Disclaimer:
Chapter 1
Shiho was alone in the forensics lab, studying the Medical records of the corpse she is about to examine. She was absorbed in what she's doing when suddenly she felt the door open and heard the familiar footfalls of a certain detective.
"I didn't know you could pick locks. Are you practicing to be a thief, Kudo-kun?" she said, still looking at the papers on her desk.
Shinichi walked in and sat on the table, hands in his pocket. "Baka! Lock-picking is essential in tracking criminals." he said, his voice echoing in the room.
"Eh? So you still consider me criminal even after I've betrayed the syndicate and made the antidote for you? Now, where's your debt of gratitude?" she answered in a mocking tone.
"T-that's not what I meant! And could you look at me while talking?" he said.
Shiho sighed then looked at the charming detective in front of her.
"What do you want, Kudo?" she asked coolly.
Shinichi was shocked by the coldness in her voice.
"Well, I was just wondering if you... err... already had lunch." he asked.
Shiho looked up from the papers she's reading to Shinichi. She gazed intently to his face, trying to read what's on his mind.
"What?" Shinichi asked, perplexed at her actions.
"Nothing." she answered then her gaze went back to the papers. "Why do you want to know?"
"Well, uhmm... I just want to ask if you would like to have lunch... with me." he answered.
"Why?" she asked.
"Why, what?" he asked back, confused at her question.
"Why are you asking me? You broke up with Mouri-san?"
"N-n-no! T-that's not it! She has something else to do so we couldn't eat together." he answered.
"I see. A substitute, huh?" she whispered to herself.
"You said something?" Shinichi asked.
"No, nothing." she said then stood up, gathered the papers on the table and put them in the filing cabinet next to her desk.
"You're coming with me?" Shinichi asked cheerfully.
"I'm sorry to disappoint you, Kudo-kun but I already have a date with someone. Go ask someone else." she responded coldly.
"A date? With whom?" he asked.
"Need Not To Know..." she answered then hurriedly went to the door.
"Oi, Miyano-san!"
Shiho stopped and turned to face Shinichi. "What?" she asked in an irritated tone.
"The guy you're meeting, is he trustworthy?" Shinichi asked.
"Eh? The famous detective of the east and now the newly appointed inspector of Tokyo district is worried about me? I'm so touched. I wonder what Mouri-san will say about this..." she said with a smirk on her face. "Don't worry, tantei-san. The syndicate's gone. You don't have to protect me anymore. I could take care of myself." she added and then walked out of the room.
I wonder who the mystery man is... Shinichi thought to himself. Wait, why am I bothered by that? I should be happy because Shiho is already going out with other people. She's been isolating herself ever since the defeat of the organization a year ago. It's a good thing that she's socializing now. But is it safe for her to just date with any person? I need to know who she's meeting with. It is for her own good. Yes! I need to protect her from any harm. That's it! I was bothered because it's my responsibility to protect her.
And with that, Shinichi left the room and followed Shiho.
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Author's Notes:
