《Unchained》


 1. Arrival

    1999. Nakamura, Japan. Population: 35,000.


    This would be the new home for Senji Kamura, a seventeen-year-old boy with medium-length chestnut brown hair and deep blue eyes. Driving him was his mother, Hinaka Kamura. She was in her early thirties, with long curled chestnut brown hair, ocean blue eyes enhanced with black eyeliner and a slim petite figure. Having lost his father to a fatal illness, the now widowed Hinaka wouldn''t be able to keep up with the payments to stay in their large home in Tokyo. So she withdrew her late husbands funds from the bank, closed their joint account and with the help of her parents, found an affordable home for the two in their hometown of Nakamura. After packing their things and hiring a driver from an independent moving company, Hinaka and Senji took the five hour drive to Nakamura where their new home in the spacious suburbs was waiting.


    With their belongings unpacked and furniture organized, Hinaka lead Senji into the car to head to the local high school a few blocks away. Hinaka had already gotten adjusted to the local news stations. She dialed the volume up to hear what was being spoken;


    "-And we are unsure of what is going on. This marks the fifth consecutive disappearance in a row so far in the span of the last three months. Residents once again are reminded to be careful when going out at night and we encourage that young women under the age of eighteen are to either be escorted by a parent or guardian or to stay indoors at night. Police and the mayor have just recently hired the aid of a renowned detective from Sendai to come to the town to help with the ongoing investigation-"


    Senji felt a chill down his spine listening in on the news report. Hinaka turned the volume down and sighed, gently stroking his shoulder.


    "I know mother mentioned something about this but... I had no idea that it was this terrible. What a time to move here..." She murmured, shaking her head. "...But it''s okay. We can''t let ourselves get down. We''ve already gone through so much lately... But my heart does go out to those poor parents who must be so worried. I do hope the authorities can figure this out..."


    Senji knew his mother was trying her best to be optimistic and reassuring, but the grim subject matter wasn''t what he wanted to hear. Especially after having lost his own father. He lifted his head up to see the high school just up ahead. It was a large two-story building with a gym attached and had a large open field for sports. The sign just outside the entrance read: Nakamura High School. Home of the Track Team Champions.


    Once they found a parking spot, Senji followed his mother inside and to the main office. The older lady behind the desk glanced up at them with a smile on her face.


    If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    "Greetings. How can I help you?" She asked with a cheery tone.


    "Hello. We just moved here and I wanted to get my son registered to your school. He''s a junior year. I have all of the paperwork from his old school with me. I called yesterday." Hinaka stated holding up the tan folder she had brought with her. The lady took it to scan the contents. She nodded and handed it back.


    "I remember. Very well. If you could head to the room behind me just off to the left here. That''s the principals office. He''ll get you sorted out."


    Hinaka and Senji headed into the office. A tall, stout middle-aged man with a receding brown hairline and thick black-rimmed glasses in a black suit sat at his desk. He greeted the two of them with a warming smile. Hinaka shyly waved as the two of them took a seat.


    "So you must be miss Hinaka Kamura and your son, Senji. I was informed of your arrival just the other day when you called. Welcome to Nakamura High School. I''m principal Touta Tanaka. If you could just hand me that folder. I''ll get started on this paperwork here..." He said. Hinaka handed him the folder.


    "Thank you sir." She replied.


    "I do wish you had picked a more... Well, peaceful time to move here. Nakamura is a beautiful town with lovely people and a quiet atmosphere. However as I''m sure you have heard-"


    "Y-you mean of the disappearances?"


    "...yes. Five of our precious students have gone missing over the past three months. Not one of them has been found yet. Hopefully this ''renowned'' detective we''re getting help from can figure this situation out."


    Some small talk between the two of them passed the time. They all stood up, Tanaka shook their hands and he shoved the file into his desk drawer. Now that Senji was registered, he was told that he would be starting tomorrow. On a Wednesday. Senji wasn''t the most thrilled about this but felt hopeful that he could fit in as the new kid. As him and Hinaka were on their way to the entrance, one of the classroom doors opened and a group of girls stepped out into the hallway and headed in the opposite direction.. He was unsure of where they were going but he met eyes with one of the girls briefly while passing by. He was a bit confused why only she noticed him but he shrugged it off.


    As he laid on his bed, Senji kept thinking about how tomorrow would go. His mind was flooded with anxiety being the new student. What would his classes be like? What would the atmosphere be like compared to the larger high school he attended back in Tokyo? How were the others going to treat him? Would he make friends? He was fine at socializing back home, but was also from the city and had to cut ties with his old friends, only being able to stay in touch over phone with them. Were people out in the rural parts much different then people from the city? All of this he was unsure of. What he was sure of, was that his life was about to change starting tomorrow.

 2. School Life

    The first day of school was upon Senji as he slumped out of bed to get ready. After getting dressed, brushing his hair and sitting down for a quick breakfast, he hopped on his bike and began his trip to school. There was a bus that stopped on his street, but since it was the middle of spring he would start riding to school himself. At least until winter came around. The wind blew against his face but it felt refreshing. In the distance after riding for a couple blocks Senji could see the school. Luckily for him there was a bike rack just outside the entrance. He wasn''t the only one who rode a bike judging by the four other bikes already there prior to his arrival. He made sure to throw the lock on, placed the helmet on the seat and headed for the doors.


    The official Nakamura High school uniforms consisted of black jackets, white polo shirts and dark gray slacks with black laced shoes. The girls wore the same jacket and polo but with dark gray skirts, black knee-high socks and black slip-on dress shoes. Senji found the color scheme to be nice and the uniform quite comfortable. After a brief visit with principal Tanaka, Senji was given a sheet of paper with his assigned classes on it. Japanese. Math. History. Social studies. Science. Basic high school subjects. He did have the option to join a club but would need to look into those himself when he had some free time. He remained optimistic despite being the new kid. The last thing he wanted lingering on his mind was anxiety. There was some time before classes started so Senji decided to check out the lunchroom. There were some others hanging around he noticed. A group of at least five girls giggling and gossiping. A few loners reading or doing last minute homework. Two boys playing on Game Boys. And lastly, three boys huddled together bickering. One of them, a lanky boy with messy violet black hair and a single black hoop in his right ear, looked up and met eyes with Senji. He noticed the collar on his polo was up and the top button was undone, giving him an almost rebellious flair.


    "Yo check it out. That''s the new kid over there." He said, pointing. The other two turned their attention to him. One had short light brown hair, glasses and freckles dotting his face. The other had longer soft black hair. The lanky boy waved Senji over to them without saying a word. He was cautious but decided to listen and walked over to the trio. On the table was a magazine displaying sports cars within it''s pages.


    "Uh... Hey." Senji spoke shyly. The other two boys snickered.


    "So you''re the new guy, yeah? Sit down with us for a moment." The lanky one said. Senji just nodded and sat down.


    "Yeah. Um, it''s my first day so-"


    "You don''t know anybody yet. Right? Figured that. Where ya'' from?"


    "Tokyo."


    "City boy huh? Damn. And you moved all the way here? That''s pretty crazy. Having to come from the city to here can''t be easy. Why though?"


    Senji swallowed hard. While moving to a new place can be exciting, in his case not so much. But he figured if he opened up a little to these strangers maybe they would trust him and possibly become his friend.


    "Well... My dad passed away from an illness and mom couldn''t afford to keep our house since he was the only one working. So, her parents who live here found a place for us to move in to. And here I am." He explained. The expressions on all of their faces changed. The lanky boy sighed.


    "Shit. I''m uh, sorry to hear that dude. Guys, what are we thinking about him? He seems alright, yeah?" He spoke. The other two nodded in agreement. "Same here. Maybe we can ease that anxiety that must be weighing on your mind new guy. Name''s Kaito. Kaito Murasaka. These knuckleheads are my friends Aoi and Daiki."


    "Senji. Senji Kamura. Nice to meet you guys."


    "Likewise. Stick with us and you''ll coast through this year like it''s nothing. Aoi is a total nerd so he''s your guy if you need help with pretty much any subject. Daiki here well, he''s cool but not the brightest and he knows it. And I''m just a nobody who loves his punk rock and sports cars. The others pay no attention to me and I don''t pay attention to them. These two guys here are the only friends I need."


    Daiki tapped Aoi''s shoulder and whispered something into his ear. Aoi nodded and looked at Kaito.


    "What about Emiko?" He asked. Kaito pounded his fist on the table.


    "Do...not... Bring her up." He muttered. "Before you ask Senji, Emiko is "technically" a friend of mine. She''s this weirdo who''s obsessed with me but I refuse to go out with her. I only keep talking to her cause I''m too nice to tell her to piss off."


    "If she wasn''t such a hottie I''d say tell her that. But when she''s around it''s funny to see how annoyed he gets at her."


    "Screw you. Look if she comes around just, deal with it. I''m sure she''ll run into us in the hallways at some point today. Anyway... Class is starting soon. After lookin'' at your schedule here, looks like we all have first and second period together. Don''t worry you''ll get your bearings in no time. C''mon."


    Senji followed Kaito and his two friends as the bell rang signaling the first period. Upon entering the classroom, the teacher''s eyes gleamed behind her black glasses at the sight of Senji entering. She stood up from her desk and approached him bearing a warm smile. She was about average height, with long mocha brown hair draped over her shoulders and a beautiful face. She wore a green blouse with a long colorful flower-patterned skirt and black slip-on shoes. Kaito and crew went to their seats knowing he would be getting the new student treatment from the teacher.


    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    "Hello there! You must be Senji! It''s so nice to meet you dear. I''ll be your math and homeroom teacher, Miss Koyami." The teacher said in a cheerful tone. Senji just grinned and nodded quietly.


    Once everyone was in their seats, Miss Koyami stood in front of the chalkboard with Senji by her side. He could feel everyone''s eyes on him like a mass of hawks. He was starting to feel uncomfortable but had to get the introduction over with. He could only give brief glances to the other students feeling if his gaze lingered on even just one of them for too long it would seem weird.


    "Alright everyone! Today we are joined by our schools newest student. He moved all the way from Tokyo to our humble little town. Would you like to introduce yourself?" She said. Senji swallowed hard and nodded.


    "Um... Hello. I''m Senji Kamura. I''m glad to be here and um... Yeah, that''s it." Senji stated awkwardly. He could see a group of girls whispering to one another. He was just relieved to get that out of the way.


    "Thank you dear! Now let''s see hmm... Oh! Over there by the right hand corner is an empty seat. You can sit there, okay?"


    Senji nodded and walked over to the empty seat. Behind it sat a girl hiding her face behind a book while in front sat Kaito. The girl peeked out from behind the book to get a look at him. He only caught a brief glimpse but he saw her violet eyes before she hid them back behind the book. He set his backpack down then sat down, pulling his notebook and pencil out. He was ready to finally start the school year.


    "Okay! So we''re starting our newest lesson today. Anybody know what that is? That''s right! Trigonometry. While admittedly a more complex lesson, we''re going to take our time nice and slowly dissecting how trigonometry works and how we can apply it even to our every day lives! We won''t need textbooks today since we''re just starting. Only notebooks out because you all are definitely going to need to take notes. Shall we begin then?"


    Once class had ended Senji made his way to his locker to place the math textbook into it. He closed it shut then headed on to his next class, science. As he was walking a girl with her face hidden behind a locker door peered out from behind it, catching his attention. Those same violet eyes from math class. He swore that she looked familiar but couldn''t remember if he had seen her before or not. Regardless he just passed by her and was on the way to science, a class he didn''t have with Kaito so he would be on his own. Kaito told him where to go before departing after math had ended which helped.


    The science room looked very similar to the one from his old school. Regular tables in front and large tables in the back with beakers, test tubes, racks, and metal trays lined with various small tools. The teacher, a portly bald man, greeted him as he entered.


    "Welcome new kid. Names Mister Ryoichi. There''s a couple empty desks so take either one. We''re in the middle of learning how chemicals react to other chemicals so grab a textbook and I''ll have someone help you out with catching up to where we''re at. Let''s see... Excuse me young lady." Ryoichi pointed to a girl in the front row with short light brown hair, black glasses and a flower hairpin. "Miss Kanako, may you assist our new student here? I''m afraid he''s in a bit of awkward position."


    The girl nodded, waving him over to the empty seat next to her. Senji, relieved he didn''t have to do another introduction, grabbed one of the thick textbooks and went over to her and sat down. She bowed her head politely.


    "Hello. I''m Kanako. Worry not for I shall be assisting you as you caught us in the middle of a very important lesson." She said, her tone very direct.


    "Hey. I''m Senji. Thank you. I''d appreciate that."


    While Kanako was showing him where in the textbook they were at, out of his peripheral he noticed the same girl from out in the hallway and in his previous class. Considering the number of students the school had, he wasn''t surprised to be seeing her in this same class. But why did she seem familiar he thought. Now it was starting to bug him and would throughout the rest of the day.


    With some help from Kaito locating each of the designated classrooms on his schedule, Senji was starting to get more familiar with his surroundings and the layout of the school as it was smaller then his old school back in Toyko. He was adjusting to his history, social studies, and Japanese classes well enough. He apparently shared three of his five classes with Kaito while the girl he had met in science class, Kanako, shared Japanese with him. He even preferred this schools food at lunch to the food from his old school. With his classroom locations memorized, Senji was feeling more confidant about the year going forward. The only other thing that bothered him was a particular group of girls that kept glancing at him whenever he saw them, whether it be in the hallways or in class. He tried to shrug it off but was curious on what they were saying about him. In his mind, if they really wanted to say anything to him then he would be waiting.


    After sixth period, the school day was over. Senji decided to take advantage of the time he had to kill before heading home to just wander around. During his stroll through the hallways he stumbled upon one of the club rooms. It was for art. Peeking inside he could see a few students chatting while studying a very detailed painting of a sakura tree. As someone who was very interested in the art from manga, Senji was curious.


    "Now''s not the time... Maybe next week once I''m more adjusted to this place." He murmured to himself.


    Deciding to put off joining any clubs on hold, Senji turned around to see a girl standing right behind him. He jumped back in surprise, his heart pounding inside his chest. It was the girl he had kept seeing from earlier. She had long natural black hair with bangs parted just over her right eye. Her eyes were a striking violet color with light black eyeliner enhancing their unique color. Her face had a natural beauty to it but her body language showed a sign of shyness. He couldn''t find any words to say.


    "H-hello..." She spoke in a soft tone. "...you''re the new guy. Right?"


    Senji just nodded, regaining his composure after the initial scare. Now it was clicking in his mind after seeing those eyes. This girl was the same one he had initially exchanged glances with the previous day after leaving the office with his mom. She was also the girl who sat behind him in math class, whom he had passed by earlier in the hallway and whom he noticed coming into the science room. Now he was finally face-to-face with her.

 3. The Girl

    Senji struggled to find any words to say to the girl. He didn''t even know her name. Finding himself locked into her gaze he had to break the ice somehow. She seemed rather curious about him considering the current circumstances. He swallowed hard, lifting a hand then awkwardly waving to her.


    "H-hey there." He stammered. "Yeah uh... Yeah I am." He felt a lump in his throat as he spoke. The girl tilted her head slightly to the left.


    "I see." She murmured, studying him closely. He felt his personal space was being breached by this random yet familiar girl.


    "Um... Can I like, help you?"


    The girl stood firmly, gazing straight into his eyes. Sweat was beading his forehead. His heart was pounding inside his chest.


    "What''s your name?" She asked directly.


    His eyes widened. He wondered just what was up with this girl. Was that all she wanted? A simple question to answer. No other way out of this he thought.


    "S-Senji. Senji Kamura." He was surprised she didn''t already catch wind of his name being spoken as it was already known to several students.


    "Huh. Senji? I... Quite like that name."


    "Oh? W..well I... You''re standing quite close uh... I don''t even know you or your name."


    The girl took a few steps back, bowing to him then rising back up. Her eyes were almost hypnotizing to him.


    "We have a few classes together. You''ll be seeing me around, Senji. Thank you for telling me your name." She began to walk away but stopped, turning around and giving him one last gaze. "Ayame." After that name escaped her mouth, the girl walked away, vanishing around the corner. Senji scratched his head in confusion at that encounter. But he did finally get a name to match the eyes constantly fixated on his mind ever since yesterday leaving the school after registration. He regained his composure and headed for the exit. He did not see her upon leaving the school, assuming she had already left.


    "I am so happy for you! You''re already making friends!" Hinaka said in a cheerful tone with her hands cupped together over a hot stove with a pot of noodles steaming. "So when do I get to meet them??"


    "I.. I don''t know. Maybe once they''re more comfortable around me." Senji murmured sitting at the kitchen table.


    "Right right of course. You know, it''s not easy adjusting to a new school. So to hear you making friends on your first day just brings me joy."


    "Thanks, mom. I think I''ll be alright adjusting to this place in due time."


    Hinaka loaded their plates with noodles covered in sauces mixed with various vegetable toppings and set them down, joining Senji at the table. He began to dig into the food. Just like his father, he always savored his mother''s cooking. It was her first time cooking since they had moved in as the days spent unpacking had exhausted her so they were just eating takeout every day. It felt nice to have her cooking once again. He talked to her about his classes, his first impressions on the teachers and how his overall day had been. The only part he left out was meeting the strange girl. He didn''t feel it was worth mentioning right now and would rather keep it to himself. Senji had dated a few girls during his time in middle and early high school years but they never truly developed beyond just hanging out together. She already seemed to have her curiosity peaked when he mentioned Kanako. In his mind, she must''ve seemed quite eager for him to potentially find a girlfriend in this new town. Both his mother and father were guilty of setting expectations for him to carry on their bloodline as the only child. But he would rather not think about his uncertain future right now and instead focus solely on his studies and building trust within his newly acquired social circle of Kaito, Aoi and Daiki.


    After dinner Senji went to seclude himself in his room for the remainder of the night. He was too invested in the current manga series he was reading to play his Nintendo or check the television stations and memorize every channel that appealed to him. The manga followed a group of teenagers who are fated to slay a demon that tore through Hell into the real world and started creating chaos. To his surprise it''s themes were deeper then it''s simple premise and narrative which is what had him hooked. He continued to read until it was time for bed.


    Drifting into sleep, Senji opened his eyes and found himself in an empty school hallway. The hallways resembled his old school back in Tokyo. Feeling full consciousness of his body, he began to wander around for what felt like hours. Every classroom, the lunch room, the offices and staff rooms were empty with the doors all closed. He could feel his heart beating with anxiety.


    "I never liked empty hallways... They terrify me."


    He began to hear his own thoughts while he wandered towards what appeared to be doors leading to the courtyard walkways. As he reached a hand out the doors opened on their own. Across the walkway was the doors to the gym, which had also opened. Anxious he pressed on until he found himself entering the large gym. However, this time it wasn''t completely empty. Standing in the middle of the gym were five students all in uniform staring down at the floor. He was confused but walked towards them. Suddenly their heads shot up to stare at him. He felt his entire body freeze. The students all resembled his friends from back in Tokyo. Three boys and two girls. Their eye colors, hair and faces were spot on.


    Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.


    "Why did you have to leave Senji?"


    "This sucks dude. You were my best friend... Now we can''t hang out anymore..."


    "You were the only one who talked to me until you introduced your friends to me. Shame you had to go..."


    "Goddamn it! Not you too..."


    "I''m sorry the illness took your father away... Now you have to be taken from us? Life really is unfair."


    Each of them spoke directly to Senji, pointing their fingers up at him. Senji began to freak out. Cupping his ears he dropped to his knees desperate to deafen their words. But it was no use. Their words repeated in his head. He began to scream. Scream until it was all over.


    Waking up in cold sweat at the crack of dawn, Senji was breathing heavily. He checked his surroundings to find himself back in his room. Relieved for the nightmare to be over, he felt the urge to use the bathroom. It was still a few hours before he would have to head to school. He didn''t dream again, instead sleeping rather restlessly.


    "Got to... Stay awake. Damn it..." Senji muttered to himself quietly during social studies class. He was struggling to stay awake during the lecture being given by the gray-haired older woman with glasses standing next to the projector, Missus Kazuko.


    "-As you know during the nineteen-eighties, in many of these small social circles rumors would spread to various neighborhoods where gangs would reside. If a certain individual who was the target of the rumor was found they most likely would be captured and beaten up for information or even killed." Kazuko rambled on and would continue to do so for the remainder of the period.


    The bell rang signaling the end of class. Standing outside leaning against the wall was Kaito and Daiki. He slapped Senji''s arm to get his attention. Senji turned to face him. He nodded his head then motioned for him to follow. Senji nodded back and walked with the two of them.


    "Sheesh you still look tired as hell. Kazuko''s classes tend to put everyone to sleep so her lecture definitely didn''t help." Daiki said.


    "That old fart just needs to retire already. She''s the oldest teacher in the school yet can still talk for a fucking hour straight. Ridiculous." Kaito groaned. Senji quietly nodded in agreement unable to even form a a proper response. "Don''t worry. I know how we can wake you up. Check it out up there. Teacher''s lounge. They got coffee."


    "Why don''t we just hit up the vending machines outside? They got canned coffee drinks."


    "Those are fine but he needs the real good shit the teachers drink on the regular."


    "B-but I''ve never had real coffee..." Senji said.


    Kaito peeked through the door just slightly ajar to get a look. He opened it further to see the lounge was empty. A smirk across his face he led the two of them inside and towards the coffee machine on the counter next to the microwave and vending machines. He grabbed three of the foam cups then filled all of them with coffee straight from the pot. Kaito and Daiki bumped their cups together and took drinks. Senji looked down at the cup then up at them.


    "We shouldn''t even be in here but..." He murmured.


    "Eh who cares? Just drink up dude. I promise you it''ll help you wake up and get through the rest of the day." Kaito reassured him.


    Senji sighed and took a sip. He coughed. His mouth and tongue began to burn. Never tasting straight black coffee, he grabbed sugar and creamer to pour into the cup and stirred it with a straw. Kaito and Daiki snickered.


    "Don''t like it black huh? Fair enough. You said you never had real coffee? Yet you knew to grab the creamer and sugar." Daiki stated.


    "I..I saw my father drink coffee before. He once told me that if I had it and didn''t like it black, to add this stuff to make it sweeter."


    "Oh. Gotcha'' dude."


    Kaito peeked out from inside the teachers lounge. The hallway was mostly empty aside from some students chatting with one another. He gave them a thumbs up. The three of them left the room nonchalantly with smiles on their faces. Senji felt relieved and more awake after finally having finished his coffee. He was surprised not a single teacher had gone into the room while they were in there.


    Senji managed to make it through the rest of the day with his mind alert and body fueled by the caffeine from earlier driving him to stay focused. He didn''t manage to find the time to talk to the strange girl, Ayame, during the classes he shared. He was unsure if she would approach him again or if she wanted him to come to her. Anxious on what the possibilities were, he didn''t dwell on it and went straight out the front doors to his bike. As he rode on his way home he happened to notice an older couple standing on their front porch glaring at him with innocent smiles on their face. He waved at them while riding by. They both simply nodded. It was quite refreshing to see more friendly faces in a town that''s been suffering from these disappearances.


    Turning onto his street Senji was almost home. Before he would arrive, just a couple houses away he noticed someone in the distance causing him to stop riding. Several houses down he noticed two girls still in uniform leaving the front lawn and heading down the street opposite of his direction. Both of them had long hair from what he could make out but was unable to tell who they were. He assumed they must''ve just been two friends who decided to go for a walk. It was the middle of Spring. The weather was cool and calming. Perfect for taking strolls. He just shrugged it off and rode home, ready to retire for the evening.


    Taking a break from reading his manga, Senji decided to instead finally find some television channels he could enjoy. Since Nakamura was much smaller then the vast expansive metropolis that was Tokyo, the channels were much more limited here. A couple cartoon channels, a local news network, a home shopping channel for various products and a history channel. Senji had found his entertainment channels and wrote them down on a sticky note, placing it on his desk.


    Senji''s room was small. He had a bed, a small closet, television set, chair and desk with bookshelves for his manga, and a dresser and two shelves with various action figures in dynamic poses. He had a couple band posters and a single poster for his favorite manga series Heart of Sin, featuring two attractive protagonists, one male wielding a sword and female holding a pistol, with their backs against each other and an army of hideous demons in the background with a terrifying demon overlord looming over everyone.


    This was Senji''s haven. His safe space. The room wasn''t as spacious and open as his old room but cozy enough to cope with the smaller house they had moved into. He would spend the rest of the night watching cartoons until it was time to sleep. He would have to make a decision regarding the mysterious Ayame. He came to a conclusion before drifting off to sleep. He was going to find her in the morning before classes and talk to her himself.

 4. Under Lock and Key

    Senji entered the classroom once again being greeted by Miss Koyami''s bright and beautiful smile. He shyly waved at her on his way to the back of the room where Kaito and Daiki were hanging out. He dropped his backpack next to his desk. Kaito shook his head while Daiki snickered. He motioned for Senji to come over to them.


    "Hey Senji. Want your honest opinion on something." Daiki said.


    "You are ridiculous." Kaito muttered. "It''s stupid so don''t answer if you want."


    Senji just shrugged his shoulders, finding a spot on the back counter to lean up against.


    "So... What do you think of Koyami? Ain''t she a total fox? She''s the hottest teacher here and literally every guy wants her so bad. I guarantee most of the ones dating someone would dump their girlfriend if they had a shot with her." Daiki snickered. Kaito sighed audibly. Senji glanced over to Koyami for but a moment. She was busy prepping papers, bending just slightly over her desk.


    "I-I mean... Yeah she is hot. Without a doubt." Senji replied. Daiki lightly punched him in the arm.


    "I told you he would admit it Kaito."


    Kaito leaned forward off of the wall. He crossed his arms and looked sharply at Daiki, eyebrow raised.


    "Lusting over a teacher is pathetic. Just because there isn''t a ring on that finger doesn''t mean any of you would have even the slightest chance in Hell of landing her." Kaito stated. "Stick to drooling over babes stretched out over sports cars in skimpy outfits."


    Kaito left to walk over to his desk. Daiki shook his head in ignorance before leaning over to Senji.


    "I don''t get him sometimes. Several girls think he''s so handsome yet he refuses to date anybody." Daiki said. Senji looked over to Kaito sat at his desk twiddling his thumbs.


    "Maybe he''s just, I don''t know, sealed off his heart? I remember one time my dad said he got so heartbroken back in middle school that he stayed away from relationships for several years. Somehow during his senior year, my mom managed to break through that wall he built around his heart." Senji said.


    "Woah. Shit maybe you''re right. Well, who am I to judge what he wants to do."


    Senji was about to speak when his eyes were immediately drawn to the girl who had just entered the classroom. Those violet eyes. It was Ayame. Class was about to start so he would wait until the end to approach her as he planned to do last night.


    "Don''t forget your homework assignments for the night everybody! I expect those all to be completed and turned in by tomorrow! The weekend is almost here but no slacking! Class is dismissed!" Koyami said with the bell ringing off after her last words were spoken.


    Senji grabbed his backpack and stood up. He turned around only to be face-to-face with Ayame. Her eyes met his. He narrowly glanced down at the purple and black checkered bag she carried, plastered with pins of skulls and cats. His focus shifted right to her chest. He could feel his heart starting to pound. Ayame tilted her head slightly to the right. A confused look on her face.


    "Um... Senji?" She spoke. Senji shook his head and looked back up at her.


    "O-oh uh hey! Ayame, right?" Senji asked. She nodded quietly. "Right. Just uh, making sure I pronounced it right. Um..."


    "Did you want to ask me something?"


    "H..How did you know??"


    "Lucky guess?"


    "Heh. Right. Uh... Well, I was um, actually wanting to get to know you more. Since we''re classmates and all. So..."


    Senji trailed off, biting his tongue. He couldn''t figure out how to ask her to hang out without sounding weird or creepy.


    "So?" Ayame scratched her chin.


    "Would you maybe... Want to perhaps um... H-hang out after school sometime. If not it''s okay um..."


    Ayame silently nodded her head. Senji''s eyes widened.


    "Sure." She said.


    "Yeah? That''s great. When um-"


    "Outside the rear school doors near the gym. Tomorrow. After school."


    With a little smile, Ayame walked past him without another word. Senji turned to watch her leave the classroom. He could already feel the butterflies inside his stomach. The first time he''s felt any real sense of joy in a while. He achieved the goal he set for himself. Now he had something to look forward to for the remainder of the school week. With his backpack slung over his shoulders Senji headed out of the classroom to go find Kaito. Standing in the hallways opposite of the classroom door were four girls eyeballing Senji as he strolled on by them. The tallest one had golden bronze hair and light freckles on her face. The shortest one had cocoa brown hair and wore pink glasses. The other two were roughly the same height; One with natural black hair, light purple eyeliner and a beauty mark under her left eye. The other had bleach blonde hair, black eyeliner, bright pink lipstick and foundation makeup on her cheeks giving them a light blush.


    "That was the new guy right? He was totally chatting it up with the weird girl." The tall girl said.


    "Why is he even talking to her? She''s so quiet and awkward." The short girl stated.


    "She''s a loner. Not a single friend. It''s sad." The black-haired girl murmured. The blonde girl shrugged her shoulders and turned to face the rest of the group.


    "To be honest he is kind of cute. He should be talking to me instead of that freak though." She hissed, crossing her arms. "He''s in my history class. I''m totally gonna'' talk to him. He can do better then that girl."


    The other three girls all nodded in agreement before taking off together towards the lunch room.


    Senji kept his meeting with Ayame a secret from his friends for the time being. During lunch hour the next day as Senji was idly chatting with this odd trio he now calls his friends, a familiar voice called out from a few rows over that he recognized.


    "Senji! Hey!"


    Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.


    Approaching the table was Kanako from science class. She popped a squat next to Senji with a full tray.


    "Who might this be?" Aoi asked.


    "Oh. This is Kanako. She''s in my science class. Since none of you have it with me, she was selected by our teacher to assist me." Senji explained. Kanako nodded in response.


    Daiki and Aoi were oblivious to who she was but Kaito recognized her. Kaito only knew who she was because she occasionally helps him with science assignments outside of class. He knew that she was despised by several girls because of her perfect grades and impenetrable superiority complex. Harsh words never seem to hurt her pride as a good student every teacher loved.


    "I hope you don''t mind if I start sitting with you. The girls at the table I normally sit at are just so dull. It''s always boys this, gossip that. I really could care less about that nonsense." Kanako said adjusting her glasses.


    "Kanako... I highly doubt anything we talk about will be of interest to you either. Aoi here is the only one who is a total nerd when it comes to schoolwork and books. But personally I don''t blame you for straying away from the pack of cats you associate with." Kaito murmured.


    "It''s fine. Really. Plus Senji here seems like a nice guy. For the new kid it is quite wonderful to see you have already made some friends."


    Senji just rubbed his shoulder and grinned.


    "Well it''s nice to meet ya'' then Kanako." Aoi said. Daiki just nodded quietly with that same wide smile he always wore.


    Senji seemed happy he had another friend. Even if her inclusion into his lunch group seemed sudden. Sometimes she did chime in during their discussion for the day over what would make a perfect movie. Daiki suggested lots of action while Aoi would prefer a very narrative-driven story. Kanako backed Aoi''s thoughts by suggesting the main characters get fleshed out as the story progressed. Senji and Kaito both agreed on minimizing mindless action but keeping it balanced for a proper viewing experience. It was a very lively conversation that made the time fly.


    After the last class of the day had ended, that being history, Aoi and Daiki met up with Kaito and Senji out in the hallways. Daiki seemed to be carrying a Walkman in his hand with one earbud in his right ear, the other dangled down.


    "We should stroll down by the park today. The weather is perfect for a walk." Aoi suggested.


    "Sure why not? Senji you in?" Kaito asked. Senji looked to him and shook his head.


    "Sorry I uh... I''m going to check out some of the clubs. Thinking of joining one actually." He lied through his teeth.


    Senji wasn''t ready to join a club just yet but needed an excuse to go meet up with Ayame. Kaito shrugged his shoulders.


    "Alright. By the way, we''re meeting at Daiki''s place tomorrow. Want you to be there. Haven''t had a chance to hang outside of school yet so we''re inviting you. Aoi''s parents are as dull as paint drying and well... I''d rather not talk about my situation at home." Kaito looked down at the floor for but a brief moment. Senji wondered what he meant by that but wasn''t going to ask right now.


    "Yeah sure. I''d be happy to come over Daiki." Senji replied.


    "Awesome. Well see ya'' tomorrow then!" Daiki said cheerfully.


    Senji watched the three of them leave towards the direction of the front doors. With them gone he turned around to head for the rear doors near the gymnasium. The layout of this section of the school was different then his school back in Tokyo. The gym had an alternate entrance to another side away from the main entrance through the courtyard. Across the hallway there was a set of doors leading outside. Senji pushed the doors open and was greeted by a long narrow pathway towards streets in the distance with a couple benches on either side and tall trees shrouding both sides providing shade from the sunlight.


    He noticed sitting on one of the benches reading a book was Ayame. He could feel his heartbeat increasing while he walked in her direction. She lifted her head to glance at Senji approaching. Putting the book away in her bag she stood up to face him. The two meet once again.


    "H-hey there." Senji spoke sheepishly.


    "Hello, Senji." Ayame responded in her usual hushed tone.


    "Um... Wanna'' walk together? It is nice out after all."


    "That would be lovely."


    Senji and Ayame started walking down the shaded pathway. A cool, gentle breeze blew in the air. Senji was almost mesmerized by the way her hair flowed in the wind while they walked. He was feeling strange deep down. He was asking himself inside his mind if he was starting to develop a crush on her.


    "You know Senji..." Ayame broke the silence.


    "H-huh? What?"


    "When I first saw you. Leaving the office the day before you showed up. I wondered... What kind of person you were. The last transfer student we had was... Well, she was a bit unruly."


    "Unruly?"


    "Egotistical, sassy, rude. The only friends she made were some girls just like her. She took her antics too far one day and was... Expelled."


    "Seriously?"


    "Yes. She thought it was amusing to pull pranks. It got to the point where even her few friends were getting fed up with her. Juvenile... Is a perfect word to describe her."


    "Sounds like a-"


    "A bitch? Correct... And it became her downfall. Nobody knows what happened to her. Not even those ''friends'' of hers. It was as if after her expulsion she dropped off the face of the Earth. Tragic, really."


    "Yikes. Well, my old school had it''s fair share of girls like that. Granted none went so far as to get expelled. But they were also mean and stuck up. Seems no matter where you go there''s people like that."


    Ayame was quiet for a minute. She let out a sigh as they reached the end of the path where it met the street. Senji looked around for any traffic, only seeing a few cars and a school bus drive by. Ayame lightly tugged on his sleeve. He turned to look at her.


    "You can walk me home. We''ll talk along the way. It''s a few block away from here. I''ll lead." She said. Senji nodded, following her.


    The neighborhood nearby happened to be his own. They walked in silence until turning the first corner down the street. Senji wanted to start more small talk, scrambling to think of what to say. Then something came to mind.


    "About what you mentioned earlier. Wondering what kind of person I was. I-I know we''ve barely talked much but um can I ask? What do you think of me so far?" He asked shyly.


    "You... Seem nice. Composed. Quiet. Kind of like myself." Ayame replied.


    "Yeah? That''s a good thing right?"


    "Yes. Guys are... Scared of me. You could''ve ran away when I approached you. You didn''t. That never happens."


    "R-really?? Why would they be scared? You seem nice too if I''m to be honest."


    "I don''t know. Maybe because I''m so quiet. I... Don''t really socialize with anybody. I haven''t even ever had a boy walk me home before."


    "So I''m the first? Huh..."


    After walking for about fifteen minutes Ayame stopped in front of a house. The walls on the exterior were cracking and the car port was dilapidated. She turned to face him with a frail smile on her face. Senji''s heart fluttered.


    "This is my house. Thank you... For walking me here." Ayame said.


    "Of course. I-I enjoyed talking with you along the way Ayame." Senji stammered. "We... We should do this again soon. I-if that''s okay."


    "I do enjoy your company. So I''d like that. I''ll be going inside then... Talk to you later, Senji."


    "Y-yeah me too. Goodbye."


    Catching one final glimpse of her smile, Ayame left heading inside the house. Senji breathed a sigh of relief as he calmed himself down mentally. He was beginning to think he really is attracted to her. Once he was calm he headed down the street. Looking across the road he spotted his house and came to a realization. Judging by the distance and locations of the homes, he pieced together that the two girls he saw leaving a house the other day, had to have come from Ayame''s house. She stated that she didn''t really socialize with anybody yet now realizing she was walking with another girl from school that day.


    ''Maybe she has a sister or it was a friend of hers?'' Senji thought.


    He would have to ask her the next time they meet. For now he would head home and call it a day.

 5: Deepening Connections

    The weekend was here for Senji. Thankfully there was no homework given out in any of his classes to complete so he found himself with a free schedule. After he had finished breakfast he went to get dressed. Free from the shackles of a school uniform, he threw on a dark gray Initial D t-shirt and black jeans then grabbed his Game Boy. He was ready to head over to Daiki''s house. Kaito wrote down the address for him on a piece of paper. Pocketing it, he made it to the living room before Hinaka spoke to him while sitting on the couch watching television;


    "Have fun at your friends house dear! Be careful on your way there okay?"


    Senji grabbed his black sneakers by the door to slip on and laced them up. He stood back up and looked over to his mother with a nod and a smile.


    "I will mom. Thanks." He said.


    "Oh I''m so proud of you... Your first time hanging out with new friends outside of school. You better bring them over sometime soon so I can meet them."


    "Of course. I''m sure they''ll love your cooking too."


    "I''m sure they will too. Love you dear."


    "Love you too."


    With a polite wave Senji left the house out towards his bike. He hopped on to begin his ride. This time not towards school but deeper into the suburbs.


