Now in the life of Kudo Ranran, she had always been the one doing the stakeout.

From doing stakeout on suspects to digging out any info about their personal lives through social media, it had always been part of her job as a detective. However, lately, she has been feeling how it feels like being the prey as she feels eyes following her.

Someone was following her, she was sure of it. Ranran thought of this as she walked alongside the police collogues her dad made them accompany her while she head to the bus stop. According to the GPS on her phone, it seems like her dad is almost there to pick her up using his car.

Could it have been the suspects on one of the previous cases she had worked on?

Ranran thought hard, no, not possible. Also, today will be officially her last case as The Fox for good this time.

When Ranran took the mantle of 'The Fox', she did it because she felt sorry for her father, as the corrupt officials practically been hiring officials that have qualifications so low, it's bound to make even janitors who work there laugh out of mockery if they were to find out about this. The reason they did so is to monopolize in the name of power for personal self-interest. Hiring highly qualified candidates will be a huge threat to removing them from their powerful position within the police task force. If it wasn't for her dad doing all of this undercover, this could've gone on forever for all she knows.

Today is finally her last case as The Fox (at least in the public eye), where she is no longer needed now that her dad finally managed to get things under control so far.

Another reason this was her last case was the media scrutiny of her identity, whereby the possibility where an adult is using a child to do their job in real life? That itself is rather controversial.

To begin with, it ain't her dad's fault, given that he was really low in manpower upon arriving in Japan, he couldn't trust many officers in his shoes as there were far too many corrupt policemen and detectives. Also, she was the one who volunteer to do so with motives of her own.

She walked while accompanied by her father's police colleagues before they finally drop her off and they greeted each other with their goodbyes.

As she finally made it to the bus stop, she had the uncanny feeling she was being watched.

Opposite the bus stop where she sat, if she crosses the road, a shadow figure hides behind the large post box.

Ranran wanted to confront it, that damn stalker who had been onto her. She may be a 6-year-old, but she has seen quite a lot of assholes in her life and tackled them in her own way. This is nothing to her. Perhaps the person behind the letterbox could've been working for one of the men who aided Watanabe's escape, which was a good possibility given that she and Takuma survived.

However, before she could, a car blocked in front of her, revealing it to be her ride back home.

By this point, she could no longer make excuses to cross the road now that her father had arrived. Also, she didn't wanna worry him. It was probably just a stray cat, she told herself, but she knew deep down it ain't possible.

There was someone out there.

With the streetlamp next to the post box, the shadow emitting to the right made it evident it couldn't be a small stray cat. Probably because it was kinda late at night when no one is walking around, it was clear cut to see that it was a human being's shadow.

With her long term experience as a detective, she knows she wasn't just seeing things alone.

However, the movement....from afar it didn't look like an adult. Rather....a child like her is stalking her!?

Ranran squinted from the passenger view seat as her dad leaves the car, she couldn't get a good clarity on who was this mysterious kid.

..................................................................

Ever since she took in the case of the escaped jailbird, she had a nagging feeling she had been followed one way or another. Hell, it didn't just end upon entering her school as well.

This feeling she was feeling though even as she entered the classroom, she couldn't shake it.

It was odd, she can't help but think. If this was one of the suspects she made enemies with from one of her former identities as 'The Fox', it wouldn't have been possible for her to feel this way all the way into class. The security in this school is tight, tight enough that not even her suspects should be able to access their school. In fact, this has been going on even as she takes a seat on her desk with her bag placed aside.

Her thoughts were filled with what had happened last night, over who that mysterious kid could be.

Ranran thought hard as she recalled the news as 'The Fox' leaked....did that kid have anything to do with the news leak? She made sure her dad's associates ensure that her activities as The Fox were kept under wraps till the final day. A journalist may have been possible, since a child Tantei is almost unheard of in real life, let alone, one that solves murder.

However,".....if he was a journalist, he could've come up to confront me considering I been at the bus stop alone."

Unless he knew her work schedule?!

There are ways to obtained it, since Ranran had made multiple enemies in the police department. Even so, it would've been pretty stupid for them to do so, because the last thing they would want is to end up in the countryside should they perform such idiocy behind her back. 

The last time someone tried to do so as to selling her identity to the press anonymously, they ended up in a mental institution somewhere in Tokyo where they screamed to the sceptical medical staff who were present at that time that the 'she-devil' is a future 'sociopathic serial-killer' in the making, and that she should be locked away.

