6-year-old Mouri Ran always used to think being selfish was a bad thing.

She admired the kind-hearted heroines who sacrificed themselves for the greater good whenever she watched those fairy tales, how they often said 'kindest' is the way of life, with a sunny bright personality, even evil will falter easily to them. Selflessness was the key to being a true hero, even the kindergarten teacher often foster that.

But one day, something happened that challenged her perspective.

There used to be a student back in 1-A class, this was after Mouri Ran joined Tantei association. Her name was Takumi Egozuki, and at that time, she was also the kindergarten classmate of Shinichi, Ran and Sonoko.

When they began enrolling Teitan Elementary School, Takumi Egozuki was given the nickname 'Birthday Girl', because was the only child within their class to receive the most gifts during her birthday from her classmates and friends, even schoolmates would drop by to leave presents in her shoe locker. Back in kindergarten, it was no different for her.

And it ain't odd, Takumi Egozuki was after all beautiful, gentle and kind to everyone around her.

It wasn't hard to understand why Takumi Egozuki received so much attention. She was undeniably beautiful, gentle, and kind to everyone around her. Her warmth and genuine care for others radiated from her, attracting people to her like magnets.

Ran had always admired Takumi's selflessness. She would often see Takumi sharing her snacks, helping others with their studies, and comforting those who felt sad or lonely. Takumi seemed to have an endless reservoir of love and kindness within her.

But then, all of that vanished thanks to Kudo Ranran.

It all began when Egozuki's birthday was around the corner, as her birthday is around January, it wasn't strange for her to hand out invitation cards to the entire class of 1-A. She handed it out to everyone, minus Ranran.

Now during the parkour incident that took place a year ago, when Shinichi was framed for pushing Ranran down the parkour obstacle course, the majority of the kids of Teitan Elementary School were present. Since some of them knew Shinichi personally at that time, it was clear that the other kids were warry about Ranran's true personality.

So wary in fact, that it wasn't a surprise that Egozuki didn't give her an invitation to her birthday party.

It was surprising, for Mouri Ran to see that Ranran didn't cry, or go into meltdown mode, cause most children like their age would normally do so if they were uninvited. Even a bully did that one time Ran witness. But Ranran didn't, which strikes her as odd.

As the days passed and Egozuki's birthday drew closer, the excitement in the classroom grew. The students eagerly prepared their gifts, discussing what they would give to their beloved classmates. Ran, however, couldn't shake off the nagging feeling of unease.

On the day of Egozuki's birthday, the classroom was adorned with decorations, and everyone eagerly waited for her arrival. When Egozuki entered, the students greeted her with cheerful birthday wishes and presented their gifts one by one. Each gift was carefully chosen, reflecting the affection and admiration they held for her.

Meanwhile, Ranran was busy sitting at her desk doing her homework in the same classroom, not bothered by the fact that Egozuki is having her birthday.

As Ranran diligently worked on her homework, she couldn't help but overhear the conversations and laughter surrounding Egozuki's birthday celebration. The atmosphere in the classroom was filled with joy and excitement.

Then one of the classmates noticed something odd while looking at the gifts.

Now the gifts were all placed on Egozuki's desk, like a huge mountain load of it. Each of them had a card attached, with the gifter's name on it. While observing, there were four names missing: Kudo Shinichi, Kudo Ranran, Matsuyuki Reina, and Hikari Takuma.

The said classmate glanced around the classroom, trying to make sense of the situation. His curiosity got the better of him, and he approached Egozuki's desk.

"Hey, Takumi," This kid whispered, trying not to attract too much attention. "I noticed that there are four names missing on the gift cards. Did they forget to give in your present, or is there a reason for it?"

Egozuki's expression turned solemn, and she looked down at the gifts on her desk. "I... I am sure they didn't forget," she murmured, her voice barely audible. "I think they intentionally choose not to give me a present for my birthday."

Everyone who heard this was taken aback by her response, even Ran was no exception, "Why would you say that? Everyone except Ranran isn't invited."

