Story Summary: SIOC fic. What happens when an SI is reborn as the younger sister of Akai Shuuichi and Haneda Shuukichi and the older sister of Sera Masumi? Spoilers for Episode 1018 and Chapter 1037 onwards. If you're not updated on the anime, manga or movie, read at your own risk.
Beta: Grammarly
Author's Notes: Merry Christmas, everyone! Advanced Happy New Year! A bit of filler featuring Masami, Shuuichi and Shuukichi. Detective Conan belongs to Gosho. Harry Potter belongs to JK Rowling.
It's been two years since the dinner with Furuya and his friends, and I haven't seen them since. I purposely didn't watch the news months after the dinner because I didn't want to see a report of Hagiwara's death— when or if it ever happened. However, I had no escape as Yusaku-sensei was somehow affiliated with the police. The day started normally, too. I was making Shinichi's promised Shepherd's Pie in the kitchen for lunch one weekend— Yukiko was watching me make mashed potatoes while Shinichi was doing his homework on the counter— when Yusaku-sensei joined us. His ruffled hair, crinkled button-down shirt, and red and tired eyes behind skewed glasses were his usual appearance when he's home, but his grave expression told a different story. He turned on the TV while he talked to someone on the phone. When the news came on, it was like someone injected cold water into my veins when I saw a high-rise building appear on the screen with a red and bold caption, 'BOMB FOUND ON THE 20TH FLOOR OF A HIGH-RISE BUILDING!'
I refused to look at the screen again, but I couldn't avoid hearing the reports blasting from the TV. It made me anxious. If Yusaku-sensei noticed my nervousness while I nursed my finger from almost chopping it off from slicing the onions, he said nothing. Then, hours after Yusaku-sensei turned on the news, I collapsed on the kitchen floor like someone cut the strings from my body to keep me standing up. I was crying so hard and hyperventilating that it felt like I couldn't cry enough with the relief I felt in my chest when the screen flashed, 'BOMBS DISARMED!' as the news anchor reported zero casualties and praised the police and the bomb squad for their swift action. Yusaku-sensei and Yukiko were so alarmed by my slumped form on the kitchen floor that I had to reassure them several times that an ambulance was not required.
I didn't expect to get anything from them, but I found an envelope addressed to me with no forwarding address a few weeks after the news about the bomb. I only saw five handwritten "Thank You" handwritings in the middle of an A4-sized white paper. Each line has a drawing of a tennis ball (Hagiwara), a guitar (Hiro), a bassinet (Date), a gum (Furuya) and a pair of sunglasses (Matsuda, I think). I was so relieved that how they knew where I lived slipped my mind. Or that the envelope didn't have a postage stamp.
The house was empty when I woke up this morning. It's been empty except for me for a week now. Shinichi was away for some football camp when school ended last week to give way to summer, and he has two more weeks there. Taking advantage of Shinichi being gone for three weeks, Yusaku-sensei whipped up plane tickets for Austria for him and Yukiko. I was looking for inspiration online for a property in Europe when I saw a website that you can stay in a castle converted into a hotel. He was excited when I showed him the available rooms to rent. It's not small either, with fifty state bedrooms overall, but it's near a town they can visit and loads of activities for tourists.
I was too lazy to prepare breakfast this morning. I suddenly craved the ham and cheese croissant from this cute coffee shop near the university, where I always get my usual breakfast before class. I might as well take advantage of the shop's WIFI to research for my essay. However, I turned tail when I saw a gaggle of men and women stationed at the front gates of the Kudou residence, ringing the bell after I returned home two hours later. I recognised one from Bloomsbury. I floored the gas before they could even notice my car.
I've been busy with school, so I've been neglecting my work. Goblet of Fire got delayed because I debated whether I should kill Cedric or have Harry save him. I've already given eighty per cent of the book to Bloomsbury, but I have yet to return their calls when they asked me for the rest of it. Instead, I talked to the artists who drew the book covers. There are a lot of independent artists online who started drawing Harry as an Indian when Chamber of Secrets came out. Just because Harry can talk to snakes doesn't make him Indian. I even tried to incorporate other races in the book to avoid the debate that happened in my previous life— I made Lavender Brown have Pakistani roots; Seamus Finnigan is still Irish, but Dean Thomas is now the son of an Iranian immigrant whose wife is Nigerian. I even created a new character as Cho Chang's younger sister in Harry's year and a trans half-Ukrainian character to spite JK Rowling— not that she'll know. The Japanese translators censored it, but I couldn't care less. I understand where Japan stands about the LGBT community. However, the Indian Harry Potter thrope in my previous life annoyed some fans, so I ensured the web designers incorporated the accurate concept drawings into the website. I even started heavily editing Goblet of Fire to include accurate descriptions of the characters to avoid any race debate from fans in the future.
I'd been on the road for thirty minutes until I passed the street where Ran lived. I have yet to visit the quaint little coffee shop below their apartment, even though I know where it is. I parked my car in a nearby car park, and I've been at the coffee shop since it opened. I made the table near the toilets my sanctuary for the day. Even with the wall behind me and the whole coffee shop in my line of vision, I ignored the chime of bells to announce a customer coming in in favour of my frantic typing.
