Kawaii Crepes Cafe is a small and cosy cafe located in the heart of the city. The cafe's decor is bright and cheerful, with pastel pink and blue walls and cute cartoon drawings adorning the walls. The cafe is filled with comfortable seating options such as plush pink couches and chairs, and there are small tables scattered around the space, each with a unique centrepiece such as a miniature garden or a stuffed animal.

The cafe's speciality is crepes, and the menu offers a wide variety of sweet and savoury options. There are classic crepes with Nutella and strawberries, as well as unique creations such as a matcha green tea crepe or a crepe filled with rainbow sherbet ice cream. In addition to crepes, the cafe also serves a selection of bubble teas, smoothies, and other refreshing drinks.

The atmosphere of the cafe is relaxed and friendly, and the staff is always happy to chat with customers about their day or recommend their favourite menu items. Soft music plays in the background, creating a calming ambience that encourages visitors to stay awhile and enjoy their crepes and drinks.

Overall, Kawaii Crepes Cafe is the perfect spot for anyone looking for a sweet treat or a cosy place to relax with friends. Especially a friend reunion between 6-year-old Mouri Ran, Suzuki Sonoko, as well as 9-year-old Shimizu Chika.

Chika was a familiar face to Mouri Ran and Suzuki Sonoko. She was the daughter of a substitute teacher in their kindergarten, who had taken over the duties after the original homeroom teacher had made an attempt to kidnap Ran when she was only four years old. Thankfully, Kudo Shinichi intervened before anything could happen, and the kidnapper was arrested.

Chika's mother had often brought Chika over to the kindergarten to keep an eye on her while working, so it is unusual to see a 7-year-old among the kindergarten children. Even so, Chika had a certain charm about her that made her easy to get along with. She had a bright and bubbly personality, always eager to make new friends and learn new things. Despite being younger than most of the children in the kindergarten, she was surprisingly mature for her age.

The elementary school child eventually became a favourite among the kindergarten children, who were always eager to play with her. She had a way of bringing people together, and her infectious laughter and positive attitude made her a joy to be around. Even the bookworm Kudo Shinichi was alright with her telling him to go outdoors.

Even the more troublesome children warmed up to her, and it wasn't uncommon to see Chika playing with them, trying to get them to behave and have fun at the same time. Her mother would often joke that Chika had a way with people that was beyond her years. In addition, she was also a bright and curious child, always asking questions and eager to learn. Ran and Sonoko loved spending time with her and often talked about how lucky they were to have such a sweet friend.

But as much as Chika loved spending time at the kindergarten, she knew that she couldn't stay there forever. Her mother's failing health meant that she had to be homeschooled for a time, and Chika missed her friends dearly.

When her mother passed away a year ago, Chika's world was turned upside down. She was left without the one person who had always been there for her, and it was a difficult time for her and her father.

But even in the midst of her grief, Chika was determined to move forward. Her father enrolled her in a prestigious elementary school, and Chika was excited to start a new chapter in her life.

She knew that things would be different from her kindergarten days, but she was ready for the challenge. Chika was eager to make new friends and learn new things, just like she had done in the past. And she knew that her mother would be proud of her for never giving up, no matter what life threw her way. Which makes her inspiring to Ran, hence, her attitude on being persistent towards Ranran and Shinichi at that time made her what she is now.

Today, the girls had chosen to gather in this cafe to have breakfast, as once more, the food situation in Teitan Elementary thanks to Ranran's schemes has not been sorted out. The girls plan to dine in with their friend Chika before they head their way to their respective schools.

Chika did at times lecture her when Ran shared with her about going against Kudo Ranran, "I am surprised, I mean.... don't get me wrong, but given that you've been in Tantei association for a long time, I thought you to be used to seeing dead corpses." Chika blinked while talking about this.

When Chika first learn about Ranran through Sonoko over the phone, let alone, the existence of Tantei Association, she was shaken to the ground. A child detective is one thing, but to be involved in looking at dead corpses, confronting dangerous suspects, as well as going against cops in real life due to corruption....it takes balls to run, and Ranran is only 6!

