On the aeroplane back home, the speculations and whispers among the students from class 1-A were inevitable. The mysterious appearance of bruises on Mouri Ran and Suzuki Sonoko triggered their curiosity, and it wasn't long before various theories began to circulate.

6-year-old Kudo Ranran could not be bothered, now that she is asleep.

But Ranran's group had managed to secure seats together on the flight from afar, and as they settled into their seats, the discussions around them were hard to ignore.

"It seems like everyone's talking about Mouri Ran and Sonoko."

Reina nodded to Shinichi, her gaze thoughtful. "I mean around day 1 before we flew to New York City, those two were so high and mighty about achieving the best trip of their lives after I banned them from this New York school trip for all of the hell they had done onto Ranran, only to rebel against me, I would not have foreseen within days later, they would come back looking all so defeated."

"To be fair, we knock them unconscious after attempting to expose Ranran as The Fox, before shipping them to Ranran's Edgewood friends," Takuma reasoned to his girlfriend, "Whatever hell they had given them, it must have done them well. Cause their eyes to look all so defeated. "Takuma chuckled.

Shinichi chuckled softly at Takuma's comment. "I have to agree. Looks like karma caught up with them faster than expected."

Reina sighed her expression a mix of empathy and mild amusement. "I hope they've learned their lesson about messing with Ranran."

Takuma leaned back in his seat, his gaze shifting to Ranran who was peacefully asleep beside him. "Well, at least now they'll think twice before trying to meddle anymore. I ain't into violence unlike Ranran, but seeing them covered with bruises made me feel glad that this is all of the hell they had caused for Ranran."

"Even so, I have concerns it will blow out of proportion." Reina frowned, "I saw that look Mouri was giving Ranran earlier, her resentment had grown a lot."

"Good," Shinichi grins, "The more she has, the more she might lash out at Ranran."

"How is that good? Ranran might get hurt." Reina and Takuma grew worried.

"The more she lashes out, the more kids around her will continue to doubt anything she says about Ranran, let alone, what we did to her behind-the-scenes." Shinichi says, "Ranran can protect herself, and so can we. We need to push them to do one last jab before they could do a thing."

The discussions continued throughout the flight, with Ranran peacefully asleep, unaware of the conversations happening around her. As the plane soared through the skies, the thoughts and emotions of Ranran's group remained as complex as ever.

Takuma's voice lowered as he spoke, his tone serious. "Shinichi, you're right in a way. Mouri Ran's resentment can actually work in our favour. Her credibility had been into question for a long time after Mamiko's video with Sonoko came up."

Reina nodded in agreement. "And if she pushes too hard and people realize that she's been dishonest, it might just backfire on her."

"Exactly," Shinichi leaned back in his seat, his expression contemplative.

"But....it ain't really wrong that we relied on Ranran's Edgewood friends to...." Once more, Takuma avoided using the word 'torture', "Teach them a lesson."

The plane's gentle hum and the distant conversations from other passengers provided a backdrop to their quiet discussion. As the trio exchanged thoughts and perspectives, it was clear that the situation was multi-layered and emotionally charged.

"In the first place, I wouldn't have resorted to this had their actions towards Ranran not escalated to where we are now," Shinichi leaned forward slightly, his gaze steady as he spoke. "It's not an easy choice, but we had to consider what was best for Ranran's safety and well-being. Clearly, they weren't going to stop unless they faced some consequences." Shinichi's gaze shifted to Ranran, who was still sleeping soundly. "Although I know Ranran's a strong person....she has her limits."

"Ranran....has her limits?" Takuma and Reina gasped in shock, they never once see their stoic friend ever break down.

"She never cried once, but...." Shinichi was hesitant to share, "The other day....on the first day on the plane while we were all heading to New York City, she was sweating while sleeping, yelling 'Who is Mouri Ran and Suzuki Sonoko to tell me who I am, talking nonsense of me? Slandering me?' of that sort. And then she wails a bit."

Takuma and Reina exchanged surprised glances, clearly taken aback by the revelation. Ranran's strength and resilience were well-known to them, and the idea that she had been affected to the point of such distress was a shock.

Reina's voice was filled with concern as she whispered, "I had no idea she was struggling so much."

"She really did that?!" Takuma's jaw fell.

Shinichi nodded, his expression serious. "I worked with her for 2 months as her Tantei Apprentice, this was the first time I saw how shaken she was while dreaming about Mouri Ran, doing whatever she did towards her. Don't get me wrong, when Ranran is The Fox, I knew she dealt with—constant harassment, threats, and everything in between. That never made her bat an eyelid. But hearing her acting like that when she utters Mouri Ran and Sonoko's name...it's taken a toll on her, even though she rarely lets it show."

Takuma and Reina exchanged another concerned look, their worry for their friend evident. The revelation shed light on a side of Ranran that they hadn't seen before—a vulnerability that had been hidden beneath her strong exterior.

"I had no idea," Takuma admitted, his tone serious. "To think that she's been affected to this extent..."

Then an idea lit up in Reina's head, as Tiffany's suggestion last night echoed in her head. "I have an idea."

As the plane continued its journey, the trio's conversation shifted to a more serious tone.

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

In another aeroplane, Ran and Sonoko sat side by side, their expressions heavy with a mix of discomfort and defeat. The bruises on their skin served as a painful reminder of the events that had unfolded in New York City. The journey home was marked by silence, broken only by the occasional exchange of glances between them.

Ran stared out of the window, her thoughts a jumble of confusion and frustration. The events of the past days had left her shaken and questioning her actions. She had believed that her pursuit of exposing Ranran's identity was justified, but the outcome had been far from what she had expected.

Getting tortured by Kudo Ranran's Edgewood Academy friends was the last thing at the back of her mind, especially after learning that Shinichi was behind it.

Sonoko fidgeted in her seat, her gaze fixed on her lap. She knew that they were returning home with a different perspective—one that was tinged with regret. The image of those Edgewood children's angry faces after learning what the two did to Ranran, haunted her thoughts.

The weight of their choices hung heavily in the air, a silence that felt suffocating. It was as if the plane itself was carrying the burden of their actions, as they journeyed back to a reality that had been forever changed.

The plane's engines continued to hum, drowning out the sound of their thoughts. It was a sombre atmosphere, filled with unspoken regrets and the weight of their decisions.

Eventually, Sonoko broke the silence, her voice barely above a whisper. "Ran...do you still remember that feud Shinichi had with Rokuro?"

"The same one that led Shinichi to cut ties with us? After Rokuro lied that Shinichi instigated it? What about it?" Ran sighed, her gaze still fixed on the window. "That feud was the reason why we ended up here."

"I was thinking...." Sonoko's fingers twisted nervously in her lap. "Now that I look back, Shinichi isn't the type to throw punches unless one provokes him. Considering....Shinichi ended up calling Ranran's Edgewood friends to deal with us, did we take it too far with Ranran?"

"To be honest, I don't know," Ran's brows furrowed as she turned to Sonoko, her expression conflicted. "At that time, when Shinichi denounced patching up with us as friends for the very first time and moved his sitting arrangements to Ranran's desk.... it felt like the only way to get back at Ranran was to do whatever we can, especially since she had a cunning reputation. But...seeing the extent of her connections and influence... it's clear that we underestimated her."

"Yeah, you're right. And look where it got us. Bruised and battered, and with our reputations tarnished even further." Sonoko nodded, her lips pressed into a thin line. "Especially when that video of that church with Ranran and I happened 2 years ago....I didn't know that she witness her friend getting murdered in front of her, had her eye removed by a psychotic kidnapper, and she is forced to lead the funeral procession, all within a week....and I said those insensitive words."

The guilt and regret in Sonoko's voice were palpable, and Ran's heart sank. "You and Ranran were 4 anyway back then. Also, as much as I agree Ranran was a tragic victim for all the worst things to have happened to her, she isn't completely innocent. For her to humiliate you by forcing you to kneel before her dead friend's coffin for 2 hours, I mean you peed yourself, your forehead was bleeding profusely for all of the bowing, you must have been scared when it happen, no wonder you had a fever and want that memory to be forgotten. Cause I would too if I were you."

"Ran...." Sonoko's eyes welled up with tears as she listened to Ran's words. The memory of that incident still haunted her and hearing Ran's perspective brought back a flood of emotions she had buried deep within. "Honestly, there is still one thing that bothers me."

