Chapter 85: Something is Wrong

"Wow~ I'm so moved. The emotional scenes in this drama were so well portrayed!"

"Indeed, indeed, I was moved too."

Suzuki Sonoko and Mouri Ran, who had just watched the movie, exited Oda Ema's cinema, marveling at the film's emotional moments.

Both girls' eyes were somewhat red.

Judging by their emotional expressions, it was clear they were deeply touched by Oda Ema's film.

"Isn't it just a story about a mistress breaking up a family? I really don't get what's so great about it."

Conan crossed his hands behind his head and complained loudly.

However, as soon as he finished speaking, both girls turned to glare at him simultaneously.

"Kid, what do you know?!"

Suzuki Sonoko stepped forward angrily, stretched out her fingers, and firmly pressed them against Conan's forehead.

"What mistress? That's called deep affection—don't you understand?"

"Besides, the woman standing between the hero and heroine is the man's wife, who clearly doesn't even love him!"

After Suzuki Sonoko loudly corrected him, she seemed to realize it was pointless to explain such things to an elementary schooler.

So, she said helplessly, "Forget it. I don't even know why I'm wasting my breath on you."

"Kid, you've never been in love, so don't meddle in adult affairs."

---

"Pfft—"

Sera Masumi, standing nearby, chuckled, then noticed Akikawa Kyousuke watching the scene with an expression of disbelief.

Her smile disappeared instantly.

Suzuki Sonoko, who had been scolding Conan, noticed Akikawa Kyousuke's disdainful look and was immediately startled.

"Oh! It's Mr. Akikawa! Did you also watch the movie directed by Oda just now? What a coincidence!"

"Yes, what a coincidence."

Akikawa Kyousuke set aside his earlier disbelief and responded with a smile to the second daughter of the Suzuki Consortium.

"Since we've run into each other, let's explore together! I didn't even get to properly introduce myself to you yesterday!"

When Misaki Itakura heard Suzuki Sonoko's suggestion, she immediately recalled Okino Yoko's reminder from the previous day: she should limit interactions with Suzuki Sonoko, Mouri Ran, and their circle in the future.

Worried Akikawa Kyousuke might agree, she quickly stepped in, saying:

"Sorry, Miss Suzuki, but Mr. Akikawa and I were just heading to Exhibition Hall B-2 to catch a movie I directed. I believe it's on the schedule."

Misaki Itakura tactfully declined.

However, Suzuki Sonoko seemed very surprised by Itakura Misaki's words:

"Really?! What a coincidence! We were also heading to Exhibition Hall B-2! And your movie is exactly the one we planned to watch!"

After saying this, Suzuki Sonoko turned to Mouri Ran.

"Right, Ran?"

Mouri Ran nodded, confirming Suzuki Sonoko's statement.

Misaki Itakura: "…"

Misaki Itakura was speechless.

She had hoped that explaining their plans would avoid overlapping with Suzuki Sonoko.

But she hadn't expected such a coincidence, where their schedules matched perfectly.

Moreover, since it was Suzuki Sonoko's invitation that allowed them to attend the film festival, Itakura Misaki felt too embarrassed to refuse again.

After confirming their schedules aligned, the group began walking toward Exhibition Hall B-2.

---

"By the way, Mr. Akikawa, what did you think of the movie just now?"

On their way to Exhibition Hall B-2, Suzuki Sonoko curiously asked Akikawa Kyousuke.

"The heroine's acting skills are outstanding, especially during her heartbreak and her inner struggle after regaining hope. All of it was impressive."

Akikawa Kyousuke slightly simplified Misaki Itakura's earlier evaluation and responded to Suzuki Sonoko's question.

After hearing this, Suzuki Sonoko felt as if she'd found a kindred spirit.

"Exactly! That's what I said! Everyone agrees after watching it!"

After Suzuki Sonoko said this, she didn't forget to turn and look at Conan.

"Did you hear that, kid?!"

"Tsk."

Conan clicked his tongue lightly, unimpressed by Suzuki Sonoko's smug expression.

He had never thought Akikawa Kyousuke, who usually stayed home watching movies all day, could share her tastes.

Conan also thought people who enjoyed such cheesy and dull plots were either women or immature students.

Thus, he lost interest in arguing further with Suzuki Sonoko.

He didn't even feel like talking to Akikawa Kyousuke.

'Judging by her history, Sonoko's taste in men is terrible anyway.'

'I bet this Akikawa guy will cause some drama soon, and then I'll steer clear of him.'

Conan complained silently, tuning out Suzuki Sonoko's chatter as he reflected on yesterday's case.

'Now it seems likely that if Kosaka Tsunekazu's cause of death was indeed asphyxiation, it was probably accidental.'

'But a forensic autopsy will take at least a week to confirm. Hopefully, the cause matches my conclusions.'

Since there were no clear clues at the scene, the investigation had reached a deadlock.

However, Conan still hoped it was just an accident.

If it turned out to be murder, things would become far more complicated.

While Conan pondered in silence, Akikawa Kyousuke and the others finished exploring Exhibition Hall B-2.

They then moved on to visit Ryo Sogabe's personal exhibition space.

After about 20 minutes in Ryo Sogabe's exhibit, the next screening of his movie was about to begin.

The group followed the crowd to the screening room.

Typically, the director gives a speech before the movie begins.

However, after waiting nearly ten minutes, Ryo Sogabe failed to appear.

As time passed, there was still no sign of him.

Five minutes later, the theater announced the screening had been canceled and asked everyone to remain seated.

The audience erupted into complaints about the poor experience.

"Something's wrong," Sera Masumi whispered to Conan.

"Yeah. Let's go check it out."

Conan and Sera Masumi stood simultaneously and began running toward the back of the exhibition hall.

Suzuki Sonoko and Mouri Ran stayed seated, confused about what was happening.

Moments later, Mouri Ran's phone vibrated.

When she pulled it out and glanced at the screen, her face instantly turned pale as she covered her mouth in shock.

Akikawa Kyousuke, seated next to Suzuki Sonoko, overheard Mouri Ran whispering to Suzuki Sonoko:

"Sera just said the director was found dead in his exhibition hall."

(End of chapter)