Of course, Mouri Ran made sure that she had the permission to share certain information of the association through Ranran and Shinichi to Chika, let alone, ensure Chika keeps her mouth shut about this. So far, the only thing Chika knew is that the association's members consist of Ranran, Shinichi and Mouri Ran, but not aware of the rest of the member's true identities.

"Every crime scene I had ever seen with my own eyes....even now I am still having a hard time trying not to see any of it," Ran admits as she went on, "I mean, the most recent one we had was pretty bad, but... I guess....just a matter of time before I get used to it..."

"Instead of acting like a normal kid doing normal hobbies as we would normally do, Shinichi decided why not open a Tantei agency with one of the most lunatic girls in the entire school, only to look into case files involving dead bodies, also, question whether good humanity even exists," Sonoko says, rolling her eyes before stating, "It be a matter of time before that damn Kudo Ranran influence him into some emotionless, cold-hearted evil minion of hers in the future."

What really scared Chika when she first heard all of this was the danger that Ran was putting herself in when jealousy grew in her little heart, eyeing that Shinichi was growing closer to Ranran as time passed. Sonoko used to share stories about how many dangerous situations Ranran had put her through, but Ran remained in an attempt to get Shinichi back. It all seemed too much for Ran to handle at that time, and her emotions were a roller coaster.

Chika couldn't help but think about her own mother, who had been a teacher and had always tried to protect her. She wondered how Ran's parents could let her get involved in something so dangerous. Even more so, despite the bad blood between Ran and the Tantei Association founder, Ran stuck to the association like glue.

The eldest girl was surprised when she received a call from Ran one day after school, and even more so when she heard tears in her voice. She listened carefully as Ran explained everything about Mamiko's involvement in their feud, how she had been manipulated by Mamiko when she misused the founder's name and twisted her words to create a rift between Shinichi and the founder. All of this just so Shinichi would be manipulated into falling for the sociopath.

Chika felt a pang of sadness for her friend, who had unknowingly become a pawn in someone else's game. She listened patiently as Ran poured out her heart, expressing her regret and asking for advice on how to fix things.

With a deep breath, Chika pondered before responding. She knew this was a delicate situation, and one misstep could lead to further misunderstandings. She told Ran to take a step back, breathe and gather her thoughts before talking to Shinichi and the founder. She advised her to be honest and open, to explain what had happened and to take responsibility for her part in the feud.

Ran listened carefully, wiping her tears as she took in Chika's advice. She felt a sense of relief knowing that she could count on her friend for support and guidance.

In the end, Ran followed Chika's advice, and things slowly started to improve between Shinichi and the founder. Chika was glad that she could help her friend, and that their relationship had grown stronger through this ordeal. Of course, Ran still isn't close to Ranran the way she is with Sonoko, nor was she any closer to mending ties between her and Shinichi, but it is a lot better than their past hostility where the two children avoided speaking to her as if she were a plague, since it graduated to a stage where Ran is beginning to accept the assigned tasks that Ranran is granting her once more.

"Sonoko!" Ran scolds.

"I know I shouldn't say any of this, but overall Ranran is still someone I can't trusts. Considering that she knew Mamiko was busy manipulating us both all this time, why didn't she scheme or even said it upfront about her driving a wedge between us and Shinichi in the first place?!" Sonoko argued.

But then Chika rolled her eyes at the two girls as she counters. "In the first place, wasn't Shinichi at fault for calling Ranran names last year as his father's illegitimate child or that sort, which is why the two of you ended up rallying up to gang up against her? Also, since those rumours had remained about, would any of you even believed a word she said should she ever share any of this?"

"Of course it would've made a huge difference, Chika! She ain't the type to beat around the bush. The fact that she withheld her blunt words made it clear to me that she maliciously wanted us to suffer under Mamiko, just so she could secretly lure Shinichi away from Ran-san!" Sonoko retorted, crossing her arms in front of her chest.

"I doubt so,"Chika simply shrugged. "You barely even apologise to her about ruining her deceased mentor's memorial last year not long after that."

