Shinichi watches her, a strange uncomfortable feeling -- regret? -- surfacing. If he were Kaito, he might be able to tease her out of this distance, then steal the secret in an guarded moment. Aoko would offer steady, uncomplicated friendship and perhaps some tea. Shinichi wasn't even there and while he has guesses, the facts elude him for the moment.

It is always hard to withdraw back to being merely an acquaintance -- and for once Shinichi is in no mood to do what delicacy demands.

"Ran." He joins her at the bookcase, before she can turn away. They are closer than propriety would allow though he doesn't look at her but the row of notebooks, not touching them but letting his gaze speak for him. "Tell me?"