Finally, gone were the days of uniform in Teitan Elementary today, and in came the new as everyone in school would show off their new clothes.

As always, there was a lot of excitement in the air. Some kids were already showing off in the school courtyard, while others were just waiting for class to start so that they could show off their new outfits to everyone.

Hikari Takuma walked down the school hallway, dressed in his new grey jean style hoodie jacket over his blue shirt with a bright red cap and torn jeans and black sneakers, busy admiring the latest trends on the other kids' young and old. Like a fashion runway, every student seemed to have a unique style. It was like they were all preparing for their big day, and he couldn't help but feel like he was part of the fashion show.

Entering his classroom in 1-A, he pushes open the sliding door to see an array of students showing off their clothes. Some in dresses, some in a t-shirt and pants as they excitedly show off. It was clear the era of uniforms is over for good.

"Takuma!"That soft familiar voice called out to him.

Grinning widely, he quickly turned to see his girlfriend Reina in a frilly dress as she approach her boyfriend with nice yellow ballad shoes.

Ah...that is cute. But Takuma is never going to admit that to her as he put his Rondesu bag on his desk.

"I knew when you said you were going to show up with one of your caps from your collection, I didn't think you did. Though I was surprised it isn't a branded cap."Reina was amused."What happened to your plans on showing off one of your caps?"

"Well, Okaasan(mom) banned me as she feared it may get stolen while I am not wearing it one day. The capt is expensive after all. And she did have a point."Takuma sighs deeply, "The cap vanishing would break my heart."

"You know you have a detective as a friend, right? If anything happens to your cap, she will find it in a heartbeat. Did you not let your mother be aware of this fact?"Reina pointed out.

"I know Ranran would help me relocate it. But then..."Takuma scratched nervously behind his head," The kids getting tortured would suffer the worst outcome from her is one thing, but Shinichi would be mad at me for contacting her instead of him."

"You think so?"Reina had her finger on her chin as she thinks thoughtfully, "But Shinichi won't teach them a lesson as he is too lenient, unlike Ranran."

"Well, had you worked in Tantei Association, you would see the other side of Shinichi."Takuma sighs once more.

"Hi hi! In comes the great queen of Drama Suzuki Sonoko!"Sonoko makes a dramatic entrance into 1-A. There was no mistaking the dramatic style dress that the girl was wearing. It was a beige colour dress with a three-quarter sleeve with a tiny triangle hole exposing the centre of her upper neck chest, making other kids stare at her in awe while she enters with flowery slippers.

By staring at her, it reminded others that she is a girl of upper society.

"Not bad, I would've expected you to wear something flashier based on your personality."Reina couldn't help but praise.

"I did want to at first, who knew my parents banned me and I was stuck with this option."Sonoko groaned in disappointment."But when I saw the dress in the shop window, I knew it was meant for me."Her disappointment turn to her smile," The dramatic style dress was perfect for my personality."

"Eh..."Reina and Takuma reacted in unison blankly.

"By the way, where is Ran?"Sonoko said in excitement, "I can't wait to see Ran in her everyday clothes."

"I thought you two always meet up outside school?"Takuma couldn't help but recall the stories Ran used to share about her and Sonoko.

"We do, but I never once see her in casual clothes for grade 1. That is a huge difference. Speaking of which, "Sonoko's eyes scanned before spotting the long browned haired girl staring down at the window of the classroom," Neh Ra-"

"No, "Reina suddenly stopped her, giving her a look of caution, "You better not call her now."

"Eh? Why?"Sonoko turned to Reina with a puzzled stare.

"Well...she has been in a very bad mood since coming here. Everyone is just standing out of her way till her temper subsides for a while."Reina then had Sonoko lend her ear close to speaking, "I don't know why, but as soon as she arrives...her aura is bad. Like really bad."

"Why?"Sonoko asked no one in particular, but no one could answer. Finally, Sonoko figures, "Is it because she has been wearing ugly clothes and is frustratingly angry?"

"Hmm...I don't think that is the case."Reina then gazes at Ran standing at the window from the back as other kids' gazes followed. Mouri Ran was dressed in a white shirt and blue short dress overalls.

