"Senior Akihiko, do you want me to lay it all out?"
Shinichi Kudo's confident smile didn't waver. "If I lacked evidence or reasoning, I wouldn't call you a suspect. Perhaps you should consider turning yourself in."
Akihiko Tou chuckled softly, the sound almost disarming. "I'd be interested to hear your so-called evidence and reasoning."
The police surrounding Akihiko watched him with a mix of suspicion and anticipation. They had seen this scenario countless times before—Kudo Shinichi, armed with irrefutable logic, cornering suspects until they broke down, confessing their guilt.
The courtyard had grown silent, every eye fixed on the unfolding drama. Shinichi's composure held the room like a seasoned actor commanding a stage.
"In that case," Shinichi began, his voice calm yet brimming with authority, "listen carefully. Let me know if there are any flaws in my reasoning."
His declaration swept through the crowd, drawing everyone's undivided attention. Even the officers seemed captivated as they stepped aside, giving Shinichi the floor.
"My reasoning is straightforward," Shinichi said, gesturing towards Officer Megure. "I've already shared my conclusions with the officers."
He took a step forward, his sharp gaze scanning the crowd. "First, let's discuss the deceased, Mahime Kawakami—a third-year student at Teitan High. As you all know, our school is known for its rigorous academics, especially for senior students preparing for university entrance exams. Night classes are a regular part of our schedule."
Shinichi's tone shifted, becoming more deliberate. "Akihiko Tou, a top student and a senior as well, is widely admired by his peers, especially the girls. Every day, rumors of confessions directed at him circulate through the school halls. Mahime Kawakami was one such admirer.
"According to my investigation, three days ago, Kawakami-san confessed her feelings to Akihiko."
He turned to a girl standing amidst the crowd. "Senior Fukuda Kagami, Kawakami-san's closest friend, confirmed this detail to me. She also mentioned that last night, around 8:30 PM, Kawakami-san left the classroom with her bag, telling her she had a meeting. She even asked Fukuda-san to cover for her absence."
Officer Megure stepped forward, his expression grave. "We contacted Kawakami-san's family. Her parents assumed she stayed over at a friend's house. Tragically, they learned of her death only this morning."
The crowd murmured, whispers rippling through the assembly. Akihiko stood silent, his expression unreadable.
Shinichi's voice cut through the noise. "Akihiko Tou, you also left your classroom last night. Would you care to share the timing?"
Akihiko raised an eyebrow, his tone even. "Isn't it obvious?"
"Humor me," Shinichi replied, his gaze unyielding.
"Approximately 8:30 PM," Akihiko said with a faint smile.
A collective gasp spread among the students. The timing was damning.
Shinichi pressed on. "And you were gone for over half an hour?"
"That's correct."
"What were you doing during that time?"
Akihiko's smile didn't falter. "I was jogging around the school track and later went to the lake bridge."
"Were there any witnesses?" Shinichi's voice sharpened.
Akihiko shrugged. "It was a quiet evening. I doubt anyone noticed me."
"Actually, there was," Shinichi countered, turning towards a short student in the crowd. "Iijima-kun, would you explain what you saw?"
The boy hesitated but eventually spoke. "Last night, I stepped out for some fresh air after a rough day. I saw Akihiko-senpai hurrying down from the lake bridge. He seemed… tense."
The murmur of the crowd grew louder. The implication was clear.
Shinichi's voice held an edge of triumph. "Akihiko Tou, your witness has spoken. Do you have any explanation?"
"I was running," Akihiko replied calmly, "because I received a call from my aunt. She'd prepared my favorite meal, and I didn't want to keep her waiting."
Shinichi's expression darkened. "It's hard to believe that explanation when your appearance on the bridge coincides perfectly with Kawakami-san leaving the classroom. Are you sure there's nothing else you want to add?"
Akihiko fell silent, his gaze drifting towards the old bridge by the lake where officers worked to secure the scene.
Megure broke the silence, his voice firm. "Akihiko Tou, the body has been recovered, and we found this in Kawakami-san's possession."
He held up a photograph, its edges water-stained but unmistakable—a candid shot of Akihiko.
The weight of the evidence hung in the air, pressing on the crowd. Akihiko's lips curved into an enigmatic smile.
"This is… fascinating," he said softly, more to himself than anyone else. "You're thorough, I'll give you that."
Megure's tone hardened. "If you have nothing further to say, we'll proceed with the charges. Anything you say from this point will be recorded and may be used against you."
Akihiko's eyes glinted, his composure unshaken. "You've accused me of murder," he said, his voice low but clear. "Perhaps you should let the body speak for itself."
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