"Well, I doubt that was a coincidence. I am certain that she made use of his death to remove my birthday party venue! And that is a fact!" Sonoko said, tossing her hair back.

The smell of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, and the sound of the baristas making drinks could be heard over the soft background music. Since the children were too young to drink coffee, the three of them had hot chocolate with extra marshmallows.

As they waited for their drinks and crepes, they discuss catching up with Chika's life. Though they parted ways after Ran, Shinichi and Sonoko left kindergarten, they remained in contact with Chika.

"But enough of her, how has life been for you?" Ran exclaimed.

"I heard you started school life," Sonoko adds.

Chika's face turned solemn. "It's been hard since my mom passed away. But I'm trying to be strong, you know? The kids there in my school are kind to me, no one made fun of me being motherless, but it's hard."

Sonoko put a hand on Chika's shoulder. "We're here for you, Chika. Just like your mom was always there for us with her delicious food."

A little sidde note: Chika's mom used to bake them nice pastries and give them as rewards if they behaved well in class. Chika smiled faintly. "I miss her cooking too. But I'm trying to learn how to make her recipes myself."

Ran's eyes widened. "That's amazing, Chika."

"Did you succeed?" Sonoko asked.

"No, it burns as black as charcoal," Chika smiled faintly. "But I'm trying to learn how to make her recipes myself."

Ran and Sonoko chuckled softly. "Well, it's a start," Sonoko said.

As they chatted, their drinks and crepes arrived at their table, served by the friendly barista. The aroma of freshly made crepes filled the air, and the sight of the beautifully presented dishes brought smiles to the girls' faces.

Chika eagerly picked up her fork, ready to dig into her crepe. "These look amazing! I can't wait to try them."

Ran and Sonoko nodded in agreement, each taking a bite of their own crepes. The flavors exploded in their mouths, a perfect combination of sweet and savory that left them craving more.

As they enjoyed their meal, the conversation continued on. "So given that you don't do well in cooking, did your father recruit a private chef yet?" Sonoko inquired.

"Nope, cause he stubbornly said that no one could ever live up to mother's cooking." Chika huffed. 

"That's sad yet sweet at the same time," Sonoko said, poking at her crepe with a frown. "Then....who is in charge of the meals then?"

"He is, though our orders are mostly through takeout's from fast food restaurants or find dining." 

Ran blinked. "That isn't healthy, you know that, right?"

"We ain't completely malnourish, since he put me in charge on ordering healthy food. Even so....." Chika shrugged, nibbling the edge of her crepe. "I can still tell he misses her, because ever since her passing, he avoids heading down to the kitchen since."

"Wait, not once he ever set foot there? I don't buy it!" Ran was in disbelief, "Not even if....he wanted an extra snack during midnight or something?"

"Nope. It's like the kitchen became this sacred space—untouchable. I once caught him standing at the doorway late at night, just staring inside. He didn't say a word. Just stood there, then turned around and went back to his room." Chika shook her head with a small, almost amused sigh.

"That's... actually kind of heartbreaking." Sonoko's expression softened in sympathy.

"But I think he will be alright eventually," Chika ponders about this, "He has gone back to the kitchen to pour himself a glass of water if he was thirsty, it's better than him constantly contacting people to keep delivering crates of water bottle. Really."

"Maybe you should try baiting him with something burnt." Sonoko suggests.

"Like what?"

"Your cooking."

Chika blinked, then burst into laughter, nearly choking on a piece of strawberry. "Sonoko!"

Ran snorted into her hot chocolate, covering her mouth. "Okay, that was evil—but I can't lie, that might actually work."

"I'm just saying, desperate times call for desperate measures. You burn something loud enough, he might barge in thinking the house is on fire." Sonoko insists, not fully understanding why is this funny.

Chika wiped a tear from the corner of her eye as her laughter died down. "He might actually file an insurance claim before he asks if I'm okay!"

Ran giggled. "And then ground you after realizing it was just another failed omelet."

"But hey," Chika said, leaning back with a mock-serious expression, "if setting off the fire alarm is what it takes to get him back in that kitchen, then maybe it's worth it."

