《Diary of the Murdered Girl》 Prologue 1st April,2021 Tuesday 9:00 P.M. Dear Diary, The first day of my highschool life finally ended.And it really exhausted me.By the way,this is also the first time I will write a diary note so I really don''t know what I shall write here.But since I''m the only one who will see this then I guess I will just go in the flow. First of all,the school that I attended is quite special.Even though it was a all-girl high-school,for some reason,there is one boy among our class.If I remember correctly,his name is Tomozuki Hashimoto.Well I didn''t manage talk to him so I can''t write more about him in this diary note. Aside from that,there are only one classroom,one section and one teacher in this school.Lastly,there are only twelve students in our class. Meaning,these was also the same number of students who are attending this school.It was really a unique school compared to others.If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. Anyways,I''m actually a shy girl.This was a problem to me back in middle school.That''s why I couldn''t manage to make friends back then.And now I''m already a highschool student,I was afraid that the same scenario happen again.But when the first break in the morning happened,one of my classmates came to me.Her name is Shiina Hosokawa. At first,I was hesitating to talke to her but I learn that unlike me,she was a cheerful person.She immediately introduced herself to me,that''s why I do the same.After that,she immediately gave me a nickname "Ai-chan" even though we just met recently At the end,we talked to each other a lot of things and I didn''t realized that I was be able to get along to her. Today,I learned one thing.That it was easy to make friends as long as you have the courage to make one.Of course,it was impossible to become friends to everyone so you will just need to choose where you are comfortable.And that''s what how I feel from Hosokawa-san when I talking to her.Ah.She said that I must call her in first name.I''m sorry,Shiina-chan. Anyways,how should I put,it just happens I guess.That''s why tomorrow,I will try next to become friends to that boy.Maybe the limited number of students will help me to find friends easily. Aina Hikarigaoka Girls High School From the name itself,Hikarigaoka Girls High School is an all-girls school but at same time, also kinda unique in some ways. First of all,this school only run one class,one teacher and a limited number of students, twelve to be exact.Meaning,the twelve of us will be together from first year up to we graduate here.And our homeroom teacher will be also the one who will teach us in all subjects in those three years of our study here. Another unique thing here is me,Tomozoki Hashimoto,being a part of this class.If you will gonna ask why I,a boy was enrolled here, well let just say that it was a common setting you will find in a romantic comedy school setting. The bell rang,meaning the English class already ended. "Okay,that''s all for today.Let''s just continue this lesson on the other day.Goodbye and see you after an hour."said by Kaede Takahashi,our homeroom teacher. Hmmm,how should I put it.To tell you the truth,I''m not good on describing someone but I will try my best here.She was a tall woman(taller than me),a single ponytail hairstyle,good curves.For the age,let say around twenty to twenty-five.And for the personality,she has this "dark" aura around her.You will know it once you see her sharp eyes. Anyways,the lunch time already started.Some students go to the canteen and some just stay here since they have their own lunch.I belong to the latter. I pick up my lunch under my desk and start eating.After finishing eating,I look at the clock.We still have fifty minutes to spare so I pick up a novel in my bag and start reading. "A Nisio Isin work again,Hashimoto-kun?" My neighbor from my right,Irina Yahiro talk to me when I about to flip a page in the novel. "You''re right.This time it was a sequel of his ''The Kubikiri Cycle'' named ''The Strangulation Romanticist''.Did you perhaps already read it?." "My,my,Hashimoto-kun.Why did you always forget that I don''t read Japanese novels?." "Ah.Sorry about that." Irina Yahiro is a diabled girl.She has an elementary body but with a mind of an adult. She was probably the most matured student in this class.Her lilac-colored hair together with her sadistic face is what makes her beautiful. By the way,I''m sitting close to the window in my left at the last row so she was my only neighbor in my sideways. "It seem like you are bringing your own lunch lately,Yahiro-san." "That''s because I don''t want to bother myself anymore in going on canteen.It''s tiring me up,especially in my case." "Well that''s a good decision." "Anyways,how about trying Agatha Cristie books,Hashimoto-kun?" Chrisite books huh.When she said earlier she doesn''t read Japanese novel,well thats book she''s only reads Agatha Cristie books.I remember she said last time that she was already in 20th book of Hercule Poirot series. Of course,I don''t know what she is talking about(since I haven''t read any Christie''s work) but I think that if we compared it in Japanese light novels,she was already in the volume 20. I''m not fully sure though. "Maybe in some other time,Yahiro-san.Or maybe after finishing this sequel book.I will read one or two." "I see.Then that''s good to hear.I recommend you reading her work,''And Then There Were None'' and ''The Murder of Roger Ackroyd''. Those two are masterpieces." "Thank you.I will take note of that." After that,a silence occurs between us so I force to ask a a question to her. "By the way,Yahiro-san.Where are at you now on Hercule Poirot series.Oh,did I say the name correctly?." "You said it right.I''m on the 23th book now.So let''s take this free time to read our own book, Hashimoto-kun." After that,our conversation had finally ended. Yahiro-san pick up a book in her bag a start reading.I look again in the clock.I realize that I talk to her for almost ten minutes. I go back on reading again.After some minutes,I was interrupted again. "Tomocchi,are you free right now?" Shiina Hosokawa,the name of the girl,shouted at me.Well,the perfect way to describe her as she was the most cheerful student in this class. After that,she walks towards me and when she saw what I doing,she made a disappointing face. "Ah.I see.You are busy on reading.I think I will just have to ask others.....but" "Hmmmm?." I couldn''t help but to wonder.It seems like she was hesitating to say something.After some seconds,she finally spoke up. "You see Tomocchi.Remember that Valentines Day is already coming?.And actually we have a big celebration for that day.But of course,we are preparing for that.And Ai-chan and I was ordered to carry some boxes to the first floor. The problem is that there is this heavy box which we couldn''t carry even with the two of us.So in short we are asking for your your help....." I understand now.But isn''t kinda a long explanation?.Though thanks to that,she remind me of Valentines Day.Why I''m always tend to forget the important things. "Okay.No problem.It''s not like you''re bothering me that much." I put the novel I''m reading back to my bag, stood up from my seat and follow Hosokawa- san. Just a quick explanation.This school only have one building with two floors and a rooftop.First floor contains the principal and teacher office and a spare small room.Second floor contains obviously our classroom and the storage room.And this is where Hosokawa-san asked to carry the boxes.The restroom was located at the back(which is kinda hussle).Laslty,two stairs can be found at both ends of the building. Upon arriving in the room,I saw Aina Chinatsu. She was the opposite type of Honosakawa- san.In other words,the shy and nervous type. Her bangs that almost covering her right eye is the signature appearance from her. I also saw that they are so many boxes inside this room,so I asked: "So which of this I will be carrying?. And where?." "The-the-the-se two,Hashimoto-kun.And you will ca-ca-carrying them to the storage in the fi-first floor." Not Hosokawa-san,but Chinatsu-san is the one who nervously answer my question, pointing to the two boxes near her. "Ai-chan,you can guide Tomocchi on where you he will put exactly the boxes in the storage room." "Ehhhh?.But there is already a tab-" "That''s okay.That''s okay.Did you already forget the plan?." "Wait,Shiina-chan.I''m not fully ready for this..." "Don''t worry!.I know you can do this!.Just remember my tips I gave to you!." When I''m checking how I will gonna carry the boxes,I heard their conversation.It seems like Chinatsu-san can talk comfortably when it comes to Hosokawa-san,which is not a really surprise to me since they have been friends since the school started.A shy girl and an energetic one.I quite like this combination, honestly. After that,I lifted up the first box with two hands and carry it throughout the stairs,while Chinatsu-san follow my pace.There is a silence between us.When we arrived at the storage room,she spoke up.Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! "Ju-ju-just put the box in the table." I saw the table,specifically it was a foldable one.Hmmm.This is strange.If this was already arrange from the start,why she still need to accompanied me here.Anyways,let''s just take this opportunity ask a question. "By the way,what is inside with this boxes?." "Ah.It''s paints.Yes,paints." "I see." Another silence occured.Maybe should I asked her to get the other box.When I''m about to do that,she suddenly spoke up. "Uhhmm.Hashi-shi-moto-kun!." He called me a little bit loud so I stopped moving and turned my head.She exhale,inhale and continued. "I know that you love reading mystery novels,but did you perhaps re-read romcom light novel?." "Romcoms?.I read them" I noticed that compared before,this specific line from her was more natural and straight.Is this what Hosokawa-san mean when she said ''tips''?.Anyways,aside from mystery novels,I also read romantic comedy stories.But I always prioritizing reading those award winning piece.But why is she asking this?.I think I have a hunch. "Thank goodness.And what is your favorite among them?." Favorite huh.I can only think one title. "The title of it is ''My Stepsister Is My Ex- Girlfriend''.Can you remember that?." Instead if answering my question,she pick up a pen and small notebook and write something to it.After that,he show it to me and said: "Is this correct?I can remember them now but I will immediately forget them so I just wrote it here right now." I read what she wrote.She was correct. "But why did you ask my favorite romcom series?" "Th-th-that''s a secret.Yes,a secret.Anyways, who is your fa-fa-vorite character in that series?." When the moment she asked this question,I realize that my hunch is right.Okay.Let see.I think I will just choose that character. "Yume Irido.She is my favorite character there." "Why?" "Why you say,well.." I paused a think a little bit.While doing that,she was writing the name of the character.After some seconds,I spoke up. "Well.I like her personality in the novel.I mean she was the main heroine there.And a tsundere type." "I see.Tsundere huh.A-anyways,that''s all" Chinatsu-san seems kinda worried with my last exchange and immediately left the scene. I go to the second floor again,bring the second box of paints and returned.Upon arriving,only Honokawa-san is the one who is present in the spare room. "Where''s Chinatsu-san?." "Ai-chan was called out by Suzuki-chan to help her in the preparation." A silence had occured.Since there''s nothing to be done here anymore,I think I will be going back now in the classroom. "Can I go back now to the classroom?." "Wait.Tomocchi.I have something to tell you. And it''s about Ai-chan." Hosokawa-san hesitated first then spoke up. "Maybe you already noticed it,that Aichan have romantic feelings to you." "You''re right.When did she start liking me?" "Before that,when did you notice it?" "Maybe around the start of January.Even though we didn''t really talk to each other most of the time,I already know it.You see,I have my eyes on people." After replying,she paused again,look in somewhere else as if she is reminiscing something. "You see,Tomocchi,Ai-chan is the first friend I made in the school.At first,she was afraid of talking on me,maybe because she couldn''t handle talkative people but as the time goes by,she getting used to my behavior.I mean,all our classmates is my friend,even those ''three gals'' but Aichan is my bestfriend,that''s why...." She paused again.It feels like she is getting the courage to say the words she wants to say. "She will confess to you tomorrow.We already talked about it days before.And I only want you to answer her on what''s in your heart with full of honesty,that''s all." After that,she said "Don''t tell Ai-chan what we just talk about",smiled to me(But not the smile I usually saw from her,but a different one.Very different)and left the room. At then the end,I realized that I didn''t manage to know when Chinatasu-san started liking me. After that,I go towards the classroom.As I go back,I noticed three girls standing in the corridor "Hey,hey girls.Isn''t Hashimoto?Where did you go,boy?." The one who said that is Tsujinaka Reina. Another tall girl,maybe the same height as me.With a blonde ponytail hair,quite number of accessories in her body,and a makeup in her face.Truly a gal characteristic.There are also two girls besides her,Nene Hoshino on left and Ruri Ichika on right. "I''m just helping others in the upcoming event on Valentines Day." "I see.I see.So can you tell me now how the hell did you enroll in this all-girls school highschool?." "You really hate me,don''t you,Reina-san?." Instead of answering her question,I dodged it by asking also a question. "Really?.But I haven''t said words that I hate you,yet." ''Yet''I muttered. For some reason,she and the other two gals hated me since the day I enroll here.Maybe because they couldn''t accept the fact that a boy was accepted here and start thinking that this school is rigged,despite of being ''special''. That was just my assumption though. "How about go help them,Reina-san?.It seems like the three of you are only ones who doesn''t still help in the event." "You''re joking right?." "Yes.I''m just joking." Well,that was expected.They are already like that since the school year start. I feel like the conversation already ended there so I entered the classroom. "The Valentines Day celebration will be boring.It''s a all-girls highschool after all." "Right.right." I heard those lines coming from Hoshino-san and Ichika-san before entering the classroom. I go back to my seat,check the clock and realize that we only have ten minutes before the next session starts.Because of that,I decided to not read anymore.I just look to the window to kill time.After that,the bell rung, indicating of the end of the lunch break.On the other hand,my neigbhor,Yahiro-san seems like she spent all this whole lunch in reading her novel. Anyways,the next subject starts.And after a long period of time,the class finally ended "That''s all for today.By the way,I just want ot remind you that as much as possible,don''t be absent in 14,since it was a special day,unless some personal circumtances occurs.And,of course,I not will not give assignment today and the next day,in prepation on Valentines Day.That''s all.Goodbye and see you tomorrow." Takahashi-sensei,using the same aura around her,said that and left the classroom. Come to think of it,today is 12.So we still have one day to go to prepare.Honestly,even though I''m looking forward to it,I''m not really excited. It just like the day that you will enjoy,then you will forget.In short,for me,it was just a normal day. As I go to the locker room to change shoes coincidentally,I met the ''Class President''. "Good work,Hashimoto-san." "Ah.I just help them on bringing the boxes on the first place.It was nothing special." The class president,Suzuki Ayumi is a modest girl.I wouldn''t say she was the smartest one in academics and the best student in physical education,but this kind of ''personality'' of hers is what makes her to become our class president.Just a pure girl.Really. "How''s the prepation in Valentines Day?." "Well,things are going smoothly,thanks to Chinatsu-san." "Oh.I remember that you called her after dealing with me in the boxes.What did she do anyways?." Even though I already have an idea what it is,I still asked. "Obvisously,to draw and paint the picture that I assigned to her." That''s right.That''s the reason why she asked me of who is my favorite character in my favorite romcom series.That is to draw an illustration of that character on her own.Aside from that,she also painting something that Ayumi-san asked her to do.What a talented student.But I''m not surprised anymore. Afterall,she has the talent to do it. I remember way back in September,when there is a simple and friendly drawing match, Chinatsu-san shocks us after showing her work.I can only describe it in one word; masterpiece.On the other hand,I failed miserably that time.I tried my best but it seems like that is not the best competition for me. "Did you also asked Kanakura-san''s help?." "No.Instead I assigned her a different task." "Different task?" "Are you curious,Hashimoto-san?" "Not really.I just thought Chinatsu-san and her will be a good tandem in this big task that you assigned her." "Don''t worry.The task I assigned her is still somehow related to arts." I see.Well,Ayumi-san knows the capabilites of each person,so she knows how she will assigned each of us in this preparation. After changing our shoes,she said a short "Goodbye" and left.I also did the same. My house was near with the school,so I don''t need to take a train or a bus to go home.While walking,I saw someone familiar sitting in the bench. "Practicing again in drawing,Kanakura-san?" "Woahhhh!." The girl,Sumire Kanakura,shouted as she cover her big notebook with her chest. Kanakura-san is what you called the ''tsundere'' type of character.And just like Chinatsu-san, she was also good in painting. "Do-don''t surprised me like that,Hashimoto- kun." "Sorry.sorry.It''s not that it''s the first time I saw you here." She is usually going in this place,mainly to enhance her talent.By the looks of it,it seems like she is painting a scenery again. "But seriously,Kanakura-san.You are really good on painting this kind of views,no?." "So you saw it after all?." "No use of hiding it. "But I think it''s still not enough.I still need to practice more...to surpass HER." Chinatsu-san huh.But you really don''t need to do that.Afterall... "It is because that Ayumi-san don''t assigned on that big task?." She opened her eye widely.She was probably surprised. "Ho-how did you know that?." "Did I hit a bullseye?" "Ahhhh." Kanakura-san couldn''t help but to accept the fact.Just a short story.She wants Ayumi-san to acknowlegde her talent.But because she thinks that Chinatsu-san is better than her,she become jealous to her.But for me,I think that is not the case. "To tell you the truth,I think you and Chinatsu- san were the same.You are both great with your talents.Even Ayumi-san praised back then don''t you?.That''s why stop pushing yourself too hard." "You don''t understand,Hashimoto-kun.You really don''t." She looked at the trees in front of us,then continue. "And it''s not like I''m doing this for you.If there''s someone,probably for President." "How did you came with that conclusion." Tsunderes are really confusing.Really confusing. "Anyways,goodluck for that work.I just want to say it was already good in my eyes.But if you still want to continue,I will not stop you." "And now you are flirting with me?.Sorry, Hashimoto-kun but even if you confe-" "Goodbye and see you tomorrow." Just as she about to complete her sentence.I immediately interupted her,turn around and waved my hands a little and walk away from her. "Oiiii!." At last,she shouted at me.She probably didn''t like what I did,but let''s just leave that. Confession huh.I remember the words of Hosokawa-san said to me earlier.Chinatsu- san,what should I answer her tomorrow?. I arrived in my house.I decided to continue reading the novel I left behind last afternoon. After finishing two chapters,I decided to go sleep and decided to read the remaining chapters on ther other day. Another normal day had ended.Yes.Normal day. First Random Diary Note 25th October,2021 Friday 11:00 P.M. Dear Diary, Yehey.Friday finally ended.I don''t need to worry about waking up early tomorrow since it was already weekend.That also means I can stay all night although I don''t have really plan this evening aside writing this note. Anyways,today is a special day.A simple and friendly painting competition held and I won the first place.Well even though it doesn''t really have a certificate or medal reward,I manage to amaze my classmates.Even Reina- You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.san and her friends,who once teased me back then,also show their appreciation to my work.I was really glad when I witness that. However,Kanakura-san,who was also good in painting,was somehow disappointed to the results.I tried to asked her about that but she didn''t answer me.I think she didn''t like the fact that I''m the one who got the first place.I hope that was not really the case. On the other hand,Shiina-chan paints me.Yes,I was suprised about that.To be honest,her painting about my whole face is not perfect. But that was already expected since this is not her forte.Actually,for a beginner,her work is already good. Lastly,Hashimoto-kun''s painting looks simple. He just paint an apple.She didn''t even colored the background.But that''s okay.Somehow,I like his work the most than the others. Aina Confession After eating breakfast and taking a bath,I left the house.After walking some time,I finally arrived at school. When I go to the locker room to change shoes, I recieved a LETTER,again. I didn''t manage to explain it yesterday so let me explain here.It all started on the first day of February.Everyday,I received a letter, containing some ''loving'' notes like:"Today is another good day to see you in school." or "The more I see you in this school,the more I fell in love with you.",something like that.In short,a love letter. Of course,I suspected ''one girl'' in our class who could possibly sends these love letters to me but it just that I couldn''t find the a concrete reason why SHE need to do this. Anyways,that''s the story.I opened up the letter.What was written here are the following: ''Hello.Hashimoto-kun.I would like you to go to the rooftop at the lunch break.There is something I want to tell you,but I want to say it in private.So if you don''t mind I want you to show up.Thank you.'' And that''s it.As usual,the notes were all printed and there is no name written, indicating who was the sender.But since I already know who it was(which is proven by the conversation I have with Hosokawa-san),I will just have asked that girl why she need to bother herself on sending these love letters in the past month. After changing shoes,I go to the classroom, walks towards to my table and sit. "Good morning,Hashimoto-kun." "Morning,Yahiro-san." My neighbor,Irina Yahiro,greeted me as I sat down on my chair. "Did you finally finish reading your novel?." she asked "Not yet.I was supposed to finish it yesterday but for some reason I got bored.I only managed to read two chapters." Right.Somehow,I couldn''t manage to finish a book in my house.But the strange part is that I always finished it in the school.It always happen to me whenever I read a book,either it is romantic comedy or mystery. "I see.But that''s okay.Just take your time since you will enjoy the beauty of detective novels if you give your thought about it." "I couldn''t agreed more." She was right.That''s detective novels for you.You will analyze the details and arrive in the solution.I know that not all people will like these kind of stories but for those who appreciate the beauty from it,they worthy of respect.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. After that conversation,the bell rung, Takahashi-sensei enters and starts the class.After a period of time,the lunch break finally come. I look around the room and Chinatsu-san was not here anymore,which is already expected since she and Ayumi-san asked permission to Sensei if they could excuse themselves in the session before lunch break to prepare on Valetines Day tomorrow.Sensei,of course, agreed to it. I immediately go to the rooftop and when I arrived,as expected,Chinatsu-san was already there.She probably already headed here after finishing what she''s doing from her task. "He-Hello,Hashimoto-kun.Thank you for bothering yo-yo-yourself coming here." As usual,she was nervous when she talking to people aside Hosokawa-san. "So you are the one who is sending me those letters?." "Th-th-that''s right." "You said in the letter that you want say something to me.What is it?." A silence between us had occur.She look left and right nervously.I waited for her to say something,even though I already know what are those words.After some time,she exhaled and inhaled for about three times.She sway her bangs that is covering her right eye.Now I can clearly see her two eyes,as if exerting determination.Finally,she spoke up. "You may already noticed earlier it,Hashimoto- kun.I like you.It was all started when you helped back then when Reina-san and her friends teased me.Did you still remember that?." She said those sentences without slipping any words.It feels like I''m seeing a different kind of Aina Chinatsu in front of me. "Of course.But it''s nothing really special." "But you still help me.That time you''re so cool." "I just did what is right.But I didn''t help you to become cool though." "Are you trying to oppose any words I say?." "Sorry,sorry.Just become a bad habit of mine." After that,she laughed a little bit while I giggle. Then a short silence had fell again between us.After some time,Chinatsu-san broke it. "So what''s your answer,Hashimoto-kun.Can I be your gi-gi-girlfriend?." I couldn''t answer immediately since this is the critical moment.I mustered all my thoughts.I remember those words of Hosokawa-san. ''Just answer her on what''s in your heart with full honesty''. After a while,I finally spoke up. "I''m very happy that you manage to confess to me,Chinatsu-san.I appreciate your words of admiration to me.But I''m sorry.It seems like I will not be able to meet up your expectation. Or should I say,I didn''t have interest with that kind of relationship.You could also say I''m not ready yet." I chose the words correctly.I don''t want to say, ''because I don''t like you''.I want to reject her without totally destroying her feelings. "I see.Hehe.It seems this is not my lucky day today.Hehehe." She laughed.She already know the result of her confession. I looked to her eyes.She was laughing but deep inside,I could tell from her eyes. "That''s it,Hashimoto-kun.Thank you and sorry for bothering your free time.Yo-yo-your supposed to read some novels in this time,right?." "That''s okay.I can read them at home." When I about to go towards her to comfort her,she suddenly run away going to downstairs.I see.Maybe she could not handle the pain for being rejected.She will probably go to Hosokawa-san to tell the results. Before going back to my classroom,I stay on the rooftop for a little bit longer.By the way,there are fences here to avoid accidents. I stared around.I could clearly see some trees,some buildings and highways.Then I looked at the sky. ''Did I choose the right l decision,Hosokawa- san?.'' I muttered to myself. Aftermath After that confession,I go back to the classroom,eat my lunch and decided to buy a water in the canteen.After buying,I noticed Hosokawa-san,eating in the canteen.When she noticed my presence,she called me. "Tomocchi!.Come here.Come here." I go towards her and sit in the vacant chair.I''m sure what we will gonna talk about here. "First of all,Tomocchi.Thank you for showing up in the rooftop." "That''s nothing special.I just did what I think is right." Ah.I used again the same line to Chinatsu- san. "Did Chinatsu-san already told you what happened?." "Of course!.She immdiately come to me,crying so I comfort.Then after some minutes,when I know she was already okay,we decided to eat lunch here and talk.Then after eating, President called her to help her again." Hmmmmm?. "Wait,Hosokawa-san.Did Chinatsu didn''t brought her own lunch?.As far as I know,she always bringing one since the the school year start." "Nope.She said that her parents forgot to make one since they are busy on their job." After that,a silence had occur.I noticed that Hosokawa-san is kinda smiling for some reason. "What''s the matter,Hosokawa-san?." "Well,it''s just that even though you rejected her,you still can noticed what''s the situation around Ai-chan." "Well maybe I already said it many times,but I have my eyes on people." Maybe because of that fact that I''m already used to see Chinatsu-san having her own lunch that it kinda surprised me a little bit that he didn''t have one for the first time. "Anyways,did Ai-chan asked your favorite romcom series yesterday?." "Ah,yes.Also my favorite character there.And I''m sure she will make her own illustration of this." "And she will give it to you tomorrow,on Valentines Day." She finished my explanation.Maybe that will be Chinatsu-san''s ''gift'' to me instead of chocolate.I wonder how it will turn out. After that,I asked Hosokawa-san a stupid question. "Are you mad to me,Hosokawa-san?.That I rejected your bestfriend?." "Are you perhaps an idiot,Tomocchi?." "Yes I''m an idiot." I paused a little and added in a soft voice. "And a human failure." She probably heard the last line.But she didn''t mind that but instead she anwers me in a serious tone. "I''m not mad,Tomocchi.In contrast,I''m glad,that you answered her honestly.I mean what if you accept her confession and become her girlfriend but deep inside you are not happy?.Isn''t the worst case scenario?." "You''re right.You''re right." I couldn''t help but to agreed twice since she was telling the truth. "Anyways,this is just my selfish request but I want you to visit and comfort her after class.You see,it feels like she is kinda sad when I saw her earlier morning.I think she still recovering after the rejection but it feels like she was already sad before that.Or maybe I just seeing things.I really don''t know." Sad before the rejection?.I remember seeing her before the confession but I think she was in her usual self. "Don''t worry.I''m actually planned to comfort in the rooftop earlier but she ran away immediately.It couldn''t help though." "Then that''s good to hear.I asked what''s the problem but she said she just forgot to write a note in her diary." "Diary?." "Ah.I slip my tongue." So she is writing her daily life in a diary?.Now that''s new fact to me. "Anyways,don''t tell anyone about that.If someone found out that she have one,I''m sure she will be mad with me." "Don''t worry.Don''t worry.I''m sure that she will still forgive you even though someone found out. "Tomocchi!!." It seems like I teased her a little bit. "I think I need to go now,Tomocchi.Me and Aichan will be excuse in the remaining sessions preparing for the big event tomorrow so you will not see us in the class.Anyways. don''t forget to comfort her,okay?." "I will not forget." After saying that she left the canteen.I drank the water I bought,throw the bottle in the trash bin then go back to my classroom. The class continued and we reach the P.E.class.Here,we are free to do whatever we want,as long as it was related in physical education.We change ourselves into P.E uniforms and go to the basketball court.Ah,I forgot to tell it yesterday isn''t it?.By the way,it was just a half court.Also,the uniforms here are unique in a way that it has name sew on it in the bottom part. Anyways,some do basketball,some do table tennis(they arranged the table) and some do badminton(they also arranged the net itself). For me,I didn''t participate in any sport.I''m not saying I''m not good on it but maybe I''m just not in a good mood today.But it''s not just me.There is also one more person who didn''t participate which was already expected since it was her ''weakness''. As I noticed that ''girl'',sitting ont the ground,I go towards her and asked: "Still not participating in sports?.How about you try playing at least once,Hiten-san?." "Oh.Tomozoki-kun.Didn''t I already told you that I''m not good in sports?.Also why are you not participating this time?." "I''m not feeling good today." "Are you sick?.I will call Sen-" "Not in the good mood specifically." Higashi Hiten.A small girl with a short hair and glasses as her signature trait.As I said earlier,sports may be her weakness but academics is her strength.In fact she was always the one who gets the top score every weekly and midterm exams. "Joke aside,I think you need at least to cope this weakness of yours,Hiten-san.By the way,just a curious question.Are you doing exercise in your home?." "Huh?.Now that''s a out of nowhere question,Tomozuki-kun."If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. She paused a bit then continued. "Actually not.And I think that''s rather a stupid question.I mean what if I''m not exercising at home?.What you will do?." "I''m just asking you know." Another trait of her is this ''sharp mouth'' of hers.But even with that she is the one who doesn''t really have someone who you call a ''buddy''.I mean let''s look back.Chinatsu-san have Hosokawa-san.Then the three gals.Then Kanakura-san have at least the President.Yahiro-san at least have me(since we are both book lovers)Then there''s another two but well let''s talk about them later. "And aside from sports,how about you also make some friends aside from me?.It''s already ten months you know." "When did I consider you as my ''friend'', Tomozuki-kun?." Friend huh.But you are already calling me by my first name in the last few months,isn''t?. "That aside,I think you and Yahiro-san will be get along together since both of love books." "Tomozuki-kun,detective novels and national geographic books are different." "If that the case then about trying reading detective novels now?I can reco-" "Not interested.I only read facts,not fiction stories." Well that''s it.I guess it couldn''t help.I couldn''t even manage to finish my own sentence. A silence occurs after that.A few minutes later,someone approach us.Specifically,the two who are playing basketball one-by-one. "What did you need from us?."said Hiten-san "Well,we noticed that the two of you are not doing anything here for some time so we are just thinking if you could play with us?.Like two by two?.Of course,Seishirou and I couldn''t be together." The one who suggest that to us is Kirisaki Onodera.She has a semi-short hair in a ponytail style,for now(since they are playing),with a slim body. "Not interested.And that is also impossible,not just because I not good playing basketball but also I have a bad eyesight.I will not be play properly while in glasses and I also can''t remove them." "Oh.that''s right.I''m sorry.l''m sorry.I really an idiot,no,Seishirou?." Idiot.Come to think of it,Onodera-san is the one who always got the lowest marks in exams.Which is also mean,a complete opposite version of Hiten-san. "Don''t call be with my first name in front of others,Kirisaki.It''s embarassing." The one who said that is Seishirou Tachibana.A tall girl with pixie cut hairstyle. Let just say she was the ''tomboy'' type.Maybe that was the reason why she have boyish name.Well I will just ask her that to confirm it if I get a good oppprtunity. "That''s okay,Seishirou.It really suits with your appearance and personality." "Well,I couldn''t really disagree with that. By the way,I heard from the Ayumi-san that these are also classmates back in middle school.Also they said that they are the representative in basketball competition back then in middle school.So they already really known each other before even coming in this school. "Then how about just teach her only how to play basketball,Onodera-san,Tachibana-san?Since I''m not also in my mood to play so this the perfect timing for all of you." "If that''s the case then Kirisaki,go teach this brat how to shoot a ball." "Oi.I said I''m not interested.And I''m not a brat!" "Hiten-san." I said her name with a slightly strong tone.Her eyes widely open a little bit.Then I continued. "You need at least to work up body,Hiten-san. If you don''t agreed,I will steal your glasses." "Are you threatening me,Tomozuki-kun?.If you do that,it''s bullying.I will report you to Sensei." "No.Sensei will probably just tell you to at least participate in P.E.class." She couldn''t manage to reply back.She went on silence. "So I guess that''s settles it." Onodera-san broke the silence then grabbed Hiten''s arm,forcing her to stand up and dragged her to the court.Meanwhile, Tachibana-san just sit up next to me. "You''re not going to join Onodera-san?." "I''m not good at teaching.So I will just have rest here." After saying that,I looked up to those two who are in the court.Onodera-san first show to her how to shoot up.Then she gave the ball to Hiten-san and asked to followed what she did. Onodera-san guide her,then when Hiten- san release the ball.As expected,an airball. "Between you and Onodera-san,who is better in basketball,Tachibana-san?." "Well,I''m not really sure.When we fought one-by-one,I sometimes win.I sometimes lose.I guess we are just in the same level." After that a silence occur.To broke it,I asked her a silly question. "Tachibana-san what you will do if a girl confess to you,let say for example Onodera-san?." I thought that she will insult me with this but to my surprise,she answer me seriously. "I will reject her and will asked if we can still become friends again." Okay,if that the case,I will asked her a serious one. "Joke aside,what if it''s a boy.Let say,me?." "Is the question earlier a joke?." "Yes.Anyways what your''s answer?." "Of course I will reject you.I mean,we really didn''t know each other that much right?." "Ouch.Did I just rejected before even confessing?." "Blame yourself for making a joke for me." This whole conversation is a joke. "All that aside,what''s the matter,Hashimoto?." "Nothing.I''m just thinking that maybe you''re into shotas since you will reject a boy and a girl with the same as you." "Ahhhh!." Pannnnn!.A hand chop was send to my head.She didn''t mind it and instead continued her curiousity. "Are you perhaps expecting someone to confess to you tomorrow?.Sorry but I can''t think someone who will do that." "You all said that but maybe deep inside you are the one who might confess to me.Well if that happen,I will re-" Pan.Pan.Two hand chop was send again to me.Wait Tachibana-san.Are you perhaps a more ''violent'' girl?.Should I change the way how I describe you?. After that,we continue to talk nonsense things.Somehow,it gave me motivation.Right now,I''m in a good mood again. The P.E.class ended and we continue to finished that last session.After some time,the class finally ended.Of course,I know what I need to do. I go to the spare room in the first floor and there,I found Chinatsu-san. "Good work,Chinatsu-san." "Wuaahhhh!." She got slightly surprised to my sudden appearance and said: "Ha-ha-hashimoto-kun?.What are you doing here?." "Well nothing special.I''m just want to see your work.Wait,are you done already?." I said as I walked towards her. "Y-yes." I looked to the painting.Beautiful.What a masterpiece,again. "Will it display in our classroom tomorrow?." "That''s right." Damn.Even though I came here in my own accord,I really don''t exactly how I will comfort.Think.Think. "Uhhmmm,Ha-hashimoto-kun.Did you need something from me or here?.If none,th-then,I will be going home now after I re-report it to-" She stopped on her talk.Because I suddenly patted her head,gently.Okay,what now?.I need to choose the correct words here. "Ha-ha-hashimoto-kun?." As expected,she was surprised.Of course,she didn''t expect all of this.Okay.I''m finally know what to say. "I heard from Hosokawa-san that you are somehow worried or should I say,you have something in mind when she see you in the morning.Of course,I will not force you to say to me what you are worrying about.But I want to say..." I paused a bit.Still patting her head,I continued. "I want to say that you can also rely on me and maybe to our other classmates.Just because I reject you doesn''t we can''t become friends,right?.That''s why...don''t hesitate to talk to me,okay?." Phew.I''m glad I''m manage to tell what I want to say.The delivery may not be at it''s best(since I''m also kinda nervous)but well as long as she hears that,then that''s alright. When I looked to her face,I noticed something weird or should I say,something surprising. Tears are falling down from her eyes. "Wait,wait.D-did I say something bad?." "Ah Do-don''t worry.It was nothing." I looked at my back.Thank God there isn''t someone who could witness this.Chinatsu- san wiped her eyes with her handkerchief and recover herself.Meanwhile,I put down my hand from her head. "Thank you,Hashimoto-kun.I''m very happy when you said you are worried about me and we can still become friends.But I''m alright.For now,let''s relax and celebrate Valentines Day tomorrow,okay?." She said that all of that without stuttering any word.Really,it surprise when she could be able to do that.It''s like a character development. "Is that so?.Then that''s good to hear." I couldn''t help but to just said those words of reliefness. "That''s right.For now,let''s just enjoy ourselves tomorrow." I added. After that,we talked for a while about anything(some are nonsense).We both laugh and we both argue.Then after that finally left the room.I''m sure she go to Ayumi-san to report her work. I stayed in the spare room for some time.I just keep looking in the painting,appreciating its beauty.Then after that,I finally decided to leave the room and go home. After changing my shoes in the locker room,I noticed it.Rain.It was raining outside.Also,I noticed that Ayumi-san is standing there in the entrance.I approached her. "This is quite bad." "Your right.It would be ugly it it continue until tomorrow." Well it was not raining heavy but who knows?.The weather may put the heavy rains tomorrow and it would be not ideal since we will celebrate Valentines Day. "By the way good work,Ayumi-san." "Thank you,Hashimoto-san.But all of this will not be possible without Chinatsu-san, Kanakura-san and Hosokawa-san." "Did other people also help?.Like Reina-san and her gang?." "No.But it''s not like they are needed anyways." After that,a silence between us occur,so I take this opportunity to asked her a different question. "Did you perhaps don''t have an umbrella, Ayumi-san?." "I have one.And you?." "Also the same." A silence again.Then I continued. "I''m wondering why you''re still not going home.It''s already almost six o'' clock." "Well,how should I put it.I''m just love watching rain." "I see." Then a silence again.After some time,I finally decided to leave. "I will be going now,Ayumi-san.How about you?." "You can go first.I will just stay here for a little bit longer." she said while looking up in the sky. After that,I gave my farewell to her and left the school.Come to think of it right now,she and Sensei were the only left in the school.I just realized that my other classmates already gone home,including Chinatsu-san. I walk down the road while holding my umbrella.Of course,I didn''t see Kanakura-san in the bench.Finally I got home.I was little wet but that''s okay since I will change clothes. After that,I go to my room and read