As the plane touched down in New York, the excitement reached a new high. The students disembarked, their energy renewed as they stepped onto foreign soil. The bustling airport and the city's skyline in the distance were a sight to behold, filling them with a sense of wonder and adventure.

Ranran couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation as she walked down the aeroplane's ramp and onto the tarmac at the New York airport. The air felt different, charged with a unique energy that was distinct from what she was accustomed to. The sights and sounds of the bustling airport were exhilarating, and she couldn't help but glance around in awe at the new surroundings.

The students gathered together, chatting excitedly as they made their way through customs and baggage claim. The city's skyline loomed in the distance, a testament to the vibrant and dynamic nature of New York. It was a far cry from the familiar streets of her hometown, and Ranran was determined to make the most of this opportunity.

As they stepped out of the airport and onto the streets of New York, Reina took a deep breath, savouring the mixture of scents and the feeling of being in a completely new environment. The towering buildings, the honking of taxis, and the hustle and bustle of people going about their day added to the sensory overload, but she embraced it wholeheartedly.

Takuma walked beside her, a smile playing on his lips as he observed Reina's wide-eyed wonder. "This is way better than that damn island our class 1-A was out camping in the wilderness, right?"

"Absolutely! No bugs, no uncomfortable tents. This is the kind of adventure I can get behind." Reina chuckled, her eyes still taking in the vibrant cityscape around her.

Even the other kids were amazed by the sight, one of them said, "This is better than that time we were miserable under the tent for 2 weeks in a row!"

The sentiment was shared by many as they continued to explore the city. The students' excitement was infectious, and their laughter filled the air as they walked through the bustling streets of New York. The towering skyscrapers and iconic landmarks seemed to beckon them, promising a multitude of experiences waiting to be discovered.

Ranran's eyes sparkled with a mixture of excitement and determination. She had faced challenges and uncertainties back home, but here, in this new and vibrant city, she felt a renewed sense of purpose. The dream she had earlier felt distant now, replaced by the thrill of the present moment.

Shinichi walked alongside Ranran, his own curiosity and enthusiasm evident in his gaze. "Welcome to New York, Ranran. The Big Apple has a lot to offer, and I'm sure we're going to have an interesting time here."

"Speaking of which, you mentioned coming here before, right?" Takuma suddenly remembered.

"Ah yes, once when I was around 4, my parents took me here," Shinichi reminisce, "My mother was a former silver screen actress, so she used to take me to visit various movie sets and events. I got to see a bit of the glitz and glamour of the entertainment world back then."

Takuma grinned. "That's pretty cool. So, any recommendations on what we should do first?"

"Well," Shinichi began, "I think a good way to start is by exploring some of the iconic landmarks. We could visit Times Square, Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, and maybe catch a Broadway show."

"But can we catch up doing all of that?" Reina reminded the three, "You guys mentioned you all had to look into Professor Shibuya's missing stolen eagle here, right?"

"That's right! That NASA company!" Takuma groaned a bit, "But I want to play too."

"Considering Professor Shibuya had vanished abruptly since 9 am days ago, I don't think he would've managed to fly all the way from Japan and end up here, because I had Sergeant Genzo seize his passport, which is why Michio, Emiko and Junko who is back in Japan will try their effort to either locate Professor Shibuya and Professor Hoga. So there is no harm letting loose a bit." Ranran decided.

"That is true," Shinichi nodded in agreement, still following class 1-A, he asked, "What is the plan today for us to get us to talk to your NASA contact?"

"We ain't going to head to the NASA company, but rather, a hotel," Ranran explained.

"Eh!? Why a hotel!?" Reina's eyebrows shot up.

"If you think about it when Professor Shibuya was accused of embezzling money from NASA, he became a well-respected rocket scientist to overnight disgraced." Ranran brought this up, "Any reputable company, even one like NASA, would make use of one of the most talented scientists in their department to promote themselves, and will chicken out if one were to ask about the cash cow they used to parade around the streets. No way those people who still work for NASA would want to talk about their fallen cash cow because their words would be enough to jeopardize their company's name, right?"

