Chapter 24 - Detective Fujihara Chika

Note: if you want us to continue translate this story and to get access to +20 advance Chapters or you can purchase the full story from Patreon shop I hope to support us on Patreon.com/flokixy without your support we can't continue 💜

Hotel Room

Not long after Fujihara Toru had left, Hirasaka Shizuka reached out to turn on the bedside lamp. She propped herself up into a half-sitting position.

Just as Fujihara had suspected, though she had consumed quite a bit of alcohol, she wasn't completely drunk—just feeling slightly uncomfortable.

Hirasaka couldn't explain why she had acted this way. In the past, she had never pulled such calculated moves on any man.

Leaning against the headboard, she stared blankly at the ceiling light.

Reflecting on her life over the past twenty-some years, it was almost laughable—if not pitiable.

During her school days, she had been brash and arrogant, showing no interest in boys her age or even considering romance. She valued independence above all else.

While her peers and friends were busy dating, she dismissed their relationships with disdain, often lecturing them about the pitfalls of love.

Her student years had been carefree. There had been no shortage of suitors, but she rejected them all with confidence.

However, once she entered society, something shifted. Whether due to age or biological instinct, Hirasaka suddenly found herself yearning for romance.

But by then, she realized that most men in society were either too opportunistic—lusting after her beauty—or greedy for her family's wealth. To her, they seemed either oily or insincere.

Years passed in this manner. Now, at twenty-six or twenty-seven, she began to feel a growing sense of panic—a fear that she might never marry.

If only she'd dated back in college when people were simpler, more genuine.

Especially now, as a teacher, she saw the passion and vibrancy of high school students. Compared to adults in society, the contrast was stark—it made her despair. Finding a boyfriend felt like an impossible dream.

But today, luck seemed to smile upon her.

She met a handsome Tokyo University student—someone untainted by society, thoughtful, and respectful. Even when faced with her "drunken" state, he hadn't taken advantage of her.

Looking at the milk carton and trash bin by the bed, recalling how he turned off the lights before leaving, Hirasaka realized how easily women could be moved by these small, considerate gestures.

"Could it be… I actually prefer younger guys? And students, at that?"

The thought startled her.

As a teacher, she was supposed to set an example!

Though she wasn't typically aggressive in pursuing men, she now felt an unfamiliar urge—to take the initiative, to become the hunter rather than the hunted.

Picking up her phone, she opened Fujihara's Line profile to learn more about his personal life.

There weren't many photos in his feed, mostly landscapes, with only the occasional selfie.

True to her expectations, men rarely took selfies. His posts revealed little useful information, except that he traveled frequently—perhaps he enjoyed exploring?

And given his ability to afford such travels while attending prestigious schools, his family background must be affluent. All these factors combined painted the picture of a dream partner—the kind girls fantasized about.

Hirasaka hesitated.

Would someone like him really be interested in an older woman like her? What if she ended up crying over beer with her girlfriends in a karaoke bar, laughing bitterly at her failed attempts?

"Whatever. One step at a time. Getting to know him wouldn't hurt—it doesn't have to lead to romance. Friendship is fine too."

Despite constantly wishing for a boyfriend, Hirasaka was fundamentally a carefree person.

Her fingers absentmindedly scrolled through her contacts until they paused on a name: Yukinoshita Haruno, the friend—and former student—she had mentioned earlier to Fujihara. Haruno was now a sophomore at Tokyo University, studying Political Science and International Relations.

After some thought, Hirasaka sent a message:

"Haruno, when you're free, I'll visit you at Tokyo University. I've never been to Japan's top institution—I want to experience its intellectual atmosphere as a teacher."

Using this excuse, she could visit the university and reconnect with Fujihara later.

Before long, Haruno replied: "This is surprising. You've never shown interest in my school before. Something tells me there's more to this. What's your real motive?"

Sharp as ever.

Seeing the response, Hirasaka cursed inwardly. She regretted mentioning anything to Haruno. If there was one person who could see through her intentions, it was Haruno Yukinoshita.

Still, she had no choice but to press on.

Back at the Street Corner

Fujihara returned to the spot where he had seen the girl in the white dress. Raising an eyebrow, he muttered, "Gone?"

He searched the area thoroughly but found no trace of the girl or her black cat. However, he did notice black cat fur on the ground.

"So… Was she human or a ghost?"

The street was eerily silent, bathed in the dim glow of lampposts and the distant convenience store lights. The scene felt straight out of a horror movie.

Taking a deep breath, Fujihara decided to leave for now. He couldn't find her tonight.

A Luxury Apartment in Tokyo's Minato Ward

"What?! A brother? Dad, I don't have a brother! Oh, I get it—you had a child with someone else before marrying Mom!"

"A certain high school detective named Shinichi Kudo once said: 'There's only one truth!'"

A pink-haired girl wearing a black hairpin and a casual dress stood proudly, donning a Sherlock Holmes hat. In one hand, she held a pipe; the other mimicked a gun shape, closing one eye theatrically as she pointed accusingly at her father.

Beside her, her two sisters nodded vigorously, fully supporting their sister's antics.

Tears of frustration streamed down Fujihara Kenshi's face as he stared at his three mischievous daughters. When his wife shot him a suspicious glance, he panicked.

"Wife, you know this is my younger brother's child! Why are you siding with Chika's nonsense?"

Mrs. Fujihara's expression softened slightly, but Chika pressed on.

"It's definitely your child, Dad! You didn't want Mom to know, so you secretly arranged with Uncle to claim it's his!"

"Detective Fujihara Chika has uncovered the truth! Confess, Dad! Honesty will earn leniency. Don't worry—I'll visit you in prison regularly."

Chika wiped away fake tears dramatically.

"You're right, Chika!"

"Sister's brilliant!"

Her older sister Fujihara Toyomi and younger sister Fujihara Moegi cheered enthusiastically.

Watching his wife's wavering trust, Kenshi felt like collapsing.

What sin had he committed to deserve these three troublemakers? Especially Chika—how could she be so merciless?

Seeing Chika imitate Shinichi Kudo's signature pose, Kenshi gritted his teeth.

Damn that Shinichi Kudo and his detective games!

Oh, come to think of it, wasn't Shinichi missing recently? Serves him right!

"Chika, stop fooling around. I'm serious."

Kenshi knew better than to explain further—it would only dig him deeper.

Putting on a stern face, he addressed his second daughter: "You're close friends with that girl from the Shinozaki family, right?"

"Shinozaki? Do you mean Kaguya? We've been best friends since fourth grade."

Chika tilted her head, confused why her father brought up her close friend.

Kenshi nodded. "Grandpa and your uncle have decided that your cousin—well, technically your step-cousin—will arrange a marriage with Kaguya."

"WHAT?! You mean he's going to marry Kaguya?!"

Chika jumped up in shock—not because of concern or disapproval, but pure gossip-fueled excitement.

Thoughts of romance, engagements, and steamy scenes flooded her mind. Her face turned beet red as she panted heavily, overwhelmed by the imagery.