Michio's realization about his homework brought him back to the present. He set his mug down and took out his books, flipping through the pages to where he had left off. The warm atmosphere of the coffee stand provided the perfect backdrop for focused work.

As he delved into his assignments, Michio couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. It's peaceful, no Junko pestering him about and stuff, and at least, a little bit of normalcy. Cause ever since he joined Tantei Association to get away from Junko, his life hadn't been normal in a long while.

Robbery, kidnapping, attempted murder and all of that.....plus meeting the mastermind criminal, The Snake, and his evil daughter Adeline....it was a whirlwind these couple of months.

Michio's pencil moved swiftly across the pages of his book, his concentration unwavering. The familiar rhythm of studying brought a sense of comfort and routine to his otherwise eventful life. He was grateful for this moment of calm, a respite from the chaos that seemed to follow him.

Lost in his studies, Michio didn't notice the passage of time. The minutes slipped away, the world outside the coffee stand seemingly fading into the background. It was just him, his books, and the comforting ambience of the stand.

Suddenly, the barista could be heard greeting, "Ah Adeline, just finished school?"

As the barista's voice reached his ears, Michio looked up from his books, momentarily disoriented. He blinked, adjusting to the shift from his world of equations and words to the present moment.

"Of course," Adeline, The Snake's daughter and Tantei Association's no.1 enemy, stood at the counter, with a tired look on her face, "And this one is clearly the teacher's fault."

Michio observed the interaction from his seat, a mixture of surprise and curiosity filling him. It was strange to see Adeline in such a normal setting, engaging in everyday conversations. His perception of her had been coloured by their encounters as adversaries, since she committed multiple atrocities towards Tantei Association such as kidnapping some of the members, to aiding in her father's criminal activities, so honestly, this was a side of her he hadn't expected to witness it.

"And what did the teacher do this time?"

"Acting like a prick, because the majority of us were not listening to his boring lecture and chatting among ourselves. I told him upfront that he was being a dick, and that he wasn't being fair to the other students who had remained quiet and did nothing. Angered by my words, he made all of us stay up to 2 p.m. before letting us go."

Michio couldn't help but be both surprised and intrigued by Adeline's candidness. This was a side of her he had never seen before, one that felt strangely relatable. He continued to observe the interaction, finding himself drawn into their conversation.

The barista chuckled. "Sounds like a tough day."

"I even told him that he should have his salary cut short if he can't even handle this kind of problem, that he didn't deserve the promotion," Adeline said. 

Michio listened with a mix of amusement and disbelief. It was strange, seeing Adeline in this light. She seemed so... human. It was easy to forget that she was the daughter of a notorious criminal mastermind.

The barista, clearly entertained by Adeline's boldness, chuckled again. "You certainly don't hold back, do you?"

"Why should I?" Adeline shrugged a glint of mischief in her eyes. "People should know when they're being idiots."

The barista couldn't help but laugh. "Fair point. Well, you're always welcome to vent here. Your usual?"

Adeline nodded with a grateful smile. "Yes, please. A cappuccino, extra foam. Not too much caffeine, since I am still 10-years-old."

As the barista got to work on Adeline's order, Michio couldn't help but be struck by the normalcy of the scene. It was a stark contrast to the high-stakes situations he had found himself in with Adeline before. This felt... oddly ordinary. "Still no customers around?"

"There was earlier this morning, but yeah, a boy your age arrived today."

"A boy my age.....?"

The barista glanced around the stand and noticed Michio sitting at the counter, a smile playing on his lips. "Looks like you've got a companion today."

Adeline turned to look at Michio, her eyes widening in recognition. "What are you doing here?!"

"Shouldn't I be asking the same question as well?!"

Michio blinked in surprise at the sudden turn of events. He hadn't expected to run into Adeline here of all places. The coffee stand, which had been a sanctuary of peace just moments ago, suddenly felt charged with a different kind of energy.

"I... I was just doing some homework," Michio replied, his gaze shifting between Adeline and the barista.

Adeline's eyes narrowed, her gaze sharp. "Homework? Since when did you become such a diligent student?"

Michio chuckled nervously, not quite sure how to respond to Adeline's teasing. "Well, you know, trying to keep up with school and all."