"Here's your club sandwich and Napolitan Spaghetti, Masami-san," Azusa-san placed the plates on my table. I smelt it before I even saw it. The ham and cheese croissant— and an extra Blueberry Danish –feels like a long time ago and it took everything in me to stop myself from grabbing one and shoving it into my mouth whole. I was so hungry that I had to order pasta, too.
I emerged from my laptop and drooled at the food instead. "Thank you," I nodded at Azusa-san, who was unloading my iced coffee with whipped cream from the tray. She smiled at me, unsurely but kindly, and returned to the kitchen area to fix another customer's order. I must have been quite a sight.
My usual pristine, long strawberry blonde hair is on a messy bun on top of my head with hair sticks to keep it in place, huge reading glasses cover half of my face thanks to the thick, black-rimmed frames, and I'm wearing the first thing my hands grabbed from my closet— a pair of distressed mom's jeans, an oversized Black Sabbath t-shirt, and trainers.
On top of that, my socks don't match. I have a black and orange liner sock on my left foot, a left-over item from Halloween, and a red and green Christmas anklet sock on my right that I wore when I dragged Shinichi to do carols. It's good that my jeans are long and no one can see them, or I would die of embarrassment.
I closed my laptop and placed it to the side so I could pull the sandwich plate closer to me. I scarfed down the sandwich as quickly as possible, but still with decorum acceptable for public appearance while ignoring the other patrons. I happily finished my iced coffee and headed to the plate of pasta when I heard a voice I did not expect to hear.
"I'll have the Lunch Special. What about you, Akemi?"
I froze with a fork full of pasta halfway up to my mouth. I must have looked ridiculous with my mouth agape and wide eyes, but I didn't care. My jaw audibly clicked when I snapped it closed and slowly turned to my left to see my eldest brother sitting beside a woman my age. Despite our shared last name, he's wearing a black-knitted cap and a black trench coat. Why is he even wearing that during summer? Despite the weather, he's wearing his hair loose down to his waist. Inwardly, I scoffed. Who am I to judge? My hair is even longer than his— down past my tailbone. The woman beside him is wearing an appropriate attire for summer— a flowy pale pink dress with blue accents on the sleeves and on the square shaped collar. She has long brown hair and a slender figure with a cute smile. From how my brother's hand circles her waist, I can only assume she's Miyano Akemi.
He's not looking at me, but I saw him flinch. I lowered my fork and looked down at my plate. I gnawed at my lower lip as I mixed the already-mixed pasta dish as a distraction, thinking about what to do. They're together, so they're still dating. As far as I know, He and Akemi broke up when she learned he only used her to get closer to the Black Organisation. I know I couldn't show any recognition as it would blow his cover. Akemi has freedom, unlike Shiho, but the Black Organisation members follow her as a precaution.
"Masami-san, your phone is ringing." Azusa-san broke me from my chaotic thoughts by tapping me on the shoulder.
I was so distracted that I didn't hear my phone ringing. I thanked Azusa-san, and I felt for my phone in my bag. Without looking at the screen, I answered. "Hello?"
"Sami-chan!" The other person on the line shouted.
I yanked the phone away from my ear and frowned at it. "Shuukichi-nii-sama, do you have to shout?" I hissed. I heard some commotion on the other line before trying again. "Nii-sama? Hello?"
At the corner of my eye, I can see Shuuichi's stony face— must be trying to listen in— while Akemi prattled on without noticing her boyfriend's diverted attention. He glanced in my direction once before snapping his eyes back to Akemi. He gave her a strained smile.
"Sami-chan! I came to visit you, but no one's home. And you have people waiting at the gates. Where are you?" he said in English.
I winced. I glanced at my phone's screen and noted the time. It's ten past noon, and they're still waiting at the gates? I left the house at dawn!
"Do not tell them you're talking to me!" I hissed in English at the phone, twirling the pasta again with my fork. It's somehow ingrained in me to talk to Shuukichi in English instead of Japanese. "I know I'm late with my manuscript. I am trying to finish it so I don't need them breathing down my neck. Yusaku-sensei's in Austria with Yukiko. They will be back on Saturday next week. Shin-kun has a three-week football camp and won't return for two more weeks. So yeah, no one's home. What are you doing in Tokyo?"
There was a pause on the other line before I could hear him shouting at someone else. "Sorry guys, it seems that no one is home. Try again next week, ne?"
I removed my glasses to palm my face, sighing in irritation. I'd have to find a way to leave the house again. I opened my laptop and pouted at the screen. I still have at least six chapters to write for Goblet of Fire.
"Kichi-nii! What are you doing? Don't tell them that!" I nearly shouted. The other patrons, including my brother and his girlfriend, look at me curiously. I covered my mouth and the phone's speaker to avoid disturbing the other customers.
"What? Oi, hey, I told you no one is home!" I heard him shout on the other end. I heard doors slamming. He still must have had the house keys and let himself in. I waited in line for him until finally, "Whew, they're finally gone. Why are you avoiding your editor? You've never been late with your manuscript before. You finished your first book in one weekend, remember?"
I sighed. The last time I saw him was four weeks ago, and the first thing he did was almost feed me to the wolves. "Yusaku-sensei's been rubbing off his bad habits on me." I pouted, slumping on my seat as I tried to hide behind my laptop again. "So, hey, are you done in Osaka? Will you be staying in Tokyo for good? You said you're looking for a flat."