"Hey, that's not bad."Sonoko couldn't help but frown.

"I agree."Takuma nodded and so did Reina.

"So what would make her mad?"Reina and the other two couldn't figure out what.

Unbeknownst to the three of them, Ran was busy glaring and spot Ranran downstairs as Ranran was entering school with a smartphone on her right ear. Ranran was dressed in a collar blouse with a cat sweater over her, in a short grey skirt and shoes with a rose to the side. Ran wanted to confront her at first, but she was scared of Ranran's cunning ways.

The last time Ran did confront the demon just to defend Sonoko, public opinion in school turned against her and painted Ran and Sonoko as a villain while Ranran was the unfortunate hard worker who is subjected to the two girl's harassment over Shinichi. Ranran had always seemed powerful and sly, and Ran was sure that if she made any kind of move, Ranran would take advantage of her anger to the max.

That's right, just like how Ranran convinced Shinichi to rat their problems to her damn parents.

Ranran knew she couldn't punish her under the grounds of the association, but she knew the rule didn't state she can't punish Ran by tipping her parents all the things Ran did. And boy, they were furious and sided Ranran over this. To Ran's parents, Ranran seemed like a well-mannered girl who is considerate of others' feelings. Nobody knew she was that vicious and vindictive. Everyone around Ran thinks Ranran is a saint.

But Ranran has a sharp tongue and no remorse, she took out her anger on the people who had wronged her behind her devious cute doll-like features. Yet Ran kept falling one after another in her attempts. Ran thinks back to the memory after Shinichi told her parents.

......

It was the same argument they had since Shinichi's meeting with her parents.

Ran always seemed so sure of herself. Even when the rest of the world was crumbling down, she managed to keep her head held high. And then Shinichi went and did the unthinkable. How could he do that?

Ran never thought she'd see the day Shinichi would turn against her. But that's exactly what happened when he sided with his mentor over her. Ran couldn't believe it. How could he choose her over Ran?

"You can't join the association anymore," Her mother said the very day after Ran entered her dad's private detective office. Her parents had waited for Ran to come home after her day with Sonoko at the park.

"But why?" Ran protested.

"You know why, we heard what you did to her and Shinichi, it just not right!" she replied.

"I don't know what I did wrong!"Ran argued.

"You know what you did to Ranran wrong," Her dad said with a frown.

"But why? Shinichi can be with her, but I can't?!"Ran questioned again, not the type to back down.

"You are not her! Ranran is more capable than you in this field of work for over a year!"Eri lectured the little girl as she went on lecturing, "If you join the association, you will continue to endanger Ranran and Shinichi, and I won't allow that!"

"How could you say that?! Are you saying she is smarter than me!?"Ran was about to argue with her parents for the millionth time, but she knew it wouldn't do any good. They never change their minds.

"Ran, look yourself in the mirror! This isn't about comparison!"Ran's dad tried to wake the sense out of their daughter.

"How could you side her over me?!"

Ran glared at her parents. How could they side that she-demon over her? Everyone around her was always taking Ranran's side. They never listened to her. "You didn't bother to tell us that Suzuki, that friend of yours took a vase and struck Ranran in the head to a point she could've died! The worst part I heard from the other kids was that you justified her actions!"

"Look! I said I was sorry, okay?!", Ran said, turning around and glaring at her parents. "It was a misunderstanding and all of us decided to walk past that."

"Alright, fair enough, you all did put that aside. But what about this time, Ran?!"Her dad scowled back, "You have no reason to be in that association anymore now that Ranran settle the score with Sonoko. And then the 2nd situation happen: You nearly were shot with a gun, with no one to call the police for help! As soon as you decided to leave the HQ with Emiko!"

"I broke it because Ranran broke it herself, you know?!", Ran responded, earning their attention. "Look, at that time I was worried Ranran and Shinichi were very likely going to die! Had I not break the rule with Emiko, so yeah, I had to do something."

"There is a huge difference between you and Ranran, Mouri Ran! One breaks the rule with a plan to save others! You!? You did it at the price of endangering others because of rumours!", Eri Kisaki said, turning back around. "And it's clear Shinichi doesn't want you to be implicated! What can't you just let him be on his own and let him be happy!?"