Egozuki sighed and glanced around the classroom, making sure no one else could hear their conversation besides her own classmates. "It's complicated."

Curiosity gnawed at everyone, and Sonoko was the first to lean in closer. "What do you mean? You can trust me. We're friends, right?"

Egozuki hesitated for a moment, then finally opened up. "I think...Ranran told them not to give me any presents." The classroom fell silent, and all eyes turned towards Ranran, who just blink silently at them, unsurprised. Egozuki's voice trembled as she continued, tears welling up in her eyes. "Because I didn't invite her, she had them not gift me a single present."

Ranran, who remained silent by Egozuki's revelation, looked around at her classmates' accusing gazes. "Ranran, I know you can be selfish at times, but don't be mean!" Ran scolded her off while remembering the times Ranran had given her a hard time.

The atmosphere in the classroom became tense, and whispers filled the air.

Sonoko stepped forward, breaking the silence. "Ranran, why would you do such a thing?"

They were expecting Ranran to deny this fact, expecting her to look down at her desk while fidgeting nervously with her small hands. As if she was caught red-handed. Or at least, breakdown, cry and admit her wrongdoing.

Much to everyone's surprise, the first thing that came out of Ranran's red lips was unexpected, "I didn't make Shinichi, Takuma or Reina not give you your present, Egozuki-san. They willingly choose not."

Egozuki's eyes widened with disbelief, unable to comprehend what Ranran was saying. "What do you mean? Why would they choose not to give me presents?"

Rolling her blue eyes, Ranran hops out of her seat to take out a pocket knife.

At first, the kids grew horrified. Knowing her reputation as a 'psychopath', they feared for their lives as Ranran marched straight towards their direction.

All the children, including Egozuki, made their way as Ranran marched to the presents.

To their surprise and shock, Ranran simply grabbed one of the gift boxes and cut it open.

Inside the box was a beautifully crafted necklace, adorned with intricate designs. Turning to the other children, Ranran demands, "Who is the one who gifted Egozuki this present, raise your hand?" The children looked at each other, hesitant and uncertain. Slowly, Sonoko was the only one to raise her hand. "Sonoko, admit to me how many millions of yen did you spent to make this for Egozuki?"

Sonoko's eyes widened in surprise, not expecting Ranran's question. "2 million yen," she replied, her voice tinged with confusion.

Ranran raised an eyebrow as everyone else gasped, seemingly unimpressed by Sonoko's response, before heading back to another box of gifts to cut open, revealing an expensive anime figurine of Hatsune Miku, "Who gifted this?"

The children looked at each other, unsure of who had given them the expensive anime figurine. After a moment of hesitation, a boy reluctantly raised his hand. "It... it was me," he admitted, his voice filled with embarrassment.

Ranran nodded, seemingly satisfied with his response. She moved on to the next gift box, which contained an Ipad Pro. "And this?" she questioned, her gaze fixed on a girl.

Another girl hesitated for a moment before raising her hand. "I... I gave that gift," she admitted softly, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

Ranran's piercing gaze swept across the classroom. "Anyone who did not gift an expensive present to Egozuki, please raise your hand?"

Silence filled the room as the remaining classmates avoided eye contact, their guilt weighing heavily on them.

She took a deep breath and then confronts Egozuki, "Now do you know why Shinichi, Reina and Takuma didn't hand you a gift? Because for someone who claims that they are alright in receiving gifts that are made with love, you sure have a penchant for accepting expensive gifts, especially on your birthday."

Egozuki's eyes widened in realization, and she lowered her gaze, her face filled with a mix of guilt and sadness. "I... I didn't realize that my actions were leading to this," she murmured, her voice barely audible.

"Really?" Still, in disbelief, Ranran continues to grab one gift box after another, cutting the packaging open.

To Ran's surprise, Ran noticed something peculiar. The gifts given by her classmates seemed more extravagant than what she had expected. Some had expensive toys, while others had beautifully wrapped packages that piqued her curiosity. Each time, the guilty party admitted their involvement, their faces flushing with embarrassment.

