By 7:30 am on a Wednesday, everyone had gathered at headquarters in school. They listened in horrified silence as Junko told her story. "He held me under the water. He said it was just...a friendly warning..."

Ran gripped her friend's arm, turning slowly towards Shinichi while she stared at him and Ranran firmly. But Shinichi and Ranran were both unconcerned with her glare. Instead, they were both concerned about what to do with the situation.

"Ranran, this has gone too far!"Michio accused them both. "We should drop this case now."

Ranran blinked her eyes quietly for a moment, with no protest nor acceptance. Her fingers drummed on the table as much, to everyone's surprise, Ranran answered."Ok, if you guys said so."

"Wait, really!?"Shinichi, Takuma, Emiko and others were in disbelief of Ranran's behaviour.

"I have been waiting for you guys to say something. So I came up with a third contract, one that will permanently ensure you guys will no longer be involved with matters of Tantei association ever again. To those who want to remain, however, don't sign."Ranran grins, finally she is going to get rid of them through such means.

"What?!"Everyone's jaw dropped.

"I will never drop a case because a member tells me to. Hell, I did warn all of you guys, nah? How dangerous this is going to be."Ranran remained firm with a pout on her face, which Shinichi deemed as cute.

"No way!"Ran cried in outrage, "This is forcing us to be obedient to you!"

"Wrong, "Ranran corrected her with seriousness in her tone, "I am offering all of you the option to save your skin. You are all incapable detectives."

Ranran's words stung Ran and Junko while Michio froze.

"Sharp."Takuma is impressed, and so are Emiko and Shinichi.

"You won't back down even after being threatened, respect."Emiko salutes her.

"I don't back down when my members are threatened, I will do by all means to bring that bastard whatever means necessary. Especially for him to threaten a child like us with no adults around, that proves how cowardly he is."Ranran is firm on her decision.

"You know I am never going to quit even if Ran tells me to, right?"Her apprentice reminded her, impressed by Ranran's bravery.

"The contract ain't for you, it's for those who choose to remain here for unrealistic reasons even after signing the 2nd contract, Shinichi."Ranran smiled at him, before staring back at Michio, Junko and Ran who is beginning to look pale."Alright, time to trim the fat of the association."

As Ranran was about to produce her ultimate triumph card to permanently remove those who are against her, much to Junko's horror, Michio later shook his head. "No!" he protest, "Just because I said drop the case, didn't mean I will quit! I meant Junko should quit!"

"What!? I didn't say I would quit either because of this!"Junko said firmly, surprising everyone. "I think we should keep going. I don't care how dangerous it is, I refuse to let anyone push me around!"

Michio's jaw dropped. So did everyone else.

"Alright then, geez, to think you guys are still going to remain here."Ranran let out her annoyance before putting away the files.

Ran spun her head around instantly and stared at Junko in disbelief. "But, Junko, you heard what the man said," Ran began, staring at Junko in disbelief.

Junko then quickly pulled Ran close to her before whispering hastily, "If I signed this, Michio will avoid me for life in this association, Ran!" Ran was stunned as Junko went on rambling, "Sure, I am scared of dying, but there are things worst than being alive and never seeing Michio again!"

Ran was voiceless at Junko's confession as Junko let go of her.

"Ran, what about you? Are you quitting?"Ranran asked as all eyes were on her.

"I..."Ran made a strangled, swallowing sound. "No! Even so, I don't want to be found floating in the quarry!"

There is no way Ran is quitting, even with danger to her life in the name of Shinichi!

"That's why...Majima, "Ranran called out the eldest member in the group, "Contact Genzo on the spot."

"Noted, "He fished out his smartphone," Genzo should hear about this," and he punched in the numbers.

The sergeant arrived within half an hour. His face looked very serious.

"Kids, I think I don't need to tell all of you twice that we're up against some very desperate people," he said. "Including the both of you, Ranran and Shinichi, this is an order... I want you to call Muniko-san now and let him know you both are out of the case."

To everyone's amazement, Ranran agreed. "Alright..." she said subtly, almost with a sorrowful expression, and nothing else.

"But, that doesn't stop us from thinking about the case, does it?" Shinichi asked.