"What is it?"

"I mean...I don't know why I said that 2 years ago," Sonoko sobbed, "That I can do the same as Ranran when she was leading the funeral procession back in the U.K. two years ago, just stand there and look pretty...." Then it dawned on Sonoko, "Wait a minute, considering such a big incident had taken place, I am pretty sure Ranran must have held a grudge over me because of this! That is why she made Shinichi leave us."

Sonoko wiped away her tears, her expression a mix of frustration and realization.

"Do you....think so?" Ran wonders with her swollen eyes.

"I am pretty sure she still held a grudge over this, that is why all of this mess happened!"

Ran listened to Sonoko's words, her brows furrowing in thought as she considered the possibility. Now that Sonoko mention it, Ran used to wonder when she was a member of the Tantei Association, why Ranran detests her presence and constantly spoke to her as if she is an idiot, clearly, this would've made sense.

"You might be right," Ran's voice was heavy with realization. "I used to wonder why Ranran hated us, it makes sense now."

Sonoko wiped her tears, her expression determined. "If that's the case, then as much as we owed her an apology, she has no right to use that as grounds to force you to leave Tantei Association."

Ran nodded, her eyes clearing up as determination filled her gaze. "You're right. We made a mistake, but she shouldn't have taken matters into her own hands like that. We need to address this with her and make things right, but she can't continue to hold that grudge over us."

"You're absolutely right, Ran," Sonoko agreed, her voice firm. "Apologizing and making amends is one thing, but using underhanded tactics to do this to us isn't acceptable."

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

A few days after the New York class trip of class 1-A, the first meeting of Tantei Association shortly after took place in Teitan Elementary School in one of the classrooms.

Takuma being the early bird as always was the first to arrive with a bag of goodies, souvenirs for the members of Tantei Association after his eventful school trip in New York City, at least that was what he assumed, till he saw a rather depressed 10-year-old Michio with his head on the table, and hands above his head, while his classmate/another member of Tantei Association, Junko who is adjusting her glasses was simply looking down at him.

The athlete blinked in surprise as he entered the classroom, not expecting to see Michio in such a dejected state. The scene was a stark contrast to his usual enthusiasm. He approached the table where Michio and Junko were seated, his expression a mix of concern and confusion.

"Hey, Michio," Takuma greeted cautiously. "Is everything okay?"

Michio just merely moaned.

Shocked, he turned to Junko, hopefully, she could explain what was going on with him. Junko looked up at Takuma, her glasses glinting as she adjusted them. "The unexpected has happened."

Takuma's eyebrows furrowed as he glanced at Michio, "What happened?"

"Oh, the unthinkable," Junko pulled Takuma to a corner, before revealing the bombshell, "His widowed Okaasan might be finally seeing someone."

Takuma's eyes widened as he processed Junko's words. He looked back at Michio, who still seemed utterly defeated, his head resting on the table. The news about Michio's widowed mother potentially seeing someone was indeed unexpected, and the impact it had on him was evident.

Putting away the bags of goods, Takuma muses at this piece of info, "Wow, that's...unexpected news, "Scratching the back of his head, he continued, "I mean...."Once more, he made sure Michio couldn't hear either of the two before replying, "It has been 10 years since his mom dated anyone, right?"

Junko nodded, her expression serious. "Yes, exactly. And you know how attached Michio is to his mother. He's always been protective of her, especially after his father passed away in a motorcycle accident."

"But I don't get it," Takuma blinked profusely at Michio's state, "I thought he wanted his mom to move on and see someone."

"Oh no, that ain't the problem," Junko sighed, her gaze still fixed on Michio. "The issue is who is it likely to be."

"Don't need to bring that up, Junko," Michio lifted his head slightly, his voice muffled as he spoke into his arms. "It's. ...complicated."

Takuma exchanged a puzzled look with Junko before turning his attention back to Michio. "Complicated? What do you mean?"

Michio let out a deep sigh and slowly sat up, his face expressing a mix of frustration and resignation. "It's...well, you know how I always hoped my mom would find someone, right? But I guess I had this idealized image of who that someone would be."

