[ HIATUS ] Crossroad 『Detective Conan』

Chapter 41 - Grilled spices

   The soccer game ended earlier than usual. Genta having taken another ball, he didn't want to continue. Yoko felt a little guilty, but it was not her who had sent the second ball, so she was not entirely responsible.

   -See you tomorrow ! Said the girl with the glasses to her friends.
   - Are you going to make it to find your way back? Mitsuhiko wondered.
  - Yes, it should be fine.
  She was starting to know a little about the way back to her roommate, even if it was a bit fuzzy in her head. She therefore left in the opposite direction of her comrades, and ended up, to her great surprise, to find her way roughly to the inspector's apartment.

   Once there, the girl unlocked the front door. Her nose was instantly assaulted with the smell of burnt spices. She grimaced.
   -What is that ? She muttered.

   She took off her shoes and heard voices coming from the kitchen.
   - You still haven't cleaned the plates? It stinks of spices!
   - You asked me to cut the onions, 'should know!
   Yoko recognized the second voice. It was that of the owner of the dwelling. The first voice rang out in uncontrollable laughter.
   - You call that "cutting"? I thought you were bragging about being good with your hands!
   - Oh shut up! Just a few years ago, you were no better!

   The young brunette poked her head into the kitchen to see what was going on there. She saw an indescribable spectacle there: Inspector Matsuda was having a hard time being led by a blond man. They were apparently trying to cook something, but it obviously failed. Between shredded onions and burnt spices, spilled on the induction hob...
   The blonde noticed the child who rushed back into the main room and spoke again.
   - Damn, I hadn't seen the time! I'm going to have to go back to work!
   - Hey, aren't you going to leave me in the lurch now?!
   - I don't intend to be late for my work for your beautiful eyes.
   - Tch...

   He left the kitchen and motioned to Yoko to be quiet with a smile. This had the effect of provoking a cold sweat in the little one, but she nevertheless remained silent. The adult came a little closer and whispered.
   - So you're little Yoko? Pleased to meet you. My name is Amuro Tooru. Matsuda told me a lot about you, you know!
   - E-Enchanted...
   - Sorry for the awful spectacle that has just been offered to you... This not gifted kid was planning to surprise you by preparing food, but he doesn't seem to be getting anywhere!

   Yoko took the time to assimilate the information to calm down a bit. He wanted to surprise her? It surprised her a little.

   A voice came from the kitchen.
   - So you're still here? Does it take you that long to put on your shoes?
   - What can it do to you? My shoelaces got tangled!
   - So hurry up, after that it will be my fault if you are late!
   The blond quickly put on his shoes and gave the girl another smile before whispering to her.
   - Good luck supporting him on a daily basis, I pity you!
   The former high school student couldn't help a slight smile from blooming on her lips as she watched the adult leave the apartment and lock the door.

   She turned and headed for the kitchen. Once there, she coughed a little to get noticed and waited for the brunette to turn to her to speak.
   - Need help ?
   - Well, you come home early today.
   - Well, you almost burned down the kitchen today.
   The policeman looks away and scratches his head.
   - I'll try to finish this, you can rest tonight.
  - And end up intoxicated? No thanks... Pass me that knife.
- So, am I being given orders now?

   She puffs out her cheeks, waiting for him to comply. After placing the stool and washing her hands, she retrieves the utensil and gets to work. She still gives some instructions to her roommate, including cleaning the hotplates, and after more than an hour of work, the meal is ready.

   - Hmm... You could say it was supposed to be a thank you for keeping your promise...
   - Hahaha... Next time, buy me some film for my camera instead. There you rather complicated the task for me... Yoko laughed kindly.
   - That'll teach me to want to make an effort... And what, "next time"? You have no interest in taking on so many risks, do you hear me?
   - No problem... As long as I stay with you, I'll be fine, haha...
   - Eeeeh, it's not funny, you know...
   - It... It was not my intention! Anyway, I'm going to avoid putting myself in danger, don't worry.
   She smiled at him to reassure him. Jinpei just stroked his head. She couldn't help blushing, surprised and embarrassed. It had been a long time since that had been done to him. It was not unpleasant.

   The evening ended in a good mood. Both needed it given recent events.

   Yoko woke up in her bed. She stared at the ceiling for a bit before straightening up abruptly and looking at the time on her phone.
   -Aaah! I'm late!
  She got up and grabbed her clothes to change quickly. She had slept well. Slept too well. It wasn't a bad thing, especially since it had been a long time since she had had such a good night. Probably because she was more relaxed.

   Once ready, she left her room and was again assaulted by the smell of burnt spices that hadn't left yet. It was absolutely not pleasant, especially barely awake.
   -I'm already late... A minute more or less... She mumbled, scratching the back of her head.
  She put her bag on the ground and went to open the windows to get rid of this unpleasant smell. Then she left quickly, in a good mood.