The atmosphere in the classroom grew heavy with tension, and Ran couldn't help but feel a mix of disappointment and frustration.

As the gift reveal continues on, Ran couldn't shake off the feeling that something was amiss. Why is this happening!?

Finally, after Ranran opened the last box, revealing to be a PS5, Ranran turned to everyone's attention, "Seriously, most of you can't even afford to buy pencil cases, and yet, you all were willingly splurging the allowance which is all hard-earned by your own parents, to throw it all away just to get Egozuki's attention!"

Ranran's words hung in the air, and the classroom fell into a stunned silence. The realization of their actions slowly sunk in, and the guilt became palpable.

"I am going to ask you one last question, and be upfront and honest with me," Ranran confronts the others, "How many of you...saw Egozuki receiving a present from one of the kids from 1-E, who gifted Egozuki a marshmallow bracelet since they couldn't afford an expensive gift, ended up throwing it in the trash can?!"

The children exchanged glances, unsure of how to respond. After a moment of hesitation, a few hands timidly went up.

Ranran's eyes narrowed as she processed this information. "So, not only did you ignore her hypocrisy, none of you has bothered to tell her off that discarding low-quality presents without a second thought is in the wrong?"

Egozuki's face paled, and tears welled up in her eyes. "I... I didn't mean to. I didn't realize the value of their gifts..."

"Oh no, you do," Ranran rolled her eyes, "Playing the victim of the crying damsel in distress, while trying to paint me a bully for supposedly getting Shinichi, Takuma and Reina not to hand you presents...I am so glad I did not receive your birthday invitation. At least I am spared from wasting my savings. Damn, who knew you were that manipulative? What a conniving snake you are."

The children stood there, stunned by Ranran's outburst and her brutal honesty. Egozuki's shoulders slumped, and she grew awfully red-faced for being exposed.

Ranran's words lingered in the air, and the classroom fell into an uncomfortable silence.

But then Egozuki's facade was beginning to crack as rage was peeking out.

As the tension in the classroom mounted, Egozuki's facade of sadness and guilt began to crumble, giving way to simmering anger. Her eyes narrowed, and her hands clenched into fists as she glared at Ranran.

"Who do you think you are, Ranran? Acting like you're better than everyone else, always judging and accusing me!" Egozuki's voice trembled with barely contained rage. "You think you know everything, but you don't! You don't know what it's like to be left out, to feel invisible! And now you're turning everyone against me!"

Ranran met Egozuki's angry gaze without flinching. "No, only you turned your back on everyone who was being kind towards you and exploit them for your greed. That makes you very cowardly," she retorted, her voice firm and unwavering. "You can't blame others for your own actions, only a sore loser would."

The air in the classroom crackled with tension as the two girls stared each other down, their emotions swirling within them.

Finally, Egozuki let out a bitter laugh. "You think you're so righteous, Ranran. But you're just a lonely little rich girl. No one likes you. They fear you!" Her words were laced with venom, an attempt to strike back at Ranran.

Ranran arched an eyebrow, a sly smile playing on her lips. "Oh, Egozuki, is that the best you've got?" she replied, her voice laced with a hint of amusement. "Becoming all of that has its benefits, you know? Let's start with....me retiring at a young age while travelling around the world."

The classroom stirred with murmurs, and a few stifled chuckles escaped the lips of the classmates who had been caught up in the drama.

Egozuki's face contorted with anger, but Ranran remained unfazed, her confidence radiating. She had an uncanny ability to turn insults into clever comebacks.

"And by the way," Ranran added, a mischievous glint in her eyes, "If no one likes me, then why is it that you felt the need to make it as if I influence Shinichi, Takuma and Reina to not buy you presents and make me the villain as if I ruined your birthday? Seems like you're not so indifferent to my presence as a lonely rich girl after all."

The classroom fell silent, the weight of their words hanging heavily in the air. The other classmates watched the tense exchange, unsure of what to say or do. Egozuki's attempt to strike back had backfired, and her anger had only made her a target for Ranran's quick tongue.

Ranran leaned back in her seat, a satisfied smile gracing her face. "You prick!"

But before Egozuki could slap her, a figure stood protectively before Ranran, the classroom fell into stunned silence. It was none other than Kudo Shinichi, who had swiftly intervened, wielding a baton and blocking Egozuki's attempt to strike Ranran.

The baton crackled with electricity, causing a surge that inadvertently struck Egozuki in the neck, tasering her. She let out a startled cry, collapsing to the ground in a mix of pain and shock.

As Egozuki collapsed to the ground, Ranran's surprised expression quickly transformed into a mixture of concern and relief. She looked at Kudo Shinichi, who stood there with a baton crackling with electricity in his hand, his gaze steady and protective.

"You will not strike Ranran ever! Ranran, are you alright?"

Ranran's voice stiffened with a touch of vulnerability as she responded, "Yeah, I'm alright. Thank you, Shinichi."

While Shinichi was busy triple checking where Egozuki inflicted even a single flesh wound, the classroom remained silent, the air heavy with a mix of shock and anticipation. Later, Shinichi lowered the baton, its electrical charge dissipating as he took a step back, his attention now focused on Egozuki, who was writhing on the ground.

While the class of 1-A gathered to surround Egozuki who ain't moving on the floor, Sonoko's voice carried a hint of urgency as she called out, "Is she...dead?"

Shinichi knelt down beside Egozuki, checking her pulse and making sure she was breathing. After a moment, he nodded and replied, "She'll be fine. The shock was more of a surprise than anything else. She just needs some time to recover."

Relief washed over the others as they realized that Shinichi's actions hadn't caused serious harm.

After this incident, Mouri Ran soon learn that word travelled all the way to the entire school, and Takumi Egozuki's gentle facade crumbled within minutes, thanks to social media.

In the days following the incident, word quickly spread throughout the school about the confrontation between Egozuki and Ranran. The truth behind Egozuki's manipulations and extravagant gifts became known to everyone. The once-gentle facade she had carefully maintained crumbled within minutes, exposing the true nature of her actions.

The consequences of her behaviour were swift and significant. The students who had been manipulated and deceived felt a mix of anger, disappointment, and betrayal. The trust they had placed in Egozuki had been shattered, and many of them distanced themselves from her.

As the truth continued to circulate, Egozuki found herself increasingly isolated. The once-popular girl who had revelled in attention and material possessions now faced the consequences of her actions. The guilt and shame weighed heavily on her, and she struggled to face her peers.

Days later, news spread that Egozuki had made the decision to transfer out of the school for good. It was clear that the revelations and the subsequent fallout had taken a toll on her. 

Then Mouri Ran later learn through Michio, what happened was the kid who gifted the marshmallow bracelet actually saw Egozuki throw it in the trash, he was so heartbroken that he had a severe fever for several days, enough to trigger his worried elder sister who later stormed over to seek the services of Tantei association, that she personally requested Ranran and Shinichi to expose Egozuki.

After the events of Egozuki, Ran tried to calm herself by binging on a movie about a saint-like heroine once more.

As Mouri Ran immersed herself in the movie about a saint-like heroine, she found solace in the familiar narrative of selflessness and noble sacrifices. The story resonated with her, offering a temporary escape from the complexities and uncertainties of her own life.

She watched as the heroine selflessly dedicated herself to helping others, overcoming obstacles and challenges with unwavering determination. The character's acts of kindness and unwavering moral compass inspired Ran, reminding her of the inherent goodness that could exist in the world.

In each selfless act depicted on the screen, Ran usually felt a sense of hope and reassurance.

But after seeing Ranran exposing Egozuki, a girl that Ran assumed she knew since kindergarten was nothing but a fraud, that feeling no longer returned.

Mouri Ran sat on her sofa, her gaze fixed on the screen, but her mind wandered elsewhere. The movie that had once provided solace now felt distant and disconnected from the reality she is living in. The notion of selflessness, once a comforting concept, now seemed idealistic and detached from the complexities of real-life situations.