Junko's glasses glinted as she leaned in, her curiosity evident. "And who did you think that someone would be?"

Michio hesitated for a moment, his gaze dropping to the table. "Honestly, I guess I hoped it would be someone like my Tousan—kind, gentle, and understanding."

"You barely knew him since you were an infant according to Junko, how would you know about it?" Takuma frowned.

"His mother shared stories about his late father a lot," Junko explains.

"But...from what I heard, it's not someone like that." Michio groaned.

Takuma's brow furrowed as he tried to piece together the situation. "So, if it's not someone like your Tousan, then who is it?"

Michio took a deep breath, his voice is soft. "It's...Sergeant Genzo."

Both Takuma and Junko blinked in surprise. The name was unexpected, to say the least. Of all the people, Sergeant Genzo was certainly not the image of a partner Michio had in mind for his mother.Sergeant Genzo and Majima Mio, Michio's mother, knew each other back in the day when they were children growing up in the same neighbourhood. He is also the best friend of Michio's deceased father, who used to work as a police detective.

They attended the same schools and even went to Teitan Highschool together. After graduation, they went their separate ways, but they still kept in touch over the years. But they lost touch after she got married to Michio's dad while Genzo was too busy with his career. It wasn't until Tantei Association happened, that she contacted Genzo out of the blue to try and put a stop to the elementary school children from getting involved in dangerous cases of dark nature. Not that it did anything to put a stop despite solving 6 major cases in a row.

Junko adjusted her glasses, her expression thoughtful. "Well, that's certainly...unexpected."

"How did you know by the way?" Takuma's eyes widened as he processed the information. "Did....your Okaasan reveal his identity?"

"She didn't," Michio admitted his expression a mixture of annoyance and resignation. "She didn't even tell me that she was seeing someone."

"Then how did you know?" Junko and Takuma each grab their seats, eager to know the details.

Michio let out a sigh and leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his hair in frustration, "It's because of Ranran that I knew."

Takuma and Junko exchanged a surprised glance before turning their attention back to Michio. "Ranran? How does she fit into this?"

Michio let out another sigh, his frustration was evident. "You see, a few weeks ago before the camping incident....."

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

6-year-old Kudo Ranran wasn't an early bird.

If anything, she preferred to laze around in her bed all day and do nothing. But as always, her partner-in-crime Kudo Shinichi had to send her to the main HQ to collect a few things for another small case.

To get to their main HQ, which happened to be concealed to the left side of Majima Michio's mother's boutique shop known as Ruth and Co Trading, one needed to enter the boutique and then turn left to where the pink vending machine was located. This vending machine was actually the disguised entrance that led one to the main HQ of Tantei Association.

On that particular morning, Ranran yawned as she approached the boutique, dressed in her black inverted cape coat Tantei clothes.  She pushed open the door and entered, only to find Michio's mother, Majima Mio, talking to a man Ranran hadn't seen before. The man looked familiar but she couldn't quite place him.

In a cap and hoodie, the man seemed to not want to show his face to the child.

"Ranran-san," Mio smiled at her, and Ranran grinned back, waving at her.  "What brings you here?"

Ranran stretched her arms above her head and grinned. "I'm here to get something for Shinichi. He's too lazy to come himself."

Noting the man was attempting to leave, it wasn't long before Ranran called out, "Sergeant Genzo, is that you!?"

Ranran's sudden exclamation caused both Majima Mio and the man, identified as Sergeant Genzo, to freeze in their tracks. The man, whose face was still partially hidden beneath the cap and hoodie was about to turn back till Majima Mio jumped in to insist, "Ah no, Ranran, you recognize the wrong person, it ain't him."

But before Ranran could confront him any further, the man fled out of the boutique shop, never to return.

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

Takuma and Junko listened intently as Michio recounted the unexpected encounter Ranran had with Sergeant Genzo and his mother. The story had taken an unexpected turn, and they could see the turmoil in Michio's expression as he shared the details.

"You can't simply assume just because Ranran saw him, that it had to be him." Takuma clarified, trying to piece everything together.

"Exactly," Junko adjusted her glasses thoughtfully. "Ranran could've seen it wrong."

