Detective Conan Fanfic | ShinRan Angsty-Sweet Romance: Side by Side

If Shinichi hides his real identity from Ran to protect her, is that protection an act of love or an act of selfishness?

From Ran's point of view, could she accept always being kept in the dark by Shinichi and sheltered behind him, like a flower in a greenhouse?

But the Ran I imagine isn't some delicate rose, unable to weather a storm. She's a sunflower, full of life and always turning toward the sun.

Perhaps only by tasting the struggle and pain of waiting himself can Shinichi truly understand the bitterness in Ran's heart.

Perhaps only by seeing with her own eyes the near-death agony Shinichi suffers because of the APTX can Ran truly understand his good intentions.

Perhaps only when there are no more secrets or lies between Shinichi and Ran can they truly understand what it means to be “together.”

Theme: Can a relationship full of secrets and lies really withstand every hardship?