As the scenes unfolded before her, showcasing acts of selflessness and noble sacrifices, Ran couldn't help but think about the recent events she had witnessed. She had seen firsthand how Egozuki had manipulated others, using her innocent facade to deceive and hurt those around her. Then Mouri Ran looks back at the leader of Tantei Association, Ranran, one who has a selfish reputation, is brutal with her words, and at times manipulative, but it always benefits her friends around her.

As the movie reached its climax, with the heroine making the ultimate sacrifice for the greater good, Ran couldn't help but feel a sense of disillusionment. 

Contemplating the movie she had just watched, filled with themes of selflessness and sacrifice...the way Mouri Ran herself had lived...she used up tons of her own allowance she was planning to buy herself a doll, all for Egozuki's birthday present. Meanwhile, although everyone criticized Ranran as a selfish little girl, she didn't care and not only saved up tons of money, Ranran ended up at some point taking Shinichi to dine at a luxurious cafe, something now that Ran looks back, she wished she didn't and taken Sonoko there instead.

With a sigh, Mouri Ran walked over to the trash can and tossed the movie case inside. 

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

When Mouri Ran thinks back to that time, she is reminded about it now in their camping situation.

Serial killer on the island they are on having committed two murders, no ferries will be around to pick them up due to the typhoon, while Ranran and Shinichi are hiding out in a 5* hotel looking into this situation, she and the others are stuck in a damp muddy campsite. And while they are still eating the food from the walk-in fridge, the same one where the decomposing corpse of Mr Iwao is stored in there, Ranran is having fancy meals with Shinichi.

The stark contrast between her current situation and the comfortable shelter Ranran and Shinichi were enjoying at the hotel couldn't be more apparent. The irony of it all was not lost on her.

The serial killer on the island had created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. The safety of everyone was at stake, and they were trapped due to the impending typhoon, with no ferries available to evacuate them. The once thrilling idea of a camping trip had turned into a nightmare.

Ranran's selfish reputation now took on a different light to her now. While she may have seemed self-centred at times, there was no denying that her resourcefulness and ability to think outside the box had often benefited those around her. In this dire situation, Ranran and Shinichi's decided to seek refuge in a luxury hotel since it provided the facilities needed to locate the killer.

Meanwhile, Mouri Ran and the others were left to face the elements and the growing fear that loomed over them. The dampness seeped into her bones, and the muddy ground only added to their discomfort. She couldn't help but feel a pang of frustration. 

As the rain poured down, drenching everything in its path, Mouri Ran couldn't help but feel a sense of frustration. On one hand, it seemed unfair that they were trapped in the treacherous elements while others enjoyed the comforts of luxury. But on the other hand, Ranran was right about one thing: No evidence of a serial killer would mean no money would be released to the kids on this island here.

If the student school council barely believed in them, there same goes for the parents. And Ranran had highlighted about her, Shinichi and Sonoko's families footing the bill for the other kids was not an option, as it will breed freeloaders. Was it cruel from the rich families' side? Yes, but realistic.

It may sound harsh as it seemed, but the families of Ranran, Shinichi, and Sonoko were not obligated to shoulder the financial burden for everyone else. It was a stark reminder of the inequalities that existed in the world.

While Ranran's actions may have appeared selfish on the surface, she had always been honest about her intentions. She didn't sugarcoat the harsh realities or make false promises. In this case, seeking refuge in the hotel was not just about comfort but also about strategizing to protect themselves and find a way to apprehend the serial killer.

"I also need Reina over...besides since she is the president of the student council of Teitan Elementary School, those idiots who refuse to release the funds to bring the other kids over to this hotel would listen to her." Ranran's voice from the walkie-talkie suddenly interrupted Ran's trail of thoughts.

Mouri Ran's attention snapped back to reality as she heard Ranran's voice crackle through the walkie-talkie. The urgency in Ranran's tone indicated that she had an important plan in mind, one that involved Reina, the president of the student council.

