"I didn't think it would be 6pm now."

As Michio and Adeline stepped outside the cafe, they were greeted by the cool evening air. The sun was beginning its descent, casting a warm glow over the bustling street. Adeline glanced around, a thoughtful expression on her face.

"It's getting late," Adeline remarked, checking her phone for the time. "Time really flew by."

Michio nodded in agreement, a hint of reluctance in his voice. "Yeah, it's already evening. I guess time does have a way of slipping away when you're caught up in something."

"Anyway, I better head home. Otherwise, if Tousan ever finds out I am with you, he won't go easy on you."

"Ah right, same here. I had to leave, otherwise Junko is going to suspect something amiss." 

As they prepared to part ways, Michio nodded in understanding, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Of course. We wouldn't want to cause any unnecessary trouble."

Adeline glanced at him, a teasing glint in her eye. "I'll see you around, Michio. Take care of yourself, alright?"

"Absolutely," Michio replied with a nod, returning her smile. "You too, Adeline. Stay safe."

With a final wave, Adeline turned and was about to head off down the street before turning back, "Hey Michio."

"Hmph?"

"Promise me one thing."

"What is it?"

"Don't let anyone force you to do things you don't like." Michio looked at Adeline, struck by the earnestness in her voice. "I am serious, you do not need to take the seriousness of my words as the criminal's daughter, but as Adeline, your other school friend. If something doesn't sit right with you, don't be afraid to speak up. Life's too short to let others dictate your path. Let alone, waste your days making chocolates for people you are barely into."

Her words resonated with him, echoing a sentiment he understood all too well.

Michio nodded, a sense of gratitude warming his expression. "Thank you, Adeline. I'll keep that in mind."

Adeline gave him a nod, her gaze unwavering. "Good. Take care of yourself, Michio."

With that, she turned and walked away,  disappearing into the flow of pedestrians. Michio watched her go, feeling a sense of camaraderie and warmth despite the weight of their conversation earlier.

As he made his way home, Michio reflected on the evening. "Can I really do it? Tell Junko to say no? Whether she likes it or not....?"

Michio's footsteps echoed softly on the pavement as he mulled over Adeline's parting words. Her earnest advice lingered in his thoughts, reminding him of the importance of staying true to himself.

He reached a familiar crossroad where the street lamps cast a gentle glow. The decision he faced weighed heavily on him—whether to speak up and assert his own desires or continue down a path that didn't feel quite right.

At the same time, he can't help but grow curious about the boy Adeline had a crush on, the one who passed away.

As he reached his doorstep and stepped inside his small apartment, Michio couldn't shake the questions that Adeline's story had sparked. Who was this boy Adeline had cared for deeply? What had their relationship been like before tragedy struck?

And above all...who is the mysterious girl that boy love so much so, that he was willing to forfeit his life for her?

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

Meanwhile, the said mysterious girl in question was occupied on her task at hand.

"Testing 1,2,3, over!" 6-year-old Kudo Ranran spoke over the microphone in her bedroom, expecting the receiver to respond.

"Ranran, shut up! You didn't have to be so loud, you know!?" Sonoko's voice could be heard crackling through the small speaker.

"Sonoko, you just needed to reduce the volume on your earring," Mouri Ran's voice could also be heard joining the conversation. Said Mouri Ran and Suzuki Sonoko are in Sonoko's car, the chauffeur is driving them to the fancy restaurant, where they would be eventually meeting their friend's boyfriend/potential scammer for the very first time.

"You could've just simply adjust it before Sonoko went to pick you up from Agasa's place, you know that? Instead, here you both are rambling like babies who can't drink milk from a milk bottle and go about whining!" As Ranran continued to fiddle with her makeshift walkie-talkie setup in her room, she could hear the two girl's conversation.

"Again, you just needed to adjust the volume on your earring," Ran's voice echoed through the small speaker, responding to Sonoko's complaint about Ranran's loud testing.

Sonoko adjusted her earring, a small frown evident on her face. "Honestly, Ranran, couldn't you have picked a quieter hobby?" she muttered, glancing over at Ran in the rearview mirror.