The barista, sensing the tension, tactfully interjected. "Why don't you both join your friend, Adeline? I can prepare something for you too, Michio."

Adeline's expression softened slightly, and she nodded. "Sure, I could use a break."

Michio, still a bit taken aback by the unexpected encounter, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, a break sounds good."

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

As Adeline and Michio took seats next to each other, there was a moment of awkward silence. They were used to facing off in high-stakes situations, not sitting together in a quiet coffee stand.

Seeing him still completing his homework, she too decided to fish out her book to do hers. To Michio's surprise, he caught glimpses of her homework stack higher than his.

Michio couldn't help but steal glances at Adeline's stack of homework before questioning the criminal's daughter, "Is that retaliation from the teacher who with-hold all of you from leaving class earlier?"

Adeline glanced at Michio's homework, then back at her own stack. She let out a rueful chuckle. "More like an avalanche of assignments. Seems like the teachers are making up for lost time."

Michio raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Do you come from a private school?"

 "You noticed?"

"You are wearing a different school uniform, I am assuming...."Michio pointed at what she was wearing, "This is the real school you enrolled in, compared to the first time we met."

Adeline chuckled, a glint of mischief in her eyes. "You're observant, I'll give you that. Yes, this is my actual school uniform. Though the other one...was also the real deal."

Michio listened, intrigued by Adeline's explanation. "Are you lying?"

"That is up to you to decide," Adeline chuckles" while leaning to the seat behind her, "Just that the school when I wore that uniform wasn't based on Japan, but rather....overseas." 

Michio's curiosity was piqued. He couldn't deny that Adeline had a way of keeping him guessing. He studied her for a moment, trying to piece together the enigma that was The Snake's daughter.

"Overseas?" Michio repeated, his brow furrowing in thought. "So, you've been to school in a different country?"

Adeline nodded, her gaze focused on her books. "Yes, that's right. My father's... business ventures took us to various places, so I've had the opportunity to experience different educational systems."

Michio's eyes widened in surprise. The idea of attending school in different countries seemed like something out of a movie. It was a far cry from his own experiences in the familiar halls of Teitan Elementary.

"That must have been... interesting," Michio commented, choosing his words carefully.

Adeline looked up from her books, meeting Michio's gaze. There was a depth of experience in her eyes that belied her young age. "That's one way to put it. It certainly provided a unique perspective."

"But if that were the case...." Michio frowned at her, "It must have been difficult making friends, right?"

Adeline's gaze turned thoughtful, and for a moment, Michio saw a glimpse of vulnerability in her eyes. She took a moment before answering, her tone more subdued.

"I mean it can't be helped," she admitted. "As my father always says: Friends won't remain forever, but family do. Also, it would be difficult, given that you know...what my father worked as."

Michio listened to Adeline's words, struck by the underlying complexity of her situation. 

"I can't even imagine what that must have been like," Michio murmured, his eyes reflecting a mixture of empathy and curiosity.

"But you would get eventually used to it," Adeline gave a small, appreciative smile.

"Even so..."Michio is struggling to find the right choice of word before deciding, "Sure at some point, you had made certain friends since kindergarten, right?"

"Kindergarten you say...."Adeline thought hard about it before recalling, "I ain't going to lie, I had a couple of them, we had a close bond before my father moved me away."

Michio could sense the bittersweet undercurrent in Adeline's words. Though, one thing made him curious, "Were they....aware of your....father's profession?"

"No, and I rather they never know, which is why I never contacted them after that."

 Michio could feel the weight of Adeline's words, the gravity of the choices she had to make at such a young age. It was clear that she carried a burden that most kids their age couldn't even fathom.

"That must have been really tough for you," Michio said softly, his eyes filled with compassion.

Adeline nodded, her gaze distant. "It was, but... it was necessary. My father's world is... complicated, and it's better if certain people aren't involved."

Michio could understand the need for secrecy, especially when it came to protecting those Adeline cared about. It was a harsh reality to face, but it was one she had seemingly come to terms with.

"Did you ever... miss them?" Michio asked, choosing his words carefully.