"Mom, Dad, I am tired. Can you just let this go?"

Ran rolled her eyes and groaned as she stormed away from them. But her mother was relentless and followed her into the living room.

"Shinichi told me what had happened in school, over the feud you both had about that Rokuro boy! From his account, you had no right to pester him to the association! Let alone, pester Ranran who never laid a finger on you!"

"I wasn't pestering him or Ranran!"Ran shouted back. "I was trying to save him from-"

"When did you become a liar to keep blaming on a girl who has nothing to do with your feud with Shinichi!? I didn't raise you to be like that!"Eri snapped back at a shocked Ran, "You never mentioned Rokuro, you didn't mention joining the association about Sonoko's crime, you even dared to lie on pestering Ranran! Are you even my daughter!?"

Eri couldn't understand why did she give birth to a daughter like Ran.

Eri recalled the time when her friend Irene mention she was around 16 years old when she gave birth to Ranran. The instant Eri laid eye on her, Ranran was around four years old, a mere child, but her mannerism made her instantly know Ranran would blossom into a wistful young woman someday. She already was developing the qualities befitting a lady: grace, poise, dignity, a troublemaker like any child, but she knew how to act around others. Even after her supposed friend died, Ranran behaved strong-willed.

As for Mouri Ran, she lacks ambition, and manners, and acted like someone without boundaries. Just like her ex-husband. But even her ex as a child didn't go as far as Ran did during his delinquent days.

"I'm not going to deny it; I didn't say anything since I didn't want to bother you both." Ran eventually concedes, her face obscured by the shade of her bangs, "But, Okaasan, how can you say such harsh things!? I am your child!" Ran cried angrily back at her mother, and Kogoro honestly didn't know where he should stand. Of course, as a parent, he would rush over to defend her. But Ran has gone too far as a man of particular principles!

"Too far!? Your mother is right on one thing: You endangered Ranran and Shinichi when you decided to break the rules!"Kogoro sided with his ex-wife.

"But Ranran broke the rules without a care!"Ran shouted.

"She does it with a plan to save more people, Mouri Ran! You did it in the name of what others spoke about Ranran! And that is wrong on all levels, Ran!"Kogoro brought up his point.

"Shinichi was right about you! He no longer knows you anymore!"Eri screeched.

"Well, why would he!? If he never once given me the chance to get to openly know him as he did with that demon girl!?"Ran cried with an emotional expression.

Ran's separated parents realised at this time that Ran's jealousy for Irene's daughter had darkened her heart a little too far, and she began to weep loudly. Eri's ex-husband's mouth fell in surprise for a moment, but Eri remained tough and undeterred by her daughter's tears. Eri knew that if she consoled her, Ran would go down the wrong path indefinitely.

"Ran, you are a failure of a daughter. To sink so low as to refer to that unfortunate girl as a demon." Eri frowned and snapped her lips in displeasure. Ran opened her mouth to say something, but closed it tightly as Eri blasted at her "If I ever hear you call Irene's daughter a "demon," I'm not going to be patient with you, even if you're my daughter! That poor child's life...you're not even half as brave as her after all she has been through!"

"Ooi Eri! Surely ya don't mean-!", Kogoro started after Eri but then the woman turned around, her fury still eminent." Eri! Hold up now!"

Her dysfunctional parents left Ran and she cried silently on her own.

......

Even up till now, thinking about this made Ran want to cry more.

Her mood wasn't any better although today is the day uniform rules are abolished completely out of school for good. After that feud, she had to deal with the nagging of her parents pressuring her to leave Shinichi and Ranran every day. However, unlike her parents who have given up on their marriage, she isn't going to give up on Shinichi without putting up a fight with that she-demon.

Cause families don't give up on each other, Shinichi is like her second family. No way she was going to let him go easily to that she-demon and let him be happy. 

Sure, this sounds evil from anyone hearing it, that Ran is standing in the way of Shinichi's happiness, let alone, his dream. But the happiness Ranran is giving him is nothing but an illusion, and she will prove it. There are other ways to live his dream as a detective, he didn't need Ranran's help to do so, he has his own ability to shine on his own. In her opinion, Ranran is just giving him temporary happiness that can't be sustained in the long run.