The girls dissolved into more laughter, the warmth of their friendship wrapping around them like a blanket—as comforting as the hot chocolate and crepes in front of them. "By the way, it's been around....what? A year plus since your mother passed away, deshou?" Ran recalled, "Is your father still single by the way?"

"He is, though....I am no longer."

Both Ran and Sonoko nearly choked at the same time—Ran on her hot chocolate, and Sonoko mid-bite of her crepe.

"You what?!" Sonoko sputtered, eyes wide.

Chika just gave a small, sly smile and looked off to the side, suddenly more interested in her fork than their stunned reactions. "I said what I said."

Ran leaned in across the table, mouth agape. "You have a boyfriend?!"

"Before me! How sneaky!" Sonoko was appalled.

Ran couldn't conceal her excitement as she went on to ask. "What's he like? Your new boyfriend?" she asked their friend.

"How should I put this?" Shimizu gazed dreamily out the window of the cafe. "Ran-chan, he is just so so cute!" she giggled.

Mouri Ran and Suzuki Sonoko were secretly relieved. Ever since Chika's mother passed away, she had been putting on a brave face, trying to be cheerful whenever she met up with her friends. However, Ran and Sonoko knew that the loss had affected her deeply.

There was a period within 2 months after her mother's death, she barely got out of her own bedroom, and so did her own father in the master bedroom. So usually the neighbour is the one who heads over to their place to cook for them. Coincidentally, the neighbour was related to one of the kids in the kindergarten Sakura class where her late mother used to teach, then it spread to the former kids of the Sakura class.

Out of concern, Sonoko actually organized a meeting for all of them to meet up at Beikai Park, Shinichi was there too at that time, and then they owed this part to Shinichi since he suggested they do something special for Chika. And everyone including Ran's former bullies agreed. Despite enrolling on different elementary schools, they were able to pull together enough money to buy some flowers and a cake. They then went to Chika's house to surprise her. For a brief moment, Chika forgot about her troubles and was able to enjoy herself.

Thanks to that, she gradually moved on. And now, to hear finally she had herself a boyfriend who will love her is...God sent Sonoko's opinion. Chika went through a lot.

Sonoko then asked eagerly, "Is he as cuter as Ran's hus-" Realizing she almost slipped back to old habits, she shook her head and corrected herself, "I mean, is he cuter than Tantei Geek?"

Chika grinned. "Cute? More like charming! And he's taking me out tonight."

Mouri Ran and Suzuki Sonoko knew that Chika had more freedom than her parents would ever allow Ran, let alone, Sonoko, over such trivial things. Chika's father was a rich businessman after all, similar to Sonoko. Though the freedom part is another thing, until now, Sonoko has to serve 2 more months before she is allowed to enjoy her privileges again thanks to Mamiko's lies, having harmed Shinichi and Ranran multiple times without realizing it.

"How did the both of you meet?" Ran probed

Chika wrinkled her forehead. "It was funny really I didn't meet him. He met me on a study app."

"Eh...you mean online?" Sonoko covered her mouth.

Even Ran's eyes widened, "To meet your boyfriend on a study app...that's pretty impressive for a nine-year-old."

Chika shrugged, "I guess so, but it's not like we were looking for love or anything. We just started talking 3 weeks ago, then we hit it off as time goes by."

"Wait, and now he's your boyfriend?" Ran felt a flicker of doubt, "Within 3 weeks?"

"Isn't that, well, you know, too quick?"Sonoko too couldn't help but point this out.

"Cinderella fell in love with her prince charming within a day, what is so odd about falling for someone within 3 weeks?" Chika commented.

Alright, Chika did have a point. Ran chimed in, "But Chika, what if he's a fake? Did you ever video chat with him?"

Chika rolled her eyes, "Of course, we video-chatted before we even met in person. I'm not stupid."

Ran looked a little relieved, "Okay, good. I was worried for a second there."

"But I heard nowadays the Internet is so advanced, that one can use a Deepfake tech to fake their faces." Sonoko frowned about it.

Chika rolled her eyes, "I know that that is why we met in person, I hid in the corner before he appeared at Beikai Park. I'm not stupid."

