Chapter Text
Ranpo Edogawa was anything but a regular student. He was born with a special gift. The gift of knowledge and deduction. It was a gift from his parents. One, he’s held onto tightly with honor and pride at first. He soon began to hold onto that talent because that was all he had left of them.
He went from one foster home to another. He hated every single one of them, and he could easily tell that they hated him too. He was starting to get adjusted to it, though. Not comfortable, but adjusted with the idea of being unloved. Unworthy. He didn’t want to be worthy in homes where he wasn't appreciated. He’s never holding back on his truth after all.
But he was found. Eventually. When things began to get dark, Ranpo was struggling to remain afloat. Struggling to carry himself up. That’s when Fukuzawa founded him. Took him in. Gave him light.
But going to a new home, a good home, a permanent home, meant a lot of changes.
“I’m not going to a public school,” Ranpo spoke up. Looking down at the bowl of cereal in front of him, Fukuzawa fed the local cats through an open window.
“We have talked about this, Ranpo.” Fukuzawa hummed. His voice is always low and calming.
“Yeah, I know we talked about this before. I’m stuck on my decision. I’m too good for public school.”
“I understand Ranpo, and truly your skills are great, but by law I need to provide you schooling, and I can not sign you up for homeschooling, nor that online schooling.”
“Online schooling sounds fine, actually. It’s just the same thing except I can mute what I already know and just cut to the exams and whatnot.”
“Because you’re a growing and developing young man, Ranpo. You need to socialize, and keeping you behind a computer will not do you any good.”
“I socialize just fine. The old lady just down the street adores me!”
“Yes, but you need friends your age. I, of all people, know the importance of this.”
“God!! You and this divorce! Fukuchi was sketchy anyway!”
“Ranpo.” Fukuzawa turned back to him, shooting a glare at him. Ranpo saw this and frowned. This, unfortunately, was a heavy topic.
He never understood why, though. It’s clear they still love each other. Why get a divorce if you still love each other? That he will never understand! People are confusing….
“You did the supply shopping that I asked of you, right?” Fukuzawa spoke once again. Breaking the slight tension that had begun to develop.
“Yeah….” He sighed. Letting his spoon drag across the cereal. “I still don’t want to go. They should let me skip grades at least.”
“That will be determined when you take some tests.”
“But trying to let me take said test is showing itself to be more of a problem than you thought, right?” he raised his eyebrow at Fukuzawa as if giving him a judgey look.
Fukuzawa sighed. Nothing gets past Ranpo. “Yes…. You are indeed correct.”
“I’m gonna start as a first year just like everybody else, be bored because I already know all the material they’re giving me, make no friends because for some reason people can’t stand me! You’re setting me up for failure!”
“You will be fine, Ranpo. Trust me.”
And that’s how his first year started. Ranpo was irritated after being stuck in a first-year classroom and unable to move onward. High school was a shit show too.
The drama that was going around, even in the first week, was petty, predictable, and stupid. Everybody here was stupid! And the second year didn't show signs of getting any better!
There were a lot of new students, though… some that…. Somehow piqued his interest.
“You know you’d qualify well for student council.” A new student he began talking to told him. A younger girl with a bob and a hairclip that likely bypassed the strict dress code started.
“Student council? That sounds like too much work.” Ranpo rolled his eyes.
“I’d be surprised to see Ranpo join any club besides the chess club!” Another new student joined in. A transfer student from a different district, whose father came in as the new nurse at the school. “Why don’t we ask Kunikida-kun! He’s in the council after all!” The bandaged boy teased as he turned his head to a blonde.
“The work of the student council is extremely prodigious. While we do less than staff, we do a lot more than regular club members.” He started, lifting his glasses to better fit on top of his nose. “But knowing Ranpo’s skills, he’ll be a great asset to the council….”
“Too much work!! I don’t want to do all that! Plus, the council sounds so boring!” He whined, putting his head on the desk and hearing the others around him giggle at his misfortunes.
The chess club is the only place Ranpo liked. There he could see people for their intellect. Dazai, the boy with the bandages and the nurse father, was also a part of the chess club. The President was some sketchy Russian second-year transfer that Ranpo personally didn't like. He was always up to some weird stuff. Nothing goes past Ranpo but this guy? Gave him chills. He hated him.
But God did Chess against him, and Dazai never felt more thrilling. They were harder to predict. Ranpo always needed a moment to think before making his moves, unlike others.
“You know they’re introducing a bunch more foreign students for next year.” The Russian man began speaking, moving his pawn up.
“Foreign? Like from the Americas?” Dazai spoke up as he rested his hand on the table. His hand pressed down on the chess clock, signaling Ranpo's turn.
“From all over. A dear friend of mine is coming alongside them.”
“Knowing you, I'm assuming that isn't the best thing for the rest of us, huh?” Ranpo spoke up, moving one of his pawns and never looking at the other two in the eyes.
