08:23 PM
The night was decorated with colorful neon lights, making it look particularly gorgeous.
A peaceful yet lively night.
Orange lights streamed from the open windows of shops on the bustling commercial street, accompanying the silhouettes dancing on the paved road.
Sitting in the passenger seat of the white Mercedes-Benz, Vermouth, who had just put on lip makeup, pursed her bright red lips, closed the makeup mirror, and smiled.
"Where are you going to take me?"
"Tokyo Tower."
"Isn't that where young couples go on dates?"
"Yes, are you surprised?"
"It's a surprise... but I'm very interested."
Taking in the bright lights and nightlife on the street, Vermouth said calmly:
"I have never been to that place."
"But you look like the type who would go to a lot of places by yourself."
"Don't judge a woman by her appearance."
The two of them chatted casually.
Soon, the vehicle merged smoothly into the traffic flow and headed toward Shiba Park.
The light from the street lamps passed through the windshield, fell on the two passengers, and quickly swept toward the rear.
The occasional bumps caused the soft valley in front of Vermouth to sway gently.
To match the dress, she wore a non-restrictive bra.
"Is there something on my face?"
Noticing her generous gaze, Hayashi Yoshiki couldn't help but ask.
"Nothing, I just suddenly became curious about what type of women you like."
"...Secret."
Looking at Vermouth, Hayashi Yoshiki smiled.
The woman raised an eyebrow.
She was actually wondering if Cointreau would like Ran's type... but then she suddenly thought of Sherry.
That day at the amusement park...
There's no mistake—that was Sherry!
After returning that day, Vermouth secretly did a lot of investigation. According to the results, Edogawa Conan's appearance aligned with Kudo Shinichi's disappearance, just like Haibara Ai's arrival followed Shiho Miyano's vanishing.
Cointreau... did you know she was Sherry?
A newcomer with a clean record and no intelligence channels shouldn't possibly know about APTX4869 and Shirley.
Given her hatred for Sherry, Vermouth should've struck already. But Cointreau—connected to Ran—was in the way.
So, are Cointreau and Sherry related?
Vermouth had to confirm this before acting. If she made the wrong move and Gin found out… Ran could be at risk.
"We've arrived."
The car stopped at the parking lot under Tokyo Tower.
Vermouth put away her thoughts and stepped out with a flawless smile.
Like a socialite, she extended her hand gracefully.
Hayashi Yoshiki took it without hesitation.
"Let's go."
They ascended to the large observatory on the second floor.
There were plenty of young couples present, and the pair naturally attracted attention.
"So beautiful…"
"Are they celebrities?"
"Is this a commercial shoot?"
The two ignored the whispers and focused on the view.
From this vantage point, you could see the glow of Tokyo Port, Zojoji Temple, and even the shadow of Mount Fuji on the horizon.
But the real charm was the city itself. Its vibrant chaos looked enchanting from above.
"Is it almost time? The time you've been concerned about."
"It's almost time. Come with me."
He offered his hand again. She took it.
They passed dessert stalls and a theater-like display before arriving near a wall of prayer tokens beside the emergency exit.
A window beside the glowing "EXIT" sign revealed the surprise.
"Ah?"
Seeing the view outside, Vermouth froze—then smiled.
"Are you surprised? This is another Tokyo Tower you can only see at this time."
The red taillights of countless vehicles on Sakurada-dori intertwined into a luminous tower—a Tokyo Tower within Tokyo Tower.
"So usually at this point, you'd wrap your arm around a girl's shoulder and whisper something romantic, right?"
"Oh? That's a trick?"
Hayashi Yoshiki widened his eyes innocently.
Such a charming face pretending to be clueless—it was almost disarming.
Just as she was about to reply, he checked his watch.
"10... 9... 8..."
It reminded her of Osaka.
But this time...
Fireworks.
Outside the window, a cascade of colors bloomed across the city skyline.
Vermouth's eyes sparkled.
"How can fireworks be set off like this in the city?"
"Let's not dwell on the details. And... it's not the only fireworks display tonight."
"Oh?"
"If you don't believe me... why not close your eyes and try it?"
"No need—I do believe you."
Still, she closed her eyes.
"5... 4... 3... 2... 1..."
"Bang!"
She opened her eyes—and saw a fairy wand in Hayashi Yoshiki's hand.
Tiny sparks danced at its tip.
She laughed.
"You're amazing."
She took it from him, eyes bright with surprise.
Just as he was about to offer a second one—
"Hey! No fireworks here!"
A nearby staff member spotted them and rushed over.
"Not good!"
Hayashi Yoshiki grabbed Vermouth's hand and bolted for the emergency stairs.
They ran down several floors, then stopped—safe.
"Pfft—"
Vermouth suddenly burst into laughter.
"Hahaha! What a surprise! So Cointreau, the master of calculation, also makes mistakes!"
She doubled over laughing.
Hayashi Yoshiki smiled—then suddenly pulled her into his arms.
"No... it's still within the calculation."
Surprised, Vermouth landed against his chest.
Her scent—lemon and evening primrose—mixed with the city's distant fireworks.
"Ah, young people these days are so bold."
She didn't pull away. Instead, she leaned in closer.
"But I'm not drunk yet."
Red lips close, eyes half-closed.
"It'd be boring if you were."
"So confident."
"A man without confidence gets fooled by you."
"That's a rude way to describe a lady."
"But it's a compliment."
"Hehe."
She wrapped her arms around his neck, her eyes full of mischief.
"Any more surprises coming?"
"Sadly, no."
"…I was kinda looking forward to it."
"It's our first date. I can't go full throttle right away."
"First date, huh?"
So you're erasing the past misunderstandings?
He let go. She slowly released him.
Their "game" was over—for now.
Back in the car, Vermouth leaned back with a content sigh.
"I feel warmer now."
"Ah, I'll need a cold shower when I get home."
Vermouth didn't reply—but smiled.
Before she left the car, Hayashi Yoshiki handed her a small package.
Inside: several more fireworks.
She laughed aloud.
...Just as I thought. He's a strange one.
She lit one, watching the sparks.
A text message buzzed.
Calvados:"Are you busy, Vermouth?"
She ignored it.
Driving back, Hayashi Yoshiki reflected.
Winning Vermouth's heart won't be easy... but tonight moved the pieces forward.
The next time they met, that hug would be their new baseline.
A stronger physical connection was within reach.
He glanced at the ring on his hand—a spider illusion prop.
Maybe next time.
Also... is she hesitating to act because she's unsure whether I know Ai's identity?
He messaged:
Hayashi Yoshiki:"Don't go to your sister's place for now."
Haibara Ai:"Got it."
She didn't ask why.
Hayashi Yoshiki:"Vermouth has discovered your identity. But don't worry. It's not a big problem."
Haibara Ai:"...Okay."
She curled up tightly, clutching her phone.
Then:
Hayashi Yoshiki:"It's okay—as long as I'm here."