It was time for Ran to clean Shinichi's place again. Ai saw her approach their street from a window in the Professor's house and she knew this was an opportunity to know more about Subaru-san. She's sure that's there's more to him than meets the eye. Why do his walls have ears? She was certain he was hiding something. That something may be crucial to whether or not she should trust him completely. He said she shouldn't go there but going with Ran to clean seems harmless. She headed on outside for her 'accidental' bumping into Ran.
"Ai-chan, hello. How are you? Are you heading out?"
"Uh yeah. I want to buy something in the convenience store. How about you?"
"Oh, I'm here to clean Shinichi's house."
"Ah, where's your friend?"
"Oh Sonoko? She suddenly had an upset stomach and she had to go home."
All according to plan. Ai grinned inwardly. "Do you need help cleaning?"
"Don't you have to go somewhere?"
"I'm not hurrying. Plus, the Professor is out at the moment. I have no one with me at home."
"Oh, okay. Thank you Ai-chan."
Ran rang the doorbell but no one answered. It seemed like Subaru wasn't home. Oh, how perfect. Ran used her keys and they entered. They started cleaning the library. It's pretty clean here. He usually stays here. I might discover something. Ai was wiping books on a shelf when she saw a strand of hair peering under the shelf. It was light - colored. Ai wondered if Subaru brings a girl home and she was quite annoyed at the thought. It's shoulder-length. Could be a guy or girl's. Probably not a girl's, she reassured herself. But this color… It's familiar. Ran noticed Ai deep in thought and she approached Ai. Ai sensed her approaching and quickly secured the hair strand in her pocket. "You must be tired Ai-chan. Let's rest for a while.", she said in her usual caring demeanor. Ran reminded Ai of her sister. They both had long hair and the concerned aura of an older sister. She's a keeper definitely. Her mind flitted to Kudo and she let out a soft sigh. Even if they both liked the same guy, Ai couldn't hate her. She resembled her sister too much. That light air, that kind smile, that nurturing spirit, it was impossible to hate. Ai missed her sister deeply. Right. Her death anniversary is coming up. Ai smiled. Maybe this is my sister's way of reminding me of her loving presence.
Ran was looking at a photo album and Ai went up beside her. She was looking at a photo of her and Shinichi when they were little. Wow, Conan really looks like his younger self. I wonder why Ran doesn't see the resemblance?
"Ai-chan, look. This is Shinichi and me when we were younger. Doesn't he look like Conan?", Ran said with a smile. "Really? I think Edogawa-kun is uglier than your boyfriend." Ai's reply made Ran blush. They continued chatting about Ran's childhood with Shinichi when Ai sensed a presence. She looked at the doorway and Subaru was standing there smiling. This looks all too familiar. "Seems like you ladies could use some refreshment. I can prepare some in the kitchen." When did he come back? This guy can act quite stealthily. Who is he really?
Ran and Ai followed Subaru into the kitchen. He served them lemon iced tea. They chatted a bit while drinking iced tea. Ran then got up and excused herself. She said she was going to use the washroom. As she got up and went away, Subaru's gaze followed her. Oh my, do you also like her? "She's quite cute huh?", Ai said with a suggestive smile. Subaru was a bit embarrassed being caught like that but he merely replied, "For sure. Kudo-kun is a lucky guy. But she reminds me of someone very special." Someone special? Does Ran have a generic face or do Subaru and Ai share an acquaintance? Ai was caught in her own thoughts, when Subaru quipped, "Princess, didn't I tell you to keep away from here? You seem to be attracted to this house.", he said with a teasing smile. You raise a lot of interest Subaru-san. Ran then entered and asked Ai if she wanted to walk with her to the store.
Subaru stood up and said he'll walk with the girls since it is starting to get dark. Who can't keep away now? Ran waved goodbye and walked towards the detective agency's street while Subaru and Ai walked towards the convenience store. Subaru said he'll wait for Ai outside and Ai proceeded to browse through the fashion magazines since she didn't really have anything to buy.
Subaru was standing outside the store and observing Ai at the corner of his eye. She's looking at fashion magazines. You don't need fashion trends Princess. You're beautiful the way you are. Ai caught him looking at her and he quickly averted his gaze. He let his mind wander. The picture of Ai and Ran cleaning the library earlier came back to him. The happy sisters, he thought with a smile. Akemi... He let out a sigh. He was beginning to wallow in guilt when suddenly, from across the road, he saw Akemi. It can't be. Maybe it's someone that looks like her? The lady looked at him back squarely in the eyes. Vermouth? Is it her again? He looked harder but a car passed by and the lady disappeared. Is Akemi trying to tell me something? Her death anniversary is near. Maybe she wants me to think about her more, to be remorseful, to think of her sister less... Before he could be completely engulfed by his thoughts, he decided to bring Ai home.
While browsing, Ai was observing Subaru who was standing outside. Who are you really Subaru-san? The longer I spend time with you, I become more certain that I actually know you. She caught Subaru's gaze and Subaru quickly looked away and faced the street. Ai kept observing him intently when she noticed him stiffen a bit. It seemed like he saw someone from across the street. She tried to see who that was but Subaru was completely blocking her view. Who was that? Subaru then shifted and went inside the store. Ai looked across the street and there was no one of interest there. Subaru then asked her if she was done and she gave a short nod. He seems disturbed. Who did he see? Ai and Subaru walked home absorbed in their own thoughts. Subaru-san, who are you and who is tormenting you? Ai clutched the hair strand in her pocket.