Of course, not a single of them bought a word. Which works just fine for Ranran.

"Even if he knew my work schedule....there were times I waited at the bus stop on my own for a long time, he could've just come up to me and dig any info for his story."

So if it isn't a journalist, who could it be?

While Ranran was thinking, she overheard one of the kids in class going, "Neh Kudo, I haven't seen you read that in a while. You finally missed Holmes?"

Eh!?

Mistaking that someone had called her by her surname, she turned to see who called her, only to realize that the person was referring to the other one in question: Kudo Shinichi.

The little boy had a book placed on top of his desk in front of him in a vertical position, "Ah hah, I just miss reading it in a while. That's all." he grins to the classmate while Ranran observed from a distance (she sat in the front while he was 2 tables back).

"Heh....that is so unlike you."

"Hmph?"

"I haven't seen you read it in a long time after that fight you had with Rokuro-kun."

Wait, Shinichi hasn't touched or read his Sherlock Holmes book since 'the feud'!? This sets of unsettling signs for Ranran. But now that the classmate mentioned it.....

"Hah....so unlike you to notice things."Shinichi gave a look of annoyance at his classmate.

"Ah hah, gomene. It's been rumoured that you stopped reading Holmes novels because Ran used to read them with you."

"Ah, that? No, Ran never liked Holmes, to begin with. I just didn't read it as I was busy trying to prove my point that he was behind it."

"That's true...I just happen to notice it cause your book is standing vertically, which is so unlike you, as you always laid it flat."

"Ah, is that so....?"

Glancing at the sight of the said book, it's title 'The Sign of Four' was as obvious within her line of sight. 

Considering the classmate's words, he ain't wrong, Shinichi has a habit of reading it flat because of those other kids teasing his dream of becoming a detective, so he tends to hide the cover of the book by reading it flat.

From the reports she had gathered about him, if his reading position is what it is.....that normally meant he is spying on someone.

She knew this, because she had seen this a couple of time while they were bored during class lessons. During that time when Sonoko was secretly texting on her phone placed in her desk, or that time Ran was busy talking God knows what with Sonoko when they were absent from class. Shinichi had a way of reading things in a specific manner when he didn't want to be noticed, but it also made him very conspicuous in a strange way.

And right now, the way his book was placed right now....wasn't just a casual habit. No, Ranran realized something. He wasn't reading it. He was using it as a shield. Shinichi was trying to hide the fact that his gaze was fixed on her.

Wait, is he still watching me....this entire time?

Now Ranran had profiled him as the type to not listen to rumours and go about looking into it unless it involves elements of crime after having 'people' investigating him and the others before her family moved here. And it was 90 percent accurate.

.....till his recent actions tells her it was no longer the case.

Suddenly, Ranran's hunch about Shinichi learning of her life as 'The Fox' felt like a chilling certainty.

...................................

Now normally her two friends come up to her and talk about their usual things as they always do in class. Except for today, they noted...Ranran is off."Hello? Ranran? Are you listening to me?"

"Ah? Ah, sorry, I wasn't listening to you, Tak-san." Ranran responded with a small hint of uneasiness within her voice, not to mention, annoyance.

"Ranran, is everything alright?"Reina noticed something wasn't right with her friend, considering she had been silent around the two, which was very unusual for her. Even Takuma noticed for Ranran tended to listen to the things he often spoke about. Seeing her distracted is not like her.

"My hunch has proven me right once more," she quickly said in a hushed voice.

"Say what now!?"Takuma and Reina reacted in surprise.

"Shh!"Ranran hissed, "Don't alert him."

"Who?"

Then the two turned to see what Ranran was staring at, all the two saw was a book on a desk where Shinichi is supposedly 'reading'.

"Seriously?" Reina whispered back to Ranran in a low voice, "After almost a year of peace, he just decided to go after you? Especially after what he did towards you last year? Does he has no shame?"

That's true, she had a point.

Upon starting school, Shinichi had never once approached her since 'the Parkour incident' took place. If anything, he has contempt and resentment in his eyes whenever he stared at Ranran upon arriving at school. 

Worried for her friend, Reina suggests, "Do you want me to get Mouri and Suzuki?"

"To have those two teach him a lesson, right? About how he treat girls in general?" Takuma guessed with a grin.