At least, that was what she initially assumed, but she was wrong.

It's almost a month plus since they opened Tantei Association, but Shinichi has not shown signs of slowing down with his detective tasks, and neither did the association as more cases piled up. His smile was wider than it was when he was with Ran, and that irked her a lot. 

 That meant Ranran is very capable of her job, and she isn't all talk and actually did legit work. When Ran got word from her parents that Ranran was 'The Fox', she swore her leg wobbled and she collapse on the floor, for she never could've guessed that in addition to being beautiful, Ranran was also talented.

The longer she remained in Tantei Association, the more Ran thought about what her mother said: Ranran never did anything to her at all, so why did she have to pester her? The only thing Ran had to go on about the founder was all through Mamiko's words, the same girl who is said to be the nicest in the whole school unlike that she-demon. Was Mamiko wrong about Ranran?

Ranran only directed Shinichi not to contact Ran and Sonoko when they were going to solve that tiger case out of their safety at that time because she is aware that Ran and Sonoko were reckless enough to endanger them. It wasn't like a permanent 'I don't want to see you anymore' of that sort. Most bad villainous girls would do a proper clean cut, but time and time again, Shinichi repeated his mentor's words like words from a bible to Ran, that it wasn't what it is.

Mouri Ran initially suspected brainwashing, so she even had Emiko test Ranran, since Emiko isn't easily influenced by anyone. And so far, Emiko returned to her to explain Ranran had remained consistent with her words, that there is no loophole, foul play, nothing that would benefit the founder if she were to trick Shinichi that permanently forbid him from seeing Ran. The terms were more in Shinichi's favour according to Emiko, so by all accounts, Ranran is giving Shinichi all of the decision-making before he announced the table separation incident.

That also meant in other words, Emiko was right that Shinichi intentionally avoided Ran because of her unreasonable behaviour, not because Ranran prevented him.

Yet...and yet...Ran kept on continuing to go after Ranran like that, and it grew worst when they heard the rumours of their dating.

Is...is Ran's mom and dad right? That Ran is becoming someone she no longer recognizes?

Ran had no answer to this question for the first time as she became depressed.

.........

"Shinichi need me to head to the association office in our school now?"

"Ah yes, "Michio spoke over the phone," He said it ain't a meeting though."

Ranran blinked at her phone. "Then what is it?"

"I have no clue," Michio isn't certain," He said you need to be there at school, now."

Ranran just frown at him, "Why should I?"

"If you don't do it, he will personally confiscate your PSP Vita, he knows where you hid it," the 10-year-old boy responded. "just be there, or else he be causing problems for the rest of us. And the last thing I wanna hear is Junko ranting about Shinichi being a nuisance because of your refusal to come."

Such threats should get Shinichi nowhere, but Ranran knows what is Shinichi capable of."Alright, I will go."

As soon as she entered upon hanging up her smartphone, upon pushing open the sliding door, she was surprised to see two people blocking her way.

Or in her case, two-child mannequins in their tantei association office."The hell?!"

Ranran had never seen it before as she got up to take a closer look. Ranran then noticed that the mannequins were holding a sign that said "Surprise!"

Both white mannequins were clothed in a black cape coat with a long sleeve white-collar blouse; the sleeves of the black coat cape are three-quarters length and fit snugly around the white mannequins. Both of its heads were dressed in grey paperboy caps, with one wearing a short blue frilly skirt and the other wearing short grey slacks. Ranran then notices that the girl in the cape coat is wearing black ribbon mary-jane shoes with ribbon patterned stockings, whilst the other is wearing sneakers.

Staring at the costumes, gave her a detective vibe. Ranran felt in awe staring at it.

This was....interesting. "Why are these two costumes here?"She approached closely before touching the fabric, it is soft.

"Emiko was right, you will fall for it."A voice suddenly came behind her.

Ranran turned to see Shinichi grinning from the back. Shinichi was wearing a white collar blouse with a black vest and short blue pants."Shinichi? What are you doing here? Also, what do you mean Emiko was right?"

