Ran had just finished her shower. The phone on her bed started ringing. She walked out in a bathrobe, shaking out her long hair.
Shinichi?
Seeing the number made her heart jump. She hurried over and reached out—
Then stopped.
For no clear reason, she felt scared. Just for a moment, she couldn't make herself answer.
At Professor Agasa's house, Conan sat with the phone in his hands, waiting and getting more nervous by the second.
What's wrong with Ran? Why isn't she picking up?
"Hello!"
A voice he knew well finally came through.
"Ran… thank goodness you're okay." Conan let out a long breath, his voice full of relief. "When I heard the news, I almost lost it."
"News?" Ran's chest tightened. "Shinichi… you didn't come?"
Conan froze for a beat, then forced a laugh.
"Sorry, Ran. I couldn't get away. I'm stuck on a case. I've been working nonstop, and I… I forgot our promise. I only heard what happened just now, and it scared me. But you're okay, so… that's good." He rushed on before she could speak. "And I've been following this case too. Honestly, this Teiji Moriya…"
Another case…
A small shadow passed over Ran's eyes.
"Ran? Are you listening?"
The line went quiet for a moment. Conan paused, confused.
"It's nothing, Shinichi," Ran said softly. "Go on."
"Okay. So, this Teiji Moriya, he…"
The night grew darker.
Ran held the phone and curled up under her blanket, listening while he kept talking and talking.
"…So if Hattori hadn't been there, I would've called Inspector Megure and figured out Moriya's plan myself. I just didn't expect Hattori to get there first."
Then, suddenly, there was no sound.
"…Yeah," Ran said quickly. "I'm listening."
She turned over, and her eyebrows pulled together. The movement tugged at the burn on her arm. It hurt.
"Oh—wow," Conan said at last. "It's already been an hour. Ran, let's talk again next time."
"Shinichi, I—"
"Whew. That was close." Conan's voice changed, low and fast, the moment he was off the call. "The voice-changing bow tie is almost out of battery. Professor, here."
Conan looked relieved as he handed it over. Good… Ran is safe. That's what matters.
"Conan," Professor Agasa asked, taking the bow tie, "why didn't you tell Ran you were there too? And that you twisted your ankle because you were worried about her?"
Conan leaned back on the sofa and put his hands behind his head.
"I can't tell her," he said quietly. "I can't let the Black Organization find even the smallest clue. What if Ran tells her dad by accident? Uncle… he's not careful."
"But you talked to Inspector Megure today," Agasa said.
"It's fine," Conan replied. "I already asked him not to tell anyone. And Hattori was there too. People will focus on him, not me."
He sounded calm.
Back at home, Ran listened to the busy tone for a moment, then slowly turned off her phone.
Shinichi didn't even ask if I was hurt…
Her burn still stung.
She sighed, got out of bed, and went to look for some lotion.
Buzz—buzz.
Her phone suddenly vibrated on the bed.
Ran froze, then felt a small rush of happiness.
A text from Shinichi?
She grabbed the phone fast and opened it.
Ran, is the burn on your arm okay? Ice won't help after this long. Try some cooking oil. It can ease the pain.
The message felt warm, like someone was looking out for her.
But—
"It's not Shinichi."
She stared at the sender name. Disappointment hit first.
Then a quiet feeling rose in her chest, soft and hard to explain.
Her fingers moved over the keypad.
Thanks for checking on me, Heiji. But how did you notice my arm was burned?
—
Beika Central Hospital
Heiji lay on his stomach on a hospital bed in a private ward. Next to him, two girls were busy moving around, doing this and that.
His phone vibrated.
"Heiji, Ran sent a message!" Sonoko said while peeling an apple. "Reply to her, quick."
Heiji sighed.
"She's your best friend," he said. "Why do I have to comfort her?"
"Because we're both busy," Kazuha replied, gently massaging his calf.
The two girls had heard that Ran was burned too. They had wanted to message her right away, but their hands were full, so they pushed the job onto Heiji.
Heiji picked up the phone. The burn on his back wasn't serious. It didn't blister, but it was red and still needed ointment.
With Kazuha and Sonoko here, there was no way he was getting discharged early.
He was bored anyway.
So he typed.
I noticed by accident. When we covered things with foil, I was a second too slow. I saw the hot smoke brush your arm. Honestly… it's my fault too.
Ran read it and paused. Then her fingers started moving again.
It's not your fault, Heiji. If you hadn't been there, I don't think Officer Sato and I could've gotten out safely…
Heiji replied right away.
That's true. Haha.
Ran smiled a little. Her fingers flew.
Then you're my lifesaver. Next time, I have to treat you to a meal.
Heiji's lips curled.
Then you'll probably have to treat three people. Kazuha and Sonoko won't let this chance go.
Ran stared at the screen, then typed without thinking.
Wouldn't it be four people?
The moment she sent it, she regretted it. She quickly added another message.
Sorry. I didn't mean it like that.
Heiji paused, then smiled a little more.
No need to apologize. It's true. But Kazuha and Sonoko still don't know. I don't even know how to explain it to them.
Ran blinked, a bit stunned.
She didn't expect him to admit it so openly.
She typed again.
You really admit it… Aren't you scared I'll tell Kazuha and Sonoko?
Heiji answered with a joke.
If you tell them, Ran, make sure you dig a hole for your lifesaver. Make it big, so I can lie there comfortably.
Ran froze, then burst out laughing. She typed quickly.
Heiji, I didn't expect you to be this funny. You're totally different from how you are when you solve cases.
Heiji read it and smiled.
A new message came right after.
But Kazuha and Sonoko are my good friends too… I don't know what to do.
Heiji's fingers stopped for a second. Then he typed slowly.
Follow your heart. Don't let other people decide your feelings. Sometimes, if you put down the burden, you might feel something new.
Ran stared at the phone, quiet.
That one line hit her right in the chest.
Carrying a burden really was tiring.
Heiji set the phone down.
"Heiji, eat some apple," Sonoko said, handing him a slice. Her eyes looked gentle.
Kazuha leaned in. "Is it too big? Want me to cut it smaller?"
Heiji gave them an exhausted look.
"I'm burned," he said, "not dying. I can eat."
Both girls stuck out their tongues at him, smiling like they'd done nothing wrong.
—
Early the next morning.
Kazuha wore a neat formal uniform. She looked young, but there was a grown-up feeling to her too.
"Heiji," she said, "this Moriya case is my teacher's responsibility. I need to go help. Sorry."
Heiji smiled.
"Go on," he said. "Future lawyer, Kazuha."
----------------
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