Sonoko looked a little relieved, "Okay, good. I was worried for a second there."

Chika giggled, "Don't worry, Sonoko. He's real, and we're actually dating now."

Ran and Sonoko's jaw drop. The word 'date' is in the definition of a 6-year-old: Romantic dates in a Disneyland Fairy tale style fashion, holding hands while one heart beats, and then finally a kiss. Ran's jaw dropped, "Did you guys kiss?"

"No, of course not! I am still nine. And he agreed then he himself is too young to do that sort of thing. We agreed to wait till we were around 14 or 15. But the most important thing is this," Chika shrugged, "We really like each other, and we are that committed."

"That sounded like a respectful boy," Ran thought about it.

Sonoko nodded in agreement, "Yeah, most boys nowadays just...being rude and want things their way."

"But I never could've guessed, Chika of all the people I know who recklessly go out to meet a stranger." Ran grew a bit worried at that, "I mean no matter what, he is still someone online. My parents say online is a place anyone can be whoever they want to be, so anyone could've tricked you. I am surprised you are that brave."

"Not really, I purposefully made him meet up at a public place like the mall, and if he ever tried to take me to a place I don't feel comfortable with, I made him follow me. I tested his patience many times, and he never once complained. He even accompanied me while walking me home," Chika insisted.

"So what is his name?" Sonoko grew curious.

"Ah right, his name is Nori. He was a former student in Edgewood Academy for 7 years."

"Edgewood? But that's where Ranran used to be!" Ran found herself muttering before wondering, "Why doesn't he study there anymore?"

"His mother died, so his father wanted a fresh start, so he moved here back to his father's hometown around here," Chika answered.

"How old is this boy? And for him to be able to study there...is he a scholarship student there? Or that he belonged to a rich family?" Sonoko asked gently, not wanting to dampen her friend's happiness.

"He's a little older than me by a year, and he's very clever when it comes to maths. I mean it, owed it to him that I scored 84 on my homework," Chika gushed, "And he's wealthy."

"How do you know he is rich? Did he show you his house before?" Sonoko asked.

"Well actually, he sends me videos of the house, ah, but he did tell me not to share it with anyone since he doesn't want people to know where he lives."

"Why?" That made Ran suspicious.

"Well, his parents had no idea about meeting me online. And they will punish him if they find out, severely. "Chika shivered at the thought of her boyfriend being barred from leaving the house. "Anyhow, aside from that, he tends to wear branded stuff and only the best! I know this because he flashes those luxury branded goods logos without realizing it under the sun whenever we hung out on our dates at a park. Especially either his watch, jacket, or even his belt."

Accidentally flashing the logos?  That doesn't sit well with Mouri Ran.

She may not have been a child of a wealthy family, but she hung out with Ranran and Shinichi before. The Kudo children although dressed fashionably, but not once had she ever seen them do the way Nori does, especially when it came to luxury brands. Even if one of them is, they were cautious about showing it to anyone. And as much as Sonoko might dress flashily, but even she herself doesn't show the branded logos.

The reason for this is to avoid stirring the temptation of being kidnapped. If one is born into a family of wealth, the chances of them getting kidnap are high for greedy kidnappers, because that way they can extort more money from the grieving parents while holding their children hostage. Ran learned all of this during Ranran's briefing at Tantei Association, when the founder revealed all of the children in Edgewood were trained to not do such a thing since.

So for this Nori boy to flash a logo 'accidentally'? Even if Nori is genuinely wealthy, he would not do that, even if he were an Edgewood student. That ain't noble like manners in Ran's opinion, if anything, this detail alone is enough to lead Ran to believe he isn't what he claims to be. She hung out with Ranran for over a month plus to know...the way Nori behaved isn't what a noble does.

"He sounds almost too good to be true," Sonoko was sensing a tingle of alarm, though she didn't know why.

Maybe, it was all of Ran's experience as a member of Tantei association, she learn not to perceive what she sees as not what she assumes. Though Mouri Ran wasn't going to admit this directly, ever since becoming a member, a lot of the mysteries had taught her not to accept things, or people, at face value.