"Yup! I just got my fourth crown and bought a flat! Remember the last set of floorplans I sent you?" He chirped. "I came to visit so I can leave you a key. But since you're not home, I'll leave the key on the kitchen counter with my Tokyo address. I also came to see you to celebrate! I even got your present from Nii-san."He paused. "Did you know he's in Japan? I saw him just last week."
"He's in Japan?" I nearly screeched. I saw Shuuichi's eye twitch this time.
Right, he's in for it. I have not spoken to Shuuichi since he denied me his phone number and address four years ago. I understood he was busy and might be working undercover now. Still, he didn't reach out to me after he left for America, and now we're in the same country, and he still hasn't called me. The fact that he's been talking to Shuukichi only made me angrier at my eldest brother. The only communication I got from him was the packages he religiously sent to the Kudou residence three times a year. I got snacks and sweets from him while Shuukichi got phone calls and a visit?
"That's it, he's in for it." The pulsing tick developing on my forehead suddenly throbbed. "How dare he? He hasn't called me and called you instead? He even met with you! When did he arrive?"
He must have heard my anger over the phone and hesitated to answer. He now knows he just brought trouble to Shuuichi. "Er, it's been a year."
The fork on my hand scratched the plate and made a loud noise. This time, Shuuichi winced. I smiled in satisfaction. Good, message sent and received.
"Right, throw away the present he gave you. I don't want it." I heard Shuukichi protesting on the other line, but I interrupted him. "If he doesn't show his ugly mug of a face to me, I'm not going to talk to him, ever! Even if he grovels down on my feet. See how he likes to be ignored." I closed my laptop and shoved it hard inside my bag. I also gathered all the loose papers for my essay and shoved them inside my bag, too. Still, with the phone in one ear, I grabbed my bag and stood up, heading for the till. "Are you still at the house?"
"Yeah, I locked the front door. Should I lock the gates? Are you coming back?" His voice sounds meek on the other line.
"Not yet. My editor might get back." At the corner of my eye, I saw Shuuichi standing up after exchanging words with Akemi, holding his phone in his left hand. I hastily paid my bill and left the coffee shop, walking briskly towards the car park. I jogged when I saw Shuuichi leave the shop. I ran towards my car. I usually dump my bag on the passenger seat behind me, but since I don't want Shuuichi to reach me, I got in the driver's seat of my car and placed my bag on the front seat instead. I immediately locked the doors and zipped out of the car park, giving a nasty glare at Shuuichi, who just stood there looking defeated.
"Sami-chan, are you still there?"
I placed my phone on the dashboard and clipped the earphones to my ear. I tried to blink back tears of betrayal. Am I asking too much? Am I demanding attention? I remember my previous life with my never-existing relationship with my younger sister and wished I had older siblings instead. I remember visiting the countryside to visit my aunt and playing with my older male cousins when we were kids, and I wanted to have older brothers instead. Our relationship didn't matter to my sister. She got married and moved out of the country with her husband. She didn't even tell us that she was pregnant. We only learned that she gave birth over social media. We can't even visit her as she gave birth during the pandemic. My parents felt betrayed by the secrecy and learned the hard way that my sister didn't want to associate with us anymore. The abandonment hurt, and I can't help but compare it with the abandonment I did to my new mother and younger sister. Did she also feel the same way? Did Masumi also feel betrayed when I decided to stay in Japan and left her with just Mom as company?
Guilt overcame me, and I suddenly wanted to return to the coffee shop to embrace Shuuichi. But I can't go back because I know I can't blow his cover, especially in front of Akemi. Also, what would she think when a strange woman suddenly embraced her boyfriend? Not good.
"I'm still here," I rasped, wiping my face with the hem of my shirt, and it came away wet. Ew, now I have to change. I didn't even have the time to shower when I left the house this morning. Even with the desire to take a long hot shower and change into a pair of comfy sweats, I don't want to go home yet, but I need a quiet place to finish Goblet of Fire before I can see my editor. I was waiting for the traffic signal at the intersection to change green when I noticed the hotel on the right. It's a high-rise hotel with a department store on the first five floors of the building. I pulled over and entered the valet parking. "I'm checking into a hotel— don't you dare tell Nii-sama, or I won't talk to you, too!" I threatened him.
"I won't," he promised. "Which hotel?"
"Beika Peninsula," I muttered, grabbing my bag from the passenger seat. Beika Peninsula is a five-star hotel that I would not even think of setting foot in even in my previous life, but this is the only accommodation I can find within the area that has a connection to a department store. I usually go to Ginza or Shinjuku to shop for clothes, but I'm tired and irritable, and I don't want to squeeze myself between other people to shop. My back is already sore from sitting in the coffee shop for five hours. I gave the car keys to the valet and entered the hotel. "I'll text you the room number once I'm settled."
"Okay. I'll be there." Then he hung up.
XOXOXOXO
I went straight to the department store after getting the room key from the concierge. Hooking my bag on my shoulder, I foraged for a decent outfit. Distressed jeans and a faded band t-shirt are ill-suited attire for a five-star hotel, as the General Manager has kindly but firmly informed me after completing my check-in. Thankfully, the black card I presented him was enough proof that I had money to burn for a stupidly expensive accommodation despite my casual outfit.
I initially planned to stay for a night but decided to stay longer when I saw the hotel would host an afternoon tea for the next couple of days. A decent one, I'm told, different from the afternoon tea they served at The British Village in Izu. They were boasting about the authenticity of their sandwiches, but they couldn't even be decent enough to get a proper crumpet or clotted cream. I miss clotted cream.