When it came to social hierarchy in general, Takuma who was born with a natural inner social butterfly trait has the ability to pick up on people's moods and motivations, and he could always tell when someone was out of their element. 

And right now, he could sense something had shifted in Shinichi's behavior, too.

Before the infamous feud, Takuma could tell that among the trio, Shinichi has always been at the bottom-feeder while Ran and Sonoko are at the top when it comes to their friendship. 

The reasoning for this was solely due to Shinichi's obnoxious nature. Whenever that part of Shinichi surfaces as he discovers or notices something that the others won't, the two girls who are always with him tend to berate him for being insensitive and lecture him about being considerate towards other's feelings. 

In once incident, Shinichi once rolled his eyes when he scolded one of the children in their school for stealing the expensive bentos from the richer kids when the motive was revealed that he was sick and tired of being 'poor' and wanted to have something nice for once. Shinichi, ever the idealist, gone on about how stealing was wrong, no matter the reason, and that hard work is the only way up.

At that time, Ranran's trio were too busy to care trying to finish up their homework before tomorrow, so you can imagine their shock when they heard an angry yell from Mouri Ran shouting at Shinichi that wouldn't really work in real life (which was unnecessary in Ranran's opinion at that time,  as they could've taken this idiocy outside the classroom). 

Another incident Takuma could remember was when Shinichi had unknowingly (or maybe knowingly) provoked Sonoko, causing her to storm off in a huff during a group study session. Shinichi had made some comment about her "questionable" spending habits, and even though it was probably just a harmless jab, Sonoko had taken it personally. "You know, if you'd even know the definition of 'wasting money'," he had suggested nonchalantly, "you wouldn't have to rely on your parents so much."

Sonoko, who always kept a rather sharp edge, had not let that slide. The result was an argument that dragged on for nearly an hour, leaving Shinichi in the corner with a half-apologetic, half-defensive expression while Reina, who is also the class monitor, and Mouri, had to play mediator to settle things down.

Anyway, just by these two incidents alone, it was evident that the only way to put an end to Shinichi's investigation towards Ranran, is by having the two morons shove his foot into his mouth, which is why Reina suggested this idea in the first place.

Of course, Ranran's group isn't close to either Mouri and Suzuki thanks to what she did towards Shinichi last year.

However, if Ranran says yes to Reina's idea, all Reina needed to do was just simply lure the two morons over as head student council, then let Ranran quietly manipulate them into chastising Shinichi should he try to get any closer, let alone, make any attempts into prying anything to do with Ranran's private plans.

"This going to be difficult to pull of, given that the trio's estrangement is a lot worst that it was reported on paper."

"Eh!?"Takuma's thoughts stopped in his tracks as Ranran suddenly spoke to the two.

"I read Reina's report about it, if I had Reina approach the two morons, they will pick up that we may be using their feud for whatever motives we have." Ranran by this point looked troubled as she sighs.

"Ranran....don't tell me this is a dead end for you, then?" Reina can't help but frown at that thought.

"Of course not," Ranran paused, her gaze drifting to the side as she toyed with the edge of her sleeve, her mind racing. 

The case to solve regarding the recently escaped jailbird is still active, so she can't afford to have anyone tail onto her right now. If he finds out, not only he will figure out she is The Fox, he may want to worm his way in and tell him what he can or can do. Shinichi is after all a righteous to a fault boy, the last thing he would want is to do things ruthlessly.

In other words: He will be a huge hindrance in her line work.

Worst case scenario, he may end up losing his life because of this. And she does not want that, even though she ain't on good terms with the boy. Don't get her wrong, she despise him enough to wish him dead, but without him around, she will have no sacrificial lambs to throw about in whatever endeavours she schemes in the future.

To top it off, him dying would also mean no peace from the two girls.

Adding to the equation that Shinichi is officially a loner with the infamous enstranglement, that would mean he has all of the free time to spare to investigate Ranran. And that would also spell trouble for Ranran, because a bored Shinichi means he would find anything that interests him to distract himself from his problems.

"I have an idea."

"Eh!?" "Eh?!"

................................

"Last class is about to end."

The clock is ticking 5 minutes left before it ends as other kids eagerly packed their bags, some of them just leaving their items on the desk chatting happily as they hang out closely with other tables as others do their homework etc. Ran is nowhere to be around as she heads out to the washroom. Takuma and Reina ain't around either, as they have things to do in school for their after school activities.