A glimmer of hope sparked within Mouri Ran. If anyone could persuade the school council to release the funds and bring the other kids to the safety of the hotel, it would be Reina. Her position and authority carried weight, and perhaps she could sway the decision-makers to prioritize the well-being of the students.

With renewed determination, Mouri Ran grabbed the walkie-talkie and responded, "Ranran, when will you fetch us from here?" 

"Around Thursday. As for tomorrow, you will be receiving meds around morning."

Ran nodded, understanding the plan. "Understood, Ranran. We'll do our best to convince Reina and Takuma to join us. We'll meet you around that day, and I will convince them to join."

With her mind racing as she thought about how to convince Reina and Takuma, she knew that it wouldn't be an easy task, considering the potential backlash they might face from their classmates for leaving them behind. But their safety and the progress of the investigation were paramount.

Ran quickly made her way to find Reina and Takuma. She knew that this conversation was crucial and that their persuasive skills would be put to the test. She had to make a compelling argument that would resonate with their friends and make them see the necessity of their involvement.

As she approached Reina and Takuma, Ran took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts and preparing herself for the conversation ahead. She knew that the outcome of this discussion would greatly impact their investigation and the safety of everyone involved.

"Reina, Takuma, can we talk?" Ran asked, her voice filled with sincerity and urgency. "There's something important we need to discuss with you, something that concerns all of us and the safety of everyone on this island."

Reina and Takuma looked up, sensing the seriousness in Ran's voice and demeanour. They exchanged glances before nodding and motioning for Ran to continue.

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

Now Ran took a moment to collect her thoughts, wanting to convey the gravity of the situation without alarming them unnecessarily. She began, her voice steady but filled with concern, "So....about Sonoko's dengue situation..she ended up having a severe fever."

Silence.

"And as you are both aware...it ain't getting any better. So in a last-ditch effort....she told me to use the walkie-talkie Shinichi had given us earlier, and contact Sonoko's family to book her a room in the hotel both Ranran and Shinichi are currently at."

Reina and Takuma looked at each other, their expressions shifting from curiosity to concern. They knew that if Sonoko's condition had worsened, it was a matter of great urgency.

Takuma spoke up, his voice filled with worry, "What does this have anything to do with us?"

And so Ran explained to them about the 4-bedroom situation located on the ground floor, and how Sonoko's family wasn't willing to fork it out unless two others who won't leach onto them join Ran and Sonoko, as well as their elementary school refusing to release the emergency funds to check in the class of 1-A into the hotel.

Ran took a deep breath, trying to find the right words to convey the urgency and importance of their participation. She looked at Reina and Takuma, her eyes filled with concern and determination.

Reina and Takuma exchanged glances, their concern deepening. They understood the seriousness of the situation and the need to act swiftly.

"How long do we have to decide this?" Takuma inquire.

"A day," Ran answered firmly

Takuma nodded, absorbing the information and the time constraint. He exchanged another glance with Reina before speaking up. "So we have 24 hours to decide from now?"

Ran nodded, confirming Takuma's understanding.

"Could you...leave us alone to discuss this? We will give you our answer around night-time tomorrow." Reina suggests.

Ran understood the importance of the decision they had to make and respected Reina's request. She nodded, acknowledging their need for privacy and time to discuss the situation.

"Of course, I understand," Ran replied with a reassuring smile. "Take all the time you need. Just know that we greatly appreciate your consideration and commitment to the safety of everyone involved."

With that, Ran gave a nod to both Reina and Takuma before stepping away, allowing them the space they needed for their discussion. 

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

The following day, after several days of typhoon-induced rainfall, the skies finally cleared, and the sun emerged from behind the clouds. The air felt refreshed, and a sense of calm settled over the island.

Ran woke up early that morning, her mind filled with anticipation and nerves as she awaited the response from Reina and Takuma. She knew that today would be a crucial day, as their decision would determine the course of their investigation and the safety of everyone involved.

The first surprise was at around 7 pm, while everyone is asleep, a medicine bag was discovered outside Ran and Sonoko's tent. The bag was lying on the ground, seemingly untouched.