I've already selected a sleepwear—three pairs each of a button-down lapel collar satin pyjama set in green, red and white and eyelash lace satin camisole set in black, red and white. I even found a black mesh trumpet sleeve belted nightgown at the back of the shelf. Call me pretentious, but I refuse to wear cotton to bed. I also have a collection of satin bedsheets at home, and I had a seamstress sew the silk bedding on my quilts. They feel great against my skin, especially during the summer months.
I never really cared what I wore in my previous life. I'd be satisfied with a pair of jeans, a T-shirt, and trainers. Maybe because it's casual and cheap or it's the only clothes that I can fit on my obese body. I'd often look for outfits online and be jealous of people wearing skirts or a maxi dress. In this new life, I still enjoy food and often indulge myself with sweets, but I make sure to exercise and eat a healthy balanced diet. I've been enrolled on an online Pilates Class for a year now. My new slim body looks a bit underweight, but that's only due to stress because of the manuscript deadline. Once it's time to promote the new book, I'll be gaining weight from all the food I get to eat from parties.
I know the room had the usual hygiene products available, but I prefer to get my own. I selected a two-pack shampoo and conditioner that smells good. The bath gels are on sale, so I took two bottles. I'll give the other bottle to Yukiko. I also grabbed bath bombs. Three of them. All lavender scented. Goodness knows I needed to calm myself, or I might kill off not just Cedric Diggory.
I already found a high-waist lace petti skirt in cream and baby blue. It's long enough to cover my knees but short enough to give relief for the summer weather. I was considering getting the linen button-down sleeveless shirt or the pink floral halter top when Shuukichi appeared behind the rack, surprising me.
"What? Oh… I'm sorry." I stared up at him sheepishly. I forgot to text him. It's been thirty minutes since I got the room key.
"I thought I'd see you here." He came around the corner, pushing a trolley filled with clothing and hygiene products. I glanced at his trolley questioningly. He just shrugged. "I figured I'd join you for your stay."
I paused, still holding the two tops for my inspection. "Oh, you really want to spend the night with me at a hotel?" I teased.
He shuddered. "Sami-chan!" He whined. "That's just creepy! You're my younger sister! Eew! I need ear and brain bleach!" He complained as he covered his ears.
I just laughed at him, ignoring the looks we were getting from the other customers. "Oh, don't be dramatic. People can see that we look the same to be lovers." He shuddered when I said that. I just laughed at him. "Well then, Nii-sama, which one should I get?"
It's true. Shuuichi and Masumi got mom's eyes but their facial structure resembles dad and mom respectfully. Shuukichi and I got dad's eyes and mom's facial structure. People often mistake us for twins in high school, despite the three-year age gap, difference in grades and height. While Shuuichi inherited dad's shade, Shuukichi, Masumi and I inherited mom's pale complexion but I'm the only one who has freckles littered across my nose and cheeks.
He straightened and examined the two tops critically. He shook his head and grabbed a pink V-neck crop top button up with short sleeves and a light green cotton scoop neck fitted tank top from the rack behind me. As an afterthought, he also grabbed a sheer top with long batwing sleeves. I smirked at him as I nodded in approval.
"Your fashion sense has improved since high school, at least," I teased as I scrutinised his outfit.
His powdered blue polo shirt and tan cardigan look good on him. Paired with a striped print drawstring trousers and navy suede loafers, he looks even taller and imposing. He's not wearing his massive circular glasses but the square ones with metal frames that make him look even smarter, if that's possible. He looked ready to walk the runway, while I looked like a haggard mother of five toddlers who just escaped the house for the day. "How did you find me?" My eyes landed on a shirt maxi dress in ivory silk with a thin silver belt. I pushed my trolley closer so I could inspect it.
He just shrugged and followed me. "I figured you left the house without an overnight bag. If you're staying in a hotel, I thought you'd buy a change of clothes. I saw the afternoon tea banner for tomorrow, so I figured you'd want to stay the night. I got us reservations for that, by the way." He only smiled back fondly. Then, unexpectedly, he came closer to me and wrapped his long arms around me, tucking the top of my head, minding the hair sticks, under his chin. "I'm sorry," he said softly, caressing my hair gently.
I want to cry again. His six-foot frame felt entirely big compared to my 5'5" height. Even though Shuukichi lives far away, he always calls me once or twice to prattle about what has happened to him that week. I learned he met Miyamoto Yumi and planned to propose once he had seven titles. I'll scold him for that. Why wait if he loves the girl? He'd meet up with me whenever I was out of town for a holiday, and I even visited him in Osaka when he won his first professional game. He showed me around the city and bought me whatever souvenirs I wanted. It's his fault that my bedroom is now filled with plush toys. I'm now a proud owner of something I detested in my previous life. Shinichi and even Yusaku-sensei had the time of their lives teasing me about it.
I hugged him tight before letting go, my eyes suspiciously wet. "I'm not even angry anymore," I said with a watery smile.
He gave me a sly grin again. "So, I don't need to treat you for afternoon tea tomorrow?" He teased. He just laughed at me when I scowled him. He continued to laugh even when I buried my fist in his kidney. "Let's just finish up and eat. I haven't had lunch yet. Should we order room service or eat at a restaurant?"