Adeline's gaze turned wistful, and for a moment, Michio saw a vulnerability in her eyes that was rare to witness. "Every day. But I knew that staying away was the only way to keep them safe."

As they sat there, the sun began its descent, casting a warm golden glow over the city. It was a moment of quiet reflection, a pause in the hustle and bustle of their worlds.

After a moment, it was Adeline's turn to ask, "Do you not have close friends since kindergarten?"

"Ah me?" Michio thought about it, "Truthfully, you probably are aware through the criminal endeavours Tantei Association had tried to put a stop towards you, but I only had Junko."

"...Junko...ah, I remembered: That short-fused girl."

"Yes, that's her," Michio confirmed, a fond smile playing on his lips. "Junko and I have known each other since kindergarten. She's... a handful, but she's always been there for me. We've been through a lot together."

"Handful..."Adeline repeated with a frown, "But why do I get reports of her being annoying towards you regarding wanting you to be her boyfriend and stuff?"

"Ah, so you did around that as well, huh?" Michio chuckled softly, a hint of exasperation in his tone. "Junko has a... unique way of expressing herself. She's just very enthusiastic, and sometimes it comes across as a bit overwhelming. But deep down, I know she's just looking out for me."

"I don't see it that way though...." Adeline was doubtful about this, "When I was back in my old school overseas, we call this 'obsession'."

"Is it?"

"It's true. And that itself is toxic, if one doesn't sort it out, it will lead to a dark road beyond return."

Michio considered Adeline's words, recognizing the weight behind them. "What sort of school teaches you that?"

"Ah that," Adeline formed a vague smile, "All I can say is that it is one of the old schools I used to enrol in and that I have no regrets heading there as a student." 

"I see," Michio said quietly, his gaze meeting Adeline's. "What makes this school different from the rest?"

Adeline looked at Michio, her gaze steady and contemplative. She considered her words carefully before speaking. "I can speak of this in a million ways, but amongst them was the fact that the school is way practical in teaching skills that you can use for the real worlds, rather than the ones here."

"Really? What do they teach you in that school?"

"Things like how to do accounting, use the laws right, even run a business and make some decent money. You get rewarded lavishly."

"That sounds like a cool school," Michio mused, his eyes bright with curiosity. "Did you enjoy studying there?"

"A lot. Way more than I would admit." Adeline's eyes sparkled as she spoke. It was clear that the school she spoke about had left a profound impact on her.

"Then why didn't you convince your father to let you remain there? I mean...given that he is...'rich', surely he can afford to buy a place with a bunch of staff to look after you there."

"My father...did give me that option," Adeline said, her tone measured. "But that school can never be amongst them."

Michio looked at Adeline, curious about the conviction in her voice. It was clear that this particular school held a significance beyond what he could understand.

"Why not?" Michio inquired, genuinely intrigued.

Adeline's gaze turned distant, and for a moment, Michio saw a glimpse of vulnerability in her eyes. She took a moment before answering, her tone more subdued.

"It's... complicated," Adeline admitted. "Cause in the first place....a lot of wrongs were committed to a point, I can no longer set foot in there anymore."

Michio listened in quiet understanding, sensing the weight behind Adeline's words. It was clear that there were layers of complexity to her situation, ones that extended far beyond the scope of simple choices.

"I'm sorry," Michio said softly, his gaze reflecting a mixture of empathy and concern. "It sounds like you've been through a lot."

Adeline offered a small, appreciative smile. "Thank you. It's been... a journey, to say the least."

The two fell into a contemplative silence, each lost in their own thoughts. The weight of their respective experiences settled around them, creating a shared understanding in the quiet of the coffee stand.

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

"I owed it to you, Adeline, or else my English is screwed." Michio sighed as soon as he finally shut the book of his homework. 

Adeline couldn't help but chuckle at Michio's comment. "Well, I'm glad I could be of assistance. English can be a tricky language."

Michio nodded in agreement, a sense of relief washing over him now that his homework was completed. "Tell me about it. There are so many rules and exceptions."

"It's definitely not the easiest language to master," Adeline said with a smile. "But you're doing well."

"Yeah, but no need for all of the flattery," Michio blushed at the compliment, though he was secretly grateful for Adeline's encouragement.