Takuma scratched his head in thought. "So, you're saying that even if Professor Shibuya did something wrong, NASA wouldn't want to admit it and tarnish their image, right?"

"Exactly," Ranran nodded. "So, if we want to dig deeper into this situation, the best way for them to let their mouth run loose is at an event filled with alcohol. Mainly a function held privately by NASA at some hotel."

Shinichi nodded in understanding. "Makes sense. A more relaxed setting where people might be more candid about their thoughts and opinions."

"But can we actually attend the event? We are 6-year-old children." Takuma frowned.

"Which is why I think this part I may have to do it alone," Ranran sighed, "Edgewood Academy kids are only allowed."

"Hah!? Why!?" Reina exclaimed.

"In our school, children of nobility and royals are trained to interact well in social settings, we come across adults who do alcohol, so it ain't surprising why only Edgewood kids are allowed," Ranran explained, "We had a reputation to uphold on the school after all."

"Then why can't I join?" Shinichi pointed to himself.

"Could you picture yourself being dissected by your life choices if you interact with one of them?"

"I can learn." He insists.

"Really?" Ranran is a bit in doubt, "The event is coming in 2 days."

"I spoke to such children before." Shinichi let slip before his hands covered his mouth.

"Eh?" The others gave an odd look at Shinichi.

"Ah no, I meant I spoke to children of rich families before through the Suzuki family, that is all," Shinichi nervously laughed, hoping Ranran didn't detect a thing.

After a long while, she said, "Would you be able to learn in 2 days time?"

Shinichi nods determinedly. "I'll do my best to learn quickly. I don't want to be left out of this investigation, and I understand the importance of this opportunity."

"What about us?" Reina asked, "Can we do something with Takuma?"

"Yeah, you can make sure...Mouri and Sonoko don't come around."

"Eh!? How would they know where the event would be taking place anyway? Unless you told them." Takuma doubts.

"Keep in mind that the Suzukis have businesses here in New York City as well, also, we have no clue as to which hotel Mouri Ran and Suzuki Sonoko will be checking into, so having you two keep an eye out and make sure they don't accidentally stumble upon the event would be a great help," Ranran explained. "And besides, I can't trust those two, since they are out to expose me as The Fox."

The trio nods in agreement, understanding the roles they'll be playing in the upcoming plan.

"I'm in," Shinichi states firmly. "I'll learn the etiquette and try to blend in as much as I can."

Reina grins. "You better study hard, Shinichi. I don't want you embarrassing us all at this fancy event."

Takuma chuckles. "And we'll make sure to keep an eye out for Mouri and Sonoko. Don't worry, we've got your back."

Ranran smiles appreciatively at her friends. "Thank you, guys. I know we can pull this off together. Let's meet up later and share what we've learned."

As the group continues to walk through the streets of New York, their excitement and determination grow even stronger. The city's energy surrounds them, fueling their resolve to uncover the truth behind Professor Shibuya's disappearance and the stolen eagle. With their unique skills and collective efforts, they are determined to navigate the challenges ahead and make a difference in this unfamiliar yet fascinating place.

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

Meanwhile, after Mouri Ran and Suzuki Sonoko's plane landed in New York, they too felt the thrill of being in a new and exciting place. The bustling airport and the vibrant atmosphere of the city were a stark contrast to their usual surroundings, and both girls were eager to explore and experience everything that New York had to offer.

Mouri Ran couldn't help but feel a sense of curiosity as she looked around, her instincts always on alert, presumably thanks to her 2 months being in Tantei Association has taught her to rely on them so. She was aware that Ranran and her friends were also in the city, and she was determined to keep an eye out for any signs of them. The prospect of finally confronting Ranran and getting answers about her true identity fueled her determination.

The plan to unmask Ranran as The Fox had long been overdue since the events of 'The Red Drongos' Deception'. Seeing 6-year-old Ranran simply shouting orders at the cops made her think she has to know the girl beneath the Fox mask.