    The neighborhood was lively on this brisk Saturday morning. A mother watched her two daughters playing with dolls out in backyard. A young couple in their twenties strolled along the sidewalk hand-in-hand. A few men stood under a carport talking as a radio set on a workbench played alternative music through the speakers. Senji was getting more exposure to the residents of his new neighborhood and enjoyed seeing these people living their lives amidst the rather grave situation of disappearing people him and his mother were greeted with upon entering Nakamura.


    The street where Daiki''s house resided was just up ahead. Senji rounded the corner on his bike until he spotted the large house with the big garage and two vehicles, a van and a coupe, parked inside. He was told by Kaito to look out for this detail in particular. He pulled up then hopped off, walking onto the property.


    After a few knocks the door opened. A woman with long deep brown hair, brown eyes and wearing an elegant red sundress greeted him with a smile.


    "Why hello! You must be Daiki''s friend. Please come in!" She spoke in a very upbeat tone.


    Senji nodded and entered the home. He slipped his shoes off next to the other sets of shoes. Seven sets in total with his being the eighth. He was quite stunned at the size of the interior. Spacious and clean with a staircase leading to the second story just ahead.


    "Daiki is upstairs in his room with the others by the way. Just look for the door with the car poster on it. Okay?" The woman, presumably his mother, said.


    "Yeah. Thank you."


    Peering ahead past the kitchen Senji could see sliding glass doors leading to the backyard where a bulky man was watching two little girls playing. He headed upstairs where he spotted the door with the car posters creaked open and voices coming from inside the lit room. Pushing the door open inside the room was Daiki, Kaito and Aoi. They all turned to look at him. It was a bit jarring seeing his classmates outside of uniform. Aoi dressed like he worked at an office. Daiki wore baggy clothes and Kaito certainly embraced the punk rock aesthetic with the leather jacket, pants and boots.


    "Hey ya'' made it. Have a seat. We''re about to fire up a totally casual game of smash." Daiki said.


    "Casual would be a fat fucking lie and you know it. You get heated when your ass gets kicked." Kaito snickered.


    Daiki just stuck his middle finger up at him while Aoi just laughed. Senji took a seat on the floor.


    "Your house is... Like, really big." Senji commented picking up the lone fourth controller. "I''m guessing you have a big family?"


    "Yup! Me, my mom, dad, and my two little sisters. Dad works in real estate so he brings in most of the money and travels to other towns a lot. Mom owns a flower shop in town. She takes one weekend off a month to spend with dad since he''s off on weekends and the shop is only closed on Sundays and Mondays."


    "Huh. That''s pretty neat."


    Aoi stuck the game into the console and turned it on. The group had to select their characters now and pick a map to play on.


    "What does your mother do Senji?" Aoi asked. "Or I guess, what did she do before you two moved here?


    "She was a part-time nurse at a hospital near where we lived in Tokyo. Today she''s actually going to the town''s hospital to see if she can get a job there. Since father passed she''s wanting full time. The money left in his bank account was enough to cover the down payment and keep us set for the next few months."


    "Well that''s good at least. It can''t be easy moving to a new town. We all have lived here our entire lives so we don''t know what that''s like."


    "Tiring..."


    Senji was familiar with this game. Several characters from different franchises clashing in battle. He never owned it but would play it with his friends back home. He only ever played as Link so he had to take him before the others. During the brawling he was struggling against Kaito who claimed to be a Samus pro player. Daiki was Donkey Kong and Aoi was Pikachu. The fighting became quite intense throughout the match, ultimately ending with Kaito as the victor.


    "I''m impressed Senji... You''re a decent Link player. You even took Aoi out with ease... After he beat Daiki." Kaito said with a smug grin.


    "It''s not over yet. Kaito is on a win streak and I''m sick of it!" Daiki hissed.


    "Then pick someone else. You think you''re good with Kong but you really aren''t."


    "Fine! I''ll show you... I''m going with the funny baseball kid!"


    Daiki managed to beat Aoi but was defeated by Senji. Him and Kaito were head-to-head now on a dangerous stage with hazards. Their fingers moved like clockwork pulling off every combo and hit with ease and precision. With their health pools well above one-hundred percent, Senji managed to land a finishing blow, knocking Kaito out of the stage and winning the match. Daiki threw his controller in anger. Aoi and Kaito were both speechless. Senji crossed his arms, grinning as he looked up at Kaito on the bed. He lightly slapped his palm onto his face.


    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    "Holy shit you actually broke my win streak..." Kaito murmured. Moving his hand, he revealed a smile. "Congrats Senji. Neither of these fools have ever beat me. Two rounds with you and I lose. Consider me floored."


    Kaito extended a fist to Senji. Senji clenched his fist and bumped Kaito''s. Daiki stood up, crossing his arms and pounding the floor with his foot.


    "Goddamn it! I was hoping to be the one to break his streak! I should''ve gotten good with Link..." He muttered.


    "Ah suck it up. Say why don''t you go get us some snacks and something to drink? Let us celebrate my first ever defeat."


    "Fine... I''ll be back."


    Kaito and Aoi chuckled as did Senji, reeling in his victory.


    A few hours had passed by. The four friends spent the rest of their time together watching a marathon of a recent new game show where contestants would gather in groups of four to compete in various wacky challenges for prize money. They were binging up to latest episode which aired that same day. With bowls of noodles prepared by Daiki''s mom for dinner, they sat and laughed at the antics happening on screen. It was the first time Senji had actually seen Kaito so upbeat. Sure he would seem pleased with conversations or playing games, but to see him actually laughing was a new experience.


    "Oh this oughta'' be good. Who''s gonna'' fall into the pool of gelatin?" Kaito wondered.


    As the contestants began to hit each other with large batons resembling ear cleaners, one-by-one they fell off into the pool below the bridge. At the end, only a brutish man remained with the rest coated in green gelatin. Daiki was crying from how much harder he was cackling compared to the others.


    "Good grief! What an absolute monster that man is!" Aoi commented.


    "I wonder how the four of us would fare in something like this?" Senji pondered.


    Kaito glanced at him with an eyebrow raised. He slurped up the last of the noodles then sat the bowl down, resting an arm on Senji''s shoulder.


    "Not a bad idea my friend. Believe it or not, Daiki is actually quite skilled at soccer. With the four of us and our different... Skill sets? Sure we''ll call it that. I betcha'' we would make a hell of a team."


    "Y-you think so?"


    "Absolutely. I''d be the leader keeping the team together and coordinated. Aoi would be cautious and careful making him slippery and hard to defeat. Daiki is pure, unbridled lunacy so where he lacks in brain cells he makes up for with sheer athleticism. You... You''re pretty calm and collected so I assume you could be tactical and look for any advantage possible. Think about it. Four heads put together."


    Daiki and Aoi looked to each other with glee then over to Kaito and Senji with beaming smiles.


    "Hell yeah! We should go to Osaka where they film the show and sign up to compete! Anybody can be a contestant so it''s possible!" Daiki spoke with much enthusiasm.


    "I agree. Potential future road trip idea?" Aoi suggested.


    Kaito nodded in agreement. He clenched his fist and held it right up in front of his face.


    "Looks like it''s settled. Come summer break, we''re taking a trip to Osaka. So make sure you don''t fucking slack on your grades Daiki. Got it?" He demanded.


    "Y-yes sir!" Daiki said making a salute gesture.


    "Set in stone. We win that prize money... Split it up between us four... We''re set for a long time."


    Senji never thought about the idea of taking a road trip with his friends. Even back in Tokyo he never ventured outside the city with anyone. With the first summer plans laid out, he was already anticipating the final days of school and what would come afterwards.


    Senji and his friends had to part ways after finishing up the new episode. Daiki waved them off. Aoi headed off home while Kaito and Senji stood on the sidewalk just outside Daiki''s home. Shoving his hands into the pockets of his leather jacket, Kaito turned to Senji.


    "Say Senji..." He said.


    "Yeah?" Senji replied.


    "Why don''t we take a little walk. I''m... Not ready to head home yet." His head lowered slightly.


    "Oh? I suppose there is some time before my curfew. Sure. Where should we go?"


    "The park is nearby. Let''s head there."


    Kaito led the way as Senji followed. With the sun beginning to set, the neighborhood had quieted down since this morning. Nestled between the suburbs and downtown was a large open park complete with plenty of trees, freshly paved walkways, benches, bathrooms, a couple playgrounds where some kids were still running around freely while their parents sat reading books, a shrine and a central area where a beautiful fountain stood. Kaito kept his head relatively low along the way.


    "Wow... This is one hell of a park." Senji noted. His eyes gleamed at the sheer size of the park just ahead of them.


    "It''s the cornerstone of Nakamura. Downtown doesn''t have anything spectacular so the park is a popular place to kill time. People go on walks or jogs, play with their children or even dogs, and even occasionally have gatherings or events. There''s also a shrine here too so ya'' know... Lots of people come to pray here too. It''s peaceful." Kaito explained.


    "Huh. I quite like it here."


    Senji took in the environment as they ventured into the park past the entrances marked by stone archways. The shrine in particular caught Senji''s attention. Part of him wanted to head over to it. Once they were in the vicinity of the central area where the fountain was, Kaito stopped in front of it. He looked up at the fountain, taking in a deep breath.


    "Can I tell you something Senji? I know I mentioned it days ago so... It only feels right that I open up a little to ya'' now."


    "Huh? I..I mean, sure."


    "Remember when I mentioned that I didn''t want to bring up my home life? Well... Frankly because it''s shit. Also why I didn''t want to go home yet once we left Daiki''s place..."


    Senji''s eyebrows raised. He stepped closer until he was right next to Kaito.


    "What... Do you mean Kaito?"


    "... Truth is, my home life is a mess. I only live with my dad. Mom left him five years ago because she got tired of his shit. He drinks every day, constantly smokes so the house always smells like cigarettes, hardly ever cleans anything and was abusive towards my mom... Both physically and verbally. Fuck knows where she went off to now after the divorce. Haven''t seen her since. He works at the superstore as a manager so he makes good enough money to keep us stable. But I can tell he hates it. The constant stress of running the place wears him down day after day. I don''t know what fucking went wrong with his mind... He used to be the nicest, most caring man ever. It''s how he even landed my mom in the first place and had me as a result... Heh look how that ended up. I don''t like being around him. I just hole up inside my room. He''s lazy so he hardly ever cooks and when he does it''s mediocre at best so takeout or microwave meals is usually what dinner comes out to be. So... Now you know. Without the guys and now you, I may have just given up. Tied the noose and ended it..."


    Senji felt his heart sink to his stomach hearing all of this. He placed a hand on Kaito''s shoulder.


    "Hey I''m... I''m sorry to hear that. Really..." He murmured, trying to comfort him. Kaito snickered coldly.


    "... The guys are lucky to have their parents and healthy relationships. I know you said you lost your dad... I would at least hope you and your mom have a healthy relationship too."


    "Yeah we do... She''s the strongest woman I know. We haven''t even fully moved on but... She never just gave up and we''re learning to move on."


    "Hm. I''m glad to hear that. And... Thanks. You''ve made a fine addition to our little group, Senji."


    Senji just nodded. He took the hand off of Kaito''s shoulder then glanced over at the shrine again. Kaito turned to see him looking that way.


    "Thank you for becoming my friends. For making adjusting to life here a little easier. Um... I think I''m going to visit the shrine for a moment." Senji stated.


    "Go ahead. I''ll be here."


    Senji walked over to the small shrine. It was an elegantly-carved shrine painted red complete with an offering box, a small box for taking fortune slips and a bunch of ema hanging from a separate display. He approached the shrine, tossing the few coins he had in his back pocket into the offering box then got down onto his knees, cupping his hands together to pray. In his mind he prayed for his father, for a hopeful path going forward for him and his mother, and for his friendships to blossom. Kaito just stood in place and silently watched him from the fountain. His expression showed one of pain but also of comfort.

 6: An Invitation

    Monday morning came around. The second week of school has officially started for Senji. Whispers were spreading regarding a student who hadn''t shown up for school today, nor the last few days of the week prior. This was beginning to instill uncertainty and even fear amongst the student body. Senji entered the lunch room to see his friends all gathered around the table with a new magazine from the looks of it. He approached them. Kaito locked eyes with him, a comforting smirk on his face.


    "Hey what''s up Sen-"


    "Haaaaaaay'' there Kaito!" A shrill feminine voice shouted from across the entire room.


    "Ah fuck me..."


    Senji was confused. He turned to where the voice came from. Jogging over to the group was a perky, bright blue-eyed girl with auburn brown hair lined with red streaks, and starry glittered black eyeliner. Her skirt was hiked up and she wore a low-cut undershirt revealing the slightest cleavage. Kaito put a palm against his face, while Aoi and Daiki just snickered. The girl approached Kaito, bouncing in place. She clearly had a lot of energy. More energy then anyone else Senji has seen in the entire school. He was also certain she was subtly violating the dress code.


    "I tried calling you all weekend and not once did you answer me Kaito! Why did you ignore my calls hmm?" The girl pouted.


    "I was busy okay? Also didn''t feel like talking over the phone." Kaito replied coldly. He gestured for Senji to go over to him. Senji did just that. The girl immediately turned her attention to him. She bent over, glaring Senji down from head to toe. She stood up straight and smiled.


    "You must be the new guy I''ve heard about. The rumors were true... You are cute. But you don''t compare to Kaito whatsoever." The girl said, shaking her head.


    Kaito, who was sitting on top of the table, placed a hand on Senji''s shoulder.


    "Senji this is... Emiko. Pretty sure I mentioned her to you after we met. She''s the annoying one who constantly pesters me." Kaito sighed.


    Emiko just snickered, leaning over and resting her hands on Kaito''s knees. She stared into his eyes.


    "He''s just in denial. Even if he''s your friend, don''t listen to him when it comes to me got it? He totally thinks I''m hot but just won''t seem to admit it. Oh Kaito why must you always play so hard to get? All I ask is you take me on a date."


    Kaito groaned. Senji could see the pain in his facial expression. He didn''t know how to feel about this rather bizarre relationship they seemed to have. Daiki grabbed the magazine and stood up with Aoi, slowly departing from the table.


    "We''re gonna get to class! See you later Kaito!" Aoi shouted as him and Daiki left.


    Kaito clenched his fists, feeling trapped under the weight of Emiko''s hands pinning his legs down. He just didn''t have the heart to tell her off harshly.


    "Emiko would you please just... Let me go? Me and Senji here need to get to class early. Gotta talk to the teacher about today''s assignment. Right pal?"


    Senji could tell he was lying through his teeth but nodded. Emiko sighed, backing away and putting her hands behind her back.


    "Oh fiiiiine! Nice to meet you new guy! I''ll see you in third period Kaito! Byeee!" Emiko said before twirling herself around and leaving.


    Senji couldn''t help but feel awkward watching her leave. Kaito breathed a sigh of relief. He took a seat just next to Kaito, glancing up at him. He was rubbing his temples clearly trying to calm himself down from an outburst.


    "She''s uh... Quite the unique girl. Why did something feel off about her uniform?" Senji noted.


    "If it wasn''t obvious enough, she''s obsessed with me. I swear she just wants to drag me into a dark room and... Well, fool around if you catch my drift. She assumes that showing off more skin means I''ll fall prey to her advances. Won''t... Ever... Happen. Even I''m not desperate enough to lose my virginity to a psycho. If it wasn''t for my mental training keeping me from blowing a gasket... I''d tell her to fuck off and never bother me again. I just can''t though..."


    "Huh? Why not? If she bothers you so much then why not just cut her off?"


    "Because... Most of the girls here hate her. She only has like, one real friend. Girl named Nanami. They only have one class together and Nanami runs the art club so she''s a busy girl and they hardly see each other both inside and outside of school. Other then her, I''m the only other person willing to tolerate her. She''s a senior though so I''m kinda'' just putting up with her until she graduates. If she even graduates." Kaito snickered.


    "What a strange relationship you two seem to have."


    "Indeed. I may look like a punk but I''m not a total asshole. Anyway enough chattering let''s go. Bell''s about to ring."


    Senji and Kaito stood up to leave the lunchroom right on cue as the bell rang away.


    Japanese class was the one other class Senji didn''t share with Kaito or Daiki. Aoi and Kanako however were in the same class. As he walked in, the tall and lanky teacher with the short, messy light brown hair and mustache was wiping his glasses off near his desk in the corner of the room. Senji approached him. He put his glasses back on to adjust them, noticing Senji step forward.


    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    "Mister Uwagi. I had a question." Senji said.


    "Ah Senji. What is it young man?" Uwagi replied.


    "I noticed your way of teaching is very similar to that of my old Japanese teacher. And well... The lessons we''ve been going over is stuff I''ve already learned prior to transferring schools. I was wondering. Is there going to be a test coming soon?"


    Uwagi raised a furrowed brow. He smirked as he took a sip of his coffee.


    "Is that so? As a matter of fact there is a test on Friday. I did notice you acing every assignment I''d given on your first week. I assure you, this is the last week for this lesson. Next week we''ll be moving on to a new lesson. Fancy Tokyo schools must be ahead of us in their lesson planners." He chuckles. Senji also chuckled a bit.


    "I see. Thanks. All I wanted to know."


    "You should have no troubles with the test then judging by your performance so far. Just bear with it okay? I say, it must be awkward having to go to a new school midway through the year."


    "Hit the nail on the head sir. I''m going to head to my seat now."


    "Very well."


    Senji spotted Aoi and Kanako chatting at a desk with an open book on it. It appeared to be the history of the Japanese language book Uwagi had multiple copies of in the classroom. He didn''t feel like bothering them so he just took his seat. Once the last student had entered Uwagi closed the door. He took the big stick sitting atop his desk and slapped the chalkboard, gathering everyone''s attention. A smirk across his face. Senji found him a rather amusing man. With all eyes on him he began to speak;


    "You ever wonder how past generations feel about the slang this current, younger generation had acquired over time? Slang is quite the fascinating thing is it not? Believe it or not, my generation had our own slang. However as time moves on and generations change, so too does the slang and the older forms of slang go out of style. Terms come and go. Imagine what slang will develop within the next few years. Five years. Ten years! I hear how you girls talk and bicker before class... And it bothers me sometimes. Anyway..."


    Deciding to get some fresh air, Senji stepped outside into the courtyard connecting the main building with the gymnasium. He leaned against the railing separating the walkway from the grass. He enjoyed the very brief quiet time he had before the doors opened up and approaching him was a group of four girls. He noticed them getting closer and began to feel tense, knowing who they were as on multiple occasions he would catch glimpses of them chatting and looking or even pointing at him in the hallways. The blonde one with more makeup on then the other three combined got the closest.


    "Senji, correct?" She asked sticking a finger out and pressing it against Senji''s chest.


    "Y-yeah?" He stammered. The girl smirked.


    "Thought so. May as well be nice and introduce myself. Name''s Yunaka. Four-eyes there is Mika. Goth one is Izumi. And towering over all of us is Akemi. Been awhile since we got a new student. Last one was... Well to be frank a fucking bitch. See you''ve made yourself some friends already. The geeks Aoi and Kanako. Daiki the idiot. That hot punk Kaito but he seems cool. And... Ayame? The quiet antisocial girl who literally talks to nobody?"


    Yunaka managed to have knowledge on everybody Senji has met and socialized with. This girl clearly knew details on different people. It scared Senji a little. He simply nodded.


    "Uh-huh. Do you, have a problem with who my friends are?"


    "You seem cool. You''re also pretty cute you know that? You should forget that weirdo Ayame honestly. I''ll gladly be your friend Senji. Trust me, she will bore you to tears I guarantee it. Spice up your social circle a little huh? You may not know this since you seem to associate with outcasts but... I''m considered the most popular girl in school. Ask anybody. They all know me. Not that I care if they label me like that. I enjoy attention. I enjoy socializing and I want to get to know you in particular..."


    Yunaka ran a hand up Senji''s chest then tugged on the collar of his shirt, pulling him right up next to your face. He could feel his heart pounding with anxiety.


    "W-well I, uh..."


    "Listen here. There''s going to be a rad party coming up next weekend. Saturday. At my place. Parents will be out of town so I get the house to myself. Everybody will be there. Mostly. I lied. Everybody I think is worth coming will be there. Wanna break the new kid mold and give yourself a little boost of confidence? Come to my party. I''ll even personally escort you myself."


    Akemi reached over and tapped Yunaka''s shoulder. She turned her head to the side.


    "But wasn''t Daisuke your date Yunaka?" Akemi asked.


    "Fuck him. He said he''s going to meet up with his soccer buddies and go as a group. Said he would ''meet me there'' apparently. Whatever. I think this guy will do nicely as my partner to the party. Hehe." Yunaka released her grip and lightly pushed Senji back against the railing. "So you in or what? You''re new to this town. May as well have some fun and expand your horizons or whatever the saying goes."


    Senji had to think about this for a moment. He didn''t like how she described his friends with Ayame in particular and it bothered him. He thought, maybe just to prove her wrong he would accept the party invitation but take Ayame instead of her. Yunaka wouldn''t like that idea though. He decided on a response there and then;


    "I-I''ll go. But I want to at least choose who I bring with me. I''ll just meet up with you there. I swear on it. A-at least let me ask Kaito about it."


    Yunaka put her hands on her hips, an annoyed expression on her face. She let out an audible sigh.


    "Ugh fiiiine. I guess it''s okay if he wants to go. But if he declines you better tell me and let me escort you got it?" She hissed.


    "I promise."


    Yunaka turned around, using a hand to flip her hair over her shoulders as if to show off. Senji did admittedly think her hair looked nice and unique with it''s color.


    "Let''s go ladies. I''ll see you around cutie." Yunaka glanced at him with a wink before leaving the courtyard with her entourage.


    Senji simply watched as the group left. He was unsure how to feel at this time so he decided to remain quiet and take in the fresh air. He was certain Kaito would disagree to going to this party. So he thought about asking Ayame instead. It could be fun at the expense of angering Yunaka but would take the risk regardless. If Ayame would accept that is.


    "A... Party? And you... Wish to bring me with you?" Ayame asked.


    Senji decided to ask her in the hallway after the final bell rang. She tapped a finger on her chin, glancing at him with her head tilted to the right. He thought she was thinking of an answer and could not be more nervous about her response.


    "Y-yes that''s right." Senji stammered feeling his legs shaking. Ayame then cupped her hands together, nodding. Senji''s eyes widened.


    "Very well. I accept your invitation. I will see you tomorrow, Senji."


    Ayame''s words had a tinge of joy to them despite not smiling. She turned around then proceeded to leave towards the direction of the rear doors. Senji had now secured a date to the party next weekend. After Kaito had obviously declined, he was dreading this particular moment. He could put his mind at ease now. It was time to head on home.

 7. Looming Uncertainty

    During science class, Senji was hard-focused on the assignment. He preferred the hands-on portions of the class over the writing portions. Thankfully there seemed to be a good balance so class was never a bore to sit through. The incentive of being granted the privilege to watch an edutainment video on Friday if the majority of class passed Thursday''s upcoming test was driving him and everyone else to not fail. From what Senji learned this is a common thing with Ryoichi. Hence why he''s so beloved by his students. Once Senji finished he put his pencil down then sat back in his chair. Next to him he could see Kanako reading a light fantasy novel.


    "You really do always have your face buried in a book huh?" He murmured quietly next to her.


    "Don''t judge me. I have like, three more novels after this one to read. And the new book comes out later this year so I need to catch up before release." Kanako muttered back. Her eyes were locked down into the pages of the book.


    "I-I''m not. I read manga so I know how it feels to be overwhelmed with how much there is to read."


    "Manga? Really? Interesting..."


    After class Kanako stopped Senji right outside the classroom door, grabbing his arm and pulling him aside.


    "You know I''ve never actually read manga before. What... Is it like? Just stories told with purely visuals and small amounts of text?" She asked with a genuine curiosity in her voice.


    "Uh-huh. Say. Where is the school''s library? If you take me there I can show you." Senji proposed.


    "Certainly! Follow me if you will."


    Kanako lead Senji to the school''s own library. Compared to his old school it was actually larger in comparison. A few students were seated alone at one of the many round tables while an old woman sat behind the desk near the door taking a nap by the looks of it. Senji noticed the shelves labeled: ''Manga.'' Now he was leading the way over to the section. He browsed the spines to see if he recognized any. The selection was rather small. Instead of a multitude of various series, instead there were entire collections of a few series and several one-off stories. He took one of the singular books, called ''Rise of the Corrupted Empire'' and opened it to show Kanako.


    "Check this out. It''s a single science fiction story detailing this totalitarian empire and it''s reign on a crumbling nation. It follows these soldiers who devise a plan with some civilians to overthrow the emperor. It... Doesn''t end well. Not all stories have happy endings. But see the beautiful artwork? This author loves minuscule details." Senji explained. Kanako was fascinated and showed it in her expressions as she snatched the book and flipped through the pages. This would not be the first time he''s shown someone he knew manga but enjoyed seeing her reaction.


    "Oh my. The strokes making up shadows. The expressions on the characters faces displaying raw emotion. The backdrops and gorgeous scenery of a dystopian city. My my this is very interesting. No wonder so many people love these... Senji. Perhaps I may need to check these out. I personally adore fantasy and romance novels so please pick out a few for me you''d recommend." Kanako demanded.


    Senji did just as she asked, grabbing three specific one-off stories for her. He joined her as she went to check the manga out before leaving the library.


    "Thank you. I will forego making progress of my current novella for now and give these a read. Write me a list of any full-length series I should check out and I''ll get to those at some point. Please. I''ll be seeing you." Kanako asked as she took off for her next class. Senji did the same.


    Senji hadn''t taken the time to check out downtown Nakamura yet since moving here. He had only passed through it when Hinaka was driving through on their way to the house upon first arrival. It was a brisk Thursday afternoon and he couldn''t find it in himself to turn down Yunaka''s invitation to a local cafe. He wasn''t even sure why he continued to socialize with her after the way she talked about Ayame. Perhaps deep down he was afraid of angering or disappointing her which may result in hurting his already fragile reputation. While he was contempt with his social circle, he was also paranoid when it came to how others thought of him. Regardless he did accept. He rode his bike past the large park and into the town. From what he knows and has seen, downtown is split between the quiet, spacious series of streets with various small independent businesses and the busier, condensed district lined with tall buildings and plenty of typical city noise.


    He approached the cafe he was told about where standing outside was Yunaka alongside Mika. Like him, both were still in uniform meaning they too headed straight into town after school ended. He pulled up and leaned his bike against the small tree placed near the couple sets of tables and chairs. Yunaka and Mika looked over to him and approached.


    "Well well look who showed up! Hey hey." Yunaka said.


    "Hello." Mika greeted him.


    Senji waved, joining them before heading into the cafe. The interior was quaint but colorful despite being an average-looking cafe. The group placed their orders at the counter to the sullen-looking woman then grabbed a seat at one of the tables. Senji noticed on the bulletin board next to the door leading into the back room was a missing person poster showing a girl with long brown hair wearing a school uniform. He suddenly felt a sense of sadness seeing the poster.


    Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    "Um... Either of you two know that girl on the poster over there?" He asked pointing to said poster.


    "Oh you mean Etsuko? I don''t but Miko does. Well, did technically." Yunaka said.


    Mika lowered her head, nodding. She cupped her hands together on the table, looking back up at Senji.


    "She''s the owner''s daughter. Like the others... Nobody knows what happened to her. Sweet girl. Quite a few guys were into her too. She was the last person reported missing actually-"


    "Not true. Hanako was declared missing just the other day remember? She hasn''t shown up to school for days now and her father doesn''t know where she went from what I was told by her friends." Yunaka added.


    "Oh you''re right."


    "This shit is ridiculous. What the hell is happening around here anyway?"


    "I..I don''t know. I just hope they''re all okay... Wherever they are."


    "We should know soon enough. I heard that detective from Sendai arrived yesterday."


    Senji''s attention was focused the entire time on the conversation. He finally chimed in after being silent;


    "Detective? I think I heard him mentioned on the radio the day I got here." He added.


    "Oh yeah? Apparently he''s quite the hunk. Gruff mid-thirties guy who always has a cigarette in his mouth. Like one of those guys in the shows. The real deal. He''s quite famous apparently."


    "Did you catch his name?"


    "Nope. I''m sure they''ll announce his arrival on the news tonight though."


    A young lady wearing a black apron came to the table with everyone''s food and drinks. She silently bowed and left. The group remained quiet as they dug into their sandwiches and delicious sugary drinks. Senji was savoring every bite. This was the best sandwich he had ever tasted that wasn''t made by his mom. Once everyone was done eating they casually sipped on their drinks while chatting.


    "Mika don''t forget that you''re in charge of providing food at the party next weekend." Yunaka stated.


    "Oh I know. Believe it or not Senji but I''m actually quite the decent cook."


    Senji raised an eyebrow. He was learning more about Yunaka and her friend in particular.


    "Really?"


    "It''s true. Mika is a hell of a chef. Her mom''s been teaching her since fourth grade. Whenever me and the crew go to a party or host one, she''s always the one making food or bringing it. You can ask literally anybody."


    "Aw y-you''re too kind Yuna. I do want to open up my own cafe someday. But I''ll probably just be inheriting my mom''s when she decides to retire and that''s okay. I''ll be full time there once I graduate."


    "Hell yeah girl. You''ll be a hell of a master chef in due time."


    Despite the rude remarks towards Ayame that Yunaka had made, Senji was noticing that she didn''t seem like a bad person. He wondered why she viewed Ayame in such a negative light though. He would have to understand her point of view sometime. For now he was rather enjoying this time with her and Mika. Seeing their close friendship was comforting to him.


    Senji decided to stick around town for a little while longer after saying goodbye to Yunaka and Mika. He wandered down the streets eventually coming across a couple of ladies at a fruit stand outside of an abandoned shop. The woman behind the stand was much older then the woman at the stand browsing the fruits on display. As he drew closer he could overhear their conversation;


    "-I''m just not sure what we''re going to do. Thankfully, that detective is here now. He will be our savior I just know it. He''ll find out what''s happening." The older woman with gray hair done up in a bun said.


    "I sure hope so. A dear friend of mine, her daughter went missing months ago and she still grieves over it. Whenever I visit her for tea I do my best to bring the mood up. She does still smile and laugh but whenever I look into her eyes... All I see is fear and sadness. It breaks my heart." The younger woman with long black hair said.


    "I understand. Those poor children. Wherever could they be I wonder..."


    Senji felt his heart sink somewhat just hearing what the ladies were saying. He continued onward. He noticed another missing person poster taped to the display window of a bakery. This girl had medium black hair and wore casual clothes. He thinks he''s seen enough for today and headed back to the cafe. On his way back having crossed the street, he caught wind of a few conversations random people were having. Two out of the three were related to the missing girls. The town seemed to be thriving and active with people but the uncertainty of the mysterious disappearances really had everybody on edge and worried sick to their stomachs. Senji left to go home, worrying more about the situation since some of his own friends were possibly vulnerable to vanishing as well.


    The sky was an ominous shade of red with the sun setting over the horizon. A soft wind blew in the brisk air. Leaning against a black coupe, the man flicked the lighter open to spark a gentle flame, lighting the cigarette. He puffed, inhaling deeply before blowing the smoke out of his mouth. The rush of nicotine kept him at ease considering what he would be dealing with. A bit of ash fell from the tip of the cigarette onto his dusty brown dress shirt with a deep red tie. He brushed it off. He took the chained watch out of the left pocket of his black jeans to check the time: ''7:52 P.M.''


    A police officer rounded the corner of the building. He was a dashing younger man, taking his hat off to comb his freshly-trimmed short black hair. Straight in front of him he noticed the gruff, older man with the black trilby and grizzled five o'' clock shadow. He approached him with a welcoming smile on his face.


    The man, who''s head was titled downwards towards the pavement, slowly raised upwards. His cold brown eyes met the bright blue eyes of the young officer who wore that smile with confidence. The tides were about to change for the dark clouds looming over the heads of every citizen in Nakamura.

 8. The Detective

    Hailing from Sendai, Katashi Masakuma became renowned across not only his hometown but also all of Japan as the ''Sleuth of Sendai.'' For two decades, Katashi has traveled far and wide cracking the most complicated cases many others could not. From a string of murders in the heart of Osaka to the mysterious burning of an extravagant temple in rural Fukushima. Very few cases have gone unsolved under the eagle eyes of Katashi. However he has now been tasked with his most unusual case to date; The ongoing disappearances of several young girls in Nakamura. In order to get a proper understanding of what has been happening he would go to where it all began... With the family of the very first victim. Before he would begin, he was greeted by his newly-appointed partner, officer Isamu Kojito. A young man respected and beloved by the entire community of Nakamura for his service despite only having been with the force for only a few years.


    "Well hey there detective. Good to see you." The officer greeted him in a friendly tone.


    "Hm? Oh. Hey." The gruff man murmured, taking another puff from his cigarette.


    "The man himself. I am so honored to be working with you on this case mister Masakuma. The chief himself personally assigned me to assist with the investigation. Oh, name''s Isamu Kojito by the way. Nice to meet you."


    He extended a hand. Isamu sighed, accepting his greeting and shook his hand. Isamu leaned next to him against the car, crossing his arms.


    "Likewise, officer. You know..." The detective spoke after another puff from the burning cigarette. "... I''ve been in this field for over twenty years now. And this has to be the most bizarre case I''ve ever been tasked with."


    "Wait seriously?"


    "Small town cases tend to be the same all around. Criminal escapes after a minor crime. Domestic abuse that needs resolving. Maybe a murder or two occur. But to have several children disappear without a trace over the course of several months... The victims being girls in particular... It''s something that even baffles me. Clearly whatever is happening is shrouded in mystery and not a single soul knows what''s going on. We''ve got our work cut out for us young man."


    "I agree. It truly is strange detective. Where would we even begin?"


    Katashi smoked the last of his cigarette before tossing it onto the pavement and stomping on it with his foot. He walked around to the driver side of his car, glancing over at Isamu.


    "To where it all began... We need to talk to the parents of the first victim of this epidemic. I already got an address too. Hop in." He said.


    Isamu followed his order. The two got into Katashi''s car and took off out of the parking lot. They drove through town, past the park and into the suburbs. Arriving at a small white house, Katashi pulled up to the side of the street, thrusting the shifter into park. He then pointed to his left at the house. Isamu nodded. The two stepped out, approaching the house. Katashi knocked on the door. The door opened up. Standing there was a woman with sullen, lifeless teal eyes. Katashi tipped his hat to her.


    "Afternoon ma''am. Name''s Detective Masakuma. I''m investing the missing persons case that''s been going on in this town and needed to ask you a few questions. Mind if me and my partner here come inside?" He asked in a polite manner.


    "O-oh um, of course. Hello there Kojito. Nice to see you." The woman replied. Isamu smiled and nodded to her.


    After stepping inside the three sat down at the kitchen table. The interior of the house wasn''t very spacious but tidy and clean. With notepad and pen in hand, Katashi began to speak to the woman;


    "Your daughter, Mieko, was the first victim to disappear according to the report I read over. Is this correct?"


    "Yes. She was." The woman answered frailly.


    "Okay. Describe what happened prior to her being reported missing please. Any and all details will be crucial. What happened?"


    "Well it was a Friday. Mieko she... She was going to spend the weekend at her best friends house. Her and a few others. She... Came home after school, packed her bag with essentials, and headed over there. Said before she left that she would be back Sunday. Mieko''s friend lives on the other side of the park s-so the distance wasn''t too far. She made sure to call Saturday to assure me that she was doing fine and having fun. Sunday came around... She never came home. I called her friend''s parents to ask when she left. Her mom said at three she left. I had called around five-thirty or so I-I think. I... I assumed maybe she took a stroll through the park before coming home. But... Nothing. She never made it home that day. Has been gone ever since..."


    The woman started to shed a few tears. Isamu felt saddened hearing the pain in the woman''s voice. Kastashi finished jotting down notes.


    "So sometime after three in the afternoon she went missing huh? Hmm... What about her friends? Did any of them leave with her?"


    "N-no. Mieko was the last one of the group to leave according to her friend''s mother. That is everything I know sir. I made the report soon after that. It''s been months now and she never came back..."


    "Understood. Did you happen to ask any of the neighbors or residents nearby if they had seen her?"


    "I-I did. Before I made the report I went door-to-door asking everyone I could if they had seen her walking. Of course... None of them did."


    "Hmm okay. So from here, past the park over to the Western side of the suburbs, she would''ve been walking. Strange how nobody seemed to see her."


    The woman wiped her eyes with a finger. Katashi stood up, pocketing his notepad into his shirt pocket. Isamu stood up as well.


    "Thank you for your time ma''am. I promise you me and Masakuma here will do anything we can to figure this all out. Hopefully Mieko is still out there somewhere and she''s okay..." Isamu said to reassure her. She sniffed, nodding to him. He had his doubts though with how much time had passed since the disappearance. The two said their goodbyes and left the house to head back to the car.


    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Katashi knew that they wouldn''t get all of the information necessary to proceed forward with the investigation from just one account. They would have to visit others who were impacted by the case. He gunned it down the street deeper into the suburbs past the school and it''s spacious fields, arriving at another home this time pulling into the yard next to the driveway where a set of cars was. Isamu looked over to him in surprise, not expecting this sudden change of pace.


    "Who''s home is this sir??" He asked with surprise.


    "Parents of another victim. I read through every report from these people at the station soon after I arrived. We need more information. Try and see if we can find any patterns or clues to aid us." Katashi murmured, stepping out of the car. Isamu joined him.