"But seriously, why is your English that bad? Did your kindergarten not cover all of the basic syllabus for all of you?"

Michio let out a small laugh, his cheeks still tinged with pink. "It's not that my kindergarten didn't cover it, it's just...all of us here find it to be a useless language."

"Eh?"

"We are all living in Japan, and no matter who we meet left and right, not one person we know of speaks in English, so it ain't surprising back then a lot of kids learn a bit here and then, but then ended up no longer using it, or even bothered to learn it." Michio explained to Adeline as he added, "In fact, I am pretty sure you are aware of my mother's boutique shop, whenever I am free and helping around there, not one person speaks in English. Which is why I think it is wasteful."

"I see," Adeline said, her tone thoughtful. "That does make sense. It's true that in certain places, English might not be as crucial for day-to-day communication. It must have been frustrating for you, though, when you suddenly had to use it."

Michio nodded, a wry smile on his lips. "You have no idea. Suddenly, I was expected to write essays and have conversations in a language I barely used. It was a steep learning curve."

"I know of someone like you back then when I was younger," Adeline recalled, "And I remembered this little girl was a kindergartener back then. Found out not long ago her family is about to move her to Japan, at that time....I will only say that the country she and I were in back then was an English Dominant speaking country, so after learning of this....that kindergartener refuses to study the Japanese language in retaliation."

Michio couldn't help but chuckle at the thought of a kindergartener's rebellion against learning a new language. "Kids can be quite stubborn, can't they?"

"They can," Adeline agreed with a fond smile. "But this girl was another level of stubborn."

"In what way?"

"If there were any Japanese classes after her parents signed up, she hid somewhere till 12 am, then returned home. Even with the police search on, they were never able to find her, and she would always return home on time." Adeline's eyes sparkled with mischief as she recalled the memory. 

Michio couldn't help but burst into laughter at Adeline's story. The image of a kindergartener going to such lengths to avoid Japanese classes was both amusing and impressive. Especially when she evades both parents and police in her quest to avoid Japanese classes was beyond entertaining.

"That's... quite the dedication," Michio managed to say through his laughter. "I can't even imagine what her parents must have thought."

"They were at their wit's end," Adeline admitted, joining in on the laughter. "They tried everything to get her to attend those classes, but she was absolutely determined not to."

Michio wiped away a tear of mirth from his eye. "Wow, she must have been quite the handful."

"Oh, she definitely was," Adeline agreed with a chuckle. "But you can't blame her, since her whole life...before moving into the same neighbourhood as me back then, she used to live in the slums with her family, had many friends around, but then was forced to lose it all when her parents moved them away."

The 10-year-old boy's laughter slowly faded, replaced by a look of understanding. He could sense the weight behind Adeline's words, the gravity of the situation that the little girl had found herself in.

"That must have been really tough for her," Michio said softly, his gaze filled with empathy.

"It was. She was just a kid, but she had to leave behind everything she knew. And in a way, I think that's why she was so adamant about refusing to learn Japanese. She lived there for over 5 years of her life, so for her to find this out and later rebel against her parents isn't shocking." Adeline nodded, her expression turning more serious.

"I can imagine," Michio murmured, his eyes reflecting a mixture of sympathy and respect. "It's hard to let go of something that's so much a part of who you are."

Adeline nodded silently.

"What happened to her later on?" Michio wanted to know.

Adeline's gaze turned thoughtful, lost in the memories of the past. "Well, after a while, she eventually started picking up Japanese of her own free will. Not sure what possessed her to do so. Then...after my family moved me away, that was the last I saw of her."

Michio listened to Adeline's account, a mixture of amusement and empathy filling him. The little girl's determination and rebellion were certainly remarkable, driven by a profound sense of attachment to her previous life.

"It sounds like she had a spirit that couldn't be easily tamed," Michio remarked, a note of admiration in his voice.

Adeline nodded in agreement. "She definitely did. It's something I always admired about her, even if it made things... interesting."

"Did you ever try to contact her? Especially after moving here?"

"Here is the thing...." Adeline's gaze turned distant, lost in the depths of her memories. After a moment, she nodded. "I did."