"Guys, Ranran had solved six major cases in this association, and we all know how cunning and highly observant she is, so if she sees Sergeant Genzo, it is definitely him." Michio groaned, "There is nothing to doubt about her abilities."

Takuma and Junko exchanged glances, understanding Michio's frustration.

"Aside from that, there were also other things that I long suspected it was Sergeant Genzo, but hadn't told anyone, not even Ranran herself." Michio then recounted another incident, "This happened after Shinichi and Mouri were rescued from their kidnapping on the same day, around night-time."

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

When Michio opened the front door he discovered the apartment was in darkness. "I am back, Okaasan?" he called.

He stepped inside and reached for the light switch. He froze. Had he heard a soft movement from somewhere in the darkness, or was his imagination playing tricks on him? A quick stab of alarm forced him back into the corridor. What if The Snake's men were inside? What if they'd kidnapped his mother and were now waiting for him?

Then he remembered Sergeant's men posted downstairs. They had the building surrounded. His anxiety faded and he let out a sigh.

He flicked on the light. The living room looked the same as it always did. A quick check of the other rooms showed he was alone in the apartment. He went into the kitchen and made himself a sandwich. He found some slices of chicken, added a piece of cheese, and topped it with a sliced tomato.

He rummaged around for the chilli sauce. Then he returned to the living room and settled down to wait on the sofa. It was then he notice strange changes around their home living room.

Before, the living room had no flowers in a vase.

It might sound insignificant, but Michio's mother had never kept flowers in the vase of their living room before. Growing up, whenever Michio asked why that vase was always left empty, she used to tell him how they reminded her too much of her father, who loved gardening during his spare time when he isn't fixated on his motorbike. After he passed away, she stopped keeping fresh flowers around.

So to see it now is shocking.

A thought occurred to him, could it be....his mother is finally seeing someone?

(One does not simply get flowers unless it is for someone they love, or that they hope for the other to recover, for a funeral, or for a proposal event.)

Those were the words Ranran once said to everyone in the HQ of Tantei Association back then.

Hearing those words, Michio decided to check around his mother's bedroom.

With a mixture of curiosity and nervousness, Michio quietly made his way to his mother's bedroom. He gently pushed the door open and peered inside. His mother, Majima Mio, was seated at her desk, engrossed in her laptop. She seemed to be working on something, her brows furrowed in concentration.

Michio's heart rate slowed slightly. His mother appeared to be completely absorbed in her work, which was a relief. It meant that he could investigate the room without her noticing. He stepped inside and carefully closed the door behind him.

The room was neat and tidy, just as his mother always kept it. He scanned the area, looking for any clues that might confirm his suspicions. His gaze fell on the small table beside her bed. There, he noticed a framed photograph—a picture of his father and his mother during their wedding.

Now Michio never met his father, since he died in a motorcycle accident when Michio was a baby. However, he had seen enough pictures of his father to recognize him. Michio's heart tightened as he stared at the photograph, feeling a pang of sadness for not having the chance to know his father. His father's absence had always been a presence in their lives, a void that his mother had tried to fill with love and support.

As he continued to look around the room, he noticed his mother's make-up desk had some changes made. The make-up desk, which had remained relatively unchanged for as long as Michio could remember, now seemed to have undergone a subtle transformation.

Since Michio's mother had been a single mother for over 10 years, his mother was the type to stick to the bare minimum with no interest in dating anyone. Which is why over the past 10 years, there were not many things on the table.

Yet, there had been an array of cosmetics, brushes, and neatly arranged perfumes. 

Michio's eyes widened as he took in the changes on his mother's make-up desk. The presence of various cosmetics, brushes, and neatly arranged perfumes was a stark departure from what he was accustomed to seeing. His mother had always been practical and straightforward, not one to indulge in excessive grooming or personal adornment. The scene before him was a clear sign of something different.

He examined the cosmetics with growing realization. They weren't just any cosmetics—they were the kind that women might use for special occasions or dates. 

Although Michio may not have been smart when it came to 'women stuff', the founder of Tantei Association, 6-year-old Ranran used to share the signs over how this client, a 10-year-old girl, had long suspected that the arranged fiance, who was 12, definitely is seeing another girl besides her, and though she held no romantic feelings for him, it would've been easier to dig out solid evidence as a justification to break this engagement, just so she could get a better life outside being a daughter of a noble rather than clean up his idiotic mess in social functions. The problem was the client was having a hard time and couldn't figure out why she had difficulty locating the 'mistress'.