    This time it was a couple whom they visited. A grieving woman and a distraught man had answered the door. The two recognized Isamu, greeting him trying their best to sound friendly but he saw through the facade. Katashi briefly explained what they were doing and why they were there. To seek information and find answers. Standing at the doorway, Katashi calmly asked for accounts from the hurt couple. The woman began to explain, with her husband gently rubbing her shoulders for support;


    "It was a Wednesday evening. Yurika and her best friend Aika were doing homework together here after school had gotten out. After a couple hours, they decided to go out for a bike ride to ease themselves of the stress their homework was giving them. About... A little over half an hour had passed. Aika came back, telling me that she had beaten Yurika in their race back home. I thought okay, that''s cute just a little friendly competition. Teenager things sure. Yurika never made it back home though... Me and Aika were getting worried. So Aika hopped back on her bike to backtrack the route they had biked on when they initially left. When she returned s-she said... She said Yurika was nowhere to be found. Not her, nor her bike. I-I had to make the report s-so maybe the police could... Could find her but they never did..."


    The woman started to weep, turning to bury her head against the man''s chest. He gently stroked her hair, tears staining his t-shirt. Katashi of course was writing down the details in his notepad. Isamu got closer, reaching out and pressing a hand onto the woman''s shoulder.


    "I''m so sorry... They patrolled for hours that night I remember. But my good friend here is investigating the situation so..."


    "If you don''t mind me asking. What was this bike route exactly? Did the Aika girl explain?" Katashi butted in.


    The woman continued crying into the man''s chest. The man sighed, turning his attention to the detective.


    "Well we live fairly close to the woods at the edge of the neighborhood. They apparently rode down a few streets, through the woods then down another few streets leading back to our house. That''s what Aika told her and me once she had gotten my attention regarding this matter." The man explained. Katashi raised an eyebrow.


    "There''s woods nearby you say? I see... And Aika was so focused on this little race she failed to notice when her best friend went missing?"


    "Y-yes... Unfortunately. She said she had gotten so far ahead and was so focused on getting back to the house she thought she just arrived early. You know how kids can be sir."


    Isamu tapped his chin, pondering a dark thought but didn''t want to say it out loud. He held onto it in his mind for later.


    "Okay... Okay I think we have the information we need. I''d rather not pester the girl when she was oblivious to the situation. We''ll look further into this and hopefully uncover what happened. Not only to Yurika but the other children." Isamu said sternly.


    "Thank you officer Kojito. My wife is in a lot of pain mentally so I''m going to take her inside."


    "Understood. We''ll be going as well. Take care. Both of you."


    Katashi and Isamu left the property. Katashi had one more stop planned for their route. This time it was a man who had reported the most recent disappearance a few days ago. This house was the furthest from the school out of the three the duo had visited today. Pulling up to the driveway and parking behind the old pickup truck, Katashi and Isamu got out to head to the front door. A stocky man greeted them and invited them inside. A little girl clutching a doll sat in the living room watching the television. The two of them joined the man at the dining table.


    "Let''s keep it down some okay? I don''t want the little one hearing any of this." The man stated. The duo both nodded in agreement.


    "So what happened prior to your oldest daughter disappearing? We need every little detail possible you can recall sir." Katashi asked.


    "Where do I begin? Well... Hanako is on the volleyball team. Three days a week after school she would go to practice after school. Usually I would come to pick her up or she would get a ride from one of her friends. She knows everyone on that team. On the last Friday of the month the team has a meeting with their coach, the school''s gym teacher Kei Hamada. So I was on my way to the school to pick her up from the meeting. When I showed up... She wasn''t waiting outside like usual. I thought maybe she was just in the bathroom or something. I waited and waited... I grew worried. I went into the school where I happened to find Hamada speaking to that lovely math teacher Koyami. I asked him if he might''ve known where Hanako was. He said she left the meeting with the others. I noticed a couple girls walking home on my way, but not my own daughter..."


    Katashi was taking notes. Isamu lifted a finger to speak;


    "Sir were you aware of the school''s back door?"


    "Yes. I actually went to check there. I was thinking too that maybe Hanako went that way with some friends. But there was nobody there... Just another fucking dead end."


    "Damn. So it''s confirmed she did leave practice but sometime between that and you arriving she had disappeared. I''m beginning to see a pattern here..." Isamu tapped his chin.


    Katashi sighed, looking up at Isamu then to the man. He put his pen down and cupped his hands together on the table.


    "So have I. From the accounts and reports, these young girls seem to disappear outside of school hours anywhere from late afternoon to the evening. Also these reports indicate that the disappearances happen within the suburbs of Nakamura. I think we have a serious kidnapping case on our hands. And whoever is behind it... Is snatching up these girls right under the noses of the residents. It sickens me to be frank." Katashi deducted. The man clenched his fists, lightly pounding the table.


    "I already lost my wife. I''ve been raising our daughters on my own for the past two years now. I..I can''t lose another member of my family. Please, do whatever it takes to put this situation to an end." The man gritted his teeth. Isamu reached a hand out and placed it over one of the man''s fists.


    "We''re doing what we can sir. We''ll get to the bottom of this." He said in a stern tone. The man saw the determination in the young officers eyes and nodded.


    "I believe in you two..."


    Katashi and Isamu left the residence returning to the car. They sat in silence for a brief moment. Isamu rolled the window down, lighting a cigarette then taking a slow drag. Isamu shook his head, thinking about what to do.


    "Isamu... Talk to the chief. You need to divert your entire force to patrolling every corner of the suburbs. Cover all ground possible from the roads leaving town to the roads near the park leading to downtown. We should investigate the park and the woods just outside of town as they were brought up on two of our three accounts. Understood?" Katashi demanded.


    "Good idea. Let''s head back to the station then and report to the chief..."


    With the investigation fully underway, Katashi and Isamu hit the streets once more and gunned it back into downtown to the police station. Both of them were determined to solve this horrific case that had brought great pain to several innocent residents of this peaceful town. Katashi has never let a case go unresolved and wasn''t about to let that happen here either.

 9. The Art Club

    Senji approached the lunch table with his tray of nutritious food and a small carton of milk. He sat down next to Kaito who was quietly eating while Daiki was munching away like a starving dog. Aoi and Kanako were chatting away like they were already best friends, both of them had a literature book sitting in-between their trays. He was quite happy seeing them getting along. Kaito tapped Senji on the shoulder getting his attention. He faced Kaito.


    "Listen. Me and the guys here were uh... Thinking of taking a walk in the woods Saturday. Rumor has it that there''s some old building deep in the woods. Wanna'' join us?" Kaito asked. Senji''s interest suddenly peaked.


    "Wait for real?" He replied in surprise.


    "Yup. Yo Aoi. What do you know about the rumored old building in the woods outside of town?"


    Aoi glanced over to the two of them away from Kanako, who''s expression showed interest as well that she immediately shut herself up to listen.


    "Oh that! Well Senji fun little history lesson for you about Nakamura. This town started as a small fishing village. There''s a long, flowing river near the town that goes for dozens of miles. It''s near the woods too believe it or not. Eventually more people began settling here. The village grew and grew into what we see now. The suburbs here near the school were actually where the village was started from. The park then became the cornerstone of Nakamura and the land expanded way past the suburbs. As more people settled and built homes here, shops and businesses began to crop up over beyond the park to make room for all the residents. Time went on, technology and the way of live evolved and here we are! Okay history lesson over. No clue what this rumored structure could be but it''s worth checking out. Couple of guys who regularly hang out down by the river wanted to venture further into the woods and I guess saw the structure but were too afraid to check it out. Kaito our fearless leader says we should do what those guys could not." Aoi explained thoroughly.


    "Wow... Nice summarized lesson of our town''s history there." Kanako commented with a giggle. "I cannot stand the wilderness so frankly I won''t be joining you. Sorry."


    "Wasn''t gonna'' ask you anyway." Kaito replied sharply. Daiki snickered at his snarky response.


    "Hey! You jerk..."


    "Just bein'' honest."


    Senji was more curious then ever now after Aoi''s long-winded explanation. He looked to Kaito and nodded confidently. Kaito smirked, giving him a thumbs up.


    "It''s settled then. Senji is going! Huzzah!" Daiki said cheerfully.


    "The four of us have nothing to fear. I''m quite looking forward to this..." Kaito stated with a wide grin on his face.


    The skies above were shrouded with clouds blocking out the sunlight. A light rain drizzled down upon the freshly cut grass in Nakamura Park. Katashi and Isamu strolled through the park taking a look around. The two approached the fountain where Katashi had to pause and take in the beauty of the fountain''s design. Isamu couldn''t help but grin, standing behind him observing. Katashi brought a hand up to his chin. He was fascinated by the minute intricacies in the sculpting and the way the water poured out from the top in eight directions.


    "Quite a beauty yeah? Truly the cornerstone of Nakamura. Centered perfectly in the middle of the park too." Isamu commented. Katashi turned around to face him.


    "I must say it is quite a lovely fountain. Whoever created this work of art must be proud." He responded.


    "It was a husband and wife actually. Sadly they passed away ages ago. This fountain was finished in eighteen-sixty three. Took over two years apparently. The park just kind of grew around it. I guess that was their intention when making it. This park sees a lot of foot traffic year-round."


    "I see. Hmm... Well, you know this place better then me. Where should we start to look around?"


    "You know I''m not too sure. There''s the playgrounds, the shrine, the bathrooms, the gazebo, the dog park, the tables with chairs under shaded structures and a walkway that goes through the wooded area behind the shrine. Honestly I would find it very hard to believe anyone could be led here then vanish from the public eye. I mean... The wooded area could be a start."


    "Lead the way then officer."


    Isamu guided Katashi away from the fountain over to where the pathway leading through the wooded area started. The two walked among the many trees and bushes isolating the path from the rest of the park and the streets. A bench could be seen just ahead.


    "There''s some benches along this path too. It''s nice and quiet. Away from the laughter of children, barking dogs and passing cars." Isamu explained.


    Katashi just remained quiet glancing constantly to his left and right while they traversed the walkway. His eyes were narrowing at every nook and cranny he could spot where someone could slip into from the pathway, potentially hiding from others by the shrubbery. They arrived at the first bench where Katashi stopped to take in his surroundings.


    Stolen novel; please report.


    "Of all the places in this popular park... This walkway seems to be the most isolated. It''s not impossible to assume the sick individual or individuals responsible for this are luring these young ladies here, or dragging them here against their will." He said coldly.


    Isamu felt the mood from earlier darken. He can''t forget why they''re really here. He simply nodded.


    "Yeah... You aren''t wrong. The disappearances started in March. The weather around here is rather peaceful for the most part after winter. Sure there''s stormy nights here and there, at least once or twice a week but considering the reports indicated that on the days they went missing the weather was either cloudy or sunny with only one account having been on a rainy day, surely some bystander would have noticed something unusual. Of course, everyone is always in there own little world around here so going by unnoticed is a possibility..."


    "Isamu. We should also take into consideration that this may not be the only possible location where any missing girls could be. Who''s to say the perpetrator hasn''t taken or lured these victims to multiple places?"


    "It''s starting to sound more like a murder mystery now then anything..."


    "Unfortunately that may be the case. I''ve dealt with many missing persons cases before and most of the time they end with a body devoid of any life. The worst-case scenario is that these girls have not only disappeared but also were killed. Best case? They''re trapped and helpless. Either way we need to keep moving forward with the investigation. Let us continue down this path."


    "Y-yes. Of course."


    Isamu was beginning to feel a wave of dread clouding his mind. He hadn''t fully considered the possibility that the missing girls could very well be dead. His hope for finding them alive was diminishing the more time he spent with Katashi.


    Senji approached the art room, heart pounding inside his chest with anxiety. He was never one for joining clubs but without the many avenues of shopping and entertainment that Tokyo offered to occupy his free time outside of school, his options were limited. The door was cracked open slightly. He pushed it open to head inside. A small group of two girls and a boy were standing around a very voluptuous, feminine statue from waist to head in the center of the room. Senji felt awkward just glaring at it, like he was peeking at a model practicing her poses before a photo shoot.


    "You made it look ''too'' good Akashi. It''s actually kinda'' scary." One of the girls, a light brunette with short twin-tails said.


    The other girl, slightly shorter then the both of them with long red brown hair and black-rimmed glasses, remained silent. Her mouth was covered by a hand and her freckled cheeks were blushing a light red. The boy with spiky short cocoa brown hair and a silver nose ring wore a smug grin on his face.


    "So? Miss Fujiwaka gave me an A-plus on it. She adored it. Did you see the look on her face when she came to look at it? Her face was as red as a tomato!" Akashi cackled. "Admit it Nanami you''re just jealous. Look at Machi. She''s speechless!"


    "I- Ugh! Maybe I am okay?! I swear you must read a lot of perverted men''s magazines. How else could you have sculpted the figure s-so perfectly! And why the big bust?!"


    "I see the way Fujiwaka looks at Miss Koyami whenever they''re chatting in the hallways after classes. She''s totally into her. She can appreciate a fine figure when she sees one."


    "Goddamn you Akashi I swear to God..."


    "Tell me I''m wrong Nanami!"


    "I- Well you... Shut the hell up! Machi help me out will you??"


    Senji just casually stood against the door frame eavesdropping on the conversation, picking up on the juicy gossip spouting from their mouths. None of them had noticed him yet. He had to just approach them and ask to join. So he approached the group.


    "Um. Hello? I... I''m here to potentially join the art club." Senji said.


    The three students all turned their attention to him. He politely waved to them. Nanami walked up to him and extended a hand. He shook it firmly.


    "H-hey there! Oh you''re the new guy! I recognize you! You''re in my history class. Um, d-did you hear any of what we were uh... Talking about?"


    "Every detail."


    Akashi started cracking up. Machi just sighed and shook her head.


    "Ugh! Just ignore Akashi he''s an idiot even if he''s really talented. My name''s Nanami. The perv behind me is Akashi and next to him is Machi. We''re the art club students. You said you were interested in joining??"


    "Yeah. Name''s Senji. I''m really into manga and the artwork that accompanies the stories they tell so, I''d love to maybe learn to draw really well. I-I''m not sure what all you do here besides sculpting apparently. Similar to the art club at my old school it seems."


    Machi shyly waved. Akashi got closer, pressing his hand on Nanami''s shoulder. He stuck his thumb out, directing it at himself still wearing a smug grin.


    "I''m the best artist here. If it''s drawing you wanna learn then you''re looking at your new tutor. We''re all about expression and get different projects or assignments every few weeks to work on. Or ya'' know Fujiwaka will just give us a ''free period'' as she calls it. That''s when we can just do whatever we want for the task. You''re in luck my friend because drawing happens to be our next assignment!"


    Senji''s eyes lit up. He may have finally found his calling in life he thought.


    "That''s great. Um so do I like, have to talk to your teacher or-?"


    "Don''t worry about it. Consider yourself accepted. Fujiwaka is always looking for new members. As you can see here we... Lack that many members. There''s a couple other members besides the three of us but they''re also in other clubs so they''re pretty busy. You won''t see them as much. Besides as the leader I can approve new members. Welcome aboard, Senji! We''re looking forward to having you with us!"


    Nanami, Akashi and Machi all smiled at him. He could feel his heart fluttering. For the first time in his life he had joined a school club. With what little time was left, Senji stuck around to get to know them all some more. He wasn''t in a rush to get home and needed to sign a form before receiving some papers regarding their upcoming assignment. Akashi even promised to teach him his tricks when it comes to anatomy and form. Come Monday, Senji will have his first day in the art club and get to meet it''s teacher. For once he was looking forward to the next week ahead.

 10: What Lies in the Woods

    Senji made his way over to the school''s back door. Leaning against the wall next to the door was Ayame, rocking back and forth. He noticed her and smiled giving a gentle wave towards her. She shyly waved back. He walked up to her and pushed the door, holding it open for her. She stood straight to walk outside with Senji following her. The two walked together down the quiet empty pathway towards the streets. This would be the second time he was walking her home.


    "Thanks for walking with me again. The company is, quite pleasant." Ayame murmured with a frail smile. Senji felt his heart pounding as it always did whenever he was around her.


    "Y-yeah of course." He replied.


    "So... Can I ask you something?"


    "Of course."


    "That girl... Yunaka... What does she think of me? Truly, think of me? I''m... Quite curious."


    Senji began to feel a wave of anxiety washing over him. He wasn''t expecting this out of nowhere. Since Yunaka wouldn''t dare be caught dead talking to Ayame, she''s probably unaware of the comments said towards her from the girl. He had to be honest about this even if it hurt Ayame.


    "Well... She thinks you''re some kind of freak. A weirdo who''s too antisocial to make any friends. N-none of which I-I agree with at all though! I personally think her remarks were rude and offensive..." Senji explained.


    Ayame''s expression didn''t change aside from the grin fading away. She remained silent for a solid minute.


    "Hm. Is that so? Makes sense. Someone like her with all the friends and popularity a girl in high school could ask for, would see a nobody like me as inferior. A freak, huh?" Ayame murmured giving the response some thought.


    "I don''t understand how her mind works. Or why she cares to judge others outside her social circle."


    "The human mind... Is a complex machine. Lots of intricate gears and systems wiring our thoughts and behavior. Yunaka is privileged and pampered to the point where she has developed an ego as big as the entire school. Funny how the mind is influenced and twisted by the world you grow up in. Isn''t it?"


    "Yeah. I-I don''t really give it that much thought. I''m just who I am. You''re just who you are. And so on so forth. Please, don''t dwell on her hollow thoughts of you Ayame. I personally think y-you''re a wonderful person."


    Ayame and Senji stopped at the edge of the sidewalk before the crosswalk. She turned to look at him, he looked back at her. Their eyes met briefly for but a moment. His gaze was fixated on those piercing violet eyes of hers. She drew in closer, gently grabbing his hand and bringing it upwards.


    "You''re so nice to me Senji... And I don''t know why." Ayame murmured stroking her thumb on the top of Senji''s hand. His heart was pounding more then ever. The delicate softness of her palm in his gave him goosebumps. "I think I''ll hold onto you... Let''s keep going."


    Ayame led the way with her hand in Senji''s. He couldn''t even speak a single word. It felt like his vocal chords were cut off. All he could do was silently follow along and accept this new connection the two were developing. The rest of the walk back to her house was quiet with no further exchanges between them until they had to depart. She kept holding onto his hand, bringing it up again, cupping her other hand over it now. Ayame looked down at it then up to him.


    "I''ll be looking forward to that party with you. Until then... Good day." She said, releasing his hand with a bit of hesitancy. He watched her head into her house, still unable to speak. With his heart fluttering he left to head home himself.


    The small house was dark inside with the only sign of light being the television screen in the living room. Ayame slipped her shoes off next to the black boots and black-and-white checkered sneakers she owned. Strolling by the couch she peered down to see a woman with messy dark auburn hair passed out. Some empty beer bottles littered the floor and coffee table where an ashtray with several cigarette butts sat. Ayame knew why she was out cold. Awakening her would only make her fussy and scold her for even waking her up. Ayame sighed, heading into the kitchen to heat up a bowl of ramen noodles from the scarce pantry selection.


    She headed down the short, narrow hallway into her room on the right side and shut the door. Flicking the light on the cramped room was messy with clothes strewn about the floor on the edge of the bed where a laundry basket was. The dresser had it''s top drawer cracked open with a purple bra dangling from it. Atop the dresser was a set of books laid out like fallen dominoes with a pair of black and white ''chibi'' skull-faced cat figures standing on two legs on both sides of the books. The tiny desk in the corner had a diary with a couple pens and pencils sat next to it. A few posters of some metal and gothic bands hung on the walls. Ayame dropped her bag next to the bed then turned on the radio that doubled as her alarm clock. Angst-fueled rock blared from the radio while she sat down on the edge of the bed to eat her noodles. This was her life at home.


    Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    Ayame used to live with her father and mother in a different house until life for her family began taking a turn for the worse. Her mother passed away from a terrible illness leaving her and her father alone for several years. While Ayame adjusted easily, her father not so much. He struggled with a serious case of depression, having to deal with the stress from overworking just to feed his daughter and keep a roof over their head. The depression only got worse and Ayame was unsure how to help him so she just isolated herself when her efforts to comfort him didn''t seem to affect his mental state. After a difficult four and a half years, Ayame''s father hung himself in the bedroom with the door locked and a note on the bed explaining how he couldn''t handle life anymore, how he truly loved Ayame and was sorry he would be leaving her this way. He was only discovered after Ayame, scared and concerned, called her aunt who lived a few blocks over for help. She broke the door down only to make the terrifying discovery, now leaving Ayame alone with both of her parents lives being taken. Her aunt, Usagi, took her in soon after this. The house was condemned and eventually torn down as nobody wanted to buy a home where a suicide took place.


    Usagi was living with her boyfriend at the time when Ayame was taken in. The two constantly argued and fought on a daily basis. This led Ayame to further isolate herself in the confines of her room. Eventually, Usagi''s boyfriend broke up with her and left her a bitter, broken woman. Usagi adopted an addiction to alcohol and smoking to cope with the heartbreak. While she wasn''t abusive towards Ayame, she was cold and distant, even getting angry at the slightest annoyances. But, she was all Ayame had now. She''s just learned to deal with the difficulties of living with this woman. At least, Ayame has found some solace in her developing relationship with Senji.


    The skies over Nakamura were gloomier then usual with the presence of dark clouds looming over the town. Riding outside the suburbs into the nearby woods on their bikes was Kaito and company. The four boys followed the trail until approaching a sign that pointed towards the river ahead. Kaito stuck his hand up to halt the others. They all stopped immediately. With sharp eyes, Kaito noticed a somewhat hidden narrow trail heading in the opposite direction of the trail leading to the river. The many big bushes and shrubbery were shrouding the deeper areas of the woods beyond the trail he spotted.


    "Bikes down everyone. Lock them up against the sign here. I think I found another trail." Kaito stated.


    "For real? I don''t see one!" Daiki said looking around.


    "You won''t... It''s subtle and hidden by some leaves and shit. C''mon."


    Senji, Aoi and Daiki took their bikes to the sign where Kaito''s was. The four of them all took their bike locks and strapped them around the sign and their bikes to ensure they wouldn''t get stolen. He motioned for them to follow him. He kicked up all the leaves on the dirt trail and pushed the shrubbery aside, taking the lead forward.


    "Good eyes! Even I never would have noticed that!" Aoi noted.


    There was definitely a trail here according to Kaito. Perhaps a trail from a bygone era that lead to an old fishing spot or former campsite he thought. Pushing past branches, leaves and the occasional log, Kaito was determined to find out where this path lead. That was until after getting a clearer look from inside the woods, obscured from the main trail, up ahead Kaito and the others could finally see something. A chilling sight lie ahead. Aging cracked walls, wooden doors at the front with one hanging off a single hinge and a steeple about ready to collapse from one bad windstorm. There, beyond the narrow trail, was the remains of an old church slowly being corroded by nature.


    As the boys approached the decrepit building they were struck with a sense of both excitement and fear. The woods were quiet around all of them with the only sounds being that of cicadas. Kaito swallowed hard, taking the lead as usual up to the front doors. He grabbed the rustic iron handle of the one good door, opening it slowly. It creaked, echoing throughout the empty walls inside.


    "This is... Insane." Senji commented.


    "I can''t believe my eyes. We''re really doing this??" Aoi asked.


    "Of course. We came all this way. Just... Be wary." Kaito reassured them.


    The inside of the church was a sight to behold. Four sets of wooden pews on both sides and a lectern atop a lifted floor where a priest would stand. Hanging on the back wall was a simple wooden cross. A confession booth stood towards the back on the right. Kaito and the others stepped carefully, each step they made on the wooden floors creaking. Aoi took a moment to study the pews. Daiki went up to the lectern to see if anything was left behind. Kaito walked to the confession both, running a hand down the aged wood. Senji noticed something about the floor directly beneath where the cross hung. Partially hidden by all the dust and bits of debris from the crumbling ceiling, there were deep cuts in the floorboards forming what seemed to be a trapdoor of some kind. A rather large one at that. A torn, red linen cloth was lying across a good portion of this area. Senji knelt down to pick it up and toss it aside revealing a handle. Curious, Senji grabbed the handle and pulled up, stretching out his back with the trapdoor slowly rising up from the indentation. He forced the door over to his left, slamming down on the floor next to him. Everyone looked over to him.


    "H-hey guys! There was a trapdoor here! Now what''s down he-"


    Senji froze up. His eyes grew wide, chills began running down his spine upon seeing what he had found. Kaito ran over to him. Aoi and Daiki did the same. All of them now curious as to what was uncovered. A wave of dread and disgust flooded the four boys. Aoi turned, taking a few steps away and began to vomit. A fowl smell arose from below. Down inside the opening were six corpses. Each of their bodies marked with deep lethal cuts or sliced throats. The most disturbing realization that truly struck fear into them, was that each of the bodies were of young girls all wearing uniforms from their own high school.

 11: Growing Fears

    Riddled with fear the four boys could only look on in pure shock at the horrifying sight in front of them. There was no doubting from anyone that these corpses belonged to the missing girls from the reports over the past few months. The uniforms, the number of bodies and their genders. It all connected for the group. Aoi pulled out his Nokia cellphone but noticed there was no signal. He sighed in disappointment. Daiki just backed away slowly, bumping into the lectern. Kaito and Senji looked at each other. Senji had seen Kaito''s more vulnerable side when he opened up to him during their time at the park days ago. But he never thought he would see genuine fear showing from the hardy punk.


    "W-We really just stumbled upon t-this massive discovery..." Senji said, his voice shaky.


    "I... I have so many questions. Why were they killed? How did they end up here? And why is it only girls who ended up as victims...? This mystery deepens. Senji. Aoi. Daiki. We need to go. We need to report to the police about this." Kaito stated. The three of them all nodded in agreement. "Shit... I can''t imagine how this will affect the parents of these girls..."


    Senji left the trapdoor open. The four regrouped after a few minutes of reeling from the initial shock.


    "Fuck man..." Daiki shuttered. Aoi didn''t have any words to say.


    Each of them collected their thoughts, taking a moment to calm down. Once ready to leave, the four boys made their way for the doors. They remained silent not uttering a single word on their way outside. They didn''t even look back at the decrepit structure. Kaito just led them back down the rugged trail that lead them here. Fear and uncertainty crept through their minds while they traversed through the woods back to where their bikes sat locked onto the sign.


    At the Nakamura police station, Katashi sat in the break room with a cup of coffee in his hands. He was browsing through the notes he had taken during his and Isamu''s discussions with the grief-stricken parents of the missing students. Isamu was standing over by the table with a coffee machine and microwave on top. A vending machine stood next to it. He was talking with a couple of other officers regarding what he had heard from the parents he and Katashi spoke to alongside their investigation of the park that led in a dead end.


    "If I were you I''d check the woods outside town maybe? Or maybe poke your nose in any of the empty homes or shops in town? I don''t know. Anywhere that''s likely for people to hide stuff in or hideout in themselves. Somebody is responsible for all of this I''m sure. Would be even worse if there''s more then one suspect..." The older balding officer said.


    "I just can''t help but feel sympathy for those poor parents. By the grace of God above I do hope you and that detective figure this out." The other officer with the black buzzed cut added.


    Isamu sighed, taking a sip of his coffee. He felt lost but kept the balding officer''s words in mind.


    "We will I''m sure of it. His reputation speaks for itself. I''ll take your suggestions into consideration. Abandoned buildings and homes are all also possible locations to investigate. We''ll search every square inch of this town if we have to."


    The radios attached to the officer''s belts started to buzz with a female voice speaking;


    "Attention nearby units. We have a reported domestic dispute coming from the second floor apartments near the bakery. Caller is requesting immediate response, over."


    "Well looks like we better get a move on. See you around Isamu." The balding officer said before he and the other officer left the break room in a hurry.


    Isamu waved them off then went over to join Katashi at the table. Katashi closed his notepad, placing it into his shirt pocket. He looked up at Isamu.


    "Well? Any ideas where we should investigate next? Besides the woods I''m sure there are other possible locations in town worth looking over. Every town has nooks and crannies hidden away from the public eye." Katashi said.


    "There are some abandoned buildings here in town. But, I feel any empty houses in the suburbs should be considered too. There''s not too many but they''re still standing. Either waiting to be sold to new homeowners or condemned and awaiting demolition from the city or complete renovation to be placed back on the market." Isamu explained. "I''m willing to bet those homes may be worth our time more so then the buildings in town."


    "Very well. Guess we''re once again taking a round trip through the suburbs. Can you gain access to those old homes'' keys by chance?"


    ''Hmm that would take too much time. Nakamura has a few different real estate agents all working under a single agency. I''m an officer so I can speak to the chief to get the search warrants necessary to enter the empty homes for the purpose of our investigation. Should we find anything only then will the real estate agency be contacted personally."


    "I see. Enough dawdling around now. Let us depart."


    A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    Katashi downed the rest of his coffee. Isamu would take his with him as the two headed out to continue their mission.


    A woman in a blue dress suit with long dark auburn brown hair done up in a ponytail sat at the front counter of the police station''s main lobby reading a fashion magazine. Soft jazz played through the lobby speakers for ambience. The front double doors opened up. She glanced up to see four distraught boys with pale expressions enter the building and approach the counter. She set the magazine down to place her attention on them. It was an unusual sight even for her.


    "Um, hello? Can I help you all?" The woman asked in a polite manner.


    Kaito looked at the woman. Senji, Aoi and Daiki all kept their heads low looking at the clean black-tiled floors.


    "Yes you can." Kaito said.


    He went on to explain what their group had uncovered inside the old church deep within the woods. From their finding of the church to pulling the trapdoor open and discovering the bloodied corpses of six teenage girls wearing the Nakamura High School uniforms. The woman''s eyes grew wider and wider, her jaw dropping at Kaito''s in-depth description of the discovery, the conditions of the bodies and even the church itself and how strange it was being there hidden away in the woods. She grabbed the landline phone on her desk and dialed a number, bringing the phone up to her face.


    "H-hello? Chief? You need to come down to the lobby at once. Don''t ask why just get down here please." She spoke, slamming the phone down. "Just wait here a moment please children."


    Less then a minute passed before a portly man with an officer''s cap on entered the lobby. The badge on his uniform was unique from the others with a special ''Chief of Police'' engraving on it. He approached the four boys and the woman behind the desk. All four of the boys looked up at him. He was quite intimidating from his size alone but had a friendly face. He hiked up his pants, adjusting his belt then placing his hands on his hips to signify his authority.


    "Hello there children. Madam. So, what was I called down here for? Care to explain?" The chief asked in a softened but serious tone.


    The woman just pointed at the boys. Kaito took a deep breath and explained what he had just told the woman at the front counter. To say the chief was flabbergasted would be an understatement. He was absolutely horrified yet fascinated at what he was just told by this rebellious-looking teenager. This new information was crucial to the investigation but with the dreary revelation, the news would impact the townsfolk of Nakamura as a whole.


    "Well shit. I was not expecting such a... A grave report such as this. I need to contact that detective at once. Oh this... This will be devastating to the community..." The chief''s only mustered response. He took his cell phone out to contact Katashi. "Hey it''s me. Where are you? Okay. Stop what you''re doing and head back to the station with Isamu right away. We have uncovered new information regarding the missing children''s case. You heard me detective now get back here."


    Katashi upon hearing the news, immediately demanded that he be taken to the site where the bodies were located. Isamu and the chief also decided to join on this trip towards the woods outside town. Kaito and Senji rode in the back of Katashi''s car while the chief followed along behind them. Aoi and Daiki stayed behind at the station, not wanting to revisit the church anytime soon and said they would wait for their friends to return. Kaito felt uncomfortable, remaining silent the entire time with his arms crossed. Senji, while normally would be thrilled to be tagging along for an investigation with a renowned detective, felt a pain his stomach and growing anxiety. He and Kaito quietly exchanged glances upon arriving at the sign near the concealed trail.


    Everyone exited the vehicles. Kaito faced the adults with unease. Senji was by his side, resting a hand on his shoulder, nodding to encourage him. He let out a deep sigh.


    "Well kid? You said this is where we start. By all means, lead the way. I''m having a smoke in the meantime." Katashi murmured, lighting up a cigarette.


    Katashi pointed in the direction where the trail led and started walking without saying a word. Senji followed right behind. The rest of the group trailed along. Brushing past the foliage, trudging through the dirt and rocks, the adults found themselves in awe upon reaching the decrepit church even after having noticed it in the distance prior to arrival. A haunting sight to behold. A place the boys didn''t wish to return to but here they were. Kaito continued on into the church. For the first time since leaving the station, he finally spoke;


    "Up there. Past the lectern. In that pit where the trapdoor remains open." He told the adults.


    Katashi followed by Isamu and the chief one-by-one ascended the steps then over to the pit. With flashlight in hand, Isamu flicked it on to aim it down in the pit. The grisly scene had all three of them in a state of disbelief. Even the hardened Katashi showed genuine surprise. The chief was scratching his head, feeling his stomach churn at the horrific sight of seeing murdered teenagers. Katashi took out his portable camera to snap photos. Isamu felt sick to his stomach, examining the marks on the bodies.


    "Six victims. All teenage girls. All wearing the uniforms of the town''s high school. Each body seems to have been inflicted with bloodied wounds, meaning they were definitely killed. Fuck... I was not expecting this in the slightest. This changes everything now..." Katashi muttered gritting his teeth. "... Our missing person''s case has become a serial murder case."


    "My worst fear regarding this mystery has come true after all..." Isamu shuddered.


    "So chief... What should we do about this? Do we come clean to the public about the bodies? The reaction won''t be pleasant I can assure you of that. I wouldn''t blame you if you wanted this under wraps for now but you will still need to get these bodies transported out of here. This is now a crime scene. And from what the boys told us, they found nothing else in here. But now we have a serial murderer on the loose. I do have a theory though... Whoever is behind this has been disposing of their victims here. My suggestion would be to set up a stakeout operation near the trail''s entrance. With all the patrols going on, if we''re lucky, nobody else will get killed and maybe we can catch the culprit should they return here for whatever reason. Either we uncover the suspect, or our thorough investigation halts this spree of killings and the case goes cold..."


    The chief had to think for a moment. Everything Katashi said and suggested he agreed with. Kaito and Senji remained silent, patiently waiting to leave the church and head back into town.


    "We''ll take your suggestion detective. Get the bodies transported out of here to the coroner, set up a stakeout, and keep the discovery from the public for now." He stated boldly. "We''ve solved one part of this mystery. But this is far from over..."

 12: A Moment of Recovery

    Returning back home after an exhausting afternoon, Kaito and the others decided to stay at Senji''s place for some time. Upon entering the house, their confused and concerned minds were sparked with joy when Hinaka greeted them. She jumped up from the couch and approached the boys, shaking each of their hands with a radiant smile. This positive energy and the smell of delicious food from the kitchen did lift their spirits


    "Hello hello! It''s so nice to finally meet all of you! I''m Hinaka, Senji''s mother! And you all are?" She said with an upbeat tone, assuming they were just tired from the bike riding by their somewhat pained expressions. They managed to all crack a smile.


    "Kaito."


    "I''m Daiki."


    "Aoi. Pleasure ma''am."


    The three of them all introduced themselves. Hinaka was beaming with happiness.


    "My boy really has made new friends! Oh I''m so happy! I was afraid he would be so lonely and isolated after the move-"


    "Mom! Please..." Senji butted in. Hinaka snickered, waving a hand.


    "Sorry dear. Forgive me. Since you all are here, I can add to the meal I''m making if you all plan to stay! It would be a joy to have you all for dinner!"


    The three boys looked at each other feeling their mouths water. They all had gone most of the day without any food.


    "That would be wonderful. Thanks." Kaito spoke for the others.


    Hinaka made her way into the kitchen while the three boys all settled down on the couch, Senji taking the single lounging chair. He turned on some cartoons to ease the mood after what the boys had experienced earlier. A palate cleansing was just what they needed. The mood lightened as laughter filled the living room watching the antics of the animated characters bring them amusement. Hinaka poked her head out of the kitchen to see the boys having a good time. It warmed her heart seeing Senji enjoying himself as he''s generally been emotionally drained since moving to this town.


    Everyone''s bellies were filled after the appetizing meal Hinaka cooked up. Kaito especially felt satisfied as he never got to enjoy good food at home. It almost brought a tear to his eye. Hinaka began to clean up while the boys remained seated.


    "Man that food was incredible..." Kaito declared.


    "I''m about to burst. I can''t have another bite." Daiki murmured licking his lips.


    "That was absolutely delicious. Thank you so much miss Kamura." Aoi said, bowing.


    Hinaka had gathered all the plates and silverware, turning to Aoi and flashing a smile.


    "You''re all quite welcome! Feel free to stay as long as you like!" She said heading into the kitchen to begin washing the dishes.


    Daiki, Aoi and Kaito all looked to Senji. He was curious as to why. Then he remembered mentioning the party to them on the way back to the house.


    "So... You really going to that party tonight then?" Daiki asked. "Can''t believe I wasn''t invited! Those jerks. Am I not cool enough to them??"


    "You''re not cool enough to any of us numbskull. But we keep you around anyway." Kaito remarked.


    "Hey shut it!"


    Aoi sighed shaking his head.


    "I for one care not about big social gatherings. Even our family reunions I dread every year. I wouldn''t go anyway even if I was invited." He stated.


    "Well I-I mean... How could I say no? She pressed me into going. Besides, maybe broadening my horizons some will feel good..." Senji shrugged rubbing his shoulder.


    "I don''t blame you dude. Fuck it." Kaito commented.


    "Funny enough Kaito... Yunaka said you''d be okay to go. I guess she thinks you''re a hunk or something?"


    "Oh? The prissy queen bitch actually finds me attractive? That''s a riot. Although unlike Emiko at least she isn''t a constant thorn in my side. No wonder I catch her glimpsing at me from the corner of my eye. Subtlety. I''ll give her that."


    "For real? You gonna'' go??" Daiki asked.


    "Psh. Hell no. I''d just snag the cigarettes out of an idiot jocks pocket and go smoke in the corner the whole damn time. I''m good. Listen man you go have fun. Could be good for ya'' too maybe. You are still adjusting to this place and after the shit we went through earlier... Hell I''d take any opportunity to blow off steam. Actually... Fuck I really don''t want to go home right now. Alright screw it I''m coming along. If there''s drinking involved I''d love to humiliate those meatheads on the volleyball team during beer pong. Sorry boys but think I might go have a little fun at this stupid party."


