Afternoon.
School was out.
On the way home, Kurosawa Hoshino walked at a breakneck pace, forcing Ran and Sonoko to practically jog to keep up behind him.
"Hoshino! Slow down!"
"Yeah, what's with you?"
The two girls finally called out in protest.
Kurosawa Hoshino stopped, turned, and offered them a smile. "Just thinking about something pleasant. Made me walk faster."
He wouldn't claim to remember 100% of Conan's plot, but he remembered most. Especially the first dozen or so episodes—they were etched in his mind, undimmed by the years.
Thinking about the impending "suicide" of Okino Yoko's boyfriend, he wanted to be there immediately. Solve the case. See how many Origin Points it would yield.
After all, 20 points could unlock a new ability. How could he not be eager?
"Something pleasant? Share with the class!" Sonoko caught up, clapping him on the shoulder, her curiosity burning.
"Can't. It's private."
"What's our relationship? You can tell me!"
"Private is private." Hoshino's smile held. "Sonoko, if it were your private business, would you tell me?"
"Of course!" Sonoko puffed out her chest with theatrical seriousness. "I'm the soul of loyalty. You tell me yours, I'll tell you mine."
"Heh."
Hoshino's lip twitched. If he believed that, he'd be a fool. He was quite sure Sonoko just wanted fresh gossip and was saying whatever it took. Even if she did share something, it would be utterly trivial.
"Um…"
Ran spoke softly, looking between them. "Sonoko, Hoshino… let's split up here. I'm going to 2-Chome."
"2-Chome?" x2
Their attention snapped to Ran's face.
Sonoko thought for a second and understood. She pouted. "Ran, you just want to check on why Shinichi was absent today, right?"
"Yes," Ran admitted.
"Fine. I'll go with you." Sonoko decided to stick with her best friend.
"Then I'll head back first."
Hoshino gave them a wave and strode off. Shinichi Kudo was now Conan; Ran was doomed to disappointment.
About ten minutes later, he hurried back to the Mouri Detective Agency.
Pushing open the door to the second floor, he found Kogoro Mouri in his classic pose: arms wrapped around the small TV on his desk, crying out lovingly, "Yoko~! Yoko~!"
A truly devoted fan of Okino Yoko.
"Ahem."
Noticing Hoshino's entrance, Kogoro instantly straightened up, assuming a cool, detached demeanor in his office chair. "Kid. Why are you alone? Where's Ran?"
"She went to 2-Chome. To see Kudo-kun, since he wasn't in school. She's worried."
"Damn that brat…" Kogoro's act shattered, teeth gritting at the thought of his precious daughter chasing after that particular pig. The urge to hit something surged.
His eyes landed on Hoshino, darted around, and a sudden, overly kind smile spread across his face.
"So, Hoshino. Tell me… how have I treated you?"
"Hmm?"
Hoshino looked at the suddenly ingratiating uncle. He knew this wasn't leading anywhere good. The normal response would be polite, but this wasn't a normal situation. Best to be contrary.
"Uncle Mouri… I'd say you've been… adequate."
"Adequate?!" Kogoro's eyes bulged. "Just adequate? A month ago, you showed up asking to share meals, and I agreed without a second thought!"
"I paid for my share."
"Er… That…"
Kogoro was momentarily stumped, then swiftly changed tack. "Forget the meals! Have I been bad to you in other ways?"
Hoshino blinked. "Other ways? Such as? Could you give an example?"
"Of course!"
Kogoro stood up… and then froze. He stood there, silent and motionless, looking utterly lost.
Hiss—
He took a deep breath and sat back down, stroking his chin in deep thought. Other than meals… he really couldn't come up with anything.
An awkward silence settled over the room.
Kurosawa Hoshino smiled. "So, Uncle, what did you want to say?"
"Nothing! Just… catching my breath."
"Really?"
"You little… quit asking!"
"Fine." Hoshino shrugged, turned on the TV opposite the sofa, and settled in to watch.
What Kogoro had wanted to say was obvious: Keep an eye on Ran. Don't let her get too close to that Shinichi brat.
But now that Shinichi had shrunk and was living right here, that shouldn't be a problem anymore.
…
…
Time passed.
Evening fell.
Darkness had settled outside.
Ran finally returned. She hadn't found Shinichi Kudo. Instead, she'd learned from Professor Agasa that Shinichi was "working on a very difficult case" and couldn't show himself for a while.
Kurosawa Hoshino glanced at Conan, disguised as a child, then walked to the window, peering at the corner of the building across the street.
Just as expected—three small figures were lurking there, peeking intently at the agency.
Good. It's Ayumi and the others. The plot hasn't derailed. Okino Yoko should be arriving soon.
A smile touched his lips. Unconsciously, he clenched his fist, already anticipating the "Origin Points" soon to come his way.
"Hey, kid. What're you looking at?" Kogoro asked, yawning from the sofa.
Without turning, Hoshino replied, "Three mischievous elementary school kids. It's so late. Why aren't they home? Their parents must be worried."
"Three elementary kids?" Conan was startled, remembering the three children from Teitan Elementary who'd wanted to befriend him that afternoon. "Kurosawa, are they two boys and a girl? One of the boys is pretty chubby?"
"Hmm?"
Kurosawa Hoshino turned and fixed him with a calm stare. "Conan… what should you call me?"
"..."
Conan's face stiffened. From the corner of his eye, he saw Kogoro and Ran looking at him strangely. A cold sweat broke out on his back. He quickly plastered on an innocent smile.
"S-sorry! Hoshino-nii, I misspoke!"
Ding-dong.
The doorbell chimed.
A guest had arrived.
"Who could it be at this hour…?"
Kogoro Mouri reluctantly hauled himself up to answer, already planning to say he was closed and to come back tomorrow.