"I think it would've been more suitable to someone who is born with a big mouth like you." Ranran ruthlessly spoke.

"Damn you and your harsh words, Ranran!" Sonoko blasted at the detective girl

As the car continued its journey through the bustling city streets, the calm detective red lip girl questioned the two girls from her bedroom, "Anyway, the ribbon you both are wearing around your dresses, could you both at least adjust the secret lens beneath it? I barely could see from the monitor here."

Sonoko glanced over at Ran through the rearview mirror, a hint of exasperation in her expression. "Ran, just relax a bit, will you? We've got this under control."

Ranran's voice crackled back through the speaker. "I know you do, but remember, we can't afford any mistakes tonight."

The car continued its journey through the city, the hum of the engine punctuating the conversation. Sonoko adjusted her earring once more, her frustration evident. "Honestly, Ranran, you could've just join us together to see all of this. What is with the earrings and hidden cameras!?"

"Thanks to the both of you being idiots in half exposing me as 'The Fox' back at school, I had no choice but to keep things low profile, you both dimwits! How can I just suddenly show up without warning just to spy on the potential scammer!? Did it not occur to you that he could choose not to show up if he realizes who I really am!?" Once more, Ranran's British accent slipped out of her red lips.

"It ain't as if we did it on purpose!" Sonoko blasted angrily over her enemy.

"Yeah right!" Ranran scoffed while rolling her eyes, "Like that time you both attempted to break into Shinichi's hotel room in order get the key to the penthouse back in New York City. just to find evidence that I was The Fox so that you both can continue discouraging Shinichi's dream as a Tantei."

For a moment, neither of the two girls could refute the child detective's words of distrust.

And in a way, Ranran wasn't wrong. At that time, the two girls were acting all so antagonistic just because Shinichi severed his friendship with them after 2 years of favoritism among friends, among many other things.

"Girls, let's not dwell on the past, alright?" Mouri Ran interjected, her tone gentle but firm. 

"I wouldn't have if you girls smarten up for once."

And those words hit a nerve, bringing back memories of past incidents and strained relationships. Before Sonoko could argue further, Ran stopped her, "Don't do it, Sonoko."

"But Ran-chan!"

"She is right, as harsh as it is....we failed everyone, and we had no right to be angry at her, because towards the end....she and Shinichi were victims in all of this."

Sonoko's expression softened, a flicker of remorse crossing her features. "Ran-san..."

As the car continued its journey through the city streets, the weight of their conversation hung in the air

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

Carbott, nestled in the heart of Tokyo, stands as a beacon of refined culinary excellence, celebrated for its exquisite seafood offerings and impeccable dining experience. This sophisticated restaurant exudes an air of understated elegance, drawing in patrons with its minimalist yet luxurious ambiance.

As Sonoko pushed open the tinted glass door of the restaurant Steps while Ran followed behind her, Ran froze as she noticed waiters in black coats cruised from one table to another: Each table had a white cloth with cutlery that sparkled like jewels.

"Welcome to Carbott," said a tall distinguished gray-haired man who clutched a leather-bound menu. "Do you have any reservations made?"

To someone like Mouri Ran who lived her entire life eating out in normal food courts and fast food restaurant, the 6-year-old girl was stumped as she wasn't sure how to react to this. But for someone who has grown up living the life with a golden spoon, she simply replies, "My friend Mouri Ran and I, Suzuki Sonoko, had booked a spot with a friend," she told him. "A Shimizu Chika ."

"Oh yes, Miss Shimizu," the man bowed his head. "She is expecting you."

With Ran trailing behind Sonoko, the waiter threaded his way through the restaurant to a corner table where a cluster of silver candles cast their fickering light on Chiro. She gave both her friends a cheery wave.

"Wow! This is awesome," Ran gulped as she slid into her chair alongside Sonoko, who was used to the fancy restaurant. Ran then looked at their friend Chika curiously, ""What do they serve here? Is there ramen of that sort?"

"Not really, they are well-known for their seafood," explained Chika.

"Why is the restaurant named Carbott?" Ran asks.

