Chapter 120 A girl? Hmm, still need to figure it out…
The bomb at the Beikacho Central Bookstore was quickly defused without incident, and Nekono Ikuya and Edogawa Conan's lives returned to normal.
A few days later, one afternoon, at Poirot Café.
There weren't many customers at this time, and the shop was just the right amount of quiet. The only sounds were the low hum of the coffee machine, the occasional clinking of cups and saucers, and the soft whispers of a few customers, creating a soothing background atmosphere.
In his usual spot by the window, Conan Edogawa held a pen, with an exercise book open in front of him, writing haphazardly.
Conan looked rather bored—his workbook contained elementary school-level arithmetic problems and Chinese copying exercises. The first-grade exercises were so simple they were almost boring, and doing homework felt more like killing time to him.
He chose to do his homework here partly to maintain his image as an ordinary elementary school student in front of others, and partly... he also harbored a little secret, thinking that he might run into Xiaolan here after school.
Nekono Ikuya sat next to him, a cappuccino in front of him that was half-empty but still had its latte art intact. He held a fashion magazine in his hand, flipping through it casually, his gaze occasionally sweeping over Conan's slow, deliberate pen strokes, and a knowing yet mischievous smile would appear in his emerald eyes.
Akashi Teru sat opposite Conan, a laptop in front of him, his fingers lightly tapping on the keyboard, seemingly working on some paperwork, his posture serious and focused. A quiet and tacit atmosphere flowed between the three, like a dynamic and heartwarming scene.
Just as Conan was slowly finishing the last question, about to close his notebook and ponder whether to treat himself to a sandwich or an omelet for dinner—
jingle--
The crisp sound of the doorbell broke the silence.
The coffee shop door was pushed open, and a youthful and lively atmosphere, accompanied by laughter, rushed in.
"We've arrived!" Sonoko Suzuki's energetic voice was always the first to arrive.
"Sonoko, slow down." Ran Mouri's gentle voice, tinged with a helpless smile, followed closely behind.
"What does it matter! Xiaolan, Zhenchun, I heard that Poirot has a limited-edition strawberry cream cake today!"
Ran Mouri, Sonoko Suzuki, and a short-haired, spirited-looking girl walked in together. The unfamiliar girl—Sera Masumi, who had just transferred—curiously surveyed the store with her sharp green eyes, her gaze lingering especially on Conan Edogawa for a moment.
"Ah! Mr. Nekono! Mr. Akashi! Conan's here too!" Sonoko Suzuki's eyes lit up as she spotted the view from the window. "Ran, look, Conan's studying hard again!"
She had a good impression of Conan, whom she often met at the coffee shop downstairs from Ran's house, especially since he would randomly give away Nekono Ikuya and Akashi Teru every time he appeared, and sometimes even two at once like now.
With his handsome and unique appearance, the gentle and reliable Teru Akashi with his healing aura, and the clever and adorable Conan—this combination sitting by the sun-drenched window is like a meticulously painted picture, a sight that brings joy no matter how you look at it.
It's a feast for the eyes. Those who appreciate Sonoko Suzuki's appearance are greatly satisfied.
Conan looked up at the sound and his blue eyes lit up the moment he saw Ran, but then his gaze was fixed on Sera Masumi, who was standing right next to Ran.
Ran Mouri, Sonoko Suzuki, and Sera Masumi were standing very close together. Sera Masumi, dressed in unisex casual clothes and looking cheerful and cool, walked between Ran Mouri and Sonoko Suzuki, tilting her head slightly to listen to what Ran was saying, her posture intimate.
? ! !
Conan instantly became alert, his small brows furrowing almost imperceptibly, a strange feeling welling up inside him.
Who is this guy? He's so close to Xiaolan...
Damn it! It's all because he shrunk that he can't stay by Ran's side as naturally as before. The little detective's resentful inner voice started pounding the ground, silently increasing his "hatred" for the black-clad organization that caused all this.
"Mr. Nekono! Conan! Mr. Akashi! Good afternoon!" Sonoko happily pulled her two friends over, her face beaming with "You've come at the perfect time!" "Great, I was just about to talk to you about something!"
"Good afternoon, Ms. Suzuki, Ms. Mori." Nekono Ikuya closed her magazine, greeted them with a smile, and her gaze politely fell on the unfamiliar Sera Masumi. Akashi Teru also paused his typing and nodded gently in acknowledgment.
"This is our new transfer student, Sera Masumi!" Sonoko enthusiastically took on the role of introducer. "Masumi, this is Mr. Nekono Ikuya, and this is Mr. Akashi Teru, they are both very impressive people! As for this little guy, he is Edogawa Conan."
Sera Masumi laughed heartily, revealing her sharp canine teeth. Her gaze swept over the group, especially lingering on Conan and the workbook in front of him, with a hint of endearing curiosity: "Hello! I'm Sera Masumi, nice to meet you!"
"Hello, Ms. Sera." Nekono Ikuya nodded slightly, addressing her correctly.
She hadn't mistaken her gender at all! Sera Masumi looked at Nekono Ikuya with a hint of surprise in her eyes.
Although her name is a girl's name, her appearance and temperament often lead people to mistake her for a boy. It is rare to find someone like Nekono Ikuya who can be so certain of her gender without any hesitation.
