(Hug) ☆
While Jiang Xia and Suzuki Sonoko were each lost in complicated thoughts, playing a mental game of spot the differences.
Across from them, Kid happened to look up and suddenly caught sight of Jiang Xia beside Suzuki Sonoko. Seeing the detective's face clearly, Kid's smile stiffened slightly.
—Before getting closer, Kid really hadn't noticed Jiang Xia was there too.
He had met this Great Detective only briefly before, but despite the short encounter, Kid had been deeply impressed by Jiang Xia.
Because the last time he had leaped between buildings, Jiang Xia had crashed into him while riding a leopard.
Back then, Kid had discovered that Jiang Xia actually knew his true identity. And apparently Mist Tengu had been the one to leak it... Who knew how Jiang Xia had gotten involved with a monster in the first place?
Kid: "..." Although Jiang Xia himself had said that he was merely "naturally liked by small animals."
But no matter how Kid thought about it, neither the Black Panther nor Mist Tengu could possibly be classified as a "small animal." His instincts also told him that this detective was a little strange.
And today, Kid had never expected that while out shopping with his childhood friend, he would suddenly run into Jiang Xia.
When their eyes met, Jiang Xia's gaze fell on Kid, as though he were about to greet him.
But a moment later, he seemed to realize something. In the end, he said nothing, merely standing to the side as though he did not know him.
Kid kept his smile in place, but inwardly he heaved a huge sigh of relief. ...Thank goodness. For a moment, I was really afraid Jiang Xia would zone out and blurt, "Hello, Kid."
If that happened, everything would be over.