Chika smiled warmly at Ran's question, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Carbott is actually a combination of 'Carb' from 'carbon' and 'bott' from 'bottarga,'" she explained. "It reflects the restaurant's focus on seafood and its unique approach to incorporating carbon-based elements in their dishes."

Ran tilted her head, absorbing this new information. "So, they use a lot of seafood here?"

"Yes, exactly," Chika confirmed. "Carbott is renowned for its seafood cuisine, especially their creative use of carbon-infused ingredients to enhance flavors. It's quite an experience."

Ran's eyes widened with curiosity. "Carbon-infused ingredients?" she echoed, clearly intrigued.

Chika nodded, her expression animated. "They use techniques like carbonated sea salt, charcoal grilling, and other innovative methods to infuse a touch of carbon into their dishes. It adds depth and a unique taste profile to the seafood."

Sonoko chimed in, her enthusiasm evident. "You're in for a treat, Ran. Carbott is all about the finest seafood preparations, each dish meticulously crafted to perfection."

Ran glanced around the elegant surroundings, taking in the atmosphere with a mix of wonder and excitement. "I've never been to a place like this before," she admitted, her tone filled with awe. Her eyes then began to glaze over the menu, "It looks so expensive," she whispered while frowning, "Almost worth 6 months of rental fee! Even with both of my parents's income, we will never be able to afford a meal!"

"Tell me about it," Chika giggled "Wait until you see the prices on the menu. One bowl of soup costs as much as your weekly allowance."

As Ran marveled at the luxurious setting of Carbott and perused the menu, Chika smiled reassuringly at her young friend. "Don't worry, Ran. Tonight's dinner is on Nori," she said warmly.

Ran frowned as Sonoko said, "Anyway Chika, are you sure that your boyfriend won't mind us being here? Let alone, treat us for dinner? I mean, I am sorry that Ran and I unexpectedly made the request on having suddenly decided to be with you out of the blue. It's just...as curious as we are about him, we don't want him to think that he is force to pay for both of our meals...."

"Oh, don't worry about that, as mentioned earlier, he offered to pay without me telling him to, "Chika grinned. "Also, he can definitely afford beyond his means!" 

As Kudo Ranran observed Chika through the hidden camera feed from her bedroom, she focused intently on her friend's interactions at Carbott. The elegant restaurant setting, with its refined ambiance and luxurious menu, contrasted sharply with Mouri Ran's modest surroundings. Nevertheless, she maintained her focus, her detective instincts kicking into gear as she monitored the scene.

At first glance, Ranran noted Chika's appearance was anything but pretty. Even so, Chika's vibrant charm and engaging mannerisms were evident even through the camera's lens, that literally showed signs of a daughter from a rich family. Despite the opulent surroundings of Carbott, Chika seemed at ease, exuding confidence and warmth in her interactions with Sonoko and Ran.

Yet, that itself can also work as a double edge sword for Chika's part. As Ranran continued to observe Chika through the hidden camera feed, she couldn't help but notice a potential vulnerability beneath Chika's confident façade. Similarly naive as Sonoko and Ran, despite Chika's apparent ease and charm, there were hints of insecurity or unease that Ranran detected through the camera's lens.

For starters, the way Chika fidgeted with her napkin, a subtle gesture that betrayed underlying nerves. Ranran noted moments where Chika's smile seemed forced, her eyes flickering with a hint of uncertainty. It was a subtle shift, barely noticeable to the untrained eye, but Ranran's instincts were sharp.

"What's bothering her?" Ranran muttered to herself, her attention focused on Chika's every movement. Despite Chika's attempts to appear at ease, Ranran sensed a layer of discomfort that belied her confident demeanor. 

According to Sonoko and Ran, the girls told Ranran they only started dating for 3 weeks. Normally, based on Ranran's experience when she was in Edgewood, those who only started to date the crush they like wouldn't be behaving this way around such period, unless they are still shy towards the other. This should be one of the best period that involve being recklessly in love with the other. Even if it were in a puppy love stage, Chika had no reason to behave the way she is, since Nori hasn't arrived yet.

