...

Still no...

Toya's been peering at his phone every few seconds for a while now. Is everything okay...?

I don't know. Kohane, has he told you anything?

Oh, actually...

Hey.

Oh, Akito, perfect timing!
We were just talking about Toya's odd behavior.

Huh? Ohh...

He might be acting that way because he's been waiting to get this new book by this author he likes until our next event is over.

A new book...?

Yes. It's the newest installation in a popular series by a very famous mystery author.

It's apparently been getting good reviews and was even featured on TV this morning.

Yeah, everyone was raving about it online on the day it released.

Okay, but... Why not just get it?
Wouldn't it be better for you to just read it?

If I do, there's a high likelihood of me staying up all night reading it...

And once I finish it, I'll want to look up theories and reactions online. With that in mind, I can expect to lose several days...

I wouldn't want it to interfere with practice.

I see... As disciplined as ever...

You stand to learn a lot from him, KAITO.

Me? Haha...

I even thought about trying to simmer my craving by reading other people's reviews...

But I ended up refraining from doing so since I may come across some spoilers.

And that's why you were peering at your phone just now.

Oh, Toya!
Can you tell us more about this book?

Luka, he's doing his best to not think about it...

Oh, right...
Sorry, Toya.

No, it's okay.
Talking about it may actually help.

It's the latest installment in a series of mystery novels by an author who's been hailed as a master of misdirection. And this one is supposed to be full of twists once again.

Oh, like one of those books where everything is turned upside down during the last ten pages?

Yes, that's about right.

While reading, I find great enjoyment in being surprised and seeing how everything is elegantly tied together.

Also, the protagonist and surrounding characters are usually very intriguing people. I particularly enjoy the banter between the protagonist and his partner.

(However, in the previous book, he and his partner...)

Oh...

Toya...?

I-It's nothing, but...

I was just reminded of a fairly significant event that happened during the last book...

(Why did his partner do that...?)

(There seemed to be some sort of hint hidden within the conversation they had with that shadowy character, but I'm yet to read a prediction that isn't riddled with holes...)

Are you sure this isn't having the opposite effect...?

I'm really sorry, Toya!
I shouldn't have asked you about this!

Uh, how about...? MEIKO!
Why not pour Toya a delicious cup of coffee?

As much as I'd like to, he's already had five...

I was wondering why he was drinking so much coffee. This book must've been the reason.

Oh, I know.
How does a coffee float sound? That could help take your mind off it.

Thank you very much...
I'll happily accept your offer.

Okay, coming right up.

Speaking of which, MEIKO, the way you brew nel drip coffee is always so interesting. It's such a nice twist on more common methods.

Twist...?

KAITO! Be careful what you say!

Huh?! What did I do?!

Toya, you're clearly starting to hear things. Why don't you just read that book already...?

No, our event's just around the corner. I can't let my guard down now...

Our third event takes absolute priority.

I'll forget all about this once we start practicing. So, when Shiraishi gets here...

Hey! Sorry about the wait!

Oh, Toya! It looks like the new mystery novel you were talking about just came out! I saw a bunch of copies in the bookstore on the way home!

It sounds really good.
They even talked about it on TV earlier!

An, wait...!

Huh?

I'm sorry, MEIKO...
Can I get a rain check on that coffee float?

Everyone! Let's practice!

Good! That's what I like to hear, Toya!

Is that really a good thing...?

W-Well, if it helps keep his mind off it...

Looks like we all need to avoid talking about that book until their event's over...

Or anything that even sounds like it.

Okay.