Shinichi meanwhile is doing the usual, only in disguise. Reading the book as a cover to spy on Ranran as he usually does, his mind was then interrupted, when one of his classmates came up to him unexpectedly, to say, "Neh Kudo, I heard you called me over, deshou?"

That annoying girl's voice whom he had not heard in a week finally came in full boom, it was Suzuki Sonoko, Ran's best childhood friend, blocking the view of his target."Eh!? Me!? What on earth gave you that thought!?"Shinichi suddenly reacted to Sonoko's unexpected presence, but not in the usual way Sonoko expect him to.

Whenever Sonoko comes up to him, he usually reacts in annoyance. This time was no different, except he didn't look her in the eye, as he was too trying busy keeping an eye on Ranran.

This really made Sonoko tick, "Ooi Tantei geek! Don't be Tsundere! I heard all of this from Matsuyuki-san!"

"Eh, hah?What?"Shinichi awoke to Sonoko's unexpected revelation as he turned to her, "What are you talking about!?"

"Mou, Kudokun. Don't beat around the bush! She told me everything already!"

"Told you what!?"He was becoming more confused than ever.

Here it goes."Kudo Shinichi, I don't know if you are dense or what, but Matsuyuki-san told me you were sorry over what you said to Ran the other day after that 'feud'. She mentions you want to make amends, but you don't know where to begin."

At this point, he spoke in annoyance and unexpectedly."Why would she say something like that!?"

"Hah!? Are you saying she is lying then!?"

First of all, he has a lot of confusion going through his mind about what Sonoko had to say. Matsuyuki Reina, their student head council said he wants to offer an olive branch to his ex-friends?! Why would she say something like that?

"You didn't have to be all so secretive, you know? I understand you boys have your own sense of pride, but it's good that you realize what you did was wrong." Not giving him a chance to say much of anything, aside from him making attempts to deny it, she continues, "So I believe you should stop giving mixed messages like what you said to Ran the other day cause you gave her the wrong sort of impression, you know? Girls can get hurt by the words you say."

"That's right, like what you did to Ranran the other day."And then suddenly someone was grabbing his shoulders from behind and then another arm rested around his shoulders. It was that 'gang', the group of boys whom he hadn't spoken to since the 'Parkour incident' took place last year. The very culprits who push Ranran down. What are they doing here?! They don't belong to this class!

Then he noted the teacher is asleep, great, just great.

In Teitan Elementary, it seems like the kids in this school have this habit of slipping into others' classrooms brazenly, even with sub-teachers around. Glancing around him quickly told him he is very likely screwed. And Shinichi's gut just sank. "Oh really?"

That boy, whom we call Boy A, came in with the rest of the other boys crowding behind.

"Ranran....you mean Kudo Ranran!?That girl whom you claimed allegedly frame you for pushing her down that high obstacle course!?" Shinichi was sure anybody could hear the impatience in Sonoko's voice, before she demanded answers from the group, "What do you mean by that?"

"He always fancies her as his girlfriend, right Kudo?"Boy B added and Shinichi took a second to send him a warning glare. B only smirked.

Sonoko thinks whatever she wants to get out of someone, she gets. Hence the title Gossip queen. But Shinichi was just as stubborn though, if not then more so. Again, Shinichi dismisses their claims, "That's nothing, talking gibberish is all they do," he said in a hush, not even the entire class would believe a word he said.

"Then why did you stop playing soccer halfway that day on Sunday to go after her?"Boy E was fanning the flames of rage towards Sonoko, while also shooting a quick glance at Boy B.

"Hold on, Shinichi did what!?"Sonoko asked in disbelief.

Shinichi elbowed his former friend in the side discreetly. "Stop it," he whispered harshly.

"Why hide it? It's the truth. Everyone knows this."Boy D rolled his eyes at Shinichi with an evil glint in his eyes.

"Everyone...you mean the entire soccer club are aware of this!?"Sonoko couldn't help but react in astonishment as Shinichi grew pale be wondering how did they know of this? They ain't under the same club as him as far as he remembers.

"Of course," Boy C nodded, "It was the ultimate game! One of my friends is a member of that club, he recalled watching Shinichi vanish midway. When ask why he claimed he had something to do. So my friend ran up and followed him, then we saw her there at the riverbank."

"What was she doing?"

"My friend wasn't sure. All I know was she was there, and he hid from her."

"What!? Why!?" Sonoko was beyond shocked.