    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    Surprising to all of them, the decision was finalized. Nobody argued with Kaito''s reasoning. Aoi decided to go stay the night at Daiki''s place since neither of them were doing anything else. The two of them would head out shortly saying their goodbyes and wishing them well at the party, leaving Senji and Kaito by themselves.


    The skies above began to darken as the evening settled in over the town. Senji threw together the nicest casual outfit he could muster from his wardrobe; A long-sleeved red and black plaid buttoned dress shirt and slim fit black jeans with black dress shoes in hand. He went to the bathroom to comb his hair and apply deodorant alongside a few sprays of expensive cologne gifted to him by his father when he first started attending high school as a way to prep him for any prom or date. Feeling more confident then usual despite recent events, he had to remain optimistic for the party Yunaka had invited him to. Stepping out of his room and heading into the living room to put his shoes on, Hinaka poked her head out from the kitchen. She smiled and went to approach him.


    "Oh my! Look at you all spiffed up! Did you get a date to that party you were talking about??" Hinaka asked. He knelt down to face her while putting his shoes on.


    "W-well... Kind of? I invited my friend from school, Ayame. But I-I guess Kaito is tagging along too." Senji stammered.


    "Ooh really? I haven''t met that one! What''s she like? Is she pretty? Is she a nice girl?"


    "Please! I-I''ll introduce you to her later I''m sure but we really need to get going."


    "Sorry. Of course. Have fun and be safe! Love you!"


    "Love you too mom."


    Senji stepped outside where Kaito was leaning against the house smoking a cigarette. He flicked the ashes off the tip, nodding to Senji.


    "Ready to head out?" He asked.


    "Y..yeah. Just got to stop by Ayame''s house on the way." Senji replied.


    The two of them strolled down the streets illuminated by street lights with Senji leading the way. He pulled a piece of paper out of his pocket with the address of Yunaka''s house written on it. They were getting closer to Ayame''s home.


    "Ayame... That quiet girl eh? You know I didn''t think she cared to socialize with anybody. Surprised she took an interest in you." Kaito spoke with a hint of interest.


    "Yeah? Well I-I guess us meeting and beginning to talk kind of just... Happened? She''s actually quite nice. Just very anti-social. But that''s okay in my eyes."


    "Look at you. Such a gentleman. And hey... If you''re wanting to spend time alone with her at the party then say no more. I''m just glad to be away from the house."


    "Oh. Uh, thanks man. I appreciate that."


    Senji recognized the front yard upon reaching the house he had walked to before. Without a doubt he knew this was the right place. He motioned for Katio to remain put while he approached the door to gently knock four times. Some shuffling could be heard from inside then the door cracked open just slightly. A single violet eye peered out from the darkness inside. With a gentle smile, Senji waved at them. The door opened up more as a shy Ayame stepped around the door and slid outside next to him then closing it quietly. He stepped back to give her some space. This was the first time he had seen her outside of uniform. His cheeks began to burn up, admiring her outfit for but a moment. Black buttoned-up cropped tank top, deep red short jean shorts matched with deep purple socks and black leather boots. What especially grabbed Senji''s attention was the small metallic black belly ring she had. Ayame snapped her fingers, drawing his attention back to her face.


    "Senji? Um... Hey." She spoke softly.


    "H-hey there Ayame. Uh, s-so my friend over there is tagging along to the party. He... Well, he didn''t want to go home and kind of wants to blow off some steam. Is that okay?" Senji asked.


    "Eh I don''t care. As long as you stick with me while we''re there."


    Ayame latched a hand onto the side of Senji''s shirt. He nodded trying to ignore the strange things he''s feeling at the moment. The two went to join Kaito, who turned and his eyes widened. He eyed Ayame from head to toe raising an eyebrow.


    "Well shit. You certainly have an eye for style there girl. Name''s Kaito. Don''t pay me much mind. I''ll be off doing my own thing once we get to this party." Kaito stated.


    "Oh? Thanks? I''m Ayame."


    With introductions out of the way Senji continued onward towards the address he was given by Yunaka. Kaito was silent while Ayame walked close to Senji, grabbing his hand and clutching it softly. Holding her hand was starting to feel rather comforting now but still had him on edge as someone who''s never experienced this kind of attention from a girl before.


    The muffled sounds of bass heavy music could be heard from within the house labeled on the piece of paper. The trio had arrived at Yunaka''s home address. The house itself was big in scale with a two car garage attached to the side on a large property with a front yard and spacious backyard behind the wooden fencing. It was obvious that the family Yunaka comes from had modest wealth. Several bikes and a couple cars were parked in the driveway.


    Taking a deep breath Senji lead the others up to the front door where a couple tall boys talking away were standing. Their attention was drawn to the group, halting them from proceeding.


    "Hold up now. Just who are you-?" The brunette started before shutting up at the sight of Kaito.


    "I''m Senji. I was personally invited by Yunaka herself. Ayame here is my uh, m-my partner and Kaito here was given approval to show up from Yunaka if he was interested." Senji explained. Kaito crossed his arms, shrugging his shoulders.


    "O-oh well then head on in! Just chill out, have fun and no fighting or drama got it??"


    "Of course."


    Senji, Ayame and Kaito entered the house. The main lights were dim but several strings of multi-colored lights were strung about the walls. A set of stairs led up to the second floor where a group of people were chatting. The downstairs was spacious and wide open from the living room towards the dining room and brightly-lit kitchen towards the back of the house. A single long table with several red cups was set up. Various drinks both soft and alcoholic littered the dining room table. Most of the many guests were already drinking too. Kaito noticed three boys in jackets sporting the volleyball team logo were crowing the long table. He smirked and bumped Senji''s arm with his elbow.


    "I found my targets to humiliate. You two go have fun. I''ll be around." Kaito said before taking off.


    Senji and Ayame especially felt overwhelmed by the sheer amount of people and loud music echoing throughout the halls and rooms. Before they could even begin to figure out where to go, Senji''s anxiety rose when approaching the two of them was a girl sporting a low-cut pink t-shirt adorned with black stars, black waist-high jeans and pink tennis shoes. Her expression went from ecstatic to disgust. It was none other then the host herself, Yunaka.

 13: The House Party

    "I can''t believe this Senji! You chose to bring HER over letting ME be your partner?!" Yunaka hissed slamming her foot to the floor. Senji scratched the back of his head nervously. He could feel Ayame''s grip on his hand tighten. Yunaka crossed her arms, pouting. "Ugh! Well whatever! Fine I guess I''ll allow it since I did invite you... Anyway. Sorry for losing my cool there. Welcome to my lovely home. We''ve got drinks, beer pong, takeout food in the kitchen and uh, whatever they got set up in the backyard out there. Oh and there is a pool out back too. Help yourself."


    "O-oh okay. Cool." Senji stuttered with his response.


    "But you owe me for this! Come hang out with me later by the pool when I''m done running around getting some shit figured out and talking with people. Bring the weirdo too I suppose. Catch ya'' later Senji!"


    Yunaka took off vanishing somewhere away from the living room. Senji figured he might as well go over to the dining room, leading the quiet Ayame with him there. Having never touched alcohol before, Senji was anxious to even try any. He figured it would be best to just grab a soda. Right before he would Ayame snatched a bottle, examining it and it''s contents.


    "A-are you thinking of actually drinking??" He asked her.


    She continued to study the bottle before setting it back. She shook her head.


    "I refuse."


    "O-okay. Yeah me too. Here."


    Senji grabbed another can of the soda he selected and handed it to Ayame. She opened it and proceeded to drink. He did the same. The taste was sweet and refreshing.


    "Thank you, Senji."


    "You''re welcome."


    The pair glanced over to where the long table was. Separated on two sides was Kaito and the three volleyball team guys. Each of them were taking turns trying to sink ping pong balls into his cups with one out of three attempts landing. Meanwhile Kaito was landing every shot. A smug grin on his face, taking a drink from his own bottle. Once the last cup from the guys was downed they all groaned with the tallest one slamming his fist down on the table in rage.


    "How the hell are you so good at this?! Three of us taking shots one at a time should''ve worked!" He barked.


    "Why are you clowns getting so worked up? I''m having fun." Kaito snickered. Bystanders were chuckling and pointing fingers while gossiping to each other.


    "Alright you freak one more game! I am not losing to this outcast!"


    "Bring it on you ape. I''ll gladly show you up again."


    Ayame tugged on Senji''s shirt lightly. She motioned for him to follow her. They left the loud main rooms into a secluded hallway past the kitchen. Only a group of girls were in the same hallway over near the laundry room gossiping amongst themselves. It was quieter in this area compared to where they had just come from. He could hear the girls down the hall snickering away all holding bottles in their hands clearly getting intoxicated. Ayame leaned against the wall drinking her soda. Senji joined her on the wall next to her. Here they were at a party but remaining secluded from all the noise and chatter. Taking in this calming moment, Ayame leaned against Senji''s shoulder. He felt his hairs standing up on end.


    "This party. This atmosphere. This isn''t really for me but... At least you being here makes it tolerable." Ayame muttered.


    "I understand. I-I am happy you''re here though." Senji replied.


    "I''m content with this. Don''t leave my side."


    "I d-don''t plan on it, Ayame."


    "Good."


    In an attempt to make himself seem smooth, Senji tucked his arm back then lifted it up to wrap around Ayame, grabbing her shoulder. She let out a soft breath, glancing at Senji who''s eyes were up at the ceiling. She could see the redness in his cheeks. She inched closer now leaning against his chest, hearing his heart pounding. From down the hallway Senji could faintly hear what the girls were talking about as they weren''t exactly being quiet or subtle;


    "Can you believe that?"


    "For real. Literally talks to nobody then as soon as some hot new kid shows up suddenly she takes an interest in them?"


    "Like a vulture to a fresh corpse if you ask me."


    This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    "Even Yunaka took a liking to him! Imagine how she must feel."


    "Who cares about her? She could have any guy in school. Pretty sure she''s even slept with a few of them. Her parents are always working so I bet she''s alone most of the time."


    "I don''t doubt it. But honestly, that''s such a sneaky move on her part. Play all innocent and shy then slowly get closer to him, take advantage of him as the new guy just trying to adjust to this town."


    "You''re just jealous. If you think he''s hot you should''ve said something to him."


    "He had just got here! How lame would it have been to just go up to him out of nowhere and ask him out?"


    "Too late you wimp. Loner girl there already sunk her fangs into him."


    "Screw this crap. I came here to have fun not get upset. I need a minute... I''m going outside."


    "Alright. We''ll be here. God what a drama queen I swear."


    "Just let her cool off. It''s the alcohol that''s making her blood pressure rise."


    Senji felt distraught eavesdropping on their conversation. He didn''t understand why girls like that and Yunaka were so mean towards Ayame just because she''s socially distant and quiet. It reminded him of how gossip and rumors spread at his old high school regarding certain girls with their own reputations. It only ever caused malice and pain. He was sticking by Ayame so he didn''t want to go give them a piece of his mind or leave her. He was always taught by his father to never let words agitate him and make him act out. He kept his cool. Ayame gave a cold stare over to the remaining girls drinking their booze.


    From out in the living room the sound of shouting could be heard followed by slamming and glass breaking. Senji and Ayame went to go check out what was happening when a yelp was heard followed with a thud. Heading over to see the commotion they see one of the guys in volleyball jackets down on his knee holding his nose. The other two were standing back and looming over the one on the ground was Kaito with a clenched fist.


    "Y-you''re dead... Asshole!" The guy on the floor screeched.


    He jumped up at Kaito who slid out of the way, grabbing the guy by the rear of his collar and pulled back, throwing him down onto the floor then pressing a foot onto his chest. He coughed and hacked, spitting out some blood onto his jacket.


    "I think you''ve had enough booze there. Fuckin'' ape. You lost, get over it. Hey, grab your idiot pal here and lay him down." Kaito spoke, pointing to the other two boys."Then go pick up the glass from the bottle he dropped. Now."


    Scared, they nodded and complied, helping the drunken guy up and dragging him over to the couch in the living room. Yunaka just shook her head, approaching the intoxicated jock and promptly slapping him across the face. Some onlookers started laughing. Kaito crossed his arms, shaking his head and giving the other two a death stare as they bolted for the broom and dustpan in the kitchen.


    "Raito you goddamn moron... Know your limits! This is the third time you''ve flipped your shit at one of my parties and I''ll have no more of it! Once you sober up take your ass home and don''t expect another invitation anytime in the future." Yunaka snapped. The guy muttered under his breath as she walked away towards Kaito, cracking his knuckles. He glanced at Yunaka who seemed to be staring right into his soul. Her frustrated frown turned into a smug grin. "You doing okay killer?"


    "Huh? Oh, yeah. He certainly couldn''t land a hit."


    "Way to deescalate things by putting him into submission like that. Even telling his buddies to clean his mess up. Say... Mind if I speak to you for a moment Kaito?"


    "I... Guess?"


    Senji watched as Yunaka grabbed Kaito''s wrist, taking him towards the hallways past the kitchen. He wondered what that was about. With the drama subsided Senji noticed that Ayame wasn''t next to him. Now he was wondering where she went, feeling concerned. He assumed maybe the bathroom or outside for some fresh air. He''d have to go find her, starting with the backyard where the pool also was located. Senji too, felt like he needed fresh air as well.


    The frustrated blonde girl had secluded herself to the confines of the shed in the backyard. She took deep breaths after becoming agitated from the conversation with her friends back inside the house. She just needed to calm down. She had already downed a few drinks by this time so the alcohol was flowing through her system. Unaware of all the commotion that had happened inside, she rested her hands on the workbench while closing her eyes looking downwards. The dizziness was also in play making her feel nauseous. Her head was spinning. She wasn''t even sure why she had gotten so irate over that conversation but it had her worked up. She was beginning to feel more calm now. Some alone time seemed to be just what she needed.


    "Just a... Few more... Minutes. That''s all I need..." The blonde girl mumbled to herself.


    The door to the shed steadily opened with the most minuscule creaking sound even the blonde girl couldn''t hear it under her mumbling. A silhouette crept inside the shed through the narrow opening left by the door slightly left ajar. She rubbed her forehead, beaded with sweat. Assuming it was the liquor she was feeling since she hated sweat with a passion. A very faint breeze was felt from the open doorway. She began to wonder what that might be. Just as she brought herself up and stood steady, an intense sharp pain struck from her lower back. A kitchen knife, plunged straight into the girl''s back. She couldn''t even open her mouth to scream. The feeling was odd. The shock from this sudden jolt of pain made her freeze up. Her eyes open wide, her jaw agape. Then the knife was pulled out. A hand reached over to cover the girl''s mouth. Now she would try and scream. This attempt was cut short as the knife came up and across her neck. The sharp edge of the blade grazing her skin. Unable to process what was happening other then being attacked, her only option was to scream. But the knife made it''s incision, cutting deep into her throat with a single slice. Blood began to gush out of the searing wound. Her body was released, falling onto the shed''s wooden floor now stained with the pooling of crimson ichor from the blonde girl''s wounds.


    The silhouette gazed down at the girl lying dead on the floor for a moment. A gruesome sight that did not faze them in any way. They knelt down, drawing a finger through the blood to bring it up to their lips, taking a taste. Fresh blood. They stood back up, gently placing the bloody knife onto the workbench before turning around to walk out. One last glance back into the darkness. Then they closed the door behind them. The blonde girl''s corpse was left to rot and wither inside of the shed.

 14: After Hours

    Senji stood out near the pool with another soda in his hand watching Yunaka''s friends splashing and laughing and having a generally good time. It almost made him want to join but he didn''t trust the waters. Izumi noticed him and swam in his direction, resting her arms up on the edge of the pool.


    "It''s a heated pool just so you''re aware. In case you... Were thinking about hopping in." Izumi told him. Senji just shook his head.


    "Ah no thanks I-I think I''m good for now." He replied.


    "Hm. Suit yourself. Yunaka''s gonna'' host a pool party come early summer if that sounds more comfortable to you."


    "Oh? Yeah... Maybe. That does sound fun..."


    "So don''t be a stick in the mud by then. Trust me it''ll be fun and I''m not normally one for ''enjoying'' activities."


    Izumi turned around to swim back over to Mika and Akemi casually floating in the water chattering. Senji sighed, having taken a break from searching for Ayame. He thought about going out to the front yard to look. He chugged some soda then made his way over to the back door. Right as he grabbed the handle, ready to open the door he noticed something in the glass. Behind his reflection coming into view was a familiar face. He swiftly turned around to meet Ayame''s violet eyes. He jumped in shock pressing his back against the door.


    "A-Ayame?! There you are! I-I was worried when I noticed you disappear that I... I went looking for you and-"


    Ayame slowly lifted a hand up to tug on the collar of Senji''s shirt. She got closer. Their noses were only centimeters away from touching. He could feel his heart racing. The radiance of her eyes had him locked down in her presence.


    "Sorry. I... Needed some fresh air. I took a short walk. There was a gate on the back fence I used. But it''s okay... I''m back now. And I... Want you to come with me for a moment." Ayame spoke softly.


    Senji looked around, seeing that everyone who was outside was unaware of what was going on here. He looked into her eyes once again and simply nodded. Ayame took his hand, reaching under his arm to grab the door handle, turning the knob and pushing it open. He moved aside to let her lead the way into the house. They walked past the busy partygoers all caught up in their own conversations and activities. Upon reaching the staircase, Ayame led Senji up the stairs to the second story balcony. From out of the corner of his eye he noticed the trio of people give a curious glance at them before being whisked away out of their sight down a hallway. From there reaching a dead end with three doors, Ayame opened the left door as the two entered the room quietly. It was too dark to make out the details of the room with the hallway lights peeking through the crack in the doorway being the only source of light. Ayame stepped back, closing the door shut and locking it. Senji''s heart was racing at mach speed. He was tugged forward a few more steps, hearing what sounded like Ayame sitting down on something soft. His vision was barely able to make out anything but was able to notice Ayame''s eyes lower to the floor.


    "Senji... Join me here would you?" She asked.


    Without a second thought Senji inched forward and sat down next to her. It was definitely a bed he felt under his posterior. His head was tilted down at Ayame''s legs hanging off the bed.


    "Um Ayame? W-what is going on? Why are we-"


    Before Senji could finish his sentence a hand grabbed his chin to tilt his head up and pulled to the left as a set of lips pressed against his own. His blood pressure started to spike, eyes wide as pearls and his palms spread open. Ayame had kissed him. He was mentally panicking inside his head but didn''t want to freak out at this moment. He just took it all in, his eyes closing. An uneasy feeling of both comfort and arousal was hitting him in ways he''d never felt before. Senji, for the first time in his young adolescent life, was experiencing the kiss of a girl.


    Izumi finished drying herself off with the towel and tossed it aside. She grabbed her clothes then headed inside the house to find the bathroom. Once she had finished changing back into her clothes, a black long-sleeved shirt with a white skull logo, black bell bottom jeans with a studded leather belt and burgundy sneakers, she lingered in the hallway for a moment to check in on the two girls chattering near the laundry room. She was surprised to still see them here having seen them earlier with a third before going to the pool with her friends. The sound of a door opening could be heard to her right. She glanced over. Leaving the room was Yunaka. But something was off about her according to Izumi. Her hair seemed a tad messy, the left sleeve of her shirt was slumped down exposing her bare shoulder and she wore a very surprised yet satisfied expression. She looked around until her gaze met Izumi''s, catching her off guard making her jump. Her cheeks a light shade of red.


    "I-Izumi!? What the hell are you doing here in the hallway??" Yunaka barked, covering her bare shoulder with a hand.


    "Just finished changing. And what were you doing in that room? Or rather... ''Who'' were you doing in that room?" Izumi said with a smug grin.


    Yunaka gritted her teeth. Before she could answer, the door opened further. With a lit cigarette in his mouth and hair looking messier then usual, Kaito stepped out. He leaned against the door, having heard Yunaka shouting and now seeing her staring Izumi down. The two girls at the other end of the hall were watching as well.


    "I''ll say... Was not expecting that to happen. Either it''s the booze in your system or you were just eager to get your rocks off. Or both." Kaito said. "Hm? This your friend Yunaka?"


    Yunaka''s face flushed beet red hearing Kaito''s voice right behind her. Izumi raised an eyebrow. She started snickering.


    You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    "Hmm. Thought so. I''ll just leave you two alone then. I''ll be outside talking to the girls if you want to join."


    Izumi left back outside. Yunaka put a palm to her face, shaking her head in sheer embarrassment. Kaito tilted his head slightly, feeling confused.


    "Something wrong? You''re shaking."


    Yunaka turned around, slapping Kaito in the face.


    "Worst... Fucking... Timing... Ever. Now she''s going to totally spill this to the others! Ugh! This is so embarrassing!" She whined adjusting the left sleeve of her shirt over her shoulder. Kaito rubbed his cheek.


    "Eh so what? From what I experienced, this is definitely not your first time sleeping with someone." Kaito snickered.


    "S-shut the hell up..."


    "So you need a minute or something? ''Cause I can head outside or somewhere else."


    "Just... Ugh. I''m heading outside after Izumi. And you better not follow me! Just... Just stay inside. I''ll be back..."


    Kaito watched Yunaka storm off towards the backyard. He then headed into the kitchen to put the cigarette out in the sink and toss it in the nearby garbage can. Eager to know, he strolled outside quietly and wandered onto the porch and out of sight from the girls all hanging around the pool. He could eavesdrop from where he was and catch a glimpse of them all standing out of the pool with Mika and Akemi now drying themselves off. In his mind this would be far more entertaining then anything else he could get out of this party.


    Senji was lying down on the bed now. With what little vision he had in the darkness of the bedroom, he watched as Ayame crawled on top of him then laying down next to him, her chest pressing up against him. Her hands were on his chest as she latched onto his shirt.


    "A-Ayame..." Senji stammered, biting his tongue trying to find something else to say.


    "Shh. Just... Let me lay here with you for a bit. Okay?" Ayame murmured before bringing a hand up to his chin to gently stroke it.


    Senji nodded. He had goosebumps all over his body. Before he could even bother to speak a single word he was met with Ayame''s lips once more. He kissed her back, wrapping his arm around her. Alone inside a dark room with the girl he couldn''t get out of his mind was the last thing he was expecting on this very day. Time felt at a standstill in this very moment. Nothing could ruin this he thought. In his mind thoughts began to wander. Were they dating now? Should he ask her out on a date? Should he just ask her to be his girlfriend? When did she develop feelings for him? He didn''t know. The two would continue making out in this random bed for what felt like several minutes.


    "I... Enjoy the taste of your lips, Senji. I... Enjoy your company. I... Even think... I may desire more from you. But now... Is not the time. We should go." Ayame spoke in a hushed, soothing tone. She softly ran a finger down Senji''s chest.


    "Y-yeah. Wouldn''t want anyone walking in on us like this after all." Senji replied with a nervous chuckle.


    The two of them shuffled off of the bed and carefully made their way for the door. Sliding out into the hallway, they noticed nobody else was around. Senji and Ayame went for the stairs and headed down, seeing that the crowd of people had thinned since arriving at the party. Noticing the clock hanging up in the living room, Senji saw that it was a quarter to midnight. He thought perhaps it was time to leave. Kaito was nowhere to be seen however.


    "Hey um, can you wait here? I''m going to go find Kaito and see if he''s wanting to leave. I-I''m thinking we should be leaving too. It''s getting quite late." Senji said. Ayame silently nodded. "Okay. Be right back."


    Senji searched around the house for Kaito but to no avail. So he went outside to check. He noticed the girls all standing around the pool and decided to go ask Yunaka since her and Kaito disappeared around the same time. The girls all saw him approaching then gave him their attention.


    "Um hey Yunaka. Say, have you seen Kaito anywhere? It''s getting late so we were thinking of leaving." Senji asked.


    Yunaka started blushing. She crossed her arms, pointing a finger over to the back door.


    "I-I don''t know! Check inside! I haven''t seen him out here!" She replied snappily.


    "Oh! O-okay! Thanks!"


    Hearing this play out, Kaito darted for the door and rushed inside before anyone could notice him. Senji went back inside spotting Kaito leaning up against a wall. He saw Senji and smirked, greeting him with a wave. He waved back breathing a sigh of relief.


    "Yo. Sorry I was in the bathroom if you were lookin'' for me." Kaito lied through his teeth.


    "It''s all good. Um, were you wanting to leave at all soon? Me and Ayame are thinking of leaving. It''s getting pretty late. I sound lame I know..." Senji said.


    "Nah dude it''s fine. Go on ahead. I... Am waiting for someone to talk to them for a moment. I''ll be hanging around a bit longer."


    "I understand. Well, you have a good night then."


    "Take it easy man. See you Monday."


    Senji went back over to where Ayame was waiting. He told her about Kaito and she understood. The two held hands as they left the house. Meanwhile Kaito waited for Yunaka to step back into the house. She shut the door then approached Kaito, pounding her fists onto his chest. All he did was smirk at her.


    "Ouch. Take it easy there." He snickered. Yunaka sighed burying her head into his chest.


    "Oh screw you. Izumi didn''t tell them about us... Yet. Bitch is probably waiting for the perfect time when everyone is sober to tell them. Fuck my life." Yunaka groaned.


    "Sheesh. Who cares if or when they find out? Don''t let it shatter your massive ego, princess."


    "Just... Shut... Up. I''m going up to my room. I''m done for the night."


    "Fine by me. Mind if I just... Stay the night? Really don''t feel like creeping into my house this late at night."


    Yunaka lifted her head to glare into his eyes. She took a deep breath, grabbing his hand and dragging him towards the stairs with him.


    "I don''t care. But you''re staying in my room. Got it?"


    "Don''t have to tell me twice. Eager for round two eh?"


    "I swear I will hit you, asshole."


    Kaito wore a smug expression as he followed Yunaka upstairs. The two retreated to her bedroom for the remainder of the night, taking their secret fling with them while Izumi kept it under lock and key from the other girls.

 15: Confession

    Sunday had come and gone like a summers breeze. Monday had arrived. During the lunch hour, Senji sat as his usual table. However there was a new person that had been sitting with his friends and he recognized her. Sitting next to Kaito was the auburn-haired girl with the red streaks and the low-cut shirt under her uniform. Senji was starting to believe she left her cleavage exposed purely for Kaito''s attention. He was wondering why she was sitting here now.


    "Yeah I guess you could say we had a good time there. Oh, hey man." Kaito said, patting Senji on the shoulder.


    "Hey there." He replied.


    Senji began to dig into his food when he noticed Daiki, Aoi and Kanako all glaring at him. He halted from eating another grape to look at them.


    "Sooooo you and Ayame huh?" Daiki asked with a sickening curiosity.


    "And here I thought the poor girl had no friends at all. You seem to have changed that. Good for you." Kanako noted, adjusting her glasses.


    "She''s very cold and distant from my knowledge... But I will admit she is quite a cutie behind those lifeless eyes of hers." Aoi stated with a light cough.


    Senji was feeling a bit embarrassed. Word must have gotten around about them spending time together at the party on Saturday. He assumed Yunaka was the culprit. Perhaps out of pure spite since he had rejected her proposal to be her partner during the party.


    "I-I just... Yeah. Yeah w-we went together. Kaito tagged along but he split off to let us be alone." Senji admitted, lowering his face to hide his embarrassment, feeling his cheeks burning up.


    Kaito sighed, shaking his head. Emiko stole a grape off of Kaito''s tray then put her elbow up on the table, leaning on her knuckle staring at Kaito.


    "You keep staring at me like that Emiko and you''ll get a tray to the face..." Kaito hissed.


    "So aggressive in your tone of voice. It''s pretty hot though." Emiko giggled.


    Kaito gave up trying to passively reject her affection. As long as she didn''t try anything to him he kept his cool. He placed a hand on Senji''s shoulder to reassure him.


    "Aww! Are you two dating now or something?!" Daiki asked.


    "Yeah hate to break it to ya'' pal but Yunaka told me that she told others about you and Ayame hanging out at the party. Now a rumor is going around that you two are a thing. Not that I care. I mean, if you two are then it''s cool and I''m happy for ya'' though..." Kaito explained.


    Senji shrugged off the initial embarrassment to continue eating quietly. He wasn''t even sure if they were dating. Neither of them proposed the idea nor asked if they''d want to start dating. He only hoped that other students wouldn''t start pestering her about it now. The rumor may draw unwanted attention towards her. He had to go look for her after he finished eating.


    "I... I don''t think we''re even a thing. We like each other but it''s not like we''re dating. Our friendship just kind of, happened?" Senji replied, softly stirring the remainder of his noodles.


    "You managed to break through the thick social wall Ayame has built up around her. That alone is impressive. Ever since middle school, she''s never bothered to socialize with anyone. You show up, became friends and even managed to convince her to attend a party hosted by the most popular girl in school who has been known to mock and berate her. It''s actually incredible how high your charisma stat is." Aoi said.


    "Well I for one think it''s super cute! Maybe all the girl needed was a good friend and nobody wanted to bother with her because she''s always so quiet and shy and led to her being a target for gossip and harassment by the popular girls. You could be good for her and you don''t even know it!" Emiko commented. Kaito was genuinely surprised by her take.


    Senji thought about what she said for a moment. Perhaps she was right, he thought. Now that he thought about it, he had never seen Ayame in the lunchroom at all during this time. He had no clue where she had lunch at. He wouldn''t even begin to know where to look.


    After he finished the last of his food he got up to put the tray away then headed out into the hallways. He thought of one other place where students have been known to eat lunch at. The rooftop. He went to the staircase and ascended upwards to the rooftop doorway. He pushed the door open to step onto the roof. A few students were crowded together in one spot sitting on the ledge talking. A couple was also spotted leaning against the ventilation system. He ignored the others to head around to the other side. As if his gut feeling was correct, there sitting on a lone chair with a boxed lunch in her lap was Ayame. He cautiously walked in her direction. A gust of wind blew across the roof. Ayame ran a hand through her hair then brushed some locks behind her left ear, revealing a black stud piercing. Senji felt his heart racing. Caught off-guard by her beauty he adjusted himself mentally before approaching. He felt the wind blowing in his hair too. Ayame took the last bite of her sandwich before looking up at Senji who was now standing in front of her looking down.


    "Uh. H-hey there." He stammered itching the back of his head.


    "Senji? Why are you up here?" Ayame asked.


    "Oh, well... I-I went to look for you. I, needed to talk to you. Um, I guess I''ll just stand here."


    Ayame set her box down then placed her hands on her thighs.


    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    "You can sit on the ground. Lean your head against my legs if you want."


    Senji started blushing. He glanced around for a moment to see if anyone was around. The others he saw weren''t in sight.


    "A-are you, sure? It''s okay, really... I can stand!"


    "There''s still twenty-two minutes before lunch ends and the next class starts. You made the trip up here... You can relax for a spell."


    Senji swallowed hard. Not wanting to reject her proposal he obeyed. Back now turned to Ayame, he sat on the rooftop ground in front of her, leaning his head back up against her legs. They were soft like her hands. Ayame leaned forward to rest a hand on Senji''s head.


    "This... This feels weird. But, if you insist..." He chuckled.


    "It''s fine. You can speak now." Ayame said.


    "... Um. Kaito told me Yunaka told people about us hanging out at that party Saturday. He said that a rumor is going around now that we''re dating or something and... I just wanted to know if anyone''s been bothering you about that. I-I know you hate socializing and all. And I would feel so bad if you started being bugged about that rumor now. And if so I... I''m sorry. Maybe taking you ended up being a bad idea..."


    Ayame was silent. Her hand came down to reach around to press against Senji''s cheek. Her soft hand felt warm against his skin. He was tempted to reach up and put his hand over hers but didn''t go through with it. He wondered why she wasn''t speaking. Until he heard a soft sigh escape her lips.


    "A few people have... Mentioned this supposed rumor. I just told them we were dating to shut them up." Ayame spoke. Senji''s eyes lit up hearing this. "Senji. Let''s just... Go out. Clearly you care about me and have feelings for me. I''ll admit that I... Really do like you. As a friend sure but... I want us to be more then that. I kissed you that night for a reason. I desire more of your... Affection."


    Senji couldn''t believe what he was hearing. His heart felt as if it was about to burst out of his chest.


    "Y-you do?? I... Yes absolutely yes I will go out with you!" He exclaimed.


    Senji jumped up off of the ground then faced Ayame. She reached out to grab his wrists, tugging him closer and placing his palms onto her thighs. With a single gaze he found himself locked onto her eyes. She then reached up around his neck, pressing her hand against the back of his neck, pulling him down and kissing him. He closed his eyes to take the kiss in. With the wind blowing and the warm sun beating down, this felt like a magical moment to Senji. He couldn''t be happier now that they were dating as of this very moment. His fate was now sealed.


    "Hey. Come in unit two. Can you hear me?" The gentle but commanding voice of officer Isamu spoke over the radio. The two officers in the squad car shook themselves awake. The burly man in the drivers seat picked up the radio communication device.


    "I read you loud and clear sir." The man answered.


    "Good. Just checking in. Any new reports from your operation so far?"


    "No sir. Nothing yesterday and nothing today so far. By the time on my watch... It seems like school will be getting out here soon. We''re keeping our eyes peeled sir."


    "Keep at it. I know it may be boring and mundane to sit inside your car all day but monitoring the trail leading to the old church may be our only way of catching the culprit in the act."


    "Yes yes I understand. We already grabbed ourselves lunch not too long ago so we''ll be fine here for the next several hours."


    "Good to know. I''ll be in touch. Me and detective Masakuma are continuing our end of the investigation. Kojito out."


    The line went silent after that. The two officers sighed, each of them opening up a bag of chips to munch on. The rotund officer in the passenger seat continued reading his comic book. The burly officer leaned his seat back some to relax.


    Back in the outskirts of the suburbs Isamu and Katashi approached the old, decrepit house in front of them. The wooden exterior was beginning to degrade and nature had already started consuming the foundation. With their flashlights ready, Isamu reached for the door with a key to the rusted doorknob, unlocking it. He slowly opened the door. Cobwebs hung in corners, dust coated the surfaces and windows, and tattered furniture once used with purpose now sat rotting away. The interior was unkempt and littered with the corpses of dead bugs on the floors.


    "So gimme'' some backstory on this place while we look around." Katashi demanded. The two flickered their flashlights on.


    "Apparently the former residents were... A troubled pair. An older couple. The man became addicted to the medication he was taking for his anxiety. He abused the prescription and eventually went into a coma from taking too much. The woman was abusive and a heavy drinker. As you can see by the many empty bottles on both the kitchen table over there and the coffee table here in the living room." Isamu explained. "She was arrested for public intoxication. She went crazy after her boyfriend was admitted to the hospital for his coma. Tragic really."


    "So they were essentially evicted and the house was put up for sale?"


    "Yup. Nobody to this day wants it though due to the history of the previous tenants. Say, detective?"


    "Hm?"


    "Remind me again why we''re searching these old homes and shops? We found the bodies already in the woods."


    "Because we''re unaware of who the suspect is or where they could be. The least we could do is rule out that they''re some hermit or homeless individual that could be residing somewhere abandoned. Believe me... I''ve seen many people like that."


    "And if they aren''t? And they''re just a regular citizen blending into society and covering their bloody tracks?"


    "Then we''ve got one hell of a cunning and intelligent killer on the loose. The worst kind of criminal is a competent one. Idiots and lunatics are one thing; Eventually they succumb to their own mental instability or foolishness and get caught or even killed. But someone who''s ruthless and smart about their work is... Someone to be feared."


    "Shit. Considering they''ve managed to murder several young girls and hide all their bodies in a place like that without being discovered for several months up until now... I''m starting to believe they''re no fool. Just a psychopath. A sneaky one at that."


    After thoroughly searching the home and coming up empty-handed the duo regrouped at the entrance. They had nothing this time. Isamu was getting worried and Katashi was feeling irritated. No traces of their culprit have been found. With only a couple places left in all of town to investigate, they left the empty house to head off for some food before continuing on with the investigation. Katashi had a bad feeling in his stomach about the situation. If another disappearance happens under his watch, he would feel terrible. This had to end he thought.

 16: Unholy Grounds

    The two officers in charge of staking out the old church in the woods decided to check out the place for themselves. They considered this ''part of the job'' and were also sickeningly curious after hearing about it but didn''t have a chance to take a look. Brushing the twigs and leaves aside the officers went deeper into the woods along the trail soon coming up to the decrepit church ominously coated in shadow, surrounded by tall trees in this clearing. Being cautious, the burly officer lead the way under the police tape and into the building. They were stunned by the creepy interior with rotting pews and peeling walls. Up ahead beyond the steps was the pit where the trap door lay wide open.


    "The fact that murdered children were in here just... Makes me feel sick to my stomach." The portly officer groaned.


    With a nod of agreement the burly officer marched onward up the stairs, grazing past the lectern towards the pit. The portly officer followed right behind. Each step creaked against the wooden floorboards making a sound as if they would crack open at any moment. When the two curious police officers reached the pit their hearts immediately sank into their stomachs. Shivers ran down their spines. Their mouths were hanging open and their eyes couldn''t look away. Lying inside the pit was the lifeless corpse of a teenage girl in normal clothing. Her throat had been slit open with freshly-dried blood coating her neck and chest. The officers were baffled and frightened by this horrific discovery. The burly officer reached for his radio without averting his gaze from the body.


    "D-dispatch this is unit two. I-I need direct contact with the chief at once." He stammered with shaking hands.


    "Roger that. Pitching you through to the chief." The female voice spoke through the radio.


    Several seconds nearly reaching up to a minute passed before a gruff voice began to speak;


    "Unit two this is the chief. What''s going on? Do you have a status update? Did you spot the culprit??"