But Ran can't say this in front of Chika, not yet. The old Mouri Ran would've confronted her blatantly, but given her real experience with Ranran, who is in fact a real-life daughter of a noble, if Nori is a real one, then what? Nori will make it as if Ran is the villain of his love for Chika, just like what Ranran did with Shinichi to protect herself.

...........

As they finished their drinks and food while Sonoko left to pay for three of their portions, Chika turned to Ran and asked, "Hey, Ran-san."

"Yeah?"

"About your feelings towards Shinichi....have you figured out whether they were duped or so?"

Expecting a flushed face, Chika was surprised when Ran's face turned grim, "I....don't think I want to look into that anymore."

"Eh? Why not!?"

"After everything had happened, especially how I had caused so much harm onto Ranran and Shinichi, if....just say if my feelings for Shinichi were nothing but made-up through Mamiko's lies....I don't think I can ever live with the fact that I am as equally delusional as Mamiko herself." Ran shivered while rubbing her own shoulders, recalling the times she caused so much trouble towards Ranran, only to be met with a furious angry Shinichi.

"But you can't blame yourself entirely, Ran-san," Chika spoke gently, placing a hand on Ran's shoulder. "Mamiko manipulated both you and Sonoko. You were just caught in the middle of it."

"Is it?" Ran sighed, her eyes clouded with uncertainty. "And truthfully, even if I were to find out my feelings for Shinichi is real...." Ran explained, glancing down at her shoes, "I don't even dare to dream of it anymore."

"Ran-san...." Sonoko murmured with sympathy at her best friend.

"It's true," Ran took a deep breath, while she choked, "I refused to even believe in Shinichi's words when he defended her, even accused him over the fact that Ranran offered him a deal so tempting, that he is a douchebag who is ambitious enough to discard his own friends he had known for 2 years for a girl he barely knew, when in reality, we were the monsters who forced him out."

Chika listened intently, her heart aching for her friend Ran. She could see the turmoil and guilt etched on Ran's face, the weight of the past heavy on her young shoulders. Ran's words revealed a deep struggle with self-doubt and regret.

"You know....there is a saying 'Trust Takes Years To Build, Seconds To Break And Forever To Repair', if you want to win them back, be patient." Chika suggested.

"And if it doesn't go back to the way things were?"

"Then don't bother to go after them anymore. I didn't say out the word 'forever to repair' for nothing."

Hearing Chika say so, Ran slumped.

Chika put a reassuring hand on Ran's shoulder as Ran later said, "I didn't really mean to hurt anyone when all of this had taken place."

"I know, you always want the best for Shinichi's sake. It was just unfortunate that someone of malicious evil secretly misguided your beliefs to the way things are what are now, Ran. And in the process, not only did Shinichi become a victim, even Ranran ended up getting dragged in collateral as the way Mamiko wanted."

Chika's words seemed to offer some solace to Ran, but she still couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that had settled within her. "I felt wronged, Chika. And all of this while I admit is my fault, I can't help but be angry that I let myself be duped by Mamiko. The worst part? She is never getting kicked out of school even with the evidence against her."

"I hate to admit this, but I agree!" Sonoko ranted in anger, "Mamiko's words are the reason why me and Ran are no longer on speaking terms with Shinichi anymore! True, we are 100 percent very much at fault when we wrongly accused and even upfront harassed Ranran for stealing Shinichi away from us, but we were manipulated and deceived by Mamiko's lies. It's infuriating that not only she's getting away with all of this, but also the fact that all of us had to live with the fallout and consequences of everything that was orchestrated by that she-satan!"

"But to think that Ranran girl is able to tell in advance before all of you did....how did she know I wonder?" Chika can't help but ask, "I thought you both mentioned that her family moved here around last year? So she couldn't have known Mamiko long enough to figure out what sort of person she is."

"We don't know, but it wouldn't be surprising how she figured it out easily since she is equally observant as Tantei Geek!" Sonoko scoffed, then added, "Except unlike Shinichi, she is ruthless and way cutthroat!"

