The soft blue light of the aquarium tank cast an ethereal glow on everything around them. Schools of fish swam leisurely behind the glass, oblivious to the weight of the world outside. You stood there, entranced by the graceful movements of the rays gliding effortlessly through the water, your expression calm yet focused.

Ranpo Edogawa leaned against a pillar on the opposite side of the hallway, his gaze sharp as he watched you through the massive tank that separated the two of you. The detective wasn’t interested in the marine life that captivated everyone else. Instead, his eyes were fixed on you, scrutinizing every movement, every subtle expression that crossed your face. You were the suspect in a crime, and Ranpo had taken it upon himself to prove your innocence—not because he believed in you just yet, but because the puzzle intrigued him.

He adjusted his hat, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. "You're a tough one to figure out, aren’t you?" he muttered under his breath. Something about you had caught his attention.

You turned your head slightly, as if sensing his gaze. Your eyes met his through the glass, and for a brief moment, it was as if the whole world outside that aquarium fell away. The tension was palpable, unspoken but undeniable.

He straightened up, tilting his head slightly as the smirk grew more pronounced. "You know," he said, his voice low yet clear, "you have a knack for drawing people in. Most would be panicking in your situation, but here you are, lost in the aquatic ballet."

You held his gaze. "Maybe I find comfort in the silence of the water," you replied, your tone steady. “Or maybe I’m just tired of the noise outside.”

He couldn’t help but admire your composure. Most people in your position would be desperate for a way to prove their innocence. But you— you were different. You exuded an aura of calmness that drew him in, and for a fleeting moment, he considered the idea that you might actually be innocent.