"The clothes you are staring on...I had Muniko's connection made for us after getting Emiko to sketch the design."Shinichi suddenly enters and stood next to her, admiring the clothes on the mannequins.

"What...?" Ranran was stunned, "Why would you tell her to-"

"To deal with the pressing problem."Shinichi said, his eyes still paying attention to the mannequins with hands in his pockets, "I made a deal with him that if we solve his case, we would have this custom made for us. As soon as the website is up, I am going to announce to the public they aren't allowed to follow us if we are seen wearing this as we are not only working on a case, it may also endanger us. Otherwise, we will get the family involved to throw them in prison."

"You did what!?"Ranran's mouth fell before she realizes something," Shinichi, I don't think wearing clothes like these is going to stop the press. I mean it's just like a stop sign, not everyone will bother to stop seeing the red sign. Also, suing is unpredictable. It ain't always the case that our family will win."

"Ranran, do you know why Holmes can tell who is a noble and who is a peasant just by glance alone?"

"Obviously, "Ranran pouted her red lips as if he was seeing her as a dumb girl," When it comes to clues over figuring out a suspect's status in society, he tends to use this thing call Anthropometry, something about the choice of clothing represents the amount of power one individual has during Victorian Era, which differentiates the difference between Peasants and nobles. Example A, look at someone in a police uniform, you know it is a cop!"

Shinichi stuck his hands in his off to the side as he lectured. "If you know this, you should know this applies well to us all too!"

"Says who? This ain't Victorian Era no more! It's a modern era where anyone can be anyone."Ranran pointed out.

"Think about the first existing police officer in this world when they were in our shoes; I am sure they had such reservations before advancing with the police clothes they have today." Shinichi analyzes before adding, "When you think about it, it takes time for everyone to become used to it and recognise them as a cop. Unless there is an exciting crime scene, the press would not have gone to them if it wasn't for their commanding power."

"Well, when you put it that way...I guess you had a point."Ranran stared solemnly at her partner, taking in the words—the admonishment along with the concern."Power of clothing, huh?" She mumbled, looking down at the clothes and decided to put them on. She held her tongue as the thought, "...It ain't going to make a difference anyway." came to mind.

Once again, Shinichi's voice pulled her from her thoughts." Just put it on, Ranran." he commanded.

Minutes of dressing up later, both of them were ready to go.

Well, except Ranran. She still has a hard time trying to figure out how to wear that jacket hooded cape. Ranran stood behind a folding screen as she changed her clothes. When she had finally finished, she was completely exhausted.

..........

"What happened to the T-shirt with questionable messages you were going to wear?"Takuma asked Emiko as he stared at Emiko wearing a sweater dress with blues ballads outside his 1-A classroom. Emiko came to his class out of curiosity to see what he was wearing.

"My mother wasn't going to let me wear it to school, so I got stuck with this option."Emiko expressed with a frown."Why are you wearing a cap?" she pointed at the hat.

"I love wearing caps."Takuma proudly shows off his cap.

"Didn't think you wear caps," Michio soon joined as he showed up in a blue leopard print jacket with a white shirt and torn jeans.

"Hey, nice jacket," Takuma compliments before wondering, "Where is Junko by the way?"

"Thanks, she is still trying to pick the right clothes for today. Where is Ran by the way?"Michio asked, looking around his surroundings.

"Here, "Takuma directed his attention to the long brown-haired girl still mourning her sorrows at the window.

"What is she doing there?"Emiko peered at Ran, but she couldn't see Ran's mournful expression.

"No clue," Takuma shrugs."Reina said she been in a foul mood coming here and warn us to stay away till her temper subsides."

"Foul mood?"Both Emiko and Michio's eyebrows rose.

While all of this is going on, kids across the hallways not far from their classroom began to gasp as two children walk past them together. The two kids could feel everyone's eyes on them. It ain't the usual stares that they get from people, It's was as if they were some kind of celebrity or something.

Soon, words began to spread.

"Oh, my Kami-sama!"

"No way!"

"Am I seeing things!?"

"Oh, my lord!"Some other kids could be heard covering their mouths in awe.