If Mouri Ran can prove it, that meant she could overturn the lies that Sonoko and Mamiko had secretly conspired to spread lies that Ranran is 'The Fox' to rile up Shinichi to quit his dream as a Tantei in order to marry Mouri Ran. Sonoko was set up, she knew deep down in her heart that although Sonoko may carelessly talk, she isn't malicious to do wrong to her own friends.

Suzuki Sonoko, on the other hand, was more focused on the fun and adventure that awaited her in New York. She had heard stories and seen movies about the city, and she was excited to immerse herself in its culture, shopping, and entertainment. The idea of attending glamorous events and exploring high-end fashion boutiques thrilled her to no end.

But still, the two had one thing in common: Prove Ranran is The Fox, then make Shinichi quit his apprenticeship.

Cause schemers don't prosper, they don't want to believe that this doesn't work in the real world. They deserve a win for once.

The hustle and bustle of New York's streets only added to their eagerness to explore and enjoy their time in the city. They discussed their plans for shopping, sightseeing, and attending various events, each moment filled with the promise of new experiences.

"Neh Ran-san, why didn't we just go snoop to Ranran's place to search for evidence of whether she is The Fox back in Japan?" Sonoko asked her best friend.

"Because after school ended, I asked people around the neighbourhood, though Professor Agasa wasn't around since he is off work. Apparently, 2 months ago, there was a loud shots fired at Ranran's residence because someone broke into her place, and Ranran was alone when it happen. Police cars even surrounded the place," Ran shivered at that thought, "And I know she is clever when it comes to using a gun, although she is 6 years old just like the rest of us. Besides, the last time you did, didn't Ranran almost killed you?"

Sonoko's expression darkened as she recalled that fateful encounter when she had tried to confront Ranran at the Kudo residence. The memory of narrowly escaping a potentially fatal situation still sent shivers down her spine. "I don't think I would want to remember that, Ran-san."

"Also, her parents are at home." Ran sighed, "I saw both cars parked at the residence. After that video of you with Mamiko reached their ears, the last thing you and I both want is to deal with her angry parents. I mean you know what it is like to deal with a furious Ranran."

"Yeah, you're right," Sonoko conceded, her expression a mix of frustration and resignation. "She's not someone we can just corner easily, so the same can't be said for her parents. I guess we'll have to find another way to prove her connection to The Fox."

Mouri Ran nodded in agreement. "We need concrete evidence, Sonoko. Something that can't be denied or explained away. If we're going to unravel this mystery and protect Shinichi from making a decision based on lies, we need to be careful and strategic. On a holiday, usually one had to put away their belongings. If we can locate the hotel they checked in using your connections, we will know whether Ranran is The Fox."

"But Ran-san, I am a bit worried about one thing," The heiress had some thoughts that needed to be brought up, "When Mamiko told me to do that to Shinichi as a joke, I am pretty sure she has no clue whether The Fox is truly none other than Ranran."

"So?"

"I mean if we do end up proving that Ranran is in fact The Fox, that means Mamiko's lies will become a truth. And she will get away with her sociopathic behaviour, as well as all the manipulation she had weaved between us, Rokuro and Tantei geek."

Ran's brows furrowed as she considered Sonoko's words. It was a valid concern – if they were to prove that Ranran is indeed The Fox, it would inadvertently validate the lies that Mamiko had spread. The implications of this revelation weighed heavily on her mind, and she realized that their pursuit of the truth was more complex than they had initially thought.

"I mean we will get out revenge towards the end, but at what cost? Mamiko wins at the end of the day if we do." Sonoko adds. "Especially not long ago after that camping incident, Mana Yoshida will definitely seek revenge. Don't forget, all of us including the entire class of 1-A lied that he broke into the serial killer's place back on the island with 10 of our classmates and that Ranran and Shinichi didn't break in just to prevent Tantei Association from shutting down at that time." Sonoko slumped, "It will drag us all into serious trouble. I mean Mana did that to please his crush, Mamiko."

The brunette's frustration deepened as the tangled web of lies and manipulation continued to unfold before them.  "You're right, Sonoko," Mouri Ran admitted, her voice tinged with frustration. "I wouldn't want Mamiko to get away with everything she's done, and we would inadvertently be playing into her hands."

