It was an ordinary Saturday.
For most people, anyway.
But for a select few, the day held a different significance.
Take Shinichi Kudo, for example.
Today was the day he had promised to accompany Ran to Tropical Land, a celebration of her recent karate championship victory. So, he, who usually slept in on weekends, was up early, having already showered, heated his milk, and made toast for breakfast.
Of course, his promptness was largely due to Kaede's gentle prodding.
The truth was, Ran was far more excited about this outing than Shinichi.
Even as Shinichi ate, Ran's cheerful voice could be heard outside the Kudo residence.
"Shinichi, are you up yet?"
"So loud! Can't I have a little peace and quiet in the morning?" Shinichi grumbled, walking out with toast in his mouth and milk in hand, trying to hide his embarrassment at being late.
He opened the door and ushered Ran inside. Under her watchful eye, he quickly finished his breakfast.
Kaede, already dressed, came down the stairs.
"Oh? Kaede's going too?" Ran asked, surprised.
"Kaede's just tagging along. She'll be on her own once we get to the park," Shinichi explained.
"Oh, I see," Ran replied. She was typically gentle, but this time she didn't suggest Kaede join them. Some things were best left unsaid.
"I haven't been to Tropical Land since it opened," Kaede said with a smile. "And since my brother's paying for everything, it would be a waste not to go. You two have fun; don't worry about me."
"Well, Shinichi, hurry up," Ran urged, smiling at Kaede. "It'll be crowded if we're late."
"I know, I know," Shinichi grumbled, though he moved faster. "Ran, why are you in such a rush? It's only eight o'clock, and the park doesn't open until 8:30."
Soon, Shinichi was ready, and the three of them left the Kudo residence, heading to the tram station for Tropical Land.
After locking up his office and hanging a "closed" sign, Akira Yumiya casually strolled downstairs.
The building housed his father's detective agency. Akira would soon inherit the property. The second floor was the office, the third floor their living quarters.
The first floor was a convenience store, owned by someone else who lived nearby in Beika-cho 3-chome.
Akira entered the "Ohara Convenience Store," bought two loaves of bread and a carton of juice, and his breakfast was sorted.
He checked his phone. It was exactly nine o'clock.
"There's no set time for the incident in the original story," he thought. "Guess I'll just have to get there early."
With a plan in mind, Akira headed for the tram station.
Arriving at Tropical Land, Akira Yumiya surveyed the crowd of families and couples. Feeling a pang of loneliness, he muttered, "Maybe I came too early…"
But he was here now. No point in going back. He decided to wander around.
He didn't try any of the rides, but he did acquire some fried chicken and a cone.
"Expensive, but good," he mused, savoring the sweet taste of the cone. His earlier melancholy began to dissipate.
As he walked aimlessly, he spotted a familiar figure.
"Huh? She's here too… which means…" Akira glanced around.
"Wait… Shinichi and Ran aren't with her. She's alone?"
Intrigued, Akira approached. "Isn't this Kudo-san?"
Kaede looked up, a flicker of surprise in her eyes. Her brow furrowed slightly, then she replied smoothly, "Yumiya-san. What a coincidence. Are you by yourself?"
"Why do you ask? Of course, I'm alone," Akira thought wryly. Aloud, he said with a smile, "Yes, I heard this newly opened park is fun, and the food is supposed to be good. I thought I'd check it out. The desserts are excellent." He gestured to his half-eaten cone.
Kaede's expression shifted for a moment before she quickly masked it with a smile. "Actually, I came with my brother, but… it's their date. I didn't want to intrude. I also wanted to see what the park was like."
Akira smiled. "Really? What a coincidence! Well, since we've run into each other, why don't we explore together? To be honest, seeing everyone in couples and families makes me feel a bit awkward on my own." He rubbed his nose, feigning embarrassment.
You know you'll be a third wheel, but you came anyway, Akira thought. Your excuse is similar to mine… I'm here for the case. I want to see what you're up to.
"Oh? Well…" Kaede hesitated.
"Is something the matter?" Akira asked.
"No, not really…" Kaede replied, unable to come up with a good excuse.
"Come on," Akira pressed. "It's more fun with company."
"…Okay," Kaede finally agreed.
"Great!" Akira's smile widened.
They strolled through the park, playing a few games and chatting casually.
Akira noticed that they both gravitated toward the roller coaster or areas with a clear view of it.
His occasional glances at Kaede became increasingly thoughtful.
After one of the games, Akira nudged Kaede with his elbow. When she looked at him questioningly, he smiled and pointed in a specific direction.