"So long as thinking is all you do, Shinichi-kun, "Genzo told him sternly.

Then the sergeant flashed them a smile, specifically Ranran. "You've done a very good job, all of you. Some excellent detective work. And you've given me lots of clues to work on. But now's the time to stop. I don't want to hear about you going out and stirring up any more trouble. There's to be no more snooping around, is that clear?"

"Yes sir," Ranran answered, again in a subtle manner.

She then picked up her smartphone and contacted Muniko-san's number, but there was no answer. Ranran then left a message. "Mr Muniko, this is Kudo Ranran from Tantei association. Due to the attempted murder of one of my members recently, the police had to get involved. So after much deliberation, we can no longer work on your case anymore. Goodbye." Ranran cut the call and smiled convincingly. "All done, Genzo."

Genzo then patted Ranran's shoulder. "Good. I feel a lot better now. And if anyone threatens any of you again, let me know immediately."

As he stepped out, Genzo hesitated at the door."By the way, I almost forgot. We found out who owns that tavern in Asakusa."

Everyone stared at him."Who was it?"Ranran demanded.

"Mr Muniko-san does." He turned away and walked out immediately after.

As soon as they left, Shinichi leaned forward on the desk. "So Muniko-san owns that building with that woman in tow!" A frown crossed his face. "Surely he must have recognized the location of that tavern when he saw it in the movie."

"Maybe that's what shocked him so much," said Michio. "The sight of that scammer Namba coming out of one of his buildings!"

"I knew something was up with that Muniko when he informed everyone not to go to the police! He can't be trusted at all!"Junko blasted in anger.

"I agree! I mean how is it that he didn't disclose that the building Namba came out from in the movie belonged to him!"Ran raised her voice.

"He didn't even bother to mention it when we met up with him, which could've cut us some slack," Michio noted.

"Why didn't he mention it I wonder?"Takuma too was furious to learn of this.

"He probably has his reason, maybe he knew that woman and is trying to protect her."Emiko guessed."But what?! What is that woman to Muniko? His wife?"

"His wife doesn't look like that," Shinichi recalled from memory.

"Could it be his mistress? When rich men become powerful, one does get a mistress. Also, I know of some that buy them a house in dramas."Ranran speculates.

"That's true," Michio agreed with Ranran, "It's common even in real life to do that sort of thing."

"Plus it was in the appearance of a tavern," Shinichi rubbed his chin thoughtfully, "No one would suspect that a tavern is a living spot in disguise. If he had admitted that this woman is his mistress, I can imagine his marriage be in shambles. After all, divorce is costly for the cheater."Shinichi then decided, "I think we should take a look at that tavern and see whether that is the case."

"I agree."Emiko nodded to him.

Takuma winked at Shinichi. "Are we allowed to go down and have a look at it?"

"Obviously, "Ranran winked back at her friend.

Michio rolled his eyes. "Didn't you hear what Genzo just said? We can think, but we can't snoop around!"

Ran, still wearing that grim visage, looked at Junko. "What do you think, Junko?"

Junko was shocked for a moment. "You're asking me?" she blurted out. She scratched the side of her face while she considered her answer. "A lot of people go to Asakusa for the shopping and food, don't they?"

It was at this point Mouri Ran realizes that no matter what one does, it's pointless to go against the founder of the association, as the red lip demon girl has Shinichi and Michio under her thumb.

.......

10 minutes before the members of the association were to depart, Ran had to contact her best friend Suzuki Sonoko that her plans with her to the mall would be cancelled thanks to Ranran as she stood outside the classroom hallway.

"I knew it that Ranran girl is no good, she just using Tantei association as an excuse to get rid of you and Junko just to have Shinichi all to herself," Sonoko complained over Ran's phone in distaste, before sighing, "Then again...if I ever head over to confront her, she will again deduct more money through my mother."

"Deshou? Seriously...how did things come to this."

Ran pinched her nose bridge, wondering how did things come to this point beyond return. Back then she could just openly walk up to Shinichi and say anything she wanted to say to him. Now things had changed, any protest and Shinichi would follow Ranran blindly without questioning her.