    "N-no sir. We... We came to check up on the crime scene and... There''s a body in the pit here."


    "What in the hell did you just say?!"


    "Send... Send the detective right away. We have another victim here sir... A young girl."


    "Jesus Christ I can''t believe what I''m hearing! I''ll get a hold of him and officer Kojito at once! Hold your positions until we arrive! That''s an order damn it!"


    The line of communication went silent. All the officers could do was standby, horrified and sickened.


    Daiki, Aoi, Kaito and Senji all hung out in Daiki''s room playing their favorite fighting game together. After several matches had come and gone where Senji and Kaito were battling head-to-head for the first place spot, Daiki ended up making a comeback and winning against both of them. Aoi had accepted this victory after having beaten Daiki for third place multiple times. The group decided to take a break when Daiki broke the ice on something he had been wanting to ask since Monday;


    "So Kaito what did you and Yunaka do huh?? You said you two hung out together for awhile at the party, yeah? I think you''re leaving out juicy details!" He exclaimed pointing a finger at Kaito.


    Senji and Aoi both looked at Kaito whom let out a deep sigh, running a hand through his messy hair and clearing his throat.


    "This stays between us guys. Got it? Any of you spill what I say and you''re getting my boot shoved way up your ass." Kaito jeered. They all nodded with no response. "Okay... Me and Yunaka had sex at the party. She dragged me into a room and let me pound her brains out..." He crossed his arms.


    All of their jaws dropped to the floor. His expression and tone of voice came off nonchalantly like it was no big deal to him. Daiki was seething to the point where he could explode with anger and jealously at a moments notice.


    "W-wait are you serious?? Was she... Was she your-?" Aoi started to speak before being cut off.


    "First time? Nah. Second, actually. Remember that one bitch from freshman year that kept hanging around my locker after every class? The weird one who dressed in all black and was obsessed with that gothic crap? Before she moved to the city that summer, we ended up doing it at least a few times."


    "You slept with Marika and never told us?! You bastard I was wondering why you never talked about her to us!" Daiki spat.


    "Because I didn''t wanna bore you. Her taste in music was putrid and her style was weird. But, she was chill I guess. Leave the past buried six feet under already. Point is... Yes that''s what happened with us at the party."


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    Daiki couldn''t even figure out what else to say. Aoi was stunned at this revelation. Senji was flabbergasted. He was still going to keep his intimate moment with Ayame a secret for now, fearing how she would react if he shared it with them and told her about it.


    "I had no idea... So that''s why you vanished for some time after your experience with those volleyball guys." Senji said tapping his chin.


    "Yup. I know you idiots are wanting details and that won''t happen. All I''ll say is... That girl is wild. Underneath her preppy, uptight demeanor is a total freak. Considering how I know for a fact that Emiko wants me bad, I wasn''t expecting Yunaka to steal me away and practically beg me to lay it on her. The worst part is that she definitely has been around the block more then a few times if you catch my drift." Kaito snickered.


    "Okay okay stop! I don''t need to hear any more! I can''t even get a girlfriend dude. You don''t even have to try and you landed the hottest and most popular girl in school! Bastard..." Daiki huffed before standing up. "I''m grabbing some snacks. Be back in a minute."


    Daiki stormed out of the room. Aoi patted Kaito on the back.


    "He''s happy for you I assure. He just... Let the jealousy take over when he spoke out there."


    "It''s fine. He''ll get over it. If he lowered his standards maybe he''d find someone." Kaito sighed.


    The boys hung out until the sun began to set. Once everyone departed from Daiki''s home, Senji found himself walking home alone. He needed the fresh air to shake off the fact that his best friend admitted to having sex at the party. He was still reeling from that information. Regardless, he was confused if he should''ve been happy or concerned for Kaito. Letting his mind clear up he was walking past Ayame''s home where he could faintly hear shouting coming from within the walls. Curious he approached the house where the shrill, angered female voice could be heard more clearly. In his gut it felt wrong to eavesdrop but his curiosity led him to put his ear up to the door for a listen;


    "-and I know you can do better then this! There is no reason for your grades to be lacking like this! You think your parents would be happy to see what a piss poor excuse of a student you are?! Huh?! And don''t you dare say that you''re still ''getting over losing them'' as an excuse when it''s been years now! Your grades never used to drop below A''s and B''s and I''m seeing C''s and D''s now! Unacceptable! You better put your mind to the fucking grindstone young lady or I''ll disown you! You understand??"


    Senji felt his heart sink. He was horrified at what he was hearing and disappointed in himself for even doing this instead of just going home.


    "Good! Now go to your fucking room and get your damn homework done! Then just hide away like you always do! If you''re such a recluse then instead of wasting your time doing nothing but sleeping and doodling in your stupid notebook, actually study and get your work done! If I see one more bad grade on an assignment you are grounded! This is the last straw your hear me?? Yeah go on get out of here! Lazy little slut!"


    Senji stepped away from the door and the house itself. He retreated back to the sidewalk to continue on home. His mind was trying to comprehend what he had heard. He had no idea what kind of life at home Ayame was living in but it sounded miserable. It reminded him of what Kaito had told him about his own home life. Hearing about ''getting over losing them'' after mentioning her parents sent chills down his spine. He wouldn''t be able to admit to her that he eavesdropped on this conversation. So he would have to just be supportive and treat the girl with the utmost care and respect as he has been doing since their first meeting.


    Katashi and Isamu sat alone inside of a cafe located downtown. The two sipped on their coffees trying to make sense of what they had saw earlier. Isamu was irritated knowing yet another family has fallen victim to losing their child to this mysterious murderer. Katashi was deep in thought.


    "It doesn''t make sense. We''ve upped our patrols throughout the suburbs... We have officers on rotation watching over that pathway leading towards the church... So how the hell did another body end up at the church?? It just doesn''t add up at all." Isamu gritted his teeth pounding a fist down on the table. The employee wiping down the counter glanced over at him for a moment before she turned away.


    "So whoever is behind this not only managed to murder another victim, but also managed to slip right under our noses and leave yet another body at the crime scene. In all my years of being in this line of work even I am baffled. I refuse to believe they were killed at the church. It''s as if the church is some kind of dumping ground that was being used to prevent their victims'' bodies from being found by anybody. Or rather... Is still being used." Katashi muttered.


    "What are we doing wrong detective? Do we need to change the patrol routes and schedules? Maybe we... I don''t know. Ugh this is frustrating."


    "Hmm. My theory is that this culprit has studied the patrol routes and deduced when the best time would be to transport a body. Most likely in the dead of night or early at sunrise. As for how they eluded the officers at the trail... Either they know another pathway into the woods or the officers were incompetent. Fell asleep or were too occupied to notice them slip by. This is all just speculation of course. This also means that three murders have occurred this month... Assuming when the victims were reported missing they were murdered not too long afterwards. The conditions of some of the bodies upon first discovery did show signs of aging and decay. So this leads me to believe they are getting killed shortly after vanishing from the public."


    "It could be safe to assume we won''t have any more young girls go missing and end up murdered. But we never know... I suggest we keep up the search for now. The pattern this culprit had going has changed slightly with this new discovery. It''s only getting worse from here on out."


    "Agreed. Looks like I''m sticking around this town for a while then. I''ll have to extend my stay at the hotel it seems."


    Katashi and Isamu remained silent for the rest of their time in the cafe, unable to exchange pleasantries or have a normal conversation at this time. When the drinks were downed and the clock reached seven-thirty, the two went their separate ways for the evening. Both of them had this case weighing down on their shoulders now more then ever. With three victims meeting their bloody ends this month the following days that remained further escalated the growing fear the public had dwelling on their minds.

 17: Shades of Black

    Senji strolled along the streets hand-in-hand with Ayame, rounding the corner until arriving at their destination; The movie theater. He gazed up at the large lit-up sign displaying the current films in rotation with excitement. Ayame rose an eyebrow, tilting her head slightly. The film in question he wanted to see was an action-horror flick called ''Eyes of Damnation.'' Pitching the idea to Ayame during lunch on the rooftop a few days ago, he was nervous she would reject the proposal. However to his surprise he learned something new: Ayame hadn''t watched a movie in years with the last one she remembers watching was a serial thriller with her father before his eventual downward spiral into depression following the passing of her mother. After hearing how she was berated by her guardian, he wanted to treat her to a good time in the form of a fun date. He still couldn''t confess his eavesdropping so he kept it to himself for now.


    "That title sounds... Interesting. You said it was the ''most anticipated'' movie of the season huh?" Ayame quoting what Senji said on the day he proposed the date.


    "Yeah. You haven''t seen a movie in so long, right? Well I thought maybe why not see one together? I-I don''t know what you read so sorry if what I think sounds like a cool movie doesn''t sound as cool to you." Senji replied with a nervous chuckle.


    "Oh. I haven''t really told you my interests too much huh? Horror stories mostly... And dark romance novels. I find joy in those."


    "Dark romance?"


    "Romance novels with sinister twists or darker themes. Like the setting being during an apocalypse, or the girl revealing herself to be a psychopath that craves blood. That kind of thing. Cute and innocent love stories bore me."


    "I-I see. Well this is action and horror so it should be entertaining. C''mon we don''t want to be late now do we?"


    Senji and Ayame proceeded to get their tickets from the clearly bored and uncaring employee who could care less about age restriction, then a bowl of popcorn to split between the two of them with Senji covering the costs via his allowance. The couple found themselves a pair of seats in a higher row then sat down, watching through the commercials and trailers until the movie finally started. Two hours of high-octane action, horrendously gory visuals and cheesy dialogue bordering on the edge of angst-ridden teen poetry filled the runtime. Throughout the film while Senji was laughing and gasping and holding his breath, Ayame gradually had her mind blown over time until the climax had her on the edge of her seat. She gripped Senji''s hand tightly until the final scene played out with the protagonist and the female lead kissed while coated in blood standing in a sea of corpses and guts within a burning metropolis. The credits rolled. Senji wiped a single tear from his eye while Ayame took a deep breath, softening her grip on his hand. She hadn''t uttered a single word throughout the entire viewing.


    Upon leaving the theater with the clouds in the sky overcasting over the streets of downtown, Senji and Ayame walked down the steps to go and lean up against a wall on the nearby office building. He was needing a moment to take in all that he had just watched. Ayame was racking her brain trying to comprehend everything she just took in from the film. She pressed her hands against her head, eyes wide staring down at the ground. Senji glanced over to her, placing a hand on her shoulder.


    "H-hey Ayame? You okay? Maybe that was a bit too excessive and violent of a film to take you to..." He said with a sigh. Ayame slid down the wall to the ground bringing her knees up to her chin. He squatted down next to her. "Ayame?"


    She shook her head a few times before rubbing her eyes and looking up to the sky then towards Senji. His friendly face brought her reassurance and calmed her down.


    "I..I''m fine. That was... Just a lot to take in. Like seeing a novel come to life... Let me rest for a moment." Ayame murmured taking Senji''s hand off her shoulder to clutch it tightly.


    "Oh o-of course. Sorry. I didn''t really think this idea through."


    "You''re fine. I promise."


    After a few minutes passed Ayame felt at ease. She stood up dragging Senji up with her still clinging to his hand.


    "We can go home now. I... Need to do my homework for Monday." Ayame said coldly. Senji''s eyebrows raised at her words. He had another idea to pitch.


    "Um say h-how about you... Uh..." He stuttered with a pause.


    "I, what?"


    "You... You come study with me at my house? Since even before we got together I-I haven''t actually had you over yet. I''m sure my mom would love to meet you too."


    Ayame''s eyes began to widen slightly. He was right. She hadn''t thought about that. The two of them have only spent time together either in school or around town. She shuttered some but nodded.


    "I mean... If you want. What if your mom doesn''t like me though? What if it ends up feeling awkward being in your room alone? I''ve... Never been over to someone else''s home before..."


    "Aw don''t say that! My mom is the nicest lady in the world. And besides, since w-we''re dating it only makes sense to have you over. Right?"


    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    "Well I... Guess that makes sense."


    "Just for a little while then I''ll walk you home. Is that okay?"


    "S..Sure. Um, I''m okay with that."


    For the first time since the two had met, Ayame was showing signs of anxiety and vulnerability. To Senji this could be the first real step in helping her out of her comfort zone and grow more comfortable around him as a couple rather then just friends. On that note with her hand in his, he led the way on the long trek from downtown back to the suburbs where his house was. It would be a rather quiet but peaceful walk with occasional small talk about the film along the way.


    Upon entering the home a delightful smell lingered in the air coming from the kitchen. Senji closed the door behind them. The sound of clanging utensils could be heard from in the kitchen. Senji scratched the back of his head, feeling nervous about this meeting.


    "Hello dear! I hope you''ll have room for supper in a few hours-!" Hinaka called out as she stepped away from the stove out to the dining room donning a white apron when her jaw dropped. Her eyes beamed at the sight of Senji''s new guest. "Is that... A new friend of yours?? She''s so beautiful!"


    This was the first time Ayame had ever been over to his house. She shyly rubbed her arm while looking away from Hinaka who already approached the two of them with an inviting smile.


    "Mom uh... This is Ayame. S-she''s my..my girlfriend." Senji stammered.


    "Girlfriend?!"


    Hinaka admired Ayame for a moment. Being out of uniform, she took to studying her rather dark and alternative style of clothing. Torn up black skinny jeans with fishnets underneath, deep purple off the shoulder top bearing gray cat symbols and a black choker adorned with a shiny silver lock. Despite having lived in the city and being familiar with this sense of fashion, meeting someone who donned this look was eye-opening to her. Especially someone affiliated with her own son. She had to put aside her initial judgement and extended a hand to her cautiously. Ayame slowly turned her gaze to the woman. She mustered up the courage to accept the greeting and shook her hand.


    "Ayame." She said with a tinge of anxiety.


    "What a lovely name. I''m Hinaka, Senji''s mother. Nice to meet you. Supper will be another couple hours by the way so feel free to make yourself at home young lady." Hinaka replied before returning back into the kitchen.


    Senji nervously chuckled. Ayame glanced back to him, grabbing the sleeve of his shirt.


    "It''s okay. My mom is really nice and she''s not overbearing. Trust me. Since moving here she''s already made several friends in the community and at her new job." Senji reassured her.


    "I... See. She seems friendly. You must have a great mother." Ayame murmured.


    "I do. I''m pretty lucky. So you uh, want to go to my room then?"


    "Your... Room? Um, sure."


    Senji took Ayame through the home, down the hall and to the door where his room is. He opened it for her. She cautiously walked into the room when he turned the light on. He got in front of her, extending an arm gesturing for her to look around. He wore a nervous grin and his hands were shaking.


    "W-well here we are. This is my room. It''s probably a bit lame I know. I may not look it but I''m really into manga and television shows with flashy characters and action. Also rock music to a degree." He chuckled.


    Ayame wandered around the small room briefly gazing at the posters, many manga books strewn about the room and his few figures striking dynamic poses. Senji''s heart was pounding like a drum. He never had a girl alone in his room before that it was ramping his anxiety up through the roof. Ayame looked back to him, a little smile on her face.


    "I like your room. It feels cozy in here." She said. Senji breathed a sigh of relief.


    "R-really?"


    "Yes. I feel... Comfortable. At home. Like I''m welcome here."


    "Um I-I guess that''s a way to describe feeling? But I''m glad. Sorry I don''t have any other chairs other then my desk chair but uh y-you can sit on the bed or the chair if you''d like and I''ll sit on the bed."


    Ayame walked over to the door to close it shut. She turned back to Senji and approached him, taking his hands in hers.


    "Why don''t we both sit on the bed?" She suggested. He felt his heart skip a beat.


    "W-we can totally do that. Y-yeah that''s fine."


    Senji turned the television onto his favorite station playing a live-action superhero show with several people in colored suits fighting off brutish-looking aliens in a warehouse. Ayame leaned her head against his shoulder, resting a hand on his leg. He was feeling a mixture of extreme nervousness and calming relaxation as if his mind was running wild. They sat in silence just watching the entertainment on the screen in front of them until the episode ended teasing the next part of the current arc. Ayame brought her hand down, sliding her fingers in-between his.


    "Senji..." She whispered into Senji''s ear sending shivers down his spine.


    "H-huh? What''s up Ayame?" He asked.


    "I don''t want to leave... I''m staying here tonight."


    Before Senji could even speak a single word to reply she reached over with her free arm and pressed a hand against his chest then immediately kissed him. In a matter of seconds she pushed him down onto the bed and climbed up on top of him. Senji felt defenseless being locked down underneath her thighs. Those strange feelings from the night they eloped at Yunaka''s party were returning once again. Without a second thought, Ayame pulled her shirt up and off, tossing it onto the floor. His eyes widened more then ever, unable to take his gaze off of the black-laced bra she had on. He was about to finally speak when she pressed a single finger against his lips to silence him.


    "Senji... I want you to take me." Ayame murmured in a sensual tone.


    Senji swallowed hard. Unsure of how to even respond at this point all he did was raise his hands to grab her by the waist. Once she had removed her jeans and began to unbutton his pants, Senji took multiple deep breaths. An evening of searing, sweaty and passionate intimacy passed by leisurely. This would become the night Senji had unexpectedly lost his virginity.

 18: The Season of Mourning

    Summer was just over the horizon and slowly approaching as the temperatures began to get more hot and humid outside. The burning sun shone bright in the sky over Nakamura. June had been a rather uneventful month so far with no reported disappearances occurring yet. At city hall, the police chief stood in front of a large crowd accompanied by Katashi, Isamu and the mayor himself. A microphone hooked up to speakers sat in front of him on a lectern. Cameras set up by the news team were broadcasting live to the rest of town. The chief coughed to clear his throat, gripping the lectern firmly before speaking;


    "Thank you all for attending and watching this from your homes or businesses. These past several months have been taxing on our fair city and it''s citizens. But as of lately we at the Nakamura Police Department with the help of renowned detective Katashi Masakuma, have made a breakthrough in the investigation. Now the news we are about to deliver will not be pleasant to hear for anyone but... This has helped us in figuring out what''s been going on. Outside of town deep within the local woods near the river was the discovery of an ancient church that dates back all the way to the early days of Nakamura as a settlement. Within that church contained a trap door for purposes we are unknown of. Well it is there we found out the grave truth of the disappearances... The victims were all murdered. Multiple bodies were found. All of them... Teenage girls. We even discovered a more recent one not too long after the bodies had been taken care of. The police had already notified those parents who''s children were missing and have been making funeral arrangements. With a heavy heart my condolences go out to all of those who have suffered from this horrific, terrible tragedy. Unfortunately we do not have a perpetrator identified yet but our brave men on the force and detective Masakuma are hard at work trying to uncover clues and get to the bottom of this mysterious case."


    Throughout the audience many were in shock and grief. Several individuals were crying or shedding tears, embracing each other. Others were furious and angry. Even as the chief spoke, the crowd was actively murmuring amongst themselves. Katashi and Isamu were growing weary. They both could feel the tension rising within the people. Questions and comments were already being fired off from the crowd, such as demanding the murderer be brought to justice or what could be done to prevent this from happening again.


    "Now I assure all of you we have all grounds covered. Patrols around the suburbs have been expanded and the trail leading to the old church where the bodies were found is on twenty-four seven surveillance. Our eyes are everywhere as we continue to investigate this and hopefully catch the culprit behind all of this. They will be brought to justice swiftly I assure all of you. Under my watch I refuse to let another child die! This is our city and we are a united community!"


    His bold confidence and inspiring words did ease the crowd to a degree. A round of applause erupted after his speech had come to a close. Katashi and Isamu were at an impasse for the moment. With June having started a week ago they had their setup at the woods complete, prepping themselves for the next eventual disappearance to come as the pattern had followed.


    At the high school word had already spread regarding the last reported body discovered, a student named Sachimi. She was last seen by her two closest friends at Yunaka''s party. The girls were still in a state of despair and depression even with the comfort and support of other students. In the teachers lounge, several teachers had all gathered during the lunch period. Uwagi, Ryoichi and Kazuko sat down eating their food. Standing over by the vending machine was Koyami and the art teacher Miss Fujiwaka, a younger woman around the same age and height with short natural black hair and long side-swept front bangs covering her left eye. She had black eyeliner and red lipstick on. In contrast to Koyami''s casual attire, Fujiwaka wore a deep purple tank top under a sleeveless black leather vest, red slim-fitted jeans and black boots. She also had tattoos of a black heart with a red arrow through it above her chest and a colorful serpentine dragon around her forearm.


    "The atmosphere of the school is... Rather worrying don''t you agree?" Koyami spoke after sipping her can of iced tea.


    "I agree. The students have been quite sullen I''ve noticed. Particularly the girls. Even my own art club students, bless them for their positive attitudes, are surely hiding their fears. I''m wondering what we could do..." Fujiwaka pondered.


    "Maybe we should hold an assembly in the gym? What do you all think?"


    The other three teachers turned their attention to Koyami. The idea had been considered by everyone including the principal ever since the number of students going missing had increased. But with the recent bombshell dropping on the news all across Nakamura, now the truth of the disappearances leading to murders had the entire student body on edge.


    "I do know that principal Tanaka mentioned having an assembly to address the recent... Disturbing news that has shaken the town to it''s core. At least last I talked to him which was this morning." Uwagi stated. "I think he was considering holding it this Friday after school."


    Koyami sighed a breath of relief. Fujiwaka nodded, leaning her arm on Koyami''s shoulder.


    "Good! The sooner we tackle this the better... We''ll all just have to get used to the sulking the students will be doing for the rest of the week." Fujiwaka stated with a hopeful but concerned smile.


    The teachers all nodded in agreement. Koyami and Fujiwaka joined the others at the table to continue their discussions from earlier when the lunch period had started.


    Gym class was almost to start. Everyone had made it to the gymnasium on time. Senji and the boys had all felt that something was off about class this very day. Most of the girls were huddled together in one corner of the room with a few in particular bawling their eyes out while the others were comforting them. Kanako split off from the group and approached the boys scratching her head. Daiki was confused, Aoi was getting worried while Kaito and Senji were feeling sick to their stomachs.


    Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    "Yeah sooo... Everyone is upset it seems. You all saw the news announcement earlier right? Pretty sure every classroom had it airing live." Kanako asked. All of them but Daiki nodded.


    "Wait uh, I wasn''t paying attention. What happened?" He asked.


    Kaito smacked him on the back of the head. He let out a pained yelp.


    "You idiot. The chief of police just broke the news of the murders to the entire town. Now everybody knows what really happened regarding the disappearances." Kaito explained.


    "O-ow! Damn dude... Sorry. You''re being serious right now?? Holy shit..."


    Kanako nodded, clasping her hands together as if she was about to pray.


    "It''s true. Not only did those girls have friends who are here right now, but one of them was a star volleyball player with a lot of fans. While I personally didn''t know any of the victims... Those who did are so torn up right now it hurts my heart to see them crying so hard."


    "I-I could imagine. This is awful..." Senji murmured.


    With but a minute left before class would start the teacher, Kei Hamada, walked into class. He was tall with a lean, fit build and happened to be the youngest of all the teachers being just a couple years under Koyami. He had short, natural blonde hair spiked up with gel and spray, devilishly good looks and a chiseled jawline. While Koyami was popular amongst the boys, Hamada was popular with the girls. Normally he wore a bright smile and had a peppy attitude to get the student''s spirits up and hyped for physical education, but as he saw the girls mourning in the corner and the boys all just staring at them with long faces that peppy attitude and cheerful demeanor washed away in an instant. He walked over to the middle of the gym then cleared his throat, clipboard in hand.


    "Everyone! Your attention please!" He shouted. Every student focused solely on him now in an instant the second he spoke up. Hamada let out a deep sigh. "I... Understand that some of you are going through a lot right now with the recent news. Those wonderful students of ours are... Sadly no longer with us. My condolences go out to their friends and family. So instead of the usual class I''ve decided to do something else today. Let''s call this a... Free therapy session. Any of you are more then welcome to do laps around the gym or go work out in the weight room or practice your sports if you''re on a team in here or out on the field. Those of you who don''t feel like being active today may instead conglomerate in the middle of the gym. Chairs are against the wall as usual if you want to just sit and talk. We''ve all been impacted by the devastating news from earlier. How you choose to spend today''s class is entirely up to you. I''ll be over in one of the corners planning out the next few weeks of classes if you need me."


    Hamada left towards a corner of the gym with a few of the girls following him. Some of the other girls went to grab chairs and set up in the middle of the gymnasium. Most of the boys split off in several directions to do their own things like run laps or practice their respective sport. Kanako glanced over at the girls talking to Hamada then back to the guys in the group.


    "Well I think I''ll just go for a light jog. Anyone else?" She asked. Aoi nodded and stepped forward.


    "That sounds good to me. I-I''m not really a runner or, well, very athletic at all. A jog works for me." He said.


    "Alright. Let''s go then."


    Kanako and Aoi split off from the group to go jog around the gym. Daiki slapped his niceps then slowly walked away.


    "I''m going to the weight room to work on my guns. Feel free to join me there if you guys want!" He called out as he left.


    Senji and Kaito remained by themselves now. They looked at each other awkwardly and shrugged their shoulders.


    "Come take a run with me outside Senji. Need to chat with you for a bit." Kaito said running a hand through his hair.


    "Yeah sure." Senji replied.


    Kaito and Senji left the gym building outside to where the track field was located. Right next to the soccer field was the massive track field. The two began running at a brisk pace to stay side-by-side without falling behind or running ahead. Senji was curious what Kaito wanted to talk about.


    "Senji I have something I need to get off my chest with you. I''ve been thinking about this for some time now but... Now more then ever I''m really questioning myself if what I''m thinking could potentially be true or not so bare with me. Got it?" Kaito asked.


    "Oh? What''s on your mind?" Senji asked anxiously.


    "I have a theory about the murders. I think somebody at our school is behind them."


    "S-say what now??"


    "Think about it. Every victim went missing outside of school. With most of them being reported missing on weekdays or nights. Only a couple of them were reported on a weekend. The victims were all girls that went here. Each of the girls were labeled as ''attractive'' or ''cute'' by the guys and weren''t nobodies either. They were all well-known enough with their own circles of friends and acquaintances. Also each of their last known locations were all within the suburbs, never in downtown or outside of Nakamura period. If it were some random jackass that didn''t go here, like a dropout or an adult, why specifically target girls with respected reputations and good looks? Maybe it was some sicko pervert... Or it was someone with a vendetta against the girls. Far as I know only a couple kids are in homeschooling but that''s because they''re special cases. But I''m ruling out outsiders to the school. Leave that to the detective and police should they find the culprit and prove me wrong."


    Senji was baffled by what Kaito was saying. In his mind he didn''t seem to entirely doubt his thinking though. He could''ve been right for all he knows. It was a stretch but he admired Kaito''s confidence in his theory and while the outcome would be sickening, his determination could very well bring this horrifying case to a close.


    "You know I... I think you may be right. I''ll be sure to let you know if I-I come across anyone who may be suspicious." Senji replied stumbling with his words to form a cool-sounding response. Kaito grinned at him, slapping him on the back.


    "Yeah? Alright then. I believe someone who goes here... Is a cunning and sadistically sick fuck. Until the truth is found out, I''m going to find out if my theory is right before someone else falls victim to this slaughter..."

 19: Moving Ahead

    Senji sat alone in his room contemplating what to do. He thought about what Kaito was saying. How he wanted to conduct his own investigation based on his theory that somebody at their own school was behind the murders. It seemed a stretch at first but the more he thought about it, the more plausible it seemed. So he decided to stick by his best friend''s decision and lend his aid to the investigation. Starting tomorrow he would stick with Kaito while he conducted his research into this theory. It did have him worried though. The possibility that, should he find the culprit without even realizing it, would he then be targeted to prevent the truth from potentially getting out? But that would break the streak of victims as Kaito is definitely not a girl. He decided to shove that thought aside for now to focus on his homework.


    Nearly an hour later the doorbell rang. Hinaka was out with her friends so Senji was all alone at the house. He went to answer the door. Kaito, Aoi and Daiki were all standing there. Senji was surprised by this sudden visit.


    "Hey man. Mind if we come in?" Kaito asked.


    "Uh yeah sure." Senji replied.


    The group had collectively gathered in Senji''s room. Kaito explained what he had told Senji before about his theory and desiring to conduct his own investigation. Of course Daiki and Aoi were both stunned by his bold idea and commended him for it.


    "So... I am wanting each of you, my dear friends, to assist me in this process. You all have classes with different people that not all of us are in contact with. Start there. Weed out the innocent or unknowing ones. Or... You all can simply follow my lead. I''m sure most of the students, at least the girls, would gladly give me the time of day to answer some simple questions. I''ve seen enough crime dramas to know how to find a killer. It won''t be obvious so we just need to look for signs. Hesitation. Tells. Anxiety. Things like that. Make sense?" Kaito explained.


    Senji, Aoi and Daiki all nodded their heads.


    "I see I see. If the killer truly is within our school among us students then surely if feeling any kind of minute pressure, they may show a sign or two that seems suspicious. Makes sense. I think?" Aoi said.


    "I''m with you buddy!" Daiki added giving a thumbs up.


    Daiki had no clue how he would go about any of this so would actually just be trailing behind Kaito like a lapdog. Aoi would be doing the same. Investigating was out of his forte.


    "Y-yeah. You''re the leader of this so we''ll follow along." Senji stated.


    "Thanks guys. Surely with our small but close-knit group taking the lead here... We must come up with something. Once again if my theory is proven wrong then it''s whatever. Bring out the confetti and celebrate. Should the police and that detective find them. But I think my theory is solid enough."


    The group was in agreement. With that settled they decided since they all were together that it was time to break out the video games to kill the remainder of their evening and enjoy some competitive cart racing. Aoi would come out on top by the end of the tournament.


    The next day at school the investigation was on. The earliest and best place to start was before classes would start. Kaito and crew approached a group of girls chatting away in the cafeteria. He made sure to keep his usual demeanor. The girls flocked to him right away.


    "Alright. So I gotta'' ask each of you a few questions. What do you all like to do outside of school in your free time? Are you all involved in any extra-curricular activities? And... Is there anyone at school that you vehemently dislike?" Kaito asked.


    The girls all had to think for a moment. They clearly seemed like very close friends and didn''t evoke anything strange to Kaito.


    "I just lounge around at home."


    "I''m in poetry I guess?"


    "I practice cutting hair since I wanna'' be a hairdresser after I graduate."


    "Um I ride my bike to stay in shape so I don''t get fat."


    "Not really."


    "Nah. They''re my only friends anyway so I don''t talk to anyone else."


    "A few of the boys in gym class can be creepers but they know I''d like, totally knock their teeth out if they tried anything. I''m not interested in them."


    All normal answers. Nothing out of the ordinary noted by Kaito and the boys. Keeping a mental notebook of their responses, Kaito nods and waves a hand to them.


    "Cool. Thanks for your time ladies."


    They all waved as Kaito and the crew left them alone after his little interrogation. With a few more students in the cafeteria, Kaito went to speak to them individually but turned out no results. It was time to venture out in the hallways. By the time the first bell rang, Kaito had spoken to just over a dozen students in the hallways with no progress made. Nobody showed any signs or tells of suspicion.


    "Well shit. We got nothin'' this time. Let us regroup after lunch and continue. One step at a time guys." Kaito stated.


    "Not a bad first start I''d say. Your natural charisma is really paying off here Kaito. Still a shame we didn''t get anything so far." Senji chuckled shrugging his shoulders.


    "Just need to be patient is all. Alright let''s split."


    Kaito and the gang with their heads low but spirits held high, headed off to their classes.


    The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    Senji needed to start taking his extracurricular seriously now that he had been in for some time. And that was the art club. His first project being a new member was to simply paint a portrait of something he admired or loved. Days had gone by where he meticulously applied paint to brush then brush to canvas. He sat in the far corner to keep his work a secret from the other members. While he was adding the finishing touches, Akashi and Nanami approached him quietly.


    "Heya there pal. How''s the portrait coming along?" Akashi blurted out.


    Nanami jabbed him in the side.


    "Hush. He''s clearly in the zone you idiot. Never. Ever. Break an artists concentration. You know this." She jeered.


    "S-sorry. He''s been at it since his first day and I was just wondering. That''s all."


    "Well I am too but I''m patiently waiting for him to let me or Miss Fujiwaka know."


    "By the way where is she anyway? I know Machi had some homework to do so she couldn''t show."


    "Fujiwaka went to go eat out with Koyami remember? She told us on Friday."


    "For real??"


    "Don''t get any ideas now. They''re just friends you weirdo. Nothing more."


    "Oh bullshit and you know it. She constantly brings up Koyami whenever the opportunity arises. They''re totally dating."


    "I- Ugh. It''s your fault that rumor spread around the club and school."


    "It''s juicy! And people love to gossip."


    Even amidst the constant chatter between the couple, Senji set his brush down and stood up. He stepped back from the easel. A confident smile on his face. Akashi and Nanami glanced over to him. Nanami was smiling.


    "Oooh are you finally done Senji?" Nanami asked.


    Senji nodded quietly.


    "Y..yeah I think so. Um. See for yourselves. I hope it turned out well." He murmured.


    Eager to see the result, Nanami rushed over tugging Akashi''s wrist to drag him over as well. Both of their eyes went wide. The painting was a self-portrait of none other then Ayame. Everything from the bangs of her hair to her cold, violet eyes was perfectly detailed down to a tee. She was smiling in the portrait. Nanami immediately turned around and pressed her hands down on Senji''s shoulders.


    "Senji this is amazing! I-I thought you were just painting the sculpture over there or maybe something simple like a sakura tree. But I wasn''t expecting a girl!" Nanami said, delight in her voice.


    "Dude I know this chick. She... She looks really beautiful in this. Damn. Nice work!" Akashi said turning to give a thumbs up.


    Senji could feel his cheeks getting warm. He scratched the back of his head.


    "Heh. Yeah well, I just went off of memory for it. We''re uh... Also kind of dating too so..." He murmured.


    "Aw this is adorable! You totally need to show her this! Fujiwaka is going to love this too! You''re a natural Senji! Looks like you picked the right club after all!" Nanami smiled brightly as she spoke.


    "Thanks. Yeah I think I will. I''ll bring her by tomorrow after classes to show her."


    "That sound great! Fujiwaka will be here too so you can get her opinion and grade on it."


    Senji threw a big cloth over the painting to cover it up for now. With his first project complete he grabbed his backpack then left the art room to head home. Kaito was unable to get anything useful out of his investigation so it would have to continue on tomorrow. He hoped that during the week something would come out of this personal quest of his. He was happy but also nervous to see how Ayame would react to his portrait of her. Would she like it? Would it seem too much considering they haven''t dated long? These questions would linger all the way into the night by the time he was ready for bed.


    Sitting outside of a cafe smoking a cigarette, Katashi was pondering where to take the investigation next. Isamu stepped out of the cafe with a coffee in his hand. He joined Katashi at the table, sipping on the coffee to get that dose of caffeine he needs every morning. Katashi took a puff of his cigarette then looked up at Isamu.


    "Hey. Any idea what our next move is detective?" Isamu asked.


    "Well... We''ve already extinguished our resources. The parents of the victims. So I think we need to take a new approach my friend..." Katashi muttered.


    "Oh?"


    "...The school. The parents all gave us good information that connected a pattern to these murders. All high school girls with relatively healthy social lives and active school lives. Not all of them were sports stars or straight-A students but it''s not like any of them were shut-ins. Every victim had friends. So with our notes we''ve gathered, we have the names of each friend and teacher each of the victims knew. Might be time to take this investigation directly to the school and start talking to these students. They might give us more insight into their social lives then what we got from the parents. Not every parent is gonna'' know everything their kid does outside of home and their classes."


    "Hmm. I see. That seems like the most logical step forward. You think... And I know this might be a stretch but... You think the killer is someone from the school?"


    "It''s not that big of a stretch. Maybe some of these girls harassed a poor student and drove them to violence. Maybe one of the teachers or staff has it out for the female students. All possibilities. And frankly I don''t know where the hell else we could go for this investigation."


    "Eh got me there. This feels above my payroll if I''m to be honest. Without you here we at the department would be at a total loss. So when are we going?"


    "Soon. Need my caffeine..."


    "And your nicotine?"


    "...Shut up."


    Isamu chuckled hoping to lift their spirits in these dire times. The two spoke a little more of their personal lives to pass the time before the next step of their journey. Taking this investigation to Nakamura High School.


    Senji followed behind his friends during their stroll towards the gymnasium. Leagues of students all marched the same way. A few teachers stood on the sidelines guiding everyone along the way. It was Friday and the principal was holding an assembly addressing the recent events in Nakamura. Upon reaching the gymnasium Senji''s attention was caught immediately. Leaning against the wall near the gymnasium was Ayame. Her eyes met his. He broke from the group to approach her.


    "Hey there! Were you uh... Were you waiting for me?" Senji asked.


    Ayame silently nodded, grabbing his hand tightly. He felt his heart racing but smiled to hide how nervous he felt.. He was still getting adjusted mentally to being in a relationship but also was worried about the assembly considering the subject matter.


    "I-I''ll take that as a yes. Sit with me?" Senji stammered.


    "Yes." Ayame murmured.


    Locking hands, Senji and Ayame entered the gymnasium. Inside, the bleachers had been set up facing the middle of the room where a small stage had been setup complete with speakers and a microphone. Locating Kaito and the others, Senji headed up there and grabbed a spot next to him. Ayame sat opposite of him, her grip on his hand tightly. She was beginning to feel anxiety ramping up being surrounded by crowds of students chatting and bickering. She scooted closer until her shoulder rubbed against Senji''s. He looked at her. He could see the mental fatigue in her eyes.


    "So many people... So much talking... I hate this." Ayame muttered.


    "It''s okay. I''m here. Just try and focus on the speaker and drown out everyone else." Senji said to reassure her.


    "R... Right."