I may not be an emotional wreck anymore, but I don't want to be cooped up in the room for an extended period, knowing I will do so once I restart writing. I did finish my club sandwich plate and iced coffee at Café Poirot, but I'm still hungry. So, we completed our purchase with three more outfits each, a massive bottle of body lotion that I plan to share with Yukiko, a travel-sized basic skin care kit, and a hairbrush before paying for our things at the till. He's been whispering jokes in my ear since then. Dad jokes at that. He must have heard them from his shogi master. They were terrible, but I still appreciated his effort in making me laugh.
We went to the room so I could change clothes in favour of the shirt dress. The hotel staff and the other customers had given me weird looks since I arrived. I saw these cute silver kitten heels and decided to get them, too. I fixed my hair into a French rope braid and washed my face to look half decent. We left the remaining bags in the room for the butler to clean up before returning for a late lunch on the first floor.
Luckily, I upgraded my room to get the junior suite with two king-sized beds if Shuuichi's joining me for my stay. The view of Tokyo Tower at night is mesmerising from that room, too. It also gives me quick service such as dry cleaning. I sent the clothes we purchased to be cleaned, and the butler confirmed that they would be ready in two hours. Dry cleaning in other hotels would take at least 12 hours before they return the clothes. If I hadn't done that, Shuukichi and I would be wearing underwear off the rack, and that's just gross.
He didn't flinch when I dragged him towards the expensive-looking restaurant and ordered the most expensive steak and wine. He kept me entertained all through our lunch, making sure to keep me smiling, laughing and happy. He paid for our lunch without complaint and guided me back to the room, where he ordered popcorn and other snacks while we watched a movie while wearing the dressing gown that came with the room. He even pretended to be my butler for the whole afternoon. We ended the day with me giggling non-stop, and I buried myself in my bed, content and happy.
XOXOXOXOXO
Shuukichi made sure that Masami was tucked under the blankets before he grabbed his wallet and phone and left the suite. He was browsing the chips aisle at the convenience store near the hotel when a shadow came to stand beside him.
He stood up, a bag of chips in hand and threw it in his basket before walking towards the drink section. The shadow followed him. "She said she's not angry at you anymore," he said quietly.
Shuuichi didn't meet his younger brother's enquiring eyes and examine their surroundings. The store is empty except for them and the store clerk.
Shuukichi continued. "Why have you not called her? You know her mobile number and her address. From what she told me, you've been sending her care packages." He grabbed two Pocari Sweat bottles and three of his sister's favourite peach yoghurt drinks before moving towards the chocolate section. He almost wanted to shove every item on the shelves in his basket so her sister could select what she wanted to eat. "Masumi and Kaa-san gets a call from her once a week, and they exchange e-mails as well. I even sent a care package for Masumi from both of us. Do you know that Masumi's fond of KitKat? I sent her a box filled with different flavours."
Shuuichi didn't say anything and shoved his hands deep inside his front pockets, quietly following his younger brother.
"Nii-san," Shuukichi asked. "Are you in trouble? At work, I mean?"
"No," the elder answered. "I'm undercover and can't afford to let you or Masami get involved."
"Yet you're here talking to me in public, but you can't even do the same to Masami?" Shuukichi demanded.
Shuukichi was pleased when his older brother looked down in shame. "I'm sorry."
"You shouldn't be apologising to me," Shuukichi grabbed four instant ramen cups and added them to his basket. "It's not too late. I know she'll understand if you could just talk to her."
Satisfied that he has everything in his basket after adding two pints of ice cream, he went to the till to pay. By the time he's done with his purchase, Shuuichi's already waiting for him outside, smoking. He took a small book from his pocket and shoved it on Shuuichi's chest. "Take this and follow me."
Shuuichi glanced at the book. "Where did you get this?" He followed his younger brother towards the hotel.
"I went to Paris to compete for my third crown, and I found that in an antique bookstore," Shuukichi explained. "I thought I'd buy it as a gift for her on your behalf."
"It's her favourite book," Shuuichi said, letting out a small smile.
"I know," Shuukichi rolled his eyes. "It also reminds her of Dad. Remember? You and Dad often read to her."
XOXOXOXOXO
I jerked slightly in my sleep when I heard rustling and voices. I froze and peeked between my lashes to look around the room as I pulled the thick blankets to cocoon me from the cold. I relaxed when I saw Shuukichi tiptoeing to the other bed, holding a bag with a convenience store logo on the front. A shadow loomed over my bed, and I closed my eyes. Knowing Shuukichi, he ignored his promise and called Shuuichi to come over so the two of us can make up.
I snuggled my face further into my pillow. It was good that I remembered buying pillowcases from the department store. This may be a five-star hotel, but I don't trust them with the bedding. Usually, I sleep just wearing my underwear at home, with a dressing gown close by in case someone knocks on my door. Only in hotels would I sleep wearing full sleepwear.
"She's still sleeping. Don't wake her up." Shuukichi scolded the other.
I didn't hear any response, though I can imagine Shuuichi just raising an eyebrow. "She looks cold. Turn down the aircon."
There was some beeping, and the loud whoosh of the aircon ceased.
"Did you eat supper? Sorry, I forgot to ask," came Shuukichi's voice.
"I ate some onigiri in the car."
"When was the last time you ate a full meal?"
"Two hours ago," came the answer. There was a pause. "Two onigiri, a canned coffee and Red Bull," he sighed. I can practically hear Shuukichi rolling his eyes.
