"Next to Ota-san is Kakutani-san, our cinematographer," Sonoko continued.
During the chat, Kakutani Hiroki held a portable camera, clearly obsessed with filming.
"Then we have Takahashi-san, in charge of movie props."
"Hey there." Takahashi Ryoichi, wearing round glasses, scratched his head with a goofy grin.
Recently, he'd crossed the 100-kilo mark, looking round and chubby, giving off a warm first impression.
Tsuneo sized him up, then went back to eating bread and sipping tea.
Who invented afternoon tea? So bland.
"And here's my sister, in charge of actors' makeup and costumes, currently scouting for a husband," Sonoko said.
Ayako, eyes crinkling with a smile, nodded gently and refilled Tsuneo's tea when she noticed his cup was empty.
"Lastly, our director, scriptwriter, and film club president, Ikeda Chikako."
Maybe less familiar with her, Sonoko didn't use "big brother" or "big sister" like with the others.
Dressed in a purple sweater, short-haired Ikeda was striking, exuding maturity.
"Speaking of, that script for The Blue Kingdom?" Ran recalled seeing the name somewhere.
"Right, it's her student work, finally brought to life," Ayako said with a smile.
Ikeda brushed off the topic, not keen on revisiting the past.
Old friends caught up, the table's vibe warm and cozy.
Until Ayako mentioned Atsuko.
"Stop bringing up Atsuko!" Ikeda, usually composed, snapped, slamming her hands on the table.
Calming herself, she added, "I came here to relax. Don't talk about someone long gone."
"Heh." Tsuneo, munching bread, let out a chuckle.
"What's so funny?" Ikeda shot him a sensitive glare.
Anything tied to Atsuko could set her off.
"Nothing. Just seems like this Atsuko wasn't very popular," Tsuneo said, grabbing his tea and heading to the kitchen.
Sonoko mentioned premium beef and seafood. Hope there's enough.
…
Five or six minutes later, Ayako and Sonoko entered the kitchen. The older sister started prepping dinner; the younger… was there to make a mess.
"How's that? I got some good stuff, right?" Sonoko opened the fridge, showing off the packed ingredients.
"I've said it before—you're the best rich kid in the world!" Tsuneo gave a thumbs-up.
"Obviously!" Sonoko laughed, hands on hips.
"Heh." Ayako, washing dishes at the sink, couldn't help but giggle.
Classmates or friends rarely called her a "rich kid" to her face.
People wanted her friendship but avoided money talk, not wanting to seem shallow.
"What's so funny, sis?" Sonoko asked, curious.
"Go for it!" Ayako clenched a fist, cheering her on.
"I won't let him get away!" Sonoko declared, full of fire, returning to Tsuneo's side as he inspected the food.
Ayako shook her head, smiling.
Her sister was such a handful.
And that blunt Tsuneo seemed more interested in the fridge…
…
Outside the villa.
"Why'd you drag me out here?" Tsuneo asked, exasperated.
He was sneaking bites in the kitchen when this detective yanked him out for a jog in the rain.
"Ran and that Ota Katsumi are right there!" Conan pulled Tsuneo behind a tree.
"So? What's that got to do with me?"
"My problems are your problems. Didn't you say that?"
"Did I?" Tsuneo looked puzzled.
Must've eaten too much to say something that dumb.
Seeing Ota, umbrella in hand, flirting with Ran nearby, Tsuneo grabbed Conan and strode out.
Why hide? Dodging just invites trouble.
"Ran, time to head back!"
Tsuneo snatched Ota's umbrella, leading Ran and Conan toward the villa.
"Hey!" Ota, stumbling, shouted after them.
"Go eat. Stop hitting on high school girls," Tsuneo said without looking back, waving dismissively.
Twenty-something and chasing a barely seventeen-year-old for heart-to-hearts?
"Thanks, Tsuneo. I didn't know what to do," Ran said, her smile returning.
"Just kick him. Kindness and manners are for friends," Tsuneo said, glancing into the dark forest.
Someone was nearby just now.
That guy?
Conan, standing by, flashed an innocent grin, thinking Tsuneo was actually reliable for once.
…
Back at the villa, until everyone sat at the dinner table, Ota kept glaring at Tsuneo.
A cute, gullible high school girl, and his plans were ruined.
The playboy was still stewing.
But he wasn't the only one eyeing Tsuneo.
Besides lovesick Sonoko, scriptwriter Ikeda Chikako and chubby Takahashi Ryoichi kept glancing his way.
Honestly, with this table's vibe, Tsuneo felt like he was the one about to get murdered.
Don't tell me I'll end up the victim?
With that thought, he gave Conan's head a hard knock.
All because of this kid, stirring up trouble for no reason.
Conan, clutching his head, looked baffled.
When dinner hit the table, Tsuneo's mood lifted. No pretense—he demolished seventy percent of the food single-handedly.
"Amazing!" Sonoko gushed, her rose-tinted glasses seeing his gluttony as a marvel.
"Hey, Conan, should we tell Sonoko what Tsuneo said?" Ran whispered, leaning down.
"Uh, Tsuneo said to tell Sonoko after dinner," Conan nodded.
As expected, a glutton's a glutton. Big news can wait till he's stuffed.
Recalling Tsuneo's specific instructions, Conan could only roll his eyes…
(End of Chapter)
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