And within 2 days, Ranran was able to put together why. 

That scumbag apparently gave her high-end make-up, and the particular 'mistress' wasn't born pretty in appearances, so whenever confronted, it wasn't possible because she was unrecognizable. But the moment Ranran broke into the 'mistress's house, she spotted the same make-up products as Michio's mom had on the make-up desk, earning the client a ticket way out of this engagement for good.

With the memories of Ranran's clever deduction echoing in his mind, Michio's suspicion intensified. He reached out and gently picked up one of the perfumes, examining it closely. It was a scent he had never seen his mother wear before, and its presence on her make-up desk was another piece of evidence pointing towards a change in her life.

Michio's heart was racing as he glanced around the room once more, trying to take in every detail. Now that Michio looked back, Ranran did note his mother had been applying more make and dressed prettily recently.

There is one more thing he had to check, which is his mother's wardrobe.

If his memory served him right, his mother hadn't bought new clothes for over 10 years, except for him since at that time, she couldn't afford them since they are both relying on a single-parent income. Even though now they are financially stable compared to the past, she insists on never purchasing herself beautiful clothes.

With determination in his eyes, Michio quietly left his mother's bedroom and headed towards her closet. His heart was pounding in his chest as he opened the closet door and took a deep breath. He had grown up observing his mother's simple, practical wardrobe filled with work attire and casual clothes. But now, he wondered if he might find something different.

As he flipped through the hangers, his fingers brushed against fabrics that were softer and more delicate than what he was used to. He pulled out a few dresses that caught his eye—dresses that were distinctly different from the functional outfits his mother usually wore. They were elegant, colourful, and had a certain flair he hadn't seen before.

The realization hit him like a bolt of lightning. Michio's heart raced as he put the pieces together. The flowers, the cosmetics, the perfumes, and now these dresses—all signs seemed to point towards one conclusion. His mother was indeed seeing someone, and it seemed to be someone special.

Michio looked across at the framed photograph of his father. He'd always wanted his Mum to find happiness again. He knows his father would think the same if he was here. He was waiting for the moment she'd fall in love once more.

It was also a moment he was secretly dreading.

What if he didn't like the man? And what if the man didn't like him?

He kept an eye on the clock. It was 10 pm, about to be 11 pm. Michio decided it was better he sat on the sofa to wait for his mother, and see what she had to say.

As Michio sat on the sofa, waiting for his mother to return, his mind was racing with a mixture of emotions. The evidence he had discovered—the flowers, the changed makeup desk, the perfumes, and the new dresses—seemed to be pointing towards his mother having a significant relationship with someone. While part of him was happy that his mother might have found happiness again, another part of him was anxious about what this could mean for their relationship and their lives.

The clock continued to tick, and Michio found himself lost in his thoughts. He wondered who this person could be, what kind of impact they would have on their lives, and how he would even react when he finally met them. The uncertainty was both exciting and daunting.

After what felt like an eternity, the front door finally opened, and Michio's heart skipped a beat. His mother, Majima Mio, stepped inside, looking a little surprised to see Michio still awake at this hour.

"Michio, you're still awake?" Mio asked with a gentle smile as she closed the door behind her. She seemed a bit preoccupied, perhaps lost in her thoughts.

"Yeah, I was waiting for you," Michio replied, trying to keep his voice steady. He was determined to have an open and honest conversation with his mother about what he had discovered.

Mio approached the sofa and sat down beside Michio, her expression curious. "Is there something you wanted to talk about?"

Michio took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. "Well, I noticed some changes around the apartment, and I... I wanted to ask you about them."

Mio's brows furrowed slightly, and she exchanged a glance with her son. "Changes? What do you mean?"

Michio hesitated for a moment before he began, his voice a mixture of curiosity and concern. "I noticed flowers in the living room vase. And your makeup desk... it's different, with all those cosmetics and perfumes. And your wardrobe... you have dresses that I've never seen you wear before."

Mio's expression shifted, a mixture of surprise and realization crossing her features. She let out a soft sigh and looked at her son, her eyes filled with a kind of understanding that only a mother could have.