"Well, I'm gonna boil water for the ramen. You want one?"
"Hn." Now I'm rolling my eyes—a typical response from Shuuichi.
"Or I can order room service for a late supper?" Shuukichi offered. "You've got to eat more. Put more meat between your bones. You're thinner compared to the last time I saw you. How about fish and chips? They have some in their menu. Perhaps roast? There's beer in the fridge, too."
Drowsy, I turned in my sleep and ignored Shuukichi fumbling in the kitchenette while he talked to someone on the phone, but what made me almost sit up from my bed was a rustle of paper and a soft dip of the mattress behind me.
"Il était une fois, dans un pays lointain, un commerçant qui avait eu tant de chance dans toutes ses entreprises qu'il était extrêmement riche. Cependant, comme il avait six fils et six filles, habitués à avoir tout ce qu'ils désiraient, il ne trouva pas qu'il avait un sou de trop."
Shuuichi's baritone voice filled the room. It's been so long since he read Beauty and the Beast to me, and I snuggled even deeper into my bed with a satisfied smile on my face.
"Mais des malheurs leur sont arrivés. Un jour, leur maison prit feu et brûla rapidement, avec tous les meubles splendides, les livres, les tableaux, l'or, l'argent et les biens précieux qu'elle contenait. Le père perdit subitement tous les navires qu'il possédait sur la mer, soit à cause des pirates, soit par naufrage, soit par incendie. Puis il apprit que ses commis dans des pays lointains, en qui il avait entièrement confiance, s'étaient montrés infidèles. Et finalement, de sa grande richesse, il tomba dans la plus grande pauvreté."
I turned around and wrapped my arms around his waist while keeping the heavy quilt wrapped around me. I adjusted it so It's also covering Shuuichi, too. Shuukichi's right, he's a lot thinner for my liking. He stilled but I only cuddled closer and laid my head on his stomach.
"Masami?"
"Who said you can stop?" I scolded him, eyes still closed.
He only chuckled and continued reading. I heard his shoes landing on the carpeted floor, and he snuggled with me under the blanket. He was already forgiven when he buried his fingers in my hair and massaged my scalp. I just melted into the mattress. He and Dad did this when they read to me as a kid. He continued to read as I melted into a puddle of goo and went back to sleep. Soon, I'm dreaming of ships, silks, red roses, dancing and roast beef?
I was giddy as a two-year-old when I woke up the following day to find Shuuichi leaving the bathroom. He's wearing black slacks and a black V-neck cotton shirt with short sleeves. I recognised the outfit as one of the items Shuukichi purchased yesterday. He looks ridiculous with his hair wrapped in a towel. His hair is so long that the towel's not enough to cover half of it.
"Good morning," he greeted me with a smile when he saw me sitting up in bed.
"Your hair looks ridiculous," I said in a way of greeting.
"Pot, meet kettle." He rolled his eyes at me, still smiling, and unwrapped his hair, letting it drape on his shoulders and back. He padded closer with his bare feet and sat on the other bed. He began furiously rubbing the towel on his hair to dry it.
I tutted and frowned at him. "What?" he asked.
I took the towel from him as I stood up. "You're going to damage your hair if you keep doing that. Sit down." I pointed at the chair and went to the closet to get my bag.
He obeyed and waited patiently. I stood behind him and wrapped his hair with the towel, squeezing the excess water. Now armed with a comb and hair oil, I started applying the oil to his hair, avoiding his scalp. I gently combed his hair until all the tangles were gone before braiding it.
I'd love to be a fly on the wall when James, Jodie and Camel see him, especially once he removes the braid. I hope he keeps it the whole day. I let out a giggle.
I manoeuvred his head so I could reach his front hairline from the back. I had to stand on my tiptoes to reach because he's so tall even sitting down. I started the braid there, moving to the top of his head and his nape, fluffing each link as I go to give it a bit of volume. I gathered the rest of his hair into one big Dutch braid and secured it with an elastic just below his shoulder blades. Lastly, I pinned down the long fringe pieces so they were out of his face. He didn't complain. He just sat there with his eyes closed and patiently waited for me to finish.
"Done!" I announced. "It's not too tight, is it?"
He shook his head. "Thank you."
Shuukichi took that as an opening when he entered the bedroom. Behind him, I saw the butler with a food service trolley in the living room. He took one look at Shuuichi and hid a snigger. I ignored my brothers as I gravitated towards the living room, where the butler arranged the plates on the dining table. At the centre of the table is a huge plate filled with pancakes, waffles, and toast with a bowl of single-served honey, butter and syrup to the side and a bowl of whipped cream. Next is another vast plate piled high with crispy bacon (not the Japanese bacon, halleluiah), sausage links, and scrambled eggs. A basket of assorted pastries, like flaky croissants and bagels, sits beside another basket filled with various fruits. Small jars of strawberry jam, blueberry jam, and a small tub of cream cheese completed that picture. Lastly, a pitcher of freshly squeezed orange juice and a small coffee machine still sits on the food trolley, ready to be served by the butler upon request.
I drooled at the sight as I sat on the table, piling my plate with waffles, bacon, eggs, and a croissant before reaching for a slice of bagel. I speared it liberally with cream cheese before taking a huge bite. I turned to look at my brothers, both looking at me with amusement.