    Down on the stage, principal Tanaka joined by the vice principal and the student guidance councilor had stepped up. He tapped the mic gently sending a ringing through the speakers. Every student shut up at this point. All of the teachers had found their spots at the bottoms of the bleachers. All eyes were on Tanaka and the two beside him. He was about to speak, clearing his throat. It was time to address the crisis affecting not only the school itself but the entire town and every resident within it.

 20: The Assembly

    "Ahem. Thank you all for attending. I''m your principal, Touta Tanaka. Today I wanted to gather the entirety of the student body and staff here together in one conglomerate to address recent events that have been plaguing us. There will be no sugarcoating this situation. Nakamura High School is a proud school of a proud city and it''s been that way ever since this school was first established way back in the day. Nakamura as a whole has generally been peaceful for it''s entire history. But that tranquility has since shattered. As most or all of you may know, several of our students have been... Well, murdered. What I''m now hearing being called the ''Nakamura Murders.'' Ever since March of this year we''ve seen this tragedy unfold without any slowing down. We''ve been hurt, heartbroken, angered, frightened, and traumatized. And not just us here at the school. Parents and family have it the worst right now. I know many of you were close friends or at least acquaintances to the deceased. I do want to give my deepest condolences to those affected by these murders. I understand that life here at school has felt... Uneasy lately. Don''t think I don''t hear what you all mutter about in the halls or at lunch or in class. You''re all worried. Fearful. And you have every right to be. But we teachers and staff... We''re frustrated! It''s one thing if we have to deal with harassment or bullying on a small scale. But for our own dear students to go missing and wind up dead it... It''s damn frustrating! We get how you''re all feeling! We do! Our guidance councilor has been overwhelmed with speaking to students affected by this tragedy. All of us are affected in some way. Something needs to be done! Something will be done... And that brings me to my next piece."


    Normally at school assemblies there is muttering and quiet chatter amongst the students. But this time everyone was dead silent. Not a single word was audible. The occasional whisper into another''s ear aside, the students and teachers kept quiet. For Senji, this being his first assembly since he started attending this school had him feeling rather uncomfortable. He glanced over to Ayame, her head lowered, bangs shrouding her eyes with darkness.


    "Now to hopefully progress the ongoing investigation being held by the police and veteran detective Katashi Masakuma, he and a local officer known well by the community, Isamu Kojito, will both be visiting us here shortly to conduct a more personal investigation here on school grounds. I spoke with mister Masakuma not too long ago. He stated that they''ve thoroughly investigated all around town and even set up just outside the woods where the bodies were found. So now with no other options, our school was their next destination. He hopes to finally get to the bottom of this heinous tragedy and find the culprit, who he believes may be residing within our own school. He has his reasons for this that I cannot say out loud. So just know that he and officer Kojito will be here at the school soon. This needs to end. No more of our precious students should be taken! None of us should be coming to school with fear hanging over our heads that another victim will be taken from us! Not a single investigation under Masakuma''s name has gone unsolved. While unsolved cases do exist and have been recorded, he assures us that this will not go unsolved. Bless that man''s determination for the truth. Let us all pray that this case will close and life can return to normal. So I say to all of you, staff and students alike, to please try and remain optimistic in these dire times. If you are still having troubles feel free to take them to our guidance councilor. She will gladly sit down and speak with you personally. As she has been, bless her heart. We still have a school to run and for you to attend and eventually graduate from. I... Did have plans for a different kind of assembly before these murders started to get out of hand so... That assembly will be postponed until this situation is finally over. Anyway..."


    Kaito''s eyes widened. His own investigation was about to be overtaken by a real detective and a police officer. This was news he was not expecting. This changes everything for him. He would need to find the detective and speak to him about his current findings. This may be an opportunity to collaborate, he thought.


    "... I want to reassure all of you, our wonderful students, that our staff will continue to support you and educate you through this rough patch in our history. Keep close to your friends and classmates. Go to a teacher or the guidance councilor for any help. Make sure you''re getting home safe and be extremely cautious if you go anywhere else outside of school and home. We do not want another life to be taken from us. Remember that we''re doing everything we can to put an end to this tragedy. I, Touta Tanaka, will conclude my part in this assembly. These two next to me have some things to say as well so I will open the floor to them."


    After another half an hour passed of speaking, the assembly came to a conclusion. For the remaining time, students and teachers were free to mingle until the full hour had passed. Aoi, Daiki and Kanako leaned in close to Kaito. He was in a thinking pose so they were all curious what he was going to say. Senji raised an eyebrow but kept quiet. Ayame remained silent, leaning her head against Senji''s shoulder.


    "I know what you''re all thinking or about to say so let me go ahead and speak..." Kaito said raising a finger.


    Daiki closed his mouth before even uttering a single word.


    "...My investigation will have to change. That detective is coming here... And I''ve already cleared several students as potential suspects. Perhaps we can collaborate on this. If he''s going to be doing what I''m doing and bringing in every student for questioning, I can assist him. We, can assist him. He and I have the same mindset. We suspect someone here at the school is the mastermind behind these murders. You know what this means right guys? Means I might be able to aid in solving this case."


    Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    Daiki''s eyes gleamed. Aoi and Kanako nodded. Senji thought about it but thinks he''s right.


    "Perhaps you can Kaito!" Kanako said. "With your natural charisma, you''re able to approach anybody and speak to them with ease. Weed out those not suspected of any connection to the murders. You can spot red flags from a mile away."


    "Exactly. And we''ll keep aiding you however we can as well." Aoi added.


    "Y-yeah. You and the detective working together sounds like a good idea. Frankly I-I just want this to end already." Senji stated.


    Kaito wrapped his arms around Senji and Daiki, the two sitting closest to him.


    "My friends... We will see this through. Who knows, maybe getting in good with that detective may be beneficial for me..." Kaito spoke with enthusiasm.


    "Do you... Want to be a detective yourself Kaito?" Senji asked.


    "Maybe. I... I''m not sure yet. Never thought about my future. But seeing poor girls being taken and slaughtered like cattle has really irked me. I''ll do whatever it takes to put this to an end..."


    Kaito stood up to leave, heading down the steps to go and speak to principal Tanaka himself. The others watched him approach the principal and begin speaking. This was quite the surprise to everyone. Kaito was usually a rebellious slacker just scraping by without a care in the world. Now he was actively engaging in conversation with the principal to see about assisting detective Masakuma and his willingness to help in ceasing the string of murders was crystal clear. Sure he may go back to his usual self once this all ends but seeing him acting like this was giving his friends hope.


    "Well best of luck to him. Hey Aoi why don''t we head over to our next class? I want to get there early and start prepping for that exam." Kanako said tapping Aoi''s shoulder.


    "O-oh sure. Of course. We''ll uh, see you guys later." Aoi said.


    Aoi and Kanako stood up and left them. Senji, Ayame and Daiki remained seated.


    "Welp. I got nothing better to do. I have to go take a wicked dump. So, I''ll see ya'' later Senji!" Daiki said.


    Hurriedly Daiki got up and rushed down the stairs, bolting out of the gymnasium. Only Senji and Ayaka were left now. She lifted her head off up of his shoulder, brushing it gently with her free hand. He looked to her, not sure what to say. The look in her eyes seemed distant.


    "H-hey. You okay? Your head was down for most of that. You uh, seem bothered by something. Does it have to do with the assembly topic?" Senji asked.


    Ayame turned to face him. She seemed distraught but he couldn''t figure it out.


    It''s... Nothing. Let''s just go." She murmured.


    "O-oh. Okay..."


    Senji stood up, taking Ayame''s hand as she stood up with him. Before they had a chance to leave, two girls were heading down the stairs then stopped to turn and face the couple. There was a sense of resentment in their eyes with their focus on Ayame specifically. One of the girls, brandishing light brown hair in a ponytail with a blue bow pointed a finger at Ayame.


    "You''re always sulking about like a loner then go and snatch up the new guy, huh? Ha. If anyone in this school is truly a suspect for these fucking murders, it''s definitely you ya'' weirdo. Either you or that bitch Yunaka. The petty one that hates anyone not in her stupid clique or the shy, quiet girl with no friends. But you have a boyfriend now it seems so... Maybe you''re in the clear. But maybe not. Don''t trust her new guy. Probably gonna'' get bored with you and go back to being a loner." The girl hissed before leaving with her friend in a huff.


    Senji scratched his head. He wasn''t expecting such a hostile intervention like that out of the blue. Once they were gone the two descended the stairs then made their way out into the hallway, finding a corner away from others.


    "The hell was that all about? That was unnecessarily rude. D-don''t listen to them Ayame. I don''t care what others think of you. I trust you and I love you. But man, some people can be assholes..." Senji said.


    Ayame just shrugged her shoulders as if nothing happened.


    "I''m used to it. The pettiness of others'' words don''t bother me anymore. But, thank you. For... Ignoring their remarks. I... Love you too."


    Ayame leaned in and gently kissed Senji.


    "Yeah of course. Well, we don''t have much time left before class. Want to just head off now?"


    "Fine. I suppose."


    Ayame once again clutched onto Senji''s hand. The two stuck close as they walked away from the gymnasium and down the halls on their way to the classroom. The assembly still lingered in both of their minds. Even with the optimism that this case may eventually crack, the looming sense of dread still hovered over the heads of everyone including the two of them. Senji didn''t get a chance to see Kaito before leaving but figured he was best left alone in his conversation with the principal. He wondered what was about to come for the school.

 21: Extensive Inquisition

    Detective Masakuma and officer Kojito entered through the front doors of the school. Some of the lingering students were suddenly awestruck at the sight of the duo casually strolling through the halls. Isamu smiled and waved to the students. Kojito remained silent and stern paying no mind to the students. He knew Isamu was popular amongst the citizens so he could play the ''good cop'' role in the meantime. The two walked into the office. The lady behind the desk looked up at them and without a word, pointed to her right where the principals office was. They nodded then headed in that direction. Kojito knocked on the door. It opened up with principal Tanaka standing there.


    "Ah gentlemen! Welcome welcome! Please, come in and have a seat." He greeted them.


    Kojito and Isamu grabbed a seat in front of the desk. Touta sat down, clasping his hands together on top of the desk.


    "Good to see you sir." Isamu said in a cheery tone.


    "You as well officer. And this must be the famed Kojito Masakuma. My name is Touta Tanaka. Nice to meet you."


    Kojito nodded silently. He cleared his throat.


    "Pleasure. So what is it you are wanting us to do here exactly to help further our investigation? We need to collaborate here and work together." He said, crossing his arms.


    "Right of course. So you two suspect that the culprit could be here within the school, correct?"


    "Yes. We''ve come to that conclusion after exhausting all of our other resources. After some thorough discussions and a lack of evidence catching anyone entering or leaving the woods where the old chapel was, we''re led to believe that based on how these murders have been playing out we think that our suspect could be a resident of the school. Why else would they target specifically high school girls?"


    "I-I see. Do you think it''s a staff member or...?"


    "Or a student? Either is a possibility we haven''t ruled out. What me and a partner here wish to do is sit down with every student and briefly talk to them. See if any of them showcase any signs or tells that could reveal potentially sinister intentions. It''ll just be a few tailor-made interrogation questions and then we''ll be done. Every student is to take part no matter their role or reputation."


    "Hmm. They won''t be too happy to hear but... Okay. Classes are on hold since we held the assembly and they''re all at lunch right now. We can start after lunch if that works."


    "Perfect."


    Isamu stood up and stretched his arms.


    "Thanks for the cooperation sir. We already ate so we just ask if there''s a room we can bring these students into for questioning. I''ll ease them in and Kojito here will do the talking. After everyone has been spoken to and their responses documented, we''ll spend tomorrow going over and analyzing all of the documentation. Then we''ll come to you with possible suspects should there be any. We clear?"


    "Understood. Good luck detective. I... God I hate to think that someone in my school could be responsible for this heinous crime. But anything to put this madness to a close is fine by me. Now if you''ll excuse me, I have work to get to. You two may take off and go set things up." Tanaka stated.


    "Of course. Kojito shall we go?"


    Kojito nodded. He stood up. The two left Tanaka''s office to go find a room and set up. It would be another half an hour before lunch would end so the two would have to just kill time for now. Tanaka switched the intercom on to speak into it and send the announcement across the school:


    "Attention all students and staff members. Principal Tanaka here. Detective Masakuma and officer Kojito will be interviewing everybody in the school individually for the rest of the day. This is mandatory as protocol for their investigation. All students will be spoken to first. Staff members will be spoken to afterwards so we don''t have to keep any students past their scheduled release time. They will be setting up in the main hallway so look out for officer Kojito. I assure all of you this is necessary for their investigation so please cooperate and this will soon be over. Please be honest with Masakuma. Thank you. Enjoy the rest of your day."


    The announcement made it''s way throughout the entire school. Even up to the rooftop where Senji and Ayame sat back-to-back quietly eating their lunches. Senji stopped midway through eating his sandwich for a moment. Ayame slowly slurped up her noodles.


    "Did you hear that Ayame? I-I guess they mean serious business now. The detective and officer actually did come to our school. Wow... Huh. Kaito must be ecstatic right now since he''s been doing his own personal investigation. We''ll have to go talk to them too huh...?" Senji said.


    Ayame remained silent as she eat her noodles and rice. Senji just sighed, returning to his sandwich. A gentle breeze blew in the air. The sun was shrouded by clouds casting shadows over the school grounds. Senji didn''t have anything else to say for now so he didn''t speak. Once he finished his food he stretched his arms out. Ayame set her empty box and chopsticks down to shuffle herself forward and turned around. She sat on her knees as Senji turned to face her also on his knees. He noticed a cold stare in her violet eyes. He brought a hand up to gently brush her flowing hair back behind her ear and out of the way of her eyes.


    "Hey. Is something up? You''ve been silent since that announcement. Everything alright?" Senji asked.


    Ayame shyly looked away for a second. Senji seemed concerned. Ayame then glanced back at him, taking a hand and pressing it against his chest to push him down onto the rooftop surface. She crawled forward and loomed over him keeping her hand on him to keep him pinned down. He was in total surprise at this sudden advancement. He wondered what she was intending to do here. This is similar to how she acted on the night when she took his virginity.


    "A-Ayame??" Senji stammered.


    Ayame took her other hand and with a single finger, pressed it against Senji''s lips. She moved up to seat herself over Senji, pressing her thighs against his body.


    "Senji... I want you to ask you something. Do you trust me?" Ayame asked


    "Huh? Of course I do." Senji replied feeling both puzzled and aroused.


    "Okay. Another question. We''ve been together for some time now. What do you think about me?"


    "I-I think you''re wonderful. You''re beautiful and cute and... And perfect in every way. You... Helped me find love when I thought I''d never do so since moving here away from everyone I grew up with. Ayame you mean the world to me."


    A grin formed on Ayame''s face. There was a gleam in her eye. She grabbed Senji''s head, bending down to kiss him deeply. He grabbed her by the thighs while they kissed the remaining time away before the bell rang. She got up off of him and stood up, offering a hand to him. He took it and stood up with her. The two held hands before heading for the door to the stairs leading back down into the building.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    "By the way Ayame I... I have something I want to show you after school. In the art room. I-if you''d want to come see it that is." Senji proposed.


    "Sure. I... Have been curious to see how you''ve been coming along in that club." Ayame responded with a smile.


    Senji smiled back and nodded. The two descended the stairs together hand-in-hand.


    Katashi had a piece of paper set and ready to go for the next student. The door opened and in walked Kaito. A smirk across his face on his way to the chair and sat down. His foot tapping in anticipation. The gruff detective raised an eyebrow. Something about this student seemed different then all of the prior ones.


    "Alright kid let''s get started-"


    "Mister Masakuma it''s an honor. Name''s Kaito. I''ve actually been conducting my own investigation amongst my fellow students for the past couple days now. I''ve been eager to speak with you since the assembly. Even personally ruled out several students as potential suspects in your investigation. I may not look like much... But I excel at reading others." Kaito interrupted Katashi.


    Normally Katashi hated being cut off like that but he knew who this was.


    "-Ah I know you. Tanaka mentioned you over the phone. Interesting that you''ve decided to take matters into your own hands prior to our arrival. I do admire your determination kid. What uh... Students did you rule out? Before we begin anything." Katashi asked.


    Kaito started listing off several students by their first and last names. Mostly girls. A few of them had been spoken to already. Katashi wrote their names down. His interest in Kaito was peaked now. This student in particular had something going on.


    "I see. From the few you mentioned that I had already spoken to, I can confirm that they seemed innocent of anything malicious. Impressive. Kid you''ve got potential I''ll say that." Katashi said. A frail smile on his face. Rare to see from the man. Kaito snickered.


    "See? I told you. Thank you for the kind words sir. Okay okay I''ve taken enough time speaking on my behalf, apologies. I''m ready to answer your questions now." Kaito replied with beaming eyes.


    "Very well. Let us begin then..."


    After asking a series of questions, Katashi concluded that Kaito was not only free of any suspicion but also determined to have this case solved just as he was. He shook hands with Kaito and spoke some last words before letting him go;


    "Thanks for the info kid. Hopefully we get this case closed soon. But keep at it on your end. And, come speak to me once our business here at the school is done. Alright now get on out of here."


    With a reassuring grin from Katashi, Kaito smiled back and left feeling quite confident in himself. A real sense of joy he wasn''t familiar with all too much in his rather mundane, miserable life. He left the room. He went to find the others all gathered up in the hallway to give them the news. They all praised him and patted him on the back. Aoi, Daiki and Senji were proud of him. Kanako even admired the guts he had to confess to the detective. Ayame was silent. Soon the next of their group would have to go in after another round of students.


    "Hey there! I''m Isamu! Go on in don''t be shy!" Isamu could be heard speaking to the next student outside the room.


    Katashi prepped his next sheet of paper. Speaking to so many students had already begun taking it''s toll on his mental state. From the list he had of students he was almost done with the entire student body. The door opened up and a girl walked in. She took a seat.


    "Alright. State your name young lady." Katashi spoke.


    "Ayame Chisato." The girl replied.


    "Okay. So I''m going to ask you some questions. Want you to answer honestly. I''ll be documenting your responses. Ready to begin?"


    "Sure."


    Katashi took his pen and wrote on the paper. He took a deep breath then spoke;


    "First question: How are you doing academically here at school?"


    "Fine. My grades are above-average I''d say. I get to classes early. I study. So overall... Just fine."


    "Second question: How is your personal life outside of school?"


    "Eh. Could be worse. Could be better. Parents died years ago. My aunt who I live with is an alcoholic constantly yelling at me, treating me like dirt or just ignoring my existence. I''m... Sure she cares about me. But never shows it. Or maybe she doesn''t care for me. I don''t know. I always seclude myself in my room. Only ever come out to use the bathroom, grab something like food or leave the house for school or to see my boyfriend. So... That''s it."


    "I see. Third question now: How do you personally feel? About your life, friends, how others treat you or how you treat others? Is everything okay?"


    "I... Don''t really care for anybody. Never cared to socialize much. Others ignore me or talk behind my back because I''m introverted. It''s always been like this for me. But none of that bothers me. Nobody''s words or thoughts of me bother me. Senji is the only person I care about. He''s all I need. I... Just want to be done with school and get out of here."


    Katashi finished writing then set the pen down. He nodded to Ayame and stood up to shake her hand. She ignored his gesture and turned to leave the room without another word. He sighed, scratching his head. Another set of students and he would finally be done before moving on to the staff members.


    "First question: How are you doing here as a teacher?" Katashi asked.


    "Well I love what I do. I teach math. I adore each and every one of my students equally. And the other staff members are all very friendly with me. I love this school." Ms. Koyami responded.


    "Second question: How is your personal life outside of school?"


    "I live by myself in a small house with my cat Shinra. I do like to go out for tea with my friends. Lately I''ve been spending more time with another one of the teachers here, miss Fujiwaka. She''s sweet, funny and beautiful. Honestly quite comforting in these troubled times. Oh I also enjoy reading and watching soap operas in my free time alone. I''m a simple woman really."


    "Hmm. Okay then. Third question: How do you personally feel? About your life, friends, how others treat you or how you treat others? Is everything okay?"


    "Um, well... I feel blessed to have a nice, cozy life. My friends are all wonderful people. My students treat me with respect and kindness and I do the same with them. Admittedly I, do think some of their parents have looked at me kind of funny. Usually the single fathers. O-oh but they''re all good people. Before these disappearances everything was great I''d say. The mood around here has been bleak since the murders were announced... But I''m doing my best to remain optimistic and cheerful for my students and fellow teachers."


    Katashi finished writing down what he needed. He shook hands with Koyami. Her smile and cheery aura was infectious to him, making him feel a little better before she left the room. With that, the day was done. Each and every student and staff member had been interrogated. Isamu walked into the room, closing the door behind him. The two of them took a seat to begin going over the documents.


    "Well? So whatcha'' got detective? Anybody stand out?? Think we got a potential culprit or culprits singled out??" Isamu asked with eager anticipation.


    "Cool your jets there my friend. Give me a sec." Katashi replied brashly.


    He started scanning through the papers. Almost every person was already excluded from suspicion so he skipped over those. After a couple minutes in silence he stopped at one. Isamu raised an eyebrow.


    "Well that Kaito kid is interesting. He comes from a rather fucked up home having no mother and an abusive father. Yet he didn''t read as someone who would want to commit anything heinous or cruel. If anything he''s as determined as we are to solve this case. While it''s not entirely uncommon for kids to have dysfunctional home settings, antisocial personalities and remain entirely distant from others... If I''m to be honest only one individual really has me curious. This girl... The way she spoke with that tone of voice, her rather calm yet cold demeanor, how everything in her personal life from her views of those around her to the trauma she endured growing up to end up with a negligent relative that shows little to no care towards her... Seems to have affected her mental psyche. Her responses hit me different then everyone else..." Katashi explained.


    "Kaito sounds like a great kid I agree. But you seem intrigued about this girl you just rambled on about afterwards. Who is she?" Isamu asked.


    Katashi had paused for a moment to review the paper over closely. He took a deep breath, pressing a finger to the paper and answering;


    "...Ayame Chisato. That''s her name."

 22: Sinister Intentions

    "She''s very quiet. But she gets her work done on time and always efficiently."


    "Huh? Well I mean... She keeps to herself. Lucky for her we don''t do partner assignments ha!"


    "Like all of my other wonderful students, she respects me and everyone else during class. Never interrupts or bothers anyone."


    "I always see her partnering up with that Senji boy. Seems to me they''re quite close friends. Maybe dating? Not sure. None of my business though."


    "I guess I could say she''s just there? Grades are fine. Most of my students are the same way."


    "I''d say she doesn''t tend to do much. I understand though. Physical education certainly isn''t for everyone!"


    Katashi and Isamu were left feeling conflicted after they asked several teachers about their thoughts regarding Ayame Chisato. Not much was gained from the responses. At this point all they had to go off of was Katashi''s initial thoughts. The two proceeded down the empty halls out of the school towards the parking lot where Katashi''s car was parked. He lit a cigarette along the way, taking long drags. Isamu crossed his arms and leaned against the car with the detective.


    "You sure she''s really the only one you find even the slightest bit suspicious out of the entire student body?" He asked.


    Katashi glared at him, shaking his head.


    "You really doubting me of all people, officer?" Katashi replied back snarkily, taking yet another long drag.


    "N-no I- Ugh, sorry. You''re the veteran detective here. I''m simply your assistant. Hmm... So what do we do from here then?"


    "Simple. Come Monday after the last bell we bring the girl in for another conversation. If anyone can truly root out a criminal hidden amongst regular people, it''s me. I can read people like fine paperback novels. We need to also contact her guardian. Let''s see what she has to say as well about her. And hey if I end up being wrong... Then I don''t fucking know. Goddamn it I really don''t want this to become a cold case..."


    "Me neither sir. Let''s stay optimistic though! It''s what I''m best at."


    "Mhm. Alright let''s get out of here. Talking to all those people has worn me the hell out. I need a drink. Gonna'' join me?"


    "Yeah why not."


    Senji and company had decided to all go into town at the local diner. ''Kazashi''s'' was a popular spot for middle and high school students to meet up at outside of school. Owned and operated by the former principal of Nakamura High School, he found his success in establishing the eatery as a safe space for children and teens to hang out and grab a bite to eat. The group grabbed a large booth for the six of them. Kaito seemed eager to speak to they all held their breath.


    "I can''t get over this you guys. I may have a chance to finally do something with my worthless life after I''m done with school. This is a huge opportunity. Plus he thought it was impressive that I had already been doing my own investigation. Talk about a wild experience hearing that from a veteran detective..." Kaito explained.


    This was the happiest any of his friends had seen him. And the happiest in a long time for Daiki and Aoi who''ve known him for years. Senji and Kanako were quite surprised. Ayame even seemed impressed.


    "That''s awesome dude!" Daiki said giving a thumbs up.


    "Perhaps you can get an apprenticeship. That would mean moving away though..." Aoi noted.


    "B-but if that''s what you really want then I''d say go for it." Senji stated.


    Kaito shrugged his shoulders following with a hearty sigh.


    "...Yeah true. But fuck it. If it means I got a career lined up and it gets me out of the house for good I may just do that." He replied.


    "Don''t forget to speak to him before he leaves." Kanako remarked. "Don''t lose out on this opportunity Kaito. It may be your only chance."


    "I know I know. I gotta'' wait until this situation with the murders is through. He ain''t leaving until the case is closed. And I think it''s close. I just know it."


    The waiter arrived at their table with the food they all had ordered earlier. They started digging into their meals one-by-one as soon as possible. The afternoon flew by with conversing and consuming delicious food distracting them from noticing the time. Aoi finished his food last as he was known to be a very slow and picky eater. Ayame had finished her food first even before Daiki who always gobbled down food like a garbage truck unloading a dumpster into it''s bed.


    "How the hell did she finish before me of all people?!" Daiki exclaimed following with a loud burp.


    "Ew gross! Cover your damn mouth or lower your head when you do that you slob!" Kanako hissed waving a hand in front of her nose.


    Daiki sunk into his spot on the seats. Ayame crossed her arms and leaned back.


    "This is a gourmet meal to me. I savored every bite." She said.


    "Fuck. What, do you just eat instant ramen and leftovers at home all the time??" Daiki asked.


    "Daiki!" Aoi shouted. "That''s a very insensitive and mean thing to say!"


    Ayame sighed. She leaned forward, resting her arms on the table.


    Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    "He''s not wrong. Food at home is slop. Or so easy to make that a child could make it up. Any chance I have for real food like lunch at school or this miso soup and beef pork... I''ll destroy it."


    Daiki shut up. He didn''t even know how to respond to that.


    "Ayame..." Senji murmured, resting a hand on her lap.


    Ayame turned to him and leaned against his shoulder. She placed a hand over his.


    "I''m uh... Sorry to hear that. But hey, you''re with good company here. At least, most of us. Daiki is a bit of a loser but other then that we''re all fine. Trust us, girl."


    "Hey!" Daiki barked.


    The rest of them started snickering. A frail smile waned across Ayame''s face. She didn''t respond with any words but a simple nod. A sense of comfort washed over the entire group that carried on well into the evening when they were ready to leave the diner. Kanako and Aoi departed together to go have a study session at her house to prepare for next Friday''s series of tests. Before Kaito and Daiki would take off a set of footsteps approached from behind at a rapid pace. Turning around, Kaito was immediately greeted with a set of hands thrusting down on his shoulders and a shrill voice shouting right into his face, making the others jump;


    "I am innocent I swear!!!"


    Emiko cried out. Ayame cringed at the sight of her attire; A low-cut cropped short-sleeved pink shirt bearing a black cat with the right sleeve lowered exposing her bare shoulder, yellow and white polka-dot shorts, knee-high white socks and purple sneakers. Daiki had to compose himself from the shock and his hidden lust for the spunky girl. Saito was just taken aback by the surprise. Kaito grimaced and pushed her off of him.


    "What the hell are you talking about? And where did you even come from? Were you in the diner this whole time watching me??" He asked. "Well?"


    Emiko glanced around trying to look innocent and cute as she usually does around Kaito. He crossed his arms and stepped closer to pressure her for an answer.


    "O-okay maybe I was! First you interrogate me then an actual detective does the same thing but scarier! I swear I have nothing to do with the murders! This is all so stressful and I''m glad it''s over but I needed to remind you of the truth!"


    "Um... Yeah cool. I believe you. Fucks sake Emiko did you really need to jump me like a Yakuza tax collector and scream in my face about it??"


    "I- Well you know when you say it like that it makes me seem like an idiot..."


    "Good job recognizing your own reckless and stupid actions. Listen, the air is cleared. I''m sure they''ve figured it out and I guarantee it''s not you. Besides you''re too scatterbrained to be a killer. You struggle just swatting a fly out of the air."


    "I know! That''s why I''m confident that I''m in the clear and I-I wanted to reaffirm my innocent with you mister hunky future detective."


    Emiko giggled. Kaito rolled his eyes and turned his back on her, placing his hands in his pockets.


    "Well uh... Thanks for your confidence in me. I gotta'' go though. C''mon Daiki. Show me that new anime you won''t shut up about. Later psycho. See you lovebirds later."


    With a snarky wave of the back hand, Kaito and Daiki left the area down the street. Emiko glanced over to Senji and Ayame. There was a gleam in her eyes. She smiled and approached the two of them.


    "You two are really freaking adorable. You. New guy. This girl already has it rough so you better not break her heart or I''ll break your nose!" Emiko hissed. "Alright well byeee!"


    Twirling her heel around, Emiko swung around and headed off. Senji and Ayame looked to each other. They both shrugged before leaving the diner and heading home back to Senji''s place. She had asked earlier to stay the night to which he agreed.


    "So what if it''s true? What if you''re right in your analysis? Are we really led to believe a teenage girl committed these atrocities?" Isamu asked, scratching his head while his other hand gripped a cold glass of beer on the bar counter.


    Katashi was deep in thought. The consequences of his decision could prove disastrous if this turns out to be false. He gulped down the rest of his drink, slamming the glass onto the table and gesturing to the bartender for a refill.


    "I know. I know. What else do we have to go off of though? None of the staff seemed to be hiding anything behind their words. Surprisingly I didn''t detect any ill intent from any of the boys. The only other possible suspect... Would be that girl with the ego as big as Tokyo itself." Katashi explained while his glass was being refilled.


    "I believe her name was Yunaka sir."


    "Yeah her. Snobby rich brat. But she has a reputation to uphold according to what she told me. So would she truly risk that reputation if the looming possibility of these crimes being uncovered was in the air? Nah. I don''t buy it. A popular student could take the risk by being an asshole and bullying someone the general student body dislikes or cares little for. But if they were committing murder... That''s a whole scandal waiting to happen."


    "Shit... Well we''re putting all our eggs into one basket with this decision then. May we pray to God that this case can be put to rest. Even if... If this is the outcome."


    "Amen. I guess. Down the hatch."


    Isamu and Katashi gently clinked their glasses together and gulped down their drinks.


    Senji and Ayame sat on the floor in his room watching anime. Senji assumed she wanted to stay here tonight for two reasons. To stay out of her house, and catching on to her subtle hints of wanting to get more intimate. Ayame''s fingers intertwined with his. She kept glancing at him on occasion as did he despite being very invested in the show playing on the television. His heart was beating fast. Soon the episode had ended. A commercial block began to air.


    "Aw. Damn it. Guess we''ll have to wait until next week to see what happens to the party and if they can defeat the necromancer." Senji sighed.


    "I am, quite invested myself." Ayame murmured.


    She stood up, taking Senji''s hand. He stood up with her as she walked over to the bed. She motioned her head towards it, signaling for Senji to get onto the bed. He nodded and did just that. Ayame removed her shirt and dropped her pants down. Senji felt a sharp tinge of arousal hit him like a flu shot directly into the shoulder. He shuffled back against the wall. Ayame got up on the bed, her knees sunk into the mattress. She crawled up to him, stroking a finger across his cheek before pressing her lips against him. He wrapped his arms around her waist, kissing her back deeply.


    "Senji..." Ayame whispered.


    "Y-yes? Ayame?" Senji whispered back.


    "I need you... To listen to me closely. You will not tell anyone about this. Okay?"


    "Uh. Okay? About what? Us having sex?"


    "No. I don''t care if your friends are aware of that. It''s... Something else."


    "I-I''m listening."


    Ayame grabbed Senji''s hand and pressed it against her chest above her breasts. He could feel her heart pounding. To him, it seemed like she was about to confess something. Ayame took a deep breath.


    "The investigation... Might reveal the truth. So... I will tell you before they potentially tell everyone at school. Should they have figured it out..." Ayame murmured in a hushed tone.


    "Huh? A-Ayame? What do you mean...?" Senji stammered.


    Ayame then wrapped her arms around Senji''s neck. Their faces so close that the tips of their noses were touching. He could feel her breathing on him. His heart was racing, staring deeply into her violet eyes.


    "Senji. My love. My everything. The murders... Are my doing." Ayame whispered. "I''m the one who killed them all..."

 23: Trust Me

    Senji felt his mind begin to melt. His emotions were running rampant. His breathing deepened and became sporadic. His heart was beating faster then a speeding train. He was trying to take in this sudden revelation spoken by the girl he loves. Ayame has spoken the truth to him, the boy she loves. She gently pressed her hands on his shoulders to try and calm him down as his mental breakdown was apparent to her.


    "Senji... Senji calm down." Ayame whispered.


    Senji clutched her arms and slowed his breathing. Deep breaths. At least three of them. He looked into her hypnotizing violet eyes.


    "Ayame... W-why...? How could you...?" Senji gasped.


    "I wish I fully knew myself."


    "What?"


    "I don''t know why... But I envied every single one of those girls. Happy. Healthy. Beautiful. Some even had the nerve to break me down and spout despicable words behind my back thinking I''d never hear about them. It drives me to... To blood-lust. One... Less... Obstacle for my mind to vehemently despise..."


    Senji saw fury inside of her eyes. Something he had never seen before. Her hands clenched tightly to his shoulders. Black nails digging into his skin making him flinch.


    "S-so you were jealous of them? I-I don''t understand. I thought... You didn''t care about other people. What they said or think." Senji stammered.


    "I shouldn''t. But my mind it... Thinks differently then my heart. If there isn''t anyone to envy, I have no worries. End them. Dispose of them. Then move on... It''s how I''ve been these past several months Senji..." Ayame murmured, pulling in to hug him.


    "This... Isn''t healthy Ayame. Y-you''re already beautiful and perfect in every way to me. How can you not see what I see? You killed people and I-I can''t accept this-"


    Before he could finish speaking, Ayame lifted herself up and drags Senji down onto the bed, reaching down and grabbing him down by the lower region. Her hand began to perform some maneuvers. Senji flinched, biting his tongue.


    "But you Senji... You love me. You weren''t like the others. You didn''t ignore me or say terrible things about me. You''re just who I need in my life. You wouldn''t turn around and... Leave me would you?" Ayame licked her lips flashing a little smirk.


    "I-I-I don''t want to. But- Augh!"


    "Shhh. Maybe with you around I... Won''t feel these urges as strongly. Besides... You''re amazing in your own ways. So stay with me... Forever."


    "Ayame..."


    What started as a simple tease turned into full intercourse. Senji overcome with arousal and pleasure set his overwhelming thoughts aside and let Ayame do as she pleased with him. The rest of the night passed by as the two engaged in sexual activity until they passed out. Senji began to dream once his mind shut down. A dream that felt all too real as it played out in his head:


    A dark corridor. Faint lighting from the ceiling lights illuminated where Senji stood. The walls lined with lockers and loose papers littering the marble floors. This was a hallway from within the high school. Senji was all alone as he began to walk. Time felt slowed to a halt. The first of several doors were emerging from the darkness. The door opened up as he walked by. Inside the classroom surrounded by desks was the bloodied corpse of one of the victims. A second door opposite of the first opened. Three girls on their knees wept around the corpse of another victim. Senji was beginning to feel their emotions as if they were his own. Soon the third door opened: A tall man and a little girl stood over the corpse of a victim. Both of their tears fell into the pool of blood under their shoes. Then the fourth door opened: Two victims lied together hand-in-hand surrounded by candles in the shape of a heart. A fifth door opened: A man comforted a crying woman while the victim laid on the floor in front of them.


    Senji was piecing together what was happening. Overwhelmed with emotions, Senji realized that each of these doors represented Ayame''s victims. His heart was breaking but he couldn''t stop his feet from moving on. The sixth door came up: A lone woman, a boy and a girl stood in silence over the corpse of yet another victim at their feet. The end of the hallway was just ahead. A seventh door greeted Senji as it opened up. Standing in what appeared to be a bathroom was a familiar figure looking into the mirror putting on lipstick; Yunaka. Senji tried to shout but couldn''t say anything. He stepped closer getting into the room until a shadowy figure emerged from a bathroom stall wielding a knife. The figure stepped out of the shadowed stalls. Ayame came up behind Yunaka and slit her throat open. Blood spurted out staining the glass on the mirrors and the sink. She then turned to face a frozen Senji. Putting the bloody knife behind her back, Ayame approached Senji and grabbed him by the collar.


    "It should be over soon. Trust me." She whispered before the lights went out and Senji felt a sharp pain hit his stomach.


    Senji woke up panting heavily. Sweat beading his forehead and drenching his whole body. He looked to his side to see Ayame fast asleep by his side. The clock by his bedside read: 4:35 A.M.


    "F-fuck me..." Senji mumbled under his breath.


    Senji silently left to the bathroom. He washed his face and looked into the mirror. His heart felt pained as if every single one of those scenes he saw in his dream affected him directly. It had him feeling conflicted.


    "What do I do? The love of my life is a killer... But I want to understand what''s going through her head. She sounded... Hesitant to answer me about her actions. What''s she hiding? What the hell is going on?? Goddamn it..." Senji murmured to himself slamming a fist down on the counter. "Something is not right. I need to confront her about it in the morning..."


