#post conan

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Another post-conan (post-aptx antidote?) head-canon comic, if there is one friendship I want to survive the ending it's Haibara and Ayumi's

Years after the BO is destroyed, a strange group forms with an even stranger set of individuals.

The "Fuck Alcohol" support group consists of detective Shinichi Kudo, various former or current members of intelligence agencies, a strawberry blond girl significantly younger than the rest of the group, an entire family tree, a magician (?), and some other equally strange cast of characters.

Some common group activities during meetups include:

Smashing bottles of alcohol

Yelling curses (?) at alcohol

Drinking alcohol

Crying about alcohol

Settling alcohol on fire

Detective Kudo has a particular fondness for breaking gin bottles. The larger, the better. It reached a point where meetings now have a set budget. Actually, I was wrong. The gin burned, smashed, and cursed at makes up most of the budget.

written by @dior-elkie and @kiremrem

Heiji Hattori and Shinichi Kudo were inseparable best friends. They shared everything—adventures, mysteries, and a passion for solving crimes that brought them closer each day. But little did Heiji know that his heart harboured feelings for Shinichi that he couldn't bear to confront.

Despite their strong bond, Heiji sensed something unspoken between Shinichi and the phantom thief, Kaito Kid. Their interactions were filled with hidden glances and unspoken words that only he seemed to notice. As days passed, his unrequited love for Shinichi deepened, becoming a weight he found difficult to bear.

He tried to distance himself, thinking it would ease the pain in his heart. But the more he pulled himself apart, the stronger his feelings tugged at him. No matter how hard he tried to ignore it, his emotions just wouldn't cooperate. He hoped some distance might lessen the intensity, yet it only seemed to light the fire within him but he couldn't shake off those growing feelings, no matter how much he wished otherwise.

One afternoon, while he was solving a murder case in his home, he took a quick break from thinking. He couldn't quite understand this case.

"If only Kudo was here," Hattori said to, particularly, no one. 

Just as he took a deep breath, a sudden fit of coughing seized him. He doubled over, a handkerchief pressed against his lips as he coughed up small, crimson petals. Panic surged through him, a mixture of confusion and fear gripping his heart.

Gasping for air, Heiji staggered backward, his mind racing to comprehend what was happening. The pain in his chest intensified with each cough, the sensation was like sharp thorns digging into his lungs.

“What.. What is this?..” He managed to say.

He struggled to reach his computer, then opened it to search for information on whatever this was.

He finally found it and when he read through it, he couldn’t believe his eyes.

“Is this for real?..” 

The search results showed that what was happening to him is called the ‘Hanahaki Disease’. This is a disease in which the victim coughs up flower petals when they suffer from one-sided attraction. It ends when the beloved returns their feelings (romantic love only), or when the victim dies. It can be cured through surgical removal, but when the infection is removed, the victim's romantic feelings and their memories of that specific person / people also disappear.

“Then is there a meaning to those flowers too?” He seriously asked himself. He gathered all the petals and deduced that there were only four types of flowers.

“I have to figure out the names of these flowers first..” He stood up and changed his clothes. He hurriedly went to a flower shop.

“Hello, welcome to Hanafuku ! How may I help you?” The florist approached Heiji who was panting.

Hanafuku is an actual flower shop in Osaka

When he stopped panting, he opened his left hand to show the lady the petals.

“I want to know what flowers these are.” 

The lady was surprised at this request but immediately regained her composure. “Follow me please.” She led him to the cashier and asked him to put the petals on her hand and so he did.

“Please wait one moment. If you want, you can sit over there.” The lady politely points at the couch near the shop’s entrance.

“Alright. Thank you, ma’am.” He bowed to the florist, then walked over to the couch and sat down.

A few minutes later he was called. He immediately walked up to the cashier.

"Sir, these flowers—Aster, Chrysanthemum, Daisy, and Camellia—are their names," she said, pointing to each one as she mentioned it. “Do you want me to tell you what each of them means?”

“Yes, please.”

“Aster represents love and daintiness, while Pink Camellia expresses a longing for someone. Daisy symbolizes innocence and loyal love, often paired with a sense of secrecy or it’s like saying *I’ll never tell*. Red Chrysanthemum conveys a direct message of I love you. Despite their unique meanings, all these flowers signify emotions associated with love, affection, and sometimes longing or desire.”