"Honestly, out of all of this, I just don't want to see Mamiko getting away with everything she's done, especially when it involves innocent people and their lives." Sonoko nodded, her expression serious.

"We can't let her win," Ran stated firmly. "But we also need to ensure that justice is served for everyone involved. So I suggest we blackmail Ranran to let Shinichi go after we gather evidence that she is The Fox."

Sonoko's eyes widened at the suggestion, taken aback by the boldness of the plan. "Blackmail? That's a risky move, Ran-san. We could end up causing more harm than good if we're not careful."

"Ranran does it all the time anyway, Sonoko," Mouri Ran acknowledged, her brows furrowing in thought. "But we're running out of options. We need to find a way to protect Shinichi and expose the truth without causing further harm or jeopardizing our own integrity."

"But Shinichi despise you! I mean he didn't even stop you when you quit the association."

"I know that, Sonoko. And I understand why he feels that way. But I can't stand by and let him make a life-altering decision based on false information. If blackmail is the only way to ensure his safety and uncover the truth, then it's a risk I'm willing to take."

"Ran-san..." Sonoko almost burst into tears over how touching this sounds, "That Tantei Geek truly doesn't deserve you!"

But if the two girls knew any better, they were being followed.

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

Meanwhile, Takuma and the rest of the children of 1-A are in awe at the Mayfair at Brampton Hotel in New York City.

The Mayfair at Brampton Hotel in New York City was a sight to behold, its grandeur and elegance capturing the attention of Takuma and the rest of the children from Class 1-A. The opulent lobby with its marble floors, intricate chandeliers, and luxurious furnishings left them in awe as they stepped through its doors.

"Wow, this place is amazing!" Takuma exclaimed, his eyes wide as he looked around.

"Right? It's like something out of a movie," one of the other students chimed in.

"It's breathtaking," Reina wandered around the lobby.

The group gathered near the entrance, taking in the lavish surroundings. The hotel exuded an air of sophistication and luxury that was unlike anything they had ever experienced before.

"Hang on a minute, the hotel of this name...why does it sound familiar?" Shinichi wondered, till he remembered why this name sounded familiar, "Wait a second....when we were stuck at that island with that serial killer....why does this hotel share the same name as the one Ranran secretly checked into!?"

Shinichi's revelation caught the attention of the 3 others, and their expressions turned from awe to intrigue as they processed his words.

"In the first place, when I checked into that hotel my client, I told all of you that isn't the only hotel in existence, they were several more build around the world." Ranran is a bit surprised, "But what are the odds that the hotel Mr Miki checked in for us...shared the same name?"

As the realization sunk in, the group exchanged intrigued glances. The coincidence was too striking to ignore, and it left them pondering the implications. Could this be a mere coincidence, or was there something more significant behind the shared name of the hotel?

Takuma scratched his head thoughtfully. "It's quite a coincidence for sure, but it could just be that the name 'The Mayfair at Brampton' is used in different places. Maybe it's a popular name for high-end hotels."

Shinichi nodded, considering the possibility. "You're right, it could just be a common name used in the hotel industry. Still, given our current situation and the events surrounding Ranran, it's hard not to wonder if there's more to it."

Then a thought occurred to him.

Since Ranran had connections to the same client who owned this hotel, that means-

"I am sorry to speak, but let them know I am checking into that penthouse upstairs," Ranran whispered to the receptionist, "Tell the owner of this hotel that I am Kudo Ranran."

The receptionist at the grand hotel nodded politely at Ranran's request and picked up the phone to relay the message. After a brief conversation, she hung up and smiled warmly at Ranran. "Certainly, Miss Kudo. Your penthouse suite is ready for you. Please allow me to arrange for your keys and escort you to your accommodations."

As Shinichi predicted, Ranran has access to special privileges in this hotel. So Shinichi called out, "Ooi, Ranran! Invite me to that penthouse!"

"No way, you barged your way in the last time I checked in back at that island and freeloaded your way there." Ranran refuted.

"Freeloaded?! Our family is the one who paid a portion of it to share the same penthouse with you!"