again the ''Strangulation Romanticist'',continuing where I left.After finishing six chapters,I decided to go to sleep,as the rainfall didn''t stop. Another normal day ended.No,since there is something ''special'' happened to me today.So I should say a ''special day'' have ended.Yeah that''s right. Second Random Diary Note 13th September,2021 Thursday 10:00 P.M Dear Diary, There''s nothing to talk about today except to this one small incident. First of all,each student was assigned everyday to clean the classroom before going home.It was a rule that was already created since the school year starts.And today is my turn so I ended up staying for a while.On the other hand,Shiina-chan said she had something to do so she immediately go home without waiting for me.If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. Anyways,when I''m about leave the classroom after done cleaning it,Reina-san and her friends suddenly appeared in front of me.For some reason,they started badmouthing and teasing.That time,I really don''t know how I will act but suddenly,someone came in the classroom.That someone is Hashimoto- kun.She told Reina-san and to her friends to stopped on what they are doing.After that,they immediately left,maybe because they are scared that Hashimoto-kun might report it to Sensei. Of course,I thank him for doing that.He received it and just said it was nothing special.Then he immediately left after that.For some reason,my heart started beating fast since that little incident.Wait.Could it be love?. Aina Calm Before The Storm Today is February 14,the special day had come.I arrived in the school and change my shoes.I didn''t find any letter today.Maybe Chinatsu-san already stop doing that because of what happen yesterday. Upon arriving at the classroom,I saw a different scene.The big painting that was drawn by Chinatsu-san was already here and the chairs was moved from side. "Good morning,Ha-hashimoto-kun." "Oh.Morning,Chinatsu-san." She immediately greeted me as I sat in a vacant chair. Chinatsu-san suddenly walk away from me then comeback again,holding something.Then she handed it to me. "This is,uhmmm your favorite character you said to me before.Uhhmmm..." I recieved the illustration she drawn.And upon looking to it,I can only say one word:amazing. "Thank you very much,Chinatsu-san.As always,you never fail to amaze me with your talent.What a masterpiece." "Th-thank you." After that,she pulled out something from her pocket then give it to me. "And Happy Valentines Day,Hashimoto-kun." "Ah!." Oh,a chocolate.I see.I thought that her illustration will be the ''gift'' for me but I guess I forgot that she can do both. "Thank you and I''m sorry.I don''t have something to return." "No.No.Tha-that''s okay." After that,I looked again to the illustration and said: "You know,you can be an illustrator on light novel industry." "Is that so?.Hehehe." She giggled after praising her.It''s actually nice to see.It feels like she was more lively today than her usual self. "By the way,are you the one who bring that big painting here?." "No.It was Tachibana-san and Onodera-san who br-brought that here.We asked for their help." "I think it''s an honor for them to carry that such an amazing painting." "No,no.I think you are o-overestimating me." Well,I''m just stating a fact based on what I seeing. "I think I have to go now,Hashimoto-kun.I have something to do first with Shiina-chan."If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. "Is that so?.Then take your time,Chinatsu-san." After I said that,she immediately left the classroom.She was really lively today. I realized that we don''t have classes today bacause of the special occasion,so maybe this is the perfect time to finish the novel I have been reading. I pulled out the book in the bag and when I''m about to flip a page,someone interrupt me. "Good morning,Hashimoto-san." "Oh,morning,Ayumi-san." "Ah.Did I just bothered your reading session?." "No,no.I''m actually just to start." "I see.Then,that''s good to hear." "What''s the matter?." She paused a little then anwers. "Well if it''s okay to you but can you please read somewhere other than here?.You see,we are actually just to finish decorating inside this classroom and it would be better that there''s no one will gonna bother us." "So I''m a bother from here?." When I about to say,''Just kidding'''',she immediately answers: "And we want to surprise all." I see.I understand now.So that''s the reason why most of our classmates are not here.The only ones who are here are me,Ayumi-san and Kanakura-san. "Okay.If that''s the case,then maybe I will read in the canteen." "Then that''s settles it.Thank you very much for cooperating." I stand up on my seat,together with my novel and when I''m about to left,Ayumi-san interrupt me again. "Wait,Hashimoto-san." I stopped on walking and when I turned back,she handle me something. "Here.Happy Valentines Day,Hashimoto-kun." A chocolate.I thought I will not receive one from her.Wait.It''s not like I''m expecting from the start,okay? "Thank you but I don''t have something to return.Is that okay?." "That''s alright.I''m not expecting one specially from you,Hashimoto-san." Before leaving,I looked around for the last time inside of the classroom.They already complete have of the classroom with fancy designs.Hmmmmm.As I looking around,a question came to my mind. "By the way,are you the two of you did this heart designs.It looks so perfect." "Ah that.Actually not.It was Yahiro-san and Hiten-san who did that." "I see.Thank you for answering." After that conversation,I finally left the classroom and when I''m about to go downstairs,someone called me,again. "Hashimoto-kun." This time,it''s Yahiro-san. "Come here.Come here." I followed her instructions and go towards there.She was siting in a school arm chair while doing something.I think I already have an idea what it is. "What are you doing with that,Yahiro-san?." "Ayumi-san asked me to cut some ''heart-shaped'' thing with these red papers.She said that it will be a part of the design inside the classroom." "Oh.I see." Just like what Ayumi-san said. A short silence occured between us.After that,I asked. "Then,why did you call me here?." "I think you probably already know what is it." I think a little and answered her. "I think it''s about on Hercule Poirot series that you love to read." "Fufu.Well that may be also the answer but unfortunately,it''s not.But if you will gonna ask me,I''m on a 27th series right now." So she already read seven books since the last time I asked that question to her.Anyways she pulled something from her pocket and as I expected,a chocolate. "Happy Valentines Day,Hashimoto-kun." "Thank you very much.But as a return,instead of a chocolate,how about I lend you this book after reading it?." I showed to her the book I''m holding while saying that. "Fufu.I haven''t tried reading Japanese detective novel but if Hashimoto-kun lends me one,I will gladly to accept the offer." After accepting the chocolate from her,she asked me. "By the way,where are you going?." "In the canteen.That''s where I will read this novel." "I see.Then take your time." After that,I finally left the scene and go to the canteen.Hmmmm.Wait,where is Hiten-san?.I didn''t saw her in the corridor.Where she was doing those designs.I''m quite curious about that but I guess I will put that question aside. Maybe I will just ask her that later.For now,let''s just finish reading this mystery novel. It seems that today is a special day to me,as I recieved three chocolates from three different people. When I finally got down,I noticed that the weather is good today.Unlike yesterday, where there is slight heavy rainfall,today was a very sunny day. The Murder Upon arriving at the canteen,I search up for a comfortable place then sat up after finding one. I put down the chocolates I received.I opened the book and continue reading the book.Just a quick reminder.''Strangulation Romanticist'' is a work by Nisio Isin on 2002,a sequel to his debut work ''The Beheading Cycle''.I learned that he wrote the sequel in three days,which for me is mind-blowing.As the title says,this book talks about a girl was murdered by strangulation and the protagonist,which was called ''Nonsense User'' was tasked to find out the murderer.I haven''t finish the book,but that''s basically the gist of it. After reading for about thirty minutes,I look around for while to rest my eyes.I noticed that there were no people around here.After resting I continued again.I think I''m about to finished the book but then suddenly,something strange happen. Earthquake.And what''s more,I strong one. My body swayed around.In this situation,the best thing to do is to do the "duck,cover and hold".I used the table I''m using as a shield,then wait for the earthquake to stop. I think it took a minute for it to stop.After confirming it,I stand up from my position,put the novel in my head and walk away. I decided to left the chocolates to the table.I''m apologize for those who gave those to me.I decided to eat them later but since there is an unexpected thing happen,safety comes first. Since we do earthquake drill before,I at least know what to do if the real thing comes.I go to an open area,which is the basketball court,just like what we did in the drill.Upon arriving,I saw Hosokawa-san, Ayumi-san and Kanakura-san, Hoshino-san,Ichika-san,Takahashi-sensei and the principal. "It''s glad to saw that all of you come here after an earthquake occurs.It seems like you know what you need to do with situations like this.Anyways,where are your other classmates?." Sensei praise and asked that question to us.And after a minute,Onodera-san and Tachibana-san finally arrived.Then Sensei spoke to them. "Thank goodness,the two of you are safe." "So who are still missing?"asked by Ayumi-san "Reina-san,Chinatsu-san,Yahiro-san and Hi-" Just when I''m about to finished my sentence,I saw someone running towards to us.It was Hiten-san.When she arrived,she gasped: "Help....Yahiro-san...lose....her.... conciousness" All of us got surprised.Hiten-san,who was weak in physical education,ran as far as she could just to report this to us.She must be really worried to her classmates.I remember when I said that she and Yahiro could get along to each other.Maybe that could happened after this.This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. Anyways,Takahashi-sensei immediately asked: "Did you saw some injuries from her,Hiten?." "No.I think she only got dizzy and fell down." "Thank you.I know that you are not really friendly but when it comes to danger,you can show your soft side,Hiten." She didn''t replied back.Instead she sits in the ground to rest.Since her body is not as great as Tachibana-san,just running away from second floor to this place already drained her energy. But on the other side,did she perhaps have a weaker stamina than Yahiro-san?.Maybe I will just ask her that later. "For now,all of you need to stay here for a while,since there still an aftershock.I will get Yahiro from the second floor." Sensei left after saying that.Meanwhile,when I looked around,I didn''t realized that Hoshino- san and Ichika-san are not here in this basketball court anymore.But when I turned around,they are walking towards here,alongside with Reina-san. "Where the two of you go?.Sensei said we still need to stay here for while." The one who asked that is Ayumi-san.For now,since Sensei is not around,she was the one who is in charge here. "Are you blind?.Didn''t you just saw t what we did?.We pick up Tsujinika from the restroom. Since she is not coming back,we want to check her.We just worried with our friend." explained by Hoshino-san. "But that is still a wrong decision.What if the aftershock happen when you are walking around then suddenly something fall to you?.Isn''t the worst case scenario?." "Shut up!!!."shouted by Ichika-san. Meanwhile,I look to Reina-san.Hmmmm. Something is weird.Come to think of it,she doesn''t speak any word since she arrived here.She looks stunned and somehow nervous. Anyways,since Reina-san already arrived and Sensei is picking up Yahiro-san,the only one left is Chinutsu-san. "Why are taking so long,Ai-chan." Hosokawa-san said that to herself,in a soft voice,showing her concern and confusion to her bestfriend.If that''s the case,I will take this opportunity to spoke up. "Hosokawa-san.Is Chinatsu-san is not with you before the eathquake occurs?." I called her out asked that question "Yes" "How about you,Hiten-san?.Is Chinatsu-san is with you?." "No." "Then Onodera-san,Tachibana-san? "No,we didn''t even see her since morning." "That''s right." "How about you,Reina-san?." She didn''t answer immediately.It took a minute and she still not answering.I asked again the question,but this time with a stronger tone. "Reina-san,did you perhaps see Chinatsu-san?." "N-no." Finally,my words reach her.There is definitely something wrong with her. Then lastly. "How about you,Kanakura-san." "No since I''m with President." Just right after asking that,Sensei finally arrived,carrying Yahiro-san in a princess style. "I will take Yahiro in the spare room.By the way,are we complete now?." "No.Chinatsu-san is still not arriving." "I see.How about checking the classroom?. Maybe she was there.Actually,you can already check it out since there will be no aftershocks anymore.A period of time have already passed so it okay now." After saying that,Sensei finally left to take Yahiro to the spare room. Suddenly,Kanakura-san ran over towards the upstairs.What she is doing?. I and Hosokawa-san followed her while walking.When we arrived at the classroom,the door was already open and we saw that Kanakura-san was vomiting something in the corner. "What''s the matter,Sumi-chan?." Hosokawa-san immediately assist her when she saw her situation,then Kanakura-san point towards the door. "De-de-dea-dea.." "What are you saying,Sumi-chan?." I go towards the door and saw something unbelievable. "Are you serious....." "Did you already find Chinatsu-san?." The one who said that is Ayumi-san,as she just arrived in the scene. Yes,Ayumi-san.We already found her.Aina Chinatsu was lying in the floor upwards,with a knife buried to her stomach. Detective And Accomplice We all gathered in the spare room after discovering Chinatsu-san dead body.On the other hand,Yahiro-san is still not waking up so she is still in the principal office. Sensei is already reporting what happen in the police.Meanwhile,all of us are stunned on just what happened,especially Hosokawa-san. "How...how....I can''t...I can''t...believe...it...." Said by Hosokawa-san,as she couldn''t accept the fate that her bestfriend received "So does it mean there is a murderer between us?." The one who said that is Ayumi-san. "No.no.That''s im-impossible.Right?." Said by Kanakura-san,trembling. Meanwhile,I looked to Reina-san.It seems like she is now back to her usual self.But of course,the anxiety is still there,since she couldn''t believe what happen.That was also the same with the other two gals. "Maybe it was just an accident?.Remember that there is an earthquake happen?."said by Onodera-san. By looking from my classmates,it seems like they are trying to disregard the existence of murder and want to give an alternative idea on what really happen. "Ye-yeah that''s right.Maybe it was just an accident." said by Hoshino-san. "Maybe while holding the knife,the earthquake occurs then she accidentally stabs her-" "Shut up!!!!." Just when Ichika-san about to finish her sentence,Hosokawa-san shouted to her. "Are you an idiot!!?.There is no way that would be an accident!!!.I mean,I mean....." After saying that,she bow her head and start crying.She must enduring this tragic event all this time.Meanwhile,Ayumi-san go towards her to comfort her. "That''s right.I mean if it was really an accident,then she was too unfortunate and it''s too much for coincidence." said by Hiten-san,denying the idea of accident. "Then if that''s the case...."said by Reina-san,talking for the first time for a while. "She was really murdered.And the suspect is of course,one among us." Ayumi-san finished Reina-san''s sentence. "How about you,Hashimoto?.What can you say about this." Tachibana-san asked me and everyone turn their head to my place.I choose the words correctly and answer her. "I think I will gonna agree to Ayumi-san.If I will gonna choose between an accident and a murder,I will definitely choose the latter." After saying that,it seems like that they are convinced now.Then I added. "Anyways,we will be able to find it out who is the murderer since Sensei she already talking this case to the police.We just need to wait her." Then a silence occur after I said that. Hosokawa-san was still crying.Ayumi-san is there comforting her.The others looks relieved.Then after some time,Sensei finally arrived to us. "I''m sorry for waiting for you all.Let me get to the point.I have two bad news and one good news.Which did you want to hear first?." Everyone was puzzled after hearing the words ''bad news'',including me.I''m sure that the good news is that Sensei already talk about the matter to the police and they will arrive here soon.But how about the bad news?.What''s more,two?.So the one bad news is about, Yahiro-san?.Did something bad happen to her?.No,wait.How about the other one?. While in the middle of my deep thoughts, Ayumi-san spoke up. "The good news first,Sensei." I like to know the bad news first but since she already take in charge,it couldn''t help.But my expectation was broke after Sensei announced the good news. "The good news is that Yahiro seems alright.Even though she still not waking,we think that she was just sleeping.Maybe recovering her strength." Everyone,except me,was relief after hearing the news.It seems they didn''t understand the true meaning of that news.So if that''s the case,I asked Sensei. "How about the police,Sensei?." "Ah.About that,it was a little bit complicated.To tell you the truth,it was one of the bad news." Boom.Everyone drop their jaws after hearing that. "Wha-what do you mean,Sensei?." The one who immediately asked that is Hosokawa-san.It seems she already recover from crying.Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! "When I''m about to call the police,the principal request to me if the whole case can be keep as a secret among us.But-" "What are.....you...saying?" Hosokawa-san stand up and immediately said that before even before Sensei finish her explanation.I look up to her.I could see from her eyes.The disapppointment when she heard those words.In order to calm her down,I spoke up. "Hosokawa-san,let Sensei to finish he explanation.There must be a meaning behind that." "But Tomo-" "Hosokawa-san." I called her name again but with a stronger tone this timw.After hearing that,she sit down and didn''t say any words anymore. "I know how you feel,Hosokawa but just like what Hashimoto said,there is a reason for that.The principal doesn''t want to involve the police to avoid controversy and scandal about the school.If this case was put the public,then we are already done.The school will gonna shut down,since we will receive criticism from other people.Also,this may affect your status as a student.Some of you may already know what I mean with that,right?." I kinda know what she is getting at.Not the school,but also us.Let say this school shut down.Then we have no choice but to transfer to other school.But of course,since the case was already in public,people around us will gonna ask us what happened.Knowing how society works,that may bother us as a students. Meanwhile,Sensei continue to spoke up. "But of course,we still need give appropiate justice for this case.That''s why the principal asked if we can solve this case with ourselves.Of course,if we found out who is culprit,we will be confine them to police,but to avoid the public news,the principal will provide hes aid.You see,the principal once a former chief-inspector." ''Principal is a former chief inspector'' I muttered.It seems like I was the only one who was surprised.Maybe because the others can''t already think properly because of the trauma on this case. Anyways,solve the murder case among us.Find the murderer.Bring her to the police,with the help of principal to avoid the public news.That''s what Sensei want to happen.But.... "That''s it.And the second bad news is that the electricity supply cut out.So we will not be able to use electric fans here and water here." "Oh.I see.So that''s the reason why the fan here are not working.It is because of the earthquake,Sensei?." asked by Kanakura- san,while fanning herself with her right hand. "That''s right.The transformer might damaged while the earthquake is happening." Well I kinda already expecting it since it was a strong earthquake. "How about Yahiro-san?.Didn''t she need some air?." asked by Hiten-san. "Don''t worry.The principal is there,fanning her with a cardboard." After that,I short silence had occur.Some look relieved.Some look confused.Hosokawa-san looks both.Then after a while,Sensei spoke up. "So did you understand now,Hosokawa?." "Ye-yes.I''m sorry for all the commotion I made." "All that said,how we will gonna solve this case?." "I will." Those words come from my mouth suddenly. Everyone turn their heads to me.Then I repeat again. "I will solve this case today,until the sunset.I will found out who killed Chinatsu-san." "Hoh." Sensei gave an amusement reaction to my sudden declaration. "Is there any reason why you need to take this case?." "Well,is there someone here willing to volunteer here besides me?." I asked everyone and look around.But no one answers or raise their hands. "So you will be the detective,Hashimoto?." "You can call it that." There is another reason why I volunteer myself.After rejecting Chinatsu-san,I said to her that I will lend my hand and eart to her if there''s a problem to her.But this time it''s a little bit different.As she is not alive anymore. "Of course,I will gonna ask everyone''s testimony about what they are doing before the earthquake,as I''m in the canteen that time,reading a novel until the earthquake comes." "But can you proved that,Hashimoto?.That you just stay in the canteen for the whole time until the earthquake happened?." Everyone gave me a suspicious look.Come to think of it,I haven''t see anyone in the canteen.Which means no one can prove my existence there.Meanwhile,Sensei continue. "Of course,it''s great that someone volunteer to investigate and solve this murder.But just because you volunteer doesn''t mean you already free from suspicion.Anyone here can become the culprit afterall." After saying that,everyone become intense and some look at me with sharp eyes,like Tachibana-san and Kanakura-san.Hmmmm. Could it be that everyone are already suspecting me as the murderer?.Anyways,I spoke up to clear this matter. "To be honest,no one can prove that I really stay in the canteen." After I say those words,everyone suspicion to me had rised.However,I just ignored that and continue "But someone at least saw me on what direction I came from when we headed to the basketball court after the earthquake occurs." That''s right.Someone saw me there,and I don''t need to mention her name.Because she knew who I''m talking about. "By someone,are you perhaps pertaining to me,Hashimoto-san?." "That''s right." The one who asked that question is Ayumi-san.Yes,she is the one who saw me back then.Anyways,she continue. "He''s right.I saw him coming from the canteen. After she confirmed that,somehow the suspicion to me had decrease.But suddenly,Kanakura-san asked. "But what if you just pretend to come there,what if-" She suddenly stopped talking as if she realized something. "That''s right,Kanakura-san.What you are saying may be true.But remember,the canteen is the farthest place to the classroom inside this school." That''s just also means that there''s no way I would go to the classroom,kill Chinatsu-san and come back to the canteen like nothing happen.And the most important thing is that I don''t have a motive. "And lastly,I remember that I left the book I''m reading to one of the tables there.That will be also a proof that I''m there,reading a book.Of course,I haven''t still get that since a crime happened and we are forced to stay here." After saying that,it seems like everyone calm down and finally agreed to me. "Okay.It seems like you have a solid alibi,Hashimoto.You didn''t do anything after the earthquake and immediately go to the basketball court,right?." asked by Sensei "Are you still doubting me?." "Of course.Everyone here is a suspect,including me and the principal." "Well that''s true.Which is also means I will gonna also ask you some questions,Sensei." "No problem for me." Now that settles it.But before proceeding,I need a place to do the interview Also, someone who will might help me here. "Ayumi-san,thank you very for proving at least my innocence here." "No.I''m just saying the fact." "How about you help in this case?." "Me?.Am I really needed to solve this case?." "Well,how should I put it." Isn''t always someone there to help the detective to solve the case?Just like in most detective fiction novels.I know that Yahiro-san would be the best choice for this case,but since she still not waking up,I have to choose someone.But then I again,maybe I can handle this with myself. "Ah.Forget it,Ayu-" "I understand.I will help you.Of course,I can provide my own alibi before accepting your offer." Just when I''m about to reject the idea,she immediately accept my request.Since rejecting her would just make things confusing,I will just let things happen I look around with my classmates.Who is the murderer among us?.Who killed to the girl I just rejected yesterday?.After asking those questions to my head,I proclaimed: "For starters,how about we check the dead body itself?." Crime Scene After deciding that we will gonna solve this case by ourselves,while the remaining of our classmates are left behind from the spare room as we didn''t really needed them here,I decided to followed Ayumi-san in the classroom.She was already got there before me to examine Chinatsu-san''s body. When I arrived,I saw her doing something. When I got closer,I realized that she was offering a condolence prayer to her.After doing that,she finally noticed me and said. "So you finally here,Hashimoto-san." "Thank you very much for doing that, Ayumi-san." "That was nothing special.Or should I say,that was a normal thing to do when we saw a person who passed away." "You''re right." I couldn''t help but to agree.Anyways,I began examining Chinatsu-san body. Her body was stabbed by a knife in her abdomen through to stomach,resulting to her ''cause of death''.However,the murder weapon itself was still intact from there.Meaning,the culprit doesn''t have the intention to bring the knife to them.But of course,she could just had put it somewhere here. I didn''t see anything weird around her like note or something that will gonna gives us clue to the murderer.Her body was in upward position;her head pointing to the window and foot pointing to blackboard. On the other hand,I checked her pockets to see if that ''thing'' is there.After checking both side pockets,I found her small notebook.If I''m remember correctly,this is where she put wrote down the title of the novel and the name of my favorite character that she asked me the other day.I confirmed it after scheming this small notebook. By the way,this where I will write everyone''s alibis and possible motives.That''s why I searched for it. "Ayumi-san,can you ask someone to carry her body in the corridor?.Also,cover her body with a cloth." "I understand.But will you not pull out the knife from her stomach?." "Oh,that?." Should I pull it out or not?.After some seconds of thinking,I decided to choose the latter. "I think we should keep it stick in in her stomach.The blood may flow out if we removed it." After saying that,Ayumi-san left the classroom as she follow my instructions.Meanwhile,I examine the the whole classroom.I just realized that the decoration was already finished and we are supposed to celebrate here happily.Unfortunately,we will not be able to do that anymore. After scheming,I saw on the vacant chair the illustration that Chinatsu-san give to me just this early morning.I still couldn''t believe that that will be the last time I will gonna be able to talk her.Really,why a murder must happened here.Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. And come to think of it,I still haven''t get back the novel I''m reading to the canteen,isn''t?. Also,the chocolates.Maybe I will just get that later after asking everyone with their alibis.I''m almost there to the solution part from that novel and was supposed to finish it today but that earthquake occur and what''s more,a tragedy happen. As I reminiscing the moments,Ayumi-san arrived,together with Hoshino-san and Ichika-san. Hmmm.What a strange duo.I mean I didn''t expect they will be the one who will gonna volunteer to help. "Where she will gonna carry her,Ayumi-san" asked by Hoshino-san. "Just on the outside of the corridor." After that,they immediately obey her without hesitation.Normally,someone will gonna vomit if they a corpse just like what happen in Kanakura-san.But it seems like they are just like me and Ayumi-san,who didn''t mind seeing a dead body. But aside from that,Hoshino-san and Ichika-san are the type of tudents who would not do something like this,voluntarily. Ichika-san supports on the corpse''s hands, while Hoshino-san on the foot.Together, they lifted her up and carried her in the corridor.After doing that,Ichika-san asked. "Is that all?." "Yeah.For now,you can just go back to the spare room.We will just called you out again later for the interview." The who answers her is me.After saying that,they left the scene.Meanwhile,Ayumi-san get something from a bag,which is turned out to be a huge red cloth. "Is that yours?." "Yes.It was supposed to use in here in this classroom but I never thought we will gonna end up using it as a cover for our classmate''s corpse." After saying that,she go towards Chinatsu-san''s dead body,fix her position a little bit then finally cover her with the huge red cloth. As I look back,I saw that there are some blood remain from where she was lying.But I immdetiately ignore it.It makes to remember Chinatsu-san''s corpse. "By the way,why the two gals the ones you ended bringing here,Ayumi-san?." "Ah about that,both of them are not really interested on carrying a corpse but Reina-san is the one who asked them to help me so they couldn''t refuse.I''m actually surprised with that." "Maybe she want to show her sympathy at least once." After that a short silenced had occur.Oh,I''m almost forgot to asked this question. "By the way,how''s Yahiro-san?." "Sensei said that she still not showing any signs of waking up." "I see." "Did Yahiro-san perhaps suffer from something after the earthquake?.It is not normal,you know?." "Well,let''s just pray that she wakes up soon before this day ends." That''s right.I promised that I will solve this case before the sunset.And we need her testimony before that happen.She might gives us some clues for who might the culprit. And speaking of Sensei,I forgot that I borrowed her phone since I want to take photo of the classroom.Also I request to her that if possible,I want her to watched our other classmates since the culprit(which is of course one among us)might do something wierd or unusual.And if that happened,she can report that to me. But I''m sure that they will not do that since it they may become suspicious.But still,for the safety,I still asked her. ''Really,why I''m always forgot the most important things.''I mutter. "Hmmm?." "Ah no.Nothing." She probably heard what I said,but I immediately said it was not something she need to worry about. Anyways,I pick up the phone on my pocket,go to the camera and take a photo of the classroom.Then I decided to keep Sensei''s phone for a while. After doing that,I said: "This is where we will gonna do the interview among our classmates and stuffs,Ayumi-san. Of course,let''s start it from you." I sit to the chair on the table near to front of the blackboard.Meanwhile I asked Ayumi-san to pick up a vacant chair and aligned it in front of me.Of course,she sit down to that chair. "Now then,Ayumi-san.What did you do before the earthquake occurs?.Let start when you asked me to leave the classroom earlier from the morning.And Iike you to tell every detail as possible. " The Evidence of the Class President "So after you left,Hashimoto-san,me and Kanakura-san continued decorating the classroom.I visited Yahiro-san to asked the task I given to her.Specifically,about the heart- shaped design that I ordered her to do.I also visited Hiten-san in the storage room since I also gave her the same task as Yahiro-san. Then go back again to classroom.Uhmm,can you follow what I''m saying,Hashimoto-san?." Suddenly,Ayumi-san stopped explaining to consult me. "Yes.But you are in perfect timing,Ayumi-san since I want you to asked immediately one question.Why is Hiten-san in the storage room?.Or should I say,why she is working there?." That''s quite bothering me.She can do that outside just like Yahiro-san. "Well I actually asked her about that.She just said ''Don''t worry,Ayumi-san.I can manage myself here.As long as I did that task you gave to me,there is no problem isn''t?'' something like that.Since she was right,I just left her after getting the heart-shaped designs." Well if that''s the case,then I couldn''t dig further more from Ayumi-san.Maybe I will just ask Hiten-san herself later.On the other hand,I wrote down all the main details to Chinatsu-san notebook. "Anyways,you still do something after that?." "Yes." "Then please continue." "Okay.As I go back to the classroom,me and Kanakura-san just continue on working.And we finally finished,I said to Kanakura-san that she could go now somewhere since we already done decorating.But she said she doesn''t have something to do,so I suggested to her if we could do some paintings in the hallway on the first floor.She happily agreed to me so we go down,get a table,cardboards and paints.Anyways,did you have any questions so far,Hashimoto-kun?." She stopped again and consult me.But so far,there is no weird or something I couldn''t understand from her explanation. "None.please continue again." "Then after painting some pictures,Kanakura- san accidentally dropped a cup of painting to my clothes.Of course,she got panic and immediately apologize.But since a part of my uniform got stained,I say I will just have to wear new.So I go again to the classroom to get my spare uniform.Then I go to restroom and changed.Then after that,I go back again to Kanakura-san.Then after some time,the earthquake occurs.Of course after that eathquake,I go to the open court." Finally,the long explanation had ended.So far,there is no suspicious thing from what she did.Furthermore,she has a solid alibi before and after the earthquake. By the way,maybe I forgot to tell it,but the restroom can be located at the back of this building.The restroom covered the window on the spare room that''s why it''s so hot when we gathered earlier there.I''m wondering if they still okay there right now. Actually since it was an all-girls school,the restroom here is just of course,for girls only to use.(The principal is also a woman).But my enrollment here made things a little bit complicated so they create a seperate restroom for me.And it was also located in the back of this building near the girl''s restroom. "Did you have any questions,Hashimoto-kun?."Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. I paused for a bit to think something to asked her.After some time,I finally come out at least one or two. "Are you always bringing a spare uniform, Ayumi-san?." "Uhhmmm actually not everyday.I just started bringing one since the preparation for the Valentines Day starts." "And the color of the paint that stained your uniform?." "Uhhhmm.It was color blue." "I see." "Why did you asked that,Hashimoto-san?." "Ah.No,I''m just curious." Hmmm.Okay.Nothing really special about that question.So let''s go to the serious ones. "Did you meet someone when you go back to the classroom?." "Ah.I forgot to tell that.I actually met Onodera-san and Tachibana-san on the stairs.Of course,they move themselves a little bit to gave a path for me to walk.Also when I come out from the restroom,coincidentally,I saw Reina-san.Also going on the restroom. That''s all." "I see.Onodera-san,Tachibana-san and Reina- san.I will ask them later if you are telling the truth,Ayumi-san." "Are you not believing my words,Hashimoto- kun?." "Well,not that I''m doubting but I just need a confirmation from others." I can accused you as the murderer,including myself. After that,a short silence had fell between us.I actually just about to asked her about who she met in the restroom but she already answers that before I could even ask.But so far,I will just take her words. "To tell you the truth,I going to asked you four questions which is not really related to you testimony but can help me to solve this case. And take note that I will also these to others." "Really?!.Then I will glady to answer those." I look down to the small notebook first,since I kinda hesitating to ask these questions.Then after some time,I finally spoke up. "What is the size of your breast?.In cups please." "That''s a joke right?." "No joke." I answer her with a serious tone.Then added to her. "Don''t worry.Didn''t I tell you that this will help me to solve the case?." "Well if you say so.Then it''s C cup." "I see.Thank you very much." I wrote that information to the small notebook.Then proceed to asked the second question. "What are the chances that I might be the culprit for this murder,Ayumi-san?." "You?.It''s zero.There''s no way you will kill Chinatsu-san." "Thank you for trusting me but how about you?." "The same.Zero.I have no reason to kill her." "Is that so." Well,I already expect that answer. "Now for the last qu-" "Say,Hashimoto-kun." "Hmmm?." Ayumi-san suddenly called me when I''m about her the last question.It seems like she want to say something but kinda hesisting to say it. "How do you feel right now?.Are you okay?." "You mean when I volunteer myself to find out the culprit?." "Not that.What I mean is about what happen to Chinatsu-san." "Ah." I now understand what she mean.I think for while.After some time,I spoke up. "To be honest,I hate this.This case.To tell you the truth,I''m not really afraid of murders.But to think that someone will kill an innocent girl like Chinatsu-san,I think that was something I couldn''t accept.That was unfair.This world is not really equal,isn''t?." "That''s...right." "How about you,Ayumi-san.How do you feel?." "I have the same opinion with you.I remember when me and Chinatsu-san just working together on the painting and happily chatting to each other yesterday.And to think she is gone now,it feels unreal." A silence had fell to us after that conversation.Actually,the last question I''m about to asked her is about how she feel about Chinatsu-san''s death.But it feels like she gave me a much better opportunity to asked it to her.Anyways,it''s time to proceed to other person. "That''s it,Ayumi-san.Thank you very much for answering those questions.For now,let''s call the next person." "That''s right.But who will be the next one to be interview?." "Hmmmmm." Actually,I don''t exactly who I will call next.But if that''s the case. "Let just go to person you met first since after I left the classroom,Ayumi-san" Honestly,there is no real meaning who will gonna interview first.But since we will gonna ask them one-by-one,we need at least to have a chronological order for which is we called out here first.Anyways,Ayumi-san answers me. "The person I met first....Then that should Chi-" She stopped immediately.I know the name who will she gonna say.But that person is not alive anymore. "I''m sorry.It should be Kanakura-san." "Then Ayumi-san,could you please call her out here?." The Evidence of the Tsundere Ayumi-san go to the spare room for a minute and come back,bringing along Kanakura-san. Upon arriving,I consulted her first. "Are you okay now,Kanakura-san?." "Okay?.What do you mean?." "Didn''t you vomit after seeing Chinatsu-san''s body?.And since this where the crime happen, I just wondering if you can talk to me properly here?." I learned that some people are getting nausea after seeing a corpse or they having an anxiety after going back again to the crime scene.So I''m consulting her now if she is also one among those kind of people. "No.I actually okay now.I can at least tell you what I did since morning,though you may already heard it from the President." She was right.Since she was with Ayumi-san throught out the time before an earthquake occurs,then there should nothing more details to asked her.Still again,just for the confirmation.Yes,confirmation. "For starters,how about you sit to that chair and tell me your story?.By the way,you can get another vacant chair and sit next to me, Ayumi-san." Ayumi-san followed my suggestion and sit besides me.After that,Kanakura-san finally started her story. "When I arrived here in this school,of course I immediately go to the classroom to work on the decorations,together with the President. After a some time,we finally finished working. The President suggested to me if we can do some painting to the hallway on the first floor,since I have nothing to do that time." "Okay Kanakura-san,stopped there for a while." I immediately asked her to stop after finishing a sentence with her testimony,which kinda make her to get a little bit surprised. "Huh?.Is there something wrong about my story?." "No.But I just want to confirm to you something about Ayumi-san.Did she go outside the classroom to get something?." "Of course!.She get the heart-shaped designs from Yahiro-san and Hiten-san." She answers me with conviction,as if showing why I still need to asked her that question. "By the way,did you already know that Yahiro- san and Hiten-san are the ones who are doing those designs before Ayumi-san get them from them?." "Yes....No,wait...." She paused a bit,recollecting the memories she had with that moment.Then after some time,she finally spoke up. "Actually,I just happen to learn that after the President got them.I asked her where did she get those designs then she answers me that they came from Yahiro-san and Hiten-san." "How about that,Ayumi-san?.You may have an explanation for that,don''t you?." I turned my head to Ayumi-san to my right(since that''s where she is sitting) and asked that question to her. Meanwhile,she didn''t react with a confused face.Instead she is showing that she was quite confident with the answer the she will spit out. "Well the reason for that is because Yahiro- san and Hiten-san arrived at the school earlier that Kanakura-san.To tell you the truth,I was supposed to gave those task to Kanakura-san but of course,since she still not yet here in the school that time,I ended up giving it to the two,which arrived here much earlier." Okay.I understand now.That''s good to hear. That new information may help me later from this case. Meanwhile,Kanakura-san look up at me with a confused face. "Is there any reason why you need to asked that,Hashimoto-kun?." "No.Not really.But I did told to Ayumi-san earlier to tell me every details and information of the events in her own perspective before the earthquake occurs.Unfortunately,that''s is something she didn''t tell to me earlier." After saying that,Kanakura-san opened her eyes a little bit wide then immediately turn into a serious one. "Are you perhaps already thinking that she was the culprit?." "I haven''t said anything about that,Am I?." "But deep inside,maybe