"But I was honestly surprised that you choose to join back after that Tantei geek confronted you about overstaying your welcome in the Tantei association."Sonoko's tone sounded worried, "I mean I thought it was touch and go for you because you feared Ranran."

"I do fear her, Sonoko. And I know she is still secretly scheming ways to get me out of the club because I am a threat to Shinichi's apprenticeship."

"Then why-"

"Shinichi never once left me when my parents announced their separation, but I let him down when he was involved in a feud and didn't side with him. It's my turn to do the same."Ran argued.

"Ran...sorry, hearing this brings tears to my eyes."Sonoko could be heard sniffing over the phone."If only that idiot could hear your sincere thoughts, all he had in his head is that girlfriend of his, that Kudo Ranran."

"It's not confirmed yet, Sonoko. Those are just rumours' spread by Naomi. You know her intel isn't credible."Ran said.

Ran soaked in the information when Sonoko glared at the boy, "But you gotta admit she is a cunning girl, to use Shinichi and Michio as her triumph card to make all of you obey, even though Junko nearly drown in the swimming pool. That is low!"

Ran wasn't going to argue with that logic.

Back in the association, Takuma questioned Shinichi as Ranran headed to the washroom while Michio, Emiko and Junko went upstairs to the kitchen to fill up some water for their tumbler before travelling to Asakusa. "I didn't think Ran and Junko would remain in the association, even though Ranran offered them a way out."

"I don't think I will ever understand why girls choose to do what they do."Shinichi couldn't care less about girl dramas as he review everyone's notebook they gathered throughout their investigation."For Junko I probably understand why, but for Ran...I still can't figure out why she chooses to remain here. I mean she clearly hates Ranran because of the damn rumours, you should've seen that hostile glare whenever I am with her."

"It's Ranran, that's why."Takuma guessed."She feels threatened by everything she couldn't be: Beautiful, intelligent, witty, and also...dangerous. She doesn't trust Ranran to be with you because she had a crush on you."

"What? Ran had feelings for me? No way."Shinichi chuckled at that thought, before he turned a little sad.

"Kudo?"

"You know...Ranran offered me an option to make sure Ran leaves the association permanently." Shinichi suddenly revealed it to Takuma, his eyes covered by his fridges.

"Really?"That sparked his interest, "What is the solution?"

With one blue eye exposed, Shinichi reluctantly said, "Tell her parents."

"Noooo......"Takuma sat stiffly at that thought, "You know what happens if one tells the parent-"

"Yes, they'll be nagging this for life."Shinichi understood this as he nodded sadly, "It's not that they were not aware. I mean after the 'Extinction Heist' case, they did call my parents and scolded me about dragging her in."

"...and yet you haven't done it yet? Why? Is it because you have feelings for her?"

"It ain't like that," Shinichi then stared at the table blankly, "We have been friends for over a year. You can't disregard that, even though we have drifted apart over several months as we have grown older."

Takuma then recalled Ran's words the other day, "You know she also said something like that as well."Shinichi leaned back against the chair as Takuma goes, "I don't get it, you two wanted to get back on track as friends, right? Then why don't you guys patch up? It ain't that difficult if both sides are mutual about it."

"Ranran did suggest that to me as well, to patch up with her, "Shinichi commented.

"Then? What is stopping you? That feud you were caught on?"Takuma observed Shinichi's silence as confirmation, "There are things not worth your ego, Kudo."

"It's not the ego."

"Then what? What is stopping you?"

Shinichi blinked his eyes at Takuma, he didn't know how to put this into words.

....

Last week in Teitan Elementary, everyone couldn't stop gossiping about Mouri Ran's decision to join Tantei association when word got out she sign the second contract Ranran offered her.

Girl B and Boy E were discussing in the school hallway, "I can't believe that Tantei association founder is so evil! To write such strict terms and handed it to Shinichi's sweetheart! That is a villainess way of doing things!"Girl B spat in disgust.

"It's easy to say Kudo Ranran is a vicious girl. But then if I were in her shoes, I wouldn't even bother to write such terms and let her die before she knows it. Because girls like Ran are unreasonable, why would I want to waste my time reasoning with her? Also, she tried to overstay her welcome there! That ain't right!"Boy E reasoned.