Ran knelt down and carefully examined the medicine bag. It appeared to be in good condition, with all the contents still intact. She noticed that there was a note attached to the bag, and she carefully unfolded it to read the message.

The note read, "From Shinichi, the medicine Ranran bought two days ago for Sonoko's dengue from the hotel pharmacy, but unfortunately typhoon got in the way. Arrived on the horse earlier and found everyone asleep, so left it outside your tent. Take care and be safe."

Ran's eyes widened in surprise as she read the note. She couldn't believe that Shinichi had managed to make it to the island and leave the medicine bag for Sonoko's dengue treatment. It was a small act of kindness and concern that touched her heart.

Quickly, Ran entered the tent and woke Sonoko, showing her the medicine bag and explaining its origin. Sonoko's eyes filled with gratitude and relief as she realized that they now had the necessary medication to help manage her condition.

As Sonoko took the medicine under Ran's care, Ran checked her friend's temperature. She gently placed a hand on Sonoko's forehead, feeling the warmth beneath her touch. Ran's expression turned serious as she observed Sonoko's condition.

"How are you feeling, Sonoko?" Ran asked, her voice filled with concern.

Sonoko sighed, her voice weak but determined. "I'm still not feeling well, Ran. The fever has been persistent, and I feel exhausted. But with this medicine, I hope it will be better than the campsite meds, it doesn't seem to work when I take theirs."

"It's free camping after all," Ran nodded, understanding Sonoko's struggle.

She knew that dengue fever could be a serious illness, and it was essential to monitor Sonoko's condition closely. Ran fetched a thermometer and gently placed it under Sonoko's tongue, waiting for a few moments.

After a brief pause, Ran removed the thermometer and checked the reading. Her brows furrowed as she noted the high temperature.

"Sonoko, your fever is still quite high," Ran said, her voice filled with concern. "We need to make sure you rest and take the medicine regularly. It's crucial for your recovery."

Sonoko nodded weakly. "Ran, did you manage to contact Ranran and Shinichi?"

Ran sighed. "I did, got the bedroom you wanted and everything....had some issues, now all we need to do is to get Takuma and Reina to say yes."

Sonoko's eyes brightened at the mention of the progress Ran had made. Despite her weakened state, a small smile formed on her lips. "That's great, Ran. It's about time we leave this tent for good. And so, did they say yes?"

"Not yet, but I've talked to them about the situation. They needed some time to think it over and discuss it among themselves. They asked for a day to give us their answer."

Sonoko's smile faded slightly, replaced by a look of pout. "If it were me in their shoes, I would just simply take the offer and go!"

Ran chuckled softly, understanding Sonoko's impatience. "I know you would, Sonoko, but not everyone could just simply make up one decision and go the way you do."

"Sonoko nodded, albeit reluctantly. "You're right, Ran. I just hope they make the right decision."

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

As Ran made her way to the gathering point where all the rest of the kids are supposed to be when they had their breakfast, lunch and dinner on a Wednesday, Ran couldn't help but notice the change in weather. The absence of rain was a small but welcomed sign as if nature itself was lending its support to their cause.

While the children gathered in the Kodama Forest activity centre dining room while breakfast is being served, Mr Miki suddenly made the announcement about having a normal walk in the morning, since the majority of them were cooped up in their tents, and that it will benefit them to build their immunity.

After much discussion among the children, Ran was relieved to see that the majority of the children agreed to participate in the morning walk. It was a chance for them to stretch their legs, get some fresh air, and perhaps even have some time to discuss their plans for the investigation.

The children under the leadership of Arima Nao, their substitute form teacher, led them upstairs to zip themselves into waterproofs and lace up their walking boots.

As the class of 1-A made their way towards the craggy mountain, Ran couldn't help but feel a sense of relief and unity among the children. The absence of rain and the opportunity to be outdoors seemed to uplift their spirits and provide a temporary respite from the tension and fear that had gripped them.

