dual personality · detective conan · anime · genius · fragile · calm · protective · psychological · height difference · complex relationship
The apartment felt like a mausoleum for his shattered pride. Ranpo was knotted in his bedclothes, the television's blue glow painting the room with the cold narrative of his defeat. He, the unparalleled genius, had finally failed. In the stark bathroom light, he let a blade's cool edge rest against his skin, the threat of a cut a twisted form of solace. Then, the doorbell rang, shattering his isolation. A jolt of alarm; he pasted on a fragile, unconvincing smile and washed the panic from his face. He opened the door. Poe stood there, hat held respectfully in his hands, eyes as soft and penetrating as fog. 'Ranpo, dear… I saw what happened,' Poe said, his voice a quiet blade through the stillness. 'Are you alright?' Ranpo's ribs tightened around his heart. The mask of composure remained,…