"Yeah, but I earned this penthouse privileges when I was 3! Through my own hard work!"

"Don't tell me you are going to use all of the 3 master bedrooms!?"

"I'm the sleeping virtuoso, whenever and wherever! I can't help it!"

"Don't you know the meaning of share?"

"Sorry, my dictionary is missing the 'share' entry!"

"You always keep strutting around the luxurious hotel lobby, looking like a peacock with VIP feathers!"

While they continued their lighthearted argument, the rest of the children from Class 1-A looked at each other with amused expressions. For some odd reason, although Ranran had always come across as selfish regarding her privileges, and Shinichi tend to act arrogant regarding his privileged background, it sounded hilariously funny.

"How am I flaunting those penthouse keys as if I am auditioning for a role in 'The Great Gatsby' reboot!? You are just coming up with all sorts of excuses to weasel in, Mr King of Extravagant Excuses!"

"Stop being the Queen of Over-the-Top Comparisons!"

"Oh please, Mr. Drama Queen Extraordinaire! You kept on fussing a lot whenever I get the goods that I earned through hard work!"

"Listen here, Lady Lavish Lounges-a-Lot! If you had stopped parading your privileges like Marie Antoinette with her pompous wig....."

The arguing between Shinichi and Ranran brought a lighthearted atmosphere to the group, momentarily easing the tension and allowing them to enjoy the moment. The grandeur of the Mayfair at Brampton Hotel was momentarily overshadowed by their comical exchange, and the other students couldn't help but chuckle at the amusing argument.

"You know, as highly privileged as the two are, they don't seem to be aware that they are funny with their comments." One of the kids snickered with the other.

"You've got to admit, they make quite the pair," Reina chuckled, watching the two friends go back and forth.

"The best part is they had no idea they are funny," Takuma agreed with a grin. "And it is very difficult not to laugh whenever I am in the association."

"Even better, whenever they ask what is so funny, and you try to explain, it just makes them even more hilarious!" Reina added, causing the group to burst into laughter.

"You know," one of the kids piped up, "I never thought I'd see the day when Shinichi and Ranran would be on the same level in terms of ridiculousness."

"Yeah, compared to last year back then, the two were each other's throats," another added, "This looks way different than I remembered back at the parkour event."

As the laughter subsided, Shinichi and Ranran finally noticed the amused expressions of their friends and stopped their banter, looking at each other in confusion.

"What's so funny?" Ranran asked, tilting her head.

"Yeah, what did we miss?" Shinichi added, equally puzzled.

Reina wiped a tear from her eye, still chuckling. "Oh, nothing much."

Their response led the two to remain puzzled.

"Anyway, Ranran, about the event that you said was done through your contact, did he or she mention which hotel?" Takuma inquired.

"It's over there," Ranran nudged her head to a signboard.

Takuma, Shinichi and Reina followed Ranran's gesture and looked at the signboard. To their surprise, displayed the name of the NASA company event at the same hotel they are in.

"Well, that's quite the coincidence," Shinichi remarked, a wry smile on his face.

"Looks like we won't have to go very far after all," Reina added, finding the situation slightly amusing.

"Maybe it's fate," Takuma chimed in with a grin. "Or just a convenient turn of events."

Ranran crossed her arms, a triumphant smirk forming on her lips. "See, this is what happens when you have connections."

"Or when you're a sleeping virtuoso," Shinichi quipped.

"How were you able to do this by the way?!" Takuma was in awe.

"My said contact who had connections to NASA is friends with the same client who supplied me the penthouse during the camping trip," Ranran explained, "They are engaged officially, so I had his fiance to arrange the NASA event to be in this hotel."

"Hah!? But if that is the case...."Reina put two together, "Don't they have two different family backgrounds? One more on rocket scientist, the other luxury hotels!? How did this engagement take place!? And how old are they anyway?"

"Around Michio and Junko's age, 10 years old. And it was an arranged marriage, with a mutual love of course." Ranran replied.

The revelation about the engagement between the contact's friend and the client who supplied the penthouse left the group in a state of surprise and amusement. The intricacies of their connections and the unconventional nature of their engagement added another layer of intrigue to the situation.