Ran glanced over at Sonoko, who was seated atop the horse, with Rika the horse instructor walking alongside, guiding the animal. "Sonoko, you know you should be sleeping back in the tent, right?" Ran gently reiterated, her voice filled with concern. "You don't need to force yourself to join now that you are ill."

Sonoko's pale face still showed signs of her illness, but her eyes sparkled with determination.

Sonoko shifted slightly on the horse, her expression determined yet weary. She glanced at Ran and mustered a weak smile. "I know, Ran. But I don't want to let the illness hold me back. I want to be a part of this, it would be so lonely for me to be in the tent on my own. Besides, Miss Rika is here to make sure I don't overexert myself."

Meanwhile, Reina whispered to her boyfriend, "Why are the other kids walking so closely? I thought they accepted that Mr Eiji and Mr Iwao's death was an accident?"

"On the surface," Takuma corrected while he scoffed, "Days of being in the tent while the typhoon blowing us non-stop was enough to make them think the serial killer on the island might be true."

And the 6-year-old boy wasn't in the wrong.

They were still so nervous and fearing for their deary lives thanks to Shinichi's announcement about a suspected serial killer still prowling around the island, they literally walked in a tight group that they couldn't shake off. 

As the class of 1-A reached its peak after two hours of hard walking, a mixture of exhaustion and satisfaction washed over them. Their faces were flushed, and their breaths were heavy besides Sonoko's, but a sense of accomplishment filled the air.

Ran looked around at her classmates, their tired but content expressions mirroring her own. Despite the physical strain, they had made it to the peak, overcoming the challenges and obstacles along the way. 

As the class of 1-A stood at the peak, surrounded by the vast expanse of sky, water, and land, they were filled with awe and a sense of insignificance. The view before them was breathtaking, with the island appearing small and insignificant in comparison to the grandeur of nature.

Turning in a full circle, they could see the entirety of the island spread out below them. The landscape unfolded like a miniature world, with its forests, cliffs, and coastline. From this vantage point, the remoteness of their location became apparent, as if they were isolated from the rest of the world.

Looking towards the horizon, they could see the grey line that marked the mainland. It served as a reminder of the larger world beyond their immediate surroundings. It was a reminder of the distance between their current reality and the bustling cities, towns, and communities that lay beyond.

At that moment, the class of 1-A felt a sense of detachment from their fear of the serial killer for once.

As the class of 1-A began their descent from the peak, their instructor Mr. Miki struggled to maintain a positive demeanor. The weight of the recent tragedies and the responsibility of leading the students through this difficult time had taken a toll on him. His usual optimism seemed overshadowed by a sense of heaviness and uncertainty.

However, perhaps Rika had known Miki since they were kids, she recognized Mr Miki's struggle and stepped in to offer her unwavering support. With her infectious cheeriness and unyielding positivity, she became a beacon of light in the midst of darkness.

And impressively, Rika was seriously doing a good job entertaining the children despite the situation. "We all need a Miss Rika in our lives," Takuma whispers to Reina.

Takuma's words echoed in Reina's mind as she observed Rika's interactions with the children. Rika's infectious cheeriness and ability to uplift the spirits of those around her were truly remarkable. Despite the sombre circumstances and the weight of uncertainty hanging over the island, Rika managed to create moments of joy and laughter. 

"The same can't be said for Miki's wife, Miss Jun though," 

Reina then directed his head to the other woman, who stood away from them.

Miss Jun in Takuma's opinion must have been visibly affected by the recent tragedies that had befallen the island. The weight of the situation and the emotional toll it had taken on her was evident in her demeanour. She appeared distant and lost, struggling to find solace amidst the chaos.

She had started the walk tight-lipped and pale, and by the time they'd ascended the peak her face had taken on a dark, gloomy aspect. And Takuma is certain that if Ranran is with them, she will say that she could visibly see a black cloud hanging over her. 

Whether Jun was suspecting that Miki was likely having an affair with Rika or not, was unclear, but it was evident Rika and Miki's charade to entertain them was driving her mad.

Because the next thing the kids soon hear, was when she started clapping her hands to her head, the Jun spat, "Will. You. Shut. Up!"