Do you know that guy? He stalked you all of lunch, that Kuroba Kaito!"
"Kudo-sempai, go out with me! I'll save you from that horrible maniac!"
...wait, what? Kuroba was the one stopping them? Kuroba stalked Shinichi for the entirety of lunch just for that purpose? Did that have something to do with that game?
Suddenly the pieces fit together into a single, green image. Envy. Jealousy. Possessiveness.
The detective had nearly forgotten his kohai's first words to him. "Sempai, please fall in love with me..."
He pushed through the crowd, making a full u-turn to Kuroba's house.
Bus after bus after bus he rode, if only to confirm the truth the smallest bit sooner.
There was no need, however, for a great confrontation with the doors and stairs. His kohai was already at the door, shivering with the cold.
"So... you found out..."
His voice sounded so defeated, occasionally broken by coughs and roughed by a sore throat, but that soft tone of despair still remained.
"Why...? Kuroba-kohai, I'm not that kind of person... hell, you could have told me your feelings!"
"You had already forgotten what happened on the 14th... I didn't want you to change your mind... I feel better now, so I'll be alright alone... you can go if you want to..."
Shinichi exhaled loudly, trying to calm down. If he had to prioritize, then he would definitely do that. He felt a surprising revelation rise up inside of him.
"No way. You're sick; this can wait until afterwards. I don't think I'm in love with you yet, but I'm not going to leave you. Got it?"
Kuroba's eyes widened in shock, as he quickly replied...
"...yes. Thank you, sempai!"
...and presently broke off into another wheezing spell.
"Take it easy! Let's get you upstairs, first, then you can call Nakamori-san for the homework..."
Shinichi stayed over with his kohai that night, feeling more satisfied than he had for a long time.
And roses burst bigger, large petals adorning their bloom, as they displayed their dazzling glory under ghostly moonlight.
AN: Kaito's illness is based off of a bit of flu or whatnot that's been going around lately. Today, the fire alarm went off, and I had to stay out there in the cold without a coat (people say that those that live up north have anti-freeze in their blood or something, but it's really all just dressing up for the weather).
Review, onegaishimasu (I beg of you)!