Ranran furrowed her brow, "Is she as extremely insecure the way Mouri was with Shinichi at that time?"

Then, Ranran observed Chika's eyes suddenly glittered. She reached out and gripped Sonoko's hand. "Speaking of the devil, here he is!"

The way Chika's eyes lit up and she gripped Sonoko's hand—there was a palpable change in her expression, a stark contrast to the unease Ranran had noticed earlier. Both girls turned in their chair and Sonoko gasp. A young boy Chika's age was walking toward them. He was everything Chika had said.

Cute, thought Sonoko ,mega cute! His clothes, adorned with designer logos, dripped money. In appearance wise, he was in fact handsome as Sonoko described him to be. 

As Chika's boyfriend approached their table, Sonoko's reaction spoke volumes. The young boy exuded an air of affluence and charm, dressed in designer clothes that hinted at his family's wealth. Sonoko's assessment of him as "mega cute" further underscored his appeal.

Ranran continued to watch closely, her analytical mind piecing together the puzzle. Chika's reaction to her boyfriend's arrival seemed genuine, devoid of the earlier signs of unease. This shift in behavior raised questions in Ranran's mind—was Chika's nervousness a result of something else entirely?

The little detective girl sharp gaze scrutinized Chika's boyfriend as he approached their table, taking note of his stylish appearance and apparent affluence. His handsome features seemed to contrast with Chika's more average appearance, prompting further curiosity from Ranran.

"Very good looking....why would he end up with someone like Chika with such appearance? Is love really that blind?"

As soon as he went to take his seat, Ranran's keen observations continued as Chika's boyfriend took his seat, prompting a momentary slip of Chika's excitement that nearly resulted in a stumble. Nori's quick reflexes prevented the mishap, subtly ensuring Chika's graceful recovery. This small incident, imperceptible to Sonoko and Mouri Ran, didn't escape Ranran's watchful eye.

"Interesting...," Ranran murmured to herself, noting the boyfriend's quick response to Chika's momentary slip. 

"What? Ranran, did you notice anything?" Sonoko's voice could be heard out of the speaker of Ranran's bedroom.

"He didn't support her by the back when Chika almost slipped." Ranran pointed out.

"Yeah, cause he used a chair." Sonoko replied in confusion.

"A normal response should a person you like or love almost fall down, is that one would never consider using a chair," Ranran muttered to herself, her brow furrowed in concentration. "Cause a genuine response would involve reaching out instinctively," she explained patiently to Sonoko, hoping to clarify her observations.

"I hate to admit it, but Ranran might be right," Mouri Ran's voice followed through the speaker in a hush whisper to Sonoko.

Perhaps that Mouri Ran's time in Tantei association had made her more suspicious onto every single person she had looked upon. Perhaps it was her experience with Ranran that made her unable to trust strangers as easily as she had once did. Perhaps Ranran being manipulative made Ran believe things are no longer as easy as it once was.

But overall, it was because of Ranran, Ran was glad that meeting her had taught her to be no longer as gullible as she once was.

Because though Nori had smoothly chiseled features were those of a film star that dazzle other girls, his dark eyes transmitted such a mix of menace and arrogance when Chika was thanking him for saving her, that Ran realize there was something really off about him because of the chair incident.

As Ranran continued to scrutinize Nori's demeanor, a nagging thought tugged at her consciousness. "Why does his face look familiar...?" she pondered, her mind racing through potential connections.

Then Nori extended his hand to greet Sonoko and Mouri Ran, Ranran's sharp gaze remained fixed on him through the hidden camera feed. The contrast between Nori's charming demeanor and the subtle undertone of menace and arrogance in his dark eyes did not escape Ranran's scrutiny.

Chika's lighthearted introduction and girlish grin seemed to momentarily shift the atmosphere, but Ranran remained cautious, her instincts on high alert. Nori's calculated smile as he turned to shake hands with Ran only deepened her suspicion.

"You don't look like a girl who is planning to 'run away' from everything, huh?" Nori's casual remark, punctuated by laughter, rang hollow in Ranran's ears. His words hinted at a deeper understanding—or perhaps a misinterpretation—of Ran's character, one that set off alarm bells in Ranran's mind.