Takuma, Michio, and Emiko turned to see what was causing all of the ruckus outside. Soon after, the kids in 1-A grew inquisitive about the sounds the kids were making, so they ran out to the classroom window to push their heads out, hoping to get a good picture of why the kids were behaving in that manner. Ran was no different when she saw the chatting had inched away from her.

That's when they too gasp in shock.

As soon as Ranran and Shinichi walked through the school door, they could feel the shock waves of everyone's eyes on the two.

Everyone gasped in wonder when Ranran and Shinichi went through the school doors, clad in their cape coat attire. Ranran strode forth, her head held high. She exuded confidence, which they all wished they could match in the cape coat she was wearing. Ranran's cape coat was fluttering in the breeze, and Ran could see she looked beautiful in it. Ranran's skirt isn't swishy, yet as she turns, it floated up well without showing any big girl trousers. Like a ballerina skirt that isn't too flashy. Many people compared this to a noble girl of her status.

Of course, Ranran isn't the only one who is at the centre of attention. Everyone's eyes were on Shinichi as well. With his blessed handsome looks, girls were always falling for him. But even more so in the cape coat that is tightly wrapped around his body as he looks like a dashing noble detective prince.

No one knew where they got it, or how they could afford it, but it was the most impressive thing anyone had ever seen.

Mouri Ran was never one to pay heed to idle chatter at school; after all, she didn't have anybody other than her closest friend Sonoko to tell her anything about the goings-on of her classmates. But suddenly it seemed like everyone she turned to was talking about Ranran and Shinichi. She was surely simply dreaming it, she reasoned, until she heard another group of females chuckling about it along the hallway.

And she felt both of the two must have had the most sense of accomplishment, because of the look the other children were giving the, "Damn! Look at those two! They look badass!"

"My God! Ranran-san look like a noble girl!"

"Just look at Shinichi! He looks like a noble as well!"

"You should've seen Shinichi accompanying Ranran earlier with their new costumes! One so handsome and Ranran so elegant!"

Shinichi saw their faces of them, and they were eavesdropping and smiling as they listened in they stared at the two up and down. As soon as Ranran and Shinichi finally made it to 1-A, the kids were astounded by their clothes, even Sonoko was admiring the clothes.

"Oh my God! Is this really you? Shinichi?! And wow, Ranran? OMG! I wish I dress up like that!"Sonoko said as she was at a loss for words on the clothes design, before wondering, "Where did you buy this? I have to have it!"

"You can't Suzuki, cause I made them, "Emiko revealed with a smug expression.

"What?!"Sonoko whipped her head at her and so did the other kids who heard this.

"Shinichi requested me to design for them both since the press had become a nuisance, so Shinichi struck a deal with Muniko that if we solved the case, this would be our payment. I drew the artwork and Muniko submitted it to the clothing designer, who is well-known for creating famous detective outfits for films. Shinichi will then declare that these garments will be their work uniform and that they are not permitted to photograph them if they see them in it. Otherwise, their family will file a lawsuit." Emiko elaborated.

"What did you do?" Sonoko's jaw dropped open in surprise as she stared at Shinichi "I can't believe you were able to secure that designer! I've been asking her to create for months but haven't been able to convince her."

"I got to admit you look good in it, but I didn't it so brilliant in it."Emiko was in awe of her own creation.

"Kudo Ranran...you look beautiful in it, "Even her best friend Reina was amazed at the transformation of Ranran and Shinichi before turning to Emiko, "Emiko, I got to give you credit with your artwork."

"Ah hahaha, thanks."Emiko chuckled, feeling unused to the praise.

"No seriously, it does look good onto them both."Takuma was marveling the work on Ranran and Shinichi.

Even Ran was amazed at the cape coat Ranran and Shinichi were wearing. Ran was not used to feeling this way, but she could not help but be drawn to him. He was already handsome, but he looked even better in his cape coat. She had to fall for him more in that coat. As for Ranran, Ran wasn't going to deny that it not only suits Ranran but......she looks like an entirely different person in it.