".....but?"

"By the time I did...I found out she wasn't the same person anymore."

Michio watched Adeline carefully, sensing the weight of her words. "In....what way?"

"Well....a friend of ours died." Michio's eyes widened in surprise at Adeline's revelation, "He was murdered." Michio's eyes widened further at the unexpected turn of events in Adeline's story. "And what happened after that was...when her family moved to Japan...I don't know what happened to her later on. Met with nothing but dead ends."

"I'm sorry to hear that," Michio said softly, his voice filled with empathy.

"I never met up with her face to face when I found out about it, since I didn't know where her family moved, but I know anyone in her shoes can never remain the same as they were."

"It must have been really hard for her," Michio murmured, his gaze reflecting a mixture of sympathy and sadness. 

The two sat in a moment of shared contemplation, the weight of their respective experiences settling around them. It was a reminder that life could be unpredictable, filled with both moments of joy and deep sorrow.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a golden glow over the city, Adeline's voice broke the silence. "But, we bumped into each other before."

"Huh, really!? And? Did she recognise you?"

"No, which wouldn't be surprising, really...." Adeline said, her voice tinged with a touch of melancholy. "I look quite different now compared to back then. And she was very young when my family moved away, so it ain't odd she barely knew who I am. Also, I don't want her to be shocked to learn that I am the daughter of The Snake, that she will look disappointed towards me...."

Michio listened to Adeline's words, sensing the complexity of her emotions. "I'm sure she would have been happy to see you, regardless of who your father is," Michio said gently. "People change, and I'm sure she's grown and learned a lot since you last knew each other."

"I doubt so," She bitterly chuckled to herself, "Cause I know there are things in life....that can't be forgiven, so it wouldn't be surprising to see her being hostile towards me if she finds out."

"....can't be forgiven? Like what?"

"That will be a story for another time."

The atmosphere between them grew more solemn, a weight of unspoken stories and past experiences settling around them. Michio respected Adeline's decision not to share further at the moment, sensing that it was a topic she needed time to process.

After a moment, he changed the subject, trying to lighten the mood. "Well, regardless of what happened in the past, I would like to thank you for helping me with my English."

"Hey, I think you shouldn't be this thankful, since I am The Snake's daughter."

"Still, you did help me with my homework, when you could've chosen not to."

"You really have an unusual way of seeing things, don't you?"

"I feel like in life growing up, one shouldn't solely judge someone unless you get the whole picture."

As soon as they stood out and were about to split their ways, Michio was about to leave when Adeline called out, "Hey, Michio!"

Michio turned around to face Adeline, curiosity in his eyes. "Yes?"

"Next round we meet again, it will be at this coffee stand, alright?"

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

It was a bold move for Adeline to simply suggest this.

As a member Tantei Association, he and the rest of the members are against The Snake and his daughter Adeline openly, but here in this coffee stand, it's simply two 10-year-old kids rambling their problems with each other.

It was an unspoken promise that neither he nor Adeline tell anyone, just a few people they trust. Any issues that have anything to do with her father such as The Snake, that is solely to be left outside the door. This was a chance for them to be ordinary kids, if only for a little while.

As the weeks passed, they continued to meet at the coffee stand, sharing stories, dreams, and worries. Then Michio learns Adeline's mother passed away overseas, like him, grew up in a single parent-household, though since The Snake is a criminal mastermind, unlike Michio, she has a lot of staff members within the mansion, which in terms of quality of life, although unethical, it was different upbringing than his average home life.

In addition to that, at her private school, she plays the role of a 10-year-old girl who seeks attention from boys her age, no different than her criminal life when she works for her father, though this one is more about ousting cheaters. When Michio asked why, she replied it was for that friend who never gotten justice back home, then eventually paid with his life. Though the details were a bit shocking to him when heard about it.

Honestly, he was shocked to learn that in Adeline's favourite school, she spoke highly about, arranged engagements were rather common there in the community. Although it wasn't an engagement that both parties were love, the way that girl disrespected and belittled Adeline's friend was jaw-dropping, especially after learning she ended up in a mental hospital instead of prison for murdering the boy.