"What?" I huffed, mouth still stuffed with bagel and cream cheese. The butler wordlessly poured a glass of orange juice that I gladly claimed as my own. "I need to fill my stomach so I can finish my book. I still have five or six chapters left." I pointed the strawberries to the butler. He smiled before taking it to the kitchenette to prepare them for me.
Shuukichi just laughed and joined me at the table. Shuuichi just amusedly shook his head and joined us, piling food on his plate. Breakfast is quiet, except for the butler making sure our drinks are topped up throughout breakfast.
After I ate, I gave my plate to the butler in favour of my laptop and a bowl of strawberries with cream on the side. I would nibble on a piece of fruit while typing on my laptop. I watched in amusement as Shuukichi kept on egging Shuuichi to eat more. "You're much too thin." He scolded.
And Shuuichi would answer, "My stomach can't handle food in the morning."
Shuukichi just tsked. "Are you free the whole day?"
My expression turned to a look of yearning behind my laptop screen. If Shuuichi noticed, he didn't comment on it. "I am." He nodded, smiling at me.
"Then you have time to join us for teatime?" I asked hopefully.
"Sure," Shuuichi agreed. "But I think I would want to sleep first." He looked back at the bed longingly. "I am running on fumes," he admitted. "But I'm free to join you for teatime."
I jumped in delight and hugged Shuuichi tightly. He smiled in return and hugged me back. I announced that I would extend my stay for a week as I walked inside the bathroom to fix my hair. "You guys don't have to stay with me the whole time," I said as I tried to comb my bedhead. I frowned at my reflection as I saw myself in the mirror. The top is full of tangles! If I'm not too happy now that Shuuichi's here with us, I would be glaring at him for tangling my hair. "I'm totally taking advantage that the Kudou's won't be home for another week." I left the bathroom with my hair in two buns. It's actually just my hair wrapped in socks. One on top of my head and the other at the back. Yes, I purposely bought the long socks just for this. By afternoon, my hair will have pretty curls.
I saw Shuukichi glaring at our eldest brother as he urged something to him onto me. "What?"
Shuuichi cleared his throat. "Masami, I'm sorry."
I sighed. "Honestly, I don't care about that anymore." He was about to say something, but I stopped him. "I meant it in a good way," I explained, sitting back down at the dining table tucking my legs in front of me. I stabbed a strawberry with my fork and used it to scoop cream, looking around for the butler. Satisfied that he had left the suite, I popped it in my mouth. I chewed and swallowed it before I continued. "I knew you'd be busy with your work for the FBI. I didn't anticipate your free time would be affected this way."
He still looked unsure, while Shuukichi was beaming at us with a wide smile. I made a face. "Alright, if you need to do something for forgiveness, I have favours to ask."
"They are?" He challenged.
I stood up and took the notepad and pen from the desk. "Mobile number and email," I demanded, giving him the notepad.
He chuckled but didn't protest and jolted down his contact details. "You said favours."
I gnawed at my lip anxiously. He caught my expression and gave me a concerned look as he grabbed my hand and squeezed it. "What's wrong?"
I've read a lot of fanfictions where Miyano Akemi was saved. Faking her death is one thing, but keeping the Black Organisation from knowing would take a lot of work. I rehearsed the scenario in my head several times since meeting Furuya and his friends. I have the ending result in my head, but executing the plan to get to the ending result is not as ironed out as I would like. However, If I can save Furuya's friends, I can save Akemi, too. Preserving her life is for my brother's benefit. And Shiho, too. I mean, my brother and Akemi, married and with a kid— that's a beautiful picture.
"Okay, so don't panic." That was a mistake because Shuukichi did panic while Shuuichi patiently waited for me to continue. "This is not for me but for someone else," I hastily said. I opened the document of five profiles and turned the laptop for them to see the screen. "I need these identities made under the Witness Protection Programme."
Shuuichi looks hesitant but lets go of my hand to pull the laptop closer to him. Curious, Shuukichi moved his chair closer to see the screen.
"Matsumoto Naomi," Shuuichi read. "Born in Kanagawa from a Japanese father and American mother. Attended school in America and finished Accounting at a university. Went to Japan to work and to learn about her father's heritage and culture."
I bit my lip. "You can have someone fill in the blanks or change birthplaces and such, but make sure to keep the names and year of birth the same," I told him. Both looked up at me incredulously. "What's important is it's believable, and if someone decided to look them up, the false information would appear from the search."
Shuukichi skimmed the rest of the names as he nibbled on a buttered toast. "Are these for a new book you're writing?"
I shook my head in denial. "No, it's not for a book."
Shuuichi just looked me straight in the eye. His eyes look inquiring, but a small part of me feels like he knows something but can't put a finger on it or hesitating to voice it out. I'm under the scrutiny of FBI Special Agent Akai Shuuichi, not my brother. I broke his gaze and looked down to busy myself eating from my bowl of fruit, but I could still feel his eyes boring down on me. He must have let it go (for now) when he turned his eyes back on the screen and continued to read.
"Okiya Subaru. Born in London to a Japanese father and a British mother. Attended school in England. At twenty-seven, he will take his Doctorate in Engineering at Tohtou University."
"Hinamori Takahiro," Shuukichi read, taking over from Shuuichi. "Born in Nagano from a Japanese father and mother. Moved to Tokyo to study high school and went to Australia to study Culinary. Came back to Japan at age twenty-six to set up a small neighbourhood bakery."