The man listened intently, absorbing the significance behind each flower. As the florist finished her explanation, he nodded, appreciating the depth of meaning woven into the blooms he had coughed up.

“Thank you for sharing that.” He said with a gentle smile, “Those meanings are truly beautiful.” He reached into his pocket and handed her some money.

“Don’t worry, sir. I won’t be needing that.” The lady said as she refused to receive the money from Heiji.

“Why? You should take this because you took your time in figuring out what kind of flowers they are and what their meaning is. I should definitely pay you with something.”

“Since you insist so much, good sir. How about this? If you can survive that disease, come back here. This is how you can pay me.”

Heiji was surprised by what she said. “Wait, how did you know I have a disease?”

“Anyone who enters while clutching petals is usually suffering from the so-called Hanahaki Disease. I’ve grown quite accustomed to this scenario. So to pay me, you just have to come here after you get cured of this disease.”

"Alright, thank you," he said, bowing as he headed to the door. Before he could leave, he heard the lady say, "Please, come back again."

As weeks passed, Heiji's condition deteriorated, marked by frequent coughing fits, letting out petals with blood. Despite the pain, he hid his suffering, pushing harder in investigations with Shinichi and sometimes Hakuba, masking the turmoil within. His forced smiles and strained laughter concealed the unspoken anguish.

Shinichi remained oblivious to Heiji's declining health, engrossed in cases. Heiji concealed his coughing fits, seeking solitude when the pain became unbearable. Tears mixed with the petals stained his hands, his unconfessed love causing unbearable agony.

In silence, Heiji endured, unwilling to disrupt their friendship. Despite his efforts, traces of blood on his handkerchief and weakening health revealed his struggle. He carried the burden alone, torn between confessing and preserving their bond, the blossoming flowers threatening to overwhelm him.

One day, Kazuha, Hattori’s childhood best friend, went to his house to visit him. She had been so worried because he hadn’t been answering their texts and calls. It seemed to her that he was distancing himself.

She heard a very painful cough and hurried to the source of the sound.

"Heiji, what's wrong?" Kazuha's voice trembled with concern as he rushed over to help him.

"It's nothing, Kazuha, just a cough," Heiji attempted to brush it off, but the petals gave away the severity of his condition.

"Don't lie to me, Heiji. I know something's not right," Kazuha insisted, her eyes filling with worry.

Taking a deep breath, Heiji confessed, "I have the hanahaki disease. I have feelings for someone, but it's unrequited."

Kazuha's heart sank. "Have you told them?"

Heiji shook his head, "I can't. They love someone else."

Tears filled Kazuha's eyes as she embraced Heiji tightly. "You can't face this alone. I'll help you through this, Heiji."

He returned her hug, finally letting go of the pain and agony he had been carrying for the past few weeks.

~~

Timeskip to a case without Shinichi alongside him. The only people he knew there were the police investigator, Kazuha and… Hakuba.

After the case was solved, he felt like he was going to throw up. He covered his mouth and went to Kazuha.

“What’s wrong, Heiji?”

They communicated with their eyes. Kazuha worriedly looked at him and said: “Let me accompany you.” Heiji nodded as she led him to the nearest bathroom.

Hakuba was looking at them suspiciously so he decided to follow them.

With Kazuha and Heiji, they arrived at the comfort room and Heiji immediately threw up on the sink.

“Let it all out.” Kazuha said as she patted his back.

After he finished throwing up, the door suddenly opened. They were both startled as Hakuba walked in.

“You have the Hanahaki Disease? Hm, that’s why you were looking so suspicious the whole day.”

It remained quiet. Hakuba sighed and looked at Heiji seriously.

“Who is it?”

For the first time Heiji spoke, answering him.

“Kudo.”

“If you don’t mind me asking.. How did you fall in love with him?”

“Hakuba-kun!” Kazuha yelled and turned to her best friend, “You don’t have to tell him.”

Without looking at her, he shooked his head. “It’s alright, Kazuha.”

“I admired him. I saw him as a potential rival. He was my best friend . It was supposed to stay that way, I never thought that these feelings of mine would grow and develop into something else.” He paused for a second before continuing, “Romance. Such a dangerous yet sweet game. One that is hard to decipher. One that is hard to control. Even the best detective might have a hard time solving such a mystery. To solve and give a solution.”