And to top it off, it explained a lot why when Adeline tricked Michio into their first date before he found out she was The Snake's daughter, she didn't feel bad, because in her own words, "When I found out the way he died was so tragic and vicious, I felt like a lot of the boys I came across through my father are all bad news, because they shared the same personality like my deceased friend's murderer."

"That's... that's just awful," he said, struggling to find the right words. "No one should have to go through something like that. And the fact that the person responsible got off with so little punishment..."

"You know most of the boys I tricked would stare at me in disgust after telling me this chapter of my life with them, and that I was being unfair, but you are the only one who sympathized with me."

"Cause it's true! I too would go mad if my friend was subjected to end up dying in the way it did because of that." Michio rambled, before mumbling, "I would probably even have a phobia of observing every single girl thinking she may have the murderous personality as your dead friend's ex."

As the two children mulled about this, he had to know, "How old was he when he died?"

"8."

"8!?"  

"Yes, he would've been around our age had he survived." Adeline nodded solemnly

"Then the killer?"

"Same age. Which is why I later found out she ended up there. She apparently knew that her age could be used as a shield that would stop her from going to prison."

"And she got off with so little punishment..." Michio muttered, his fists clenched in frustration.

"Truthfully, I rather she head to jail. Cause she clearly didn't regret it."

"And you knew this....because?"

"One, she was my former classmate, and two: After finding out about this through tracking that kindergartner friend of mine about that murder, I went over to confront her myself."

Michio could only imagine the whirlwind of emotions Adeline must have gone through during that confrontation. "And....how did she react when she saw you?"

Adeline's gaze held a mix of determination and reminiscence. "When I confronted her, she was startled, to say the least. She clearly hadn't expected to see me there."

"Did she try to explain herself? Or apologize?" Michio asked, his curiosity piqued.

"A shameless b-" Adeline mustered all of her strength she could to refrain herself, reminding herself not to use foul language before the boy before shaking her head, "Acted high and mighty, proud about it too. Kept blaming him was seeing someone else behind her back, which was bullcrap, when I myself counted she had so many dates with around 20 boys around the school campus."

The audacity of the girl's actions was beyond comprehension. "But isn't she 8-years-old!?" Michio was appalled, how can such a girl exist?

"Exactly, she is just pure evil. Oh yeah, she even wants that kindergarten friend I told you about dead."

The weight of Adeline's words settled heavily in the air. "W-w-why!?"

"Because she is convinced that girl ruined her life, when her own actions were the reason why she ruined her own future."

"That's... that's just... I don't even have words," Michio finally managed to say, his voice filled with a mixture of disbelief and anger. "How can someone so young be so... twisted?"

Adeline's expression grew solemn, her gaze focused on some distant point. "Some people are just born that way, I guess. It's a scary thought. The most worrying thing is that due to the legal system there, one day...she will be released back to society at the age of 17. But I checked my kindergarten friend the last time...I think she will fair out alright."

Michio couldn't help but shiver at the implications of Adeline's words. The idea that such a person could eventually re-enter society was deeply unsettling.

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

Now brought back to the present, his watch beeped, indicating that his time with Adeline was up once more. As Michio glanced at the watch, a sense of reluctance settled over him. He wished he could stay longer, to continue their conversation, but he also understood the constraints they operated under.

"Well, it looks like our time is up again," Michio said with a small sigh.

"Ah, time flies whenever we are here," Adeline groaned before packing up her things into her bag, "I don't really want to head home and deal with my father's men."

"Why? Were they mistreating you or anything?"

"No, if anything, they are formal which is fine. It's just..."

"....what?"

"My father is rarely around since his criminal empire had grown, you know....multiple event functions to attend to, having to laugh with children of fake smiles.... it gets boring."

Michio nodded, understanding the loneliness and monotony that Adeline must feel. "You can avoid going if you want, right?"

"Not when the parties take place at our home most of the time."

"Then why don't you just throw those impromptu sleepovers with one of your female friends at private school? Use them as they always used you. That way, you don't have to deal with them." 

Adeline considered Michio's suggestion for a moment, a glimmer of intrigue in her eyes. It was an idea that hadn't crossed her mind before, and she could see the appeal in turning the tables.