you already creating a theory,right?." "...." I paused a bit.I was stunned with her answer.Then after that,I laughed. "Haha.Hahahaha." Kanakura-san and Ayumi-san was surprised with my sudden laugh.Probably they didn''t expect that kind of reaction from me and more importantly,from this situation. "If the detectives from murder mysteries only need to interview one person to find out the culprit and solve how it was done,then we might be in our own homes now." I said jokingly as I wrote her testimony in the small notebook.Meanwhile,Ayumi-san joined our conversation. "I know that you are concern to me, Kanakura- Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.san but just like what Hashimoto-san said,we must wait for him to finish asking everyone''s testimony.And that will be the time we will gonna be able to find out who was the culprit." "I''m sorry,President." "That''s fine but you must know whom you should apologize." Kanakura-san turned her head to me. "I''m sorry too,Hashimoto-kun.For acting like that." "Well it couldn''t help though.Anyways,let''s continue your story." "Uhhhmmm.Where did I stopped again?." "I think to the part when Ayumi-san ask you to do some paintings." "Ah.I remember now." She pause a bit,preparing the words she will say,then continue. "The President and I,as we agreed,go to the hallway from the first floor.We set up the things we needed,like that table and the paints then proceed to make paintings.But after some time,I accidentally pour some paints to Ayumi-san''s uniform." "And the color of the paint?." I suddenly intejected in the middle of her talking. "It''s blue.Blue paint." "Thank you.Please continue." "Then she said it''s okay since she bring a spare uniform.Then she left out for a while to get her spare uniform from the classroom and wear it in the restroom.After some time she finally come back.Then after that,we continue on what we are doing then the earthquake occurs.After that,of course we go to the open court.I think that''s all." "Yes.I only need to know what you do before the earthquake since we already meet up from that time.Than you very much for your testimony." From the the evidence she gave to me,it seems like what Ayumi-san told me matches to Kanakura-san story.Well I got a little bit problem about Yahiro-san and Hiten-san but Ayumi-san immediately answers it.And lastly,from the looks of it,they have both a solid alibi. "By the way,did you see someone pass by in the hallway when Ayumi-san is not around?." "Ah.Did you mean when she goes to the restroom.Uhhmmm.Ah,yes.There is someone and it''s Hoshino-san." "Really?.Are you sure it was Hoshino-san?." "Ye-yes.I''m sure for that." "Thank you for answering." I will take note of that.I need to ask Hoshino- san to confirmed it later.Anyways,let''s go to the last but at the same time,the most important question about her. "By the way,Kanakura-san.This is just out of my curiosity,but why did you run out towards to the classroom back then when we are in basketball court?." Just when I''m about to ask the same question,Ayumi-san got it first to ask.It seems like we are thinking the same and it feels like it was the question she wants to ask her since I called out Kanakura-san here. Meanwhile,Kanakura-san was suddenly surprised with that question.She bow her head a little bit and started talking with a soft voice. "You see,President.You probably notice it,but I''m envy Chinatsu-san.Just when I finally found out my real talent,which is painting,I strive for it to improve myself.But suddenly, Chinatsu-san appeared and shocks of all us with her painting.I though she was only good in drawing but I never thought she was also that good in painting." "Are you refering to that friendly competition we have last August." I interject,confirming what the fact. "Yes.Since that,I hone my skills furthermore. But no matter what I do,I couldn''t still surpass her.But at the same....." She paused for a while.I feel like what she is about to say.After recollecting the words,she continue. "But at the same time,even though I''m jealous to her and I can''t surpass her somehow I feel relief.It seems like I''m still happy even though I can''t beat her.That''s why when we are in the basketball court and she is the only who is not coming out,I immdiately rushed towards to the classroom when Sensei have us permission." She paused again for a bit,then continue. "That time,I praying that she was alright,that she just not coming out because of the possible aftershocks of the earthquake." "In short,you are worried to her right?."interject by Ayumi-san "Yes.President.But when I arrived at the classroom,I couldn''t what I saw which ended up making me to vomit." After finishing her statement suddenly,tears fell down from her eyes. "Huh....Wh-what is this....Why I''m crying...." Then Kanakura-san started crying.After witnessing the situation,Ayumi-san stand up from her sit go towards her to comfort her.She gave her a small handkerchief to wiped her tears. Meanwhile,I tried to put myself to her situation.I wonder how I will feel if someone I wished to beat in something suddenly died Of course,if she is gone now,then I will become the best on that something(well in this case,in painting).But then again,I will also realized that it feels like cheating.I become the best because you didn''t beat your rival,but because she is gone now.Now I know why Kanakura- san is frustrated on what happen.Not only because Chinatsu-san died but also because she didn''t want that kind of ''ending'' in their rivalry. Anyways after comforting Kanakura-san, Ayumi-san go back ot her seat again.And when she realized she was already okay,she asked to me. "Uhmm.Again,I''m sorry for that commotion." "That''s fine.By the way,what is your bust size? In cups please,Kanakura-san?." "Huuuh?!." "Sorry,that may be a silly question but it''s part of this interview.I also asked that to Ayumi-san." "Really,President?." "Yes.I was also surprised,but since he said this may be help us to find out who might be the culprit,then I had no choice but to answer him." "Is that so?." She was looked irritated.But after calming herself,she spoke up. "It''s A cup." "Thank you very much." I wrote that in the small notebook. "What are the chances that I and you might be the culprit for this murder?." "Chances you say.Maybe for you,it''s twenty percent.For me,its zero." "I see.That''s it.You can go back for now to the spare room." "Really?.Is that all you need from me?." There''s no reason to asked the fourth question as I already get the answers from that when she cried. "Yes.By the way,Ayumi-san.Who you met next after her?." "It''s Yahiro-san.But since she was still not waking up,then next to her is Hiten-san." I asked first that question before letting go Kanakura-san. "Then Kanakura-san,could please tell to her that she was next to be interview?." "Okay.I understand." "Also,tell her and to everyone that knock first and wait from us to say ''Come in.'' before they enter." "Are you messing me with me or what?." "I''m sorry." She sighed after all of that last-minute request to her.Then said her final words "Don''t worry about that.But don''t take the worng idea.It is not like I doing this to you." What is it,final minute tsundere cliche lines?. But well,as long as she is fine now,then that''s good.Anyways after that,she finally left the classroom. "What can you say,Ayumi-san?." "What did you mean?.I mean..." She tilted her head after asking that question. She probably didn''t know how to respond exactly to me. "What I mean is that,do you believe her words about Chinatsu-san?." "When she said she was still happy even though she can''t surpass her in doing paintings?." "That''s right." She thinks first a little bit before answering. Then after some time,she spoke up. "I believe her.I believe what she said is genuine." "I see." A short silence fell between us afterwards. Then Ayumi-san broke it by asking a question. "Did you suspect her,Hashimoto-kun?." "Well to be honest,yes.First of all she had motive.Even though what she said earlier are true,still she is jealous to Chinatsu-san.And that''s basically a motive,we can''t deny that. Also,I can think a basic method on how she can kill Chinatsu-san by just basing from her testimony.Which is of course,I will just say if she was truly the culprit." After saying that,Ayumi-san give me a somehow a ''disappointing'' face.Did perhaps something wrong to my explanation?. "If that''s the case then can we go home now,Hashimoto-kun?." "How can you joke in a time like this,Ayumi- san?." After saying that,we heard a knock from the door. "Well let''s go back to the business and interview this next person." "That''s right.I guess we will stay in this school for a while." The Evidence of the Glasses Girl After saying ''Come in'',the person entered the classroom. "You can sit to that chair,Hiten-san." I said as I point out the vacant chair in front of us. "By the way,is Yahiro-san already wake up?." "Not yet.Sensei said that the principal is still there in the principal office,waiting for her to wake up.But why did you asked,Tomozuki- kun?. "Ah nothing.I''m just worried.It''s not normal anymore.Maybe there is really something bad to her." "I''m not sure about that." "What do you mean?." Hmmm.What did Hiten-san mean by that?. Anyways,Yahiro-san was supposed next to Kanakura-san to be inteview.But it seems like it will take a while for her to wake up.Anyways,what did Hiten-san mean by that?. "Anyways,I never thought that the place of the the crime scene will be also the place where we will gonna do this interview.Are you the one who suggest this,Tomozuki-kun?." "Yeah.Well,I mean there''s no other place to choose so I ended up here." "We still have the canteen,right?. "Oh come to think of it,your right.I''m sorry for being an idiot." Hiten-san sighed after saying that.Well since we already here,let''s not bother ourselves to change location anymore. "Anyways,let''s proceed to your story,Hiten-san. Although it feels like there is nothing to be say anymore from you." Not me,but Ayumi-san is the one who said that.It seems like she really taking this her role as her assistant.Honestly,I want to talk to Hiten-san for a little bit longer for something but since we need to solve this case as soon as possible,we must not waste any time. On the other hand,I didn''t really understand what she said to Hiten-san just now "That''s right.Suzuki-san.Because I only stayed up inside the storage room for the entire time until the the earthquake happens." Ah.I understand now. "Well well Hiten-san,can you at least tell the exact details on what did you do inside the storage room?.In the first place,why are you in the storage room?." I asked. "Well,I couldn''t find a better place than storage room." "But we still have the canteen you know?." "Is that so?.Well sorry for being an idiot." "So we are in the same page afterall!." Well not really.She was a real genius while I''m a legit idiot.But why these geniuses always the one who come with the strangest ideas?. "Joke aside,please proceed to your own story, Hiten-san." "Okay.Just like I said,after arriving at the school,Suzuki-san asked me if possible,I go outside for a while since she is still busy on decorating the classroom.Also,Suzuki-san asked me if I can help her in creating some ''heart-shaped design'' since Sumire-san is still not arriving at the school." "By the way,is Yahiro-san already here when you arrived?." I interject "No,not yet.But I think she came here some minutes after I arrive." "Thank you.Please continue." "So after accepting Suzuki-san order,I ended up at the storage room.Aside from the answer I gave earlier,the reason why I chose that place is because no one will gonna bother me." "Bother you?." "In studying." "Well...okay." "What''s with that reaction?." I paused for a bit to choose the correct words I will tell.And then when I finally come up with my reply,I supposed to answer her,but Ayumi-san suddenly spoke up. "You really love studying don''t you,Hiten-san?." "Of course.It was my only strength.I couldn''t do well in extracurricular activities and I couldn''t even made a friend.That''s why I study hard." "Well that was good thing to hear but you must not push yourself.Remember that there is always a limit on everything." I said. "I know that.You don''t need to remind me." Well if she understands then be it.Let''s just talk about this matter after this.But for now,let''s focus to the story.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. "Anyways,let''s continue,Hiten-san." said by Ayumi-san. "That''s right.Of course,I cut some heart- shaped designs.And after some time,Suzuki- san come to collect the designs.She also said that it was already okay,as I don''t need to cut anymore.After that,I go back on studying." "Wait Hiten-san.You just study there straight?.Without resting your eyes?." I interject while in the middle of her explanation.I''m just wondering if she rest at least for some time because reading a book straight can hurt our eyes.That''s why I always taking a break after I reading one or two chapters in novels.Specifically,I look around for some minutes to recover. "Of course,I''m resting.And come to think,it seems like I need to say that....." "What did you mean?."asked by Ayumi-san. "What a coincidence,Suzuki-san.Actually when I took a break from studying,I stood up and look on the window to rest my eyes.And when I look down,I saw you coming outside from the restroom." Okay,that''s another new information.At the same time,that also mean Ayumi-san really go to the restroom.Now she has totally a solid alibi now. "I was not supposed to say that cause I thought that was not l really relevant from this interview but since Tomozuki-kun bring up the topic of ''taking a break'' then maybe there''s nothing wrong to revealed it you." "Thank you very much.Actually,that information really help is a lot,specially in the case of Ayumi-san." "Really?.Then that''s good to hear." "But you should still said that even though I didn''t bring up that topic,Hiten-san.Because everyone testimony can prove other''s innocence afterall." "Well,sorry for that." That''s just what I learn from reading mystery novels.But even she didn''t said,we will just asked her again until we squeeze out every possible information she have. "Anyways,continue again with your story, Hiten-san." said by Ayumi-san. "Well,after resting for a bit of course,I go back again on studying.And that''s when Irina-san suddenly enter the room." "Entered?." I inteject "Yes.Oh but before that,Tsujinaka-san also enter and asked if there were spare chairs in the storage room.I said to her that there was none.Then she immediately left.Okay going back to Irina-san,I asked her what she need in the storage room but she just said she just want to finish reading her novel inside.And just like you,she also aksed me why and what I''m doing in the storage room.Of course,I also gave the same answer as you.Then the conversation finally ended there.We both mind our own businesses then the eathquake happen.Then after it stopped,I saw that she already lying on the floor,unconcius.I tried to wake her up many times but she is not answering.That''s when I rush towards to the basketball court to asked for help.You already know what happens after that." After some time,Hiten-san finally ended her story.I see.So Yahiro-san enters the storage room.I thought she will only gonna stay in the corridor.I already think this many times,but I know that these can become a good friends.There must be a reason why Yahiro-san do that. What''s more,Reina-san asked some chairs?. Maybe I should asked her about that later. "Anyways,did you see something fell to Yahiro- san while the earthquake is happening,Hiten- san?." asked by Ayumi-san. "Unfortunately,I couldn''t really clarify that since I immediately hid under the table and it was shaking so badly that I couldn''t see properly anymore,to the point that my glasses fell off." "I see.It seems like we need to asked Yahiro-san herself later." I hope she wake up immediately.We really need her story as of now.Meanwhile,Hiten-san continue. "But I can at least assure to you that no one knock her down while the earthquake is happening.Although that would be a scenario that is unlikely to happen." What I mean about this part is that I thought someone,or it should I say,the culprit,knocked her down while she in the corridor,to remove her as an eyewitness.But since she enters the storage room,there''s no need to knocked her down anymore.As it just gives more opportunity to the culprit to sneak and kill Chinatsu-san in the classroom. Anyways,I''m still wondering on what really happened to Yahiro-san. "Well that''s the story of mine.You can asked any question from me that may help you to your investigation." Oh.She said any right?.Alright,I will take this opportunity. "If that''s the case,what is your bust size,Hiten- san?." "Not interested." "But you just said I can asked any questions,right?." "I said as long as it will help you in to your investigation." "But it is really part of our interview." "Then answer this question first;How on earth will the size of someone''s breast will help us to find out the culprit?." "Well..." I couldn''t answer.Or it''s more like I couldn''t tell her the reason.I thought I can easily asked her about this but it seems like that was not the case. "Well if you don''t want to ans-" "D." "D cup?." "That''s right." "Okay.Thank you very much for answering." "You recover so fast,don''t you?." "Well I heard the ''letters'' I needed.And this is your true size,Hiten-san.No lies?." "If you don''t want to believe then forget it." Meanwhile,I wrote down that information and the important points from her story.Then after writing,I asked the same question I asked to others. "Anyways,how do you feel now,Hiten-san,now that Chinatsu-san is already gone?." "Of course I was sad.It ws too sudden and unxpected.Isn''t also the same for everyone?." "Well,that''s right." We may say different opinions and words but one fact stays the same;All of us,of course except from the culprit was sad for this sudden tragic event. "Last question,Hiten-san.What are the chances that I''m one who killed Chinatsu-san?." "Hmmmm..." She paused and think for a bit,then finally spoke up. "Maybe twenty to thirty percent.I know that you have a solid alibi and I can''t think a motive from you but you are still not totally free from suspicion." "Then how about you?.How much the chances tha you might the one who committed the crime?." Hiten-san was suprised a bit for that question,just like the other two earlier. "Zero.I have no reason to kill Aina-san." "That''s it.Thank you very much for answering my stupid questions." "Well as long as it was related to the investigation,that''s all that matters." "By the way,whose next,Ayumi-san?." I turned to my right as I asked that question. "I saw Onodera-san and Tachibana-san at the same time.Who would you like to go first?." I see.If that''s the case. "After you go back,please tell Onodera-san that she was next one to be interview here,Hiten-san." "I understand." After that,she finally left the classroom. Meanwhile,I asked Ayumi-san. "What do you think,Ayumi-san.Did you believe when she said she didn''t know what really happen to Yahiro-san?." "What did you mean?." "Well there is a possibiliy that she is one who knocked Yahiro-san before even the earthquake happens,go towards the classroom and kill Chinatsu-san and go back again to the storage room like nothing happen." Ayumi-san thinks first and analyze my quick theory I just said.And after some time,she said. "That was a good theory but there are some plot holes.First,it''s like you''re saying that she lying about her not going ouside for the whole time,but for me,I think she was telling the truth about that.Second if she is really lying,why she need to knock down Yahiro-san in the first place if she can just prented to go somewhere else?." I was sudden surprised with her reasoning.I didn''t expect that kind of explantion fron her. "Well you''re right,your right.Anyways,let''s focus to this next person." At the end,I couldn''t help but to agreed to her and reject that theory of mine. The Evidence of Kirisaki Onodera After entering the classroom,we urged Onodera-san to sit down on the vacant chair. "How''s the situation in the spare room, Onodera-san?." asked by Ayumi-san "Still the same.Yahiro-san still not waking up and there is still no electricity so it a little bit hot there.Why did we need to stay in that room?." "Don''t worry,we are trying our best to solve this case as soon as possible so just bared it for a little longer." I said,showing that we are trying to end this interview as fast as we could.And it seems like Yahiro-san still not wake up.How many hours had passed since she lose her conciousness?.I looked up the clock.It was already nine-thirty in the morning.And I think the earthquake happens around eight o''clock.So she''s been not waking up for one and a half hours now. "Anyways,maybe you already know why you are called here right?." I asked,putting aside the matter of Yahiro-san,going back to my original goal here.I hope she wake up soon. "Yes.I shall say what I do,or should I say,what me and Seishirou do for the whole time before the earthquake occurs right?." "That''s right.But did you just said Tachibana- san?.Are you with her for the whole time?." "Yes.But let''s start from the beginning." She said as if preparing herself to tell her story.Then after some time,she spoke up. "After arriving at the school,we are supposed to stay inside the classroom but Ayumi-san asked us if we could go outside for a while since she and Kanakura-san finished decorating the classroom.She also said we could just come back later.Of course,we followed her.Since we couldn''t have something to do and we just realized that we don''t have classes today,we decided to play basketball.Then after that,we decided to take a break.But we didn''t continue playing again and instead,we decided to stay in corridor on the second floor.But standing for too long in the corridor is kinda tiring so we decided to sit down on the stairs.Then when just right after that,Ayumi-san passed by to us upwards probably going to the classroom.But that time,we realized that maybe they already finished decorating the classroom,so I invited Seishirou if we can stay now inside the classroom.But she stopped me and said that it''s better to stay in the stairs so I follow her. Then Ayumi-san come back,going downstairs, bringing something like a uniform,I guess. Then the next one who passed by in the stairs is Chinatsu-san.Then after that,Seishirou and I continue on talking for some time.Then the earthquake happens." The long story finally ended there.Meanwhile,I wrote down the important points from it.But at the same,I have so many questions I want to ask her. "Thank you very much for that story Onodera- san but of course,I want to asked some questions.First of all,you said that Chinatsu- san also go to the classroom right since you saw passing in the stairs you are staying right?.But you didn''t said that she passed again in the stairs going down,unlike to Ayumi-san.Can you explain that?." "Oh.You''re right.Well for that,I thought she used the second stairs near in the storage room.That''s why we didn''t see her anymore ." "I see.That may be also a possibility." So basically what happen is that Chinatsu-san used the stairs near to the classroom,get something inside there,then used the stairs near in the storage room to go back to the first floor.In short,she used different stairs. Hmmm.It somehow strange.Normally,people used the same stairs going up and down.Or maybe it is just me?. "Anyways,next question;you said that you stay in the stairs for a while right?.What did you do exactly?." "Of course we talk.Different kind of topics, different stuffs like that." "Like what?.Can you specify it to me?." "Well like ''if it is possible for our school to compete on national tournament on sport, since our school is somehow different on others'' something like that." "Hmmm.That was somehow a good question.We didn''t really have soemthing like that in the past ten month right?." interjected by Ayumi-san,speaking for the first time for a while.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. "I think it''s possible if its just 3x3 basketball. Although I doubt there is still someone from us aside you and Tachibana-san who could play basketball with same level as both of you." "Well,I''m also talking about other sport, Tomozuki-kun." "But just like I said earl-" "I''m not sure about that." Onodera-san immediately replied back before I even finish my sentence.I and Ayumi-san was slightly surprised with that answer. "What did you mean,Onodera-san?" Ayumi-san interject "Ah no forget about it." Somehow,she want to dodge Ayumi-san question.Is she hiding something to us?. Maybe I will just ask Tachibana-san about that. On the other hand,I was supposed to ask her why Tachibana-san wants to stay in the stairs than the classroom,but I guess it''s better to ask Tachibana-san herself,as she is the one who said that.What''s more,it seems like I could get much more information from her than Onodera-san "By the way,Onodera-san.What is your bust size?.In cup please." I asked her that out of nowhere since there''s nothing to asked anymore about her story. "E cup." "Really?." "Yes.No lies." "Thank you for answering." Wait,what?.Did that question just go smoothly?.Unlike to Kanakura-san and Hiten- san,it seem like she is not the type of person who wouldn''t mind to say their breast size to others.Or maybe it was a nature of her personality. "Another question.What do you think is the chances that I might be the culprit from this case?." "Hmmm.I can''t really exactly the chances but I think you have a high possibility to become the culprit,Tomozuki-san." High possibility huh.So far,it seems like she is the one who suspect me the most unlike to other girls I asked. "Can I know the reason for that?.But it is okay if you didn''t answer me." Onodera-san scratch her head first,probably thinking for a reason.Then finally spoke up. "It''s like there is a tendency that the one you suspect the least is the one who sometimes ended up the culprit in crime movies.Or maybe that is just me." "Did you perhaps read detective novel?." "No.I didn''t even read any kind of book.What''s more,I sometimes didn''t study in our lessons." "That''s the reason why you always the one who ended up getting the lowest mark every exam." interjected by Ayumi-san. "Well I admit that,Ayumi-san.But I don''t need worry that much since I have my basketball." she said while flexing her right hand,showing her muscles there. "Well you said at least study harder for some time.Anyways,going back to the topic,how about you Onodera-san.What are the chances?." "Me?.Well..." She paused again for a bit,then continue. "I think I''m half-half.Fifty-fifty if you call that." "I see." If that the case,then I maybe I could test for a bit. "To tell you the truth,I already know who is the culprit,Onodera-san.And it was you.After hearing your story,I finally connect the dots and all the results ended up to you.Should we reveal it now to others,Ayumi-san." "Huh?.Well...I mean,wait..." She couldn''t talk properly.She was probably surprised from my sudden declaration. Meanwhile,I looked to Onodera-san.I see.She was not bother from that bluff. "I admit the I''m the most idiot among the class.But are you perhaps more idiot than me,Hashimoto-san?.Are you just hiding that fact from us?." Well as expected,she just take my sudden revelation as a joke. "Don''t worry,Ayumi-san.That was just a bluff.I just say it to test Onodera-san." "I see.I was just a little bit surprised.I thought you are serious about it." "Falling for that kind of bluff,I think you are truly the most idiot in the class,Ayumi-san." I giggled a little bit after hearing those words.Maybe because it was rare to see Ayumi-san and Onodera-san teasing each other.In fact,I think this is first time seeing these two exchange those kind of lines to each other. "Anyways,for the last question.How do you feel right now,Onodera-san?.Now that Chinatsu-san is not here anymore." I asked the final question to change the topic.I wonder what kind of answer she will give to me.After asking those questions earlier,I could confirm one fact:she was hard to read.She was an airhead,but you didn''t know if she really mean what she said.Is she really an idiot or just stupid.If we use literature term, she was called ''unreliable narrator''. Anyways,Onodera-san spoke up. "I really don''t know how to feel.I mean,I was sad about what happen.But it feels like it was something I will forget tomorrow.What''s more,it''s not like it was rare for a murder to happen.There is always a murder around the world." "You''re rather frank,Onodera-san." said by Ayumi-san "Well you ask me what I feel,then I just what is in my mind." Just like I what I think earlier,her answer is kinda vague,or should I say,something unpredictable.But at the same time,she was right. "Anyways,that''s all for now,Onodera-san.You can go back to the spare room now.Also, please don''t forget to call Tachibana-san here." "Okay,I understand.I hope my story at least help you in this case." She said that then left the classroom.After that,I ask my assistant "What can you say,Ayumi-san?." "Well all I can say it I couldn''t really understand her." So we have the same opinion about her huh. "Anyways,I said earlier that my accusation to her is just a bluff.Actually that was not really the case." "What do you mean?." "Well I could say that I I already came up of two different ways on how she can kill Chinatsu-san." "So that means she could be have the high chance to commit the murder?." "Yes.Well she also said that to herself,did you already forgot?." "Ah." Fifty-fifty.I think that was quite accurate for her.Since although she can commit the crime,there''s something missing. "But for now,let''s get ready to this next person,Ayumi-san." Motive.That was the thing that was missing. So far,I couldn''t see any motive for her to kill Chinatsu-san.Strangely,that was the something I didn''t hear from her,even though it was the common reason by others why they can''t possible commit the murder. That is of course,lack of motive. The Evidence of Seishirou Tachibana Just as we expected,Tachibana-san arrived to the classroom.We urged her to sit down in the vacant chair.As she sit down,she looked around at the classroom.Then her eyes focus to an artwork from the side "This painting.....is really beautiful." she said, praising Chinatsu-san''s work. "I know right?.What a masterpiece." "But sadly,we will not be able to these kind of works in the furture." She said with a somehow disappointing face.Hmmm.Maybe this is perfect the opportunity to ask that question. "How do you feel,Tachibana-san?.Now that Chinatsu-san is not here anymore." She didn''t answer immediately.Instead she stared to the painting for a while.Then after some time,she spoke up. "Honestly,I don''t like murders.Be it in detective novels or in real life.I don''t like to see people dying without any reason.The same also with Chinatsu-san.Her death,is unexpected.And to think it happened in the school,it''s too tragic, and unrealistic. It seems like she has an opposite answer compared to Onodera-san.Tachibana-san opinion is somehow relatable,while it''s too cruel for Onodera-san. "Anyways,lets start narrating your story,Tachibana-san." said by Ayumi-san "Oh,that''s right.I almost forgot that that is the reason why I''m here." She finally let go starring on the painting and proceed on telling us her story. "Well since me and Kirisaki are with each other for the whole time,then there is no need to elaborate each detail right?." "No,Tachibana-san.I still want you to tell us your story to every deatail as possible since we want to confirmed the testimonies of other.From your case,it''s Onodera-san''s testimony." "Well if that''s what you want,then..." Some people might think that it ws better and faster to asked only those who can give us possible clues in the case.But since everyone here can be the culprit,I want to squeeze every possible information from different perspective. "So our plan is to stay in the classroom for a while,but since Ayumi-san said they are still decorating,asking us if we could stay outside for a while,then we decided to kill some time playing basketball.After playing some time,we finally decided to stopped and rest to the corridor in the second floor.But we ended staying in the stairs since we want to sit up.Then we just talk there until the earthquake happens.That''s all." Hmmm.It seems like she skipped some important parts. "Thank you very much for that story, Tachibana-san.But did the two of you saw someone passed by in the stairs?." "Ah yeah.Ayumi-san and Chinatsu-san.I saw the former go back downstairs,but not the latter." "Do you think the reason why?." "Well maybe she just the second stair near in the storage room?." "I see.Thank you for answering." Same story,same answer huh.I guess I should take a different approach.No,it''s more like this is the perfect timing to ask what''s bothering to me earlier. "Oh another thing,Onodera-san said that she wants to stay in the classroom but you stopped her and said it was better to stay in the stairs.Is there any specific reason for that?." "Ah.That....well." She stopped.It seems like I hit a bulleyes.This might be the clue I''m been searching for this case.But my expectation was immediately go down when she spoke up. "Well,should I really say this?.But oh well.You see,that''s where me and Kirisaki first meet way back in the middle school in the stairs.I clearly remember it.That was the time when our team in basketball loses in the final match on nationals.That time,I couldn''t help but to be frustrated about the results.I sit down in the stairs and asked myself ''where did I go wrong''.Since I was the team captain that time,it feels like it was my fault why my team loses.In short,I blame myself.Then suddenly, my teamate visit me,which is Kirisaki.She confort me that time.She said that as long as we enjoy ourselves in the game,that''s all that matters.And that''s when we become friends." After some time of narrating,it finally ended.It is somewhat a sneak background story revelation.It was truly a satisfying moment but it doesn''t really nothing have to do with the case. "So Onodera-san was easy to understand when she''s with you,Tachibana-san." said by Ayumi-sanThe author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. "What did you mean by ''easy to understand'', Ayumi-san?." "Ah nothing really special.It seems like she showed a different kind of herself when we interview her earlier.But don''t worry,it''s not like that there''s something wrong happen earlier." "I see.Then that''s good to hear." I just realized that they are both atlethic but they have somehow different personalites. Onodera-san is more like an unpredictable person,while Tachibana-san is more like a honest one.Anyways,let continue asking her. "Another thing,Tachibana-san.Earlier,when I said to Onodera-san that the two of you are the only one who are good in basketball,she somehow denied that.Can you explain that?." "Hmmm.Maybe she was thinking that there might be someone here who are just hiding there physical abilities.For example,you Hashimoto." "Me.No,no that''s impossible.I''m not really good at sports." "Then how about you,Ayumi-san?.Maybe you are a basketball genius." "I admit that I can do some extraculicular acitivities but I''m not confident enough to say that I''m as atlethic as Onodera-san and Tachibana-san,especially in basketball." "Is that so?.Then maybe just forget.Not that we will gonna be able to participate in a competition from this school anyways." "Well you''re right." said by Ayumi-san "But why did you and Onodera-san enroll to this school if you know already from the start that this school will not be able to join in competitions?." That''s right.They can just enroll to a normal school.But why here?.I kinda curious so I asked,even though it was not something that will help us in finding the culprit. "It was only her who wants to enroll here.I was supposed to enter a different school but since I want to be together with her,I have no choice but to follow her here." "But why did she want to study in this school?"interjected by Ayumi-san.I''m also about to asked the same question. "That''s was something I really didn''t understand.I once asked her why,but she didn''t really gave me a satisfying anwer.She just said that she wants to try an all-girls school,although that is not really the case here at the end." She said as she looked to me.Well it is not really an all-girls school if there is a boy studying in this school. "So you couldn''t also understand her sometimes,Tachibana-san." "That may be right.But anyways,since we all come down with that topic,I just want to ask. how and why did you enroll here,Hashimoto?." I''m already expecting that kind of question.In fact,some of my classmates already asked that but I only gave all of them the same reason. "I think I already said it many times and it may sound a ridiculous reason,but let just it was a common cliche in romantic comedy stories. That''s all." "Well that was really a ridiculous reason." said by Ayumi-san "So you''re just like Kirisaki huh,giving a vague answer." replied by Tachibana-san Let''s just leave things in mystery.It''s not like it will be an important information in this case. "By the way,Tachibana-san.Can you tell me your bust size?.In cups please." "And why did I need to tell you that?." "It is part of this interview.I also did the same with others." "I think it was the most stupid thing to ask in an interview about solving a murder case." "Is that so?." Just like I expected,it was hard to ask this kind of question unless they are like Onodera- san.But I should take a different route. "Well if that''s the case,can I guess?." "Huh!?.Why did you so obsess to find out the size of my breasts?." I ignored her question and instead look into her chest. Honestly I think I don''t need to asked her anymore.It was kinda obvious somehow.I mean,it was as flat as chopping board. "Are you perhaps have A-cups, Tachibana-san?." When I''m about to say the same anwer, Ayumi-san suddenly interject in our conversation.Meanwhile,Tachibana-san look a litte bit flustered.So that''s it huh. "Well,that''s right.Unfortunately,I was not blessed with some fats in my chest." "But I think it suited to your body,appearance and personality,Tachibana-san." said by Ayumi-san "Really?." "What''s more,it was an advantage in basketball right?.You don''t need to worry about carrying huge bowls while playing." "Well I guess you''re right." she replied as she look to Ayumi-san''s breast.Maybe I should tease her a little bit here. "By the way,are you perhaps bother by that fact the you are talking to someone who has bigger bust''s size than you,Tachibana-san?." "Not really.I already used to this thanks to Kirisaki." Ah,I forgot about that.Anyways let go back to the topic and finished it with the final question. "Now then,Tachibana-san.For the last question.What are the chances that I might be the culprit in this murder case?." "Hmmm.Well should I say low?.There is a low probability for you to kill Chinatsu.I mean,I can always suspect you but I can''t think of the way how you done.And more importantly,I can''t see a motive from you to kill her.Not at least in the last ten months we been studying here." "I see.Thank you very much for trusting me." "But you are still not clear in this okay?.Maybe you are just hiding something from us that can be serve as your motive." "That might be right.That might be wrong.But if that''s the case,then your words can be also applied to yourself,don''t you?." "That is something I will leave to your mind." "So it''s safe to say that there is a high chance that you are the culprit,Tachibana-san?." "That is your own accusation.But for me,I know to myself very well that I don''t have the reason to kill Chinatsu.I can kill tons of cockcroahes,but I will never kill a human.Never." she said with conviction "I see.Thank you very for answering.You can go back now to the spare room.And don''t forget to tell to Reina-san she was next." "I understand.Then I hope you can finally solve this case after you interview all of us,Hashimoto." "I will try my very best." After that conversation,she finally left the classroom.Meanwhile,Ayumi-san spoke up. "Through this interview,I learn that Onodera-san and Tachibana-san are really different to each other.But somehow,they manage to get along to each other up until now." "''Friendship is a strong bond'' is what others say." Those two kinda remind of Chinatsu-san and Hosokawa-san.Two different kind of people but was manage to get along to each other. The only difference is the length of their friendship.Chinatsu-san and Hosokawa-san only become bestfriends from start of the school year,while Onodera-san and Tachibana-san already attain that friendship way back in middle school. "So what can you say,Hashimoto-kun?." "Me?.Oh." Normally,I was supposed to be the one to ask that question to Ayumi-san. "Well,I think I believe in her words,especially when she said at the end that she was not culprit." "Is that so?." "Anyways,let''s proceed to this next person.Oh,I didn''t follow the order anymore,Ayumi-san. Since you didn''t saw these remaining people before the earthquake comes." "You''re right." Tsujinaka Reina.To tell you the truth,she was the most suspicious one. The Evidence of the Gal As usual,we urged Reina-san to sit down on the vacant chair.Somehow,she is showing an irritated face and aura around her. "Really,why did we need to do this kind of sh*t.We can just go asked the police themselves." She said not from us,but to herself.I knew it.She is really frustated to our complicated situation with this case. "Well we can''t do nothing anymore.If that''s the decision of principal then all we can do is to find the culprit with ourselves." "Do you think you can find the murderer huh,Hashimoto?." "I''m trying my best here.That''s why I''m asking each of your testimony." "What are you,a detective!?." She said with a loud voice.Well she''s has a point.I''m not really a real detective.There''s a possibility that I''m cannot find the culprit before the sunset,and that would be a huge problem.Meanwhile,Reina-san continue rumbling to me "Also,what is this!?.Why are you asking everyone one-by-one!?.You can just gather all of us here asked us simultenously." "That may be right.But there is a reason why I need to do one-by-one,Reina-san.And if you will ask me what''s the reason,unfortunately,I will not tell you that." After saying that,she glared to me sharply.Those eyes are telling that she already at her limit.Adding to the fact she already hate me before even this murder happen,this make things a little bit difficult.I''m afraid that she will not gave me her testimony. "Hooh.Is that so?.Okay so I will not ask anymore about that,Mr.Fake Detective." Somehow,she gave me an accurate nickname for me.And honestly,I quite like that.It suits me very well. "Anyways,can we proceed now to your story,Reina-san?." said by Ayumi-san who tried to go back to our original goal here. "I''m sorry,but I will not tell anything to both you unless a real detective or the police arrive.How could I trust a mere student to solve this murder case?.There''s no way you will not find out the culprit here unless an official investigation occurs." The thing that I''m afraid to happen already happen.I think we will have a hard time for Reina-san.Of course,we can''t use violence to force her to spit out her testimony.Hmmm. Maybe I should approach her in a different way. "If that''s the case,how about answering this question.Why do you look so pale when you come out towards to the basketball court together with Ichika-san and Hoshino-san?." She opened her eyes widely.As expected,there must be some reason why does she look like that.It feels she let her guard down a little bit after asking that question. "No.That was just..nothing.I''m just afraid to earthquake.It was unexpected,you know?." It seems like Ayumi-san was kinda convinced to her answer,since it was very obvious that anynone will be alarm when an earthquake happens.But it that was not really the case to me.Anyways,I pushed her futhermore. "Is that so?.To tell you truth,that''s the first time I saw that kind face from you,Reina-san. That face,you are very terrified don''t you?.It feels like....." I paused for a bit,stand up a little and close my face to her.Then finally said the final blow. "It feels like you just killed someone." She was shocked after saying that.Even Ayumi-san loose her composure with that sentence.Reina-san finally reach her limit and shouted to me. "What are you talking about!!!?.Are you an idiot!?.How could you accuse me without any evidence!!?.You are just a mere normal boy.You don''t have the right to accuse me like that!!." She stand up to her chair then said those words to me.There must be something really back there that makes her to burst out like that.But at the same time,this was the perfect the opportunity to take advantage of the situation. "Accuse you?.I''m sorry but I have no choice since you are not telling us your story.That''s why if possible,can you tell us your story?. Things may go differently if you tell us what did you do before the eathquake occurs." "So that''s your plan huh." I think she immediately realize that I only scared her by accusing her in order to force her to spit out her story. She sit down first then breathe deeply.Then she asked. "So what do you want from me?." It seems like she already calm down.My little strategy work somehow. "Your story.From the start until the earthquake happens.I may not be the right person to asked that but I will promise,that I will definitely find the culprit."This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it I added more to my answer to totally conviced her. "If that''s the case then let''s start when I arrived in the school.Actually,I''m the first one to arrive among with my friends.So while waiting for Ruri and Nene,I go first to the canteen to kill some time.Then after waiting,they finally arrived.They found me in the canteen.Then we immediately decided to stay in our ''common place'' since we know that we will not have classes today." The ''common place'' she is talking about is the big tree near to the stairs from principal office(first floor).It was there their usual place to stay during lunch breaks. "After some time,Ruri said that she was already tired standing so I decided to check the storage room if there are some chairs but Hiten,who is inside the storage room,said that there are no spare chairs.But Yahiro,who was in the corridor said that I can use her own arm chair she is using since she said she didn''t need it anymore.So I ended up getting that chair.But since I only manage to get one,I ordered Nene to asked Ayumi if we can use the chairs from the classroom.She followed my order but after she come back,she said she didn''t saw Ayumi anywhere.At the end,we just decided to stand up to make it fair among us.Then suddenly,Ruri asked if I take a makeup.I realize I forgot to put one so I asked them to stay in the tree for a while to put up some makeup in the bathroom.It took a lot of time for me to put make-up plus I also pee.Then the earthquake happen.I already said what happen next earlier so I guess that''s it." The long story finally ended.She somehow told it in calm voice.Also,I notice that she was the one who meet most of our classmates before the earthquake.I see.I see,it seems like the testimony of others is making sense now. "Thank you very much for cooperating, Reina-san.But I have so many questions to ask or should I say,I have some many things want to confirm." "Go ahead.I want to finish this as soon as possible." She look at me a little bit irritated but it seems she''s willing to cooperate this time.Anyways, let''s continue. "First of all,you said that you saw Hiten-san inside the storage room.Are you sure about that?." "Huuuh!?.Of course I saw her.She was sitting there,reading a book in the table.Don''t tell me you didn''t believe me?." Same reaction from Ayumi-san huh. "No,no.Didn''t I tell you,it''s more like confirmation." "Is this really supposed to be what a detective should do." she said to herself,looking down in the floor. "Next.You also said that you saw Yahiro-san in the corridor right?.What she is doing before entering the storage room?." "If I remember correctly,she is also reading a book." "And did see you someone in the corridor other than her?." "None.I''m sure of it." Okay.So far so good.The last time I saw Yahiro-san was earlier in the morning when she gave me the chocolates.I guess she read again another Agatha Christie book. "Okay.This is the most important question, Reina-san.When you go back to the you usual place,I mean to the big tree,did you notice that Chinatsu-san going down from the stairs?. Since the place you are staying is near to the staircase,did you perhaps see her?." "Hmmm." She think for a while.She was trying to remmeber what happen.Then after some time. "About that,I''m not sure,Hashimoto.I mean I''m busy talking to my friends right?.Also I go to the restroom so maybe I missed her seeing going down the stairs." "So there is a possibility that she go down but you just didn''t notice since you are talking to Hoshino-san and Ichika-san?." "Maybe." I see.So I guess It''s better to ask the other two gals,since they are ones who stayed behind when Reina-san go to the restroom. "Anyways,did you meet someone when you are going towards the restroom?." "Yes,and she was sitting next to you." "Ah.I see.Sorry my bad." I apologize for no reason. "How about when you are inside?.Did someone other than you also go to the restroom." "None." "Are sure about that?." "Of course.I didn''t saw someone came even while I putting my make up." "I see.Thank you very much for answering." No one huh.Well anyways I wrote all the important points from her story. "Is that all,Hashimoto?." Perhaps I didn''t speak for a while,Reina-san asked that question,probably thinking it was already over.But actually it''s not.I still need to ask those ''questions'' but I couldn''t find a good opportunity.Seeing how she burst earlier,she might do something crazy if I ask that. "No.Actually want to I asked some question that was not really related to your story." "Okay,okay.Asked me now,I''m already hungry.I want to eat something immediately." She said while holding in her stomach.Come to think of it,what is the time now?.I looked at the clock and realized it was already ten thirty in morning.Actually,I want to end all of the intereviews before lunch so I can spend my whole time in the afternoon in the brainstorming part.If that''s the case,then let''s make things simple. "What are the chance that I might the culprit in this murder,Reina-san?." "I guess fifty-fifty.I can sense that you can kill someone,but at the same time,I can''t sense why you will do it" "Thank you very much for trusting me." She had the same answer as Tachibana-san. The only difference is that she suspect me more than the way how much Tachibana-san suspect me. "And how do you feel right now that Chinatsu- san is not here anymore?." "It was a sad event.I admit that I don''t like shy-type girls like her but it doesn''t still change the fact how I feel to her right now.It''s like loosing a family member." Well,just like how everyone of us feel. "And this is the last question,Reina-san.And you will are not allowed to go outside until you answer this." "Huuuh.What the hell is that!!?." It seems like her temper increased again.But I have no choice.I need to say that in order for her to answer me. "Okay,okay.What is it?." "Your breast size.In cups please." "The hell is that!?." She angrily shouted.Then she turn her head to Ayumi-san. "Hey,Ayumi.Did he also ask that to you?." "Yes.It was really part of this interview." "Tch." She clicked her lips after hearing Ayumi-san''s answert.Maybe she was expecting for her to answer ''no''. "It''s C,C cups.Can I go back now?." "Thank you very much for cooperating.And yes,you can go back now.And please tell to Hoshino-san that she was next" After saying those words,she immediately left the classroom.I guess she was already at her llimit now with her hunger.And I took that as an advantage for her to make the things go smoothly without making her bursting out,just like what happen earlier. "Do you think we are already close to truth, Ayumi-san?." I asked that question even though the answer was already obvious. "Close you say,but we are still not finish asking everyone''s testimony right?." "That''s right." I look down to the notebook to review the important details I wrote. "What do you think of Reina-san''s story,Ayumi- san?." "Well it was little bit confusing but she gave us the most important details than the others." "I agreed." After reviewing all the details from the notebook,I realized something. That doing this detective role was tiring. The Evidence of Nene Hoshino Nene Hoshino sit down on the vacant chair. She is somehow looks nervous unlike to what Reina-san shows earlier. "By the way,did Yahiro-san already wake up,Hoshino-san?." Not me,but Ayumi-san asked that question.I almost forgot about Yahiro-san situation. Thank God Ayumi-san remind me again with that. "No.Still not yet." "I see." "By the way,did you already find out the culprit, Hashimoto-san?." She asked as she turned her head to me. "Not yet.I''m still connecting all of the details and trying to find out a hole with their testimonies.But unfortunately,it seems like all of the people I asked have alibi." "Are you serious?." She was kinda disappointed with my answer.But it couldn''t help.I''m just a normal highschool student.There is a limit on what I can do and what I can reach. "Can you find out the culprit faster?.I want to go home now.I don''t want to become the next victim." I noticed that she had a different view about me than Reina-san.While Reina-san wants a real detective or the police to solve this case,Hoshino-san on other hand,somehow trusting me in this case. Anyways,her last sentence strucked me to my head.Next victim?.Is there a possibility that the culprit might commit another murder?. "Don''t worry.The culprit will not kill someone again,probably." "Probably!?.Haven''t you noticed something weird here,Hashimoto-san?.Did you not think that the culprit might kill all of us here!?." She panically said.Well she had a point.That may be the possible.But I don''t think that is the case here. "No,Hoshino-san.If that''s the case,the culprit didn''t need to kill Chinatsu-san in secret if she want to kill of us.I mean,she can use a more brutal method to kill us in a one blow." But that method is something I don''t want to imagine since I can''t think of someone from us who will do that. "You don''t really understand,Hashimoto-san. You really don''t." "Well you said all of that but what if in reality you are the culprit?.What if you are just acting like that for us to not suspect you?." "Th-that''s impossible!!.There''s no way and reason why I would kill a girl like that." I ignored her replied and continue on scaring her. "What if you are just pretending to be scared but deep inside you are ready to kill me and Ayumi-san right here,right now?." "You sh*ithead!.Oh that''s right.Maybe you are the real culprit,Hashimoto-san".Don''t you find it strange,Ayumi-san?.Why he was accepted in this all-girls school?.Maybe the real culprits are you and the school itself.That''s right,that''s right!.Maybe the school gathered all of us here just to be killed by you.Maybe he also sent by some sort of organization to kill us before the school year ends." "You are thinking too much,Hoshino-san." said by Ayumi-san as she denied Hoshino-san''s explanation. "That''s right.Instead of accusing each other who was the culprit,how about you tell us first your story,Hoshino-san?.I mean that''s the reason why you are here right?." She sighed after saying that.Well I''m not really disregarding the possibility of all of us being killed here but that was too unrealistic.Or should I say,that was kinda stupid. "Okay,I understand.But it still doesn''t change the fact the I suspect you the most, Hashimoto-san.Your existence was already a suspicious thing since you came to this school." So far,among the people I asked,she is the one who suspect me the most.But honestly,she gave me a good reason for that. "There''s nothing to said anymore as I didn''t really do something much.Me and Ruri arrived the school together.Well maybe I didn''t tell it before but Ruri''s house and mine are just near to each other.And since we also take the same train,we sometimes decided to attend school together.Then after that,we search for Tsujinaka since we know that she always arriving at the school early.At the end,we found her in the canteen.We decided to stay in our ''common place'' to kill time until the class ends.Then Ruri said she was already tired standing so Tsujinaka decided to get some chairs in the storage room.Unfortunately,she only manage to get one.Then she ordered me to asked Ayumi-san if we can use the chairs from the table.Unfortunately,I can''t find her so I come back with an empty hand.But Tsujinaka said that we will just sit down on the ground to make things fair.So we followed her suggestion.After some time,Ruri noticed that Tsujinaka doesn''t take a make-up.I just also realized that after she said that.So Tsujinaka decided to go to the restroom to put some.Then after that,the earthquake happens."If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. She finally finished her story.Meanwhile I wrote down the important details.Somehow,it matches on Reina-san''s story which make things a little bit difficult.But for now,let''s go asked some questions. "Okay Hoshino-san.I just want to confirm some information.When Reina-san left,did you see someone go down to stairs mear to you?." "Ah you mean the one near in the principal office?." "That''s right." "No.I didn''t see anyone." "Are you sure about that?." "Yes.No doubt about it." She is also not sure about that just like Reina- san.Actually that''s a little bit of problem. "Next.I''m just curious about this but why you didn''t asked Kanakura-san if you could use some chairs in the classroom?.You can asked her instead right?." "What did you mean by that?." "Well Kanakura-san said that she saw you passed her in the hallway." "That''s because I not really close to Kanakura- san right?.So I didn''t have the courage to ask her." "But do you want to ask her right?." "I really don''t know what''s the point of asking this question,Hashimoto-san." "Is that so?." I thought I can reach something by asking her about that but I guess Hoshino-san is right. "Anyways,you said that all of you ended up sitting on the ground right?.Why didn''t Reina- san use the chair and let only the two of you to sit down on the ground?." "I think I said it earlier but she do that because she want make things fair among us.She didn''t want that she was the only who will sit in chair.That''s why at the end,she chose the best option we have." "Reina-san may look scary but she was actually a good girl,isn''t?." interject by Ayumi- san,giving a compliment to Reina-san "You''re right.That''s why I ended up hanging with her.Actually at first,I thought that she was kinda some sort leader of a gang when she was on middle school but when I talked to her personally,that expectation to her got crushed." She said that in a calm voice while reminiscing that moment. "That''s why I know to myself that it is impossible for Tsujinaka to become the culprit.If you thought that she was the most suspicious person on committing this murder case,then I will do what I can to prove her innocence,Hashimoto-san." It feels like she was declaring a war to me.But I think this is the perfect time to ask that question. "If that''s the case,if you really want to prove her innocence,you need to answer this question,Hoshino-san." She gulped after I said that.She is really willing to do anything to Reina-san. "What is your bust size?.In cups please." "Huuuuhh!?." As expected,she was also suprised with that sudden question. "No.That''s not it,Hoshino-san.This question may not related anymore in your testimony but it was very important in my investigation." "No.I''m not convinced.I think you are just taking advantage on this situation.But well if you think that I will answert that,but so-" "But Reina-san said hers.Actually,it was C cup for her." "..." She was shocked with my revelation.She was probably thinking that Reina-san will not answer those kind of questions,especially coming from me.But well that''s right.The only reason why I manage to ask that question to her is because I took advantage of her hungriness. "Is he telling the truth,Ayumi-san?." she said as she turned her head to Ayumi-san to confirm it. "Yes.He also ask others.Of course,including me." "Is that so?." She paused for a bit.She probably thinking what she will do next.Then after some time, she spoke up "It''s D.D cups." "Really!!?." "Woah.Why are you surprised,Hashimoto- san?." I mean I didn''t expect that.I looked around to her chest.To be honest,I thought it was around B cups or C cups.But I never thought it would be D cups.Did some kind of buff happened that I didn''t noticed?. "Ehem.Thank you very much for answering, Hoshino-san.This will be the final question. How do you feel now that Chinatsu-san is not here anymore?." She didn''t answer immediately.Instead,she looked at the painting in the side.After looking at it for some time,she finally spoke up. "Since you asked a question with an obvious answer,are you perhaps expecting something different one,Hashimoto-san?." Instead directly answering my question,she asked me a question.Well she a has point though. "No,no.Well of course all of us are sad.That''s a fact.But I just want to hear those words from themselves.Because sometimes,even if you said you are sad but deep inside,you didn''t really care.That''s all." "Heeeh" She somehow gave me an irritated look.Then after some time,she finally said how she feel. "Even though I didn''t really getting along with Chinatsu-san,her death is still a tragic event.I don''t know how her family will feel if they find out that their daughter was killed." Family huh.It must be really devastating to them if they learn this case,isn''t?.Anyways, since I already asked what I need to ask to her,it''s time to proceed with the next person. "Thank you very much for cooperating, Hoshino-san.You can go back now on the spsre room.And don''t forget to tell Ichika-san that she was next." "Okay.Then goodluck with this case." After saying her final words,she finally left.Meanwhile,I look to Ayumi-san.She was looking at the painting.It seems like she was in deep thought so I ask her. "What''s the matter,Ayumi-san?." She looked at me,suprised.She probably didn''t expect that question. "Ah....No.Nothing.I''m just feel very sad to Chinatsu-san''s family.I''m wonder how will they react...." "I see By the way,I''m just curious but when Hoshino-san said that she didn''t find you, where are you that time?." "Ah.I think I already said it to you when you are doing an interview to me but I''m in the restroom that time,changing my clothes." "Ah yeah,yeah.That''s right totally forgot that." I tend to forgot the most important things isn''t?. Anyways,I didn''t said any words anymore after that.A silence had occur between us.I looked down to the place where Chinatsu-san''s dead body found.Meanwhile,Ayumi-san continue on starring at the painting. The Evidence of Ruri Ichika After being silent for some time,Ichika-san finally arrived to the classroom.After letting her to enter,I urged her to sit down on the vacant chair. "Hey,Hashimoto-san.Did I still needed to say my story to you?.I''m sure you already heard most of the parts from Tsujinaka and Nene since we are all together throughout the whole time before the earthquake happens.Can we just proceed to your questions itself?." Ichika-san immediately bombered us with that statement as soon as she sit down.I think just like the othet two gals,she wants to end this interview as soon as possible.Unfortunately, that will not happen. "Your suggestion is really good but unfortunately,I still want hear you story,Ichika- san.It still different when you told your own testimony than hearing it to others." "Is that so?." After that,she gave me a ''pissed off'' face.She didn''t probably like the reason I give. "Well before that,can I asked you one thing?." "Go ahead." "Let say all of us already gave you our testimonies,are your sure will be able to find out the culprit?." "It depends on your story and to others I haven''t ask." "I think you didn''t get me,Hashimoto-san." She looked at me with her serious and sharp eyes.It was somehow a scary look.It feels like she was ready to kill someone.Anyways,she continue. "Did you think that asking everyone''s testimonies will be enough to solve this case?.Aren''t you doing a traditional way to solve a murder case?.Remember that we are not living in nineteen hundreds era, Hashimoto-san." I think I get it now what she was trying to say.She mean that the old way to find out who is the murderer is not applicable anymore in this modern era since we already so many ways to find out a culprit through the help of technology. "You have a point,Ichika-san.But that is the problem.We are not allowed to involve the police here.And there is no really a detective out there.That''s why we need to solve in an unthordox way;and that is to asked your testimonies,analyze the information,formulate a way how the murder is done and then finally reveal the culprit." "But what if you accused a wrong person?." "That will not happen.Well the most common way is elimination.Eliminate those who have a solid alibi then choose to those who are left." "Ridiculous.Solivng a crime without involving the police is impossible.If they only allow them to investigate this case,we might already found out who is the culprit." "Not really,Ichika-san." "Huuuuh!?." Although detectives are not really relevant nowadays,it doesn''t mean that they can''t solve a murder case anymore.The only difference ia that is the time.Though I think it also took for the police some days to find out a culprit in a crime.Well it depends on situation. "Anyways,Ichika-san.Let''s proceed now to your story.Instead of arguing each other,let''s finish your interview as soon as possible." "Well do what you want.But I''m sure at the end,you will not find the culprit.The only way to solve this is to include the police." She sighed,somehow tired after arguing with me.But it seems like she was willing to cooperate. "Okay.So we arrived at the school,together with Nene.Since we already know that Tsujinaka is the one who always arrived first among us,she probably in the canteen,waiting for us.Well after we reunited again to each other,we decided to go our usual place.Then I said that I''m already tired on standing so Tsujinaka decided to get some chairs in the storage room.But she come back only bringing one.So she asked Nene to asked Ayumi-san if we are allowed to use the chairs in the classroom.But she came back,saying that she didn''t find Ayumi-san anywhere.Then Tsujinaka offered me the chair.But I refuse, since I don''t want to be the only one who are sitting in a chair while my other friend are standing.At the end,we decided to sit down on the ground itself.We just ignored that chair Tsujinaka brought.Then I noticed that Tsujinaka doesn''t have a make-up.So she said she will just go to the bathroom to put some.Then the earthquake happens." Finally,her story ended.I see.As expected,they have same story to each other.It''s just a matter of perpective.It''s just there is also some differences in the way how they told itSupport the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. "Thank you very much for answering,Ichika- san.But first of all,did you saw someone going down to the stairs when Reina-san go to the restroom?." "Someone?.Hmmm.I''m not sure about that since I been talking to Nene while waiting for Tsujinaka." "I see." Unlike to Hoshino-san,she has the same answet as Reina-san.They are not sure.It''s just either no one really go down there or someone go down but Reina-san and Ichika-san just didn''t noticed it.But it was too much for coincidence.Anyways,I guess I will think about that again later. "By the way,did you and Hoshino are childhood friends?.I''m just curious" "Childhood friends?.Hahahaha.I think you get the wrong dea,Hashimoto-san." "Well,I mean both of you are always coming at school together." "Just because we arrived at school together doesn''t mean we are already childhood friend." I thought that the two of them will be like Tachibana-san and Onodera-san but I think what Ichika-san said is right. "Are you perhaps just happen to be neighbors and then decided to go the school together?." Not me,but Ayumi-san is the one who said. "Well something like that.Honestly.....wait. Should I really said it to them..." Just when she is about tell something,she suddenly stopped.She was probably hesitating.But at the end,she spit it out. "Well I''m not supposed to study in this school because my original home is far from here.But my parents said they will be busy from their work,starting from the same time when rhe school started.So they have no choice but to send me here,in my grandmother''s hometown. Coincidentally,my grandma needs someone to help in some activities and stuffs so my arrival here was also a perfect timing.In short it was a win-win situation between us.Then when the first day of school,I realized I have also a neighbor;that is of course,Nene,who is also going the same school.We got along to each other as the time goes and we ended becoming friends." After sharing her little background story about Hoshino-san and her,she sighed.I see.So that''s the story huh.It may not help in our investigation but I at least know now one fact these two gals. "Can''t you live on your own,Hoshino-san?." asked by Ayumi-san. "Well I can but since my grandma needs my help,I decided to stay here.If it was for her,I will probably living alone in my house and attending a different school." Basing from her answer,it seem like she was good person.Honestly,my impression to these three gals changed after hearing their stories. Alhough it doesn''t change the fact that they still hate me. "Anyways,Hoshino-san.I want to asked you a complicated question.I hope you answer me honestly.What is your bust size?." "That was rather a stupid question,Hashimoto- san." As expected,they are not easy to agree immediately with this question.Anyways,I continue. "It was a question that I also asked to others.It was a part of investigation so if you gave me an honest answer then that will mean a lot." "You are not just messing around,don''t you?." "No." She sighed again after hearing my serious reply.Then after some seconds,she said. "B.B cups." "I see.Thank you very much for asnwering." I wrote down that information to the notebook.Okay,let''s do a little bit of experiment. "Say,Ichika-san.Let''s give you a scenario.After investigating this case,I finally found out that the culprit is Reina-san.But then,you can take the blame.I can report a false answer to the police.Will you take the blame for Reina-san?." She didn''t answer immediately.She didn''t burst out just like what Reina-san and Hoshino-san did.She just think quietly.Then after a while,she spoke up. "Yes.I think I will take the blame.Although that kind of question is a little bit confusing." "Hoooh." I was surprised.I didn''t know if she was telling the truth but I can at least see the courage from eyes. "I''m sorry.Just forget it.By the way,if you will gonna pick one,who do you think is the possible culprit among the people here." "Of course its you.Although I can''t prove it,you are the most suspicious one here,Hashimoto- san.Or should I say,that is my hunch" "I see." Just relying on a hunch huh.Now I remember it.Sometimes the guess of others turned to be right.Anyways,I continue questioning her. "Now that Chinatsu-san was already gone,how do you feel,Ichika-san?." "That''s already obvious right?.Of course I was sad and surprised.Isn''t the same for you and Ayumi-san and also for others.I''m sure this hits hard to Hosokawa-san,her bestfriend.And a murder on a school,I never thought it will happen here." She was right about Hosokawa-san.I wonder if she already calm down herself in the spare room.And speaking of her. "Thank you very much for answering all of my questions,Ichika-san.You can go back now in the spare room.And please tell to Hosokawa- san that she was next." There are still two no,three people left to interview.Hosokawa-san,Yahiro-san and Sensei.Wait.I,including Ayumi-san,these last three people are actually the ones I suspect the least.What a coincidence. Anyways,when Ichika-san was about to leave, Ayumi-san suddenly called her out "Uhhhmmm,Ichika-san!?." She stopped on moving and turn her back. "What is it,Ayumi-san?." "Uhhm.I just want to asked one question.Of course,you don''t need to forced yourself to answer this if you don''t want." She paused a bit then continue. "Reina-san is really a good friend,isn''t?." Ichika-san opened her eyes a little bit wide. She was probably surprised with that last- minute question.Then after that,she smiled and said. "You''re right.She may hate Hashimoto-san that much but I believe that was just from outside.Afterall,me and Nene know her very well.Just like how she knows us that much." After saying Ayumi-san the best answer she can give,Ichika-san finally left the classroom. "What''s that,Ayumi-san?." "Well I''m just thinking that even though I can get along to all,to the point that I can considered all of you as a friend,I just realized that I don''t have someone I can considered as ''bestfriend''." "Really?.Didn''t you considered Kanakura-san as one?." "I dont really know if I can called her as a ''bestfriend''." After that,I didn''t push that conversation anymore.And now I realized.That I also don''t have someone I can called ''bestfriend''." Well at least someone confess her love to me. But she is not here anymore. The Evidence of the Bestfriend After entering the classroom and sitting in the vacant chair,I immdiately asked a question to Hosokawa-san "Is the place okay,Hosokawa-san?.I mean this is whe-" "Ah don''t worry,Tomocchi.It''s fine,it''s fine." It seems like she immediately realized what I want to say.Since this is the place where Chinatsu-san was murdered and her corpse was found,I consulted Hosokowa-san if doing the interview here is okay for her.But it since she said it was fine,I will not push any further. "By the way,did you recieved Ai-chan''s gift?." "Ah you mean the illustration?.Yes I received it,and it was a beautiful work." "And the chocolate?." "I also received them.Although I left them in the canteen because of the earthquake." "I see.Then that''s good to hear." She looked relieved after hearing my answer. She was probably happy when she learn that her bestfriend manage to gave those things before she meet her miserable fate. Meanwhile,she looked at the big painting.Me and Ayumi-san also do the same.Then she smiled and muttered. "Ai-chan doesn''t really disappoints,isn''t." I''m not fully sure if she is talking to us or to herself but I decided to follow her sentence there. "You''re right.That was a masterpiece." She didn''t talk but instead,she starred to the painting.But I remember one thing. "I''m sorry for disturbing you,Hosokawa-san. But did Yahiro-san already wake up?." "Ah..No,not yet.The principal is still in her office,assisting her in sleep." If she still not wake up after this interview, then we will proceed first on Sensei.But the one problem about that is if she still not wake up after that,I will not be able to create a solution for this case.I really need her testimony here.Afterall,she was the most important student here in this investigation. Meanwhile,it seems like Hosokawa-san was thinking deeply.I think there is so many question that is bothering her right now. "Oh.I forgot that I''m here to tell my story right?.I''m sorry for wasting time." "No,no.That''s okay,Hosokawa-san.You can talk to us if you are already ready.Take your time." The one who said that is Ayumi-san.She also noticed that Hosokawa-san was in the middle of something in her mind. "Is that so?." After that,she starred again to the painting for a while.We didn''t bother her.We just wait here.Well there is no need to rush things, especially for her.We can feel what she been through all this time since the murder happen. After some time,she finally turned her head to us and slapped her both cheeks. "Okay.I''m already okay now.I think I can finally tell my testimony to you.Although I think there''s nothing muh to talked about." It seems like her usual energy already back again.To be honest,that was good to see. "If that''s the case,then we are gladly to hear what you''re going to say.And if you can,I want you to be as detailed as possible." "I understand.So to start it off,I arrived at school and immediately consult Ai-chan about the illustration and the chocolate.But Suzuki-chan said that if we can go outside for a while since she want to surprise us with the decoration in the classroom.But I requested to her if Ai-chan can stay for a while since she has something to give to you.Of course,that was the chocolate and the illustration. Suzuki-chan agreed but of course,I need to go outside since I have to do that time.So I decided to just stay in the spare room and said to Ai-chan to just go there after she finished her bussiness to you.I waited for some time and finally,she arrived at the designated place Of course,I asked her about what happened with our plan and it seems she succeeded.At the end,we decided to draw some illustrations to kill some time.Since we already have materials there,we don''t need to go back to the classroom to get some.After that,I decided to go to the restroom to pee. When I came back,we continue on qhat we are doing.After some time,Ai-chan said to me that the red color in the color pencil is missing for some reason.Ai-chan said that she will go to the classroom to get her another color pencil. But after waiting for some time,she still not coming back.So I decided to go towards the classroom to see why makes her take time that much in just getting the color pencil.But when I''m about to do that,the earthquake happens.Of course,I protected myself by doing what we learned from the earthquake drill.Then I go immediately to the basketball court after the earthquake.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. She finally ended her story there.So far,that was the longest one I heard.She really followed my request and told it as detailed as possible.Anyways,I wrote all the key points from that story.I see.It kinda make sense now little by little. "Thank you very much for that story.Now I want to asked some questions and I want to confirm some things from you." "Yes.Go ahead." "First of all,when you go to the restroom,is there already someone there before you came?." "Someone before I came in the restroom?. None,I haven''t saw someone came before me." "Really?." "Yes." "Are you sure about that,Hosokawa-san?." "That was the truth,Tomocchi." "Thank you.Then when you came back or maybe when you go outside to go to the restroom,did you saw someone in the hallway?." "Uhhm.Yes.It was Suzuki-chan and Sumi- chan.I think they are doing some painting in front of the principal office." "Did you saw someone other than them?." "In the hallway?.None.But I saw Reina-san Nene-chan and Ruri-chan,sitting somehow on the ground near in the big tree.Wait,in the first place,why are they sitting in the ground?." In the middle of the serious exchanges, Hosokawa-san''s curiousity pop out. "Well they said they couldn''t find any vacant chair so they decided to just sit there in the ground.Although that was kinda unusual thing to see from them." answered by Ayumi-san Well I agreed to her but let''s go back again to the topic. "Anyways,you said that the red color in colored pencil is missing for some reason. Can you think of a specific reason why it is missing.A guess may do." "Hmmmm." Hosokawa-san put her right hand to her chin and think.After some time,she spoke up. "Well,since she is the only one who is using those colored pencils,maybe she put it somewhere and forgot where is it now.If I remember,she was using it yesterday so maybe that was the time it got lost.Of course, I''m not sure for this." "I see.Thank you for answering." Well I think I will just leave it like that.Maybe Hosokawa-san is right.Maybe it was just happen that Chinatsu-san put it somewhere. "Anyways,that all the questions about your story.Now for more personal ones. "What do you mean,Tomocchi?." She probably didn''t get what I said. "Well I just want to asked some questions again but this time,it was not related to your story anymore.It was more like something personal and I want you to answer them with full honesty." "I understand." She gulped after saying that.Don''t worry.It was not something that will scare you. "First of all,who do you think might be culprit for this case,Hosokawa-san?.Or should I say, since you are her bestfriend,maybe there are something happen that we didn''t know that may become the motive of others to commit this murder.Wait,did my question make sense to you?." "Yes.So you are telling that maybe Ai-chan did something to our classmate that may become the trigger for their motive?." "That absolutely right." "Hmmmmm." She put again her hand to her chin and tried to remember any events about that.After thinking for some time,she spoke up. "I''m sorry,Tomocchi.But I can''t remember anything.No,I''m sure there''s nothing happen that might become a motive for others as far as remember.Again,I''m sorry for not meeting your expectations." "I said that this is just more like a personal question to asked so don''t worry for this too much." I see.But if that is the case. "Then do you have someone in your mind who could possibly the culprit?." "I actually don''t know how to answer that,Tomocchi.I want to believe that all of us are innocent and the one who killed Ai-chan comes from a third party.But that''s impossible right?.There''s no way an outsider will come to this school just to kill her right?." "You''re right,Hosokawa-san." Well I also want to believe that.But just like what she said,it''s impossible.No,there is a possibility for it to happen but not in this particular case. "So do you not suspecting me?." I asked. "Of course not.There''s no reason for you to kill her right?." "Thank you very much for trusting but how about you,Hosokaw-san?.What if I accused you for being the culprit after this whole interview?." I thought she would be mad because of that question since it feels like I showing her I didn''t trust her that much.But somehow,that''s not the reaction I saw. "No.That''s is the most impossible thing to happen.I can''t do something like to Ai-chan,to my own bestfriend." Somehow,she showed a sad face.As expected she denied the probability for her being the culprit.If I will be honest here,Hosokawa-san is the least one I suspect among us.First of all,I can''t think a motive from her.In the last ten months,I didn''t saw them being in a fight or something.Second is she has a solid alibi after hearing her story.And the most important thing is I can''t imagined Hosokawa- san killing her own bestfriend,just like what she say.Yeah.I can''t imagine it. Anyways,I guess I don''t need to asked anymore how does she feel right now that Chinatsu-san was not her anymore.Since I can see to her eyes her sadness.Of course,she was trying to be as cheerful as she used to be but I know very well the emotions that she is feeling right now. "Anyways,for the last question.This might be a rude question for you but keep in mind that it was part of this interview.What is your bust size?.In cups please." She opened her eyes widely.Ah,I guess I messed up again.But that was I thought,as she burst out of laughing immediately after hearing that question. "Hahahaha.Hahahahaha." Ayumi-san and I looked at each other coincidentally.As expected,she was als surprised.We didn''t expect this moment.And as I looked,this was probably the first time I saw her laughing like that.After a while,she finally stop and said. "I''m sorry....I''m sorry.Where are we again?." "Well in your bust size,Hosokawa-san." said by Ayumi-san,reminding her my question. "Ah I see.That''s right!.Can you guess it, Tomocchi?.You can examine them." She said while presenting her breast to us. Hmmmmm. "Can I touch them?." "Nope." Well at the end,I just looked at them.Finally,an answer had come. "Are you perhaps D cups?." "What!?.How did you know that?." "Wait,he''s right?." said by Ayumi-san.She looked more surprised than me. "Yes.He is right.What is it?.Are you perhaps some sort of mind reader,Tomocchi?." "That was just purely a guess.Although I could give a more precise answer if I could touch them.Well at the end,I didn''t expect I got it right at first guess." Or should I say,we been together for ten months now.I can at least determine who has bigger and smaller breast among all of you. Although I can''t tell the exact size. "Anyways,that''s it.Thank you very much for answering my questions.You can go back now to the spare room,Hosokawa-san.And as for-" When I''m about to bring up Yahiro-san''s matter,suddenly someone entered the classroom.It was Kanakura-san. "What''s the matter,Kanakura-san?." asked by Ayumi-san,who was puzzled on what just happen. "President,Hashimoto-kun.Yahiro-san finally wake up." The Evidence of the Sadistic Loli After saying Hosokawa-san to go back now in the spare room,I asked Kanakura-san if she can guide Yahiro-san towards since she just wake up and it may hard for her to go here alone. But that didn''t happen as she was already here,sitting on the chair together with her sadistic smile.As if feels like there''s nothing happen to her. "Uhhmm.Are okay now,Yahiro-san?." I immediately consulted her.If she is not still okay,then we can just asked later. "Fufu.I''m already here,Hashimoto-kun.I go here with myself.Is that it enough to satisfy you that I''m already okay?." She has a point.I think she didn''t care on her situation after the earthquake happen. "No.I mean you have been sleeping for more than hours since the earthquake happen.Wait did you already know the whole story?.Did you already know why are you here?." Damn.I''m forgot to ask her about that.I''m so focused to her situation that I''m almost forgot to tell her what happen to Chinatsu-san. "Yes.My classmates told me the story.That Chinatsu-san was murdered.And you volunteered yourself to solve this case since the principal doesn''t want to involve the police and make it in public." "I see.Then that''s good to hear." "But really,why did I fell asleep after that earthquake.I want also to solve this murder case with myself." "That is my question,Yahiro-san." But all that aside,Yahiro-san doesn''t seemed suprised on what happen to Chinatsu-san.Is it because she was already used to murder cases since she was a huge fan of detection fiction novels?. On the other hand,she looked at Ayumi-san with a confused face. "By the way,why are you here,Ayumi-san?." "Oh.I''m here to help Hashimoto-kun on his investigation." Ayumi-san answered "Fufu." She just giggled a little after that conversation.Then she looked at me again and said. "It seems liked I really missed this opportunity, Hashimoto-kun.If I''m only didn''t fell asleep,I might become the one who is solving this case.Then I can acquire you as my assistant,Hashimoto-kun.Or maybe vice versa." "Like Sherlock Holmes and John Watson." "No.It''s like Hercule Poirot and Arthur Hastings." Poirot and Hastings?.Who are those people?. Anyways,I continue. "It seems like you didn''t care about the fact that one of our classmates died,Yahiro-san." "Well I know that it was a tragic event but you see,I love murders.And to think that a murder happened in this school,I think I couldn''t happy anymore." Me and Ayumi-san was surprised with her answer.The detective fiction novels really influence her a lot. "But what if the murderer tries to kill all of us here?.What if you are her next victim after Chinatsu-san?.Are you still be happy with that?." I tried to scared her a little bit.But I know that she will not fall for that.I just want to hear what she will say. "Fufu.I think that will not happen,Hashimoto- kun.There are so many chances to kill me,but the murderer didn''t do that." "What if I''m that murderer?.What if I''m just waiting for you to wake up and come here to kill you?." I looked first at Ayumi-san then returned to Yahiro-san. "I can think of two ways to kill both of you without being noticed by others." I looked to her eyes much stronger than before.I wonder how she will react. "Fufu.Fufufufu.That was actually good joke, Hashimoto-kun.Well if we take it seriously,I can also think two reasons why you can''t possibly the culprit and kill both of us here." "Two reasons?." I asked,although I think I know at the very least what she will say. "First is that the culprit is a murderer,not a serial killer.So killing both of us here will not make sense.I heard from our classmates in the spare room that Kanakura-san just found Chinatsu-san''s dead body after the earthquake.A serial killer will not wait for the earthquake to occur for them to kill someone." I think I know what she want to say.A serial killer will kill someone,anytime and anywhere.While murderers was thinking a plan on how they will kill someone,without them being suspected. "And the second one reason is that you are the detective,Hashimoto-kun.Detectives in crime novels can''t become the culprit at the end of a murder case."The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. "Is that so?." Well I guess she''s right.Among to the murder mysteries I read,there is still no circumtances were the detective or the narrator become the culprit.I''m not sure in western detective fiction though. "Anyways,Yahiro-san.Can you tell us now your story?." "Ah I forgot that I''m not detective but instead I''m one of the possible suspects in this case.Where I will gonna start?." "From the the moment you arrived at school until the earthquake happens,Yahiro-san." If Hosokawa-san is the one I suspect the least among us,Yahiro-san is the person who was already ruled out from being the possible culprit.Even though if we say she has a motive,although I can''t really see one from her,still she will not be able to do the murder. Afterall,she was a disabled girl. Anyways,Yahiro-san started her story. "So I''m in the corridor,doing the heart-shaped design that was asked by Ayumi-san to me. Well you know what happen that time right?. You met me first in the corridor before going to the canteen.I also gave you my chocolates right?.Oh since we come to that,did you already eat them,Hashimoto-kun?." I was suprised with her sudden question while telling her own testimony.Hmmmmm,where did the chocolates go huh. "Ah.I haven''t eat them.They are still in the canteen,to the table I used that time." I forgot to bring them with me,together with my novel.I will probably get the chocolates and eat them after eating lunch.Yahiro-san continue in her story. "Well anyways,after that,I just read the novel that I have that time.After some time, Reina-san came to the storage.I think I heard that she wants to asked Hiten-san,who was inside the storage room,if there are still some chairs there.I think Hiten-san said that there were none and that''s when I talked to her, telling that she could have my chair instead. She accepted my offer and left the scene.On the other hand,I entered inside to the storage room to meet Hiten-san.I sat down to box near the door.Well we didn''t really talked that much.I just asked her why she was in the storage room but she just said she wants to be alone.Then after some time,the earthquake happen.Then I feel sleep." Yahiro-san finally ended her story.As I wrote down the important details,I realized that it matches to Reina-san and Hiten-san''s story.But there are some things that are bothering me. "Thank you very much for that testimony.Now let me asked some questions.First of all,why did you decided to go inside the storage room?." "That was a pretty good question,Hashimoto- kun." I can think at least one reason why did she that but I want to hear her own answer. "Well it''s nothing special.Maybe I just want to lend my chair to Reina-san that time." "Maybe?." "Maybe." Her anwer is not what I''m thinking for.I thought that she do that because she want to talk to Hiten-san but since she said they never engage in a conversation that time,maybe that was really the reason afterall "By the way,before you enter,did you saw someone enter the classroom?.Or someone passed by in the corridor?." "If I remember it,was Ayumi-san.Then followed by Chinatsu-san." "Did Ayumi-san come out from the classroom?." "Yes." "Did you see her bringing something with her?." "Hmmmm.If I''m not mistaken,it was a uniform.Am I wrong,Ayumi-san?." She looked at Ayumi-san to confirm it. "No.You''re right,Yahiro-san.I get my spare uniform since Kanakura-san accidentally stained my first uniform with paints." "Is that so?." So far,the interview is going smoothly so I continue. "How about Chinatsu-san?.Did she come out after entering the classroom?." "That''s what I''m not fully sure since after some time,Reina-san came,I offered my chair to her and enter the storage room." "I see." "I''m sorry for that,Hashimoto-kun.If I didn''t enter the storage room then I might confirm if she really come out from the classroom or not." "No.There''s nothing to apologize.You already gave me enough information." She just smile after saying that. "Well,next question.Did you hear someone walking or talking in the corridor while you are inside the storage room.You said that you sit down in a box near to the door so maybe you could share something to us." She didn''t answer immediately and think deeply.After some time,she spoke up. "None.I never heard footsteps in the corridor.I also didn''t heard someone talking." "Are you really sure about that?." "Yes.As far as I know." I wrote all of her answers in the notebook.I see.It all making sense now.I finally have the whole idea on what happen while I''m in the canteen. "Actually,that''s the end for asking questions about your story.But I want to asked you one sensitive question.It would help me if you answer this since it''s part of investigation." "Sensitive huh.Fufu.Go ahead,Hashimoto-kun." "What is your bust size?.In cup please." "Is that an insult to me,Hashimoto-kun?." "Insult?." After saying that,I looked to her breast.Well I could tell that her bust is as flat as the chopping board.But still,I want to know the exact size. "You could tell their size,Hashimoto-kun. Obiviously the smallest one in cup size." "So it''s A cups." "Well if there is still smaller than that,then that''s it." "A is the smallest,Yahiro-san.There is no more -A after that.It''s not like in numbers,you know." "Is that so?." I just realized that was a cringe joke coming from me.Sorry for that. "By the way,I''m just curious but are you perhaps a boob guy,Hashimoto-kun?." I suddenly stopped writing in the notebook after hearing that question.I didn''t expect that kind of question from her.Anyways,let just answer her honestly. "Nope." "So do you prefer ass over bust?." "Not really." "Hmmm.That''s weird.Then what do you prefer from girls?." She probably thinking that I will choose one between ass or boobs,but maybe she forgot that there are still parts from a girls that was more attractive than those two. "For me,I prefer a girl''s face.Most people commonly got attracted to girls with big boobs and big ass,which is something couldn''t help.But it was a different case to me." "I see.Thank you for answering my question, Hashimoto-kun." I somehow relieved that she didn''t asked any further with that.I thought that she will ask specifically what kind of face I like in a girl. Well I don''t really mind answering that but at the same time I don''t want to reveal the specifics. "Are we done now,Hashimoto-kun?." "Ah.Yes.You can go back now to the classroom.Can you handle yourself going down on the stairs?." "Don''t worry.It''s not like my first time doing this,right?." "Ah.You''re right." I forgot for a moment that she already walking in the stair up and down for the past ten months.Really,why I''m always forgot the most important things. "Ah.Don''t forget to call Sensei here, Yahiro- san." "Hmmmm.Did you really needed to interview her like us.I don''t thi-" "That''s right." I think she was about to say ''I don''t think she can be a the murderer" but she immediately take it back.As a fan of detective fiction novels,she know it to herself very well.That all of us here are no execption for being the possible culprit. After she left,I asked Ayumi-san who has been quiet for a while. "Did you think that Yahiro-san,a disabled person can kill Chinatsu-san,Ayumi-san?." "I don''t think so.What I mean is she can kill her but not in that situation." "In that situation.What did you mean by that?." I still asked her even though I already have an idea what she mean by that. "Well for example,if Chinatsu-san is sleeping or lose her conciousness." "You have a point." The Evidence of the Teacher After waiting for time,Sensei finally arrived at the classroom.She sit down on the vacant down,crossed her legs and get one cigarette and lighter.She is about to light it but Ayumi-san stopped her. "Sensei,teachers are not allowed to smoke inside the classroom." "Really?.I thought today was an execption because of the incident." "Of course not.Another thing is second-hand smoke will bother and harm us students" "I see,I see.Then I will not argue anymore, President. She said in a rigid manner as she put back the cigarette in the pack and putting back the lighter on her right pocket.At least act as a real teacher for once.Well just for a short story,Sensei is always like this.Of course,she is good teacher.She is caring for us and teaching us all subjects in the school year.Honestly that was an insane job.To be able to teach us each subject,it feels like she is some sort genius.But I think the problem lies with her personality.She is not the type of person who will greet you in the morning with a big smile.No,I think she never do that to anyone in the past ten months as far as I know.She it not like Hosokawa-san,the cheerful type.She was the opposite-the cold one.I said earlier that she was teaching us properly but it lacks something.It feels dry.At the end,I just come up with an answer that maybe she just doing this teacher stuff for money. Anyways,let''s go back to the topic. "By the way,how''s your situation,Hashimoto?.I heard that you already asked all of your classmates testimonies.Did you already find out that culprit?." "Oh,Sensei.I just finished collecting information.The brainstorming part is something I will do after we eat lunch." "Now that you said it,lunch break will come soon." I looked at the clock.It was already eleven o''clock in the morning.I guess after this interview with Sensei,we will eat first before forming a hypothesis.Drawing a solution with your empty stomach will not gonna make me think one.Come to think of it,I haven''t eat anything since breakfast.It is also the same with Ayumi-san,which is helping me in this case for the whole time. "Anyways,I remember telling that I will participate in this interview but I just realized that there''s nothing to talk about from me,Hashimoto." "Really?.So what did you do during the whole time before the earthquake happens?." I asked immediately going straight to the point. "I only stayed in the teacher''s office together with the principal." Oh by the way,prinicipal office and teacher''s office shares the same building,in case you didn''t know.Actually,this was a little bit weird since most school are always putting a separate building for them.But since this school only have one teacher,they just chose to mix the two different office.Maybe that was another thing for calling this school- Hikarigaoka Girls Highschool,special. Anyways,I continue questioning Sensei. "You didn''t go to the restroom or somewhere?." "No." "Are you really sure about that?." "I didn''t go outside and only stayed in the teacher''s room together with the principal. That was the fact." "Maybe the principal didn''t noticed you going outside.It''s not like the two of really close to each other,right?.If I remember correctly,there was at least a wall seperating the two of you." Even though they share the same room,they were at least something separates their places.And that already enough to block the view of each other. "That was right.There is really a wall separating our places,Hashimoto.But supposing that I really go to the restroom or somewhere,what you could get from me for that scenario?." That was really a good question. "Are you suspecting me for being the culprit,Hashimoto?." she added Is there any possibility for her to become the culprit?.Can Sensei have the courage to kill her own student?. "Unfortunately,just how much I like to suspect you or to accused you as a murderer,I couldn''t imagine that scenario.If we will just base on your personality,I think you can''t be the culprit,Sensei.Afterall,you didn''t show any interest to us." "Thank you for the answer but I think you are kinda wrong in the last sentence,Hashimoto.I may have a personality contrast to what you are expecting but I can at least show my concern to my students." "Really?." "Yes.It just unnoticable." Unnoticable huh.If I will be honest,I can''t feel that from her.So if that the case,let''s take this opportunity to ask this question. "Anyways,Sensei.How do you feel that Chinatsu-san is already gone?." "Of course I was sad.It may not showed from my face but that''s how I feel inside.It was a tragic incident.I never thought that a murder will happen in a school.And I''m sure the murderer,whoever they are,must be feeling happy right now because their plan succeed." "You''re right." She has the same opinion as others.And I somehow like the last sentence she said.The culprit must be celebrating right now. "By the way,how about you President?.Are you also suspecting me on being the culprit?." Sensei turned her head to Ayumi and asked that question. "I''m not already suspecting you,Sensei." I interject If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. "No,Hashimoto.Well you said that earlier but I''m not trusting your words.Knowing you,I wouldn''t be suprised if you ended choosing the principal as the murderer." That would be a great plot twist if that happen. "But didn''t you just also said earlier that you trust me?." "You probably don''t get it or maybe you immediately forgot it.But I just ''thank you from your answer'' not ''thank you for trusting me''." "Is that so?." I thought those two are just the same.Or maybe I''m just stupid?.Anyways,she stopped talking on me and focus her attenton to Ayumi-san.I also didn''t push any further with that nonsense conversation. "So Ayumi,what''s your answer?." She probably noticed that Sensei is already done messing with me so she braced herself and gave Sensei the answer she needed. "I''m also have the same opinion as Hashimoto-kun.I can''t imagine Sensei killing her student.I can''t also think a reason why will you do that.Well,if the one who was murdered is the principal herself,I can at least suspect you since thinking a motive for that easy but since it was Chinatsu-san who got killed,it was a different story." "See,Hashimoto.Ayumi didn''t suspect me at all." "Well she made a very good point." I liked how Ayumi-san said that we may have a different story if we have a different victim.I mean if the one who got killed was the principal then it would be hard to determine who was the culprit among the students. Anyways,let''s go to the real business. "Okay,okay Sensei.I''m now truly believed you.This was already my honest answer.Oh and you said that you really don''t have something more to say to us since you only stay in the teacher''s office for the whole time before the earthquake.But there''s one question I want to asked you.Yes,only one question.And I want you to answer this with honesty.This is the most important you see.And depending on what answer will you give me,I might be able to find out who was the culprit." I said that with a serious tone and face.Well I''m not lying when I said I can probably tell who was the culprit if Sensei gave me the answer that I''m needed Meanwhile,Sensei gave me slight smile.She was probably happy that I might be able to determine the culprit after this.On the other side,Ayumi-san was suprised a little bit then looked at Sensei.I think she was curious about what kind of answer she will give to the question I will ask. "Go ahead.If it is something that will you to solve this case, then I will gladly answer that question." "The restroom was placed behind the spare room,right?.Because of that,it covers the window part on it resulting to a high temperature.Near that,there is another restroom which was made only for me,a boy. That restroom was also covering the window at the principal office but only half since that was only a single person restroom.That means there is still a portion of window that was not covered since the window part in the principal is longer than the spare room.Here is the main question.Since the teacher''s office and principal office shares the same room,you also share the same window part.Did you saw someone passed by from the window?." That was a pretty long set-up before going to the main question but I need to explained that in order for her understand what I''m trying to say. Sensei thinks for some time.After that she finally spoke with somehow an apologetic eyes. "I''m sorry,Hashimoto.I know you go your way out to explained to me what you want trying to get at.In other words,since the restroom is located at the back of this building,you are asking me if there someone go towards the restroom right?.Unfortunately,I''m not really sure.No,I can''t really tell since I''m not the one who was near in the window part.It was principal." "Really?." "Yes.Remember when I said there is a wall separating our places?.Actually,that was also blocking my view to the window.Also,when I said that I only stay on the teacher''s office for the whole time,I also meant that I only sit from my chair for the whole time.I didn''t stand up and go to the window since I''m busy doing my lesson plans and also preparing to the final exam of the school year." "I see." It couldn''t help.But if that was the case,then. "If you want,I can asked the principal that question.I will just give you the answers after you eat you lunch." "Ah.No need for that,Sensei." I looked first at Ayumi-san and continue. "Are you already hungry now,Ayumi-san?." "Well,yes but I think I can still handle myself a little bit longer." "Can you still handle one more interview?." "Yes.If I can help you in this case,I don''t mind accompanying you." "What are you planning,Hashimoto?." asked by Sensei,which is somehow confuse to my sudden actions. "I just changed my plan a little.I did say earlier that I don''t need to involve the principal in this interview.But since you said she is the one who might gave me the answes I needed,I will just have to ask her with myself." "But just like I said,I can do that alone.You don''t need to force yourself extending this interview longer.I know that you are very hungry right now." Well she was right.I haven''t eat something since my breakfast before going to school.But right now,I need answers.Answers that will bring me to the truth. "Don''t worry.I also want to ask some personal questions about her." "Personal questions huh.I wonder what are you going to ask to her." "Ah.Now that you said it,I actually want to ask one more question to you,Sensei.Oh,this will be also the last." "Hmm?." I almost forgot it.Or should I say,I was kinda hesitating to ask it to her because I know this was not the question you can normally ask to a woman.What''s more,to your own teacher. Thank God I manage to ask this to my classmates(although some were got hesitated to answer and angry,which is already an expected reaction). "Well it is about your bust size,Sensei.Of course,you don''t really need to answer this you find it stupid.But it was part of my investigation.I also did the same with my other classmates." "It is really a very stupid question,Hashimoto. But you said you also ask this question to your other classmates.Did all of them gave you their bust sizes?." "Yes." "Are you serious?." She looked at Ayumi-san.She probably want to hear a confirmation to her.Ayumi-san quickly noticed it and immediately replied. "He was telling the truth,Sensei.I also find it weird but since he said it was all part of his investigation,I didn''t asked him any further." "Ho.I see,I see." She said as she closed her eyes.Did I made a wrong decision?.Did I messed up?.But all my thoughts disappeared when she spoke up. "You really have guts to asked that question to your own teacher no,Hashimoto?.Well anyways,it was E cup.That was the size." I got suprised a little bit for that answer.I looked to Ayumi-san.She just smiled to me.At the end,I just also did the same as I wrote down that information in the notebook. "Thank you very much for answering and taking your precious time,Sensei.You can go back now to the spare room or to the teacher''s office.And please asked the principal if we can take her time for a little bit for an interview." "I see.Then goodluck to your investigation.I can''t wait to see who is the culprit behind this murder.She may be celebrating for her temporary success but I''m sure you will find them out right?." "I will try my best but don''t be too excited, Sensei.You may take your words back if it turned out that you really the murderer." "I don''t care,I will not trust your accusation against me,Hashimoto." After she said that,she stand up and go to the door.When she is about to open it,I suddenly called her out. "Wait,Sensei." "Hmmm?." "Your phone.I giving it back now." After saying that,I pulled out her phone from my pocket,unlocked it and looked again with the photo I took earlier.Hmmmm.What is this?.Anyways,Sensei gave its password before she lend it to me so I manage to open it. After checking up the photo, I reached my hand to give it to Sensei.She recieved it,check a little bit then put it to her pocket. "What did you borrowed my phone again?." "To take a photo.Photo of the classroom.You can also check it if you want." "That''s all you do?." "Yes.Nothing more,nothing less." "I see.Then that''s good to hear." That was the last words she said to me as she finally left the classroom.Meanwhile,I consulted again Ayumi-san. "By the way,I think you are already hungry now,Ayumi-san.Actually,you don''t need to accompany me with this last interview.You can just forget what I said earlier." "Ah.Don''t worry about it.I want at least to finished my role as an assistant at the very end." "I see.Then thank you very much for your support." At the end,I couldn''t help but to thank her.Just one more,one more answer.I''m definitely close now to the truth. But was that really the case?. The Evidence of the Principal If I remember correctly,our principal''s name is Hikari Natsume.She was the type of person who doesn''t usually talk or interact to others. Or maybe that was just me. "How can you describe the principal, Ayumi-san?." While waiting for Natsume-san I asked Ayumi-san to confirm my description to the principal. "Hmmmm.I think she was type who stays in the shadow I guess.To the point that I almost forgot that she exist in this school." "I see." So at the end,I was correct afterall.Maybe that was also the case with my other classmates.I think the reason for her unnoticable existence is because she doesn''t roaming around in the school nor she doesn''t greet students when she meet them,unlike to what other principals do in most school.I often meet her when I''m changing my shoes in the locker room.I greet her with ''Good Morning'' but she doesn''t replied back.In other words,never.She never greet me back in the past ten months. Sometimes,I just ended up with the conclusion that this may be also part of this school for being special. In the middle of my deep thoughts,the door suddenly opened.When I looked around,I saw the person that I''m expecting to arrive. She has a bob haircut.I think we shares the same height.And she has this gloomy aura around her. She sit down on the vacant chair and said nothing.If that''s the case,I will be the one who will strike the first blow for our conversation." "Good morning.Or should I say good afternoon,Natsume-san." I looked at the clock.It was already eleven forty.Since it will just take twenty minutes to noon,I also greeted her with ''good afternoon''. However,she didn''t replied back or say nothing.She just nodded a little bit,showing her affirmation to my greet.This is just how she accept my greet whenever we meet each other.Anyways,I continue questioning her. "Uhhhmmm,sorry for taking your precious time,Natsume-san.You probably heard from Sensei why are you here,right?." She didn''t say anything.She just nodded. "By the way,did the electricity already come back?." She didn''t say anything.She just swayed her head,showing that it is still not coming back. "Did Yahiro-san fully fine now?.Did she collapsed again or something like that?." Since she is the one who take care her while she was unconcious,I''m wondering if she is really okay now.But the principal didn''t say nothing.She just swayed her head a little. I guess I will stop asking her more question and go to the main point.Yeah,I only need her to confirm what she saw in the window then she can go back now to her office.Then me and Ayumi-san can take our lunch break. That''s right,maybe I will just go with that. "Okay,Ms.Natsume-san.I just wa-" When I''m about to get straight to the point,the principal suddenly stand up from her chair. She close her distance between us and bow her head and body a little bit. I and Ayumi-san coincidentally looked at each other.She also didn''t expect what just happen. After that,the principal spoke up. "I''m sorry for trusting this whole case, Hashimoto-san,Ayumi-san.I heard from Takashi-sensei that both of you haven''t eat yet since morning.That''s why take this simple apology from me,as the principal of this school." She said in a apologetic and soft voice.This was probably the first I hear her voice since I studied here in this school. Anyways,I couldn''t immediately speak out.I was totally baffled on this situition.This was truly an unexpected moment.On the other hand,Natsume-san remain on to her position. Maybe she was waiting for me to say something After choosing what words I will say,I answer her. "Okay,okay.I will take this apology, Natsume- san.In the first place,you really don''t have to do this." "He''s right.I know you have a reason for this complicated situation,principal." interjected by Ayumi-san "I see." After saying that,she go back to the chair and sit.Meanwhile,I decided to asked some questions to her "So why are you silent earlier,Natsume-san?. Why are you not talking to us?." "That''s because I''m waiting for the opportunity to apologize to both of you.I already did it to your other classmates.I apologize to them for this inconvenience.They take it but I also want to do that to both of you,as you are the ones who is solving this case." "I see.That was good to hear." Maybe our classmates was also suprised for her.And since all the things already settle down right now,let''s go to the real business. "If that''s the case,let me get to the point, Natsume-san.I will not ask anymore specifics on what did you do the whole time before the earthquake happens.Instead,I will just ask you one question and I want you to answer it carefully." "I already heard from Takahashi-sensei.It''s about the window part,right?.Specifically,if there''s someone I saw on outside." "That was absolutely correct.But first of all,did you looked up in the window that time." "Yes." So it seems like Sensei already explained to her what I''m going to ask before Natsume-san go here.I have to thank her for that later. On the other hand,our conversation is going smoothly.Since this is the first time I talked to her,I was somehow nervous and scared.But after exchanging some words,I realized that she was actually an easy person to talk.Or maybe she was just like this because we are bearing the responsibility on solving this case on our own.Either way,both of us are doing fine here.Stolen story; please report. "So do you saw someone,Natsume-san?." "Yes." "How many?." "Two students." "Ony two students?." "Yes." "Are you really sure for that?." "Yes.I''m sure for that." "So who are they?." "Ayumi-san and Reina-san." "Are sure that it was truly Ayumi-san and Reina-san and you are not mistaking them for someone else?." "Yes.I''m sure it was the two of them that I saw." "Thank you.Did you saw them at the same time or did you saw one of them first?." "The latter." "Who is it?." "Ayumi-san." "Thank you.So when you saw Ayumi-san,in what direction is she going?." "Hmmm.I think she is going to the diretion towards the restroom.Then after some time,I saw her again,this time in a opposite direction." In other words,she also witnessed Ayumi-san leaving the restroom.Meaning,strong alibi for her. "How about Reina-san?.Did you also saw her going towards to the restroom?." "Yes.Actually,both of them meet to each other that time coincidentally " "Ho.I see.And when she is leaving?.Did you also saw that?." "Unfortunately no.Because after some time,the earthquake happens." "I see." I wrote down the information she gave to me in the notebook.After that,I closed it out,put down my pen in the table and sighed.The interview part was already finished.It was time to come up with the solution.But I will do that later.For now,everything that we will talk about is just a mere curiousity of mine. "Well that''s it,Natsume-san.But I think you might already heard it from Sensei.The real reason why you need to be called here." "To asked some personal questions that you think I can only answer right?." "Yes.Specifically two questions." "Go ahead." "First one is about me.Why did you accept my enrollment here,Natsume-san?.Why did you allowed a boy to study in an all-girls highschool?." After hearing that,she open her widely.But she immediately close it and made a slight smile.I thought that it was a question that will let her guard down but it seems like she was already expecting it and alreafy prepare an answer. "You know the main goal of this school right?.To become special.That''s why the officials who runs this school make this an all-girls highschool because they thought that this idea is one of a kind.But the story doesn''t end there.They also only acquired one teachers to teach all the subjects because they thought it was special.But here we come, your application to this school.Actually,I''m the one who come up with the idea of including a boy in all-girls highschool.So I consulted the higher-ups and asked them if they can accept you.At first,they refuse because they think that it will disregard the idea of the school for being an all-girls but when I explained that an-all girls highschool with a boy is more special and unique than that and after persuading them more,at the end,they finally agreed." "Hmmm.I see.I see." "What''s the matter?." "Well,it just rather an unexpected reason to hear." "Actually,that''s not the only reason." "What!?." I said with a surprised look. "We orginally want to gather twelve students.But that time,the school year is about to start and we still only got eleven students.I asked the officials if eleven is already enough.But for some reason,they said that they will not start the school year unless we can find one more student.And that''s where your application come,Hashimoto-san. Maybe this is one of the reason why they accepted you here even though this is not really what they want to do." "Now that was really a surprising fact, Natsume-san." So at the end,it just a matter of coincidence. I''m wondering what if they found and chose someone aside from me.Well obviously if they immediately found one more girl applicant ahead from the deadline then maybe I''m studying right now in other school.And of course,I''m not sitting hear thinking for a solution for this murder mystery. "And now we come to talk about that,I want also to ask one question to you.Why did you decided to apply in this school in the first place,Hashimoto-san?." I got a little bit surprised with that question but at the same time,that was already something I''m expecting from most people.I remember when Hosokawa-san ask me this same question.I think I will just give Natsume-san the same answer,just like to others. "Well that was rather a complicated question, Natsume-san.But just think my existence in this all-girls highschool as a common cliche in romantic comedy novels.That was my answer and I hope that it already satisfies you." "I''m not really satisfied with that.That was more like a vague answer." "Some things are better left unsaid, Natsume-san." My existence is not the most the important thing right now to concern.Also,that will just prolong this interview.I need to end as soon as possible "Anyways,this is my second question.It is about the reason why you don''t want to include the police.Well Sensei already explains it earlier but it feels like this is much more deeper problem than we thought right?." "You''re right.Or more likely,the one who will suffer the most is the higher-ups." "What did you mean?." I asked her although I have a hunch for what she will say. "First of all,I like to say that what Takahashi-sensei is also true.If this case got in public the students here will also receive damage on their status.You may already know what I''m talking about right,Hashimoto-san, Ayumi-san?." "Yes." anwered by Ayumi-san. I nodded to show my affirmation. "And just like what Takahashi-sensei said earlier,I was once a chief inspector.Although I''m already retired for about a year now." I''m actually almost forget that.But on the other hand,if you will look around it,her former job was kinda matching her personality.Well that was just my opinion though. "Anyways aside from you,if this case got in public,who do you think will take the blame most?." She asked,letting us to guess the answer. "I think it was the school itself.Which is also mean..." answered by Ayumi-san "That''s right,Ayumi-san.At the end of the story, the one who will suffer the most from this case are the higher-ups.They will receive so much criticism from people.Like ''don''t take your child to this school'' or something like ''the school managers should not let this kind of incident happen''.And that was the thing they don''t want to happen." In short, a school scandal.And if it got public, it will spread among people,like a chain reaction.If that happens,the school higher-up will take that scandal until they die.Of course, that was something they don''t to happen. Meanwhile,Natsume-san continue. "But even if this incident doesn''t got in public, we still received damage.But it will now reduced since we will disclose all the information here to other people." It will became a private matter between the people here. "But of course,we still need give justice to Chinatsu-san.That''s why I requested to all of you to solve this murder on you own.And if possible,you must solve it today.Anyways,I never thought you are the one who is taking in charge,Hashimoto-san." "Well it''s a promise afterall." "Promise?." "Ah no nevermind." I refuse to explain anymore.I looked at the clock.It was already eleven fifty-five in the morning.It''s time to end this interview. "By the way,I want to ask you more questions, Natsume-san.But since it was something that was easy to answer,let''s make it quick.It was almost lunch break afterall." She looked at her watched in her right hand to confirm it "Oh,you''re right.Then go ahead." "Thank you.First all of you,who do you suspect the most?." "None.I can''t think of someone who could possibly done this murder." "I see.But what if I said I''m the culprit?.Would you believe it?." "Maybe.If you confessed to me right now,I would believed it." "Thank you.But what if I said that you are culprit?." "No.That was impossible.That''s the last thing I would think of." "How did you feel that Chinatsu-san was already gone?." "I''m very sad.Sometimes,I want to blame myself.I''m the principal of this school but I couldn''t even manage to protect my students." "I see." Somehow,I could relate on what she was saying. "Last question.What is your breast size?.In cups?." "B cups." "Okay that''s it.Thank you very much for answering and lending your time to us, Natsume-san." "No problem.I hope you can give the justice to Chinatsu-san." "That was something we will know later." After that conversation,she finally left the classroom.Meanwhile I looked to Ayumi-san and asked. "Do you have yourown lunch,Ayumi-san?." "No.I didn''t bringing one to me.I''m always eating in the canteen." "I see.Then you can go now." "How about you,?." "Well I have my own lunch.I will eat here" "I see.If that''s the case then I will leave for a while now,Hashimoto-san." "Ah don''t forget to come back here.We will talk about this information we gathered." "I understand.Then see you after twenty minutes." I nodded on agreement,as she left after saying that. I stood up on my chair,picked up my lunch and eat on the teacher''s table I''ve been using for the whole time. Truth and Lies I immediately eat my lunch.I think it just took me five minutes to finished.Well I''m already a fast eater in the first place but the fact that my hungriness really hits me hard,it makes me to eat my lunch much faster. On the other hand,I was supposed to go outside to buy a water drink(since I didn''t really bringing one to me) but after looking around in the classroom,I noticed a water jag that is placed in an arm chair.I ended up drinking with that water bottle but I think is was owned by Hosokawa-san (because I think she was the only one who is bringing this kind of water jag in this school). Additionally,I also tried to switch on the wall fan.The fan didn''t work.I see.The electricity is still not coming back.I think we will never have electricity until the end days.If that''s the case, then there''s only one thing to do in this situation. I opened all the windows inside the classroom.Specifically,there are four set of windows here.Two at the back and two at the right.With this,I cannot suffocate myself in heat. I stand for a moment in front of a window.Ah,I can feel the fresh air. Anyways,after doing all of that,it''s time to focus again in the real business.I go back to my sit and opened the small notebook. Since it was Chinatsu-san''s notebook,there are some notes written here by her.But aside from that,since I also used it as an investigation notebook,the informations I gather from all possible suspects are also written here. I was supposed to wait for Ayumi-san to come back before thinking a solution,but since I finished eating my lunch much faster,I think I will just go ahead first while waiting her. I looked a the clock.It was just twelve ten in the afternoon.Since she said it will take her twenty minutes in her lunch break,I will have to think with myself ten minutes more. And so I did.I think with myself for a possible solution in this murder.I tried to find a hole to each person''s alibi.Well I find some,but it still doesn''t make sense.So I go back again to zero.I tried again.After some time,I finally found out one.But it lacks of evidence and importantly,a motive.But I didn''t totally reject that,so I put aside first that simple solution. So this is what it feels like to solve a real murder mystery.Honestly its quite tiring.And I realized that it was hard to solve real one.I thought that maybe after reading some detective-fiction novels,you can easily a real thing but I guess that was only my own interpretation. Or maybe another factor is lack of assistant, which is in this case is Ayumi-san(since she still not coming back).I think the reason why there''s always an assistant in most mystery novels is because they can help and provide some answer or possible clues that the detective can''t think of. While in the middle of my brainstorming,the door opened and when I looked up,the person I''m waiting for already came back. "Speaking of the devil." "Hmmm?." "Ah,no nothing.I''m just been waiting for you, Ayumi-san." "I see.Did you already finished eating lunch, Hashimoto-san?." "Yes." After that,she sit down on the vacant chair besides me.Since she already go towards here,I''m sure she also already finished taking lunch so I didn''t ask that question anymore. Anyways,I looked on the clock.It was already twelve twenty five in the afternoon.She really followed what she said.However,time surely flies so fast,isn''t?.I didn''t even notice that I already spent fifteen minutes by just thinking a little bit. "First of all,please take a look on this,Ayumi- san." I handed her the notebook I have been using for the whole time.I showed to her all the information I gather so far. 1.Name:Tomozuki Hashimoto Bust size:None Possible Motive:None Alibi:None Suspcious Circumtances:None 2.Name:Suzuki Ayumi Bust Size:C cups Possible Motive:None Alibi:From morning until the earthquake happens (vouched by Sumire Kanakura in the the hallway of first floor,vouched by Higashi Hiten and Tsujinaka Reina in the restroom) Suspicious Circumtances:None 3.Name:Sumire Kanakura Bust Size:A cups Possible Motive:Jealousy from Aina Chinatsu Alibi:From morning until the earthquake happens (vouched by Suzuki Ayumi in the hallway of first floor) Suspicious Circumtances:Running away from the basketball towards to the classroom- eventually become the first person to saw Aina Chintasu''s dead body 4.Name:Higashi Hiten Bust size:D cups Possible Motive:None Alibi:From morning until the earthquake happens (vouched by Irina Yahiro in the storage room) Suspicious Circumtances:None 5.Name:Kirisaki Onodera Bust size:E cups Possible Motive:None Alibi:From morning unit the earthquake happens (vouched by Seishirou Tachibana in the staircase) Suspicious Circumtances:Being blunt on the interview itself 6.Name:Seishirou Tachibana Bust size:B cups Possible Motive:None Alibi:From morning until the earthquake happens (vouched by Kirisaki Onodera in the staircase) Suspicious Circumtances:None 7.Name:Tsujinaka Reina Bust size:C cups Possible Motive:Hate to Aina Chinatsu Alibi:From morning until the earthquake happens (vouched by Nene Hoshino and Ruri Ichika in the big tree-their usual place,vouched by Suzuki Ayumi in the restroom) Suspicious Circumtances:Looking pale after the earthquake happens 8.Name:Nene Hoshino Bust size:D cups Possible Motive:Hate to Aina Chinatsu Alibi:From morning until the earthquake happens (vouched by Tsujinaka Reina and Ruri Ichika in the big tree-their usual place) Suspicious Circumtances:None 9.Name:Ruri Ichika Bust size:B cups Possible Motive:Hate to Aina Chinatsu Alibi:From morning until the earthquake happens (vouched by Tsujinaka Reina and Nene Hoshino in the big tree-their usual place Suspicious Circumtances:None 10.Name:Shiina Hosokawa Bust size:C cups Possible Motive:Hate to Aina Chinatsu Alibi:From morning until the earthquake happens (vouched by Aina Chinatsu in the spare room,vouched by Tsujinaka Reina in the restroom) Suspicious Circumtances:None 11.Name:Irina Yahiro Bust size:A cups Possible Motive:None Alibi:From morning until the earthquake happens (vouched by Tomozuki Hashimoto and Tsujinaka Reina in the corridor of second place,vouched by Higashi Hiten in the storage room) Suspicious Circumtances:None 12.Name:Kaede Takahashi Bust size:E cups Possible Motive:None Alibi:From morning until the earthquake happens (vouched by Hikari Natsume in the principal office) Suspicious Circumtances:None 13.Name:Hikari Natsume Bust size:B cups Possible Motive:None Alibi:From morning until the earthquake happens (vouched by Kaede Takahashi in the teacher''s office) Suspicious Circumtances:None "I want you to analyze those informations, Ayumi-san." After hearing that,she read carefully what is written in the notebook.After some time,she spoke up. "Well this a pretty good and accurate list, If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.Hashimoto-kun.You really wrote down all the details from each person''s testimony." "Thank you very much." "But at the same time,I want to asked some questions regarding this.Or should I say,there are things bothering here." "I see.Go ahead." "First of all,why did you need to out here our bust size?.And how was is it really connected to the murder case?." That''s right.When my other classmates asked me with that question,I just always say that it was just of investigation.But since we already finished that,maybe it''s time to reveal the real reason. "Well you may believe or not but I think that those people who has smaller breast are likely the one who did this murder.In short,the culprit." "What!?." She opened her eye widely.She was surprised. That was probably something that she was not expecting to hear. "Is there any basis to that,Hashimoto-san?." "Well,I''m not excluding those who bigger breast.They can be still the culprit at the end. But what I mean is that it was easier for those people who has smaller breast to do a murder since they don''t need to worry about something that will hinder them." "I still can''t get what are you trying to say." "If the one who does this murder have a bigger breast,let say for example Onodera-san who has E cups,it will hard for to execute it since she has carrying two large bowl.But if it is opposite,well let say for example Tachibana-san,who has B cups,it will be easier for her to do the crime.Afterall,I think this crime was needed to be execute as fast as they could." "Ah I see.I get it now." Well that was just my personal opinion.I''m a man afterall.I actually not sure if a breast size can affect someone''s speed in doing things. "Well just forget it,Hashimoto-san.Next thing that is bothering me is about your own data here." Thanks goodness she already move on about that bust size thing.So at the end,it feels like that information become useless.Anyways, Ayumi-san continues. "I noticed that your data is empty.You have no motive,suspicious circumtances and more importantly,alibi.I thought you already explained it earlier." "Well there is really no one who can prove that I''m stayed in the canteen right?." "I guess you''re right." Even though I said that there''s no way I can kill Chinatsu-san since the distance between the canteen and the classroom is too far,it doesn''t change the fact that no one can prove my existence there.Of course,I was hoping for the one who is in charge in the canteen to provide my evidence but unfortunately the canteen is still not yet open that time. "By the way,why did you still need to put your own bust size data?.There''s nothing to be measure at all right?" "Well I want to be fair." "You''re not making sense if we are talking about bust size,Hashimoto-san." She was right.We are wasting our time with this topic.It''s time to change it to something serious. "Well anyways,I said earlier about suspicious circumatances but what are those exactly?." Ayumi-san took the initiative and changed the topic to a interesting one.Actually that was a good question. "Those are strange actions that was taken by them that can result for a opportunity to kill Chinatsu-san." "Ho.So for example,in Kanakura-san case,she ran away towards the classroom.Are you saying that she took that opportunity to kill Chinatsu-san?." "That may be a possiblity." "I see." After that,a silence between us occur. Ayumi-san look again to the notebook.She was probably checking something.After a while,she spoke up. "Then how about Reina-san case?.Did you think that her being nervous after coming iut from the restroom has something to do with the murder?." "Again,that may be a possibility.To be honest, that was the first time I saw her with that kind of expression.And it contradicts to her personality.But what if.What if she become like that because of something?." "Something like?." "Sin.In this case,murder.What if after she kill Chinatsu-san,she realized that it was wrong. Anyone who will feel that will panic and become nervous,no matter what your personality is." "But let''s say that was really the case.Well if you will ask me,that theory may be correct.But how you will explain the way how she killed Chinatsu-san?." "I''m sorry,Ayumi-san but I haven''t in that part yet.Remember that we are just small pieces of information to form one big solution." "Ah.Is that so?." A solution with all information connects,thats what I want to form.I''m already come up with some possible way how the culprit can killed Chinatsu-san but it doesn''t match with other''s evidence.Meanwhile,Ayumi-san spoke up. "Well for Onodera-san,her behavior from the interview earlier is really weird." "You''re right.I couldn''t read her.Honestly,I wouldn''t be suprised if she confessed that she was the one who killed Chinatsu-san." "I have the same opinion as you." After some arguments earliers,we finally agreed to something. "I think that''s all for that part." "Actually,no." "What?." "I did say earlier that suspicious circumtances is only for those whose weird actions will make them to create an opportunity to commit the murder right.But if will only take it as a suspicious circumtances alone,then there are so many of them." "What did you mean?." she asked,as she still didn''t undertand what I''m trying to say. "For example,Hiten-san staying on the storage room for the whole time.Yahiro-san entering in the storage room.Tachibana-san choosing to stay in the staircase instead of classroom.All of those actions doesn''t really related to the case but they are still a weird actions coming from them." "I kinda agreed to first two person but did Tachibana-san already explained why did she choose to stay in the staircase." "That was still a weird decision,at least for me." Well I know that her background story behind that staircase is really touching but we must considered every possibility. "Well anyways.Moving on to the next topic,about the motives.I noticed we didn''t really get any information about that from most students right?." she said,ended up ignoring the topic about suspicious circumatances. "Well the most obvious one to hold a motive is Kanakura-san.Her jealousy to Chinatsu might drive her to kill her.And for the other three gals,I just based that on the past event where I helped Chinatsu-san when they teased her back then.By the way,did you know that event?." "Yes.Chinatsu-san told it to me by chance when are together." "I see.Well that kind of motive is quite childish though if you will compare it to Kanakura-san. Actually,if we will just base on motive,then the primary suspect will be Kanakura-san." "That...was...right." There is a slight paused when she said those words.Probably she was sad after hearing my opinion.Maybe I should say something "But don''t worry.That will be only the case if we just base it in motive.If we will talk about who has the most suspicious circumtances, then it would be Rei-" I immediately stopped in talking.I realized it. Aside from Reina-san,there aslo one more person who act weirder than the rest of us. The person who rush towards the classroom after the earthquake stops and the one who first found Chinatsu-san dead body. Anyways,let''s lighten up the mood. "You really concern about Kanakura-san,don''t you?." "Ah.That....yes." It feels like I''m disturbed her in her deep thoughts.But let''s take this opportunity to make things fair and square. "Well even though she has a motive and she did something suspicious,it doesn''t mean she was already the culprit.Moreover,she has an alibi before the earthquake happens." "I see.You''re right.Yeah,you''re right." Based on that answer and reaction,it seems like my explanation to her finally conviced. And after some time for being quiet,she broke the silence by changing our topic "Well anyways,it seem like all of us have an alibi besides you,Hashimoto-kun." "That statement may be right or wrong." "What did you mean?." She finally came back to her normal self.That was actually good to see.However,it is the perfect time to say my next plan. "Listen carefully,Ayumi-san.Those alibis only covers their time before the earthquake happens.The aftermath period is not included. In the first place,we came to believe that the murder happen before the earthquake but after thinking some time,I realized that there is a possiblity that the murder may happen after the earthquake.So my next plan is to do a second interview to some of our classmates.Yes,this time I will only ask selected people,specifically the ones who came late to the basketball court earlier in the morning.You probably have an idea who are they,right?." I asked her a question in the middle of my talking.I do that to catch some breath and to see if she understand what I''m saying. "Yes.Now that you said,I do remember some people who came late that time." "Okay.But also this time,I will do the second interview alone. "Alone?.You don''t need me anymore?." "No.I have a different job to you.You see, before doing that,I decided to finish my novel I''m been reading for some days now.I was supposed to finish it way back when I''m still in the canteen but then again,this tragedy happens.But don''t worry,I''m already in the climax and it will just take some minutes to finish it.Then after doing that,I will stay on this classroom for a while to think more possible clues and ways on this murder.That time,I want you to go outside and watched out classmates.I think this is the perfect job to you since you are the Class President.Report to me if you saw something suspicious about them.Also,I will give this notebook.If you came up with a possible solution,you can also share it to me." My long explanation finally ended there.I hope she understand my whole plan this afternoon. I looked to her it.It seems like she absorbing all the words I throw to her and analyzing it. Then after some time,she finally spoke up. "I see.I understand now,Hashimoto-san.If that''s the case,then I will leave now.Let''s do our own business for now." At the end,she fully understand what I said. That was actually good to hear. "Thank you very much for cooperating, Ayumi-san." She stood from her chair.Meanwhile,I handed to her the small notebook.She took it to herself and finally left the classroom. On the other hand,I leaned hard to my chair and looked up the ceiling. I realized that my novel I have been reading earlier is still in the canteen,together with the chocolates. Analyzation 1. After realizing that my novel is still in the canteen,I immediately go outside to get it. After going down from second floor,I noticed Ayumi-san,who is talking to Kanakura-san. I remember the words of Ayumi-san earlier while we are interviewing Tachibana-san.That even though she considered everyone as a ''friend'',she doesn''t have someone who she called a ''bestfriend''.After witnessing this moment,I think she was wrong afterall.She already her ''bestfriend''.She just don''t want to admit or she haven''t realize it. But that''s okay.Friendship is a wonderful.It was probably the most important thing to experience in school.But of course,you need to choose who will be your friends,as they may betray you at the end.But in this school,in the past ten months,I haven''t noticed any kind of quarrel between people who are close to each other.And that was good to see. Anyways,I also saw the three gals-Reina-san Hoshino-san and Ichika-san.As usual,they in their meeting place(in the big tree).They are talking to each other,probably disscusing some topics and stuffs. Aside from them,I haven''t seen the others. They are probably in somewhere else.Since I asked Ayumi-san to watch or visit them one-by-one,then there would no problem. As I go to the canteen,I spotted someone familiar.She was sitting in the chair and using the table,reading a book.I realized that she was also in the exact place when I''m reading my novel earlier in the morning.I confirm it after seeing my novel and three chocolates near to her. "Thank you for guarding my stuffs,Hiten-san." I thought I surprised her with that sudden greeting but it seems like she already anticipated that I will come here to get my novel and chocolates.As she only looked at me with serious eyes. "I''m not guarding them,Hashimoto-kun.In the first place,who would gonna steal a boring book like that?." "Boring heh." Well she was right about the fact that no one will gonna steal a book but you really don''t have to say it is a boring one "I think you haven''t learn the beauty of mystery novels,Hiten-san." "You''re right.But I don''t have the plan to learn them.I would rather spend time to learn new things from study book than to find out who was the murderer in mystery book." "I see." I couldn''t help but to accept her harsh words. Well you cannot force someone to your own ideals.How ironic,that we both love reading books,but we have different taste. "By the way,what are you doing here?." She asked a question that was supposed to be ask from the beginning. "I came here to get my novel and chocolates." "I see.Then get those things and disappear now in my sight.I don''t want to by interrupted in studying." Hmmm.Did she hate me?.I thought Reina-san and her friends are the only ones who hate me but are you also perhaps one of them, Hiten-san?.Anyways,I tried to talk her more. "Did you like some chocolates,Hiten-san?." I tried to offer some,since I will not be able to eat all of this. "Not interested.Go away now." She really didn''t want to talk to me huh.Okay, this was the last resort.It was a little bit risky but I at least want to do it to her since the school year start. I put my right hand to her left shoulder. Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.Hiten-san,whose head was so focus in the book she is reading,suddenly looked up to me.With that,I pulled out her glasses from her.I wear it and tried to asked her if this glasses suited to me.But importantly,this glasses is high-grade.Damn. "What do you say,Hi-" I couldn''t finish my own question as I feel a strong grip in my right hand.When I looked at her,I saw that she was covering her face with her left hand,while griping my right hand with her left. "Bring back my glasses and go away now, Hashimoto" She said in a low voice but with conviction. From the looks of it,I''m sure she was angry. She even called me in a strong manner.At the. end,I immediately gave her glasses.She received it with her left hand,turn her head around for a little and wear it immediately. After that,I grabbed the things I needed and immediately left the canteen. While going back to the classroom,I remember seeing her face that moment.No specifically,only her one eye that was slipping between her two fingers while covering it with her hand.That eye.It is an eye that you will only see from a murderer. 2. After getting my stuffs from the canteen,I finally arrived again in the classroom.For now,I will just forget what happen earlier.I will let Hiten-san to cool her head off before giving her an apology.Yes,it was better to say sorry to her about my sudden actions.I mean,I didn''t expect that kind of reation from her.Is she really don''t want to show her face that much?. Or did she got mad because I removed her glasses without permission?.Maybe both. Anyways,let''s put that aside and go back to my plan. I opened first the chocolate bars in front of me and took a bite.From the taste of it,I can tell that both of these chocolates coming from Ayumi-san,Yahiro-san and late Chinatsu- san are delicious and an expensive one. I just realized that Chinatsu-san''s chocolates are wrapped in a different way.Maybe she is the one who made this.You really don''t have to spent time just making this for me,Chinatsu- san.You can just buy one in a store just like Ayumi-san and Yahiro-san. Anyways,after eating some,I put them again in the box.While I put Chinatsu-san''s chocolate back in the plastic.Like I said earlier,I can''t eat all of them.Maybe I will just take them home later. I opened the mystery novel and flip the pages to search where I last read.After finding out,I finally continue reading.But as I read,I also reminiscing about what happen again in the last chapters. ''Strangulation Romanticist'',the title of the book,also introduces a murder.But the difference is that instead of being stabbed,the victim,which is also coincidentally a girl,was killed by strangulation(hence the title itself). Also,this book have more than one victim. Specifically,a total of three.And the protaganist,the one who is also solving the murder have also a companion.And it was serial killer.What a weird book.I mean who would gonna thought that a serial killer can become a detective''s assistant. Anyways,I continue on reading.I''m only just need to read the solution part and epilogue. After a long time,I finally finished it. 3. I closed the book and put it back in my bag, including the chocolates. Anyways,how should I say this.The murder trick is not really mindblowing.It was actually easy to understand once you read that part. And the motive of the murderer is crazy. Overall,I can only describe this whole book in one word:nonsense. Putting that matter aside,let''s take a look again with the real thing.First is the place where the murder happen.Let me also describe the whole building itself.Let''s say you are looking on the building in your front. The classroom was located on the right side of of second floor.From the left side is the storage room.The principal office was located on the left side of first floor,while the spare room was located in the right side of the same floor.Both ends of the building have staircase.The restroom for the girls was located in the back,aligning the spare room.The other restroom(which is for me) was also located in the back,partially aligning the window in the principal office. Next are the possible suspects and their primary locations.I''m in the canteen.Ayumi- san and Kanakura-san was in the hallway of the first floor,in front of principal office.Hiten- san was in the storage room.Yahiro-san was in the corridor on the second floor.Tachibana- san and Onodera-san was in the staircase near in the classroom.Reina-san,Hoshino-san and Ichika-san was in their meeting place. Hosokowa was in the spare.And Takahashi- sensei and principal was in the teacher/principal office. The victim,Chinatsu-san was initially in the spare room together with Hosokawa-san.She go to the classroom to get something(proven by Tachibana-san and Onodera-san).But no one can prove if she really go down after that. (Since Tachibana-san and Onodera-san didn''t saw her coming down using the staircase;the same also with Reina-san,Hoshino-san and Ichika-san with the opposite staircase) If that''s the case,then that was time when the murder happens.But all of the possible suspects have their own alibi during that time.(Some was vouched by others). That''s when the idea of the murder happen after the earthquake came to my mind.Of course,I''m still not one hundred percent sure about this but that''s why I need to ask again some specific people. After reminiscing all the facts I collected so far,I stood up in my chair and decided to proceed on my next plan.After thinking some time,I finally decided who should I approach first. "Okay,let''s asked her first." After opening the door,a thought came to my mind.Or should I say,I swear to something. That I will be absent every Valentines Day from now on. The Secret of Tsujinaka Reina After going down again from the second floor,I immediately check the big tree.I see, they are still there.I go towards to their meeting place and greet them in surprise. "You don''t seem happy today,the three of you." They look up to me with a somehow puzzled face.They probably didn''t know why I came here. "What kind of business did you need from us, Hashimoto?." Instead reacting to my greeting to them,she immediately ask me a question.Well that was already expected. "I just want to asked you again some questions regarding to the murder case." "Haaaaaa?." The one who react is Hoshino-san.It seems like she probably didn''t like what I said.On the other hand,Reina-san asked a question "I thought that the interview is already done?." "That was true but it was a different matter right now,Reina-san." "No.You don''t understand it,Hashimoto.I will not say anymore about the case.I''m already given what you need so it''s your task now to solve it." "That was true but there is something that was bothering me about you.And it will be hard for me to solve this case without your confirmation about IT." "Huuuh?.Are you scheming something right now,Hashimoto?.Oi girls,this guy is trying to accused us as the murderer.If you can''t solve this case on your own,why did you volunteer yourself in the first place?." The other girls laughed a little bit with with that statement.It seems like it will be hard for me to get my answers I needed from so maybe I should take this situation in a different apporoach. "I''m not planning with that.It just that there is still one more thing that you haven''t say to me,Reina-san." "Huuuh!!?.I don''t know what are you trying to say from the start,Hashimoto.You''re getting in my nerves right now." "Just go away now" added by Hoshino-san "That''s right.That''s right." interject by Ichika-san It seems like the three of them really wants to disappeared in their eyes.Before,it was Hiten- san and now these people.Really,could this be that I''m really hated by my all classmates but just failed to noticed it. But even with that,I''m sorry.You will not be able to stop me here. "What I''m talking about here is about you, Reina-san.To be honest,I have a clear idea why did you look pale and nervous after going outside from the restroom after the earthquake stopped.And I think it was something that you didn''t want to share to Hoshino-san and Ichika-san." "Huuuuh?.What are you talking about?. This guy is really pissing me off now, Tsujinaka." Hoshino-san throw again an insult to me.But Reina-san didn''t react to that.I looked to her.She was wearing a serious face right now.Her mood completely change just after hearing my words. "What''s wrong,Tsujinaka?." asked by Ichika-san. Reina-san didn''t answer that but instead,she aksed me a question. "What are you talking about?." You''re still dodging my sudden statement, even though it makes you to react differently?. That''s not good,Reina-san. "Well like I said,it''s about your expression after going outside from the restroom that time.I want to talk about it to you alone." She didn''t answer but she still giving that serious face.After some time,she spoke up. "Nene,Ruri.Go somewhere else first.I will just prove to this guy that we are innocent from this murder case." Hoshino-san and Ichika-san looked at each other with a somehow puzzled face.Then Hoshino-san asked. "You''re really okay with this,Tsujinaka?." "Yeah.Don''t worry." "Then if that''s the case,we will stay first in the canteen." said Ichika-san. "I see.Then I will just go there after talking to this guy." After that,both of them left the scene. "So Hashimoto,what do you want to confirm from me?.Also,what did you mean when you said you know something about what happen to me back then?." It seems like my plan suceeded.I actually want to talk to her alone.But well,it was also fro her sake since this was something that she definitely didn''t want to tell to others,even with her friends.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. "Well this is just my theory.Actually,I really don''t want to believe it since it contradicts your own personality but that was the only other possible reason for that." "Tch.Can you go straight to the point?." It seem like she didn''t like the way how I setting the things up.But anyways,let''s do a simple test. "Before that,I want you first to go in the restroom alone,Reina-san." "Huuuuhh?." "What,can you not do that?." "And why did I need to follow your order,Mr. Fake Detective?." She didn''t use my name but instead,the nickname she used earlier in the interview. Again,I want to say that I kinda like that nickname.Really suits to me. "You will not do it?." "You are an idiot,Hashimoto.Why would I need to go in the restroom if you are going to do an interview again to me?." "Then we can just talked to there,Reina-san." "You are really an absolute idiot." She still insulting me and dodging her own ''dark secret''.If that''s the case,I will set the truth now. "It''s not ''you don''t want to follow my request'', Reina-san.The reason why you don''t want to go in the restroom is because ''you can''t go there''." "What did...you mean?." She still dodging the truth but this time,it feels like she already know where this conversation will be going so I continue pressuring her. "About the girls'' restroom,Reina-san.I can assure one fact there-that it was really dark inside if you didn''t turn on the lights,even though it''s morning." "How did you....know that?." "Hmmm.Ah you mean the fact that it was really dark inside the girl''s restroom?.Well there''s one time where I entered there accidentally because I thought it was the boy''s restroom.Well even without that little incident,it still easy to confirm that fact.You just need to peek from the outside." "...." She didn''t replied back to me but instead she just widen her eyes a little bit.I see.So I was right afterall. Well it was easy to know.And I think that it was a slight mistake from engineers for not putting any windows on the restroom,which makes it block the sunlight outside.Maybe the reason for that is because it was almost touching the spare room. "You see,you entered the restroom earlier in the morning right?.You stayed there until the earthquake happens.Usually,people will immediately go to an open area after an earthquake.But you didn''t do that.You stayed there until Hoshino-san and Ichika-san help you out.And you looked very nervous when you came out from the restroom.There are only two possible reasons for why you look like that,Reina-san." "Just like..I said,I was just so nervous because of the earthquake!!." She shouted at me.And from the looks of it,she was already panicking.Maybe the clues I''m been saying all this time really hits her.But she just don''t want to admit.Anyways,let deliver the final blow. "Well that was close,Reina-san.The first possible reason is maybe you are the one who killed Chinatsu-san and after regretting it,you got panic and nervous.And the second is maybe you are AFRAID of something.You said you got nervous because of the earthquake but I think you have forgotten one more fact." "What....do you mean....." No,she really haven''t forgot that.She just don''t want to say it because it was very crucial point in her dark secret. "The fact that electricity was cut off after the earthquake.Which cause for the lights inside to not work,Reina-san." "..." "Restroom.Very dark inside.Afraid of something.Electricity.Lights off.There is only one meaning behind these things I been saying to you all this time." "Don''t tell me...." "That''s right.Nyctophobia." "...." Nyctophobia is an extreme fear of the dark.I heard that people who have this may have trouble sleeping,have panic attacks and may avoid leaving the house after dark.But thank goodness she didn''t suffer that much in her case as she recover immediately after that. "Well there is also this what we called seismophobia,people who had an extreme fear of earthquakes but I reject that idea. Primary because you can recover and go outside immediately after the earthquake stops.But you didn''t do that because it was really dark inside.That time,you are waiting for Hoshino-san and Ichika-san to pick you up.And that''s really what happen earlier." I''m sure when she go again to the restroom while I''m doing my interview to others earlier,she asked her friends to accompany her,since the electricity still not going back. After that,a silence occur between us.I didn''t say anything anymore.I''m just waiting for her what kind of reaction she will show after revealing her own secret.After some time,she finally spoke up. "So...what will you get after knowing my secret?." She asked me that in a sowehow soft voice. She was not angry anymore and instead,she is showing her concern from her eyes. "Don''t worry.I will not tell to others your secret.Of course,it''s up to you wether you believe or not.But in exchange,I want you to answer my question." I have no intention to spread her secret since I will not gain anything from it. But maybe the reason why she doesn''t want to tell it to others,even with her friends is because she thinks it will destroy her own image.The student named Tsujinaka Reina was already known for being the boss of this school from the start.Even Ayumi-san,the Class President didn''t want to messed up with her.That''s why if that secret was learned by her classmates,her domination on this school be lowered. But if you will ask me,that''s not what I''m thinking honestly. "Go ahead.Make it quick.My friends are waiting for me." "I see.Then way back when you are in the restroom.Did you saw someone from the time you go there until you are help out by Hoshino-san and Ichika-san?." "I think you already asked that question earlier, Hashimoto.And you already know my answer for that.I didn''t saw anyone there." "No one come even while the earthquake is happening?" "Of course none." "How about after the earthquake?.Did someone came to the restroom." She opened her eyes a little bit wide then sighed.Hmmm,did I asked something weird?. "You are really an absolute idiot no, Hashimoto.Of course there are someone who came to the restroom.And those are Nene and Ruri to help me in coming out from the restroom." "Only them?." "What the hell,Hashimoto!?.You''re just asking the same question from earlier." "I''m sorry,I''m sorry." This was an important thing I want to confirm from her.I want to make sure that what she said earlier in the first interview is really the truth. "Well that''s it..Thank you very much for your cooperation,Reina-san.You can go now." "Is that so?." "Well even though you keep dodging the clues I''m laying down earlier,thank goodness that my theory is right afterall.You said to your friends that you want to prove your innocence in this case right?.I think you already did that because of your secret." "Tch.To think that you will know my secret after hiding it in the past ten months from others,are you perhaps some esper Hashimoto?." "Of course not.I''m just a fake detective." I describe myself using the nickname she given to me. After realizing that there''s nothing to talk about anymore,she finally left.While she is walking,I suddenly called her. "Reina-san." She stopped in her tracks,look back and asked. "What is it,Mr.Fake Detective?." Well it is not really something special.It more like an advice to her. "You better to tell that secret to Hoshino-san and Ichika-san.They are your friends afterall." "Tch." She just gave me that kind of answer and continue on walking.I''m not sure what does it mean but the most important thing right now is I got what I needed. The Unexpected Connection from the Dynamic Duo After finishing the business with Reina-san,I go towards the staircase to meet another person.But when I take turns,I met two girls, sitting on the stairs,talking to each other. These two are also the ones that I want to talk so this was a perfect timing. "What a coincidence,Tachibana-san and Onodera-san.I''m actually searching both of you to talk on something." They stopped talking to each other and looked to me. "Hmmmm." reacted by Onodera-san "What do you want,Hashimoto?." asked by Tachibana-san. "I want to do another interview to both you. No,its more like confession part." Tachibana-san narrowed her eyes because of my vague answer.Meanwhile,Onodera-san didn''t react and instead just mumble something. "First is Ayumi-san then now is Hashimoto- san." "Did she also visits the both of you?." I heard her mumble so I asked that question. Even though the reason for that is because I asked Ayumi-san to watched our classmates. "Yeah.Although she just consult if there''s something bothering from us.She said we can just asked her if we need some help." The one who answer that is Tachibana-san.I see.Ayumi-san really doing her role well as my assistant. "So what do you want to talk about, Hashimoto?." asked by Tachibana-san. Before answering her,I walk towards the middle of them and sit and on the stair higher than them.Both of them turn their body a little bit to face me. "Let me get straight to the point.It''s about Kanakura-san." "Kanakura-san?." asked by Onodera-san. "Well,what can you say about her paiting skills?." Tachibana-san narrowed her eyes more and throw me a serious look.She might suspicious about my sudden appearance to them and asking a weird question.On the other hand, Onodera-san still look the same.It seems like she doesn''t really care about me. "She was good.She has the talent to become a professional.But to be honest,I think Chinatsu-san is better than her.To the point that her skills can match up to those expert ones.Too bad she died early." answered by Onodera-san,as usual,being blunt to other people. I was honestly a litte bit surprised with her choose of words.She doesn''t really hesitating to say those words directly. I looked to Tachibana-san.She didn''t react anything to what she said.But her eyes are still fixed looking at me. "You''re right.But did you know that, Tachibana-san?.That Kanakura-san was so jealous to Chinatsu-san because of that?." I asked her to break her intense look to me. However,she just calm down a little bit but she still almost wears the same expression. "I heard that rumor.But I think that it''s.There''s no evil intention behind that." "Rumor huh." I never thought it become like that.But anyways,this is where things will be gonna interesting. "After gathering all the information from the interview,I realized that all of you doesn''t have a possible motive except from Kanakura-san. If we will just based on that,she can easily become the primary suspect from this case." "But you can''t only based on motive, Hashimoto-san." said by Onodera-san "That''s right.But didn''t she run towards the classroom back then when we are in the basketball court?.Maybe that was the time when she killed Chinatsu-san." "That''s impossible!.Didn''t you and Ayumi-san followed her just after she runs?.She can''t possible kill her quickly.What''s more,in that short period of time." said by Tachibana-san, denying my statement. "That was a good point.Then if that''s the case we can ruled her out and check some possibilites." "What did you mean?." "Well for example,if we will just talk about time efficiency to kill Chinatsu-san then there''s one or two possible people out there aside from Kanakura-san." They didn''t reply to that since they already know who I''m talking about.Tachibana-san just close her distance to while giving me that serious look. "Are you suspecting us,Hashimoto?." "Something like that." As expected,she already knew what I mean earlier.Tachibana-san and Onodera-san are the closest people in the classroom where the murder happen since they are sitting in the staircase near it.What''s more,after Chinatsu- san entered the classroom,she never go out. That was probably the time when the murder happen "But didn''t I tell you before,we have no reason to kill her.We don''t have a motive." "Then we will just create one." "Huh?." She was surprised by that statement. Meanwhile,Onodera-san is the same as ever.How should I put it,it feels she already expecting what I''m going to say. But I wouldn''t be suprised if that''s really what she thinks.Afterall,she made a BLUNDER while I asking her earlier in the interview. "For starters,let''s take a look again when I''m doing an interview with Onodera-san.She said something about having someone who is good in sport other than the two of you.She denied that and said just forget it.Then I consulted that matter to you,hoping for some information but you also gave me the same answer as her.So I forget it.But after some time,I reazlied there''s more to that statement." I stopped for a bit to see their reactions. Tachibana-san was still giving that look and for Onodera-san,it seems like she didn''t care at all.Then I continue.This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. "Then I remember Kanakura-san interview.She said something like ''just when I finally found out my real talent''.At first hear,it seems like it was just a normal phrase but after repeating saying this in my mind,there''s actually more about it.Its like she had already a TALENT or should I say,a hobby before but couldn''t manage to develop it that much." "I don''t know where this conversation will go,Hashimoto.And why did bring Kanakura''s name if you want to talk something about us?." "That''s because she was connected to two of you." "....." She widened her eyes.Meanwhile,Onodera-san is still the same as ever.I continue. "Going back to the topic,what I say earlier is just my theory for now.It''s up to you to confirm if it is true or not.Well again,if she really have a talent/hobby before doing paintings then what is that?.Then that time,I start think of something that will fit her.Then I realized something.She was actually had a good body for SPORTS.Her running speed is also excellent,basing to what she did earlier when we are in the basketball court.Then after that I asked myself ''what if her previous hobby is doing basketball''.Of course,I haven''t fully confirmed that.But I remember again the blunder that Onodera-san make in our interview.Yes,Tachibana-san.There''s only one meaning for this." I stopped for a bit before delivering the punchline of this whole conversation.I looked to Tachibana-san.She has now somehow a curious lool on her face.Then after that,I continue. "That Kanakura-san was actually also your classmate in middle school,become teamate in basketball,become friends but for some reason,that bond broke." Tachibana-san opened her eyes widely. "How....did you.....know...that?." she asked as she couldn''t believe what just she heard. "Again,that was just my theory.But based on your reaction,it seem like I was right afterall." She didn''t replied back.Meanwhile,for some reason,Onodera-san just show a slight smile in her face.Is she impressed that I was be able to discovered that fact?. "With that,both of you finally have a motive to kill Chinatsu-san." "Huh!?." "What I mean is that since Kanakura-san is your former friend and if you see her got surpassed again by someone with her current talent,then you have the reason to kill Chinatsu-san.What''s more,you tried to protect her when I tried to accused her just earlier, right?." "How did....you come with that conclusion?." Of course,they are not as close as when they are in the middle school.Kanakura-san became a basketball player once but she didn''t really fully develop her skills to it.She gave up and search for another thing she can shine.She ended up in doing paintings.She tought she can become the best person in this field.Then Chinatsu-san''s skills suddenly appeared.She got lose again.But this time,she never give up.She honed her skills until she surpassed Chinatsu-san.But that never happen.She couldn''t beat Chinatsu-san in doing paintings.As a former friend,after seeing Kanakura-san''s situation,Onodera-san and Tachibana-san need to rid off that person. Wait,I think I need to clarify this point. "Of course,only one among the both you can kill Chinatsu-san.You said that you can never kill a human,right?.I did believe that.But if that''s the case,there''s still one more person who can kill Chinatsu-san." I looked at Onodera-san after saying.She just looks normal.No reactions from her face.She doesn''t care if I suspect her. On the other hand,Tachibana-san suddenly grabbed my collar and put her face close to mine.I''m sure she was angry right now.I can feel it and I can see it to her eye.Those raged eyes,as if they are ready to kill someone. "You''re joking right,Hashimoto!?." "I''m not joking.To be honest,this was the best solution I came up so far.No one can prove that you didn''t enter the classroom after Chinatsu-san entered first since that time, Yahiro-san already go inside the classroom.So both of you took that opportunity to commit the murder.Onodera-san proceeds to the classroom and kill Chinatsu-san.You served as a look out for others.Then after that,you return to the staircase like nothing happen." "You son a bitch!!." She raised her right hand.I think she is about to punch me.But before her fist landed to my face,a consecutive claps was heard. Onodera-san was clapping her hands.It feels like she was enjoying the scene that she ws witnessing. "Kiri...saki?." Tachibana-san suddenly stopped on her attempt to punch me.She just stunned on what Onodera-san is doing. After that,she got closer to her and suddenly hugged her.She let her head to lay in her big breast.Then after that,she patted her head softly. I looked at Onodera-san.She is now showing a caring face.A small smile but a very different compared to what she normally show.What I''m witnessing right now is geniune moment between two bestfriends. After she finally calm her down,she spoke up. "It''s okay now,Seishirou.I''m always telling you to not burst out in this kind of situations but you still couldn''t control yourself.But don''t worry,I''m always here to calm you down." "Kirisaki.....you....don''t tell me...." "Don''t worry about that.It was not the final solution that Hashimoto-san came up right?." She looked at me after saying that.She was probably waiting for me to confirm it. "She''s right.I just presented one of the possible way to kill Chinatsu-san.That''s why don''t cry anymore,Tachibana-san." "I''m not...crying." She said in a soft voice.She was definitely crying. "See,Seishriou?.He haven''t really accuse us.But I want ask him some questions and talk some things to prove our innocence alone.Yes,alone.And if that''s the case,can you go first in the restroom or somewhere else first?.You don''t want to show that face to him this time,right?.Don''t worry,after this I will immediately follow you." "You''re right." After that,Onodera-san offer her a handkerchief.Tachibana-san received it and left the scene. "So what is your real goal,Hashimoto-san?." It seems like she know what I''m really after. And that was good to hear since I don''t need to explain any further. "I just want to asked you one thing about this murder case." "Go ahead." Even though she was hard to read,she was easy to talk.And that was actually one good trait about her. "After Chinatsu-san go inside the classroom, did you hear something there that time?.Any kind of sound,be it weird or normal will do." She couldn''t immediately answer because she was thinking for a little bit.After some time,she finally spoke up. "None.I haven''t hear anything weird that time." "Even like a sound of a closing door?." "Hmmmm.No.None." "Are you truly sure about that?." "Yes.I''m sure about that." "I see.Thank you very much for answering, Onodera-san." "Can I go now?." I''m about to say ''yes you can go now'' but my curiosity risen up. "Wait.Actually there''s one more thing I want to asked.But it''s not related anymore to the case. It''s more like selfish question of mine and it''s okay for you to not answer it." "Go ahead.I wouldn''t mind answering it." "First of all,I said earlier that your friendship to Kanakura-san broke up because of something.Is my theory right?." "Well it''s not like that.We still consider her as a friend but we can''t go back now to what we used before." "I see." If that''s the case,my next question is already obvious. "Then why is that,Onodera-san?.Can you share to me some story about what happen?." What I mean is why they couldn''t go back again to what they used when they are in the middle school.I''m sure there must be some events happen that time and I want to know that. On the other hand,Onodera-san just looked in the sky and start talking. "Well it''s nothing special.Did Seishirou already told you about the fact that we lose in national tournament way back in middle school?." "Ah yes.She said you are the who comfort in the middle of her frustration." "I see.Well that time,Kanakura-san was also a member of the team.After we lose,I also comfort her,just like what I did to Seishirou. But she said she will quit basketball after that lose.Well I wouldn''t say she was the same level as us but she had the potential.She could develop her skills furthermore.But she gave up." So what I thinking earlier is right afterall. "Of course,me and Seishirou tried to convice her not to quit.But one time,we have an argument about this.So at then end,we also gave up on her.We just thinking ''well her life,her choice''." Your life,your choice huh.For some reason,I kinda ended up liking that phrase.Meanwhile, Onodera-san continue "But to think we will again in highschool. This must be fate no,Hashimoto-san?." "That may be right." Fate is unpredictable and mysterious thing afterall. "But I glad so see her doing fine.And the fact that she finally found what she really want to do.It was satisfying to see that she never give up this time." "I agreed." "Anyways,that''s all.Can I go now,Hashimoto- san?." "Yes.Thank you very much for answering my selfish question.You must check Tachibana- san now to see if she still crying." "Haha.I''m sure she is not crying anymore.She was a tough girl afterall." I opened my eyes a little.She laughed.A geniune one.This was probably the first time I saw her laughing. After that conversation,she finally left the scene.I only came here to confirm something about the case but I ended up learning new things about those two girls.I guess messing up with Onodera-san was worth it. But on the other hand,Onodera-san didn''t heard anything weird that time.Hmmm.How is it possible?. The Feelings of Irina Yahiro After getting the information I needed from Onodera-san,I immediately go in second floor towards the storage room to meet someone. Of course,it was not Hiten-san,who stayed here earlier since she was already in the canteen.I have been searching for another person.I couldn''t find her anywhere in the low ground so this is the only place left. Upon entering,just like I expected,she was here.She noticed my presence and greet me "Oh,isn''t Hashimoto-kun.Why did you need from a maiden like me?." "I just want to talk something about the case, Yahiro-san." That''s right.Yahiro-san is the one I been looking for.Right now,she was sitting in the chair that probably used by Hiten earlier.And she is reading again a novel. "What are you reading right now,Yahiro-san?." "Ah.It was again a Agatha Christie work titled ''Five Little Pigs'',a part of Hercule Poirot series." "I see." I remember when she compared the both of us with that name and with another name. What is it again?.Has.Hastings isn''t?. Yeah,that''s right.So if that''s the case then maybe this Hercule Poirot is the detective of the book she is reading. "How about you,Hashimoto-kun?.Did you already finished reading your novel?." "Ah yes.I just finished earlier.Oh,then if that''s the case then I can already lend it to you." I remember that I made I promise to her earlier in the morning that I will lend that ''Strangulation Romanticist'' after finishing it. "Thank you very much.But in exchange,I also want you to read a Christie book.Just consider it as a give and take situation." "Ho.I see.Then I think you already recommend me something the other day.What are those again?." I think she already recommend me two books but I can''t remember the title anymore. "''And Then There Were None'' and ''The Murder of Roger Ackroyd''.Which one do you like?." "Maybe I will go to the latter." "Fufu.''The Murder of Roger Ackroyd'' huh.The former book is the best selling book by Agatha Christie with a total of one hundred million copies.Did you know that, Hashimoto-kun?." "No.I didn''t know that." So it''s safe say that this ''And Then They Were None'' is her best book.That was really a mindblowing numbers. "However,the book you chose was regarded by many as one of the best plot twist ending in crime novels.I''m sure you will like that book." The way how she decribed the novel is very persuasive.Somehow,I excited to read the book already. "All that aside,I will bring the book tomorrow. But for now,let''s go back to your business." "Before that,let me asked you something personal." "Hmmm?." I''m glad how she put aside the matter about mystery novels and immediately bring up the reason why I came here.But I want to do a little experiment first.What I''m going to say and do is something out of my character.It may surprised Yahiro-san.But I have to do it since it was also essential in the case. "Well,would allow yourself to fall in love with someone,Yahiro-san?." She opened her eyes a little bit wide.Then she giggled. "Fufu.Fufufuf.Fufufufu.That was not a question I''m expecting to hear from you, Hashimoto-kun." Just like I expected,she was a little bit surpised.After that,she answers. "Each person can fall in love to someone. Opposite sex or same sex.Even they are disabled or not." That was actually a good answer.Although I have a bad feeling with "same sex part". Anyways,I continue "Did you perhaps someone you like?." That was a little bit tricky question.Not unless she was homosexual or there''s still someone other outside this school then there is only one possible answer with that. "Rather than ''someone you like'',it''s more like I have someone here in this school who I admire." Ho.That was again a really good answer. Okay,let''s push it furthermore."Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. "And who might be that someone?." She didn''t answer immediately.She looked first at me,wearing her sadistic face.Then she spoke up. "Before answering that,how about you?.Would you allow yourself to fall in love someone?." Instead of answering my question,she asked back the same question I asked earlier to me.Honestly,this was the moment I want to happen in this conversation.Since we came to this,I will took this opportunity to strike. "Yes,well it depends.At first,I''m not really interested with that kind of thing but after some time,I realized that having a romance life in highschool may not a bad thing." I remember the time when I rejected Chinatsu-san''s confession.Most people will think that was the end for her.But actually not. I kinda also remember a romantic comedy manga series where the protagonist really hate one of the heroines there.But it turns out she was the one he married at the end. Romantic comedy stories is just like detective-fiction stories.Sometime the one we least like or the one we hated the most are usually the one we ended up.Just like the least suspect in a murder turned out to be the culprit in the end. "Well since it was an all-girls school,it was inevitable to like someone among us,right?." "Yeah.Actually,there is already someone here who I want to be my girlfriend if I choose to have a romance highschool life." "Fufu.I wonder who is that." "Do you want to know?." "Curiosity of a human is really an interesting thing,isn''t?." So that means she wants to know?.If that''s the case then let''s do something weird. I go towards her place.Yahiro-san doesn''t really react weird with that until I close my face to hers.Right now,our faces is very close.She opened her eyes a little bit wide.Her sadistic smile suddenly disappeared.That was a normal reaction,since what I''m doing right now is not normal. Then I gently put my right hand to her hair from her side.Then I gently put some of it to the back of her ears.Then I slowly touch her left cheek.It was very soft. Her eyes are just looking at me straight and surprised.As if she couldn''t comprehend what is happening.Then after that,she asked my called my name,stuttering. "Hashi..moto-kun?." "Remember when I said that I''m not the type of guy who loves breast and ass?." "Yes." "And did you remember where I exactly basing the charm of girl?." "Ah!." She reacted in a way that looks like she realized something.I''m sure she remember that. After that,I distanced my face to her.I already convey to her my answer so I don''t need to stay in that position anymore. "So the one that you are talking about is me afterall?." "You''re right.Since I''m basing on one''s face,I will definetely choose you if I want." Yahiro-san may be have a small body propotion compared to Onodera-san or Hosokawa-san but if will just talk about one''s face then she definitely the most prettiest among the girls. I totally confirmed it after looking at her face in a close distance.Well I already know that she really cute and beautiful but when I got a closer look,it was another level of elegance. "Fufu.Should I take that as I compliment?." "Yes.I compliment and a fact." Since I already achieve what I want then let''s go back to the real business.I looked at her.It seems like she already recover with that embarassing moment. "Well for the reason why I came here.I only want to asked you one question about the case." "Oh,I see.I thought that session will last for a little bit longer." Session?.So she want more of it?. Unfortunately,I can''t do that anymore.That was only once in a life time situation. "I''m sorry,Yahiro-san.But I''m not a romantic comedy protagonist." "Romantic comedy.Fufu.Well anyways,go ahead and asked me now." I answered her with a joke but I don''t know if she got it or not.Anyways,let''s proceed. "Well it''s about when you go inside here after you offer you chair to Reina-san." "Hmmm.Is there something wrong about lending her my chair?." "No,no.That''s not what I mean.I talking about when you stayed here alongside with Hiten-san.The two of you didn''t talk that much right?." "Yes.Again,I just asked her why she here,in the storage rom.She just said she doesn''t want anyone to bother her in studuying.Then she also asked why I go here inside and I just said I want to finished my novel I''m reading." "After that,you didn''t talk to each other until the earthquake happens right?." "Yes." "Then about that the same time,did you notice something weird around Hiten-san?." "What did you mean by weird?." It seem like she didn''t understand what I''m trying to ask.Okay,let''s make it more specific "For example,like standing up from her chair and resting her eyes from reading,well something like that." "Hmmm." She tried to remember something that time. After some time,she spoke up. "I haven''t saw something weird or like that from her.She just reading her book for the whole time just like me." "Are you sure about that?." "Yes.No doubt." "I see.Thank you very much for answering." "Is that all?." "Yes.You can go back now on what you''re reading." "Fufu.I hope you finally find out who is the culprit,Hashimoto-kun." "What will you do if you are the one I ended choosing as a culprit?." "Fufufu.You know to yourself that''s impossible." "You''re right." After all of this interview,my opinion about Yahiro-san hasn''t changed.That she was the least one I suspected. Anyways,I tried to asked her something completely different. "By the way,did you want to read some romantic comedy light novel series?.I can lend you some of my collections if you want." "Hmmm." She didn''t answer immediately and instead, she just think for some time.After that,she spoke up. "No.I think I will refrain from love comedy novels.You see,I only love reading murders but not romantic comedy life of a protaganist. What''s more,I have to finished first this Hercule Poirot series." "So you will try some after finishing that?." "It depends.Maybe if I ended up liking the novel that you will lend me then maybe I will try your love comedy recommendations." Hmmm,that''s weird.So if you ended liking ''Strangulation Romanticist'' of Nisio Isin,you will try to read some romantic comedy series. Well anyways,speaking of that novel,I forgot it to bring it with me. "Ah about my novel.I will give it to you after this case solve.Is that fine?." "That''s alright for me." "I see.Then if excuse myself." I go towards the door and when I''m about to open it,my mouth suddenly spoke up. "Ah,Yahiro-san.This will be the final question,I promise.About that ''person you admire'',who is it?." Yahiro-san,who go back on reading her book turned her eyes to me and gave me a sadistic smile. "You already know that person,Hashimoto- kun.Afterall,that person is my neighbor from my seat who always talk to me about detective fiction novels." "I see.Then take your time on reading, Yahiro-san." After that convesation,I finally left the classroom.What happen to us in this storage room is something we should keep in secret to others.I''m kinda afraid that those things might spread out to others but since it''s Yahiro-san,I''m sure she will never tell that to others.She will just keep it,and cherished it to herself. I go down from the second floor to visit one more classmate.She will be the last before I present to everyone the solution for this murder case. The Untold Story of Shiina Hosokawa I go towards to the spare room to meet someone I want to talk.When I arrived,as expected,she was here doing some paintings. "Did you perhaps also have skills with that, Hosokawa-san?." "Woah,Tomocchi.You surprised me." She stopped on what she was doing and looked at me wearing a cheerful face.But it was not her usual expression.It was more like a forced one to hide what she really feels with this situation.Meanwhile,I sit down on a vacant chair there.Anyways,she answered my question "Not really.Well I learned some basic tips from Ai-chan but it seems like this was not really the field for me." "Is that so?." "But it was more fun to do things with your friend,even though you are not good to it." "That was right." The conversation is going again to Chinatsu- san.Honestly,I don''t want that since it will just make her to remember and hurt her but I think I will not be able to avoid it since the reason why I''m here has something to do with her. "Anyways,why are you here?.Are you doing again an interview?." She was sharp.But thanks to that,I will not be able have problems on confirming something to her. "You''re right.Actually,it''s more like I want to confirm something from you." "Hmmm?." "It''s about when you said earlier that there''s no event or some sort like that to trigger a motive for others.That was actually a lie right?." "Huh?.What did you mean by that?." It seems like she wants to deny my statement.But I''m sure there''s at least one event happen in the past ten months that may cause for others to kill her.No,not really OTHERS.It''s alright even with herself. "Well I''m not just talking about others,also you,Hosokawa-san." "Wait,wait.I can''t understand what are you trying say,Tomocchi." "Again,I''m talking about you.What if there is something in the past happen between you and Chinatsu-san that I''m not aware of.And that event may trigger a motive not for others but for you to kill Chinatsu-san?." "...." That''s right.Actually,it''s a little mistake in my part when I''m doing an interview to her earlier.I asked her if she know something that may trigger a motive for others but I forgot to asked herself.Maybe because that time,I was quite confident that she will not kill her own bestfriend.But I was wrong.Or should I say that was not always the case. Anyways,Hosokawa-san spoke up in a trembling voice "Are you saying that.....I''m the one....who killed Ai-chan?." "I haven''t said like that,yet.Of course,it depends on what you will gonna say to me." "I told you already!.I didn''t have something to say with your question,Tomocchi!." She said with a higher voice this time. "You can''t lie to me,Hosokawa-san." I have my eyes on people afterall. After that,a silence fell between us.Here,I will just wait for her to reveal something to me. After some time,she spoke up.This time,in a soft voice. "What will you do if I didn''t say anything, Tomocchi?." "If you don''t give me the answer I needed,I will wait you here until the day ends.And I''m sure that was something that you don''t to happen right,Hosokawa-san?." That also means I will not be able to present to others who was the culprit.Her cooperation in this situation is very important to give the best possible justice for Chinatsu-san''s dead.Because at the end of the day,I don''t want to wrongly accused someone. After that,a silence had fell between us again. She was probably thinking if she want to tell something or not.And after that,she finally spoke up.This time,there are no tricks anymore.It was the ultimate revelation I been waiting for. "You''re right,Tomocchi.There is one time when we argue to each other.It was way back in November."Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! November huh.Hmmm.I tried to remember something that month but I failed.It seems like she was telling the truth since I didn''t know any of that. "Actually,it was all started when Ai-chan tried to protect me from Tsujinaka-chan and her gang''s teasing." "Reina-san?." "Yes.That was also happen in the same month.One time,I go to the restroom alone and meet them.Then for some reason they started badmouth me like ''you are just befriending Chinatsu-san because you just want to manipulate her'' and many other insult.But that was not true." Wow.I haven''t really any idea with this.Well I already anticipate that maybe Chinatsu-san and Hosokawa-san argued to each other but Reina-san''s involvement is really unexpected. "Then that teasing repeats almost everyday.Then one time,me and Ai-chan go together in the restroom.I meet again the three gals.And when they started teasing me,Ai-chan suddenly spoke to them and said to stopped already on what they are saying to me.Basically,she protected me even though she didn''t have to do that.Then after that,the other day,they already stopped teasing me.They are probably pissed off when Ai-chan spoke to them like that." Chinatsu-san,who was the type of girl who doesn''t really good in communicating to others,protected and stood up for her bestfriend.That was really good to hear.Even though I didn''t see that to myself,if only Hosokawa-san told it to me earlier,I will surely praise her while she was still alive. Anyways,I asked her a question. "That was a good thing to hear but what is the connection of that incident to the argument you have to Chinatsu-san." "Well after that,I confess to her that they are doing that to me for a long time since that month starts.And when I said that to her,she suddenly got angry.She said why I didn''t tell to her that much earlier so she could stopped them immediately.Well the reason for that is because I don''t want to cause trouble to her.I thought I can handle the problem itself but I immediately realized I can''t.Maybe that is the thing that I don''t have to myself but Ai-chan have." ''That thing''-I''m sure she was talking about courage or confidence.Hosokawa-san doesn''t have that kind of trait so she ended up letting Reina-san and her gang to tease her.But on the other hand,Chinatsu-san does have that trait,hence she manage to stopped their teasing. Maybe she got that courage after protecting her from Reina-san and her friends back then. "Well after that,she didn''t go to school the other day.I don''t know if she got sick or not but maybe it was because of our argument we have.But after that,she go again to school the other day.We talked each other.At the end,we manage to fixed our problem.I learned new things from her.She was really a very good bestfriend." Hosokawa-san finally ended her story there.I remember now the time when Chinatsu-san didn''t the school that time.So at the end,it was actually connected to their argument.But that aside,why I often forgot the most important things. Anyways,All I can say is it was an inspirational story.Well I can''t really say I have someone who I can considered as a bestfriend but this story really touch me. They say that friendship is all about happiness between people but I think it was not really true or should I say,it was lacking. A friendship needs these arguments or misunderstandings because it will make their bond stronger.I think this was also the case with Onodera-san and Tachibana-san.They are probably argue or fight each other for some time.But look at them now.This was probably the same case with Reina-san and her friends. "Thank you very much for your cooperation But I also like to apologize since it feels like I forced you to spill the beans." "No problem to me.You also said it to yourself,isn''t?.That you need that in order to find out the culprit." "That was right." "But I also want to confirmed something to you." "Hmmm?." "Are you saying that I serve that as a motive to kill my own bestfriend?." That was really a good question because this was something I have been saying for the whole time since I came here.I think it''s better to gave her a peace of mind. "Don''t worry.I mean after that argument last November,you haven''t in an argument again right?." "Yes.I already learn from my mistakes.Since that,I started to rely on Ai-chan more often." "I see.Honestly,I can''t imagine that you will use that as a motive to kill Chinatsu-san not unless you are just pretending to her,just like what Reina-san said." Ah.Shit,I made a mistake.I shouldn''t have said the last sentence. "Ah.No,no.Forget it,Hosokawa-san." "So you are suspecting me afterall,Tomocchi." It seems like she was somehow disappointed to me.Right now,I need to make her mood calm down. "That was not really the case.Well let''s say that you are the real culprit and you really used that argument to her as your motive.But some things will not make sense if you are the one who killed her." "I see.Thank you for trusting me,Tomocchi." I think I already said it before but again,I can accused everyone as a murderer.But everytime I create a basic idea on how the murder is done and try to connect to the each person,there''s always at least one thing that is left unanswered or doesn''t make sense.Some have possible motive but I can''t find a way on how they do crime.Additionally,I still haven''t a solid theory until now.I''m came up one after another but I always reject them because they are lacking something. But after asking some questions from Reina- san,Tachibana-san,Onodera-san Yahiro-san and now Hosokawa-san this afternoon,the perfect solution is slowly creating in my head. "Hey,Tomocchi." While in the middle of my deep thoughts, Hosokawa-san suddenly called me with a somehow soft voice. "What is it?." "Can you do one selfish request from me?." "Request?." She looked at me,wearing a lonely smile.Ah,I already know what willl happen next.But her request,I wonder what she wants me to accomplish. "Please.Please find out who is the murderer. For the sake of Ai-chan.And me." So that''s just her selfish request.I thought it was something more complicated. "Don''t worry.That''s what I been doing this time since morning,Hosokawa-san." There you go.After saying that,tears fell from her eyes.I tried to offer her my own handkerchief but she signal me stop with her right hand. After that,she just turned around.Even though she turn her back,I could tell that she was wiping her eyes with her hands.After some time,she asked me a question. "Are you...already done now?." "Yes." "Can you please leave me alone for now, Tomocchi?." "Okay.I understand." I stood up on my seat and immediately left the room.Since I already done on my business,I go towards the staircase to go back again in the classroom. The truth was already formulated. Who is the Culprit? When I arrived at the classroom,I saw Ayumi-san,sitting on a chair,skimming on my novel. Hmmm.Did I say earlier to her to came back here after she do the task I gave to her?. Either way,it was a perfect timing. "You also want to read some mystery novels, Ayumi-san?." "Ah.Hashimoto-sun.I didn''t noticed you." After saying that,she put down the book on the side and answered my question. "No.I''m actually just curious why people like you loves to read this kind of book.So I tried to read the first chapter.But it seems like this was not the genre for me." "Well no one reads a mystery book only from the start." People should read mystery novels until the end.But again,all of us have different taste in books. "But are you perhaps reading some novels with other genre?." "No.Actually,I haven''t read a novel before." "I see." So that''s the main reason.She didn''t like a mystery novel because in the first place,she haven''t read a novel before. Anyways,let''s go back to the real business.I sat down on the chair I have been using earlier and consult the task I gave to her. "So Ayumi-san.How is the situation?.Did you find something weird among our classmates?." "No.I talked to some of them but I didn''t saw something that will may help us in this murder case.Of course,I tried to observe carefully to those have high possibility to commit the crime like Reina-san,Onodera-san and Tachibana-san but I didn''t really find something weird from them." "I see.Thank you very much for that.But how about the infomation I gave to you?.Did you have some ideas on how the murder is done?." "About that,unfortunately I couldn''t think anything.When I''m about to have a theory to create,there is always a contradiction." "I see." "I''m sorry for not meeting up your expectation, Hashimoto-san." "Don''t worry,don''t worry.You really don''t need to push yourself for that since that job is something I should have to do.Watching our classmates is already enough to help in this case.Because afterall...." "Hmmm."This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. I stopped for a bit to remember again all the things I Iearn.I pick up my novel and flip some pages from it.I looked for a specific part on the novel and read it again.After that,I closed again the book and looked at Ayumi-san. "Afterall,I already know who is the murderer and how they done it." "What!?." Ayumi-san was in shock with my sudden revelation.Well that was just a normal reaction. I looked at the clock.It was already four''o clok in the afternoon.So basically asking those people earlier took a lot time.I didn''t noticed it.Time sure flies fast.On the other hand, Ayumi-san asked me to confirm my statement. "Are you sure about that,Hashimoto-kun?." "Yes.After all this time,I finally know now truth.The murderer,the motive and how they done it.I finally know them all." "I see.Then if that''s the case,who is this?.Who killed Chinatsu-san." "Well about that,I want to revealed it to all." "To all?." "Yes.I want my classmates to know how the culprit done it.Isn''t it normal in a murder case?." "You''re right." "But before that,please hand me again the small notebook I gave to you earlier." "Ah that." She quickly reach out her pocket,get the notebook and hand it to me.After that,I continue on my speaking. "Remember that I asked some people to gave their alibi after the earthquake right?." "Yes.Well you are doing that,I''m also working on the task you gave me." "That''s right.But actually,I also asked them some questions and I learned new things from that." "What did you mean?." "For example,like how Reina-san actually have nyctophobia.Or how Onodera-san,Tachibana- san and Kanakura-san are classmates on middle school.Wait,did you perhaps already know those things?." "No,no.That was actually surpriesed." I''m sorry,Reina-san.I really don''t have intention to reveal your secret to other people.I mean either way,they will eventually learn it someday. "I see.So that Reina-san actually has a weakness despite of that personality.And about Kanakura-san,I didn''t manage to learn that from herself even though she always talk to me.But what is the connection of those additional information to the way how you find out the culprit?." That was a good question.But let''s put that aside. "You should not focus on that,Ayumi-san.Let''s talked about what happened after the earthquake." "After the earthquake?." "The people I asked this afternoon have all alibi after the earthquake happens.Including me,you and others.Assuming that all of us are not lying about those alibi before and after the earthquake,then there is one problem." "A problem?." I said the last phrase while emphasizing the notebook that Ayumi-san gave back to me. "Remember that Chinatsu-san died in this classroom where windows are locked.Well the doors are not really locked inside but there is no indication that the culprit go inside and outside here.Again,combining the fact earlier, there is only one meaning for this." I paused for a bit and looked to Ayumi-san with serious eyes.Then finally,I finished my sentence. "It was basically a locked room murder." "Wait.Is that the problem that you are talking about?." "That''s right." "But didn''t you said you already find out the cuprit and how they done it?." "That was also correct." "I''m actualy don''t get you,Hashimoto-kun." "You''re the one who don''t get me,Ayumi-san. What I''m trying to say here is even though it was a looked room mystery,I already solve it. Actually,it was a very simple murder trick.I''m just made things too complicated that''s why I didn''t manage to noticed it earlier." "Really?." "Yes.That''s why I have one last request from you,Ayumi-san.Please call all of our classmates here,including Sensei.It''s time to present the solution to them." "I see.I understand." She immediately stood up from her chair and go outside.Meanwhile,I go towards to one vacant chair where the illustration (that Chinatsu-san gave to me earlier) was located and get it.I go back to my own chair and stared at it.Then I mumbled to myself. "I''m sorry,Chinatsu-san.At the end,it was an ugly truth." Hashimoto Offers Two Solutions After waiting for some time,some of my classmates finally arrived in the classroom- including Reina-san and her friends,Kanakura- san,Tachibana-san,Onodera-san,Takahashi- sensei and Ayumi-san herself. Ayumi-san sit down in a chair near to me while the others just choose random chairs. "Where are the others,Ayumi-san?." "Uhhm,Yahiro-san is taking her time climbing in the stairs.Hiten-san said that she need to finish first something.But she said it will not take time that much.And Hosokawa-san said she need to be alone for another five minutes. She said she immediately go here after that." "I see.Thank you very much for your cooperation,Ayumi-san." Yahiro-san and Hosokawa-san reasons for being late are reasonable.But for Hiten-san,I think she just doesn''t want to go here.I think she was probably still mad at me on what I did to her earlier. Well that was just alright for me.We still have plenty of time to spare.Explaining who is the culprit and how they done it will not take time that much. Anyways after some time,Yahiro-san and Hosokawa-san finally arrived.The former is the one who greet me first. "I heard from Ayumi-san you already find out the culprit,Hashimoto-kun?." "You''re right.Are you ready,Yahiro-san?." "Fufu.To tell you the truth,I''m actually excited. After a long period of investigation,we finally came to revelation part.This moment reminds me of Hercule Poirot when he is revealing who is the culprit." Again,she mentioned that name.Also,I don''t really know what is exciting with this part.She might ended up the one I choose as a culprit. But it seems she didn''t care afterall.Or should I say,she was confident that she can''t be the culprit. After that,she sit in a vacant chair. Hosokawa-san is the next one who greet me. "Thank you for fulfilling my request,Tomocchi." "There''s nothing to thank at me,Hosokawa- san." The conversation ended there as she go on a vacant chair.Since the chairs are on the sides, it feels like what they called a "closed circle of suspects". Anyways,Hiten-san is the only one who is still not coming.While waiting for her,I looked around to my classmates. Reina-san and her friend are sitting on the left side of the classroom.They are somehow nervous.Is it because they think they are the most suspicious one among these people.I really don''t know exactly. Yahiro-san was also sitting on the left side.It seems like she didn''t care who is sitting behind her.She just smiling at me in a sadistic way.And as expected,she was really excited with this. Meanwhile,Tachibana-san and Onodera-san are sitting on the right side.The former is looking at me with a serious face while the latter is still the same as ever. Takahashi-sensei was also sitting in the right side but a little bit near to us.She was sitting crossed arms and legs. Hosokawa-san was located at the back part, together with Kanakura-san.The former looks sad while the latter have the same case with Reina-san. After looking at them,the door opened and finally,the last student that we been waiting finally arrived. But instead going and sitting on vacant chair, she go first in front of me and bow her head. "I''m sorry to the trouble I cause to you earlier, Tomozuki-kun." Ah,that.Actually my plan for that is to apologize to her after this session but it seems like she already take the initiative here. And that was good to see. "Okay,I will take your apology but for now,sit down on a chair and listen to what I''m about to say here." After hearing that,she go back to her normal stand and said to me:"Is that so?".Then after that,she immediately go towards a vacant chair and sat.Specifically,near to Kanakura- san on the back. Now that all people are already here,it''s time to proceed to conclusion part. "Thank you very much for waiting,people.The most awaited part will finally happen right now.That is,of course,to tell the identity the of the culprit.But before that,I want to say I came up with two solutions in this murder case." "Two solutions?." All of them are surprised including Ayumi-san and Takahashi-sensei but the one said that is Hosokawa-san.Well that was already expected since this was something that I didn''t even tell to my assistant. "That''s right.And I will let you which from this two you will choose." "Wait.I don''t understand it,Hashimoto.Are you saying that there are possible two culprit?." suddenly asked by Tachibana-san "That was something that you will learn later, Tachibana-san." After answering her,she gave me a bit more of her serious look.Meanwhile Yahiro-san suddenly spoke,showing her excitement in this case. "Two solutions heh.Fufu.I didn''t expect that kind of conclusion from you,Hashimoto-kun." "Well this murder case was supposed to be have a one single solution only but I really can''t denied the existence of this second solution." "Then go ahead and tell us already your conclusion." The conversation ended there as I prepare myself to arrange all the facts and evidence I memorized in my mind.After that,I finally spoke up. "Actually this murder case is very easy to solve.The culprit and the way how they done it is very easy to figure out,to the point that I don''t even need to questioned you on what you done before the earthquake.But thanks to that interview,things got complicated.The theory that I came up before even asking all of your alibi turned into dust.Right now,I realized that it was better if I didn''t dig more information from some of you." I stopped for a bit to recover my breath.My classmate couldn''t comprehend what I''m saying right now,showing their puzzled look. After resting,I continue. "Well first of all,I want to remind to all of you that the murder happen in this classroom. Since it is impossible to enter here through windows because of the way how it was created,the only way for culprit to enter here is through that door.Additionally,Hosokawa-san said that Chinatsu-san go here in the classroom to get some color pencil but she never came out again in this classroom since no one confirm it.If that''s the case there is only one meaning for that-the murder happen that time.And with that fact alone,it was easy to reduced the possible suspects here." I said that as I take a glance in the door near to me.Meanowhile,some of my classmates looks confuse,some looks relaxed and some seems didn''t care at all.They are probably thinking who might be those possible suspect I''m talking about. "For example,Hosokawa-san.You said you only stayed in the spare room snd just take s break on restroom for the whole time before the earthquake right?." "Yes.Well I''m supposed to go here to check Ai-chan but the earthquake happens immediately that time." "That''s right.And since no one here witness or said that Hosokawa-san go towards in the classroom that time,then she was not the culprit." After saying that,I looked to Hosokawa-san. She was somehow relieved after hearing that. Meanwhile,Takahashi-sensei suddenly spoke up. "Then if that''s the case,then it was also impossible for me to kill Chinatsu since I only stayed in the teacher''s office for the whole time isn''t it?.Additionally,my proof for that is the prinicipal herself." "You''re right." After hearing that,Takahashi-sensei just smile a little bit. "Next is Yahiro-san.Well she was the only one in the corridor of second floor but it was impossible for her to kill Chinatsu-san because of her condition so I immediately ruled her out from being the culprit. Another one is Hiten-san.Well of course she in the second floor,in the storage room.But Yahiro-san said that she never came out there from the whole time even though she is in the outside on the corridor until she enter the storage room.So she was also out. Ichika-san and Hoshino-san also out from suspicion since they never go towards the second floor." Ayumi-san cannot be also the culprit.Yes,she go towards the classroom to get some an extra uniform but that happen before Chinatsu-san go here.It was proven by Onodera-san and Tachibana-san right?." I looked around at those two as I asked that question. "You''re right." said by Tachibana-san while Onodera-san nodded in agreement. "Also that time,she changed clothes in the restroom while Chinatsu-san go inside the classroom which was also proven Kanakura-san,right?." I turned my head to Kanakura-san to confirm it. "That''s right.President is also with me for the whole time before the earthquake happens." "You''re right.And since we came to you,you are also out from being the culprit, Kanakura-san since you never go in the second floor like Hoshino-san and Ichika-san." I paused a bit and then said. "That''s it.Those are the people who can''t be the culprit for this murder.Now let''s go to those ones I didn''t mention." After saying that,I looked to those people. Reina-san is wearing a nervous look, Tachibana-san have serious face and Onodera-san just yawned. "You''re joking right,Hashimoto.Are you telling me that one among the three of us is the one who killed Chinatsu?." asked by Reina-san "You''re right.Well I mean you also go in the second floor,Reina-san.After Yahiro-san lend to you her chair,she go inside the storage room.Also that time,Chinatsu-san was already inside the classroom.The opportunity for you to kill Chinatsu-san is already there.But before that,let''s also talk about the other possible culprit." As I looked around to those two,one of them, specifically Tachibana-san stood up from her chair and go towards my direction.She slammed the table with her right hand and put her head closer to mine. "Hashimoto.I thought we already cleared from this murder case." She said in a low voice,but I can feel the intensity with that statement. "I think you get the wrong idea,Tachibana-san. When did I say that?.If I remember correctly,I haven''t said something like that up until now." She probably talking about the time when I talked to them earlier in the staircase.But again,I didn''t say they are already out for being the culprit. After hearing that,she immediately grabbed my collar AGAIN.She didn''t say nothing and just starred on me.As if she wants to kill me right now. On the other hand,my classmates are quite shocked with sudden events.I glanced to Onodera-san.It seems she doesn''t have intention to stopped her bestfriend here. But after that,Takahashi-sensei suddenly stood up,go towards my direction and grabbed Tachibana-san''s left shoulder. "I know why you got angry,Tachibana.But can you please relax first?.This is not the time to attack the person who tries to solve this case." "Relax you say.Don''t tell that to me,Sensei. You can only said that to me because this person don''t accused you as a culprit!!." She shouted to Takahashi-sensei.All of us, except Onodera-san was shocked with that. On the other hand,Tachibana-san immediately realized what she done and bow her head. "I''m sorry.Sorry for that,Sensei." She immediately apologize to her.Well it was already expected since she just shouted to a teacher for no reason. "Well that was just okay for me but in exchange,please let go Hashimoto first." After hearing that,Onodera-san immediately followed her instruction.Then Takahashi- sensei suddenly patted her head and said. "I know that you are very concern to Onodera, that''s why you got mad and immediately attack this pretend detective.But it''s not like you are the only one who got accused right?. Reina is also got accused.But unlike you,she didn''t do what you just did right now.That''s why for starters,go back to your chair and let your bestfriend comfort you.I can''t comfort you like this forever.What''s more,Hashimoto still not finish explaining everything right?." She turned her head to me confirm what she just said. "She''s right,Tachibana-san." After hearing that,she finally go back to her chair.After she sit down,Onodera-san hug her again,just like what I witness earlier in the staircase.Tachibana-san is actually a crybaby isn''t?. Meanwhile,Takahashi-sensei also go back to her chair. "Going back,Reina-san,Tachibana-san and Onodera-san.One among the three of you is the culprit.I already explain about Reina-san but Onodera-san and Tachibana-san stayed in the staircase near in the classroom for the whole time before the earthquake happens.If you will think about,they have more opportunity to kill Chinatsu-san than Reina- san right?.But putting that aside the real question is who is the real