And she wasn't the only girl to feel the alarm.

See, when you have someone like a cunning, scheming friend like Kudo Ranran in your life, the longer you spend your time with her, the more you will notice certain things that tells when Ranran lies, when she doesn't.

In this case, Mouri Ran had spend enough time with Ranran to pick up tell-tale signs over when she lies, and when she doesn't. It ain't accurate as Shinichi (she aint even sure how Shinichi was able to tell when Ranran lies), Ran admits this in her inner voice, but she is getting close to seeing things in Shinichi's point of view, towards the cunning tantei princess.

And so far, Ran's instincts based on her experience with Ranran was enough to convince her one thing - Nori, this boy who is also Chika, her friend's boyfriend, is not as genuine as he appears.

It was what she detected behind Nori's smile that worried her. She seen this smile onto Ranran before, when she claim to be Shinichi's 'girlfriend' at that time. That was how convincing her instincts were to Ran. The question was, how could she convince Chika that he was someone she should never trust?

Ran pretended to study her menu while she glanced sideways at his oоzing charm,he center his attention on Chika while her best friend Sonoko is too caught up with Chika, saying how lucky she was to have a handsome looking boyfriend.

"The specials for today look very good." Nori commented before suggesting what to have on the menu, "Have you girls tried the grilled sea bass? It's one of the chef's specialties here. Or perhaps the lobster bisque for starters?"

He read aloud from the menu, "Pan-fied baby snapper loin with deep-fried soft shell crab and battered prawns served in a pool of mirin and wasabi broth. I think you'd enjoy that. Your friend might like the Merluzzo Croccante Аigamberetti .That's the baked black cod and prawns atop a green pea mash with homemade prawn sauce topped with a summer herb salad."

With a start, Ran suddenly realized Nori was watching her.

"Relax," he told her. "Leave everything to me,"He then summoned the waiter and placed their order Ran couldn't understand a word of it.

Now what? His attention is onto her right now. Why?

"Act amaze, Mouri, I will answer your questions later why you should do so," Ranran's voice crackled through the earring, guiding Ran on how to navigate the sudden focus from Nori.

Ran took a moment to compose herself, adopting an expression of pleasant surprise as she met Nori's gaze. She mirrored Sonoko's admiration, her eyes widening slightly as she responded to Nori's attentive focus.

"Oh, those dishes sound wonderful," Ran replied, feigning enthusiasm. "I've never tried anything like that before. This place is really impressive!"

Nori's gaze lingered on Ran, and she sensed an underlying tension beneath his charming demeanor. Ran's mind raced, trying to decipher Ranran's cryptic advice. Why did Nori's sudden attention feel so unsettling?

Meanwhile, Sonoko continued to gush over Chika and Nori's relationship, oblivious to the subtle dynamics unfolding at the table. Ran's focus remained on Nori, her instincts on high alert.

"If you didn't act amaze, he will put extra effort in attempting to 'win' you over." Ranran revealed.

"'W-win you say?"

"In any romance drama, the male lead needs to be the one with all of the attention focused upon. And in order to do so, the supporting roles must either play the part of his game, or act dumbfounded in response."

"W-what is going to happen to me if I didn't act accordingly?"

"Well....do you really wanna know?" Ranran's voice crackled through the hidden earpiece, her tone serious and urgent. "If you didn't act amazed or interested, he might take you as a game."

"Eh?"

"Some people thrive on getting attention and admiration. If he feels like you're not responding the way he expects, he might try harder to win you over. Of course, this will lead you to a huge potential misunderstanding between you and Chika, in a way....a potential love triangle would likely ruin both of your friendship."

Ran's eyes widened slightly as she processed Ranran's warning. "He won't do that, right?! I mean....brazenly?! Chika is with him now."

"Oh Mouri, I met plenty in Edgewood Academy, you had no idea how brazen and shameless one is capable off. Especially the ones who are in a arrange engagement, how they shamelessly hung out with the 'innocent' looking ones in front of their own fiances in the face!"  Ranran's response was measured with mockery.