"Michio, I guess there's no point in trying to hide it from you," Mio admitted, her voice gentle. "You're perceptive, just like your father was."

Michio's eyes widened slightly at her words. His father... a man he had never met but had always been curious about. He was starting to piece together the significance of these changes and their connection to his mother's past.

Mio took a deep breath, her gaze softening as she continued. "The truth is, Michio-"

"Okaasan....you are seeing someone, right?"

Mio's gaze met Michio's, and there was a moment of understanding between them. She nodded slowly, a warm smile touching her lips. "Yes."

Michio's heart raced, a mix of emotions swirling within him. He had suspected this, but hearing his mother confirm it made everything feel real and significant. He met his mother's gaze with a mixture of curiosity and a hint of concern "Does he...know I exist?"

"Of course, he knows about you. I wouldn't just simply date someone without mentioning you, you are my son after all."  Mio reassured Michio, her voice filled with a comforting warmth.

Her 10-year-old son let out a small sigh of relief, feeling a weight lifted off his chest. He had been worried about how this new person in his mother's life might perceive their relationship and how it could impact their family dynamic. Knowing that his mother had been open and honest about him was reassuring.

"By the way....how did you know I was seeing someone?"

"I learn....things in Tantei Association," Michio's answer brought a soft chuckle from his mother.

"Of course you do," She reached out to gently ruffle Michio's hair, a gesture that made him feel both comforted and slightly embarrassed.

"Does this mean... you really like him, Okaasan?" Michio asked, a touch of vulnerability in his voice.

Mio's smile softened, and she looked at her son with an expression of tenderness. "Yes, Michio. I really do." 

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

"And that is when I realize I didn't want my Okaasan to break up with Sergeant Genzo," Michio groaned, his face planted on the table, "In the first place, she is happy. And second, he is very fine with me being around."

Junko exchanged a glance with Takuma before turning her attention back to Michio. "Michio, does Sergeant Genzo becoming your future stepdad bother you?"

"No, if anything, he is perfect for her," Michio admitted.

"Eh!?" Takuma and Junko's eyes widened in response.

"He doesn't drink late and comes home on time according to what I gathered from Ranran, he is a good cook when he isn't working as a cop, and whenever he is free, he does volunteering work around the community. Plus, he is a cop, and our home would be a lot safer if he becomes my stepdad. Also, he had been coming around to my home lately and taught me how to fix around the house here and there," Michio sighed, his shoulders slumping. 

"Then....what is the problem? Are you.....are you worried that your Tousan might be replaced? Which made you dislike the idea of them together?" Takuma thinks.

"No," Michio reassured him, "It ain't that, if anything, according to my deceased paternal grandparents, they too entertain the idea of my mother remarrying."

"Then....why?"  Junko had to know.

"It's not that I have a problem with him personally. I mean, he's...well, he's not exactly the type of person I imagined for my mom, but I could maybe get used to that. The problem is...he is Sergeant Genzo, law enforcement. He can one day die while on duty. Although my mother can look after herself and me without him, do I want my mother to relive the trauma of losing her second husband? Cause she lost my Tousan in a motorcycle accident 10 years ago, it may not have anything to do with police work, but still, trauma is trauma."

Takuma leaned in, his expression thoughtful. "That is true, I mean even for us kids, running this association, we experience several close-call deaths."

"Another problem is...Ranran," Michio nodded, his gaze fixed on the table. "Everytime whenever we dig up something that might be alarmingly dangerous but we lack evidence to deliver to Sergeant Genzo, or whenever Sergeant Genzo tells us not to pursue the case if he becomes my step-tousan one day and the usual clash we have come up...as the step-son, who should I end up siding? Him or Ranran? Things might get awkward or strained between us."

"Now that you mentioned it," Takuma frowned, "Ranran is the founder of the association, and even I myself would admit....this won't look good."

"In the first place, we are 6-10-year-old kids, she has no choice but to listen," Junko refuted, "They are the adults, what choice does she have?"

"It can't always work that way," Takuma argued, "Didn't you learn anything after the rest of us solved 6 major cases? Adults are not always right. They kill, lie, cheat and steal despite telling us not to do it."

