THUD.
The door slammed open.
In Hoshino Kurosawa's mind, a vivid scene played out: Kogoro Mouri, face purple with rage, storming in, grabbing him, and executing a perfect shoulder throw onto the hard floor.
He woke with a sharp inhale.
Danger premonition.
Morning light filtered through the window. He'd been sound asleep moments ago. The vision was a warning—clear and urgent.
"Ran. Wake up."
He shook her shoulder firmly.
"Mmm… Hoshino…? What…?"
"Your dad's about to come in. We'll be misunderstood."
"Huh? Dad…?"
Ran sat up slowly, rubbing her eyes, her mind foggy with sleep. "What did you say?"
"Too late."
Hoshino's gaze snapped to the door.
BANG!
The door flew open.
Ran jolted fully awake, all drowsiness gone.
Kogoro Mouri stood in the doorway, his face a storm cloud. Behind him, Conan's expression was equally dark.
"You… you two…!"
Kogoro clutched his chest with one hand, pointing a trembling finger at the bed with the other.
"Dad! Why didn't you knock?" Ran asked, genuinely bewildered.
Ignoring her, Kogoro glared at Hoshino, teeth gritted. "You. Brat. Outside. Now."
He'd woken up to find Hoshino's side of the bed empty and cold. After grilling Conan, he'd learned the truth: Hoshino left last night, and Ran went to find him. The pieces connected into a terrifying picture, leading him straight here.
"Uncle, calm down," Hoshino said, staying put. "It's not what you think."
"Don't give me that! Out!"
"Look. There's a blanket divider."
Kogoro and Conan followed his gesture. Sure enough, a thick bundle of blankets lay like a wall between the two on the bed.
The tension in the room dropped several degrees. Both males let out a breath they didn't know they were holding.
"Dad, what were you imagining?" Ran sighed, exasperated. "His snoring kept Hoshino awake last night, so I let him sleep here."
"Humph!" Kogoro scowled. "Even so, he could've slept on the floor!"
"On a cold floor in winter? If he got sick, I'd feel terrible!"
"…" Kogoro had no retort.
Conan felt a pang of regret. I should have said I couldn't sleep either last night.
A voice called from the hallway. "Mr. Mouri? Kurosawa-kun? Are you awake?"
"That's Inspector Yokomizo," Hoshino noted.
"Everyone, outside. Now," Kogoro ordered, ushering Conan out.
Hoshino finally exhaled fully. Crisis averted.
"Pfft." Ran giggled, covering her mouth. "Hoshino, you actually get scared?"
"Anyone would be scared of an angry Kogoro Mouri," he said honestly. When people he cared about were involved, the usually bumbling detective became formidable.
"It's weird when you say it like that," Ran teased.
"Get up."
He reached over and flicked her forehead, then swiftly rolled out of bed and made for the door.
"Ow! Hey!" She puffed her cheeks and scrambled after him.
In the hall, Yokomizo Sango was chatting with Kogoro.
"Ah, good morning, Kurosawa-kun!" the inspector beamed. "I'm here to formally thank you on behalf of the Saitama Police. Also, there are some reporters downstairs hoping for a quick interview. If you have time…?"
"Reporters?" Kogoro's eyes lit up. "Inspector, would it be alright if I joined? I was there too, after all."
"Of course, Mr. Mouri! Your presence would be welcome," Yokomizo said diplomatically.
Excellent, Kogoro thought, a plan forming. I'll tell them Hoshino's talent comes from learning at my side. Perfect for business!
Hoshino, unaware he was about to be used as a promotional tool, asked Yokomizo, "Inspector, there's more to this visit, isn't there?"
"Well…" Yokomizo rubbed his neck sheepishly. "Some of the higher-ups from the station would… um… like to take a commemorative photo with you."
"No problem," Hoshino agreed easily. A little publicity stunt was harmless.
What followed was a masterclass in political grandstanding. Police officials bowed deeply, thanking him profusely for solving the case swiftly and preserving the city's image. Photos were taken with excessive smiling.
Once the circus ended, Hoshino's group declined the offered dinner and boarded the Shinkansen back to Tokyo.
Kogoro Mouri, his pride soothed by the interview and photos with officials, had already forgotten the morning's incident. He leaned back in his seat, a satisfied smile on his face, dreaming of the new sign he'd put on his agency door.
Conan stared out the window, lost in thought. Ran scrolled through her phone, occasionally smiling at a message.
Hoshino Kurosawa closed his eyes, the events of the trip replaying in his mind. One thing was certain: life around the Mouris was never, ever dull.