As if the girl before her is the real Ranran. Dignified, born with the features and manners of a noble, it shines her beauty and talent even more. Meanwhile, Ran is just...herself, Ranran is everything Ran isn't. She's so stylish and confident, and Ran can't help but feel like she is not better than her. The girl in the cape coat always seemed to have everything going for her. She was always the centre of attention, and the boys seemed to love her.

Even Shinichi, her crush Shinichi, is still looking at Ranran and barely a glimpse at her.

Thinking of this just adds more bitterness to Ran. Ranran had the boy she liked wrapped around her little finger. Ran wishes she could have that power over someone. But, Ran knew she just don't have what it takes.

Recognizing Ran's unhappiness, Sonoko approached her closest friend and said, "Cheer you, Ran. I can ask Emiko to create and then submit it to the top designer to make a better version of what Ranran and Shinichi are wearing," Sonoko chirped as she suggests.

"That isn't the issue..." With a frown on her face, Ran said, "You heard Emiko correctly: it is not one's attire that distinguishes one. It's also self-assurance. It is nothing but a joke without confidence. Something I lack, unlike Ranran."

"Ran...."Sonoko couldn't help but sympathize.

"You are right, I can get the clothes. But I ain't half as confident as her, nor as pretty as her. Let alone, as cool as Ranran. Wearing it would make me a pathetic clown."

That's why...Ran can't help but feel a little bit jealous of Ranran. The blue-eyed girl always looks so put together and confident. Ran wishes she could be like that, but she is not. She is just a regular girl who isn't better than anyone.

Ranran shifted oddly as she noticed Shinichi blue eyes silently appraising her."You look....a lot better than I expected."Shinichi barely managed to say, his voice cracking.

"That would mean in your words, it looks good," Ranran lets out a wry chuckle. Meanwhile, she just stared at him, frozen in her spot at the sight of Shinichi looking so....different."You too."

"Thanks, "He averted his gaze with a hint of blush at the praise.

Hearing this just adds salt to Ran's little heart more. As long as Ranran is around, Mouri Ran is always the one who was second best, the one who wasn't good enough. She is always the one who will be overshadowed by that red lip girl in a cape coat.

"I mean it does look good on you both!"Michio too marvelled at Shinichi's clothes, "It must be the clothes doing justice!"

"Meh, the cape coat isn't anything special, Majima."Emiko dismisses, before staring back at Ranran and Shinichi, "It takes one to look good in the cape coat with a skirt, and with Ranran's dignified trait and having acted with noble like mannerism, it fits the entire package. As for Shinichi, he got the job done with his personality."

"Hey look at that girl over there! She is dressing up weird!"A child's voice caught everyone's attention as all of them turned to see who it was.

Much to the members of the Tantei Association's surprise all their mouths, it was an embarrassed Fuyuko Junko.

Shockingly, Junko was wearing a blue dress that was familiar to many."Is that a dress from Frozen?"Michio couldn't help but gasp.

"Frozen? What is that?"Shinichi became confused.

"It's a Disney princess movie about two sisters."Takuma brought it up rolling his eyes at Junko."I know the school says wear anything you like only for today before they make some adjustment to the school rules, but...why did it feel like there is something was off with the dress?"

"You are right, "Ranran frowned before whispering to Shinichi, "Did she purchase from the toddler shop?"

"Even a toddler shop wouldn't make it as short as it is."Shinichi frowned.

Ran fished out her smartphone to google about the dress, flicking one pic after another. Finally, the one with a similar design to Junko's appeared, "It matches Junko, but...still, it's kind of off."

Emiko then realize what was wrong."Don't tell me...she bought it online?"

"Online?"Takuma whipped his head at her, "What makes you say that?"

"The design although matches, it's misaligned. Look," Emiko pointed the original picture then at Junko's." It's very off. Some people do make cheap online purchases, but the clothes are very misaligned than shown on the pictures."

"Now you mentioned it, "Michio took a good look, "No wonder Junko looks odd."

The other kids surrounded Ran as they observe the photo, and then compare it to Junko's.

Even worse, as Junko met up with them with her new choice of 'clothing', Michio-no, almost everyone from the association looked at her like she was some sort of freak from a circus sideshow, and Michio's mouth was open wide enough to catch flies. "Online purchase, Junko?"Emiko asked.