"You have a point...she didn't hide her dreams of wanting to become a detective, especially that Shinichi-kun. Ran joining in would be like extra baggage for them both."Girl B agrees with his reasoning before she sighs," Seriously, why did that Mouri have to act so recklessly like that? She made herself look like a fool in front of everyone like that."

Shinichi's eyes grew wide as he overheard other kids talking about them, hiding in the corner.

"What do you expect? That Mouri girl only has her drunken father to teach her how to behave while her mother threw her aside for her ambition as a lawyer. Of course, she lacks mannerism unlike Kudo Ranran, who was brought up to behave."Boy E casually speaks of Ran as if she was an ill-mannered girl.

"I used to think Ranran was a troublemaker, but then after hearing everything...I am starting to doubt who is the real troublemaker at this point."

Shinichi bit his lips, his tone gentle but unable to hide a slight tremor.

"Do you think she schemed all of this? That Ranran girl?"Girl B asked his opinion.

"Using Shinichi to make Ran mad? It would.....but the way things turned out....it wouldn't be possible. Cause she and Shinichi had bad blood all the time. It ain't a secret, you know?"Boy E pointed out.

"But didn't Shinichi-kun recently have some feud with some boy before he transferred school? That was the reason why he and Ran are no longer hanging out anymore."Girl B commented.

"Yeah, but there been sightings that he and the former soccer club leader been having bad blood for a long time. Even if someone like Ranran wanna exploit this, there is no way Shinichi would wanna work with someone whom he had pushed down the obstacle course. She should be aware of this. Also, you can tell she is a lot smarter and ruthless than the boy, she can go without him alone."Boy E raised this issue.

"I pity Ranran, she had to deal with kids like Mouri Ran, all because she open some Tantei agency club with Shinichi of all people."Girl B clicked in worry.

At this point, Shinichi could do nothing.

....

"Sheesh, the kids really have all time to gossip about anything."Takuma couldn't help but be bothered by other kids gossiping about their drama as Shinichi shakes his head.

"Tell me about it, "Shinichi then taps his finger on the table pointlessly, "That's why Ranran suggested me telling her parents about it, it may not convince her to leave here at first, but then gradually she would have no choice but to listen to them."

"But wouldn't this worsen your friendship with Ran? Let alone, your reputation?"Takuma frowned at that."Kids are going to think you picked dream over friendship. That you are too ambitious."

"What friendship? Every time we tried to talk, we always ended up arguing. We can never talk like we used to back then."Shinichi argued, as his expression is still perplexed on whether he should do what Ranran said.

"Then you should go to Ran's parents-"

"But I do not have good relations with them, Hikari. They might not listen to me."Shinichi heaves in frustration as he ruffled his bangs.

"Let me ask you something, are you happy now? With this detective dream of yours?"Takuma confronted the blue-eyed boy.

"Hm?"Shinichi turned to him, "Of course I do-"

"But you don't want Ran to end up having a bad reputation in school, as well as ending up in danger, correct?"Takuma pointed out.

"Yes-"

"Then don't hesitate. There is nothing wrong with informing her parents if it is for her safety. Also, nowadays if one is upfront with their intentions, they will acknowledge you."

"Even if one hates me?"Shinichi bemoans.

"Kudo, let's not forget when I was at my lowest in school, I had experienced my fair share of being hated by the entire school."Takuma reminded him.

"You don't understand, there is a huge difference between being hated by the ones you cared for and the ones that don't."Shinichi sounded defeated.

"You are right. Maybe I ain't certain," Takuma argues, and then Takuma said something that made Shinichi pause. "But if this ends up endangering Ranran, then what? Are you going to look Ranran's parents in the eye and apologize for not dealing with Ran? Ain't that unfair of you to put Ranran in this position of constantly cleaning up after your personal mess?"

It was like a cold bucket of water thrown in Shinichi's face as Takuma speaks harshly.

"I was like you back then, pleasing others around me at my peak. Why I did do that? Because wanted to be friends with everyone. But then one day, I overheard Ranran telling others I was a doormat."

"A what now!?"Shinichi stuttered at Takuma's revelation.