This reminds me that I still need to look at properties for sale. A flat above a shop would work as a bakery or whatever shop he plans to do. It can be in a residential neighbourhood. Near the Kudou's house, perhaps? Also, Mom and Mary will eventually come back to Japan. MI6 possibly shouldered their hotel stay, but I think it would be better if they stayed in one place. For building down roots or something. A house with several rooms and a huge garage, perhaps, so other agents can come in and park there. Mom may refuse, but once I convince Masumi, Mom might consider.
"Haibara Ai," Shuukichi continued, frowning. "Born in Tokyo from a Japanese father and a British mother. Both parents died in a fire, and she is sent to live with her granduncle, who is an old bachelor."
Sorry, Professor Agasa.
The fifth name made me wince involuntarily, which Shuuichi took notice of but read the profile. "Edogawa Conan. Born in London from a Japanese couple but moved to Japan at seven to live with a relative due to his parents recuperating at a hospital."
The last one is what I struggle to find a solution with. Telling Shinichi not to do something will make him curious, and he does it anyway, and it will take an army for him to stop his curiosity. Plus, there is no date when the Roller Coaster Murder Case happened. I would have to be informed of his every action once he turns seventeen, but that would raise many questions for him, which I won't be able to answer.
"I need complete paperwork— birth certificates, passports, driver's licenses, social security numbers— the works. Though, you don't have to create bank history for them." Yet, I said inwardly. I remember the Holmes' Apprentice saga and the Blue Sapphire movie, where Shinichi needed to be overseas. With a passport available, it won't be difficult for him to come in and out of Japan. That is if Shinichi still turns to Conan. In addition to that, his status as a freeloader can be fixed as Yusaku-sensei, Yukiko, or I can transfer money to a bank account under Edogawa Conan's name.
Shuukichi just shook his head. "What do you need these done if not for a book, Sami-chan?"
I looked up and froze when I saw Shuuichi looking at me sternly as he roamed my face for any indication of a clue. It's like his eyes are trying to read me. His stillness also made me nervous. However, he just closed his eyes and let out a weary sigh. "Alright. Is the laptop connected to the printer? I need a copy of this, and I have nothing decent to write them down."
Shuukichi just gave us a look of disbelief. "Seriously?"
"Yes," Shuuichi just gave him a shrug. "Masami asked, I shall deliver," he finished with a reassuring smile. "However, it cannot be completed without the person's picture. I assume they're to follow?" I nodded. He retook my hand and squeezed it again. "I don't know why you can't tell me yet, but I'll wait. When the time is right, ne?"
I bit my lower lip again. Should I try? Furuya and his friends took it lightly, but seriously, right? However, my concern is Shuukichi. He will question why I didn't warn them about Haneda Kohji's death if I share my "seer powers" with them. To be honest, I could have, but I didn't have enough information to prevent it from happening. Rum and that Wakasa teacher were also involved, and I didn't know where they came into the picture concerning Haneda Kohji's death. That mystery hasn't been unveiled in the manga and anime when I left my previous life.
Lastly, if I keep this lie, I will be forced to keep it going until the end, and I honestly have no idea how to do that. Even if I limit the people who know it, there will come a time when they might rely on me to tell them what will happen.
I just smiled, trying to keep my tears from spilling, and I kissed him on his cheek. "Thank you." He stood up, ruffled my hair with a slight smirk, and walked towards the printer with the laptop to print the documents.
I would later regret not being curious why Shuuichi was willing to create five identities under the Witness Protection Programme without being a tad curious about it.
"Oh, by the way," both turned to me expectantly. I arranged my face to the best innocent expression I could do. I think I did alright as Shuuichi narrowed his eyes at me. After all, Shinichi's good at giving me puppy eyes every time he wants something from me. "Another favour from you, Nii-sama and a punishment for kichi-nii." Shuuichi didn't wince but only tilted his head in question. "Neither of you are allowed to humiliate, psychologically manipulate, torment, stalk, hunt, wound, maim, kidnap, torture, interrogate, shoot, kill, or touch as much as a hair on the bodies of any boyfriends or ex-boyfriends of mine in the future."
"Boyfriends!"
Shuukichi whimpered. "But why?!"
I just shrugged. "You promised not to tell Nii-sama, yet you did."
"B-but," he stuttered. "You and Nii-san made up because I brought him here!"
I gave him another shrug, but I just gave him a mysterious smile.
I giggled at the look of disbelief in their faces. Shuukichi's doing a great job imitating a drowning fish while Shuuichi looks like he swallowed a lemon. He seems ready to kill.
Good job, Masami. Mini crisis averted.
I just have to make sure Shuuichi won't have an opportunity to interrogate Shinichi in the future. But how do I do that?
English translation: Once upon a time, in a faraway land, there lived a merchant who was so lucky in all his ventures that he was extremely rich. However, as he had six sons and six daughters, accustomed to having everything they wanted, he did not find that he had a penny too much. But misfortunes happened to them. One day their house caught fire and burned quickly, along with all the splendid furniture, books, paintings, gold, silver, and precious possessions it contained. The father suddenly lost all the ships he owned at sea, either to pirates, shipwreck, or fire. Then he learned that his clerks in distant countries, in whom he trusted completely, had been unfaithful. And finally, from his great wealth, he fell into the greatest poverty.