"It sounds like you've gone through quite an emotional journey. Sometimes, feelings evolve unexpectedly, and navigating the complexities of romance can indeed be challenging. It seems like you're grappling with conflicting emotions and uncertainties about the nature of your relationship.” Hakuba said and the other just nodded. “So why not get surgery?”

“A surgery? Why would he get one? How is it connected to Hanahaki Disease?” Kazuha asked the blonde.

“Oh? You don’t know, Kazuha-san?” Hakuba turned to face the girl. “Getting surgery is one of the cures of this odd disease.”

“Wait, really?!” She turned to face Heiji and grabbed his left arm. “You should definitely get one, please! I don’t want you to die.”

“I’m sorry. But I’ve decided to let the flowers take over me.”

“What?! Are you an idiot, Heiji?!”

“It might be because when the flowers are removed, the victim's romantic feelings and their memories of that person also disappear.”

“Wh-what?”

“That’s exactly the reason. I’m sorry, Kazuha.”

“Think about it again, Hei." Her eyes were starting to get watery.

“Listen to her, Hattori. I know we’re not really that close. But I don’t wish for you to die because of these feelings of yours.” Hakuba crossed his arms. Heiji smiled.

‘Oh, how am I so lucky to have them as my friends? But unfortunately, my decision is fixed.’ He thought.

"I have thought about it since that day. Since I fell. Since I found out I have Hanahaki Disease. I wondered if I would ever get over this crush of mine for Kudo. I wondered if I should fall for someone else just so I can get rid of this disease. But I decided to not do it because I love Shinichi with all my heart, figuratively and literally." He chuckled and continued talking. "I wouldn't want to forget my love for him. I would especially not want to completely forget about him. Like, just because I need to get rid of this? It isn't really worth it. My memories of Shinichi and Shinichi, himself, are the most important."

After Heiji finished speaking, Kazuha hugged him and cried while the former patted her head.

Suddenly, Hakuba spoke.

“Do you mind?”

“What?” Heiji asked with a confused look on his face. His question was answered when the other opened his arms wide. Heiji laughed at the action and said, “Come here, Hakuba.”

The three hugged while comforting one another (mainly Kazuha).

~~

Hakuba had gathered the courage to confront Shinichi about Hattori's feelings. However, upon arriving, a bittersweet scene unfolded before his eyes.

Through the window, Hakuba witnessed Shinichi standing close to Kuroba, their gazes filled with an unspoken tenderness that spoke volumes. The way Shinichi looked at Kaito was unmistakably that of someone smitten, and deeply in love.

A pang of sadness and realization struck Hakuba. He understood at that moment that Shinichi's heart belonged to Kaito, and any attempt to intervene would only cause more heartache. With a heavy sigh, Hakuba murmured softly to himself, "Oh. I can’t save you after all…" The ache in his heart was evident as he whispered, "Hattori…"

Knowing he couldn't interfere or change the course of unrequited love, Hakuba silently turned away, leaving without confronting Shinichi. He carried with him the weight of unspoken truths and unfulfilled hopes, feeling the pain of Hattori's unreciprocated feelings for Shinichi. With a heavy heart, he left.

~~

Kazuha approached Heiji with the intention of discussing his situation once more.

“Heiji? Can I talk to you for a moment?”

“Oh? Sure, Kazuha. What is it?”

“How do I say this… I love you so much, platonically. You know that, right? I’ll always remember you. Even though I don’t approve of your reasoning, I can’t really stop you now, right? You’ve always been a hard-headed guy. Once you decide on something, you’ll absolutely push through it even if it may cause you harm.” She paused and reached for his arms, gripping them tightly. Heiji continued to stare at her, his worry evident in his expression. “But is it selfish of me to force you to get surgery? I don’t want you to die. I’ve always seen you as a sibling, and I just… I don’t think I can live without you.”

“Kazuha… I— ”

“I know, just… Please let me have this.” She let go of his arms and hugged him. “I don’t want to let you go.”

“I’ll be here with you when I die,” she sniffed, “I promise.” He said as he hugged her back, patting her head to calm her down.

Kazuha held onto Heiji tightly, feeling the weight of his words sinking in. She knew he was full of determination, a trait she admired but feared in this situation. As they stood there, embracing each other, silence enveloped them. Heiji's promise echoed in her mind. A bittersweet reassurance that offered comfort and heartache at the same time.