“Now, what does that mean? You insist I bring trouble?” He chuckled, hearing the click of the chess clock and making his move pretty quickly as if this whole game was planned out in his head from start to finish, alongside this conversation.
“I'm insisting…..” Ranpo moved a pawn that neither of the two seemed to expect. No checkmate close or else Fyodor would’ve seen that, but it gave him the lead in this if things went right. “.... That you and your methods of corruption by using that girl in the student council to bend rules for you is not as slick and as underground as you believe it is. And it's obvious that you will do the same to bend the rules for your little buddy.”
“Holy shit, Fyodor, he’s got you all figured out!” Dazai burst out laughing. Of course, he already knew. He and Ranpo came to the realization of Fyodor's tactics long ago!!
“.... Hm….” He seemed surprised at first before letting out a soft chuckle. “Nothing gets past the great detective Ranpo. But no, I do not plan on using my methods on my upcoming friends.”
Ranpo hummed. He’ll hold Fyodor to that….
And so his third year came. His final year of high school! Finally! It’ll all be over soon! These long, boring, and unbearable three years are finally coming to an end!
The new year began just like the others. The alarm blearing in his ear as the start of a new and agonizing school year began. Ranpo groaned as he fiddled with his bedsheets to look for his phone before turning his alarm off. He should rest for a few more minutes. He needs to!!
“Ranpo! Come on, we need to get up!” Fukuzawa could be heard calling out for him outside his room. He whined and lifted his sheets over his head. He didn't want to deal with this! New students, same building, same type of people! He kept his eyes shut and tried to go back to sleep. And it worked! For a little bit before Fukuzawa opened the door to Ranpo's room.
“Come on. I get that you’re tired, but it's your last year.” He sighed, clearly tired too, as he lifted the sheets off Ranpo. He held back a giggle as he saw Ranpo immediately start squirming like some first out of water as soon as he came in contact with cool air without his blanket on top of him. “Come on. Up.”
“I DON'T WANNA!” The younger boy cried out, planting his face on the pillow.
“.... You know I haven't done this since you were a child-”
“I STILL AM!” He cut off, opening his eyes slightly and glaring at Fukuzawa. “I haven't turned 18 yet. I'm still 17. By law, I'm considered underage and a minor!”
“You’re just scared to turn into an adult.” Fukuzawa sighed as he gripped the back of Ranpo's pajama shirt and lifted him. The boy gasped and shot his eyes wide open. Soon, he flailed his arms in the air as an attempt to get released, but quickly gave up.
“I don't wanna gooo….. I can skip my first day.”
“You’re not skipping. Come on.” Fukuzawa tossed Ranpo over his shoulder before taking him out of his room and dropping him to his feet in front of the bathroom. “Get ready. Im making breakfast.”
“Oh, wait, what are you making?” Ranpo quickly turned to face Fukuzawa as he heard about the food. Of course, he would.
“Pancakes. The ones with chocolate and sugar that you like.” Fukuzawa smiled softly at him.
“YES!!” Ranpo cheered as he began entering the bathroom. He wasted no time brushing his teeth. While he’s here, he might as well shower. He has to put on that god awful school uniform too. To then waste his time putting on shoes that he’s going to need to replace when he arrives at school. Back to the ritual that came every day for the next 240 days.
After finishing his morning routine, Ranpo sluggishly escaped the bathroom and walked downstairs from their simple home to meet Fukuzawa in the dining room, where he could see him already setting the pancakes down on the table. Ranpo always sat on the seat facing the window. That's his seat, and he doesn't like sitting elsewhere.
Ranpo could feel his mouth water at the sweet smell of the pancakes as he sat down. He knew that Fukuzawa did this just to make today start a bit better. He does this every time they need to go back to school. He’ll likely get his favorite dinner after this, too! At least that he’s excited for.
That was until the sound of people outside his house. It didn't sound like their usual neighbors, which was strange. He furrowed his eyebrows until one of their voices became familiar, the sound of Kunikida yelling at Dazai. His face dropped.
Soon, the door knocked. Fukuzawa looked at Ranpo with a raised eyebrow as Ranpo sighed easily, nodding and taking a bite of his pancakes, knowing that what remains of his peace will soon be ruined.
Fukuzawa smiled as he opened the door. As expected, the small group of friends Ranpo had made the year before arrived at his door. “Yosano. Pleasure to see you.” He greeted. She’s always been his favorite out of the three friends, even if he doesn't like to admit having favorites in anything.
“Hello, Fukuzawa! Is Ranpo ready?” She smiled at him, a face that could charm the devil.
“Well, I have him eating breakfast right now. Though he shouldn't take too long.”
“That fatass is gonna take forever!” Dazai could be heard complaining.
“Dazai, behave!” A sound of pain came from him. Kunikida likely smacked him, which made Ranpo giggle as he filled his mouth.