"Doormat, kids wiping their dirt on me as I entertained them."Takuma chuckled at Shinichi's wide eye expression as he adds, "Out of everyone who I had come across to like me, she was the only one who insulted me. Back then...I called her a witch, and no one will ever befriend her, that she will die a lonely death. Ranran then hit me back with: At least I am alive without having mud and dirt wipe all over me like a doormat."

Shinichi's mouth fell.

"At that time, I told myself I was right and she was wrong. I just wanted to make everyone happy. But then after all of that had happened, I realize...she was right."Takuma cast a downward glance, while Shinichi couldn't come up with any words to comfort him." I was surrounded by kids taking advantage of my fame. I lived like this for so long...I have long forgotten how to live a life that makes me happy." he said. "I won't tell you whether you should do it or not, this is, after all, your life. But I am going to give you my opinion: If this goes on, something is bound to break. And i do not want to hear Ranran getting her life endangered by this feud."

"Takuma-"

"Also, there is nothing wrong picking a dream over the Ran. Nothing is that straightforward in life. It's your attitude of fearing you getting hated, as well as your morals stopping you from your happiness."As Takuma left him alone, Shinichi was left with his angst.

Takuma has a point. Shinichi feared getting hated.

Even growing up, although he wasn't scared of others hating him, it was his loved ones hating him that made him scared the most. And yet, he didn't dare to confront them back, and always tried to please them. Always.

Also, he has more at stake. Shinichi is no stranger to Ran's parents, as her parents and his are close friends. Whenever his parents fly overseas for their work or that his neighbor Agasa couldn't cook meals for him, it was them who offered to cook for him breakfast, lunch and dinner while he heads over to Ran's place as they didn't think he should be relying on eating take out a lot. Although it's true that her parents disliked him for causing all of the troubles he had brought onto their daughter, they did go their way in extending their hand to him.

When he fell sick that one time while his neighbor went out to work outstation, it was them who offered him a place to recuperate while Ran's drunkard dad head out to buy medicine for him till he recovered, even though it was heavily raining at that time.

When he needed help on certain homework, it was Ran's mother who taught him to resolve it while trying to pass her own law exam.

Even after the separation, when he and Ran wanted to see a magician show that was an hour away from where they were living, her dad did not hesitate to rent out a car and drove them there during a heavy traffic. Meanwhile, his mom would offer Shinichi to come over to her house and cook him meals (despite the meals she prepared were rather awful).

No matter how dysfunctional Ran's parents are, they were not bad people.

Shinichi then thinks of the weight Takuma's words carry and then thinks of his mentor Ranran, Ranran who was forced to take him in as his apprentice after he broke into her place. Ranran was forced to shoulder all of his problems with Ran since the events of the Extinction Heist without ever once complaining a word of this. Before this, she went on solo as The Fox and didn't have to deal with all of these problems, but Ran wasn't making things easy.

Now she had to deal with 7 of them, Ran and Junko included. That is a lot to look after for the 6 year old found, and that ain't fair.

Was it fair on her? To let her deal with everything on her own?

By this point, Shinichi is in a dilemma.

....

Half an hour later they were in Asakusa, standing opposite the small building with that run-down looking tavern. It still looked deserted and all the shutters were tightly closed.

"I wonder if there's a back door?" Shinichi asked.

"Well, we can always look, so long as we don't go in," suggested Michio.

They crossed the busy street and eventually found a narrow alley that cut between two shops. In turn, the alley opened into a lane that ran behind the shops.

"Here we are," said Ranran.

She pointed to a wooden door with the fraud tavern. The door was set into the back wall of the building. A small, barred window looked down from the floor above.

Junko shrugged. "Well, we've come this far, let's see what goes on inside..." She reached across and tried the handle. When it turned, she came to a total halt. "It's unlocked," she commented.

Shinichi frowned. "It might be a trap."

He turned the handle and pushed the door. It opened into a long, gloomy hall. At the far end, he saw the front door at Asakusa. He stood listening. The only sound he could hear was the distant rumble of traffic. He stepped inside and beckoned the others to follow. They tiptoed along the hallway towards the main door. The front of the building was deserted. A thick layer of dust covered a counter and several empty desks.

"It must have been an office of some kind," Emiko observed.