"You know, that's not a bad idea," Adeline mused. "I could certainly use a break from the endless events and formalities."

"Exactly!" Michio chimed in. "It's about time you got to enjoy things on your terms."

Adeline couldn't help but smile at Michio's enthusiasm. It was refreshing to have someone who understood her situation and was willing to offer solutions.

"Alright then," she said, determination in her voice. "I'll give it a try. Maybe invite a friend over for a 'girls' night' and see how it goes."

"That sounds like a plan," Michio said a satisfied grin on his face. "And if it works, you can do it more often."

Adeline nodded in agreement. "You're full of good ideas, Michio."

Michio blushed at the compliment, but he couldn't help feeling a sense of pride. 

As they gathered their things and prepared to leave the coffee stand, Michio couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie with Adeline. Their conversations had become a meaningful part of his routine, and he looked forward to their next meeting.

"Until next time, Adeline," Michio said with a smile.

"Until next time, Michio," Adeline replied, her eyes sparkling with gratitude.

With a wave, they were about to part ways until Michio pointed at her one ear, "Adeline, your one earring is missing."

Adeline's hand shot up to her ear in surprise. Sure enough, one of her earrings was gone. She looked around the coffee stand, but it was nowhere in sight.

"Oh no," she muttered, a touch of frustration in her voice. "I must have lost it."

"Don't worry," Michio reassured her. "We'll find it. Let's retrace our steps."

The two of them quickly scanned the area around the coffee stand, carefully checking the ground and nearby tables. Adeline's earring was small, and it could easily have been overlooked.

After a few moments of searching, Michio's sharp eyes caught a glint of metal on the ground near the edge of the stand.

"Is this it?" he asked, picking up the earring.

Adeline's eyes lit up with relief. "Yes, that's it! Thank you, Michio. You have quite the eye for detail."

Michio couldn't help but feel a sense of pride at being able to help. "Glad I could find it for you. It would have been a shame to lose such a pretty earring."

As she carefully took the earring from Michio's hand and quickly reattached it. She looked at her reflection in a nearby window to make sure it was in place as Michio observed, "Does it hurt?"

"What hurts?"

"Putting on earrings?" Michio pointed at his own ear. 

Adeline smiled and shook her head. "No, it doesn't hurt at all. You get used to it after a while, especially if you like wearing them." Michio nodded, still looking intrigued as she wondered, "Why did you ask?"

"One of the members is wearing them to school tomorrow, the rules of not wearing earrings at our school are lifted, so I am wondering if it hurts."

"If she is getting her ears punched the first time, it will, but eventually it won't. Does she know how to put it on her own?"

"She does, why? Does she need someone to put it on?"

"If she's confident in putting them on herself, then she should be just fine," Adeline assured Michio. "It might take a little practice, but she'll get the hang of it."

"That's good to know," Michio said, relieved, though it later dawned on him, "Did your mother not put it on for you when she was alive?"

Adeline's smile faded slightly as Michio mentioned her mother. It was a sensitive topic, but she decided to share a little with him.

"My mother...did put it on for me during my younger days," Adeline explained before slumping a bit, "But then gradually...she told me to put it on herself, said she won't be around to keep putting it for me much longer. A girl or a young woman regardless...must learn to be independent and not rely on others."

Michio listened attentively, sensing the mix of emotions in Adeline's voice. It was clear that her mother's words had left a lasting impact on her.

"That sounds like good advice," Michio said gently.

As they prepared to leave, Michio turned to Adeline with a determined expression. "Well, if you ever need help putting on earrings, you know where to find me."

"Eh?"

"My mother's shop had plenty of those. I can get it from her and then sell it to you."

"Ah, that is true." Adeline's eyes sparkled with amusement. "I'll keep that in mind, Michio. Thanks for today."

With a final wave, they parted ways as Michio muses, "She is still a kid after all...."

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

The following day in Tantei Association's main HQ, Junko could be heard mumbling to the other members, "I am certain Michio is seeing someone."

"Junko, would it bother you if he ends up with someone?" The ever-blunt 9-year-old Emiko who remained seated rolled her eyes at the 10-year-old.