"So, an arranged marriage at 10 years old, and they're already pulling strings in the world of rocket science and luxury hotels," Reina mused, shaking her head in disbelief.

"How did this arrange marriage come about?" Shinichi had to ask his mentor, "Since your former school is a place filled with noble and royalties, this marriage must benefit both parties." 

"That would be a story for another time," Ranran beamed.

The children of Class 1-A listened with curiosity, eager to hear more about the unconventional engagement and the intriguing connections that Ranran seemed to possess. The unexpected turn of events only added to the sense of adventure and mystery surrounding their current situation.

"But let's focus on the task at hand," Shinichi redirected the conversation, bringing everyone's attention back to their mission. "We're in the same hotel as the NASA event, which means we have a unique opportunity to gather information."

"Indeed," Takuma nodded, his serious demeanour returning. "We'll need to be careful and discreet. The last thing we want is to draw unnecessary attention to ourselves."

Ranran gave a determined nod. "Agreed. We need to find a way to attend the event and gather as much information as possible without raising suspicions."

Reina chimed in, "And don't forget, we also need to keep an eye out for Mouri and Sonoko. We can't afford for them to stumble upon the event and interfere with our plans."

"We'll coordinate with each other and ensure that we maintain a low profile," Shinichi assured the group. "Our primary goal is to uncover the truth about Professor Shibuya and the stolen eagle."

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

Checking into the hotel room, Shinichi and the others were in awe of their own hotel rooms.

Entering their respective hotel rooms, Shinichi, Takuma, Reina, and Ranran were greeted with luxurious and elegant accommodations that left them in awe. The opulence and attention to detail were truly remarkable, and each room seemed to exude a sense of sophistication and comfort.

Shinichi stepped into his room, his eyes widening as he took in the spacious layout, plush furnishings, and breathtaking view of the city skyline through the large windows. "Wow, this is incredible," he muttered, his voice tinged with amazement.

Takuma's room was equally impressive, with a cosy sitting area, a king-sized bed adorned with exquisite linens, and a marble bathroom that seemed fit for royalty. "I feel like I'm in a five-star movie," he remarked with a grin.

Reina's room had a touch of elegance and charm, with soft pastel colours, intricate decorative details, and a cosy reading nook by the window. "This is like a dream," she whispered, feeling as though she had stepped into a fairytale.

But then as soon as the three children packed away their belongings, they all shared the same thought: How does the penthouse Ranran checked herself in look like?

"Eh?! Mouri and Suzuki were checking into 'that hotel' of all places?! Are you sure?!"

Ranran eyes' grew wide as she paced in the living room of the penthouse she had secured. The unexpected news of Mouri Ran and Suzuki Sonoko's presence in 'that hotel' had taken her by surprise, and she couldn't help but feel a mixture of shock and apprehension.

As soon as she entered the penthouse and put away her belonging, she contacted one of her Edgewood friends who happens to be in New York City on an errand. "If those two checked into that sort of hotel....then Sonoko must have had some odd taste."

"But Ranran, anything else is possible nowadays," Ranran's friend on the other end of the call sounded intrigued. "Think of Ted, he always buys Mcdonalds and constantly eats with his friends in every single fancy restaurant I could think of, all because he ain't willing to use his allowance." 

"There is a huge difference between going frugal, versus someone who had been fed with a gold spoon throughout her entire life, that she spends anything she could get the moment the banknotes reaches her hands." Ranran frowns.

"I see your point. Well, it does sound like an interesting turn of events. Are you planning to confront them?"

"No," Ranran paced back and forth, her mind racing with thoughts and possibilities. "Don't yet, unless they do anything shady. I need them to do something that will justify your actions, otherwise, you will lose everything."

"You still haven't changed, huh? Still worrying about me and the others losing our titles and privileges?" Ranran's friend chuckled softly on the other end of the call. "When you should be worried about yourself more."

"I can't help it," Ranran replied, her tone serious. "Christopher and I went through so much to regain it back for all of you. Considering he died around 1-2 years ago...it would have been such a waste if you all lose it."

