[Year: 2016
18th April
Time: 10:00 Am
Shinagawa international school]

In the bustling gym class, amidst the clatter of weights and the energetic chatter of classmates, Kai and Kavei found themselves partnered up for the day's exercise. As they lifted barbells together, their conversation drifted towards the recent news about the missing boy, Daichi.

"The case that was addressed yesterday was actually about what happened to your friend, right?" Kai broached the sensitive topic, his voice tinged with concern.

"Yeah, that's right. Daichi still hasn't been found, huh?" Kavei responded, his tone somber.

Kai nodded. "The search is still ongoing," he confirmed.

Kavei's expression remained neutral as he processed Kai's words. "Hm," was all he offered in response.

"But Kavei," Kai pressed on, "do you think the same as well?"

Kavei raised an eyebrow, prompting Kai to clarify. "About the incident five years ago with Aroshi-san. Do you think it's connected to what's happening now?"

Kavei sighed, contemplating Kai's question. "I don't know," he admitted. "It became a huge deal because Aroshi's parents were rich and managed to mobilize a massive search effort, but she still wasn't found."

"Yeah, but it doesn't seem like a straightforward kidnapping," Kai mused.

"You're right. Her parents didn't receive any ransom demands or letters," Kavei agreed.

"So, what do you think it could be?" Kai asked, his voice laced with a hint of unease.

Kavei shrugged, trying to shake off the unsettling thoughts. "Some kind of crazy person, maybe," he suggested.

Kai's eyes widened in alarm. "That's terrifying," he remarked.

"Why? Do you think it was a cult or the Yakuza?" Kavei quipped, attempting to lighten the mood.

Kai chuckled nervously. "I mean, why not?" he responded, though his tone betrayed his discomfort.

Kavei shook his head, deciding to change the subject. "Forget it," he said dismissively, not wanting to delve further into speculation.

Their conversation was interrupted by the gym teacher's sarcastic remark. "The two boys in the back. Will you finish the exercise today?" he called out, reminding them to focus on the task at hand.

As they resumed their workout, the weight of uncertainty lingered in the air, casting a shadow over their thoughts. The mystery surrounding Aroshi's disappearance, along with the recent case of Daichi, hung heavily on their minds, leaving them with more questions than answers.

[Year: 2016
Date: 18th April
Time: 7:40 pm
Scene: Kavei's house]

As the evening settled in, a gentle knock echoed through Kavei's modest home. He rose from his seat, dressed in his nightgown, and padded over to the door. With a courteous bow, he welcomed the visitor and handed him a glass of water before accepting the letter addressed to him.

"Thank you, Kavei-kun," the man said gratefully, taking the glass.

"It's nothing at all. You work hard all day," Kavei replied with a small smile. "Oh, wait! Come in."

The man hesitated briefly before accepting the invitation, stepping inside the cozy abode. Kavei hurried into the kitchen and returned with a bag of berries, offering it to the man.

"What is this?" the man asked, surprised.

"Berries. I bought some today. Please, take some," Kavei insisted.

The man's face lit up with gratitude. "Oh, thank you so much."

Kavei waved him off with a casual gesture. "Alright then. Off you go."

"It's a good decision to drop by your place at the end. So refreshing. Thanks again!" the man exclaimed before bidding Kavei farewell.

"Sure, sure," Kavei replied, locking the door behind him.

Settling back onto the tatami mat in the hall, Kavei carefully opened the envelope, revealing a letter addressed to him from someone named Miss Haibara. He furrowed his brow in confusion as he began to read.

"Dear Kavei, how are you doing? I hope you are well. How are your friends doing? Kenma, Ojiro, Narito... And your studies?"

Kavei's heart skipped a beat at the mention of his friends' names. "Kenma... who is this person?" he mumbled to himself, his mind racing with questions as he continued reading.