"No idea."Boy C shrugs," My friend wanted to call him out but was too curious to know why was he being like that and waited till he notice Ranran was there from afar-"

"Wait, that meant she didn't know he was around!?" Sonoko cut him off.

"Exactly! It's like he is spying on her!"

Shinichi is certain they were overdramatizing the actual truth to the situation. And who could blame them? When that parkour incident took place, they face the severity of the punishment for pushing the then 5-year-old Ranran down the obstacle course while Shinichi only ended up having a slap on the wrist.

While all of this is going on, Ranran quietly packed her bags as she made sure all the kids' attention are on Shinichi, even the other kids who were doing their own thing were doing the exact same thing as Ranran. "Everything according to plan."Ranran mused as she observed the teacher asleep on her desk, before shifting her gaze to the clock, "Just 1 more minute."

Shinichi yelled, "This isn't what it looks like!"

"So when you were not speaking to Ran for the entire week, you were already fancying some girl that your grandparents brought to your home to be married of!? The same one who disrespected you!?" Sonoko repeated, "Why were you spying on her!?" she asked with suspicion," is she-"

"No!" Shinichi denied adamantly and the girl looked for anyone, expecting confirmation.

At his denial thought, boy A refuted, "My friend said you followed her even though she didn't know!"

"Yeah! Don't lie! You even ran out the school after school ends every single day, never bother waiting for Ran or any of us nowadays," boy B stepped in.

All these accusations were being thrown out by multiple people, so obviously Shinichi did the only thing he could think of. Deny, deny, deny. He shook his head rapidly.

"You sure you are going to be ok, Ranran?"Takuma questioned in concern through text, as Ranran's eyes are preying on the door of the classroom.

"Watch out for me, alright?" she texted back.

The school bell finally rings.

This is it, game on.

Finally, an odd reaction out of Suzuki came up as a defensive one and her eyes narrowed, affronted." Kudo Shinichi, be honest with me, what does Ranran have that Ran lacks? Is she not pretty enough for you?" she confronts him.

Shinichi floundered around desperately for something to say. "Nothing! That's not-!"

Sonoko cut him off. "Or, is she cuter than her?"

"What?! No!"

"Then....why are you constantly following her around!?"

For the first time in his life, Shinichi just stop responding. At this rate, he is stuck at both ends. If he tells her the true nature of their relationship, his head will be obviously chopped down by the guillotine by their family. Then again, he can't even explain why he had to follow Ranran against her own will either.

Well then, is he going to blurt out everything like a moron? In front of Sonoko?

If this happens to be Ran, maybe yes. But if he admits this.....Ranran will flee.

Ironically, while the bickering goes on, she double check around her surroundings, before leaving the classroom in front of him by jumping across, speeding out of the classroom as if her life depends on it, much to the surprise of many, before anyone was done packing.

That is when Shinichi notice her fleeing and was able to put everything together.

Kudo Ranran is one scheming little girl.

That's why Reina and Takuma aren't around, she must have instructed them to spread those damn rumours about Shinichi wanting to patch up with them so that he gets mobbed!

In other words: She knew!

His hands curled into a fist the more he realizes she knew and came up with this scheme.

"You know what? I have no reason to answer any of your questions!"Shinichi slams his desk with the book he held earlier, making everyone react in shock and surprise as he jumped out of his seat in anger and annoyance, "what are you guys going to do after I answer it? Spread rumours about me and Ranran? Fine! Go ahead! Talk crap on whatever about me! Whatever it is my relationship with her, it ain't your business, alright!?" He grabbed his backpack much to the surprise of other kids based on his unexpected outburst before he stoned off saying, "This interrogation is done!"

Sonoko blinked a bit surprised along with his teammates.

"What did.....what did that Shinichi just say towards me!?" Sonoko snapped. The girl sounded angry, mad even.

As he runs down across the classroom hallways while others watch, with a bag in tow, he peeps downstairs to see Ranran rushing down. "Kudo Ranran! Get back here!!" his voice echoes within the school but Ranran doesn't stop.

........

'As I suspect!' Ranran grit her teeth, 'He really can't let go, huh?'

Frowning for a moment, Ranran wondered what to do upon finally reaching the entrance before she smirked, 'Okay...if that's how he wants it...'

Ranran runs into a crowd of kids wearing a sea of blue uniforms as they are all heading home, she hopes that boy didn't acknowledge her presence before it is all too late.