“Ranpo, are you almost done?” Fukuzawa asked, turning back to see Ranpo halfway done with his food. There, he didn't need an answer. “He’s likely gonna take a little bit.” He smiled down at them. “You’re allowed to come inside to wait for him.”
“Ohh!” Dazai was quickly cut off before he got to act on whatever idea he had by Yosano. “We’ll wait out here. He better hurry up, though!” She smiled before taking the other two out. With that out of the way, Ranpos put on a time limit. Meaning he can't savor his breakfast!
He still decided to take as much time as he felt like. Snatching a few lollipops before walking outside, seeing them just outside the front gate of his house. Dazai leaning against the small fencing that was around their house, likely joking about his usual suicidal antics, Kunikida scolding him over joking about such a crude topic, and Yosano giggling at the dynamic of the two.
“Oh! Look who finally came out!” Dazai called out. Smiling at him with a stupid grin. Kunikida turned to him, irritation on his face likely caused by Dazai, and Yosano's attention also went up to him. Her face shows how amused she is.”You ready?!”-
“Like hell!” Ranpo barked before unwrapping his lollipop. “Im not ready to go back to that building full of morons!”
“Before classes start, we should check out that one yen store that's on the way!”
“We wouldn't have time for that.” Yosano rolled her eyes as she began going ahead as Ranpo opened the small gate in front of his house to join them. Yokohama was busy despite how early it was. The early air smelled sorta humid as the rising sun cast upon them as they walked to school. Kunikida, with his notebook in hand, was reviewing his schedule.
“As now upperclassmen, we must provide a good example to the newer students. You especially, Ranpo. You’re the oldest.”
“Hah?! Are you lecturing me?!” Ranpo was almost offended.
“You know what you need, Kunikida? A blowjob.” Dazai giggled, but Yosano started cackling as Kunikida faced him with a red face. Ranpo couldn't help but snicker too.
“What?!”
“I'm just saying! You’re pent up! It's just school, not like we're headed to a government job.”
“To Kunikida, it might as well be.” Yosano giggled, lifting her bag so it rested on her shoulder like a purse. They were getting close to the school building, the gate just a hill away. The three were busy with their conversation, and Ranpo honestly preferred listening. Best part of being in a group! They entertain each other while Ranpo can just space out every now and then and stare at a tree.
Or people.
Or a specific person.
He paused as they passed some greenery, furrowing his eyebrows as he saw a tall boy in what looked like their school uniform, but he had never seen him before. He seems way too old to be a first-year student. That or maybe it's because he’s tall. Unnaturally tall. He could hardly see his face, as his wavy hair covered most of his face.
He seemed to be talking to someone. Or something? He had his back turned, and he could only tell so much about him when he nervously glanced around. That was until he somehow noticed Ranpo. Not even Ranpo was sure how he saw him past all that hair. It was pretty thick.
Their time sorta felt like it froze. They just stood there, looking at each other as if Ranpo had caught him committing a crime. It was then that his bag began to ruffle, and they finally moved, yelping out loud as he moved his attention to his bag, where what seemed to be a raccoon popped their head out.
It didn't seem scared or drugged or anything like that. It was rather comfortable, like it had been there many times and had adjusted to it. “Ah nononono!” The boy mumbled.
“.... You know pets aren't allowed in the school building.” It's not like he cared much for the rules. It's just that there is no way he’d be able to sneak a pet like a raccoon discreetly into the school. Ranpo chuckled as he turned his whole body to face them.
“I… I know- he wanted to come with me and before I knew it, he snuck into my bag….” The other boy sighed; he seemed a bit stressed because of it. “The smart bastard was somehow capable of standing so still, I didn't notice him until now.”
The boy had a strong American accent. Must be one of those foreign students that Fyodor mentioned last year. That and it's clear he learned Japanese pretty recently, and yet he learned fast if he was able to hold a pretty decent conversation with Ranpo.
“I'm gonna have to return and put him back home- god…” He groaned, swearing under his breath in English as he picked the raccoon up, but it quickly pushed itself off his arms and got comfortable around the boy's neck.
“You’re gonna be late.” He snickered.
“I am aware,” He sighed as he adjusted his bag and ripped it back up. He walked closer to Ranpo to leave the area. The closer he got, the taller he got. Just who is this giant?! “I'm sorry for disturbing you.” He apologized as he began heading the opposite way to the school. What a strange guy. He just shrugged as he noticed his group walking ahead, but they were just down the road, looking back at Ranpo with confused looks on their faces.
“What?” Ranpo asked as he walked over to them
“Who was that?” Yosano was the first to speak up. Ramp simply shrugged in response.
“I donno. Just some guy I saw. He goes to our school, though. He had a pet raccoon as well.”
“He does?” Kunikida asked with raised eyebrows.
“Mmhm. And he’s somehow taller than you, Kunikida.” The group giggled as Kunikida rolled his eyes. With a few giggles, the group continued the walk to school.
That boy was quite strange, though.
A part of him hoped to be able to see him again. Just to see what happened with him.