“You, my dear, are perfectly fine, and more than welcome to enjoy whatever character you choose. This is a personal thing and a matter of preference; no one can say that you are wrong for doing so. 

"It’s sometimes difficult to pinpoint why we are drawn to certain people or fictional characters… perhaps we feel a special connection to them because we relate to them, or share certain traits. Perhaps we aspire to be more like them. Perhaps we wish we knew them. It could also be that their particular characteristics or story arc presents information in a way that is somehow appealing to you.

"Literature, in all forms, is so successful in human nature because we are drawn to stories… to learning, understanding, feeling, and changing as characters do – or don’t. Studies have shown that our brains still produce certain chemicals as we vicariously live through these experiences. 

"Even though we are not the ones who are there for the events, we can still feel the heartache, still fall in love, still be afraid, angry, relieved… the emotions are very real, and it’s through these mental exercises that, when exposed to a wealth of different material, we can become better prepared to handle what life pushes our way. 

"You do not need to feel pathetic, or like garbage, or any such ridiculous notion because you have found a character that you feel so strongly about. True, expressions of such joy are best when kept appropriate – and by that I mean shared with like-minded people and friends in situations at times when that sort of thing is topical –  but they are not, in and of themselves, in any way related to your worth as a human being.

"In fact, one could argue that your attention for such a character says something about being open-minded… Appreciation for things that are not readily accepted or determined of worth, but you have found something there that appeals to you. You’ve looked into his character, his role in the series, the things that he does, his own strengths, talents, skills… things that are more subtle, so easily overlooked in a series that is, quite honestly, an open ocean of one-shot characters, dotted with a handful of recurring, all surrounded by a veritable yacht containing the massive main cast…

"Sometimes it’s the characters that aren’t as popular that are the real treasures. The small details that make up the atmosphere that we know and love. Any fan of Detective Conan ought to be aware that Occam’s Razor is not usually the answer… and people that we didn’t give any thought to before may indeed be much more important than they were presented to be. 

"Regardless if his ultimate fate, whatever that may be, it’s important to give thought to the underrepresented characters… they support the main characters, add richness to the world, and are, with just a little effort, the main characters of their own stories. This is one thing that Aoyama-san does very well, I believe… and likely the primary reason why the fan base is so strong. The characters are interesting. There’s a wealth of things that can be expanded upon, theorized, worked through… 

"Ah, I’m rambling excessively, now… but in the end, I support your passion for this particular character. I love that he means so much to you, that you have become an advocate and a champion in his name, and that you continue to enjoy what was created for that purpose. I’m certain that the author would be pleased that you’re so taken with him. I know that I would be. 

"Do not apologize for the things that you love. Embrace it. Enjoy it. Let it inspire you to continue to create, thus inspiring others. Let it move you, draw out your feelings, and experience different avenues of life in safe and productive ways.”

“After all, isn’t that what art is all about?”