Ranran opened and closed the desk drawers, finding nothing except some twisted paper clips. "Well, it doesn't seem to be used for anything now," she told her.

At the back of the abandoned office, a flight of stairs led to the top floor. They crept up, hearing the stairs creak beneath their weight. When they reached the top floor, they discovered boxes and crates piled everywhere. Cracks of light speared through the closed shutters.

"Look!" Takuma cried. He ran across to a small wire-framed bed with a new mattress on it. "Somebody's been living here!"

They stared at the bed. "Maybe it's the woman in the grey car," Emiko wondered aloud.

"Or that scammer," suggested Ran.

"Or some P.I Muniko is housing for," Michio proposes.

"Or Muniko's house in mistress."Ranran thinks.

"If it belongs to the scammer, it explains why we saw the woman in the grey car paying a visit."Ranran mused before instructing others, "See what else all of you can find. There got to be clues elsewhere."

They probed around amongst the clutter of boxes and crates. Suddenly Michio let out a triumphant yell. "Guys! I found something!"

Everyone rushed across to where a stack of film containers had been dumped behind a bulky crate. Ranran flashed his flashlight wristwatch on the labels. Printed on each container was The Origin of My childhood.

"But lost no more!" grinned Takuma. Ranran was the only one who laughed at his joke.

"Do you think we should take them back to Tanaka-san at Hoshi Pictures?" asked Junko. "He'd be very grateful."

"We could, but legally we can't touch them," cautioned Shinichi. "They're evidence. We should contact Genzo they're here."

"But if we do, he'll know we've disobeyed him," said Emiko. "He told us not to go snooping around, remember?"

"We, we can tell him that we had assumed they're here," Ranran suggested.

Shinichi placed his hand below his chin. "We've found the movie, and potentially either Muniko's secret mistress's hideout or the scammer."

"Except we haven't found the scammer in person yet," Takuma reminded him.

"And we still don't know the identity of the woman is," added Michio.

Junko surveyed the gloomy storeroom. "And for all we know, the millions of yen could be hidden up here as well," she sighed.

"True, but if I were the scammer hiding out from a couple of any wealthy investors, I would've left the country years ago rather than live underneath such a rut," Ranran said in disgust."Also for him to be living under his enemy's nose, it's rather amusing."

"Right under Muniko-san's nose," laughed Michio. He hesitated for a moment, as though his words had triggered a thought. Then he shrugged. "Well, what should we do now?"

Takuma looked at the film containers and grinned. "Well, I think we've done enough snooping and thinking for one day. Why don't we forget this case for a while and go see a real movie?"

"I tell you guys what, you all should. "Ranran turned to everyone," But first, let us all record the entire building on our smartphone and then sent it over to me and Shinichi, we will then send it over to Genzo after reviewing it, fair?"

"Fair!"All of them agreed in unison.

.........

Soon, everyone was able to film everything quickly on time before sending the videos to both founder and apprentice. All of the kids greeted their goodbyes after all of them returned the transportation to the Tantei association's main HQ before walking home.

Because Ranran and Shinichi's houses are situated back to back, it's no surprise they were heading home together on the same route. Shinichi's mind was still troubled with Takuma's words gnawing his head."Remember that we will talk over the computer tonight."Ranran reminded him, not looking at him as she thinks of the plans for the day.

"Yeah."He casually answers without thinking.

"Then I see you tomorrow."

"Ranran, wait," Shinichi called her unexpectedly,"I need your advice on something."

"What is it?"Ranran stop heading to her house as he look rather troubled.

"It's this...do you ever feel like you are letting your late mentor down when personal troubles are getting in the way of your abilities?"

Ranran freezes for a moment, staring at him as her apprentice drops his gaze. How stupid was he to ask that question?! He died through traumatic means! Shinichi feels his heart drop into his stomach. "You know what?! Forget that I asked that!"

Ranran tilts her head, and raises an eyebrow. "'Why would you want to know about it?"Her blue eyes were wide with curiosity. "Also, how did that come about?"

"I mean...it's about Ran's parents."Shinichi gave her a long paused before forcing himself to say it,"Takuma said earlier about me being unfair to you because I am dragging you to deal with my problems with Ran."

