Conan: No, why aren't you following the script?

While Hattori Heiji was still planning to test the waters...

Kitagawa Isao and Haibara Ai, who had gone ahead, had already arrived at a high-end barbecue restaurant in Shibuya, ready to enjoy their lunch.

However, before the formal meal, Ai Haibara felt something was off:

"Kitagawa-kun, why didn't you accept Detective Mouri's invitation just now? As far as I know, this should be the third time Detective Mouri has wanted to invite you to dinner, right? Even if there are strangers present, you shouldn't refuse at a time like this, or... are you actually worried about me?"

The perceptive Ai Haibara felt that this might be her problem; Kitagawa Isao was worried that she would feel uncomfortable eating with strangers, which is why he declined the other party's offer.

This thought made her feel a little guilty. She didn't want to disrupt Kitagawa Isao's original life rhythm because of her, so she spoke up at this time, trying to clarify and make amends.

But Kitagawa Isao simply smiled and shook his head in response to her question:

"It's okay, Ai. I'm not worried about these things. Actually, I'm a bit socially anxious, so I don't really want to eat with people I don't know well. It makes me feel uncomfortable."

"Social fear?"

Ai Haibara's eyes widened as she recalled the scene of Kitagawa Isao playing with the children when they went camping together. At this moment, she couldn't help but want to roll her eyes.

This guy can't even lie properly.

What socially awkward person would drive to pick her up from school every day, and then take her to so many activities? This guy is really something...

Fine, considering Kitagawa treated me to dinner, I'll let it slide this time.

Thinking of this, Ai Haibara snorted and picked up a piece of roasted lamb that was placed in front of her.

As one of the top Japanese barbecue restaurants in Shibuya, the lamb here is made with fresh ingredients air-freighted from Hokkaido that day, and then served with special barbecue seasonings and precise cooking techniques.

Not only does it look appetizing, but it also smells incredibly fragrant when you take a bite.

Ai Haibara took a small bite of mutton and began to chew it slowly.

She hadn't expected Kitagawa Isao to be so generous today, spending a fortune to invite her to taste such expensive food. She had just seen that a skewer of mutton here cost more than ten times more than outside.

Looking at the three full plates in front of her, Ai Haibara couldn't help but silently sigh to herself.

Unbeknownst to her, she had already owed Kitagawa so many favors. How was she ever going to repay them?

I can't exactly give this guy a massage every day, can I?

Although she didn't object to such a thing, the thought of stepping on Kitagawa-san's back barefoot made her feel vaguely strange.

Otherwise, she could find an opportunity to use Professor Agasa's name to sell some patents?

Wouldn't that give us money to compensate Kitagawa-ge?

Thinking this way, Ai Haibara, lost in thought, couldn't help but slow down her eating.

Seeing this, Kitagawa Isao thought the little girl had lost her appetite, so he quickly asked:

"What's wrong, Ai? Don't you like the food here? How about we go to another restaurant? What do you think?"

"Ah? No need, Kitagawa-nii,"

Upon hearing this, Ai Haibara quickly shook her head, "The food here is delicious, I'm just a little worried that I won't be able to finish it all."

"It's okay, take your time eating. Eat as much as you can. It's my treat today, so feel free to eat as much as you want."

"Ah."

Ai Haibara nodded silently; she wasn't worried that Kitagawa Isao wouldn't have enough money to pay the bill today.

After all, regardless of whether the robber they caught was the serial killer wanted by the Metropolitan Police Department, Inspector Megure had at least sent the reward money to their mailbox.

Although the amount inside wasn't much, it was more than enough to pay for this mere meal.

What's more, she brought her savings from this trip with her!

If Kitagawa-ge doesn't have the money to pay the bill, she can help him out.

Although most of that money was just pocket money that Kitagawa Isao had given her as a reward for doing housework at home...

……

The three plates of mutton were quickly devoured.

Ai Haibara touched her slightly rounded belly and looked up at Isao Kitagawa somewhat embarrassed:

"Brother Kitagawa, are you still hungry? You kept telling me to eat more, but you didn't eat anything yourself. Why don't we order some more so you can eat your fill before we leave?"

She had been paying attention the whole time; Kitagawa Isao always brought the plates to her side, only eating the offal and fatty pork that he didn't eat himself.

This situation intensified Ai Haibara's guilt, but Kitagawa Isao waved his hand dismissively.

In fact, Kitagawa Isao had already eaten his fill by this time. Although the mutton looked small, it was extremely greasy after being eaten, which was completely different from traditional Japanese cuisine.

He really felt that he had eaten enough; he was the kind of person who might not be able to eat any more.

With no other option, the two, having eaten and drunk their fill, could only sit on the chairs and rest for a while, chatting about all sorts of random things.

From mystery to food, and then from food to life.

When Ai Haibara heard that Kitagawa Isao also liked small animals, her eyes lit up instantly.

She had previously seen Kitagawa Isao living alone in an apartment and assumed that he didn't actually like small animals.

Unexpectedly, her friend Kitagawa had such a hobby.

This means that if they have the opportunity in the future, they can also keep some cute little animals at home, right?

But what kind of animals should I raise then?

Thinking about this, the little girl gradually fell into deep thought...

After a while, feeling that he had rested enough, Kitagawa Isao got up to pay the bill, then took Haibara Ai's hand, and the two of them slowly left the restaurant together.

Although Ai Haibara is still a little nervous, she is gradually getting used to Kitagawa Isao's hand-holding behavior.

There's nothing strange about that. Look at the kids next door, aren't they being held hands by adults of the opposite sex?

I was just playing the role of a child!

I wasn't thinking about any random, nonsensical things.

Ai Haibara, don't forget your current identity. You need to play the role of an elementary school student now, so you can't think about these things with the mindset of an eighteen-year-old girl anymore!

Ai Haibara thought this way, and then quickly began to speak with self-righteousness.

But has she truly immersed herself in the role...?

This point remains to be discussed.

……

I just finished watching the show. I have a slight fever today, 37.8°C...

I've already taken the medicine, so everyone doesn't need to worry...

Please, considering I'm writing this while I'm sick, give me a few five-star reviews and some free little gifts, please...

o (╥﹏╥) o