    Senji decided to head back to bed and think thoroughly on how he was to confront Ayame about this situation in the morning. It was the weekend so he didn''t have school to worry about. The two of them would be together all day. He couldn''t just let this sit. He didn''t dream at all for the rest of the night.


    Morning eventually came being signaled by the third beeping of the alarm clock on the nightstand. Senji woke once again but found that Ayame wasn''t in the bed. He rushed out of the room just to find her brushing her teeth in the bathroom with the door opened. She chugged mouthwash then spit it out before noticing Senji standing at the doorway. He clenched his fists and approached her while she set the toothbrush down.


    "With me. Now." Senji stated.


    He grabbed Ayame by the arm to drag her out of the bathroom and over into his room. He shut the door with force then leaned against it crossing his arms.


    "Okay... You have some explaining to do Ayame. And we need to figure this out. W-when did these ''urges'' of yours even begin? I-I think something is not right in your mind that''s compelling you to kill. It''s twisting your psyche. I... I refuse to believe my girlfriend chose to murder those girls. And if you''re found out by that detective then you''re screwed." Senji spoke rapidly, running out of breath.


    Ayame looked down at her feet in silence. She then slowly rose her hands to look at them. Hands that have been used to take innocent lives. They trembled slightly.


    Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    "I... Senji I don''t know. Maybe something is wrong with me. But... What can I really do about it? Years of isolation in my room... Reading violent horror manga and romantic suspense novels. Analyzing and studying the many, many, many twisted ways the killers and villains would take their victims lives. Memorizing every detail... Not sure how those stories drew me in but it was all I''d consume and still do. Of course I''ll take breaks in-between my kills to rest and throw off any suspicion... But then the urge rises again. It''s a sick, viscous cycle I find myself in. Not... Sure if there is any way I can stop." Ayame murmured, slowly raising her head to look at Senji with a cold glare.


    "So even you don''t know why you truly do this huh...?"


    "No. Each and every life I''ve taken only feeds the urge. It won''t go away if I don''t stop. I never feel remorse. I never feel sorry for them. I... Only ever feel around you. Love. That''s just how it goes I suppose."


    Senji had to think for a moment. He was trying to recall if she had said anything to him before that might point to this kind of mindset.


    "I remember how you told me about your parents... How your mother died and your father hung himself. How... How..." Senji began to trail off.


    "How my aunt makes life at home miserable and unbearable? Is that... What you were trying to say?" Ayame responded.


    "Your aunt..."


    "When she''s not ignoring me she just yells at me. Raises a hand if I try to backtalk. Always drinking or away with another potential ex-lover. It''s quite tragic. She too, finds herself in a viscous cycle like I do."


    Something in Senji''s mind clicked. He''s heard about this before from Ayame. An idea came to mind and he had to act now.


    "A-Ayame can you stay here? I... Just remembered that my mother needed me to go grab something for her from in town. I-I''m gonna'' take my bike there. Okay? I''ll be back soon."


    Senji quickly threw on some clothes. Ayame tilted her head in confusion before Senji ran out of the room. He dialed a number on his phone once he was outside with his shoes on. It rang a couple times then a voice picked up;


    "Senji? What''s up man?"


    "Kaito c-can you come over right now? It''s important."


    "I uh, suppose? Daiki and his family gotta'' go do some shit anyway so I''ll take any excuse not to go back home. Be there in a few."


    Senji and Kaito leaned against a tree near a familiar house. Kaito crossed his arms and faced Senji with an eyebrow raised and his foot tapping on the pavement. Senji sighed. He asked Kaito to take a walk with him without telling him anything. Now was the time as Kaito was growing suspicious.


    "Alright. Talk. You said you needed to take a walk to get some fresh air because something has you terribly stressed out. So spill it." Kaito asked.


    Senji took a deep breath.


    "Okay... I know this is going to sound insane and I-I don''t want you to freak out s-so please hear me out." Senji stammered nearly choking on his words.


    "It''s okay man. Just let it out already. I''m here for ya'' got it?"


    "Yeah. Yeah. Umm..." Senji swallowed hard, "Ayame and I were hanging out last night. And she... Revealed something to me. And I know she would never lie to me. So... She confessed to being the murderer. She''s the one who killed all of those girls from our school. I-I guess she gets these urges and craves driven by a seething jealousy and resentment towards others who have either been cruel to her or just evoke this envy she harbors. And she doesn''t even fully understand these urges and why they even drive her to kill. I... I think she''s lost. Lacks any real emotion besides love and that''s only when I''m around to keep her company. Her mind is so contorted from her terrible past and this house here... May provide us with a way to help fix that broken psyche of hers."


    Kaito was at a complete loss of words. His jaw was wide open. The look in his eyes was one of complete shock. Senji just looked down at the grass beneath their shoes for a couple minutes while Kaito processed what he had just heard.


    "This... This is so fucked beyond relief. The shy, quiet girl you''re currently dating said she was responsible for the murders. I did hear that correctly, yes??" Kaito spat.


    "Mhm. I believe her... Ayame would never lie to me. She''s even afraid that the detective will have narrowed her down. So she''s expecting another chat with them Monday."


    "Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Senji this... This is not good. This means that the murderer was hanging out with us and has been by your side all this time. And you''ve been looking after a fugitive. If this is true then how the fuck is she so elaborate?! Months, Senji, have gone by with nothing. Hell, we were the ones who discovered the- Goddamn it I have way too many questions and this opens up a can of fucking worms but shoving that aside for now. What''s the deal with this house?"


    "Her and her aunt live here... Follow me."


    Kaito was struggling to repute but instead followed along. Senji pounded on the door. It opened a few seconds later. A woman with unkempt auburn hair, bags under her brown eyes, no makeup and wearing a plain blue t-shirt with white sweat pants stood there looking confused. Senji''s facial expression showed anger. His fists were clenched.


    "Who the hell are you two?" The woman asked.


    Senji began to storm inside causing the woman to back up. She started to feel concerned.


    "Usagi... You should be buried six feet under for your disgusting treatment of Ayame." Senji murmured.


    "E-excuse me?!"


    "Shut the hell up! You''re a terrible person! Ayame is fucked up in the head and it''s your fault! She lost her parents, looked to you for a guiding light in a dark time and all you''ve done is abuse her, yell at her or flat out ignore her! She''s... She''s suffering. I''m her only real friend because she''s so detached and distant from socializing because you never properly raised her from where she was left off after losing her father. She told me that I''m all she cares about. She loves me... I love her... And her flaws all stem from the torment she''s gone through. All you do is keep a roof over her head and barely provide because you don''t give a shit about her! You took her in to be nice but deep down you resent her presence... You need to straighten the hell up and look at the emotionally damaged girl under your care you vile, horrible bitch!"


    Senji''s breathing grew heavier. His tone had gradually shifted from the first words he uttered to Usagi, starting soft but growing more furious. He kept a finger pointed straight at her. She stood with her back against the wall, trembling. Kaito stepped to his side, arms crossed and looking at the scared woman.


    "My father may be an asshole but he''s nowhere near as bad as you after what I''ve just heard. You should be locked up for your poor treatment of that girl. If I wasn''t a minor I''d beat your ass after my friend here was done. Look into his eyes. He despises you." Kaito chimed in. "You should be ashamed. To be called out by a kid like this. Why are you even here? I smell the alcohol from your breath. You belong in some deadbeats shack you whore..."


    Usagi''s eyes were wide. Tears started to streak down her cheeks as she fell to her knees and started to cry. Senji got even closer but Kaito pressed a hand on his shoulder.


    "Oh so now you feel bad? How many tears do you think Ayame''s cried all these years? Losing her mother to illness. Her father hanging himself. Being confined to her room because you wouldn''t show her any attention or care or love. Being berated and yelled at by you. Fuck... You..." Senji hissed.


    Usagi kept crying, staining her shirt with teardrops. Kaito whispered into Senji''s ear then pushed him back slightly. He knelt down next to Usagi and waited. She slowly looked up from the floor to see Kaito in front of her and Senji standing behind him.


    "It''s not too late you know. We don''t give a shit about your personal life. We all struggle with shit. My dad''s no saint but he still cares about me. But just because you''re dysfunctional doesn''t give you the right to mistreat your own niece. She''s broken inside. You must be too. And you may find out real soon the consequences of your awful treatment of that girl. Now get the hell up off of the floor. Be a fucking grown woman and own up to your actions. Imagine how her parents would feel right now if they were here." Kaito stated, stepping back.


    Usagi wiped her eyes then stood up, sniffling and looking at the boys.


    "I... I... Fuck. You''re right... Both of you. I-I''ve been terrible to Ayame. What is wrong with me? Goddamn it..." Usagi sobbed. "... Things need to change... A-and what did you mean by ''consequences'' young man...?"


    Senji approached her having calmed down after seeing the woman break down. Her gaze turned to him.


    "The tides are shifting. About damn time you got a wake up call. Just, make sure you think about what we''ve said. Ayame... I''ve been supporting her. I know her more then you ever have. And she deserves better. I assure you, I''ll protect her with my fucking life. Trust me." Senji said.


    Him and Kaito turned around and made their way out of the house without speaking another word, leaving Usagi alone with her thoughts.

 24: The Fated Day

    Senji leaned against the wall near the front door to his house. He rocked back and forth. Having been at this quietly for a solid five minutes, Kaito managed to get through smoking a cigarette. He flicked the last of the ash and tossed it in the trash bin before approaching Senji.


    "Alright man c''mon. We can''t just idly stand by here. Sooner or later we''ll need to head inside." Kaito sighed.


    "I know. I know..."


    "Still thinking about what happened back there with her aunt?"


    "Maybe."


    Kaito leaned next to him crossing his arms.


    "All we did was try to be damage control but the damage had been inflicted way long ago. The consequences are inevitable. We did what we had to... Mostly you. Never seen you so pissed off like that before. Kinda'' admire it really. Standing up for your girl like that."


    Senji looked to Kaito and nodded.


    "I said what I felt was necessary. I''m still so worried about her... About what I saw in my dreams. What if she''s not done? What if she tries to kill again?"


    "I don''t know dude. Look I''ll keep an eye on Yunaka okay? Frankly I''m freaked out that she showed up at all. I guess she has been known to be a total bitch to those she deems beneath her... Can''t say I wouldn''t be surprised if she was Ayame''s next target."


    "Please do. Come Monday... Who knows what will happen."


    "Mm. Well let''s go inside alright? Talk to Ayame."


    Senji nodded in agreement. The two went inside the house, removed their shoes then headed for Senji''s bedroom. Upon entering laying there on the bed reading manga was Ayame, now fully dressed. She lowered the book to see the two of them. She set the book down and shuffled herself, throwing her legs over off of the bed and sitting up. Senji got closer and sat down next to her. Kaito decided to take the desk chair for himself.


    "Hey you. And uh, hello Kaito. What''s... Going on? You two look... Distressed." Ayame murmured, taking Senji''s hand in hers.


    Senji and Kaito exchanged glances. Saito needed to speak up about this. For the next several minutes, Senji explained the series of events from when he left the house up to leaving Ayame''s home after their confrontation with Usagi. He did his best to fight back tears but couldn''t do it. He wasn''t crying but his eyes did leak as he spoke of vocally punishing her aunt all to defend her. Ayame for the first time since they met, showed genuine shock and concern in her expression. Kaito backed him up in convincing her in how it happened. Ayame was at a loss. She needed to process all of this information.


    "Ayame I... I-I know it''s a lot. And I just couldn''t tell her the truth about the murders. That... Is up to you to decide. Come Monday though with the investigation... I-I don''t know what will happen then." Senji said.


    Ayame lowered her head. Her mind was feeling conflicted. Part of her thought this went too far. That it was pointless. Nothing would change. Another part of her appreciated what he did. Going out of his way just for her sake. She looked up at Senji. A single tear streaking down her cheek.


    "A-are you okay?" Senji asked.


    Never in all of their time together had he ever seen her shed a single tear. Until now. Her hand squeezed his tightly.


    "I... I don''t know. Thank you though. That... Was really sweet of you." Ayame murmured just barely cracking a fragile smile. "I need to process all of this. I... Should go. Home."


    Ayame kissed Senji then stood up. She gave Kaito a little wave before leaving the room. Senji and Kaito could only look at each other, shrugging their shoulders.


    "I-I''ve never seen her shed a tear before. She must''ve been really moved. I''m still nervous about what will happen between her and Usagi now though..." Senji said.


    "Only time will tell. We broke that damn woman so at the very least we can assume she will change her ways." Kaito responded coldly.


    "... I hope so."


    The rest of Saturday and Sunday dragged on. Senji and Kaito kept everything that happened a secret between the two of them alone. When Kaito returned home, he was feeling burdened with the thought of mentioning his father to Usagi. He thought about sitting down with him sometime and just having a long, serious talk about their strained relationship. Now was not the time yet. Then Monday came. The skies were dark and gloomy over Nakamura with light rain showers only adding to the overall uneasiness the residents were feeling. The school day started out normally like any other. Senji and Ayame met briefly to kiss and agree to meet up after the last class. Ayame didn''t mention anything about Usagi. A heaviness weighed upon both of them as well as Kaito who wandered around the school until finding Yunaka hanging out with her usual group. Yunaka rolled her eyes as he approached but couldn''t hide her light blushing.


    "W-what do you want Kaito? Can''t you see I''m busy here!" She scowled at him.


    "I need to speak to you for a moment. Come on." Kaito spoke directly.


    Without warning he grabbed Yunaka''s arm and pulled her away from the others. They all looked in shock at their pack leader being dragged away by force. Now separated, Kaito pinned Yunaka to the wall. Her cheeks were flushed bright red and she gulped. Her heart was pounding inside her chest.


    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    "Goddamn it Kaito wh-what the hell is going on?? Yanking me away like that you asshole! A-at least save your undying lust for me until after school..." Yunaka stammered.


    "Ugh. I''ll gladly fuck you later but this is serious so listen to me." Kaito said.


    "... F-fine. Go on then. If I wasn''t turned on by your dominant attitude I''d shove you right off of me."


    "Sheesh. Listen to me. Call it a hunch but... After speaking to that detective and analyzing the pattern of these murders, I think you might be next."


    "Say what?!"


    "Shut up for a moment! Think about it. Every victim has been someone with natually good looks and some kind of relevant social standing. Some were more popular then others but regardless... You fit the criteria to a tee. Sure maybe I''m being paranoid here but I am not letting you potentially get killed. Got it? Just, bear with me here."


    "Oh my god. You''re right! I''m not only the most popular girl but I''m also way sexier then anyone in this school. Shit y-you may be right Kaito. I never realized until now. But the others could be targeted too you know!"


    "I understand. But those three have most of their classes together. You don''t. We share more classes then you do with them. So... I''ll watch your back. Okay?"


    "Kaito... When you''re not being a total prick you''re actually kinda'' sweet."


    "Oh shut up. I just care about you okay? Don''t exactly want you getting killed."


    "I... I care about you too. Oh fine. I guess I''ll allow it. Now can I go back to the others? I''ve hid our little fling for awhile but now they''re defintely gonna'' think we''re a thing now!"


    "Fuck it. I don''t care at this point. Go on. I''ll see you in second period."


    Kaito released his grip from Yunaka and left. She licked her lips as he walked away before returning to the others to clear the air with them and cover up any accusations they''re harboring about the two of them.


    The final bell rang out across the entire school. Yunaka and Kaito left the classroom. Yunaka shoved some books into her locker then shut the door and looked to Kaito.


    "I need to use the restroom. Wait for me, okay?" Yunaka asked.


    "Sure thing."


    "Okay. Be back in a few."


    Yunaka left to go towards the restrooms down the hall. While Kaito waited he was approached by Senji who was looking around his shoulders. Kaito raised an eyebrow. He seemed nervous and it was concerning him.


    "Hey man. You okay?" Kaito asked.


    "I can''t find Ayame. I wanted to take her to the art club to show her the piece I made." Senji said.


    "Huh. I haven''t seen her. Did you ask her to meet anywhere specific?"


    "We agreed to meet up outside the art room but I didn''t see her."


    "That''s weird. Maybe she had to use the restroom?"


    "The restroom... Oh shit."


    Senji quickly ran away down the hallway. Kaito crossed his arms and shook his head. He was utterly confused as to his sudden panicked state.


    Yunaka stepped out of the stall and approached the sinks. She set her schoolbag on the countertop next to the sink. She pulled out some makeup supplies to touch herself up while looking into the mirror. With her lips puckered she started applying ruby red lipstick.


    "Ugh they really need to fix the damn lights in here. Stalls are so damn dark. At least I can see my beautiful reflection just fine." She muttered to herself.


    Now she was moving on to powdering her cheeks then darkening her eyeliner. As she was freshening herself up now redoing her nails, one of the stall doors creaked open. A girl slowly emerged, brandishing a sharp, clean kitchen knife in her right hand. She inched ever so closer towards Yunaka, ready to strike at the clueless girl. Before that knife could be plunged into her back, a voice called out from beyond the bathroom.


    "Ayame? You in there?"


    Yunaka''s ears perked up. She looked towards the door. The girl with the knife froze, swiftly concealing the blade into her bag and started making her way towards the door giving Yunaka a scare as she hadn''t been looking at the mirror.


    "What the hell?!" Yunaka cried out.


    Her eyes were drawn to the black-haired girl emerging seemingly out of nowhere and heading towards the door. Yunaka had dropped her nail polish, spilling out onto the countertop. Panicked, she quickly started to clean it up and finish up. The door opened up. Senji felt his heart skip a beat as Ayame appeared in front of him leaving the bathroom. He pressed a hand to his chest and breathed a sigh of relief.


    "T-there you are. I got worried since I didn''t see you at the art room." Senji stammered.


    Ayame nodded and took his hand in hers.


    "Sorry. I had to use the restroom right after class. Let''s go..." She murmured.


    Yunaka burst open the door, watching Ayame and Senji headed away and vanish around the corner. She ran from the bathroom to go regroup with Kaito.


    Senji opened the door to the art room. None of the students were there however there were two teachers; Miss Koyami and Miss Fujiwaka. They were idly chatting away with Fujiwaka leaning against her desk. Their attention turned to the two students entering out of the blue. Koyami waved to them.


    "Oh well hello there Senji! And is that... Oh! That''s the girl you-"


    Fujiwaka quickly put her hand over Koyami''s mouth. She smiled, tilting her head slightly.


    "Hey there! Don''t mind us! I know why you''re here Senji. Please go ahead." Fujiwaka said.


    Senji shyly waved and nodded. He lead a confused Ayame over to the easel where the painting was and threw the cover off revealing the splitting image of her. There was a gleam in Ayame''s widened eyes.


    "Ehehe. Surprise! My first real assignment. I-I thought of you when I was tasked with making a painting of something I cared about. I''m going to make a sculpture for my mother soon but wanted to start simple. So... What do you think?" Senji asked scratching the back of his head.


    Ayame couldn''t find any words to say. She felt her heart flutter. Each detail of the painting was painstakingly accurate from the color of her eyes to the shape of her figure. It was almost like looking into a mirror. As she took her time admiring the piece Senji got next to her and took her hand. Ayame then looked to him about ready to say something when the classroom door opened up. Officer Isamu stood there and opened his mouth to speak;


    "Miss Ayame Chisato? The detective would like to speak with you. Please come with me, okay?"

 25: Black Monday

    Detective Masakuma waited patiently inside the room he had been using to conduct interrogations last week. He sipped on his third coffee of the day when the door then opened up. Isamu entered with Ayame and Senji following right behind. Katashi''s eyebrows shot up in visible confusion. He looked to Isamu then to the teens then back at Isamu. He shook his head, pressing two fingers to his temple.


    "Isamu... I specifically requested the girl only. Why is he here too?" Katashi asked.


    "Well, he refused to stay behind. Said he should be with her. I guess they''re dating. So... He also wants to be here to speak with you too." Isamu explained.


    Katashi groaned. He begrudgingly accepted this outcome, gesturing for Ayame to sit down.


    "Fine. Only got one chair for her though so you''re standing kid."


    Senji nodded quietly. Ayame took her seat in front of the detective. Isamu just closed the door and just leaned against it. Katashi shuffled his papers then focused his attention on Ayame. Her cold eyes meeting his tired gaze.


    "Alright then. Ayame Chisato... Do you know why I requested to speak with you? At all?"


    Ayame shook her head without saying a word.


    "Well after analyzing every...single...damn...student and staff member in this entire school I had come to a stump. Initially. That is until I dug a little further. Into your responses. You... Clearly show worrying signs of social distance, parental neglect, subtle resentment or carelessness towards others and lack of emotional connections. Except of course to this young man here. All my time in this field you share eerily similar traits to that of several individuals who''ve ended up behind bars or six feet under. Criminals I''ve apprehended or assisted in capturing or uncovering. What I''m trying to say is... And I''m going to be blunt about this... These murders seem very likely to be carried out by someone that shares your traits and personality."


    Ayame remained quiet. The tension in the room could be cut with a knife. Isamu felt uncomfortable as did Senji who''s heart was pounding.


    "Is... That so?" Ayame murmured.


    "In my honest opinion... Yes. Ayame Chisato be honest with me. Are you responsible for the murders?"


    The room was silent. Senji wondered what she would say. Would she confess? Would she lie through her teeth? It was eating away at his conscious. Katashi leaned forward slightly, hands cupped together on the table. Ayame closed her eyes. Images flashed of every girl she had killed. Brief flashbacks to their moments of untimely demise by her hands. One-by-one how each body was brought to that old church and disposed of under the trap door. As if the months spent committing these atrocities had all whizzed by in the blink of an eye. Detective Masakuma was a veteran. There was no way she would be able to lie directly to his face. Her eyes opened up.


    "I am... It was me." Ayame spoke softly.


    Isamu''s jaw dropped. Senji gasped cupping a hand over his mouth. In Katashi''s eyes there was an ounce of pain. Sorrow. He sat back in his seat, pressing a hand to his forehead and shaking his head. This is what he feared the most.


    "You''re... Telling the truth. Fuck..." He muttered.


    His tone almost sounded disappointed yet heartbroken. In all of his years as a detective, dealing with many disturbing and terrible cases, this was the first one that had truly brought him a sense of grief.


    "I-it''s not entirely her fault sir!" Senji blurted out.


    Isamu and Katashi immediately glared at the boy following his outburst.


    "I know this looks bad. Ayame... S-she''s a victim. Neglect. Abuse. Tragedy. Constantly plagued by a growing darkness inside of her heart that pushed her to this. I know her story. She''s suffered so much. Before we met she had no one. Not anymore at least. I know that deep down inside under that darkness there is a good soul. A soul that just needed love and attention. She''s only human, like the rest of us. S-so don''t go thinking that she''s a heartless monster because that''s just not true..."


    The three of them remained quiet. Ayame just shrugged her shoulders, slumping down in her chair. Isamu looked away and crossed his arms. Katashi glanced at the girl. Then he looked up at Senji with sullen eyes.


    "So she told you, huh?" Katashi asked.


    "I- Yeah... She did. I-I''m sorry I kept it to myself. I just... Didn''t have the heart to go running to you guys or the police and say anything. I love her..."


    Isamu''s expression showed that of compassion. This was a situation he had never expected to find himself in. Katashi coughed.


    "It''s okay. I get it. Not gonna'' punish you for harboring that. But fuck you''re in... One hell of a situation here kid... Sheesh."


    Senji felt his heart breaking into pieces. Ayame turned her head, giving Senji a side glance at her face. She looked hollow inside having just confessed.


    "Ugh. Well I... Fuck. I hate to break it to you but this is how monsters are created. People who got dealt a bad hand in life. They either strive to improve their life, suffer before committing suicide... Or becoming consumed by that ever-engulfing darkness and twisting them into a monster. Either way you slice it... She''s guilty. And she''s going to face punishment for it. I hope you understand that miss Chisato." Katashi explained now narrowing his gaze onto Ayame.


    Senji felt tears streaking down his face. He wrapped his arms around Ayame.


    "I''m sorry..." He sobbed, resting his head on her shoulder.


    Ayame reached a hand up to gently stroke his hair. Isamu breathed an audible sigh. He stepped over to Katashi, leaning down and resting a hand on the table, looking at the detective.


    Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.


    "The media will have a firestorm with this. The public''s reaction is going to be ugly. How should we go about this? Do we just take her to the station undercover? She''s a minor too so she''ll have to face juvenile sentencing." Isamu spoke softly. "Maybe... We keep this under wraps until the court hearing."


    "That''s what I was thinking. We escort her out to the car then drive to the station. Keep her there. I''ll have to speak to the judge at the town''s courthouse. This stays private until further notice." Katashi responded coldly.


    "Gotcha'' sir."


    Isamu stood back up firmly to look at the teens. He felt a knot in his stomach and took a deep breath.


    "Hey kiddo. What are you wanting to do? If you want to come with, we''ll have to contact your parents first. I uh... See you clearly don''t want to be away from her since she''s your partner and all." He explained.


    Ayame wiped the tears from his eyes. He looked up at the officer and just nodded. Isamu nodded back.


    "Can we just... Stop by my house? Tell my mother what all is going on?" Senji asked.


    "Sure. You can ride in back with the girl. At the very least we can give you that before we have to separate you two."


    Senji nodded, accepting his answer.


    The four had exited the school building before a car pulled up to the curbside. A distressed woman hurriedly stepped out of the car and ran up to the group, stopping in place at the sight of Ayame. Senji couldn''t believe his eyes. It was her aunt, Usagi. The woman appeared more ''cleaned up'' then before. Her hair was straightened. The purple dress and black heels she wore were tidy and neat. Her makeup was even done but her eyes clearly showed a lack of sleep and panic.


    "W-wait! Wait! You can''t take her!" Usagi cried out, her hands outstretched.


    They all showed visible confusion. Senji knew who it was. She glanced at him for a split second but focused mainly on Katashi and Isamu.


    "Ma''am? Um, who are you?" Isamu asked.


    "My name is Usagi Chisato. I-I''m Ayame''s aunt. Her legal guardian..."


    Suddenly Isamu and Katashi''s eyes widened up. She seemed an enigma to the two of them after hearing Ayame''s words from the interrogation as well as her confession.


    "Excuse me?? You''re... Her aunt?" Katashi asked.


    "Yes! You can''t take her away! Take me instead!"


    "Huh??"


    Senji was just as confused as the others. Even Ayame looked surprised.


    "Everything... Was kept from me before. But last night Ayame told me everything. And I''ll admit I had a little... Episode. A panic attack if you will. I went to my room and remained in there for the rest of the night. Admittedly I did drink until I passed out. But listen to me please! It''s all my fault okay? This is all... My fault."


    Tears started streaking down Usagi''s cheeks as she fell to her knees. Isamu nodded to Katashi and knelt down in front of Usagi to face her.


    "Calm down ma''am. Please, explain." He said in a calming tone.


    Usagi wiped her eyes but the tears kept flowing and staining her dress.


    "I... I... I''ve been a horrible excuse of a guardian. All these years I''ve treated Ayame so poorly. I never saw the signs... My brother''s own daughter is a murderer and it''s all my fault! I deserve to be locked up not her! I''ve failed her and now I''m paying the price... Goddamn it!" Usagi sobbed.


    Katashi sighed, shaking his head.


    "I... See. Listen ma''am please... I''m sorry but she''s responsible for her actions and must atone for her sins. We can''t just let her go and take you instead when you''re innocent. I get that you feel responsible for her actions and it''s good to see you owning up to that. But the law is the law and we can''t change that."


    "I would take full responsibility for this. I-I would do anything... Just so this poor girl doesn''t have to suffer..." Usagi wept. "Please!"


    Katashi left Ayame''s side and approached Usagi. He knelt down next to her and Isamu, pressing a hand on her shoulder. He looked to Isamu.


    "Well fuck. It''s just one surprise after another today huh? Look ma''am I can... Admire? Your care for the girl but we just can''t do that-.


    "Just... Stop... Please."


    They looked to Ayame who had spoken up after being quiet all this time.


    "Let my aunt... Live with the guilt. I''ll be fine. Maybe... I do need help. Senji... Has been helping me. Keeping my... Sanity at bay. I-I knew that this day was coming so forget it Usagi. I know that Senji will wait for me... And that''s all I care about." Ayame spoke before pulling Senji in close for an embrace.


    Usagi let out a deep sigh. Isamu felt relieved. Katashi stood back up.


    "I rest my case. You''ll be speaking in her defense then at the coming trial. As will you young man. Unfortunately though justice will be served. Either the public will despise her or sympathize with her. Maybe the latter since she''s just a teenager. Either way this isn''t being swayed. Ain''t going to just shift the consequences onto you and lie to the public. They... Deserve their closure after all. Now come on let''s go. Miss Usagi you''re more then welcome to meet us at the station but we''re stopping somewhere on the way."


    "I... Okay. I''ll go there." Usagi replied.


    "Understood."


    Senji and Ayame shuffled into the backseats of Katashi''s car. He and Isamu got in, flipping on some tunes to play for the drive. Senji and Ayame just held hands and leaned against each other, awaiting the inevitable ride not to his house, but to the police station. Senji felt a lump in his throat as he prepped to speak to his mother about everything going on and shivers at the thought of how she''s going to react.


    Usagi sniffed as she grabbed a bottle of beer out of the fridge and started downing the entire bottle. The front door opened up. She looked over and saw Ayame entering the house and headed for her room. Usagi was in shock.


    "W-what are you doing home??" She asked.


    No response. Usagi sighed and returned to drinking. Ayame soon reappeared after rounding the corner. She stood with her hands behind her back.


    "I... Needed to grab my journal for the detective. Evidence or something. They''re waiting out in the car. And... I needed a drink too." Ayame spoke softly before entering the kitchen.


    "Oh. I-I see. Okay. Then I guess once you leave here I''ll be seeing you at the station-!"


    Usagi ceased speaking. The sharp blade of a kitchen knife found itself dug into her stomach. Her eyes widened and she dropped the beer bottle, shattering on the tiled floor. Her mouth was agape, gasping as her eyes narrowed down onto Ayame. The girl''s cold eyes staring back. She twisted the knife slightly. Blood started seeping from the deep cut.


    "A-Ayame...!" Usagi choked.


    "I don''t want you. Don''t need you. You... Had time to redeem yourself. You failed. You created this. Remember that. I''ll be with Senji... When this is all over. The isolation, will be tough... But I know he''ll be waiting for me." Ayame murmured.


    She plucked the knife from out of Usagi''s stomach then slashed at her throat. The flesh cut clean open and blood gushed from her neck before she fell to the floor, unable to speak while choking on the blood as her vision began to fade.


    "And... I just needed... To get one more in.... Before I leave this all behind me. Goodbye... Usagi."


    The last thing Usagi saw was Ayame''s murderous glare before her consciousness faded and her heart stopped. Usagi now laid lifeless in a pooling of her own blood. Ayame took a moment to take in this moment. Unsure how to feel. Sympathy? Regret? Pity? Or satisfaction? Part of her wanted to forgive the woman that poorly raised her but just couldn''t do it. Now that part of her life has been severed. Ayame then dropped the knife. She took a deep breath, grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and started walking away. With water in one hand, a journal in the other and a faint smirk on her face, Ayame made sure to close the door on her way out of the house.

 26: Darkness Over Nakamura

    The skies over Nakamura remained ever so gray and bleak with a light rain drizzling down over the streets. Katashi and Isamu decided to give the couple one last moment alone together before the inevitable separation. Katashi was speaking to someone from the news station over the phone. The news would have to be announced sooner or later. A trial was initially going to be set but Ayame refused to partake, instead accepting her punishment so there was no point in holding a trial in the courthouse. Isamu was speaking to the police chief and Hinaka. After Senji had told his mother about what was going on she started to panic and asking questions. Isamu calmed her down and asked her if she wanted to come to the station. She agreed. Also this way she could take her son home when the time came. He had to explain from the start; From the questionings at the school to Ayame''s confession. With Senji''s close relationship to the murderer, it was only understandable that she was informed with everything.


    While the adults were all occupied, Senji and Ayame sat inside of the interrogation room alone on separate sides of a table. Senji felt absolutely heartbroken. So much so he was on the verge of breaking down. Ayame held his hands over the table to keep him calm.


    "At least... Now Usagi can rest easy. I''m exhausted now. I''m done with it all. Senji I... I''m sorry. Sorry you fell in love with a sick murderer like me..." Ayame murmured.


    "Don''t say that Ayame. Even though... Even though you committed these atrocities because you aren''t right in the head I still and will always love you." Senji said as a single tear streaked down his cheek.


    Ayame smiled, squeezing his hands tightly.


    "Senji. You... Have been the best thing to ever happen in my life. Whenever I was around you, the urges would stay quiet. I guess, being alone so much rotted my humanity away. But then you enter my life... And suddenly I felt happiness. Care. Love. All things taken from me. I just wish you had been here sooner..."


    "I''m here now. Not for much longer but... I''m here. Please, tell me you''ll get better while you''re away. I''m so goddamned worried for you-"


    Ayame had climbed up onto the table, grabbing Senji''s head and kissing him. He embraced her and kissed back.


    "It''s okay. I... Think I''ll be fine. I''ll come back for you. I know you''ll be waiting for me."


    ''Of course. And when you''re free then we can be together again."


    Life''s going to be rough for me when that time comes. Promise me... You''ll help me get through it."


    "I promise. I love you."


    "I love you too."


    The door to the room opened up. Ayame shuffled back down into her chair. Isamu stood at the door with a sorrowful look on his face. He sighed and adjusted his hat. He approached the two teens and leaned on the table.


    "Sorry to... Break you lovebirds apart. But it''s time for you to go, Ayame. Senji, your mom is waiting out in the lobby. Hope you two at least got to share one last tender moment together." Isamu said.


    "Yeah. Thank you. For giving us some time." Senji replied wiping his eyes.


    "Of course kiddo. Ayame will serve her time and get the treatment she needs. After that, she''ll be released. It''s not the end of the world yet for you two. I don''t think you''re a lost cause, young lady."


    Isamu then smiled. Senji and Ayame nodded to him then looked to each other and smiled. They shared one last kiss before Isamu took her away and Senji returned to the lobby where Hinaka ran up to him and hugged him. He embraced his mother, fighting back more tears. She took his hand as they left the police station.


    Katashi and Isamu met up at a bar to grab drinks together. They were both feeling stressed out.


    "So how''d it go with the news anchor?" Isamu asked holding a beer.


    "They''re gonna make the announcement tonight. Fuck, it''s gonna'' be a shit storm I just know it. All these parents are about to hear the damning truth that a high school student was responsible for murdering their kids." Katashi muttered as he sipped on a glass of whiskey.


    "That poor girl too. I can''t imagine how this is going to affect her."


    Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    "Losing her damn mind, barely hanging on by a thread, only to be weeded out and accept the punishment for her crimes. I''ll say this: If it wasn''t for that Senji kid she may have lost it entirely."


    "A bizarre combination of tragic and romantic. You really think she''ll recover mentally?"


    "I saw how those two were with each other. There''s hope yet. Hell he''s all she cares about. If getting to reunite with him gets her through this period of isolation and treatment then so be it. A bittersweet ending to what is the most interesting case I''ve ever had. This one''s going in the books for sure."


    Isamu and Katashi clinked their drinks together and downed the liquor.


    "Shame our partnership is coming to an end. It''s been quite an honor working with you." Isamu stated.


    "Hm? Oh. Yeah... Could always join the agency. Leave this place."


    "Ha! Were it so easy my friend. These are my people. I protect them. Besides that chief position is surely going to be mine someday."


    "Fair enough."


    "Besides you have an up-and-coming protege. That Kaito kid."


    "Oh yeah. Him. Heh. I may just take that kid under my wing once he graduates. Got potential for sure."


    "Thought you preferred being a lone wolf Katashi?"


    "Yeah well... I''m getting older and frankly having help has been kinda'' nice. Maybe I''ve softened up working alongside you during this whole case."


    "Aw how heartwarming."


    "Don''t push it now."


    "Just yanking your chain man. In all seriousness, an apprentice could be just what you need. Gotta'' think about the future too and all."


    "Yup. I''ll probably stop back around once he''s done with school and give him an opportunity. Hitomi at the office pesters me every week about finding a suitable replacement once I retire so I can finally shut her ass up with some good news."


    "You mean none of the other detectives are suitable?"


    "Nah. They stay locally. I''m the one who travels. If that kid really wants to walk in my shoes... Who am I to ignore his hopes and dreams?"


    "Well said. I''m sure he''d love to work by your side."


    Katashi and Isamu would spend the remainder of their day at the bar chatting away and drinking. After all this would be their last time to enjoy leisure in each other''s company before Katashi would have to leave after he finishes his business in Nakamura.


    "Good evening Nakamura. This is Kiriko Higarashi of Channel Eight: Nakamura News Network. The serial murder case finally has come to a close ladies and gentlemen. Earlier today at Nakamura High School, seventeen-year-old Ayame Chisato was apprehended by officer Isamu Kojito and detective Katashi Masakuma after confessing to them during a followup interrogation from Friday''s that she was responsible for kidnapping and killing all seven victims. In the report provided by Masakuma, he further investigated his notes taken during the first interrogation and concluded that she seemed most likely to have committed the crime. His deduction proved correct in the end. The high school student admitted to her crimes, explaining that her unhealthy mental state and internal struggles caused from a troubled life of loss, abuse and negligence had afflicted her. Claiming, "jealousy, spite and a sickening urge" is what drove her to murder. She will be sentenced to juvenile incarceration alongside mental rehabilitation. For those who were affiliated with the victims in the serial murder case... Our hearts go out to all of you in this time of pain. Just know that each and every one of you may now receive closure. This case has already sparked some discussion within the community about the state of mental health regarding children and teenagers-"


    Senji began to tune out the news as he stood up to head to his room. Hinaka sighed watching him leave without either of them speaking a word. Senji entered his room and closed the door. He dove onto his bed face first and just lied there. He would remain there until eventually falling asleep only thinking about Ayame. His heart felt shattered now that she wouldn''t be around at school or at home. He did miss a few phone calls but figured he would just catch up with his friends at school. At least he still had them around so he wasn''t alone. But a part of him felt hollow without Ayame.