It was like ripping off a band-aid. Ranran just blinked. Unsure of how to proceed they just stayed quiet for a while. "What is stopping you from talking to them?"

"It's...everything." Shinichi said, his expression belying his apparent guilt. "Although...they are not what I could call the parent of the year when it comes to Ran, they went all out for me."Ranran quietly listen to him as he rambles,"When I fell sick one time, Agasa was outstation, so they let me stay over at their place for a week before I fully recovered. Ran's dad-"

"You mean the drunkard?"

"Yes, the drunkard," He snorted."Bought medicine for me, at that time...it was raining heavily, yet he still bought it for me."Ranran didn't know what to think as he went on,"Another time...when they found out through Ran I have been ordering a little more takeout than I usually do, they cooked for me meals."

"...didn't think you be that sentimental."Ranran couldn't help but think.

"I sounded like that, huh?"Shinichi chuckled to himself, before sighing,"But you are right, there are lot more things her parents did for me, far more than my own parents would...even after their separation, that hasn't change."

"...is that why you are asking me whether I let some personal problem like this effect my detective job?"

"Yes."He admits.

"Ah." Ranran eyed him carefully. "Well, I do." She offered quietly.

Shinichi raised his head, eyes wide. "You- Really, Ranran?"

"Yes, I do. Though my personal problem is different than yours."Ranran stifled in amusement. Shinichi's thoughts were clearly racing behind those sharp blue eyes."One time, I stumbled upon a discovery so horrific, I couldn't work or function for over a month," Ranran shared her experience with Shinichi, "Things got so bad, he couldn't continue with our business during that period. As much as he never once forced me to go back, and that he is ok with whether I wanted to quit or not, I felt like was letting him down a lot. Let alone, the clients that needed our help."

Ranran watched Shinichi's face as he absorbed this.

"It took some time for me before I was ready to face it again."

Shinichi's shoulders lowered a little and he sighed softly."Is that so...."He then toss her another question,"How do you deal with it?"

"Do something about it. Regardless if it was temporary or not, as it is bound to get worst sooner or later if I let it be without confronting it," Ranran said carefully,"Of course, not all problems can be resolve overnight. There will be more unexpected issues that might come with it. It either makes you or break you. But it's normal, because we are after all humans, and we need to keep falling down to get back up."

Shinichi nodded, biting his lip.

He met her eyes again as he fidgeted. "Is that awful of me?" He asked in a tiny voice,"Wanting Ran out of the association?"

"Partially, I mean as selfish as it is for you to keep her safe, you ain't valuing her opinion on this matter." Shinichi turned his eyes to Ranran, as she then adds, "But I don't think that makes you a bad person."

"You think so?"

"In the name of happiness, people will get hurt. It's a sad but true fact of life."Ranran assured him gently,"For every moment of happiness, there is a moment of pain. We all want to be happy, but in order to get there, we have to go through some tough times. That's just the way it is."Ranran's eyes burned right into him."Though the solution I offered will not deterred Ran from leaving and she may cause a scene in the association, at least you are confronting the problem rather than running away from it all."

"But-"

"You feel like you are indebted to them, right? Because of the things they do for you as Ran's friend? Yet you fear that it would end up hurting not only Ran's feelings but theirs?"Ranran huffed a little."I would tell them, and here is why. As much as your relationship with them may not be as good as it is, they had the right to know what their daughter did wasn't right regardless of this. As her parents, its their job to guide her to the right path. Sure,"Ranran cast a side glance at him,"It will hurt, but we have to learn to crawl before learning to walk."

Shinichi was in awe, aside from her ability to solve complex cases with ease is simply astounding, she was also someone who had faced many challenges in her life, and had come out on top. He admired everything about her, that he wasn't even as close as she is.

Ranran smiled at him. "I...Thank you, Ranran."

He rubbed at his wrist, but his posture didn't tense.

For days Shinichi had been planning to tell Ran's parents, but he just couldn't seem to find the right time. He was worried about how they would react, and he didn't want to hurt Ran's feelings the most.

But he knew that something had to be done.