"What the hell!"

Shit, Shinichi now can't find her.

It should've been easy, as the school had released all of the kids after school. It shouldn't be that difficult to identify Ranran as there were not many girls with short hair. However, Teitan Elementary had made everyone wear similar school uniforms, not to mention, the kids are talking to one another closely, which made his chase much more difficult approach loser to Ranran, let alone, spot her.

By the time everything was cleared, she was gone.

Meanwhile, upon spotting a bus, Ranran climbed into it before it finally leaves and lowered herself below the window while she enters slowly, hoping Shinichi didn't notice.

When the bus finally takes off, she waited for about 5 minutes before she simply sat on one of the available seats while she panted. She look to the back of the bus, making sure Shinichi was no longer around before finally sighing out of relief.

This bus is very likely going to drop her off at one of the British restaurants she usually heads to in Japan. She has lunch there, then hangs out, then wait till around 6 pm before she heads home. By around that time, Shinichi had to go back to his own home because his family is having some sort of private party involving a new book from his Tousan, so he has to head home on time. Her house is actually situated behind his house, so this is the only way to avoid him till this case is solved.

Right now, she needs to change plans before looking further into that Watanabe case.

Ranran readjusts her sitting position as she thinks deeply about her progress on the case. So far, she hasn't had any luck locating Watanabe's nephew. In her opinion, considering he is related to a criminal, it's no surprise why he chose to not call her back. Children of criminals tend to distance themselves from anyone within the family that is considered to be one as society tends to mistreat them.

Also after she long thought about the motives over why the criminal did what he did, she concluded that the motive behind it was simple: he needs him.

The main objective is...what? What is the purpose of fishing him out?

Suddenly, her smartphone rang.

Fishing out of her skirt pocket, she picked out her smartphone and answered, "Hello?"

"You looked as if you've been chased across the grid the last I saw you."Takuma's voice can be heard.

"Tell me about it, "Ranran bemoaned silently.

"But now that he is onto you, "Ranran turned her attention on the phone as he went on. "you realize that he is very persistent, deshou?" Takuma asked, "Shinichi is like a dog that got a bone, once he is onto you, that's not something that goes away."

"I know," Ranran said, rubbing her forehead as she faces up the roof of the bus," but I truly loathe the idea that he has been on to me."

"Why?" Takuma asked, "It's not like he is going to rat you out that you are The Fox. Cause even if he set out to destroy your life, he has more to lose than gain considering you both are under the same family. And anyway, though I admit he is likely to want to be involved in this case, I don't see why having him around solving this case won't help you get closer to the suspect."

"You're right, he won't, for a case, he would do just about anything, "Ranran was feeling drained from the conversation, "But Takuma, in his shoes, he is the type who will also surrender everything to those incompetent cops."

"Fair enough," Takuma said, "But what're you going to do now? Shinichi is onto you, it's only a matter of time till he's knocking on our door."

"I don't know," Ranran told him, "But I'll do whatever it takes to not be on my tail. And seriously, what the hell went wrong between Ran and Shinichi? I am pretty sure Shinichi often hangs around here a lot, why lately does he seem to have all of the free time to come after me like that? Mou, "Ranran pressed Takuma further.

"I asked around, they say the nature of it is a lot more serious than it usually is. But that was all I was able to get, neither party are fessing up."Takuma sighs.

"And now because of their stupid feud, Shinichi decided to come to me, huh? What a pure nuisance."

Just when she happens to find a big breakaway as The Fox, this has to happen. As all of her energy drained out from the running, she was close to passing out."Ranran...."

"Had I known this was going to happen, I wouldn't have done that to Shinichi last year, "Ranran spoke with weariness from all of the runnings she did today.

The despair in her words twists Takuma, feeling his friend's hopelessness.".....Ranran....."

Honestly speaking, after having to spend time getting to know his friend, he has seen her ups, even though if the odds were against her, she never once backed down. Even when people sneer at her family status, she took it in stride and turn the tables on them.

But hearing her sounding depressed after what had happened....it's heartbreaking.

"You haven't done anything wrong, Ranran," Takuma replied instantly and instinctively. "What else could you have done in your shoes? You did everything you could just to live the life you wanted."

Ranran's eyes are shut, leaning against the bus window.

"You know no one in your shoes would've dared to live the way you do. That's why you are living a better life than he is now. The way I see it, you shouldn't even feel remorseful after what he has done."He sighed as he shifted his weight leaning against the wall of the school entrance, "You made use of this talent to better your life, don't ever regret that."

