**Chapter 12: You Must Call Him Uncle**

With Fujino's intervention, the idol's bloody incident was resolved within an hour.

The police concluded that Akira Fujie, in a fit of unrequited love and subsequent hatred towards Yoko Okino, committed suicide in her home, attempting to frame her for his death.

Furthermore, in Megure Jūzō's repeated acknowledgments of "little brother," Fujino officially became his go-to younger brother, abbreviated as "御弟."

As for Yoko Okino's commission fee... although Fujino didn't uncover much, she still willingly paid the final installment.

She knew that without Fujino's help today, she would likely be bearing the burden of being framed as a murderer.

Moreover, Fujino did indeed find the "culprit" who was stalking her.

Whether that person was truly the culprit remains unknown.

On the way home from the police headquarters:

"The things you said earlier were really profound, senpai!"

Ran, with a faint smile on her face, walked with her hands behind her back. "By the way, if Sonoko saw how heroic you were just now, she'd probably go head over heels again."

Although she had just experienced a terrifying suicide case, Ran still remained cheerful and optimistic. 

It's uncertain whether she was genuinely so optimistic or if she was hiding her true feelings.

"Sonoko..."

Fujino murmured and then asked Ran, "You mean the girl with short hair?"

"Yes."

Ran nodded and continued, "She seems very interested in you, senpai."

"Just a fleeting crush of youth."

Fujino put his hands in his pockets and let out a self-deprecating laugh. "But at this age, it's good to enjoy the preciousness of youth."

Probably, age won't change for a while... This world of Detective Conan is truly terrifying.

'Speaking of which, you're just a high school student, right? Why do you look like you've been beaten by life?!'

Conan, holding Ran's hand, looked at Fujino's weathered appearance, feeling speechless and silently critiquing him.

Unlike the lively Ran, Fujino's face was full of weariness.

It was as if he was a corporate slave who had just finished overtime, dragging his tired body home.

Even Ran didn't realize that Fujino was only eighteen.

"Grrrr..."

At this moment, a rumbling sound broke the silence.

Fujino stopped and his calm face blushed slightly.

"Senpai, you haven't had dinner yet, have you?"

Ran turned around at the sound, covering her face and laughing.

"Ahem..."

Fujino seemed to be choked by saliva, coughed lightly, and then scratched his head, saying, "Actually, I haven't eaten all day... I planned to eat tonight, but then the commission came..."

"How about coming to my house for dinner?"

Ran suggested, "I was just planning to cook dinner."

"Better not..."

Fujino hesitated at Ran's invitation.

Getting too close to Ran would probably provoke a certain jealous Southeast Asian.

Not that he minded, but his house couldn't take the damage!

A house worth seventy-five million yen would lose a third of its value if someone died in it.

If they shot two or three episodes in his house, he'd be ready to die!

Keeping a certain distance from Ran would avoid unnecessary trouble, even if it meant no benefit.

Thinking this, Fujino awkwardly scratched his head.

Just as he was about to refuse, a system prompt sounded in his ear.

"Ding, detected student career task!"

Then, a system interface appeared before his eyes.

[Student Career Task: Enhance Classmate Friendship

Task Objective: Have a meal at a classmate's home.

Task Reward: 100,000 yen, 50 student proficiency points

Task Location: Mouri Detective Agency]

Seeing the system interface, Fujino was momentarily stunned.

What the heck?

Even students have tasks?!

Could it be the manifestation of the Unicorn Immortal?

Fujino initially wanted to refuse.

But that's 100,000 yen!

And fifty student proficiency points, that's a direct level up!

After pondering for a moment, Fujino made a decision, scratching his head and reluctantly saying, "Ran, we're not that familiar. Inviting a stranger home for dinner at this hour, I'm afraid it might cause misunderstandings..."

"I see."

Ran nodded at his words.

She finally understood why Fujino always refused her.

Turns out, it was because he felt embarrassed!

Indeed, she was too abrupt.

After all, she had only met Fujino a few times.

If he agreed, that would be strange.

Thinking this, Ran sighed in relief, then waved her hand, smiling at Fujino, "It's okay, senpai, you're my neighbor. Inviting a neighbor for dinner is fine..."

Saying this, she asked Conan, "Isn't that right, Conan?"

No problem? More like a big problem!

But given his identity, Conan couldn't say that.

He could only grit his teeth, forcing a smile, "Ye-yes, right!"

"Grrrr..."

At this moment, the rumbling sound occurred again.

Fujino scratched his head awkwardly, "In that case, tonight's dinner might trouble the Mouri family..."

Mouri Kogoro was quite wary of Fujino's presence.

But for Fujino, this was a minor issue.

A signed poster of Yoko Okino and a bottle of high-end whiskey worth 10,000 yen, and Mouri Kogoro was won over!

Thus, Fujino successfully had dinner as a guest.

Ran's cooking was excellent, reminding Fujino of his mother's taste.

With good food and drink, Fujino and Kogoro had a great time.

After finishing a bottle of sake, Kogoro, excited, even became sworn brothers with Fujino.

That night, in front of the Mouri Detective Agency.

Drunk Kogoro waved to Fujino, who was heading home, shouting, "Fujino, little brother!"

"Dad!"

Ran supported Kogoro, complaining, "I told you to drink less, but you wouldn't listen!"

"Now senpai saw your embarrassing state!"

"What drink less? Senpai is my little brother!"

Kogoro, blushing, educated Ran, "You must call him uncle!"

"Enough! I don't care about you!"

Ran huffed and left Kogoro outside.

Yet, Kogoro still enthusiastically shouted at Fujino, "Fujino, little brother! Come again next time!"

"I will, Mouri old brother."

Fujino waved back and headed to the four-story building opposite the Mouri Detective Agency.

(End of Chapter)