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Chapter 191 - Chapter 191: You Are So Stubborn, Ms. Miyano Shiho

[Subject: Michiwaki Masahiko][Cause of Death: Electrocution][Details: On the evening of August 27 at 18:41, while preparing to attack a new target in the woods around Wawu Hotel, he was accidentally discovered by two men.][He used a knife to injure one of them from the shoulder to the chest, and was knocked unconscious immediately afterwards.][After being arrested by the police, he died of electric shock on September 11.]

Being injured was the result of Hayashi Yoshiki's deliberate planning—Because it would prove useful later.

Kyogoku Makoto had done a great job bandaging the wound. The dressing didn't hinder mobility, but the pain persisted.

"Are you sure you're okay, Yoshiki-nii?""It looks painful just seeing it..."

Mōri Ran and Suzuki Sonoko both looked concerned.

They hadn't expected to encounter something so dangerous during a simple beach trip—especially Sonoko, who thought that if she hadn't insisted on going, maybe Yoshiki wouldn't have been hurt.

And that guy—Kyogoku Makoto!

Why did Yoshiki go out with him? Did he want to pick a fight because of some jealousy over Ran?

If that were true, then he should be held most responsible!

Clenching her fists, Sonoko glared with fiery eyes.

At that moment, Kyogoku Makoto entered the room.

"Dinner is ready. Please come and eat, everyone."

"Hmph!"

Sonoko snorted as soon as she saw him.

Kyogoku was left speechless, sensing a chill in the air.

Ran turned to Hayashi Yoshiki, her delicate brows furrowed.

"But in this condition, using tableware might be difficult..."

"I'll stay and look after Yoshiki-nii," said Haibara Ai calmly.

She had always called him "Yoshiki-nii" in front of others, though her tone was often far more mature than her age suggested.

"You guys go eat first, and bring something back after."

Ran and the others hesitated, but after Hayashi Yoshiki encouraged them, they eventually got up and left with Conan.

Only Ai remained, gazing at him.

"Worried about me?"

"…I just told you this afternoon—I wish you'd be more careful."

With her hands behind her back, her expression remained composed.

Instinctively, Hayashi Yoshiki tried to raise his right hand to pat her head—but the pain stopped him.

Ai noticed.

And that was enough to make her calm gaze falter.

"Ah, sorry," Hayashi chuckled.

"See? I can't even pat your head properly with my right hand anymore. Lesson learned."

"…Use your left hand," she said softly.

"Right."He reached out with his left and gently patted her head.

With her hands still behind her back, Ai averted her gaze slightly—perhaps out of embarrassment.

But as he paused, she turned back toward him.

"Don't let the wound get wet in the next few days. It'll scab soon, so apply medicine when we get home."

"Understood."

"No spicy food."

"Got it."

They both went quiet.

Watching him smile with that familiar ease, Haibara Ai had no more to say.

"How was your trip today?" he asked.

"…It was okay."

"Did you have fun?"

"…"

"…See, this is the time when you should smile."

He raised his uninjured hand and poked the corner of her mouth—Only half her mouth curled up. It looked silly.

So, smiling, Yoshiki forced himself to lift his injured arm and tugged up the other side of her mouth.

"…Are you stupid?"

"I don't really like that word," he replied playfully.

"Idiot."

"You're really stubborn, Ms. Miyano Shiho."

When he pulled his hand back, Ai finally smiled faintly.

She said nothing. Instead, she walked over, poured him a glass of water, and let him pat her head again—this time without complaint.

Later that night, Kyogoku Makoto hadn't gone to bed yet.

Hayashi Yoshiki, stepping outside for some fresh air, happened to meet him in the hotel courtyard.

Or rather, it didn't feel like a coincidence.

"What did you mean earlier?" Kyogoku asked.

"Which part?"

"You said getting too close to them might put them in danger. What did you mean? Are you in trouble?"

Yoshiki was quiet.

Kyogoku looked at him with firm eyes.

"You're a good person, Hayashi-san. You're gentle. I saw that today—You pushed that girl aside without hesitation, even though you got hurt. Then you smiled to comfort her…"

He clenched his fists.

"I like Sonoko. But it's obvious she likes you."

"If you're stepping back because of some danger, it makes me feel like I'm just swooping in. Even aside from Sonoko, you're someone worth worrying about."

What a passionate guy, Hayashi thought.

Just like Kudō Shinichi or Hattori Heiji, always rushing to help others.

"I appreciate it, Kyogoku-san." He smiled.

"But this isn't something I can share. Not yet."

"Nothing I can help with?"

"…No."

Kyogoku didn't press him.

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