Junko paused in her musings and turned to Emiko, her expression a mix of surprise and defensiveness. "N-no, it wouldn't bother me! I'm just... curious, that's all. I mean, it's not like I care who he hangs out with."

Emiko raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "Sure, Junko. Whatever you say."

The other members exchanged amused glances, clearly finding Junko's reaction entertaining.

"I can't believe I am hearing....this is the same girl who bitten a girl's wrists when she felt like that other girl and Michio was growing close for comfort in school," Takuma pouted in awe.

"Yeah, let's not forget the time she 'accidentally' spilt her juice on that other girl's shoes because she thought she was getting too chummy with Michio." Even Shinichi is putting it bare.

Junko's face turned a shade of pink as she attempted to defend herself. "I didn't do it on purpose! It was...uh, purely coincidental!"

"What are you guys mumbling around all day?" Michio slides the door open before entering the HQ.

"Nothing much, just discussing some... interesting cases," Ran said, trying to keep a straight face.

"Yeah, cases," Emiko chimed in, struggling to hide a smirk.

Michio raised an eyebrow, clearly sensing that something was off. "Alright, if you say so."

As he settled into his seat, Junko couldn't help but sneak a glance at him, her curiosity still lingering. She wondered if he would ever mention where this secret place was, and wondered if he headed there alone, but for now, she decided to keep her thoughts to herself.

Soon, the door slid open revealing to be Ranran, who happened to be wearing something new. "Nice pair of earrings," Emiko pointed at the founder's ears.

Ranran smiled, pleased that her new earrings had been noticed. "Thank you, Emiko. I thought I'd try something different today."

"They suit you," Takuma chimed in. "Where'd you get them?"

"I found them at a little boutique downtown," Ranran replied. "They had some unique pieces."

Shinichi glanced over and admired the earrings. "They really are nice. They add a nice touch to our cape coat uniform."

"If it is affordable, I want one! Where did you buy it?" Ran decided to buy one later on, since she is a sucker for accessories.

But before Ranran could reply, one earring fell.

As the earring slipped from Ranran's ear, there was a collective gasp from the members. Emiko's eyes widened in shock, Takuma quickly reached out to try and catch it, and Shinichi instinctively stood up.

Ranran herself looked surprised and slightly embarrassed. She quickly bent down to pick up the fallen earring. "Oh dear, that was unexpected."

"Are you okay?" Michio asked, concerned.

Ranran straightened up, a reassuring smile on her face. "I'm perfectly fine, just a little surprised. Thank you for asking, Michio."

As the founder carefully reattached the earring, making sure it was secure this time, Ran couldn't help but stare in awe, "You can put it on without a mirror? I often see my mother do it with a mirror."

Ranran chuckled lightly. "Yes, I've had plenty of practice. It becomes second nature after a while." She carefully adjusted the earring, making sure it was in place. "And it helps that I wear them often."

Shinichi watched with interest as he said, "Your mother taught you?"

"No, a friend I knew back then," Ranran recalled her past while she shrugs, "When I was around 3 or 4, I used to rely on my mentor to put it on."

"Eh!? But he is a boy, is he not!?" Takuma gasped.

Ranran nodded with a fond smile. "Yes, he is. He used to have a younger sister back then before she passed away, so he learned how to do her earrings, and was kind enough to teach me when I showed interest. But then his other friend was like: Ranran, put it on yourself. If you keep on relying on him, should he die...you won't have anyone to put it on anymore. A girl or a young woman regardless...must learn to be independent and not rely on others, you know?"

"That's quite the lesson to learn at such a young age," Shinichi remarked, impressed by the wisdom along with the others.

"I agree," Emiko chimed in. "It's important to be self-reliant, even with something as seemingly small as putting on earrings."

Suddenly, Michio's eyes widened a bit.

The moment she finished adjusting her earring, Ranran turned her attention back to the members. "Now, where were we? Ah yes, our next case. Let's get back to work.

As the meeting is about to begin, Michio can't help but wonder...why those words Ranran said sounded similar to Adeline's?

He glanced at Ranran, a thoughtful expression on his face. Could it be possible that there was a connection between Adeline and Ranran that he didn't know about? The idea nagged at him, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.