"Curly-Haired Fox, you're done for," Eri Kisaki gloated. "You actually wore the same dress as a big star."
"Oh no…" Yukiko Fujimine's eyes widened as the realization hit, panic setting in. "What do I do? Why did I pick this dress?"
"It's just the same dress," Kogoro Mouri said, puzzled. "Why the fuss?"
"Imagine you and Alex show up to an event in matching outfits by accident," Eri said. "How would you feel?"
"That'd just prove our brotherly bond—same taste in clothes!" Kogoro grinned, slinging an arm around Alex's neck. "Right, Alex?"
"That's a guy thing," Eri said, rolling her eyes. "For women, clashing outfits at an event like this is mortifying. People will compare you."
"Isn't it just whoever's less attractive that gets embarrassed?" Alex asked, eyeing his "free maid" curiously. "Yukiko looks great. What's there to panic about?"
"She's up against an American superstar," Eri said with a mocking grin. "The media won't dare roast a celebrity, so who do you think they'll mock? Congrats, Curly-Haired Fox, you're about to be famous!"
"…I-I'm not going!" Yukiko wailed, turning to leave.
"Wait," Alex said, grabbing her arm. "Is it really that bad?"
Yukiko nodded pitifully.
"You guys go in," Alex said, thinking quickly. "I'm gonna grab some stuff." He headed toward a nearby convenience store.
To attend tonight's event, Yukiko had even agreed to be his "free maid" for a month—mostly a playful bet, but it showed how much the event meant to her. As her friend, Alex didn't want to see her crushed.
"Tch, always playing the nice guy," Eri muttered but didn't stop him.
"Alex, use the side entrance later," Officer Megure called after him, ushering the other three inside.
Yukiko hesitated, then decided to trust Alex and followed the group into Mihua City Hall.
At the convenience store, Alex grabbed everything he needed. His solution to the wardrobe clash was simple: alter the dress.
Back at the izakaya, Yukiko had shown off her impressive sewing skills, transforming their work uniforms with ease. Modifying an evening gown should be no problem for her.
With supplies in hand, Alex headed to the city hall's side entrance, guarded by a police officer. Nearby, someone stood smoking, their face obscured.
Alex explained his situation, and the officer said, "Wait for Officer Megure from First Investigation. He'll take you both in."
Both?
Alex turned, and the smoker looked his way. "We meet again, Alex."
It was the bespectacled young man Alex had met at the community park—Yusaku Kudo.
"Officer Megure mentioned Chief Odagiri had called in a friend to help," Alex said, piecing it together. "That's you?"
"I'm just here for the fun," Yusaku said, extinguishing his cigarette and walking over. "With the police's tight security for an event this big, nothing should go wrong. Plus, I'm hoping to pitch my novel for a movie."
"Isn't Night Baron selling well?" Alex asked casually. "It'll get adapted eventually. Why rush?"
"It's my proudest work," Yusaku explained. "I don't want anyone meddling with the adaptation, so I'm aiming to pick the director and actors myself."
"Well, good luck with that," Alex said.
Just then, Megure emerged. "Alex, who's this?"
"Yusaku Kudo, Chief Odagiri's contact," Alex introduced.
"Thanks for helping out, Mr. Kudo," Megure said politely, leading them inside. "The first floor's been turned into a reception hall. After the press conference, the stars and directors will mingle here to discuss collaborations. That's our main focus for security."
"But don't worry too much," he added. "The police are here as a precaution. Lately, though, Mihua's crime rate has spiked for some reason…"
Megure trailed off, a twinge of guilt in his voice. The crime surge had started after he joined the force, and he couldn't help wondering if there was a connection.
The spacious hall was sparsely populated, mostly with staff setting up the buffet. Alex quickly spotted his three companions. Yukiko noticed him and hurried over.
The moment Yusaku saw her, his eyes lit up, as if he'd seen his dream girl. He froze, starstruck.
As Yukiko approached, he snapped out of it and greeted her politely. "Miss, I'm Yusaku Kudo. It's a pleasure—"
"Hi," Yukiko cut him off, barely paying attention. Her only concern was fixing her dress issue. Turning to Alex, she asked anxiously, "Well?"
"I got everything. It's up to you now," Alex said, handing her the bag.
Yukiko peeked inside, saw the needle and thread, and grinned, catching his plan. "To the lounge!"
She grabbed Alex's hand and dragged him toward a side corridor.
"That was Yusaku Kudo," Alex said as they rushed off. "Didn't you want his autograph?"
"Don't care who he is!" Yukiko huffed. "I just want to fix this dress."
Yusaku stared after them, his gaze fixed on their joined hands. As they disappeared, he sighed regretfully. "One step too late."
In a nearby corner, Eri watched them leave, her face dark. Kogoro, standing beside her, hesitated before offering a photo.
"Eri, you like this star, right? You could get it signed—"
"No!" Eri snapped, her eyes locked on Alex, teeth gritted.
Kogoro scratched his head, deflated. He stared at the photo, then, as if resolving something, crumpled it into a ball…
(Chapter End)
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