"Takuma has a point," Michio interjected, his voice thoughtful.

"Alright, regardless of that, there is one thing I must bring up," Junko sighed softly. "Michio's mom's happiness is important too. And if she's found someone she likes and cares about, that's something you should support."

As Michio's mood seemed to lighten slightly, the weight of his concerns began to feel a bit more manageable. The conversation was a reminder of the importance of considering multiple perspectives and being open to change, even if it came in unexpected forms.

"Everyone wants popcorn?" Ranran pushes the slide door open to hold a large bucket with Shinichi next to her with a grin.

The room was suddenly filled with a collective sigh of relief as the tension lifted, replaced by the cheerful presence of Ranran and Shinichi with a bucket of popcorn. The aroma of the freshly popped corn wafted through the air, and for a moment, all the weighty issues seemed to take a back seat to the simple joy of the treat.

"Popcorn sounds great right now!" Takuma exclaimed, his eyes lighting up. "You always know how to brighten the mood, Ranran."

Ranran chuckled and set the bucket on the table, and the kids eagerly grabbed handfuls, their earlier worries momentarily forgotten. Shinichi nudged Michio playfully as he took a handful of popcorn.

"Man, who knew New York Popcorn is delicious!" Junko munches as she ate.

"And they are fresh too!" Takuma is amazing.

"Not to mention, sweet!" Ranran grins, "While we were in New York City, one of my friends paid someone to give me on the last day there."

'Oh man, these popcorn are good." Shinichi took another handful, "Caramel ones especially, I wonder how your friend was able to make a large bucket? Must have taken the whole night for her to cook."

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

As soon as the members had gathered in Tantei Association situated in the school after the popcorn feist, as Emiko was the last to arrive and was amazed to receive a reserve bucket for her, it was time for Ranran and Shinichi to brief out their findings regarding Professor Shibuya's disappearance through the NASA event from New York City.

And judging the expressions of Takuma, Michio, Junko and Emiko growing pale, it didn't look good one bit. The atmosphere in the Tantei Association headquarters grew tense as Ranran and Shinichi unveiled the details of their investigation into Professor Shibuya's disappearance and the significance of the mysterious item that The Snake was after. The room was filled with a sense of urgency and unease as the implications of their findings sank in.

"A nuclear rocket? That's a serious matter!" Junko's brows furrowed as she absorbed the information.

Takuma's eyes widened in shock. "So, The Snake is after plans for a nuclear rocket? What could he possibly want with something like that? Also, even if one simply sells it illegally, how would they be able to build it based on these plans?"

"If anyone had the means to simply buy it at over millions or billions of yen, then they could for sure simply pay someone who is equally as good as Professor Shibuya to do it, you moron." Emiko pointed out.

"I ain't that much of an idiot, mou!" Emiko's blunt response brought a slight tinge of embarrassment to Takuma's cheeks, but he quickly refocused on the matter at hand.

"Guys, if what you said is true....that does this mean we may face potential world war 3?" Michio leaned forward, his expression grave. "I mean that is only if The Snake ended up obtaining those plans, right?"

"Yes," Ranran nodded, her face serious. 

"Also, if worst comes to worst...." Shinichi adds, "Do any of us want to live the way how those Japanese in the past suffered after Hiroshima? If those plans ended up getting sold to an enemy of Japan?"

The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on everyone's minds. The prospect of a potential world war and the devastating consequences of nuclear weapons were not to be taken lightly. The room was filled with a heavy silence as the implications of the situation settled in.

"I can't believe we're facing something of this magnitude," Junko murmured, her voice laced with concern.

"We can't let The Snake get away with this," Emiko's determination shone in her eyes. "We have to find those plans before he does.

"But to find those plans, Professor Shibuya concealed them in the stuffed eagle that is stolen, right?" Takuma thinks, "The Snake broke into Professor Shibuya's mansion on the night we arrived to pay him a visit, so I doubt he has it."

Before Ranran could reply, the angry bellow of a wild animal in Ranran's perspective destroyed the harmony of the meeting in Tantei Association, let alone, Teitan Elementary school campus, "Kudo Ranran! Open the damn door!"

It was none other than the former member, Mouri Ran.