Conan's kidnapping incident had come to an end—for now.
Yusaku Kudo and Yukiko Kudo continued to express their heartfelt apologies and gratitude to Hayashi Yoshiki, but in the end, overwhelmed with embarrassment, they left the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department with Conan in tow.
As they drove, Yusaku began carefully forming his words.
Originally, his intention had been to use this prank to make Conan more aware of the dangers of his current situation, to help him understand the risks he posed not just to himself but to those around him. But instead, he had nearly ended up sending his wife to jail.
Still, once Conan understood his father's intentions, he ultimately chose to stay.
After a deep father-son conversation, it was Yusaku Kudo who relented.
He agreed to let Conan remain in Tokyo—but warned that if things ever grew too dangerous, he would come and take Conan away, no matter what.
Yukiko didn't say much during the exchange. But after everything had been settled, she finally asked with a playful grin:
"So, Shin-chan, who's that handsome young man?"
"Hayashi Yoshiki. I think he's Aunt Eri's nephew—so that makes him Ran's cousin."
"He seemed really gentle and dependable… Oh, this is so messed up. We just wanted to prank you, and we ended up injuring him." Yukiko groaned and covered her face.
"Seriously…" Conan deadpanned.
"I heard you mention he's a writer too?"
"Yeah, like you, Dad. He's a mystery novelist."
"Really?"
"And he's amazing…"
Conan went on at length.
The more the couple listened, the more surprised they became—especially Yusaku, who grew increasingly intrigued the moment he heard about Hayashi Yoshiki's knack for solving cases.
From Conan's tone, it was clear he had already acknowledged defeat.
"The Case Files of Young Kindaichi, huh? I'll look it up and read it later."
The family's car drove off into the night.
9:00 PM – Yingmihua Apartments
When Yoko Okino heard the doorbell, she rushed to the entrance.
The moment she opened the door and saw the figure standing outside, a smile instinctively bloomed across her delicate features.
"Kashiki-kun…"
"Good evening."
Hayashi Yoshiki stood there in a sleek black casual suit, his expression soft and warm. Before Yoko could say anything else, he pulled his hands from behind his back—holding out a radiant bouquet of deep red roses.
It was beautifully wrapped and immediately evoked a sense of romance.
"Ah…"
Yoko let out a quiet gasp, eyes widening in surprise.
"Do you like them?"
"I love them…"
Her cheeks flushed as she accepted the bouquet with delight.
"Thank you, Yoshiki-kun."
She stepped aside to let him in. After Hayashi Yoshiki walked inside, he gently closed the door behind him.
Click.
Yoko was about to tell him where to leave his shoes when, suddenly, Hayashi Yoshiki stepped forward, pulled her close, and kissed her—pressing his lips against hers with a boldness that took her breath away.
Ah…
Yoko instinctively tightened her grip on the bouquet. The crisp paper rustled as it was caught between them, and she held her breath, all while savoring the fresh, minty scent that lingered between them.
After a while, she finally caught her breath.
Trying to calm her pounding heart, she glanced at Hayashi Yoshiki—his expression was calm and composed, smiling faintly.
"Sorry. I couldn't help myself."
He chuckled.
The relaxed confidence on his face made Yoko puff her cheeks in a small pout.
Hayashi Yoshiki slipped into a pair of indoor slippers. That's when Yoko noticed something wrapped around his hand.
"Yoshiki, what happened to your right hand?"
"Just a little injury. It's nothing serious."
"How did you get hurt? Are you really okay?"
"Yes, honestly. I barely even feel it anymore."
Still, Yoko was visibly concerned.
She took his wrist and examined the bandage with gentle fingers. It was only lightly wrapped around the back of his hand, so perhaps it really wasn't too serious?
"It's fine, really."
Hayashi Yoshiki softly withdrew his hand and smiled with his usual warmth.
"But compared to how worried you look now, your face when I gave you the flowers was way cuter."
"You shouldn't tease people when they're worried about you, Yoshiki-kun."
"Got it~"
"Really…"
"Haha."
As they entered the living room, the warm lighting revealed a neatly cleaned space.
Today was a rare day off for Yoko Okino.
Her recent drama had received a great response, and her agency had kept her booked with events. But after completing her commitments, she was finally granted a short break.
This evening marked the first night of her vacation.
She had carefully done her makeup—suited to her naturally soft and sweet features. Her long, chestnut-colored hair cascaded around her lightly flushed cheeks. Her bright eyes sparkled beneath delicately arched brows, and the light pink blush she wore paired perfectly with her snow-white skin.
Catching Hayashi Yoshiki's gaze, she felt shy, but smiled anyway, placing the bouquet gently on the table.
"Let's sit here, Yoshiki-kun."
"Mm."
He nodded and sat with her on the sofa. The television was playing a cheerful variety show in the background.
Yoko curled up beside him, holding his hand. She began to chatter about the past few days' filming and her excitement for the time off ahead. Her smile was so bright and sincere that it even lifted Hayashi Yoshiki's spirits.
"Still… it sounds like it's been tough for you."
"Tough, yes… but I don't dislike it at all."
"Yeah?"
"Mm. I've always dreamed of being a star ever since I was a little girl. So even if it's exhausting, I'm happy."
"That's admirable."
Hayashi Yoshiki gently praised her, then reached out and patted her head.
It was the first time he'd done that.
Yoko didn't resist—instead, she thought to herself how warm his hand felt. The tiredness she'd been feeling suddenly seemed to melt away.
"But I'm sorry, Yoshiki-kun. I've been so busy lately... It must've felt like I was making you wait."
"It's alright."
"..."
"Isn't there a phrase for that? 'Delayed gratification,' right?"
Hayashi Yoshiki smiled as he looked at her, his voice tinged with soft mischief.
"The longer I waited, the more I found myself looking forward to tonight."