"Yeah. But my mother did it behind my back."Junko shifted uncomfortably as she tried to hold on to her newfound confidence but it had quickly dissipated.

"Couldn't you have just worn a t-shirt and jeans I normally saw you wear?"Michio suggested.

"News flash, the pipping in the ceiling of our house had a water leak by the time I returned home, so all of my clothes were soaked and drenched. Plus the weather was so cold, it didn't dry out."

"Couldn't you have used a dryer?"Takuma suggested.

"Our family can't afford one, Takuma!"Junko told him off.

"What's with the Frozen Dress then?"Ranran couldn't help but ask as she stare at Junko from top to bottom.

"Well..."Junko stood there awkwardly, just staring at Michio and the others, frozen in her spot at the sight of Ranran and Shinichi looking cooler than her."What is with you two dressed up like noble detectives?"It was Junko's turn to ask.

"It's their club uniform to stir of the press, it's a long story."Takuma dismisses before questioning, "But what is with you in this costume?"

"Well, after the quarry incident and everything, the affordable clothes shop were close nearby to our place and far, so online was the only resort. And then I was stuck with this," Junko pulled her clothes with a sigh, while other kids were snickering and pointing fingers at the glasses girl as they were whispering among themselves."We were already having to deal with problems of free shipping, not to mention, get the affordable slogan shirts and jeans I wanted to arrive by today. Then my mother decided why not buy me this, it's the only available clothes that would arrive today."

"Man, that sucks."Ranran couldn't help but cringed.

"It's better than the threats of my mother forcing me to wear pyjamas to school if I may be honest," Junko answered.

"How sad, I can't imagine us being in that position."Ran sympathize with Junko.

"I guess so."Shinichi and the rest of the kids nodded in agreement.

"I mean you are technically the only one with a princess costume in a school of all places."Michio pointed out, before adding, "Not to mention, it ain't the original design."

"No need to add more salt to the wound, man."Takuma let Michio know of this.

"Do you not have backup clothes then?"Ranran suddenly recalled, "We are heading over to Movix later during the latest movie red carpet premiere as Muniko is treating us to watch a movie after solving that Namba case as a reward, so we can invite anyone else. Also, he needed something to turn his business around, something positive now that his mom is in prison too. No worry of clothes if it is casual, they don't expect much on kids dressing up."

"Oh yeah, I almost forgot about that."Takuma snap his finger wearing an excited expression, "I had to take Reina later on to see the movie."

"I'll bet Sonoko be thrilled now that she gets to watch an unreleased movie before releasing it to the public."Ran voiced her excitement at the thought of the movie.

"My mom and Genzo, I need to invite them over."Michio decided.

"Better bring our families," Shinichi reminded Ranran and she nodded.

"Why do I need to worry about attending some red carpet premiere?"Junko frowned at Ranran's word.

"You didn't know, did you?"Emiko rose both of her eyebrows at Junko, "In red carpet events, there are people who take photos of celebrities in costumes."

"Plus, their photos are uploaded to the magazines and newspapers to promote fashion designer's clothes they wear," Sonoko added.

"Also, he already made a press announcement this morning on the news, and Shinichi already made an agreement that all of us are to attend."Ranran pointed out."It's in your group chat, did you not check?"

"What!?"Junko's jaw dropped in horror as she covered her mouth, realizing she forgot to check her phone as she was in a hurry earlier before coming here."Are you guys serious?!"

"Why would we joke, Junko?"Takuma frowned at the glasses girl.

"By the way, Shinichi, would our face be covered?"Ranran pulled aside Shinichi as she whispered to him.

"Don't worry, I spoke to Muniko, he had some connections with the press. Since all of us are considered minors, our faces will not appear on the paper aside from our clothes."He reassures her.

"Good, "Ranran pats him on the back, "It'll be awful if The Snake finds out our real-life identities, even though he has already seen our faces."

"You see Junko? There is nothing to worry about. No one would know it's you."Michio convinces her, but as much as he is right, the entire school already know who they are and the mockery won't end at this rate.

God, it was at this point Junko hated her life.