After a while, they slowly released their embrace, both trying to compose themselves. Kazuha looked up at Heiji, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Thank you for understanding," she said softly

Heiji gently wiped away a tear from her cheek.

"I'll cherish every moment, Kazuha. And I'll make sure we have some unforgettable memories together."

With a faint smile, she nodded, trying to muster some courage.

"I'll support your decision, Heiji, even if it's hard for me. Just promise me one thing?"

Heiji nodded, his gaze fixed on hers, as he silently urged her to continue.

"Promise me you'll take care of yourself until... until the end," Kazuha said, her voice quivering.

Heiji nodded solemnly. "I promise, Kazuha."

They shared a sad look, knowing things wouldn't be easy. Kazuha turned away, trying to hide her tears as she walked off. Leaving Hattori behind, feeling heavy-hearted as he watched her leave.

~~

Weeks turned into months, Heiji’s pain increased. Each passing day seemed to be a countdown to an uncertain finale.

One fateful evening while he was engrossed in reading a book on his bed, he suddenly felt an awful pain in his chest. He then sat up and he was startled when he threw up two whole flowers.

“What is this..?” He gently held the flowers in his hand and that’s when he realized, “Oh, my end is near, isn’t it? I can’t believe I have no one with me when I die.”

He sighed in relief, “Thank goodness, I guess?”

Just then, there was a knock on his door.

“Oh, how can I open the door in this state?” But despite feeling unwell, he managed to open it.

To his surprise, Shinichi and Kuroba were there.

‘Fuck.’

“W-what are you doing here?” Heiji asked, feeling the flowers rising in his throat again.

“What? I can’t visit my best friend?” Shinichi lightly slapped the other’s arm.

“No, I mean– “ He choked as he didn't know what to say. 

His best friend whom he has a crush on and the reason he is suffering just visited him with him.

At this point, he had a vague idea why Shinichi visited him along with Kuroba.

“Relax, Hattori. I’m just here to introduce my boyfriend.”

“Kuroba Kaito, nice to meet you. Shinichi has been telling me all about you.”

‘Oh. So they finally got together huh..’

He knew they weren't meant to be. He knew they had no chance together. He knew but still… 

The sight of his best friend with his boyfriend hurts him more than anything. More than a thousand needles. More than this pain he is experiencing. 

It hurts even more than this damned Hanahaki Disease.

“Can we come in?” 

Shinichi’s voice echoed through his ears, snapping him from his train of thoughts.

‘Oh shit.’

“Uh sorry no. Um, I'm actually waiting for Hakuba.” Heiji hated how he lied to his best friend but this is for the best.

“Oh?” They both raised their eyebrows. “You have a date with him?” Shinichi said with an obvious hint of amusement.

Heiji sighed, “It’s not like that. We just have something to talk about.”

“Sure, sure.” Shinichi smiled and Kaito chuckled.

Heiji almost coughed out petals if it weren’t for his self control.

“Well, enjoy your date then. We’ll be on our way.” Shinichi winked at him as he proceeded to grab Kaito’s waist as they walked away.

Heiji closed the door and immediately coughed out a bunch of petals, similar to the two flowers he last threw up.

His heart ached. 

That should've been him. The person next to Shinichi. That should've been him. The one Shinichi holds dear. That should've been him. The one that Shinichi would call “his”. That should've been him.

That could've been them.

“Fuck. I swear the world hates me so much. This wasn’t the last conversation I wished to have.”

But fate doesn't work that way.

They weren't soulmates.

They weren't star crossed lovers.

They weren't “meant-to-be”.

It wasn't supposed to be Shinichi and Heiji.

It was Shinichi and Kaito.

Slowly, he went to his room and coughed up even more petals. He could feel the flower roots reaching his lungs, making it harder for him to breathe.

‘icantbreatheicantbreatheicantbreatheicantbreathe’

“Is this really the end?” He sobbed.

His sobs got quieter and quieter as he also slowly stopped breathing.

Fate didn't let them meet to be together.

Fate let them meet to be just friends.

His last words were: “I love you, Shinichi. Please don’t forget me.” He said as he coughed out two whole flowers. A forget-me-not and a sweet pea*.

Ultimately, from the very beginning to Heiji’s end, they could only be friends.