Shinichi knew he had to choose between his dreams and her, and he knew there was only one right answer.

~~~~

Midnight found Emiko still sitting up in bed sketching and editing the final details to the artwork on her sketchbook, as Shinichi requested her to add it at the last minute.

She couldn't sleep as something about the case kept intruding on her thoughts.

"Darkened the blue on Ranran's skirt...then this pants would suit Shinichi well."She sketch the design, tweaking it here and there before she breathes in satisfaction."I bet after this, Shinichi would be thrilled."

She then look up at the time on the clock,"And yet, despite being late, I still can't sleep. And I have school tomorrow."

To try and sleep, Emiko thought of everything by finishing the sketch work for Shinichi, read some book, or even play with her pet cat Sota, a balinese that is demanding her human's attention. She stroked its fur to keep her mind occupied, but it was no use.

Something had been bothering her since their visit to Asakusa. A stray thought, nagging at the back of her mind all night.

Yes, they had found the movie. And yes, they knew that the scammer had been to the tavern owned by their former client. And yes, the woman with the grey car had a key to that building. Also the fact that the Tadashi family is somehow involve in this. But there was still something they'd missed. Something that was staring them in the face.

Staring them in the face, she told herself.

She threw back the covers, smiling at Sota's angry protests, and went over to her desk. She picked up a pencil and brought the book over, and without knowing why, began to sketch. She stared at the photo of the scammer that Muniko had given them. Working quickly, she drew his face on the paper, shading the details carefully. It was a handsome face, except for that long, curved nose.

Why did his face look so familiar?

The nose.

It was the nose.

All the men on those photo portraits hung in the Muniko mansion, they all had the same nose!

She reached for more paper and began sketching another face from memory. And then she picked up her smartphone.

When she heard Ranran answer, she inserted each word carefully into the speaker: "Kudo, set up a meeting tomorrow, I think I found something about Namba, and it's urgent."

.....

Meanwhile, in an unknown location, a man with long hair and disheveled look struggles to sleep.

It wasn't as if the man had a sleeping disorder. He had always been able to sleep without any issue growing up in this house, on the nice soft velvety bed with the maid that used to deliver him a exquisite soft pancake coated with maple syrup and imported strawberries placed on the pancake that was imported from Korea for breakfast.

But those days are long gone now.

He regretted not choosing to leave this house earlier. It would have been easier than this life he is used to living for 19 years. He could have pretended that things would turn out okay, that he would be happy. But now, he was stuck with the reality of his choices. And it wasn't what he wanted.

He sit in the corner of the room, back against the cold concrete wall. The man keep his knees pulled up to his chest as his arms wrapped tightly around them. The man stare at the door, his heart racing as he wait for it to open.

He knew they are never going to come for him unless instructed to. The lady of the manor had instructed the maids and butlers of this house to only do so during breakfast, lunch and dinner. For 19 years, he was fed on with dry plain bread and a glass of water, a far cry from his luxurious breakfast, and his taste for luxury food such as caviar, expensive wines and many more.

Hell, the lady didn't even let him take a shower for 19 years. By now, with no mirror in this room, he is certain he already lost his handsome good looks and youth.

When he was first lured here by the lady of the manor, he never would've guess the 19 years of hell that awaits him.

Hell, he doesn't even know whether the woman he fell for, his first love since he was a child, had long moved on and forgotten about him. Sure, he was a party boy, but he knew that she knew he had reformed because of her. She isn't the type to turn her back on him and leave a peaceful life quietly. That ain't her style. She thrive through a tough life, there is no way she would leave him behind.

The man can hear them downstairs, talking and laughing. They're happy. If he recalled correctly, it must be the lady's birthday. Every year around this time she often have birthday parties held in this house. There was a time he once scream and tried to get anyone's attention, but it was no used. The lady knew this room he is locked in is sound-proof, so no matter how much he yelled, cried or even hit the door or wall, he knew it would be fruitless.

The only person he could only hope be out looking for him is one of the two men in his life. The one who he looks down on growing up under the very roof they are under, and the other...to be honest, he ain't certain if he even remembers him.

No one knows that he is locked up in the house, like an animal. He can't escape, chained to the wall. His could only dream to die early, where he hopes if he ever gets a chance of a next life, he rather not be born with a diamond spoon in his mouth.