Author's Note : Hello, guys :) Thank you for all the reviews, again :))) As for the requests of sweet scenes, I'm glad to tell you that there are many more yet to come. [At first, I actually planned to write a light-hearted romantic comedy but I still don't know why it turns out to be quite a drama...] Also, I planned to write more about Shiho's married life, too! But with whom then? :D
Disclaimer : I do not own Detective Conan, but if I did, Shiho would definitely be the protagonist.
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Chapter 5 : The feast
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As Shinichi and Shiho were driving back to Tokyo together, unexpectedly, the rain came, and the road was so difficult to drive safe. Luckily, they were in front of a little cute restaurant. Since it was already dinner time, therefore, they decided to take a break there.
The restaurant was actually quiet, not so many people were coming yet many young couples could still be seen decently. It definitely was local favorite.
However, neither the pleasant atmosphere or the yummy foods could light up Shiho's mood. In fact, the girl had been so quiet as soon as they left the graveyard. Not speaking a word, her eyes were sullen. Seemed like she was deeply in thought and it must be kind of a sad one.
So, the detective thought it's time he distracted her.
"Hey, Haibara, are you going back to America?" Trivially shuddered, Shiho broke from thought and looked up to meet with his eyes.
"Oh. Right. I mean, No. I'm staying here for a while."
Upon hearing the answer, Shinichi felt somewhat glad.
"How about you? When will you get back to college?"
"Not really. I have already graduated, baka. I just stayed there to help out some cases with my advisor, but they're generally done. Looks like we are gonna be neighbors again," The detective beamed at the strawberry blonde and it was charming enough to make her heart skipped its beats. Who is exactly baka? Shiho thought and turned away from his gaze. Not really sure how should she feel.
She did gave up on him after all.
"Idiot. Who would want to be your neighbor.." The girl mumbled but Shinichi could still catch it. He frowned in dissatisfaction.
"Oi oi. Can't you just be nice for once? Why you always have to be so cold."
"It's because I'm not an optimistic infant... Hey. Don't move, Kudo"
"What.. eh?.."
The girl suddenly raised her hand. Her eyes darted on his face earnestly, her hand reaching it.
"Haibara.. wai..t.."
She moved her face close.
She wiped s salt from his lip.
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"Here you go. Alright, where were we?" Shiho then continued as if nothing was so special but that was oddly different from the detective's mind. Shinichi eyes widen. His mouth hanged wide noticeably for the certain girl.
"What is it?" said the strawberry blonde.
"Eh? Nothing. Sorry. I just..." never knew that you hands are so warm.. Flustered. The boy stammered. It's almost ridiculous to think that a 24-year-old man would actually feel nervous over a little intimacy like this yet Shinichi just couldn't help but blushed. For years, he hadn't had a chance get close to any girl, let alone skin-shipping. But she is the deadly ice queen.. No. She is your best friend! Come on, Shinichi! You're 24 not 14! Shiho looked at the man, slowly raised her eyebrow, and that made it more uncomfortable.
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"Well... I... Umm.."
How can I say this?
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"I..."
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"Marry me"
Amidst the silence, a man voice abruptly broke in. It was from the near table where a couple had come to dine together. Both Shinichi and Shiho turned to the couple in surprise. Obviously, the man had proposed. His face was crimson, shakily waiting for the answer.
"Haru-kun" whispered his partner in shock. She met her eyes with her date.
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"I'm so happy, Haru-kun.."
The man's face brightened.
"..but I'm sorry. I'm not..."
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That was it. All done. Every people in the restaurant just watched the man cried while the women left uncaringly. It was a heart-breaking scene. No one could speak a word to him.
Shiho watched the tearful man. Seemed like she was thinking again.
"What a pity. I feel so sorry for that guy," Shinichi finally murmured, looking at the man sympathetically.
"It's him who asked her. Means that he should prepare to embrace any answer."
"Hey. That's harsh."
"Isn't it true? He's the one who asked and wanted to marry her. And if she doesn't really want the same, he should understand. They can still dating. No need for sorrow."
"You are insensitive, aren't you.." protested Shinichi, "It takes men lots of courages to actually ask that question, you know? And the question is not meant for just anyone. It's for the only girl he loves."
"So?"
"That means he is heartbroken now. She refused him," Shinichi concluded.
"Sorry, but I don't get your sensitive logic."
"It's not logic. It's emotion."
"Whatever," Shiho mumbled, likely to break off the conversation. However, this would never gone passed the detective easily.
"Don't you want to get married some day?"
The girl froze.
"Come on. It's the dream of all women. To get together with the one you love.. Wearing a white gown in church, hands in hands with the prince of your life..." The boy observed her expectantly.
"And it bounds you to the endless chain"
Shiho emotionlessly replied.
"For many, marriage is a chain, Kudo. How can two people be together for the rest of their lives without getting bored and falling out of love."
Shinichi blinked.
"Also, there is not all lovey-dovey. What about the kids? The house? The living? Many responsibilities flood in with it and just love might not be able to conquer them."
Can someone love one another to sacrifice that much?
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Seeing that her partner was not speaking, Shiho then cut the time.
"Well, shall we leave?"
Shinichi looked at her.
"Yeah. Sure. Wait for me at the car. I will go to the washroom."
"It's okay. I'm going, too."
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Walking in the parking lot.
"Going out on a date?" A voice ranged as Shiho was making her way to the car.
"Kuroba-kun!"
Kaito smiled and walked up to her.
"Good evening, beautiful. How are you doing?"
"I'm perfectly fine. What are you doing here, Kuroba-kun?" Are you stalking me?
"I've just finished dining at the opposite restaurant. It's very surprising to see you here. Too bad that we didn't come together..."
"You are a cute talker. But I have to go now. My friend is probably waiting... Well.. Wait a minute.. Where is my purse?!" The strawberry blonde grasped as she couldn't find her belonging. Maybe I left it at the table? Alarming. She was ready to head back to the restaurant but then she heard a whistle.
"So, your name is Miyano Shiho, huh?"
"What the.. Hey! Give it back to me!" Upon seeing that her purse was magically in the speaker's hands. The girl yelled fiercely at him. Chasing the laughing boy who now unmannerly ventured through her things. Kaito picked her ID card up and read it out loud.
"Hmm.. So you born in Sep.. Monthly older than me, but never mind.."
"Kuroba-kun!"
"Hahaha. Alright. Alright. Here you go!" Kaito finally tossed the purse back to Shiho.
"You are so annoying." grumbled Shiho. Ready to leave him once again yet the boy continued to block her.
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"What now?" said the girl impatiently.
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Kaito grinned.
"Will you go out with me, Shiho-chan?"