Walking Home 🎀🔍

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One of my many post-Conan headcanons, feels nice to finally draw it lol, I love them so much :⁠^⁠)🫶

Or so Kazuha would say...

(his father told him he wouldn't be allowed in Osaka crime scenes otherwise)

Also Shinichi isn't getting over his bowtie phase, his time as Conan only made it worse.

written by @dior-elkie , @kiremrem , and @miccimocha

Shinichi was making his way back to his house from the grocery store to buy extra food for the week. He couldn’t ask Kaito to do it because he has a magic show today.

As he continued to enjoy his way back home, he passed by Poirot Cafe. He caught a glimpse of Kazuha by the corner of his eye. She seemed to be talking to someone.

Slightly curious, he entered the cafe to see that Kazuha was actually talking to Ran. He got even more intrigued by what the discussion was, seeing how Ran’s face was one of shock.

Shinichi didn’t mean to eavesdrop but he felt like he couldn’t interrupt the moment, so he just slightly hid at one of the tables, disguising like a normal person who wants to eat in a cafe, close enough to hear the conversation.

“What…? You have got to be joking right now, Kazuha. There is no way that’s true!” Ran’s voice sounded shaky as if she was about to burst into tears.

“He…H-Hattori-kun isn’t…he isn’t…” Words faded from her lips. Shinichi could hear Ran crying. It was almost silent, clearly trying to suppress a full-on breakdown.

What really caught Shinichi’s attention though, was the mention of Hattori. This led him to overthink. What in the world is happening? What is it that happened to his best friend? And why is Ran crying about it?

This had started to make Shinichi worry, terrified even. He didn’t want to assume things, but considering how Ran was reacting, it must be serious.

Despite his internal turmoil, Shinichi knew he had to approach them. He couldn't stand idly, while his friend was clearly in distress. Taking a deep breath to steady himself, he stood up and approached Kazuha and Ran cautiously.

"Ran, Kazuha, is everything alright?" Shinichi's voice betrayed him as he spoke.

The two girls gasped when they turned to him.

“Shi.. Shinichi…..” Ran choked on a sob again.

When Shinichi looked at them closely, he noticed that Kazuha's eyes were red. It looked like she had been crying for days. Meanwhile, tears shimmered in Ran's. They exchanged a glance before Kazuha spoke, her voice trembling. "Kudo-kun, it's Heiji... He... He's gone."

The words hit Shinichi like a physical blow, and for a moment, he couldn't comprehend what he had just heard. "Gone? What do you mean, gone?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. There was no way his best friend was actually gone, right? He and his boyfriend just visited him last week. "This has to be a joke." He admit, he actually thought it was real.

It took Kazuha a few seconds to say something again, "I don't know all the details but the doctor said it was from blood loss." Kazuha needed to lie, of course. She didn't want to tell the real reason to the person who was involved. Because he, himself, didn't know he was involved. It would just break his heart and she's sure Heiji didn't want Shinichi to blame himself.

He didn’t want Shinichi to know.

Not now, not ever.

"No….. But… We just saw him alive and well last week! He can't be gone! Tell me this is a joke, Kazuha-san. Please.." He said as he sank to his knees and looked up at her with tears. "Please."

Kazuha couldn’t say anything, she just stared at Shinichi- heartbroken by the news. She couldn’t dare say comforting words as she, too, was grieving, as she, too, lost someone dear to her. Meanwhile, Ran hugs Shinichi, both of them crying as Kazuha looks away from them.

It was just too much for her.

Finally, when both of them calmed down, “ Are you…okay now?” Kazuha asks after Shinichi.

“ I don’t know..” Shinichi answers as he wipes his tears away. “ I still can’t believe it. I mean, not even once did I ever think of him…” he paused.

“ Dying?” Kazuha said

“ I also can’t believe it too,” Ran said while sniffling. Shinichi took out a handkerchief from his pocket and gave it to Ran.

Kazuha just stared at the two childhood friends, ‘They’re so close, huh? Me and Heiji…we were like that too.’

This unsettling feeling inside her, she knew it was wrong to blame Shinichi because, in fact, he didn’t do anything wrong, he didn’t even know. Yet, Kazuha can’t help but want to blame him. In her heart Shinichi killed Heiji.

Truthfully, Kazuha knew Heiji was in love with Shinichi, from the very beginning she knew it all.

How could she not?

All these years her eyes were all set on Heiji. All these years she was in love with Heiji.

