Akashi's expression was a mix of confusion and… something else. He was still processing the sensation from moments ago.
'Duang! Duang!' Soft. Continuous.
The memory was vivid: the tip of his nose buried in something impossibly plush, with a faint, lingering fragrance swirling in the air.
The nasal sensor cells—the most sensitive in the human body—had been working overtime, savoring the moment.
And those other… sensory cells? Equally overindulged.
The experience was nothing short of extraordinary.
Not to mention, Akashi had instinctively pushed back a couple of times during the fall. The sensation on his hands still lingered.
For once, this absurd system seemed to have a hidden perk!
His expression didn't escape Conan's sharp gaze.
The little detective had seen everything.
'This kid… That face… Is he reminiscing about what just happened!?'
Conan's inner monologue spiraled into disbelief.
'How does someone so young even know what to reminisce about? Today's kids are ridiculously precocious!'
The realization filled Conan with indignation.
'That's a place I've never touched before!'
Without even knowing why, Conan felt a sudden hostility toward Akashi.
'This feeling… Is this jealousy?'
Despite his growing irritation, Conan forced himself to stay composed.
---
Unfortunately for Conan, the more he glared at Akashi, the worse Ran's impression of him became.
After all, appearance matters.
Given the choice between an average-looking boy and an ethereal, elf-like SSR-tier Shota, the preference was obvious.
On top of that, Conan had startled Ran earlier, causing her to fall—and now he was glaring at her beloved Akashi?
Even Ran, known for her gentle temperament, felt a flicker of anger.
This encounter was starkly different from the original timeline.
In the anime, Ran had found Conan adorable at first sight, immediately picking him up.
But with Akashi in the picture, that scenario was now impossible.
Dr. Agasa, observing the situation, interjected:
"Ran, this child really is a distant relative of Shinichi. His family recently had surgery, so they left him here temporarily."
"But Shinichi got caught up in a tricky case and went off to investigate."
"He asked me to look after this child. But, well, as you know, I'm just a single man—I'm terrible at taking care of kids."
"So… I was hoping you could let him stay at the detective agency for a while?"
---
Ran frowned at the suggestion.
Before, she might have agreed without hesitation.
But now, with Akashi in her care, she didn't want to divide her attention further.
She hesitated, her gaze shifting briefly to Akashi.
Meanwhile, Conan sidled up to Dr. Agasa, lowering his voice to a whisper.
"Doctor! Why are you pushing this idea so hard?"
Dr. Agasa's response was calm but pointed.
"It's simple. Staying at the detective agency puts you closer to ongoing cases and the Metropolitan Police Department. You might find files or clues about the men in black who drugged you."
"And, honestly," Agasa added, "I'm not exactly eager to host you at my house indefinitely. Better for everyone this way."
The logic was sound, even if it stung a little.
Conan sighed. The old man's reasoning was impeccable.
"But remember," Agasa warned, "you must keep your true identity a secret. Investigate quietly, and don't let Ran know."
Reluctantly, Conan nodded. He had no choice.
But agreeing with Dr. Agasa was one thing—convincing Ran was another.
Turning back, Conan saw Ran's polite but hesitant expression.
"I can't make this decision on my own," she said finally. "I'll need to ask my father."
At those words, Conan froze.
He knew all too well how decisions were made in the Mōri household.
Kogoro Mōri, with his love of booze and general lack of authority, had little say in family matters.
When Ran said she needed to ask her father, it was code for 'I don't want to take him in.'
For Conan, this was a nightmare scenario.
"It just so happens I need to go home and tell Dad something later!" Ran said thoughtfully.
"This kid, um, Conan, can just come along with us!"
Then, as if remembering something, Ran asked, "Oh, Doctor, what case did Shinichi go to investigate? Did he come back yesterday?"
Dr. Agasa stole a quick glance at Conan, who nodded nervously. Picking up on the cue, the doctor replied hurriedly, "Yes, he came back yesterday!"
"But I don't know much about the case—it must be a tough one. He mentioned it might take some time to resolve."
"He even asked me to help him request leave from school!"
The good doctor, feeling the weight of his white lie, scratched his head awkwardly.
But the ever-naive Ran accepted the story without question.
"Well, as long as he's back safe and sound," she said, a hint of relief in her tone.
"It's just so like him! Not even a call to let us know he's okay!"
She sighed lightly, then turned toward the door.
"Alright, Doctor, we'll be heading out now!"
---
Under Conan's horrified gaze, Ran suddenly leaned down and scooped up Akashi.
Her arms cradled him securely, his small frame pressed snugly against her front.
Akashi's head rested on her shoulder, his body held close in a way that felt natural and warm.
To Ran, it was as if she were carrying a precious treasure. Her cheeks flushed slightly, her heart filled with a sense of joy and contentment.
Softly, she murmured, "Akashi, you should take it easy. Let big sister take you home to rest, alright?"
The tenderness in her voice was a stark contrast to how she treated Conan.
---
Akashi, powerless to resist, found himself effortlessly swept into Ran's embrace.
As he relaxed against her, he couldn't help but marvel.
'The genetics in this family are incredible!'
It was obvious in every interaction. Whether it was a quick slap or moments like this, Ran was every bit her mother Eri's daughter.
The sweet fragrance surrounding Ran filled his senses, and as he glanced over, he noticed Conan frantically hopping around like a restless rabbit.
Akashi raised his eyebrows and flashed a mischievous smile.
For the first time, he thought to himself, 'Being a little succubus might not be so bad after all.'
Embracing the role, Akashi nestled deeper into Ran's arms like a content kitten.
His small arms looped gently around her neck as he shot Conan a cheeky, triumphant look.
Conan froze, his jaw nearly dropping to the floor.
'This little brat!'
'What's going on here!?'
Conan's inner turmoil boiled over.
'Was that… was that a provocation?!'
It had to be!
And it worked—Conan felt as though horns were about to sprout from his head.
But trapped in a child's body, he could do little more than stomp his feet in frustration.
'I can't even say anything!'
---
Unaware of the silent battle raging behind her, Ran focused entirely on Akashi.
The feel of his small arms around her neck almost made her lose composure.
'Akashi is just too adorable!'
'I want to hug him tighter, to hold him forever!'
But with Dr. Agasa and Conan nearby, Ran managed to restrain herself.
Even so, her arms tightened slightly without her realizing it, pulling Akashi closer.
It was hard to resist the overwhelming sense of joy.
Finally, she turned to Conan and said, "Conan, let's go!"
However, engrossed in carrying Akashi, she didn't even bother to hold Conan's hand.
She simply called out to him and headed downstairs with Akashi in her arms.
Behind her, Conan—still metaphorically steaming like a cartoon bull—grumbled under his breath but had no choice but to follow.