".....talent, huh?"

A memory soon played in her head as she processed Takuma's words.

................................................................................

"Do you know this man, Ranran? One by the name of Giacomo Casanova?"

A little dirty blonde hair Caucasian boy poked a picture of an unusual man that in her eyes from the book he held, looked like those historical paintings that bore her to death. They were in a public library and the then 3-year-old Ranran stared at the elder boy, she blinked as she answered, "A pig."

"Huh!?"He became stunned at her words.

"A pig."

"Why is he a pig?!"

"Cause my father say so."

The boy's mouth opened like a trap left unsprung before questioning her further, "Explained."

"Male pigs have a lot of wives, so they can make many roly poly piglets for us as breakfast, lunch and dinner."She demonstrates it by showing the shape of a circle using her hands.

At first, The Boy just stared at her blankly for a moment. Then, he face palmed while muttering to no one, "Her father must be a riot at dinner parties."

"Eh?"

He leaned in closer to Ranran and whispered, "Listen, your dad's... not wrong exactly, but Casanova wasn't making piglets for breakfast. He was..." he paused, trying to remember what his older sister once shouted at their dad during a movie. "...a womanizer."

"A woman lizard?" Ranran gasped, scandalized.

"No, no! Woman -izer. Like... he liked girls. A lot."

"I think I heard that word before, woman liza-no, ni-zer." Ranran frowned, digesting this. Then she turned the page again—this time, Casanova was kissing a lady's hand before realizing, "Ah! I remembered that word now."

"Oh you do?"

 "I do now!" Ranran's eyes narrowed. "My father says this means having a harem!"

The Boy blinked. "A harem?!"

Ranran nodded solemnly. "Yes. A group of ladies who all like one man. Or a woman with multiple men."

The Boy looked both horrified and impressed, though he didn't have to think hard why.

Her mother plays a lot of Otome game, so it ain't strange why.

Then again, it's the reason he 'hired' her as The Fox in the first place. Not that he is going to say this in front of her face. "Do you know....what is Casanova's type of girl he likes?"

"Hmmm......"The 3 years thought hard, before she finally answered, "Pretty ones?"

"Besides that."

After a long while, she decided, "Idiot bimbos?"

Alright, this is getting no where. Upon clearing his throat, the 7-year-old boy began his narrative, "Around 1745, this man I am speaking of decided to hang out with a group of people to listen to a Castrato perform, whose name is Bellino."

"What is a Castrato?" The little girl asks.

"Male singers who can sing in high pitches," Ignoring her blinks, he continued, "Anyway, one day, out of boredom, a game was made. And to cut a long story short, he was able to figure out Bellino wasn't a male, but a female thanks to the game."

The little girl's eyes widened in amazement before frowning, "Why is Bellino dressed up like a guy?"

"Back then, women weren't allowed to sing in the church or on stage. But since she love singing so much, she has no choice but to dressed as a boy."

Ranran tilted her head, processing this information. "How did he know the singer is a she?"

"Her singing voice." The Boy continued his tale, painting a vivid picture with his words, "When you and I get older someday, our voice won't be what it is anymore."

Ranran's eyes sparkled with interest as she absorbed the story. 

"She continued to lie to keep that dream. But then....her lie made him...how should I put this?"

"Made him a fool?"

"Yes. A fool," The Boy leaned in, his eyes glinting with the excitement of the story. "He tried to bribe her family to fess up, but that didn't work. Then again, tried to confront her in person, and that didn't work."

"Seriously, what is the point of all of this? To get another girl?"  Ranran was annoyed in how things are going.

"Yes, Ranran," The Boy sighed, "Even a girl who lies a lot is deemed beautiful."

"How? She is a liar." 

"Girls who lie are the most interesting bunch, Ranran."

Ranran's brows knit together like she was trying to solve a crime. 

"Just think of it this way, those days where things like Tv and computers barely exists back then," The Boy said, his voice taking on a slightly dramatic tone, "Girls who lied are like... walking mystery novels. Once you get to know them, there is no turning back."

Ranran blinked, suspicious. "So...when the lies are exposed as truths, he dumped her, right?"

"Exactly."

She looked genuinely offended. "Why are you telling me this story?"

"Do you know what drew Casanova to a liar, Ranran?"