The way he looked at Shinichi was similar to the way she looked at Heiji. She knew she had to let go of Heiji’s happiness because above all else, she prioritizes Heiji.

But when she learned about his disease she was scared and angry. She was mad at Shinichi but she was also mad with herself, because why didn’t she have that disease?

‘Was my love not deep enough? ‘

Kazuha lost in her thoughts, didn’t realize she was spacing out not until Ran interrupted her.

“Kazuha-chan…Kazuha-chan?” Ran called

“ !...yes?” From Ran’s constant calling, she was brought back to reality.

With a worried look, Ran asked Kazuha, “Are you okay?”

“...Yeah” Kazuha answered. “I’m fine” she smiled weakly.

After a while of talking Ran decided to take Shinichi back home, he refused at first but after a minute of bickering with each other like they always do, he finally agreed.

“ Well then,” He looks back at Kazuha. “ We’ll get going now. Take care of yourself Kazuha-san..”

written by @dior-elkie

Hakuba and Kazuha went to buy forget-me-not and sweet pea flowers, the last things Hattori coughed up, at a nearby flower shop.

When they entered the shop, the florist immediately recognized them. Sensing the tension and piecing together the situation, the florist let out a sigh as she approached the two new customers.

"Did… Hattori-kun pass away?" The florist asked softly. This caught the attention of the two and immediately turned to face her.

"Yes," Hakuba trailed off and looked at her name tag, “Matsuoka-san.”

“How did you know him?" Kazuha asked.

"He came here last time, asking about the flowers he was coughing up and their meanings."

"Forgive me for prying, but have you met him before, prior to that meeting?" Hakuba inquired further.

"Oh? How did you figure that out?" Matsuoka responded, a hint of surprise in her voice.

"You wouldn't react like this if you'd only met him once. You've probably encountered him during a case, haven't you?"

She fondly smiled.

"You're correct. I met Hattori-kun when I was at my lowest. I was certain nobody would be on that rooftop since it's private property, but fate seemed determined that day because there was a murder in the same building. As a detective, he had to investigate everywhere of course. He found me nearly at the edge of the building and saved me. I resisted his help but he scolded me. Looking back, it was rather amusing. Well, um yeah. So to return the favor, I helped him with his disease and told him that the only way to pay for the information I gave him was for him to come back here without the Hanahaki disease. But I suppose…" Her voice trailed off sadly before sighing.

"He didn't make it back without the disease," Matsuoka murmured, her voice filled with sorrow. "I had hoped to see him fulfill that promise, returning here healthy and free from his affliction."

Hakuba nodded in sympathy, understanding the weight of unfulfilled promises and the accompanying regret.

Sensing the depth of their connection to Hattori, the florist reached out with a comforting hand. "He must have been a remarkable person for both of you to care so deeply. I'm sorry for your loss."

"He was indeed remarkable—the best friend and brother I could ever ask for," Kazuha said, managing a small smile.

Matsuoka-san handed them bouquets of forget-me-not and sweet pea flowers.

Hakuba glanced at the flowers in his hands, silently acknowledging their significance.

"Thank you for sharing your story with us, Matsuoka-san," Hakuba said, bowing.

"Heiji would have been so happy knowing how you've been doing," Kazuha said to the florist, who was almost in tears.

"Take good care of yourselves. I don't want to see you back here asking what kind of flowers you're throwing up, alright?" The florist managed to get a laugh out of both customers.

"We promise, Matsuoka-san," they said as they left the shop.

Together, Hakuba and Kazuha walked to the cemetery where their friend was being buried. When they arrived, they approached his casket to find him peacefully ‘sleeping’. Kazuha burst into tears, and Hakuba tried to comfort her. After she regained some composure, they stood in silence, memories of Hattori flooding their thoughts—a mix of melancholy and gratitude for the moments they had shared.

"He won't be forgotten," Hakuba said softly, breaking the silence.

Kazuha nodded, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "No, he won't. He lives on in our memories."

A group of odd foreigners followed by the detective Kudo Shinichi. They won’t do much—just hang out together and talk about what they’ve been doing while they were apart. Occasionally they’re joined by a much younger girl with strawberry hair and a heavy gaze.

At a glance, there is nothing very similar about them, but there is one thing.

They are all people for whom alcohol will forever been tainted for them.