"Thank you for your support. You've worked hard."
A very gentle and clear voice.
Even with her eyes closed, she could tell—it belonged to a handsome man!
Holding the freshly bought books, Sonoko Suzuki's heart pounded faster as the line in front of her grew shorter and shorter.
It would be her turn soon!
Sonoko could barely contain her excitement.
Finally, after the fan in front of her received their autograph and walked away, Sonoko stepped up to the signing table.
"Hello," the man greeted with a warm smile.
Haruki.
So handsome!!!!!!
Sonoko screamed internally, nearly losing her grip on the books. She had never seen a boy like this—exquisitely refined to an almost otherworldly degree.
His black hair shimmered with a soft luster. That gentle, sweet smile on his lips paired with a face that was... breathtaking. Not feminine, not overly delicate—just beautiful, like a flawless landscape that drew the word "beautiful" from your lips before you even realized it.
Was he a fairy? An elf?!
If he hadn't been wearing a shirt and suit, Sonoko would've sworn he was a character pulled straight from one of her fantasy romance novels.
"Please, please sign for me!"
"Okay. But… did you really buy this many copies?" Haruki asked with a chuckle.
"Yes! I'm a loyal fan!"
"Thank you," he replied sincerely, taking the stack of six books from her hands.
Before he began signing, he smiled again. "Sorry… my right hand is a bit tired. Is it okay if I sign with my left? Don't worry, the handwriting should still be quite decent."
In truth, Haruki had trained himself to write fluently with his left hand in case he ever needed to use the Death Note discreetly.
To Sonoko, though, his explanation only made him more appealing. So dedicated!
"Yes, of course, go ahead!" she replied eagerly.
"Alright."
Haruki quickly and neatly signed all six copies. Out of caution, as always, he subtly altered two strokes in his signature to prevent any traceable writing that could be misused. Fans chalked it up to artistic flair.
"Here you go—all done."
"Thank you!"
"You're welcome. Thanks again for your support. Standing in line must have been tiring. I've placed some of my favorite candies here—please feel free to take some and try them."
Mmm mmm mmm!!!
Spoken to in such a gentle tone, Sonoko felt giddy, like she was floating. She quickly grabbed a few candies and stepped aside, heart still fluttering.
Next up was her best friend, Ran Mouri. She hadn't really cared for the signing event and had just come along to accompany Sonoko.
"Hello…" Ran murmured as she awkwardly placed her book on the table.
"Hmm, nice to meet you… Is it okay if I call you Ran?"
"Eh?"
Ran blinked, startled. Sonoko, who was standing beside her, widened her eyes in shock. And behind them, Shinichi Kudo immediately grew wary.
Fortunately, Haruki quickly followed up with a smile. "Were you surprised? Actually, Eri and I are relatives, so I know who you are."
"Mom's…"
"Oh, I suppose that makes me your cousin."
"Really?!"
Sonoko, more reactive than Ran, practically jumped in place. A cousin! If Haruki was Ran's cousin, maybe Sonoko had a real chance now?
Ran, though intrigued, didn't dwell on it. Since the line behind her was still long, she accepted the signed copy and moved aside without lingering.
Then came Shinichi Kudo.
And from the look on his face—he was not pleased.
"Your book isn't bad, but there's something in The Murder in the House of the Stranger that I don't get."
He didn't wait for a reply before launching in. "Wakaba wants to elope with Ryuichi, who's impersonating Odagiri, right? But why commit a murder? It seems unnecessary. If they're eloping, killing someone just adds complications. Doesn't that work against their goal?"
"Shinichi…"
Ran tugged lightly at his sleeve, embarrassed by his blunt critique. To her, it looked a lot like petty jealousy.
Haruki, understanding the layers behind Shinichi's attitude, simply smiled—completely unfazed.
"You're right, Kudo-kun. But think of it this way:" he said calmly."Ryuichi's revenge list included his own biological father. Wakaba, pleading for her father's life, might have been willing to do anything to spare him. Ryuichi could've taken advantage of that, pretending to agree just to get her cooperation. Doesn't that make more sense?"
Shinichi paused. "I see."
He took his signed book and walked away without another word.
Ran lingered for just a moment. She seemed like she wanted to say goodbye, but the assistant was already guiding them toward the exit.
So, she simply offered Haruki a gentle wave.
And he returned it—with the same calm, unreadable smile.
Haruki also waved back.
But with the line still stretching long, he quickly refocused.
A three-hour autograph session was no joke—it was exhausting.
Throughout the event, Asamiya Nanae, the editor from the publishing house, checked in frequently, concerned about his stamina. She had even insisted he take short breaks to rest.
By the time the signing finally wound down, it was nearly 7 p.m.
Only a dozen or so fans remained in the queue when another stepped forward.
"You've worked hard, Haruki-sensei. Please sign for me."
"Of course. Thank you for your support," Haruki replied warmly, taking the book from her hands.
But as he did, he noticed something… off.
The fan was wearing oversized sunglasses and a surgical mask. Odd, but not unheard of. What drew his attention more was her voice—it sounded strangely familiar.
Before he could place it, the assistant beside him leaned in and murmured with a hint of disbelief, "Yoko-san… Okino?"
"What? Yoko Okino?!"
"Isn't she that idol?!"
A ripple of excitement spread through the bookstore.
Of course—Yoko Okino, the nation's most beloved idol. She was adored by fans of all genders and ages alike. Her presence immediately electrified the atmosphere.
Realizing she'd been recognized, Yoko Okino chuckled softly and pulled off her sunglasses and mask, revealing her radiant face. She gestured for those nearby to settle down and assured them she'd happily sign autographs for everyone afterward.
Then, like any ordinary fan, she turned to Haruki with an open, cheerful smile, waiting patiently.
"It's my pleasure," Haruki said, smiling as he signed her book.
Even as he penned his name neatly onto the flyleaf, his sharp eyes picked up on something across the room—someone taking photos. The angle and setup were too precise to be spontaneous. That photographer had been planted in position well before this moment.
Haruki didn't let on. He simply noted the detail and continued.
When the final fan left and the event wrapped up, Asamiya Nanae approached with a bottle of water.
"You've worked hard, Haruki-sensei."
"Thanks. I'm just glad everything went smoothly," Haruki replied, taking a sip.
Asamiya gave a knowing smile. "A top idol is a fan of your books. How does that feel?"
Haruki glanced over. Yoko Okino was now surrounded by fans, patiently signing for them, her expression as kind and composed as ever. Beside her stood a man—calm and efficient—gently managing the crowd and guiding people in an orderly manner.
Haruki's eyes narrowed slightly before turning back to Asamiya.
"Honestly… a little embarrassed. I didn't expect the publishing house to invite Yoko-san Okino."
"Wait—how did you know she was invited?" Asamiya asked, genuinely surprised.
Haruki gave a slight shrug. "It's odd, isn't it? An idol like her traveling discreetly with her manager, and yet not stopping someone who's been photographing from the shadows this whole time? The manager didn't even flinch. That wasn't just coincidence."
Asamiya blinked, visibly impressed.
"So you noticed all of that…"
Before their conversation could continue, the crowd around Yoko Okino dispersed slightly, and a man stepped forward.
He was composed, sharp-eyed, and dressed in a clean-cut business suit. He held out a business card with a polite bow.
"Hello. I'm Yamagishi Sakae, Yoko's manager."