"Ranran...." The friend fell silent for a moment, the weight of her words sinking in. "Then do you think Christopher would rest easily? Seeing you tirelessly work here and there to scheme your revenge towards those kids who were behind his death?"

The blue-eyed red lip detective's expression turned contemplative as she absorbed her friend's question.

"I know if Christopher were alive, he too will be doing the same thing as you are doing right now. Truthfully, that is fair given the circumstances all of us including him were put through. And we all have no right to stop you from this revenge plan at all, cause let's face it, those people who did it had it way easy without serving jail. And even now, all of us freely admit that you should execute the things you had to do. But...the last thing he would want the most out of you, was that you end up dying doing all of this. Just that itself."

The child detective's pace slowed as she absorbed her friend's words.

"Ranran, I know you may think that I am talking gibberish right now, but there are things out there that truly matter besides Christopher alone. He...he can't be the only good thing in the world that the moment you lost him, you resorted to live life thinking everyone is out to kill you."

Ranran's grip on her phone tightened as she listened to her friend's heartfelt words. The truth in what they were saying struck a chord within her.

"Anyway, I will keep an eye on those two. Just...don't keep worrying about others, worry about yourself more a bit."

Suddenly, Ranran heard the door knocking from her apprentice, "Ooi, Ranran, open the door. I want to check out your penthouse."

"Also, about that Shinichi boy, I don't think he is a bad child." The friend replied over the phone.

"And how do you know that?" Ranran hasn't opened the door yet, eager to hear a response.

"He is misguided righteous to a fault upcoming detective, not an ignorant fool like Mouri Ran and Suzuki Sonoko." Hearing the sound of Shinichi knocking on the door, the friend continued, "I will hang up, talk to you another day?"

"Alright, bye Isabelle," Ranran replied.

Ranran ended the call with her friend and took a deep breath before opening the door to find Shinichi standing there, a curious expression on his face.

"Finally, you opened the door," Shinichi remarked with a playful smile. "I was beginning to think you were too busy basking in your penthouse glory."

Ranran rolled her eyes but couldn't help but smile in return. "You wish, Tantei Geek. Come on in if you must."

Shinichi stepped into the penthouse, his eyes scanning the luxurious surroundings. "Well, well, well. I must say, you really know how to make an entrance."

"You're just jealous," Ranran teased as she closed the door behind him. "But seriously, don't get too comfortable. This penthouse might be luxurious, but it doesn't mean we can let our guards down."

Shutting the door, he asked, "You seemed to be on the phone when I contacted you earlier."

"Ah, a couple of friends in New York City, eying on Mouri Ran and Suzuki Sonoko." Ranran was giving Shinichi odd looks after hearing the rapport about 'that hotel' Mouri Ran and Suzuki Sonoko has checked in.

Shinichi raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Ranran's mention of her friends keeping an eye on Mouri Ran and Suzuki Sonoko. "Friends, huh? I assume they're not just ordinary friends, given the way you're talking about them."

Ranran smirked, her blue eyes glinting mischievously. "You could say that."

Seeing Ranran taking her seat on the sofa, she remained quiet and baffled while Shinichi noted her expression, "Something wrong, Ranran?"

"Shinichi, you had been friends with Sonoko and Mouri for over a year since kindergarten before parting ways, right?"

Shinichi nodded a hint of nostalgia in his expression before sitting opposite her. "Yes, that's correct. Not that you are aware of how things later turned out for us. Why do you ask that question by the way?"

"So.....you used to go on holiday with Sonoko, right? Since her family is rich."

"Of course, I went on many vacations together during school breaks with Mouri back then. We've been on quite a few trips."

"Has she...ever lived in a crappy hotel?"

"Hah!? What sort of question is that!?" Shinichi's eyebrows furrowed in confusion at Ranran's unexpected question. "A crappy hotel? No, not that I recall. The Suzukis always stayed in upscale places, given their wealth. Sonoko would rather die than check into that sort of hotel. Why did you ask?"

"Well.....a friend of mine contacted me to let me know....that the two had checked themselves in the crappiest hotel in New York City."

"Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeh!?" Shinichi's eyes widened in disbelief as he processed Ranran's revelation.

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

Unbeknownst to Ranran and Shinichi's baffled reactions, Mouri Ran and Suzuki Sonoko were in for a rude awakening while mirroring the same reaction as well.

Mouri Ran and Suzuki Sonoko stood in the dimly lit and shabby lobby of the rundown hotel, their jaws practically hitting the floor in disbelief. The contrast between the opulence they were accustomed to and the reality of the place they had just checked into was stark and jarring.

"Sonoko, please tell me this is some kind of joke," Mouri Ran said, her voice a mixture of astonishment and incredulity.

Sonoko blinked rapidly as if trying to process the absurdity of the situation. "Ran, I swear I had no idea it would be like this! I mean, how did we end up here?"

While booking the hotel, something had mysteriously gone wrong.

Instead of a fairly luxurious hotel near the centre of the city, they had ended up in one with a lot more creaking floors and beds and a musty smell, on the outskirts of the city.

"Umm... How exactly did we end up in this hotel again? This isn't the one your uncle booked for us." Ran inquired.

Since Mouri Ran and Suzuki Sonoko were still 6 years old, it only made sense to rely on Sonoko's adult uncle Jirokichi Suzuki to do the booking. "I will call him," Sonoko dialled on her smartphone before, expecting to be greeted by her uncle's voice.

"Uncle Jirokichi? It's Sonoko. We've just arrived at the hotel you booked for us, but it seems there might have been some mix-up. We're in a completely different place, and it's... well, let's just say it's not quite what we were expecting."

"Your uncle is sent out on a foreign assignment, Suzuki Sonoko!" The familiar voice of Sonoko's dad unexpectedly boomed before her ears.

"Wait, Tousan? What are you doing with Uncle Jirokichi's phone?" Sonoko questioned, her brow furrowing in confusion.

"Shouldn't I be the one asking what are you doing in the middle of New York City, when you and that friend of yours are supposed to serve your school suspension sentence for harassing your classmate, Ranran! Let alone, you aren't even supposed to fly to New York with your schoolmates in the first place!" Her father's voice replied with a hint of exasperation. "But the bottom line is, due to some unforeseen circumstances, your uncle had to leave for that assignment suddenly. He left his phone with me to handle any urgent matters."

Mouri Ran's eyes widened as she listened to the conversation between Sonoko and her father. The realization that they were in the middle of an unexpected mess slowly dawned on her. She exchanged a worried glance with Sonoko, both of them realizing the gravity of the situation they had unwittingly landed themselves in.

"Umm, Tousan, I'm really sorry for not telling you about the trip," Sonoko's voice trembled slightly, a hint of guilt evident. "But you see, it was a last-minute thing and... well, I thought it would be a good opportunity for us to-"

"Suzuki Sonoko, do you even understand the gravity of your actions?" Her father's voice turned stern. "You are not only disobeying your school's rules and violating your suspension, but you all did all of this behind me and your mother's back! Do you not share a shred of remorse after doing what you both did to Ranran!?"

"Tousan, this isn't what it sounds like," Sonoko's voice wavered as she responded. "We were framed by that she-demon!"

"Again you kept calling your classmate a she-demon!" The father's voice rattled through Sonoko's ears, "It was thanks to your bloody mouth that Ranran was assaulted in that HQ! What sort of 6-year-old child who framed herself for getting beaten up by a friend of yours!"

The sternness in her father's voice was enough to make Sonoko's heart sink. "Tousan!"

"I know you and that friend of yours are in defiance over how much you both assumed that Ranran is in the wrong despite otherwise, so it only made sense for me to send your uncle out on a work trip while I arranged both of your accommodation to a much more modest establishment," Sonoko's father finished his sentence with a tone that was a mixture of disappointment and frustration. "I hope this experience teaches you both a lesson about accountability and responsibility."

"Tousan! You can't be serious, right?!" Sonoko bellowed over the phone.

Mouri Ran shifted uncomfortably, feeling a sense of guilt wash over her.