"I and my husband are still worried about you all. You must be around fourteen right now. Things are not going very well here. But we are healthy at least. To be honest, Kavei, we are still looking for our daughter. After we came back home, we just couldn't believe that she is gone forever. And as a parent, something tells me she is still out there somewhere... So, Kavei, if you get any wind of her, you will have to tell me. My number is still the same. And Grandmother is doing well. Don't worry about her. The doctor says she is going to live longer than she looks. Hoping to hear from you again."

"Aroshi's mother,
Haibara..."

Kavei's hands trembled slightly as he finished reading the letter. Aroshi's mother... Why was she contacting him now, after all this time? And what did she mean by saying Aroshi might still be out there? His mind swirled with confusion and uncertainty.

Without hesitation, Kavei stood up and dialed the number he had memorized long ago, his heart pounding in his chest as he waited for someone to answer on the other end of the line. After a few rings, a familiar voice answered on the other end of the line.

"Hello?" Kavei said tentatively.

"Hello. Who is this?" Aroshi's mother asked.

"K-kavei. I am Kavei.. Miss Haibara?" he replied nervously.

"Kavei-kun... So you received my letter..." Haibara's voice carried a mix of relief and sadness.

"You could have called me. How are you doing?" Kavei inquired, trying to maintain a calm tone despite the turmoil of emotions swirling within him.

"Hah.. after losing our daughter.. I don't think there is much to hear from me.. How are you doing?" Haibara responded, her voice tinged with sorrow.

"Oh. I am alright," Kavei replied, though he knew his words rang hollow.

"Kavei-kun, I know I am going to sound very rude, but... Can you help me look for Aroshi one last time?" Haibara's request hung heavy in the air, laden with desperation.

"Not at all. I will do what I can. Only because you are her mother and what you wrote in the letter earlier is a little strange.." Kavei agreed reluctantly, his sense of duty outweighing his doubts.

"I understand. Thank you so much, Kavei-kun," Haibara expressed her gratitude, her voice trembling with emotion.

"But you of all people... Did you see me on television?" Kavei couldn't help but inquire, his curiosity getting the better of him.

"Oh. I saw the news on my husband's phone," Haibara replied, her tone betraying a sense of detachment.

"That's why... Hm... I'll do what I can. Don't worry," Kavei reassured her, his determination firm despite the uncertainties ahead.

"Thank you. How are the others?" Haibara inquired, shifting the focus of the conversation.

"Others? Oh. You mean Kenma and the boys?" Kavei clarified, his mind momentarily drifting back to his former companions.

"Yes. And your family..." Haibara's concern for Kavei's well-being was evident in her voice.

"Hah.. I left the Turners years back... And I am also not in touch with the boys..." Kavei's admission carried a hint of melancholy, underscoring the rifts that had formed over time.

"Oh. A lot happened while we were gone," Haibara remarked, acknowledging the passage of time and the changes it had wrought.

"How is Granny?" Kavei's voice softened as he inquired about Aroshi's grandmother, a figure who had always held a special place in his heart.

"Like I said. Healthy. She misses you and the boys. And often asks about Aroshi. I always get away with the same excuse..." Haibara's words trailed off, revealing the weight of guilt she carried.

"Don't worry, ma'am. We'll find a way through it... Actually... even I, for one... don't buy it that she... is dead..." Kavei confessed, his voice trembling with emotion.

"Right, right? I am telling you! My daughter is alive!!" Haibara's sudden outburst startled Kavei, sending a shiver down his spine.

"C-calm down..." Kavei urged, his concern evident in his tone.

"Oh. S-sorry. Did I scare you, Kavei..?" Haibara's voice wavered with remorse.

"It's okay... I'll call you if I find anything," Kavei reassured her, his voice steady despite the tumult of emotions swirling within him.

"Yes, please. I'd appreciate that," Haibara responded gratefully, her tone softening.

"Bye," Kavei bid her farewell, his heart heavy with uncertainty.

"Bye, child," Haibara replied, her voice filled with longing and hope.

As Kavei ended the call, he couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered in the air. With a heavy heart, he resolved to do whatever it took to unravel the mystery surrounding Aroshi's disappearance and bring closure to her grieving family.

Next: Main Case Mini Arc