    The emotions of the residents of Nakamura were running rampant. Some were still sad and crying over the loss of those they''ll never get back. Others felt at peace accepting the justice served and finding closure knowing the murderer had been apprehended. Many were trying to cope with the mixed feelings regarding this outcome, torn between feeling angry at the girl for what she did and feeling some sense of sympathy or pity for resorting to violence and killing at such a young age. The punishment was expected but now this child''s life was forever changed. The information given regarding her mental state driving her to murder was scaring parents all over town now. Phone calls were going out everywhere between neighbors and residents, potentially devising a community meeting to discuss this matter. Factors such as bullying and harassment came into play. If one child could devise such a sinister plot to make her victims disappear only to kill them, worries that this could happen again began to sprout in the resident''s minds. Nakamura was completely shaken from this serial murder case. And the residents of the tightly-knit community weren''t about to just accept this and move on so easily.


    It wasn''t too long before Usagi''s body was discovered by a neighbor and reported to the police. While suspicions were put on Ayame being the culprit, after questioning she claimed that she didn''t know anything about it. The knife found at the scene was studied and analyzed. Both Usagi and Ayame''s fingerprints showed up. Typical as it was a standard kitchen knife that must''ve been used prior to the incident. Without any solid evidence beyond that, the case was labeled as a "suicide" and Usagi was put to rest alongside the other victims in Nakamura''s cemetery.

 27: Time Marches On

    The townsfolk of Nakamura were still recovering from recent events. Some time had passed since the announcement of the young murderer being taken into custody that had the public in a state of unease and unrest. Back at the high school, Senji was putting the final touches on his sculpture. Akashi approached him to take a good long look at what he was making. The sculpture was of a slender female bust from the waist up.


    "Damn dude... This is impressive." Akashi commented.


    Senji looked at him with a frail smile and nodded. He finished up and went to go wash his hands thoroughly. On his way back he saw that Nanami and Machi had joined Akashi in studying the female sculpture.


    "Senji! Is this... Ayame?" Nanami asked.


    "Yes. It is." Senji replied in a cold tone.


    "It''s really beautiful."


    "T... Thanks."


    Senji cleaned up his work station then left the art club room. He wandered down the empty hallways, passing by the occasional club room with a few occupants. When he turned the corner to head out the front doors he saw Ms. Koyami and Ms. Fujiwaka leaning against the wall chatting with a cup of coffee in each of their hands. A sigh escaped his lips while he kept walking, knowing he''d probably be stopped by them. Just as he predicted, Fujiwaka extended her free hand out to get his attention;


    "Hey kiddo."


    Senji looked at both of them. They stood close. Shoulders bumped up against one another. He just shyly waved. Koyami motioned for him to approach them. He got slightly closer.


    "Hey there. How are you feeling?" Koyami asked.


    "Fine. I guess." Senji replied.


    Ever since Ayame''s incarceration, students had been keeping their distance from Senji not out of fear but out of sympathy. Once the news broke out, chatter amongst the students had exploded regarding their relationship. Basically everyone had viewed Senji as a victim in his own right, not wanting to bring her up to him at all. Nobody knew how to really treat this scenario respectfully so thought it best to keep quiet amongst themselves. Even the teachers were concerned about what this all entailed just as parents were. While he did have the support of his closest friends and his own mother, Koyami was the only teacher willing to talk to Senji about his feelings.


    "I know this has been hard on you, dear. I just want you to know that I am here for you." Koyami said.


    "We, are here for you." Fujiwaka added, nudging Koyami''s shoulder. "I''ve caught my fair share of student and staff chatter. You two were and still are quite the talk of the school. I guess a lot of students were skeptical about your relationship. It''s just, rough that it had to turn out this way."


    Senji shrugged. He glanced back and forth between the two ladies. He could read their body language.


    "Yeah... But I never cared about what others thought. Um, so... You two... Really are together. Aren''t you? It''s not just rumors." Senji asked.


    Koyami and Fujiwaka looked at each other for a brief moment. They simultaneously nodded, looking back to Senji.


    "Love is a strange feeling. But yes... It''s not just a rumor. We keep it secret here since if it were to come out, we''d probably lose our jobs." Koyami sighed.


    "Students found you two an odd couple. They certainly seem to think the same about us. Really sticking to this rumor of theirs. Point I''m trying to make is... Never let what others think get to you. I''m sure things will get better once your girlfriend is released. Me and Koyami have always only wanted the best for you two. If Ayame really is a changed person after this time passes... Then that''s awesome." Fujiwaka stated with a warm smile.


    Senji smiled back.


    "Thanks. I''ll be sure to tell her that when I can. And don''t worry... I''ll keep your relationship a secret."


    He politely waved to them and made his way for the exit. Koyami and Fujiwaka watched him leave, feeling hopeful.


    Kaito and Katashi sat on a bench in the city park. A gentle wind blew with the sun just barely peeking through the clouded skies. Children played in the distance while their parents talked with each other. A lady with earbuds in jogged by the two of them. Katashi sighed, resting his arms on the back of the bench. Kaito looked over to him.


    The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    "Surprised you''re still in town detective. Thought you would''ve left after the case closed." Kaito said, scratching his head.


    Katashi reached into his coat. He whipped out a pack of cigarettes, flicking a single one out and sticking it into his mouth. He swapped the pack for a lighter and lit the cigarette, puffing on it while his arm returned to resting on the back of the bench.


    "After this case... I need a break. Figured I''d stay in this town a bit longer while I rest. Nice part about being your own boss is that you get to make the calls." Katashi replied.


    "Huh. Can''t say I blame ya'' really. You and officer Kojito must''ve worked your asses off on the case."


    "Nailed it right on the head kid. By the way... About your interest in the field."


    "Yeah?"


    "How would you feel about comin'' to work with me after you graduate?"


    "Y-you serious??"


    "Mhm. You have the drive Kaito. And at such a young age too. I''m honestly impressed you went out of your way to conduct your own investigation. Even helped us out some by narrowing it down. I think you got a bright future as a detective. Under my wing of course."


    Kaito''s eyes lit up. He felt a jolt of dopamine coursing through his veins.


    "I''d be honored sir." He replied. "Only thing is... You live pretty far away though. I''d have to move out of the house. And I don''t have the money to do that..."


    Katashi took a long drag. The burning ashes from the tip of the cigarette blowing away in the wind.


    "No worries about that. Got a guest bedroom in the house. You can stay there if you''d like." He crooned.


    Kaito felt a sense of comfort and ease from the detective''s words. He almost choked on his words as he replied;


    "W-wait... You''d even give me residence...?"


    "You''re still a kid. I know for a fact you don''t have the expenses. If I take you under my wing it''s only fair that you come stay with me. Not like I ever have company these days anyway."


    "No friends or lovers?"


    "Nope. I''m too bitter for socializing and I''ve had my fair share of flings back in my youth. Now... I''m just a cranky old shit."


    "Sounds like my father..."


    "Just keep your chin up, kid. The moment you get outta'' school at eighteen then you''re free to do as your please."


    "I... I gladly accept. Teach me your ways, sir."


    Seeing Kaito''s gleeful expression brought a smile to Katashi''s face. He nodded, reaching over and patting Kaito on the shoulder. The man knew he wouldn''t be doing this forever. Eventually, he''d have to pass the torch. And Kaito would be the torch-bearer. He even thought some fresh blood in the field may be good in a field full of older men. All he hoped for was to not have another complicated case such as this ever again in his lifetime. Kaito would have to break the news to his friends soon enough.


    The walls were a pale white with puke-green tiled flooring. Inside the square-shaped room was a single bed, a lamp, trashcan and a table. On the table were a notebook, a pencil, a sketchbook with colored pencils, and some manga. Knocks rapped on the lone door. The small hatch on the door opened up and a pack of wrapped sushi slid through, landing on the floor. Footsteps approached the sushi pack. It was picked up and brought over to the table. Opening it up with chopsticks now in hand, Ayame slowly eat the sushi.


    A woman in a white dress walked down the hallway, returning into the officer. A man in a blue suit stood by her desk.


    "How is she doing?" The man asked.


    "She''s not much of a talker. But what few words she has said seemed... Positive? ''I regret all of this.'' ''Why did I do this?'' ''I miss him.'' "I just want to leave.'' That... Sort of thing." The woman replied.


    "Hm. I see. Seems rehabilitation is just what she needed. Well-deserved after the atrocities she committed."


    "Oh can it, will you?. She clearly hates herself for what she did. Yes, she''s paying the price. But she''s still just a kid. The poor girl... What did she go through to become like this?"


    "I''ve been studying your notes on her carefully. The head of the community center, who also happens to be a mother of three, is wanting to write a report about the psychology of children and publish it across the entire country. To open awareness to the fragile minds kids have. After all... Our town has been the center of national news ever since these murders all started. And it''s only gotten worse since the suspect was revealed to be a seventeen-year-old girl. All this attention from media outlets and reporters is... Goddamn overwhelming."


    "I know. I know. Just hang in there okay? She''s still got a long while before she''s permitted to leave but the progress is there. I think she''ll be a better person once she walks free."


    "Let''s hope so. Question is... Where is she going to go? Her guardian was found dead inside her home."


    "We''ll figure that out once she''s able to be released..."


    Ayame remained silent. The clock on the wall ticked away in the eerie silence. She returned to doodling in the sketchbook. Her expression showed a clear sign of loneliness. On the page inside the sketchbook; A boy drawn in blue and a girl drawn in pink. They held hands, walking off into a yellow sunset surrounded by green grass and blooming orange flowers with a red knife left on the ground behind them. A couple tears fell, staining the page.

 28: The End. The Beginning.

    A flock of ravens soared across the skies looking to perch somewhere. They unanimously decided on the roof of the high school. It was the last day of school so everyone was basically in a carefree mood. Teachers lounged around behind their desks while their students chattered amongst themselves. Some teachers engaged in conversation while the occasional quiet, socially distant students would listen to music or just read. Spirits were high all around even coming off of the tumultuous aftermath of the ''Nakamura Murders'' that have now been coined by residents.


    To celebrate the last day, the lunch being served was a gourmet buffet provided by local chefs collaborating with the school cooks. Daiki licked his lips as he returned to the table with a tray full of various meat dishes. Aoi and Kanako indulged in a healthy mix of veggies and meat. Senji had sushi and ramen. Kaito soon sat down, being joined by Emiko right beside him. Kaito had a variety of foods while Emiko kept it simple with soup and salad. The six all bowed their heads before digging in.


    "This has been like, the wildest fuckin'' year ever. And now you''re going to leave all of us next year! Unbelievable. I-I mean- I''m totally stoked for you handsome!" Emiko spoke ecstatically.


    Kaito sighed after taking a few bites of pork loin.


    "Another year of headaches then I''m finally free of you." He replied snarkily.


    "Aw then I''ll have to just stick around you ''till then!"


    Chuckles erupted around the table. Emiko nudged against Kaito''s shoulder almost prompting him to snap on her. But he wouldn''t let himself erupt especially not now.


    "Well it''s about to be summer vacation so maybe we all should... Go do something?" Daiki suggested.


    "As a matter of fact there are approximately seven different establishments of entertainment that are less then a day''s travel from Nakamura. Depends on what we''d consider fun though." Aoi stated.


    "Um are any of those museums or temples, dear?" Kanako asked.


    "Two. One museum and one grand temple."


    "Ooooh you have my attention now."


    Daiki slammed his fist down on the table in a fit of rage;


    "That''s so fucking lame you two! What about amusement parks? Or arcades? Or a water park? Ya'' know, actual ''fun'' places?! Jeez!" He groaned.


    "I-I''m fine with either a temple or an arcade honestly. Why limit ourselves to just one place?" Senji added.


    "I agree!" Kanako blurted. "With proper arrangements, we could at least travel to two or even three of these various places within the allotted time we have before summer vacation ends!"


    Kaito loudly slurped up a large helping of noodles, smacking his lips and setting his chopsticks down aggressively.


    "Yes yes we have plenty of time to arrange whatever the hell we want, okay? After the hell we''ve all been through... A fucking vacation sounds peachy." He spoke in a bitter tone. "I personally do not care where we go either. One place where we can go crazy can be balanced out by someplace more calming and peaceful. Best of both worlds. We... Can make it happen."


    Everyone simultaneously nodded in agreement. With that in mind, after school was out then a summer plan could be conducted.


    With some time to kill before the final period, Kaito wandered off to a tiny secluded area tucked away in-between two club rooms. Leaning against the wall was Yunaka. She yanked Kaito by the collar of his shirt and pulled him in for a deep kiss before pushing him back. He leaned against the opposite wall to face her. The expression on her face showed an ounce of pain and worry. Her arms were crossed, tucked under her chest.


    "Alright go ahead and say it. You''re upset at me. When I dropped the news that I''d be moving away after we graduate next year... You slapped me and stormed off. So..." Kaito trailed off.


    Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    Yunaka sighed, shaking her head.


    "I know. I-I''m sorry. Processing that at the time was tough for me to swallow. I''ve sat thinking on it since then. I had no right to get upset at you. If anything... I''m glad you''ve got a gig settled. Betcha'' can''t wait either." She explained, giving him a little smirk.


    "It''s true. I really, really can''t wait to leave that damn house for good."


    "Did you ever tell your father?"


    "You know... I did. And you know what he said? That I would be making a mistake. A mistake! Can you fucking believe that??"


    Kaito stepped off the wall. He began to pace with clenched fists.


    "I show an interest in a career path like detective work and he says it''s a mistake. Said... Said that it could be too dangerous and that every detective ends up a lonely, miserable alcoholic. Like he has room to fucking talk!"


    "Kaito I-"


    "-I was hoping for once in my life, that my own father would be proud of me for something. Only mother ever praised me... But of course she hasn''t been around for a while. Yet as I got older and kept my grades decent enough to pass all my classes, even excelling in a few areas, he would still never go further then a dry response like ''good job'' or ''keep it up.'' And he wonders why I never give a shit about anything he says or does. Because he never seems to give a shit about me. Come graduation next year I''ll pack my shit up, see him off and leave this damn town and... And that means leaving all of my friends..."


    Kaito ceased his pacing. He looked to Yunaka, hand covering her mouth with a few tears streaking down her cheeks. He approached her and wrapped his arms around her for a hug. He brought a hand up to gently caress her hair. She clasped onto him.


    "It''s okay. Calm down Kaito. Your friends are happy for you. I''m happy for you. I-I just can''t... Bear the thought of you leaving. My friends aside, you''re the only other person I give a damn about here. The only guy I''ve ever met who didn''t just use me for sex. How the fuck is anyone going to compete with you for me? I-"


    "Yunaka... Why not just leave with me?"


    Her eyes widened. The two split apart from the hug, with Kaito taking her hands in his. Their eyes met once more.


    "Leave... With... You... Kaito you''re not, actually serious right? Right...?"


    "And what if I am? Katashi offered me to stay with him and... Well he lives in Sendai. I did some research of the place. I remember you telling me you wanted to go to college for life and culture design... And there''s a university there that offers that. Miyagi Gakuin. You could attend there while I''m under my apprenticeship. Think about it..."


    "Shut it for a moment! I-I''m thinking here..." Yunaka closed her eyes. She became lost in thought, searching deep into her scattered mind for a response. Then something clicked. "... My parents could get me into any school I want. And Miyagi has shown up before last time I browsed schools. Okay Kaito... Okay fine. But I''m not letting you bunk with an old man. We''re getting a place of our own got it? Wouldn''t exactly be thrilled to have to drag your ass from your mentors place just to sleep with you."


    The two of them began to snicker and got closer.


    "Fair enough. It''s settled then."


    Kaito and Yunaka shared another deep kiss until the bell rang. They split off to head to their last classes of the year.


    Celebration and fanfare roared as the students burst through the front doors on their way out to enjoy summer vacation. Senji and the others grouped together to collectively head over to Daiki''s house. Minutes turned to hours that passed during the long-winded discussion the friends had just figuring out where to go for their summer vacation. Three destinations were decided on; A grand temple, a water park and an arcade entertainment center. The responsibility for driving ultimately fell onto Kanako as she not only had a driver''s license but also her own car; This came as a surprise to everyone else as she never told anyone and always ended up taking the bus to school since she was refrained from driving until summer if her grades were excellent. Kanako already knew she aced all of her classes and was confident that her father would hand her the keys right away.


    The rancorous socializing dwindled down as it grew late. After dinner and a movie to pass the time, everyone would depart Daiki''s residence for the night. Senji was the last one to leave alongside Kaito. The two exchanged words until splitting off. Senji stood at the front of the walkway to his house. He took a deep breath. Happiness... To have plans with all of his friends. But also sadness... That Ayame would not be there to enjoy any of it.


    The dawn arrived on a brisk Tuesday evening. The entirety of the previous day was spent blowing coins at the large arcade entertainment center. It was already a month into summer but only one of the three planned vacation destinations was crossed off the list. Senji was on his way home from a lone walk around town. He was ready to unwind. To kick back and relax for some time before the water park trip. There was a black sedan parked just outside his house. Senji was immediately suspicious as he did not recognize the car. His pace grew swifter, turning to head into the house when he suddenly froze in place. His eyes opened up wider then they''ve ever been. Mouth agape and heartbeat intensifying. A familiar feminine figure stood near the front door, lifting her head up to meet his eyes. Senji was at a complete loss of words. Time suddenly came to a standstill. The figure just smiled at him. Hair flowing in the gentle winds. Fading sunlight beaming off her eyes. The silence in the air would break as she opened her mouth to speak;


    "Hello, Senji..."

 29. Waves of Change

    Without a second thought, Senji ran up and embraced Ayame. She squeezed him tightly. The two remained in each others arms for an entire passing minute. Joining hands, they closed their eyes and kissed deeply with locking tongues. Months had passed since they last even spoke or saw each other but Senji was surprised to even see her so soon. A single tear streaked down Ayame''s cheek. Senji gently ran his knuckle across her cheek to wipe the tear away. They couldn''t help but smile ear-to-ear.


    "I-I can''t believe it. It''s felt like forever..." Senji stated.


    "I know. I''m... Just so happy to see you again, Senji." Ayame murmured.


    "...And this soon. I..I was expecting to have to wait so much longer."


    "Um... Well. We should go inside. For now."


    Senji raised an eyebrow. He nodded and proceeded into the house. A tall, lanky man with silver-rimmed glasses, long black hair and wearing a dark brown suit with a red tie sat on the couch speaking to Hinaka who sat in a chair. The two glanced over at Senji and Ayame stepping inside. The man motioned for the two to join him.


    "Come. Sit. Please." He spoke with a deep but friendly tone.


    Senji and Ayame sat down on the couch next to the man. Ayame kept holding onto Senji''s left hand. The man offered his hand for Senji. He nodded and shook it.


    "Greetings, Senji. Just call me Sakamoto."


    "Uh h-hey there." Senji replied.


    "Now I''m sure you''re wondering who I am and what ''we'' are doing here." Sakamoto gestured to Ayame who just rested her head on Senji''s shoulder.


    "Don''t worry dear. He''s actually here with good news." Hinaka reassured.


    "Your mother is correct. I''m from the Arataka Institution. The place where your lovely lady friend here is currently residing. As I''m sure you know... After she was proven guilty of her crimes and sentenced, the initial plan was to throw her into a juvenile detention facility to serve as punishment. You see, Ayame here is a very special case. A mentally distressed teenager that pulled off one of the deadliest murder sprees in this country''s history. Naturally it makes sense she should''ve been locked up. However... The owner of the Arataka Institution took interest in her."


    Senji looked confused. He turned to Ayame who continued resting her head on his shoulder.


    "Ayame..." He murmured.


    She didn''t say anything. Just silently looked into his eyes. He turned back to Sakamoto.


    "Well s-so what happened??"


    Sakamoto coughed to clear his throat. He was an older gentleman and the bags under his eyes clearly showed a lack of proper sleep.


    "Mister Arataka shelled out quite an amount of yen to personally take Ayame and place her into the institute. He, his assistant and a couple of his most valued employees wanted to conduct studies on Ayame here. To delve into her psyche to find out just what made her... Break. A teenager that did what she did... It''s no wonder Arataka was so keen into investigating her mental state. So from the day she was convicted up until yesterday, we had been examining her, asking her questions, comforting her and helping her to slowly recover. Thankfully her ''murderous'' tendencies seemed to have been silenced since the day we took her in. All she wanted... Was to see you again. Ayame my dear, I know you aren''t one for speaking much. But please, tell your partner here what you did."


    Ayame lifted her head up. She took a deep breath as Senji met her eyes. She clenched his hand tightly.


    "They... Gave me shelter. I... Missed you. So much. I... Needed to be fixed. Days. Weeks. Months. All spent... Isolated. Fed. Spoken to. But, mostly isolated. Drawing and writing, to pass the time. Tears... Cried from all the nights alone. The darkness inside of me... Had to be... Cleansed. I finally did it Senji. It''s gone... Gone forever. Thoughts of you... Kept me going. Kept me... Determined. Determined to silence the... Urges. And it worked. I can''t... Feel them anymore..." Ayame explained.


    There was a gleam in Senji''s eyes. He pressed a hand to Ayame''s cheek.


    "Rather then being confined into a cell and completely cut off from any and all social interactions... We opted to keep her isolated but checked up on from time-to-time. That and her constant thoughts of seeing you again and clearing her head of any ill intents seemed to have helped her. And thanks to Ayame''s cooperation and progress, we''ve got extensive research notes that have aided us in our research into the psyche of a troubled youth. It''s such a tragedy what happened... But this research will go far and hopefully prevent any future incidents such as this. Young man... Senji... She needs you more then ever. You are the very thing keeping this poor girl from sinking into an unfathomable depression. So much so that we had to keep reminding her that one day she will be free and could get to see you again."


    Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!


    Senji wrapped an arm around Ayame to pull her close. He looked to Sakamoto.


    "That''s... I-I''m sorry I''m just taking all of this in. So... What happens now?" Senji asked.


    Sakamoto gestured to Hinaka. She reached down and picked up a folder with some papers in it. A smile on her face as she pulled out a single sheet to look at.


    "Mister Arataka has already personally spoken to every family affected by Ayame''s crimes. He generously compensated them and reassured their worries that taking her in over sending her to juvenile was for the greater good. With Ayame having made such progress in her recovery... He is willing to release her into your mother''s custody."


    "W-wait what?!"


    Senji''s eyes widened and his jaw dropped. Sakamoto simply smiled and nodded.


    "Her guardian is deceased. All of Ayame''s belongings were confiscated to storage and the house she lived in has been permanently condemned. Clearly, she cannot go back. And sending her to an orphanage cannot guarantee her mental state will remain stagnant. But... With your mothers approval and a few signatures then she will become a resident of your household. Legally speaking, it''s basically ''adoption'' but since she is your partner she will not be claimed as a sister but simply as a resident. This way it''s not weird of course. Think of it as your best friend being kicked out of his home and moving into your own home. Ayame can be transferred to your home and live here for now on."


    Senji looked over to Hinaka.


    "M-mother is this true? Are you really willing to let her live here??"


    Hinaka nodded. She signed the papers and handed the folder over to Sakamoto.


    "Of course, sweetheart. I know she means the world to you and you mean everything to her. This is a rare moment. And if Ayame living here will help in her recovery... Then I''m okay with this decision." Hinaka stated.


    "It will not be easy. That is for certain. Ayame has been estranged by the community and forever etched into infamy because of what she''s done. Granted from what I''ve been hearing... Much of the community of both parents and average residents, actually seem to feel sympathy or pity on the girl rather then resentment or anger. Recovering and re-entering into society may not be impossible but it will be a very long and exhausting journey. I expect you two to help her along the way."


    Senji and Hinaka both nodded simultaneously. Sakamoto clapped his palms together with great force.


    "Excellent! Now, we will have to make one trip to the Arataka Institution mind you. To finalize everything. It is about a forty-five minute drive so you are more then welcome to carpool with me. I''ll even bring you back here."


    "That would be just wonderful, sir!" Hinaka said. "We should get this done right now."


    "I agree. Let us depart then."


    Hinaka went to slip on some heels. After grabbing her keys, she and Sakamoto headed out of the house. Senji and Ayame looked to each other with smiles on their faces. Hand-in-hand they followed along with Senji locking the door and closing it behind them.


    "With the papers signed and the decision finalized, the formerly convicted criminal, seventeen-year-old Ayame Chisato has been released from the Arataka Institution after just a few months of rehabilitation and into the foster care of Nakamura resident, Hinaka Kamura. The controversial decision approved by president and CEO Ryouma Arataka has brought some backlash from residents of Nakamura as well as the rest of the country. But there''s also a strong support following the decision after documents and records were released to the public showing research into the teenagers psyche and mental state as she underwent constant surveillance and studies by staff members. Research showed-"


    The news broadcast played on the television screens inside of a bar in town. Katashi sipped on his beer then followed with a puff from his cigarette. A hand pat him on the back. Isamu joined him at the counter. He looked up at the screen while the news report continued on. Katashi sighed.


    "Can''t say I imagined it turning out like this." He commented.


    "Me neither honestly." Isamu added. "Was this such a major incident that it warranted these events to play out? Girl goes into a rehabilitation center. Spends some odd months there as basically a research patient then gets released just like that??"


    "Guess so."


    "I mean, that Arataka fellow did personally come to our town just to speak to all of the families of the victims. Compensated them for the losses and costs of funerals and such. I... I think that was a humble gesture."


    "It also sparked further debate and studies into the mental psyche of children in general. That one girl really set in motion an entire uprising..."


    "Just a shame it took the deaths of so many to do so..."


    "... That''s just how it works. It took wars to advance technology. Deadly plagues and pandemics to advance medicine. And major criminal incidents such as this to advance studies into mental illness and mental health overall. Blood, sweat, tears and death leads to progress and change. That''s the way society functions I suppose. Ah well... The lingering of sorrow will continue on and that girl will have a strenuous path to recovery and re-entering society, nut she''s lucky to even be getting a second chance to turn her life around. Best of luck to you kid... You''re going to need it."

 30: The Raven and the Moth

    "Senji... Will life ever return to normal?"


    "I''m sure it will, Ayame."


    "Will... I be vilified in the papers and reports? Resented by the people of this town? Is my life here over?"


    "I look at it as... Well, being painted as a tragedy."


    "A... Tragedy?"


    "Listen to me. Life... Life will never be the same after what happened. You''re banned from the school. No place will hire you for a part-time job. The public may see you as a victim in your own way... But it''s not simple to reintegrate into normalcy even if you''re cleansed of what was plaguing you."


    "So... It really is over..."


    A few tears shed down Ayame''s cheeks. She rested her head against Senji''s chest. The sound of his heartbeat pulsating in her ears.


    "It''s not over. My mother will home school you for now on. And once we''re both done with school... Let''s leave this place. Everyone else will go their own separate ways. We should too..."


    "Are... You sure? But your friends..."


    "We''ll all stay in touch. Besides, there''s still senior year left. I''m sure they''ll want to see you again too."


    "Even after... All I''ve done? I was a murderer... A creature consumed by blood-lust..."


    "I believe in your rehabilitation. You''re not that monster anymore. Society may not accept that stain on your permanent record... But they still worried for you. Besides... Leaving this town will give us a new chance to start over."


    "I..I quite like that idea... Senji."


    Ayame and Senji kissed deeply. With Hinaka out of the house, the two grew more eager to reconnect on a much more intimate level. They slowly stripped down out of their clothes and began to make love on the bed. They locked hands together, savoring every moment of raw, physical contact. Nearly an hour would pass by the time they had finished up. Sweat drenching their bodies, they decided to clean up in the shower before Hinaka would soon arrive back home.


    Kaito sat at the kitchen table with his arms crossed and a glass of soda in front of him. The front door opened up. In walked a gruff, balding man with a messy goatee and sullen deep brown eyes. He went to the kitchen and poured himself a glass of whiskey before joining Kaito at the table to face him. He took a swig of the alcohol, ice cubes clinking within the glass.


    "So... You''re actually serious about this shit?" The man asked.


    Kaito simply nodded. His expression was firm and determined.


    "Yes and I don''t give a damn what you think Arata. As soon as I''m finished with school, I''m out of this fucking house." Kaito sneered.


    "To move halfway across the damn country for some apprenticeship? What a waste. You should be getting a real fucking job here in town instead of staying inside or going out with your damn friends-"


    "Shut... The... Hell... Up!!!"


    Arata''s eyes opened wide, reeling in his chair after Kaito raised his voice as high as he''s ever heard it go.


    "I''ve put up with enough of your shit all these years after mother passed away! I finally have an opportunity to enter a real career field and all you''re going to do is tear down my dreams and ideals! No! I''m not having it! I... Am not having it, Arata. I don''t give a shit about what you think of me. I haven''t for a long time. Your lame nine-to-five job may do enough for you in keeping this roof over our heads and food on the table... But I''m not letting this chance go to waste. Go ahead and berate my choice all you want... I''m done, you pathetic excuse for a father. Now leave me alone."


    Kaito took a deep breath and stood up to begin storming off towards his bedroom when Arata''s voice called out;


    "Hey! Wait!"


    Kaito stopped in his tracks. He turned around to see Arata standing up with a hand extended.


    "What?"


    "You''re right."


    "H-huh?"


    Arata took a glance at the glass of whiskey on the table. Shaking his head, he picked it up and threw it over into the kitchen, smashing the glass into pieces. He looked back to Kaito.


    "I am pathetic. I toil the days away at work, slowly kill myself with these chronic addictions, and never pay enough attention to the good things you do. Instead I just... Lose my shit. Over what? I should be proud of you not... Not shutting you down. What is wrong with me??"


    Arata sat back down, planting his face into his palms. Kaito sighed. He returned to the table and looked down at Arata.


    "A lot... A lot is wrong with you. But I''m no saint either. I barely kept my grades up right until recently and it took a series of murders to wake me the hell up and start giving a shit about my own life. The fact I even managed to impress Katashi enough that he''d take me on as an apprentice... Was just dumb luck."


    Arata looked up at Kaito, reaching a hand out and grabbing him by the wrist. His eyes were big as if he was about to sob but was fighting back.


    "You must go. Take that apprenticeship. Get the hell out of this town. I may be stuck in a perpetually endless loop... But you''re not. You have the potential and a future career secured. Do your mother proud, okay? I... I''ll try to stop drinking so much. Make your last stretch here bearable before you leave. No promises but... I''ll try."


    Kaito managed a smile. He nodded.


    "Of course. And... Thank you. You sober the fuck up and maybe I''ll actually be willing to spend time with you."


    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    "Understood."


    Arata let go of Kaito''s wrist. Kaito gave a single thumbs up before leaving for his room. Arata looked back over his shoulder to the shattered glass and spilled whiskey on the kitchen floor. He shook his head.


    A few days had passed. The expedition to the water park would soon be underway. The group was meeting up at the town park on this warm summer day to talk and finalize preparations. Kaito, Aoi, Daiki, Kanako and Yunaka had all gathered and were waiting for Senji. They all stood inside a pavilion to be out of the beaming sunlight.


    "So Monday we''re going, right? That way it''s not as crowded as it would be on the weekends." Daiki asked.


    "Statistically speaking, yes. But we should still expect quite a massive gathering as I''m sure there are plenty of families or groups of friends that are likely to be there anyway." Aoi replied.


    "Got it. My mom is totally cool with taking us anyway. She''s got the big van so we can all fit in there. You sure Emiko isn''t going to surprise us with a visit, Kaito?"


    Kaito was leaning against the rails next to Yunaka. The two turned around simultaneously in response to Daiki''s question.


    "She better not or I''ll punt that bitch to the moon." Yunaka sneered.


    "Relax. I never told her when we were going." Kaito said. "So no need to worry about her. Besides after dealing with her the entire school year my mind needs a break from her."


    Kanako and Daiki snickered.


    "That aside... I never expected you to be coming along, Yunaka. Thought you''d just be with your little pack of wolves the entire summer." Kanako said with a smug grin.


    "Oh shut it four-eyes." Yunaka snapped. "I''m only going because Kaito here invited me."


    "I totally knew there was a thing going on between you two. I''m surprised you managed to snag your jaws around him. I was convinced he was just not into dating at all."


    "We''re not- Ugh. You''re sharper then you look I swear..."


    Aoi and Daiki glanced to each other with grins on their faces.


    Two figures were approaching the pavilion. The group all took notice to see who was coming their way and they were all speechless. Walking hand-in-hand were Senji and Ayame. They stopped at the bottom of the steps. Senji scratched the back of his head.


    "Hey... Guys." He said.


    Exhausting his lungs from speaking, Senji had taken the time to fully explain what happened from the time between meeting Ayame in front of his house to visiting the Sakamoto Institution to finalize her release and officially moving into their house. He even revealed the reports written about her with Ayame''s approval. She just rubbed her shoulder anxiously.


    "So... Here I am." She finally spoke since arriving at the pavilion.


    The others were all in quite the state of shock, unsure how to process all of that information they had received. Kaito coughed to clear his throat and break the ice;


    "I-I see..." He stammered. "... I guess, you never seemed to have a problem with any of us. Even if Senji can trust you... I''m not sure any of us can just yet. If what you said is really true Senji, then I suppose we could give her a chance."


    "Fuck me. I can''t even imagine... What you must''ve gone through." Yunaka chimed in.


    Everyone''s attention darted to her.


    "What?! L-look I know I should be deathly afraid of you and maybe want to just kick you the hell out of here, Ayame. But... But after hearing what your boyfriend here said... I can''t help but feel pity. And... I''m sorry. Sorry that I talked shit behind your back for so long. My dumbass didn''t even think about your feelings. I-I just wrote you off as some lonely, anti-social freak. To be honest... Once girls started going missing and ending up killed by your hands... I started keeping my mouth shut. I was afraid that anyone I had insulted or hurt... Might have ended up being the next victim. You weren''t in control of your urges and I-I must''ve played a hand in making you distrust people. So once again, I''m sorry."


    Ayame nodded her head and smiled.


    "I accept... Your apology. And I''m sorry... For almost taking your life in the bathroom that one day."


    "S-so you were coming for me..."


    "Had Senji not called for me... You''d be dead. Without him I... I don''t think I''d even be here. But... I''m changed now. The urges, they''re no more. And... I''m happy you''re still alive at least."


    "Well uh... T-thank you."


    Senji looked around to everyone. They all still seemed anxious but relieved to see them together.


    "Thanks, everyone. For even allowing her to be here. I promise... She''s going to be living a new life from here onward. I think some time away from this place could be just what she needs.Life certainly won''t be the same..."


    The air around everyone remained heavy even after changing the conversation. Ayame knew deep down she needed to earn everyone''s trust after everything she had done. Even if she couldn''t properly make amends for those whose lives she had taken, she had been given a second chance and a fresh new start at life going forward. Senji would remain by her side to help her get through the struggles of adapting to life with a clear head free of any demons haunting her psyche.


    Members of the Nakamura community had all gathered inside the community center nuzzled in-between the suburbs and downtown. Dozens of parents, young couples and individuals were chattering amongst themselves. Over a hundred people. An older gentleman with stylish shorter black-greying hair and goatee approached the podium to face the crowd. He wore black dress shoes with a black business suit and thick gold-rimmed glasses. A silver-chained opal cross necklace draped around his neck. Everyone went silent once he stepped up.


    "Ahem. I understand there is much discourse within the community regarding the recent release of one Ayame Chisato from our famed institution. It''s been some time since the murders ended and I thought it appropriate to, how do you say... Clear the air? Something like that? Anyway I... Think it''s time to seek closure. To bite the bullet on this scenario. Yes, I know many wish that young lady was locked up in juvenile for years to serve justice. But think about what our report detailed. That girl. Ayame... Would have only suffered worse behind bars. Perhaps taken her own life. Common criminals who''s sole purpose to sow discord belong in prison. Ayame is not one of those. She was a tortured soul corrupted by a terrible demon that had manifested from years of trauma, abuse, and estrangement. This demon had manifested in the worst way possible... By manipulating her into committing atrocities with no remorse. Oh she had remorse alright in the end. She cried for those victims. Cried for her partner whom she was separated from. My good people of Nakuamura... Ayame was a monster but not of her own making. By studying her and walking her through a strenuous recovery process... Not only did we manage to help her overcome those sinister urges but we also have full reports and new information regarding the mental psyche of children. Should she not be given a new leash on life now? To finally live like a normal teenage girl not bound to the voice inside her head? We... Cannot bring back the fallen. I understand if those who were parents of victims may still not forgive her. But please, find it in your hearts to move on and live your lives. It will be difficult... But not letting go will only continue to bring misery. We all must move on... And remember those we lost. May they live on forever in our hearts..."


    The room erupted in claps and cheers. Many of the people in the crowd had tears streaking down their cheeks. Some were weeping. Others were smiling with optimism. The man politely took a bow and cupped his hands together.


    "May this be a lesson to all of us... Do not neglect or mistreat your children. They can be unpredictable. And the youth are our future. Punish them when deserved. But always make sure they know how much you love and care for them. Thank you, citizens of Nakamura, for your time. This is Jinzo Sakamoto... And I wish you all a blessed evening."


    Sakamoto turned heel and headed for the doors while the leader of the commune returned to the podium to close out the session and see everyone out. Sakamoto got into the backseat of his luxury sedan. The chauffeur peered behind his shoulder to meet Sakamoto''s eyes.


    "How was it, sir? Shall we head on home?" He asked.


    "Wonderful. I''m glad I was able to help these fine people out after such a dark period of time. Go ahead and take us on home." Sakamoto replied.


    The sedan backed out to leave the parking lot and head for one of the roads leading out of Nakamura.