"That I agree!" Ran nodded alongside her best friend in agreement, "Not to mention, secretive. Whenever she knows things, she doesn't say it to anyone."

"Ah, that explains things," Chika folded her arms before frowning at them, "Just out of curiosity, but did Ranran ever bring up Mamiko's name in front of the both of you before all of this took place?"

Ran exchanged a glance with Sonoko, both of them deep in thought. After a moment, Ran spoke up. "Now that you mention it, she did not. Not until it happened."

"Why didn't she just warn us at least in advance!?" Sonoko rambled, "We could've been spared from all of this."

"To be fair, you guys told me during the parkour incident last year, that you both were very wary of Ranran after she framed Shinichi for pushing her down and breaking her leg." Chika suddenly remembered.

"That's true," Ran admitted, a slight frown on her face. "I mean when she did that to him back then without remorse, I assumed she was the same girl who is pure evil as Mamiko."

"But then when Shinichi called Ranran a bastard at that time, I didn't know it was about those rumours about Ranran's mother possibly seeing Shinichi's Tousan back then, which made him lash out at her unfairly," Sonoko sighed, a hint of regret in her eyes. "I guess we were all too wrapped up in our own suspicions to see the bigger picture."

"Or in this case, jealousy." Ran sighed.

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

As soon as all of them were done with their breakfast, the children parted ways while Ran and Sonoko walked through the streets on their way to school. That is when her best friend asked, "Hey Ran, are you alright?"

"Eh?" Ran was a bit startled at Sonoko's question.

"Are Ranran and Shinichi still giving you a hard time after what Mamiko did to you? If so..."

"Ah no, that was a thing of the past," Ran sighed, "It's just..."

Sonoko noticed the disappointment in Ran's tone, "What is it, Ran?"

"It's just....about Nori, something about him doesn't sit right with me," Ran explained.

Sonoko raised an eyebrow, "What do you mean?"

Then Ran went on to explain her suspicions regarding Nori's behaviour through Chika's narration, how he flaunted his wealth, and how it didn't fit with what she had learned about the manners of the wealthy.

As Ran finished voicing her doubts about Nori's behaviour, Sonoko's expression turned serious. "You know, Ran, I think you might be onto something," she said thoughtfully but in doubt. "I mean, you're right that people from wealthy families are usually very careful about showing off their wealth. But to be honest, I do so recklessly as well."

"Really?" Ran grew sceptical.

"Yeah, do you remember the rose hoodie I once wore and bragged about on Instagram from a famous fashion designer shortly after her passing?"

"You mean the same one you were wearing while investigating Ranran and Shinichi's relationship? But then they mistook you for a lolicon apprentice because she too wore the same hoodie you, then sent the entire school to kill you?"

"Mouri, please, don't talk about that. I still get nightmares because of that Kudo Ranran." Sonoko shivered in fear, recalling the bruises she received before realizing she was swaying off topic, "But I guess since you mentioned Nori flashed that logo so blatantly... well, it just doesn't add up."

Ran nodded in agreement. "Exactly."

"Should we warn Chika about this? Don't get me wrong, Ran, but we both know that Chika can tend to be naive when it comes to trusting people."

"No," said Ran, looking uncertain.

"No!?" Sonoko was surprised, normally Ran is the type who holds the bull by the horn.

"No, not without evidence. We need to prove that what Nori said is a lie." Ran insists before explaining why "We were manipulated when Mamiko lied to us completely about Ranran just so she could dupe Shinichi into falling for her. We cannot make the same mistake again, not without evidence."

Sonoko nods her head in agreement, "You're right, Ran. That mistake was by far the worst thing we have ever made throughout our entire lives."

"But what shall we do? We are not that smart," Ran nervously fidgeted with her hair, "I just don't want Chika to get hurt. She's one of our closest friends, and I know she cares about Nori a lot. But the signs are disturbing."Ran thought for a moment before giving a disappointed smile at Sonoko, "It's a shame that you still have 2 months left till you get back to using your family privileges again. Otherwise, we could've done wonders."

Then Sonoko's head lit up before bringing up a name, "Should we get Shinichi to look into it?"