Ran's heart quickened as she absorbed Ranran's warning. The more Ran thinks about it, the more angry she feels within herself. How dare he!? Does this means Nori thinks all girls are nothing but playthings!? He has a girlfriend Chika, yet he dare to target upon her that way openly!?

The implications of Nori's behavior, coupled with Ranran's insight, painted a troubling picture. The last thing she wants is to end up as some unfortunate yet pathetic second female lead that is mocked upon. No, she had learnt her lesson with Ranran and Shinichi's situation, that will be the first and last lesson she is willing to put herself through ever again.

Taking a deep breath, Ran summoned her composure and maintained her facade of interest, nodding along as Nori continued to discuss the menu. She mirrored Sonoko's enthusiasm, albeit with a touch of caution, ensuring not to fuel Nori's ego further.

With all of this taking center stage, Ranran can't help but ponder, "I wonder if Shinichi and Junko manage to locate Tak-san and Emiko back at the abandon dock?"

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

While all of this were taking place for around 3 hours, it is already 8pm at the docks while Junko whined, "You know, we could've been eating out at some fast food restaurant before continuing the search, Kudo Shinichi!"

"Yeah, but Ranran would do things way differently. Seriously, you are 10-years-old while Ranran and I are 6, yet here you already are whining." Shinichi scoffed as he listened for any signs of movement or activity nearby. The docks were dimly lit, and the night air carried a chill that made Junko shiver. Despite her complaints, Shinichi remained focused on their mission.

"No way, I find it hard to believe it!" The girl adjusted her spectacles before scowling, "This is the same girl who kept on complaining about having to wake up early in the morning in order to prep for school!"

The chilly atmosphere of the docks contrasted sharply with the warmth of a fast-food meal that Junko longed for. Her whining filled the air as she expressed her frustration at the situation, "She hates school, but when it came to Tantei work, that is a different story." Shinichi's response was seasoned with the maturity and focus that defined his investigative nature. Despite Junko's complaints, he remained undeterred, "Also, Takuma and Emiko's badge seems to signify he is not far from where we are, just that the tracker on both of their badge kept appearing and vanishing for the past 3 hours."

"He and Emiko must have been locked up at some place whereby it is difficult to get signal." Junko figures, wiping out a sweat despite the fact that it is now Spring, "I am hoping they are not gagged up. Otherwise....I had a gut feeling we will be dealing with things worst than angry parents."

In some unknown room at the moment where Emiko and Takuma were trapped by the car hijackers, the room had grown darker as the day wore on. By evening, the beam of light that had filtered through the crack in the roof had disappeared. Now just a hint of moonlight was visible.

Emiko stamped her foot. "We really fell into a trap, didn't we?" she complained. "That wasn't a homeless person I saw on the roof! They must have been one of their men having stationed up there to ensure no one cross paths with the car they stole! As soon as they saw us go inside, they were ready to ambush us." She glanced at her watch. "My poor cat, she must be starving by now."

Takuma didn't say it, but Emiko's cat was the last thing on his mind. Though, it made him curious over one thing, "Doesn't your Okaasan feed your cat?"

 "Oh no, she barely even cared for Sota since she herself hate cats."

"Really?"

"The only thing she likes in her head is men, and that is about it." Sensing a skeptical expression from the 6-year-old boy, the 9-year-old girl frowned, "What is with the look of disbelief?"

".....I was thinking....given that you were born through a scumbag father who barely knew of your existence being a defunct royal who drinks and party a lot, not to mention....having a mother who is only good in seducing men and fooling about....it must have taken a huge miracle for you to be born completely different from them."

Despite their dire circumstances, Emiko could only blink before laughing to no one but herself at his comment. "What is so funny?" Takuma frowned back at her.

"It's nothing, but...." She wiped her tears of laughter as she revealed, "When I started out kindergarten, the kids there said I was a cynical excuse of a child that no one will play with me, because they found out about my heritage at that time, which I didn't care nor was I bothered at that time. Even when I transfer one kindergarten and multiple elementary schools leading up to Teitan Elementary, the words remain the same. But this is the first time I hear such a comment that involves being born differently from them in a good way. So...hearing this.... thank you for your comment."