"Well....you just said it earlier, he like a girl who lies."

"Yeah, but besides that?"

For a moment, Ranran shook her head and couldn't understand what. Then, The Boy leaned in, his eyes narrowing as if about to share a secret. "The talent of lying."

"Hah!?" Ranran exclaimed.

"Yes, you heard me correctly," The Boy nodded in all seriousness, as if he had just revealed to her the hidden sixth element of the universe.

Ranran stared at him like he'd grown a second head. "I didn't think you are the type who like liars."

That statement itself was enough to make him cough—loudly, awkwardly—like he'd just inhaled a bug. But he quickly cleared his throat before attempting to make his point, "What I am trying to say is Ranran....men like Casanova....they exists in this world and are drawn to girls like Bellino, because they are fun."

"Hah!? How is that possible!?"The 3-year-old tilted her head in confusion, "I thought in fairy tales, most of the girls I know didn't show their talent to win love. The ones they married are those who easily cry and get sympathy easily."

"You don't understand, Ranran."He sighs before explaining this to her, "In real life, it's always the talented girls who win."

"No, that can't be true."Ranran pouted, "Or else why I see in dramas the mistresses are docile and stuff."

"Because after knowing someone long enough to easily predict their human nature, isn't it more fun to get to know someone who is unpredictable? That's why people like Casanova are drawn to those who are different, unique, and talented. It adds excitement and mystery to life."

Ranran pondered this for a moment, her little face scrunched up in deep thought.

"Which is why this is something I had to bring up, Ranran, regarding you,"  

The little girl's eyes widened with surprise. "What about me?"

"You and Bellimo had one common ground, and it would be a matter of time before something like this may happen to you someday should anyone know about your  'Fox' job that I assigned you."

Ranran's eyes widened even further, a mixture of confusion and curiosity in her gaze. "But no one knows I am beside you and the others."

"Of course, which is why I would simply advise that you keep things 'low profile'....if you know what I mean." 

After registering everything, Ranran argued, "But who would bother to want to know my 'Fox' job anyway? I always made it appear uninteresting."

"Ranran, take this seriously, ok?" Once more, The Boy had both his hands on the little girl's shoulders and looked into her eyes with a seriousness that surprised her. "Your 'Fox' job might not seem interesting to you, but to others, it could be intriguing. People are drawn to mystery, and your unique talents could attract attention. And sometimes....that sort of attention will gradually be the one that bites back at you." 

"But why would anyone care about what I do?" Ranran asked, genuinely puzzled.

"People are curious creatures, Ranran," The Boy replied. "And curiosity can lead them to places they shouldn't be. If they discover your 'Fox' job, it's one thing you end up in danger, and your friends and family too will suffer. Including me."

Ranran's eyes widened in realization, the gravity of the situation sinking in.

"People notice things, even the seemingly uninteresting ones. So, be cautious about your actions and what you say, even in jest."

................................................................................

That's right, back then....although it sounded grim, Ranran didn't think it would be this bad as it is now.

This talent of hers....it wasn't without a heavy price. It cost her everything, literally a life was lost as well because of her.

Ranran doesn't move, doesn't look at her surroundings, her eyes are blank as it is thinking of the past."Ranran? Ranran?"

"Huh!? Ah yes."Ranran suddenly remembered Takuma is still on the line, as she spoke, "Sorry, I got distracted."

"Mou, you gotta be careful with your surroundings. Otherwise that Shinichi will go after you at that moment."He sighs before he decided to call it a day, "Anyway, as I said earlier, you ain't in the wrong. Just....be careful, alright?"

"Tak-san...."

"You already dealing with a huge case, do what you need to do."

"Tak-san....hm," Ranran nodded in determination, "You are right. Arigato, Takuma."

"Then...call me and Reina back when you reach safely."

"Alright, I will. Bye."

"Bye."

As soon as he hung up, Ranran thought of her current situation. Takuma is right, it ain't her fault. Also, something has to be done about that boy. She long knew he will be a huge threat to her plans, even before they long met, she had been tipped off that as long he is around, trouble will follow wherever he goes.

He needs to stay as far away from her as far as possible. But how?

She then begin to explore what other pawns she could use at her disposal.

As long she plays it well, as long as she made the right move, everything will go according to plan. And she will make sure of that.

She swore to herself as the bus reaches her destination. This game of cat and mouse, she will continue to play hard, even at the price of her own life if she has to.