Sera...Miss?
Conan was taken aback, then immediately realized—it was a girl! He looked again more closely, but... he still couldn't tell...
However, since Nekono-nii-san has already addressed him as such and the person involved has accepted it readily, then his gender is undoubtedly confirmed.
He immediately felt a little embarrassed by his misjudgment and slight jealousy, and quickly adjusted his expression, following Nekono Ikuya's lead, and showed a well-behaved smile: "Hello, Sera-neechan!"
Conan inwardly wiped a bead of sweat from his brow. Thank goodness Nekono-nii spoke first… otherwise, he might have made a fool of himself.
To ease his awkwardness, and also out of curiosity, Conan asked, "What does Sonoko-neechan want with us?"
“That’s right!” She clasped her hands together, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Nekono Ikuya and Akashi Teru. “We’re discussing the perfect plans for this weekend! The weather forecast says the weather will be super—great this weekend!”
"So! Mr. Nekono, Mr. Akashi, and Conan! Are you free this weekend? We're planning a picnic in Central Park, why don't you come along? It's more fun with more people!" Sonoko Suzuki's eyes sparkled.
Bring along a few handsome guys; it's good to have them for the eyes.
A picnic?! Important note—Xiao Lan is going too!
Conan's eyes lit up with anticipation as he stared longingly at Nekono Ikuya.
Nekono Ikuya was the first to respond, her emerald green eyes sweeping over the three energetic girls before her, and she smiled gently: "Sounds very good."
He glanced at Akashi Teru, who hadn't objected, then at Conan, who was clearly looking expectant. "I should be free this weekend. Teru, Conan, what about you?"
That's considered an agreement.
Conan immediately exclaimed, "I want to go too!"
Akashi Teru also smiled and nodded: "It sounds like a relaxing idea. I'd be happy to participate if it doesn't bother me."
"No problem, no problem at all! We'd love to have you!" Sonoko said happily.
Just as Sonoko Suzuki was overjoyed at successfully inviting the three of them, the curtain to the kitchen was lifted, and Tooru Amuro came out carrying a freshly baked lemon cake that emitted an enticing aroma. He had clearly heard the commotion outside, and a gentle smile graced his face.
"Good afternoon, Miss Suzuki, Miss Mori, and... this lady." His gaze lingered on Sera Masumi for a moment before he spoke uncertainly.
Whether it was Sera Masumi's imagination or not, she always felt that... the blond, dark-skinned waiter's gaze seemed to linger on her lower eyelashes the longest?
Oh dear, Sera Masumi smiled nonchalantly, revealing her little tiger teeth; her lower eyelashes were indeed quite eye-catching!
Amuro Tooru placed the lemon cake in front of Nekono Ikuya and showed just the right amount of curiosity: "Are you guys discussing some interesting activities? You sound like you're having a lot of fun."
"Ah! Mr. Amuro!" Sonoko Suzuki's surprise reached another level, her voice even more joyful. "You're back! That's wonderful!"
She thought Poirot had lost a handsome waiter and was quite disappointed for a while.
Sonoko Suzuki immediately repeated the picnic plan, then made a cute, pleading expression: "Mr. Amuro, are you free this weekend morning? Come along! It'll be so much more fun with more people!"
Her invitation was direct and enthusiastic, making it hard to refuse.
Amuro Tooru held the tray in front of him, tilted his head slightly in thought for a moment upon hearing this, then his smile deepened, his purplish-gray eyes shining brightly in the sunlight: "Since it's Ms. Suzuki's invitation, and such an interesting event..."
He glanced at Nekono Ikuya, who was resting her chin on her hand and looking at him with a smile, and her smile seemed to deepen. "I'd be happy to participate. If you don't mind, I can prepare some simple sandwiches, rice balls and snacks to bring with me. They should be more to my liking than what I buy outside."
"Really?!" Sonoko was so surprised she almost jumped up. She had only thought it would be more fun with more people, but she hadn't expected such an extra perk. "Mr. Amuro, you're so amazing! With Mr. Amuro's special snacks, our picnic food has become so much better!"
Of course, it's not that exaggerated. The food that the second young lady of the Suzuki family brings on a picnic is unlikely to be too bad, but Suzuki Sonoko is a warm and enthusiastic girl who will support her.
And she genuinely thought Amuro Tooru's sandwiches were delicious.
Ran Mouri happily thanked him, saying, "Mr. Amuro's cooking is always excellent. You've really gone to a lot of trouble."
"Is it really that delicious?" Sera Masumi crossed her arms, looking at Amuro Tooru with interest, then at Nekono Ikuya. She clearly sensed something, since Nekono Ikuya and Amuro Tooru hadn't been too discreet, but she didn't say anything. "Then we'll gladly accept your offer!"
And so it was happily decided. A new, much-anticipated blond-haired, dark-skinned heartthrob, along with his promised delicious meal, was added to the weekend picnic list.
"Then it's settled!" Yuanzi cheered, feeling like he'd had a great day. "Sunday morning at 10:00 AM, on the large lawn on the east side of Central Park! See you there!"
"...Let me think of who else I can invite to the picnic?" Should she invite that pink-haired graduate student that Ran met before? Sonoko Suzuki fell into thought.
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