Takuma scratched his head, uncertain of how to respond to Emiko's laughter. He hadn't expected such a reaction, but it seemed to lighten the tense mood in their confined space.

As the moonlight filtered through the small crack above, Takuma's mind raced with thoughts of escape. "Do you think Ranran and the others are able to locate us?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Emiko's laughter subsided, replaced by a sober expression. "Definitely, though I wouldn't be too optimistic," she replied, her gaze fixed on the ceiling. "We had our trackers switched on from our badges for over 3 hours, but I assumed the signal must have been bad, or else the others would've discovered us a long time ago."

"There has got to be a way out." Deciding to check the room one more time, he walked along each wall, tapping the grimy bricks with the end of his penknife. Kneeling down, he checked along the floor: The clunk-clunk-clunk sound gradually irritated Emiko

"You've already checked the walls so many times,I've forgotten how many," she reminded him."There's no way out of here." She sighed and stared into the gloom. "I wonder if Ranran and co managed to pin point our location cause I am damn starving right now!"

Takuma shrugged and wondered how many times she'd asked that question. He'd lost count.Suddenly he stopped in one corner, tapping the wall where it met the floor. Was it his imagination or had one of the bricks moved? He tapped harder, feeling the brick shift as tiny chunks of cement spilled onto the floor.

Emiko darted across the room and watched as Takuma worked the brick loose. He lifted it free, and a shower of old cement dust trickled over his shoes.

"You're a genius," Emiko cried.

He battered the wall with the brick. Another brick dropped out of place, followed by another Takuma wiped sweat from his eyes with the back of his hand. He hammered the brick more against the wall again.2 more bricks clattered at his feet, but the rest held firm.He cleared away the debris and peered through the hole. He knew it was too narrow for him to squeeze through/

Then, Emiko was down on her knees beside him,running a hand around the gap in the wall.

"Stand back," she whispered "I think I can squeeze through there!"

And Takuma watched her climb into the hole, wriggling and twisting her body like a corkscrew: Within moments, she was through and on the other side. He heard her footsteps running long the corridor. Then the bolt rattled and the door swung open. Takuma stumbled across the room, brushing his hands on his shorts.

Emiko greeted him with a laugh,"Takuma, fancy meeting you here?"

"Oh look, their tracker is finally up and running!" Junko pointed onto her smartphone to Shinichi.

Shinichi's eyes widened as he saw the tracker on Junko's phone light up with the signal from Takuma and Emiko's badges, his eyes sparkling as he figures out, "That meant they managed to escape!"

The night air seemed to crackle with anticipation as they closed in on the missing members' location, while Junko sighed while rushing to the pinpoint location, "When this is over, all of us need to have dinner cause it is around 9 pm!"

And Shinichi made a mental note that he should've done the scammer case Ranran was in, cause he too was close to dying of hunger. Not that he is ever going to admit this to anyone, including Junko.

(Speaking of which....I wonder how is the potential Edgewood scammer case going about with the girls?) Shinichi can't help but wonder.

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

"So, how long have you known Chika, Mouri-san?"

Nori, the boyfriend of 9-year-old Chika, questions the 6-year-old long brown haired brunette as Nori's eyes rested on Ran. "We kind of knew each other for around 2 years, soon to be 3 with Sonoko."

"That's right," Sonoko recalled, "First time we knew each other was when her Okaasan, who happens to be the cook for our kindergarten, introduce us as her daughter. At that time, she was around 7-years-old."

Ran nodded, maintaining her composure as she responded to Nori's inquiry. "Yes, that is where all of it began," she replied, her voice steady despite the unease she felt around Chika's boyfriend.

"Sorry if I am a bit confuse in all of this, but considering this is Japan, I thought normally the kids in kindergarten were suppose to prepare the meals, so why is there a chef in your kindergarten at that time?" Nori can't help but wonder.

Ran listened to Nori's question, her mind racing to formulate a response that would align with the story they had crafted. "Ah, that's because our kindergarten run things differently," she explained smoothly. "The food they served at that time were rather difficult to prepare for kids as young as 4 or 5. And back then there were a lot of picky eaters that food wastage happens to be a common thing. Which is why while we are only require to help around such as setting the table and prepare food that is easier for us to prepare, but the main meals were prepared by the chef to ensure that everyone gets a balanced and nutritious meal."

Nori seemed to accept Ran's explanation, though a subtle frown lingered on his face. "I see," he replied, his eyes shifting between Ran, Sonoko, and Chika. "Interesting setup for a kindergarten."

Sonoko beamed, oblivious to the tension in the air. "Yeah, it was a nice place," she chimed in. "Everyone loved the food Chika's Okaasan use to made."

"Come on, you guys are just overly praising my Okaasan's meals," Chika smiled.

"No, cause it's true!" Sonoko insists, adding her own spin to the story. "I mean Chika's mom was truly an amazing cook! She knew exactly how to make the meals enticing for us kids. It was like having restaurant-quality food at our kindergarten."

Ranran, who had been quietly observing through the hidden camera feeds, listened intently to the conversation unfolding at the restaurant. This would be a perfect time to ask 'that question'.

If Nori is truly an Edgewood student, he shouldn't have any difficult answering the following questions Ranran had to ask through Sonoko and Ran.

"Mouri, since Nori mentioned he used to be from Edgewood Academy in the U.K, try questioning him as to how is the kitchen system like there?" Ranran spoke through the microphone.

Ran listened attentively to Ranran's suggestion through the earpiece as she gathers her composure, the long brown haired girl glanced at Nori with a curious expression. "Speaking of kitchen systems, I heard through Chika that you used to be from Edgewood Academy in the U.K., deshou? How is your kitchen system there like?" she ventured, her voice laced with a hint of innocence. "Do you guys help them prepare the cooking or.....?"

Nori's demeanor shifted slightly at Ran's question, his eyes narrowing briefly before he responded with a charming smile. "Ah, Edgewood had quite a different approach," he began, his tone measured. "The students there are normally filled with children of high society, so rarely any of them would bother to prepare kitchen work."

"Really?" Sonoko's brows shot up, so did Chika and Ran in awe.

Nori chuckled lightly at Sonoko's reaction, clearly enjoying the attention and interest his story was eliciting. "Yes, it's true," he continued, his tone smooth and confident. "At Edgewood Academy, the kitchen there are managed by a team of professional chefs. The meals were exquisite and served with impeccable presentation. We students were treated to a culinary experience fit for royalty."

Chika's eyes widened in amazement. "Wow, that sounds so fancy!" she exclaimed, clearly impressed by Nori's description.

"Sonoko, ask him what sort of professional chefs are they?" Ranran ordered through the heiress's earrings.

Sonoko, unaware of Ranran's deeper intentions, leaned forward with genuine curiosity. "What sort of professional chefs were they, Nori? Like, were they trained in a specific cuisine?" she inquired, her eyes bright with interest.

Nori's smile widened as he basked in the attention. "Oh, absolutely," he replied smoothly. "The chefs at Edgewood were masters of various culinary traditions. We had experts in French cuisine, Italian, Japanese, you name it. Each dish was prepared with precision and flair, catering to the diverse tastes of the students. And if you are lucky, some of the chefs there are normally retired ones that formerly serve the royal families."

"Eh? Why are they retired chefs working there if they quit?" Ran found herself asking.

"They got bored," Nori quipped, "Apparently working at Edgewood Academy is a stimulating change of pace, because it isn't common to hire a elderly chef to work behind the kitchen due to safety issues, and Edgewood itself felt like they will oversee their age, provided that these retired chefs are able to provide a unique and luxurious experience for its students." Nori's response was delivered in confidence.

"He definitely got the answer right, but I wonder if this is dumb luck? Or that he is truly an Edgewood student," Ranran crossed her arms while muttering to herself.

Despite his confident demeanor and detailed descriptions, Ranran's instincts was telling her she needed to take apart the true nature of Nori. Cause there is something about him that felt familiar, and it wasn't in a good way.