culprit?.To answer that,I think again.Think and think and think until I came up with an idea.If you stabbed the victim pretty heavily,there was at least some blood that will flow to their hands right?.Then as a culprit,what you will do rid them?. Honestly,the best answer for that is to go to the restroom and wash your hands.If that''s the case,then the one who go towards the restroom among those three is the culprit.That''s right." I looked to Reina-san.After doing that,she immediately asked an obvious question "Huh?.Are you telling that I''m the culprit, If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.Hashimoto?." "Isn''t it obvious?." After that,all of my classmates turn their head to Reina-san.Yes,she was the culprit. "Isn''t it a little bit unfair,Hashimoto-san?. You''re reasoning is somehow lacking." asked by Hoshino-san,depending her friend "I''m being fair,Hoshino-san.Wait,don''t tell me are you still believing with that theory you said earlier in the interview?." "You sh*thead...." She said in a somehow angry tone.She was probably pissed off that I make fun of her about her theory that I''m the culprit and I came here to kill all of the people here.Honestly that was ridiculous idea. "As I thought,you didn''t manage to solve this case,Hashimoto-san." said by Ichika-san also depending her friend. "What are you talking about,I already find out the culprit and it was your own friend,Ichika- san." "Tch." She just gave me that reaction after that statement. "Motive." Suddenly,Reina-san spoke up while in the middle of her confusion. "Motive.I don''t havea reason to kill Chinatsu, Hashimoto." "You''re wrong.You once got pissed off to Chinatsu-san when she tried to protect Hosokawa-san when you are bullying her in the restroom right?." "How.Ho-how did you know that?." "Hosokawa-san told me when I talked to her earlier." Reina-san looked to Hosokawa-san.The latter name nodded on agreement,admitting that she really told me that story. "How about the knife?.That was not me.I didn''t bring that." "Well maybe you asked your two friends to bring that.Anyways,the murder weapon is not really important here." "No,no,Hashimoto.I admitted that I got once pissed off to Chinatsu but that is not enough reason to kill her right?.What''s more,you don''t have evidence to against me." "Evidence?.Did we really need that if you look pale and nervous after going out from the restroom back then?.As if you are concern about something,it''s like you are afraid that someone find out that you are the culprit?." "Huuuuh!?.Just like I said,I was look like that because of I''m af-'' She immediately stopped finishing her sentence.That''s right.She can''t tell about her secret of having nyctophobia.But honestly,it just makes her more suspicious. "So that''s it,Hashimoto.So Reina-san is the culprit afterall.Okay let''s settle this now on the po-" "Wait!!." While Takahashi-sensei is already wrapping up this meeting,Reina-san suddenly shouted to stop Takahashi-sensei. "Hey,Hashimoto.I think you still don''t get what I''m trying to say.If I''m really the one who killed Chinatsu then I would not chose this way to kill her.If I really want to kill her then I would definitely choose a different way and not this one.Also,don''t you find it strange?.That when I came to the second floor to get some chairs, Chinatsu was also in the classroom.Isn''t too much for coincidence?.There''s no way I could predict something like that!!." Boom.The question that I been waiting from Reina-san has been finally asked.Honestly,I''m attacking her continously earlier just to reach to that point. "You have a point,Reina-san.No,you are absolute right." "Wait,what is the meaning of this?.I thought this case was already done,Hashimoto-san?." asked by Ayumi-san "Didn''t I tell you earlier that this case was very easy to solve but it''s just there is something that is bothering to me.And that something is if Reina-san is the one who killed Chinatsu- san,why does it feel like everything go smoothly in her favor?." "So you''re telling that she was not really the culprit?." "Not really.I still believe that she was the culprit.But I also agreed to the part when she said she will definitely choose a different method to kill Chinatsu-san.But at the end,she stil choose this way and there is a reason for that.And there is also a reason why Chinatsu-san was already here in the classroom when Reina-san go towards the second and how she manage to escape the crime scene smoothly.Yes,there only one reason for that." "I really don''t have an idea what are you talking about,Hashimoto-san." I didn''t replied anymore to Ayumi-san but instead,I just look to some specific people. Then after that,I declared something. "Except to Hiten-san,Takahashi-sensei and me,all of you are ACCOMPLICES to Reina-san on this murder case." All of people here except me drop their jaws with that revelation.Even Hiten-san and Takahashi-sensei do the same.Yahiro-san''s sadistic smile,which is something she is showing up until now,turned into a disappointing one.Onodera-san,who doesn''t care about this case and just comforting her bestfriend suddenly gave me a serious look. "All of us are accomplices?.Wha-What are you..talking about,Tomocchi?." The first one who spoke after that shocking truth is Hosokawa-san "I''m talking about that to make this murder case go smoothly,Reina-san must have an accomplices.That''s all there is to it, Hosokawa-san." "But why did you not include me as an accomplice,Tomozuki-san?." suddenly asked by Hiten-san "That''s because you don''t have motive.Well even if I try to discover one,i think I will not be able to came up at the end.You also said that you don''t leave the storage room for the whole time before the earthquake happen.And there is also a matter about Yahiro-san which I will gonna explain later." "Is that so?." she said in somehow relieved voice. "So you''re telling that except from the names you mention earlier,all of the people here have motive to become Reina-san''s accomplice.I mean,they will not become accomplice for no reason right,Hashimoto?." suddenly asked by Takahashi-sensei "Yes of course.But let''s talk about that later. "Then if that''s the case,you have an explanation for this,Hashimoto-kun" interject by Ayumi-san "Of course.Honestly,if we follow this solution it all make sense now.To start it,all of the accomplice are of course,participate or help Reina-sa to do the crime smoothly.For example,the real reason why you asked everyone to stay outside is because you want to set up the crime scene right,Ayumi-san?." "No.You''re wrong.I haven''t thought of that, Hashimoto-san." "Really?." I ignored her decline and continue on my explanation. "Well anyways,the answer for your question earlier,Reina-san.Remember when Hoshino-san search Ayumi-san to asked permission to get some chairs from the classroom?.Actualky,that was the time when Hosokawa-san,who was in the spare room,gave signal to Hoshino-san through the window,that she will send Chinatsu-san in the classroom.When Hoshino-san came back to Reina-san,she reported it to her.Then that was the time when she go towards the classroom, killed Chinatsu-san and left the crime scene." "But just like I said earlier,Ai-chan go to the classroom in her own accord,Tomocchi!!." interjected by Hosokawa-san. "That''s not true,Hosokawa-san.You FORCED her to go in the classroom.Or should I say,no matter what happen,you need to send her in the classroom since that was the time when the murder will be happen,since you already gave the signal Hoshino-san." "No...no way.You are not making sense, Tomocchi." said by Hosokawa-san "No,this was the only to execute this murder smoothly." I finally ignored her and continue again in my explanation. "As for Yahiro-san,there''s a real reason why she entered inside the storage room.It''s not just some random actions.It is to guard Hiten-san on going in the classroom.It will ruin their plan if she go here while the murder is happening." "I''m really disappointed with this conclusion, Hashimoto-kun." said by Yahiro-san.I ignored her reaction and continue. "Well for Onodera-san and Tachibana-san,their role is to guard the classroom from someone,specifically from me and Sensei, through the staircase.It also the same with Hoshino-san and Ichika-san but on the other staircase." "You are really the most idiot person I meet, Hashimoto-san." intejected by Onodera-san. "This solution you came up is worst than my theory I told you earlier." teased by Hoshino- san Again,I ignored the words they threw to me and just continue on explaining. "And lastly,for Kanakura-san.Well she doesn''t really have a significant role in this murder but I''m sure she was the one who suggested it.She has strongest motive to kill Chinatsu-san.Ah,that''s right.Motive,motive. This is what you are waiting for right,Sensei?." I turned my head to Takahashi-sensei as I asked that question. "Yes.I agreed to Kanakura''s motive but how about the others?.I can''t think of something from the others that will gave them a reason to participate in this murder plan. " "Well I talked to some of them this afternoon. And I learn new things.Like how Tachibana- san,Onodera-san and Kanakura-san are actually classmate and become friend back in middle school.Another fact is when Reina-san and her friends once got pissed off to Chinatsu-san because she tried to protect Hosokawa-san from them.Well I already said that earlier buy actually,that event also caused Chinatsu-san and Hosokawa to argued each other.Did you know all of that,Sensei?." "No.That was the first time hearing those things." "Is that so?.Well anyways those facts I said are their motives.As for Ayumi-san,well since Kanakura-san is her close friend,she participate in this plan to help her to rid off Chinatsu-san,whom she jealous of.And for Yahiro-san,well we already talk about that in the storahre room right?." I turned my head to Yahiro-san to confirm it.At first,she looked confuse but after some time,she finally realized it. "Are you serious?." she said with a disappointing look in her face. "Wait,is that enough reason to kill-" Takahashi-sensei was about to say something but she immediately stopped.Anyways,I know what she was going to ask. "You''re right,Sensei.That was not enough to kill someone but those motives are already enough to participate and help Reina-san to kill Chinatsu-san." Aftet saying that,a silence fell inside the classroom.Maybe they are still digesting the things I said just now.But it seems like they are forgetting something. "All of you looks depressed but I want to remind all of you that is was just my first solution." "Ah.You''re right,Hashimoto-san.I''m almost forgot that." The first one to react is Ayumi-san.My classmates were also got a little bit suprised. Maybe because of the things I said earlier that they almost forgot the second solution. "To tell you the truth,I really don''t like this one. It was the least answer that I would come up with this case.But after some thinking,I realized that this makes a lot of sense than the previous one." In short,it was an ugly conclusion. "Well in this solution,I will gonna disregard the idea of all of you being the accomplice. Remember when I asked each of you of these two questions:''How are the chances of yourself being the murderer?'' and ''How did you feel now that Chinatsu-san is not alive anymore?''.Of course,most of you answered ''There''s no way I would kill Chinatsu-san'' and ''I''m sad that she was already gone now'' respectively.Okay,I believed to what you said earlier and how you feel.But if that''s the case,of all of us are declining for being the culprit.Then who is the murderer?." I stopped there for a bit to asked that question to everyone. "Huh?.Isn''t it your job to find out the culprit?. Don''t tell me you really don''t know who is the real culprit?." said by Hiten-san "But I already offer the the first solution right? But it seems like most of them didn''t agreed to it so that''s why I''m offering this second solution." Well I already anticipated that so I prepare an alternative solution for this case. "Anyways,let''s combine all the facts that have been laid from the start.The murder happen here in this classroom.The only way for the culprit to enter and escape here is the door itself.But if what all of you said to me are true, and if you really swear that you don''t kill Chinatsu-san then who is the murderer?.To answer that,let''s change the quetion.''Who is the one who killed Chinatsu-san?.Yes,there''s one more person who can kill her,without using the door to commit the murder and without being noticed by other people.That is of course-Chinatsu-san herself." "Huh!?" The most obvious one to react first is Hosokawa-san,her bestfriend.Actually,it was a mixed reaction from my classmates.Some looks relieved like Reina-san and her friends. Some looks more disappointed like Yahiro-san And some are looks confused like Ayumi-san and of course,Chinatsu-san''s betfriend. "So are you telling that the victim herself commit suicide?." asked by Takahashi-sensei. "That''s right,Sensei." "So it was not a murder afterall,Hashimoto- san?." interjected by Ayumi-san "Well she was not murdered.But she killed herself." Again in short,suicide. "Well if it is a suicide then there''s nothing to explain here right?.Basically,she bring that knife and stabbed herself.Of course she was planning to kill herself today.She just waiting for an opportunity.And that opportunity came when she go inside here to get that extra pencil.The way how the suicide was done is easy to explain.But of course,you will ask the most obvious question:''Why would she commit suicide?.What''s more,why in the school?.''About that,don''t worry.I already have an answer for that." I stopped for a bit to gather my breath.I looked to Hosokawa-san.She was really confused. She couldn''t say anything about that.After some rest,I continue on my explanation. "Before that,I liked to reveal one thing about me.Chinatsu-san actually confessed her feelings to me yesterday.But I rejected her.It must be heartbreaking moment for her.Of course,Hosokawa-san also knows that." "Hmmm.Is that so?.Well I been already expecting that since I already noticed it last year." asked by Kanakura-san Wait,what did she mean about last year?.I thought that Hosokawa-san and me are the only one who knows that Chinatsu-san already have feelings for me before the confession happen. "Being rejected in a love confession is sad.But are you saying that was the reason why she commit suicide?.If that''s the case,that was too childish." The one who said that is Onodera-san, speaking for the first time since this gathering starts. "One of the reasons,Onodera-san." "One?.So there is still some?." "Well another one is when she got teased by Reina-san and her friends." "Wait,isn''t those reason are too light?.I mean there''s no way that she will commit suicide because of that right,Hashimoto?." Takahashi-sensei suddenly joined the conversation.It seems like she was also have the same opinion as Onodera-san. "Your right,Sensei.So there must be something more to this.For example,there should be a tragic event happen to her life.So I think again.And after some time of thinking,I came to a conclusion;what if there is something bad happen to her family?.To make it more tragic,what if her parents DIED in an accident?." "What!?." Again,the one who immediately react to that revelation is Hosokawa-san. "Died in an accident?.Honestly,I really don''t know where this meeting going anymore, Hashimoto." said by Takahashi-sensei,losing her interest on the solution I laid. "That idea was totally off the mark, Hashimoto-kun." interject by Kanakura-san "You''re right,Kanakura-san.But that was the only possible reason for her to commit suicide.Of course this was something I can''t totally prove but I can at least give some ideas to support this." "No.You cannot prove that,Tomocchi.I thought that you accomplish my selfish request but I guess I was wrong." said by Hosokawa-san, showing her disappointment "I may not be a professional detective but again,I can at least give some points to that theory.First of all,Chinatsu-san is always bringing her own lunch everyday since the school year started.As her bestfriend,you must already know that right,Hosokawa-san?." "That''s right." "But yesterday,she didn''t bring one.Of course, you asked her why is that.Then she just said that her parent was busy that they forgot to create one.Of course,you told me that story.But we just ignored that.But did you already aware that she also didn''t bring one TODAY?." "What!?." She immediately look around specifically,to Chinatsu-san''s chair.But just as expected,she didn''t saw a lunchbox there. "Of course,don''t assume that I stole or hide her lunchbox.That was a stupid thing to do.Well anyways,another clue is when I comfort her after rejecting her yesterday.That time,I said to her some lines like ''when you have something that is bothering you,don''t hesistate to rely on me''.After that,she cried in front of me.At first,I thought that she cried because I rejected her.But actually,she cried because she want to show the burden that she was carrying after her parent''s death." "No.That.....was...impossible." "And lastly,her diary.You said that she have one right?.If her parents died the other day,she would at least wrote about their death there. Although we will only be able confirm it after reading the diary itself." I finally ended my explanation there.This long, long discussion finally meet its conclusion. "Now that I already laid down the two solutions I came up,it''s up to all of you right now which one you will choose.The first solution or the second solution?." I looked around my classmates.Some of them looks relieved.Some are disappointed and some are confused.But I can tell from their faces which one they will choose. "If there is someone who want to choose the first solution,raise your hand." After a long time of silence,Takahashi-sensei suggested that idea.I see.majority vote huh.But no one raise their hand. "Then if you want to choose the second solution,raise your hand." She asked again.But this time all of our classmates except Hosokawa-san and Yahiro-san raised their hand. "I know the circumtances about Hosokawa but why did you not choose between those two solutions,Yahiro?." asked by Takahashi-sensei "I don''t approved this conclusion or should I say,I''m disappointed.Additionally,I didn''t expect that Hashimoto-kun will also choose the second solution.That''s all." She said that since she saw me raisng my hand in second solution.Well the first solution is also possible.But it is quite unrealisitic. What''s more,it lacks a solid evidence to each accomplice.And if you removed the idea of multiple accomplice then it will just make the case more confusing.On the other hand,the second solution is just simple yet supports a solid evidence.They will know the truth if they visited Chinatsu-san''s house and read her diary.That''s why I chose the latter. "Well since it was a majority vote then we will go to the one who got most votes-and that is the second solution.And with that,this meeting finally ended.Since it was already five o''clock in the afternoon,you can go home now. I and principal will take the rest.Maybe we will have a one-week break from classes.Well I will just call your parents to annouce what will happen tomorrow.That''s it.Goodbye and I hope for your safety going home." After Takahashi-sensei said that,some people prepared their things to go home. "I really don''t know how to feel about it but honestly I''m glad that we came to a conclusion.Your reasoning on first solution is good but I believe that this second solution was really the right answer for this case.Of course,I was also surprised when you reveal that Chinatsu-san parents died but when you provide those clues to support,I couldn''t help but to agreed to it." Ayumi-san showed her overall assessment in this case.I''m actually agreed to every words she said. "That said,I''m wondering if I was able to you help as an assistant." "Ah.About that,I want to thank you,Ayumi-san. For helping me to solve this case.Again,thank you very much for your hardwork." "I see.Then that''s good to hear.To end my role my assistant,let''s do at least a handshake." "You''re right." After saying that,we do a handshake.Then she grabbed her things from her chair and gave a farewell to me. "Well goodbye and probably see you next week,Hashimoto-san." She finally left after saying that.Meanwhile,I''m still sitting on my chair.Suddenly,Yahiro-san came to my place and said something. "You break the taboo,Hashimoto-kun.Murder mysteries shouldn''t end in suicide." "That only applies in detective-fictions.Don''t compare a fiction story to a real thing." "Is that so?.Actually,I''m already glad when you said that Reina-san is the murderer but I never thought that you still have something up your sleeve." "I already said from the start that I have two solutions to offer right?." "You''re right.But those two solutions are crapped.At the end,I realized that you don''t have the talent to become a detective, Hashimoto-kun." "That''s okay.I don''t have an intention to become a detective in the first place.What''s more,almost everyone agreed to the second solution so my role was already done." Yahiro-san didn''t replied anymore and just left the scene.She must be really disappointed with the results. As I looked around,I didn''t noticed that all of my classmate already left.The ones who remained inside the classroom are me and Takahashi-sensei. "Why are you still here,Sensei?." "That''s my question,Hashimoto.It seems like you still have something to say about this case." "I guess you''re right." "That was a perfect timing.I also want to ask some questions from you.But let''s talk about it in different place.How about in the rooftop?." "I''m okay with that." After that conversation,we both stood up from our sit and proceed to designated area. Honestly,that was a good choice since rooftop is an open area.Meaning,it was windy there.And I need a fresh air right now sicne the eletricity is still not coming back resulting into a very high temperature inside the classroom.Additionally,it was also an illegal place to smoke so it was a win-win situation for both us. Anyways,this case is actually not over yet.All I did earlier is told my two solutions and let them to choose between them.But I haven''t yet tell the WHOLE TRUTH.Yes,the whole truth behind this murder case. The Whole Truth After arriving at the rooftop,we both sat in the bench here.Takahashi-sensei immediately pick up her pack of cigarette from her suit,pick up one stick and lit it up.After taking one sip from the cigarette,I spoke to her. "So what do you want to talk about,Sensei?." "Well before that,can I be honest here?." "Honest?.Well that''s fine with me." "Okay.First of all I want to say that your two solutions you told to us earlier are absolute crap.No,the first part when you said that Reina is the culprit is alright.But things become messy when you add the fact that almost all of your classmates are accomplice.And about the suicide thing,that was nonsense." "So what are you trying me to do?." "I want you to tell me the truth.The truth behind this murder mystery.This case ended in a conclusion that Chinatsu comitted suicide but I don''t believe that.Chinatsu may look like a weak person but deep inside she have a strong heart.She will never kill herself. That was something I at least know about her.I''m her teacher afterall.What''s more,you must also know it right,Hashimoto?.As the one who rejected her." It seems like she got me.Well that was actually something I been expecting when we came here in the rooftop. "Okay,I admitted now,Sensei.All the things I said earlier are just lies to hide the truth.Of course,Chinatsu-san never comitted suicide.However,there is really a murderer among us.And it was only one culprit.No more multiple accomplice.Lastly,what I''m going to explain right now is the absolute truth.So don''t worry anymore,Sensei." I kinda remember Yahiro-san''s words.That murder mysteries doesn''t end in a conclusion where the victim committed suicide.At the end,she was really correct afterall. "I see.But why did you hide the truth from your classmates in the first place,Hashimoto?." "Let me answer that later.For now let''s go back in square one.But before that,let me asked you three questions.Actually,if you be able to answer these questions,you will find out the real culprit." "Ho?.Then let see if I can answer it. "Well the first question is did the murder happen before or after the earthquake?. Second question:did the culprit really use the door to enter and escape from the crime?.And for the last question:why did the murder happen particularly today,February 14 or Valentines Day?." After hearing that,she start thinking for the answers from my questions.After some time,she spoke up. "For the first question,my answer is the murder happen before the earthquake.But for the second question,I actually don''t know what did you mean by that.Are you saying that there is still another route for the culprit to enter and escape in the crime scene aside from the door?.And for the last question,is it really necessary to know why the murder happen today?." Just like I expected,she doesn''t have an idea to my second and third question since this was something I have been keeping for the whole time.Those two questions may look like came from nowhere but those are the keys to solve this murder mystery. "Don''t worry,Sensei.While I''m telling you the correct answers on each question,we also reduced the number of suspects as well.So listen carefully to what I''m going to say here." "Then go ahead and tell me in detailed who is the real culprit." After she said that,Takahashi-sensei noticed that her cigarette finally reach it''s limit.So she took again another one from the pack.She lit it and take a sip.After that,I started on explaining to her the truth.Or I could also called it the third solution. "To start it of,you got the correct answer in the first question.The murder was indeed happen before the earthquake happen.However,that fact doesn''t eliminate any suspects so let immediately go to the second question.My classmates came to believe that the culprit used the door to enter and escape from the classroom but that was not actually the case here.So what is the another route that the culprit used?.To answer that,let''s shift this conversation to building,facilities or malls.Did you noticed that there are FIRE EXIT to each of them to ensure a safe path for people if a fire broke out?."A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. I stopped there as I asked that question to Takahashi-sensei. "I know that.Well that''s pretty normal for those establishments." "That''s right.But aside from those establishments,there is still one more place where fire exits also exist." "One more?." "School buildings.I thought you already know the existence of fire exits in school,Sensei." "Sorry for that.It was not used before so I didn''t noticed it." Well she has a point.Actually,it was not really become useful since there is no fire broke out since the school started. "But anyways it was not really a common fire exit you can found from the places I mentioned earlier.It was just small window which is attached to a another window.And our school are not exempted from that.We are actually have one in our classroom.But in this case,since our classroom was located in second floor,there is a long ladder right down to the ground.Additionally,that ladder was located in the middle of girls and boys'' restroom." "Wait,don''t tell me...." "You''re right.The culprit used that small fire exit to enter and escape in the classroom." Honestly,when the murder happen,I already consider the fire exit as a route for the culprit. But I not yet confirmed it that time since I haven''t quesitoned my classmates.But after that,I was finally conviced that this is where the culprit enter and escape the clasroom. "And with that fact,the number of suspects will be greatly reduce,Sensei.Because if the culprit used the fire exit to enter and escape the classroom instead the door then the most suspicious people here are the ones who GO TO THE RESTROOM since they have an easy access to the LADDER towards the fire exit.I mean,that ladder and the restoom was located in back of the classroom afterall." "So that also mean the people who didn''t go to the restroom before the earthquake happens are already free from suspicion right?." "Yes.And those people are:Tachibana-san and Onodera-san,who stayed in the staircase for the whole time.Hiten-san and Yahiro-san,who stayed in the second floor.Ichika-san and Hoshino-san,who stayed in the big tree.And Kanakura-san,who stayed in the hallway of first floor." With that said,there are three people I didn''t mention. "Ayumi,Reina and Hosokawa.So among these three is the culprit?." "That''s right." "And to determined who is the culprit among those people,the last question that you asked me must be answered." "Actually,even though I didn''t tell you the answer for that last question,we can still identify who is the culprit among them,by the process of elimination and deductive reasoning." "Ho,really?." "Yes.The last question is more like just made to find out the MOTIVE of the culprit,some- thing like that." "Motive?." "Well I will tell that to you later.For now,let''s focus on these three people." After saying that,Takahashi-sensei pulled out again a stick of cigarette from its pack.I just realized now that she was heavy smoker.It was he already her third stick even though it was still not an hour had passed.Anyways,I continue on my explanation. "In this particular part,there are two facts that we must remember.First is the culprit must already inside the classroom BEFORE Chinatsu-san go towards there.Why is that?. Because if the culprit go inside the classroom AFTER or should I say,while Chinatsu-san was already inside the classroom,she would definitely freak out if she saw someone entering in the fire exit.And that was something that the culprit doesn''t want to happen.In other words,Chinatsu-san must not aware of those actions.And the the second fact is the murder,including entering and escaping from the fire exit,must be done as quickly as possible because if they took a lot of time with those things,they will be suspicious. And these two facts must be applied to one among these three people in order for to become the culprit.Yes,not only one but it must two facts. So let''s start with Hosokawa-san.Base on her testimony,the first fact applies to her.She go to the restroom before Chinatsu-san go towards the classroom.But I don''t think the second fact also applicable to her.Yes,no one really confirmed that she really go to the restroom but take note that she have an E cup breast size.So what is the connection of that with this murder case?.Remember when I asked your breast size,Sensei?.I also did the same to others.But it is not just for show.I asked that to see who could possibly enter the fire exit easily.In other words,the one who have bigger breast size will never be the culprit since they will have a hard time to enter and escape in the fire exit.On the other hand,those people who have smaller breast size are the ones who could become the culprit.In short,in Hosokawa-san case,since she have an E-cup breast size,she will be hard time in entering the fire exit and it will contradict our second fact.And two facts must be applied in order for her to become the culprit.So at the end of the day,she is not the one who killed Chinatsu-san. Next is Reina-san.Honestly,she is the one I been suspecting from the start.But if we look again her testimony,the first fact doesn''t apply to her since she go towards the restroom AFTER Chinatsu-san entered the classroom. Yes,she had a smaller breast,which is C cups to be exact,than Hosokawa-san which can make her to easily enter and escape from the classroom but as long as she avoided one from those two facts,then she will never be the culprit." "Oi,oi.Don''t tell me the culprit is..." Takahashi- sensei said,opening her eyes widely as if she realized something. "You''re right.Those two facts applies to this student.This student go towards the restroom before Chinatsu-san enter the classroom and have small breast size,C cups to be exact. In other words,the one who plan this murder from the start.The one who killed Chinatsu-san.The one who go to the restroom to climb in the ladder towards the fire exit.The one who asked my classmates to go outside from the classroom.The only one who remains in the process of the elimination.That is-Suzuki Ayumi." And Nothing But The Truth There was dead silence after revealing the real culprit.Takahashi-sensei just smoke for a while.After consuming the cigarette,she pulled out again from the pack,making it as the fourth stick she consume since this conversation started.Then after that,she finally spoke up. "I have so many questions right now, Hashimoto.But first of all,tell me how Ayumi did the murder." "It goes like this.When I questioned her earlier, she said that she go to the restroom to change uniform since Kanakura-san accidentally pour some paint to it.But in reality,that was the time when she climbs on the ladder towards the fire exit and entered the classroom.She hide first in the teachers table,in front of the blackboard.Then when she noticed that Chintsu-san entered the classroom,she immediately stabbed her in stomach.Then she immediately left the scene,using again the fire exit and the ladder going down.Finally,came back on the hallway like nothing happen." After saying that,Takahashi-sensei sip first three to four times from the cigarette.Then after that,she spoke up. "Hmmm.You said that she also escape through the fire exit.But she could just used the door instead right?.I think it was easier to escape in the door than the fire exit." "You''re right.But that''s impossible.Yahiro-san is seating in the corridor that time." "But she eventually enter inside the storage room after some time right?." "That''s right.But that was something she didn''t know or predict until we questioned Yahiro-san." Since Yahiro-san is disabled and doesn''t want to talk that much,Ayumi-san believed that she will stay in the corridor for a long time.Of course,she could asked her to go somewhere else,just like what she asked to me.But actually that was blunder. In my case,there is a reason why she wants me to go somewhere.And that is to suprised us with the decorations inside the classroom. But in Yahiro-san''s case,there is no really reason to make her go somewhere.So at the end,she reject that idea.She doesn''t want to be suspicious as least as possible.I mean,she already taking a huge risk by just using the fire exit and she already suspicious when she asked most of our classmates to go somewhere else. "What''s more,Reina-san''s testimony of seeing Ayumi-san while going to the restroom will be void since Ayumi-san will come from the staircase instead from the back of the building." "Ahh.That''s right.I forgot that fact.I see.Now that''s make sense." She took a sip from her cigarette then continue. "Then if that''s the case,how did she open the window in the first place?.Like I said earlier,I''m not really familiar with these fire exits in school but as far as I know,it was impossible to open that from the outside." "That was just simple.She already open it SLIGHTLY before she left the classroom to accompany Kanakura-san in the hallway." "I see.That make sense." She took again a sip from her fourth cigarette and continue. "Well about that explanation.If Ayumi didn''t really go to the restroom that time then where did she changed her uniform?." "Of course inside the classroom.After stabbing Chinatsu-san,she immediately changed her uniform there." "I see.How about when she stabbed her.We could at least heard a scream from the classroom right?.But I didn''t heard anything like that earlier.And it seems like it was also the same case to your other classmates." "You mean the pain that Chinatsu-san feel after being stabbed?." "That''s right." "About that,it was a little bit complicated." I asked Onodera-san about that.But she said she haven''t heard anything that time.I didn''t ask Tachibana-san but since they are together to each other for the whole time,I''m sure she also didn''t heard something. That''s why I came up with this idea.Honestly, this was something I don''t want to think but this is the only way for Ayumi-san to make sure that Chinatsu-san will not scream. "Well of course,Ayumi-san had to cover mouth right?.But she didn''t covered Chinatsu-san''s mouth using her another hand since she used it to grabbed her body.But there is still in one more way to cover her mouth.By using her own lips.In short,she kissed her.Specifically, she gave Chinatsu-san a French kiss." "French kiss between two girls?.It feels like I''m watching a specific scene from a movie." "You''re watching girl''s love movies?." "Not really.But I think I watched one or two a long time ago." I think huh.Well in my case,I didn''t watch/read girl''s love movies/books.I simply don''t like them.That''s all. "Anyways,how about the witnesses?.I''m sure there are some people who saw her at the back of the building right?." "You''re right.Actually,she has the most number of witnesses among us.But what we only need to concern is about when Hiten-san witness her going to the restroom." "About Hiten?.But Hashimoto,how about others?.I think there also someone who witness her going out from the restroom for example,the principal right?.Since she DIDN''T really go inside the restroom,she was not also supposed to go out from the restroom in the first place right?." "Sensei,at the point,it was easier to PRETEND that you go outside from the restroom than going inside." "Ah.I get it.I get it now." Since there are few blindspot from Natsume- san view,the principal(in her case,the window) and Reina-san view(in her case,the boys'' restroom),they could just say that Ayumi-san really go outside from the restroom.Well the former just said that she just witness Ayumi- san at the back of the building while the latter just said she coincidentally meet Ayumi-san when she was about to go inside the restroom to put some make-up. "Then about Hiten.How could you explain that?." "Hiten-san said she saw Ayumi-san go inside the restroom.I asked that twice to make sure but she said that was actually what she saw.She could tell that since storage room is in the second floor.She could saw someone there above.But again,Ayumi-san didn''t really go inside the restroom and instead,she climbs in the ladder to get access in fire exist.But Hiten-san didn''t said that." "I already figure out that so let''s go to the main point." "Well in short,Ayumi-san is not really the one who she saw that time." "I see.Then who is the one she really saw that time?." "Of course the person who go to the restroom before Ayumi-san.And that is-Hosokawa-san." "Hosokawa huh.But how did Hiten mistook Ayumi to her?." "I think you are forgot the fact that Hiten-san is nearsighted." "Ah.Okay,I get it now." When I questioned her earlier in the interview, she just said that she rest her eyes by looking at the window and there,she witnessed ''Ayumi-san'' going inside the restroom.That''s all.It''s true that she rested her eyes but that statement lacks something.Actually,what she really did is she removed her glasses,look at the window,to the sky and when she looked down,she saw someone entered the restroom. Of course,she couldn''t really tell who is it because she is not wearing her glasses that time.At the end,she just said it was ''Ayumi-san'' but in reality,it was Hosokawa-san she saw there that time. Removing her glasses is already enough for her to mistook someone.I tried to snatch and wear her glasses earlier.And it was really a high-grade glasses.I bet her life wouldn''t be easy if she is not wearing them. "But Hashimoto,why did she specifically mistook Hosokawa to Ayumi?.I mean she can choose other person right?.For example,Reina who also go to the restroom" That was actually a good question. "The answer for why she didn''t mistook Hosokawa-san to Reina-san is already obvious.I think I already said earlier but the people who she can only mistook for someone are the ones who go to the restroom BEFORE Ayumi-san.And that fact only applies to Hosokawa-san since Reina-san go towards the restroom AFTER Ayumi-san.I mean, Ayumi-san herself coincidentally meet Reina-san going to the restroom after she left scene that time right?." "Yeah." "Well if you still want more proof then I can still give one more.Based on the information a gather from the interview,it was safe to say that Reina-san go to the restroom after Yahiro-san go inside the storage room.So what''s the connection of Yahiro-san on this?.Well she said that she and Hiten-san didn''t talk to each other.Instead,they just mind their own business.Meaning,she didn''t rested her eyes that time.She didn''t look at the window.But Reina-san already to the restroom that time.In short,it contradicts the facts, Sensei "Okay,okay,I finally conviced now.How about for Ayumi?." Well I didn''t really need to say that second proof but I just want to make sure that she was satisfied with my deductions. "About that,it was a little bit complicated.Or should I say,the answer relies on pyschological factor." "Psychological factor?." "For example,I bet the first one she saw when she arrived at school is Ayumi-san.The one who visits her first in the storage room is also her.Lastly,when I asked her who is the one she saw in the window,the only girl present that time is Ayumi-san." "So it feels like she was forced to choose her." "Not really.It''s more like she got influenced by her." Of course,Ayumi-san and Hosokawa-san doesn''t really look similiar to each other that much.Their body propotions are also totally different.But at least,they have the same hair color and height. Well if I will pick who is the closest to Hosokawa-san in physical aspects,then it should be Onodera-san.Although there is a huge difference between their personality. But again,that pyschological factor really plays a huge role to Ayumi-san''s witness.If Hiten-san really saw her climbing on the ladder then the plan would definitely ruined. But just like I said earlier,she took this high risk and when she succeded,it payoffs really big. "Okay.I''m finally conviced now,Hashimoto.The way how Ayumi committed the crime and your statements about her witness,you really explained it in detailed.You also answers some of my questions very well.But let''s go back to the third question you asked to me earlier.Tell me now the reason ''why the murder happen today,in Valentines Day''.No,since it serves like her motive,let me change the question.''What is her motive on killing Chinatsu?''." "Motive?.I think I already told it in the meeting earlier.She wants to rid off Chinatsu-san for her friend Kanakura-san,who is jealous to the victim." "I didn''t know that you could also tell a good joke,Hashimoto."Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. "Is that so?." I tried to sell her a bluff but it seems like she will not buy it. "But joke aside,Ayumi will not take this huge risk on killing Chinatsu just because of that reason right?." "Of course." "Well,my guess is it''s more like personal reason although I couldn''t think of anything that will make her to commit this murder. However,I feel like this was something that only you will come up,Hashimoto." "You''re right." After saying that,Takahashi-sensei noticed that she already consume the cigarette she was holding.She pulled out again one from the pack and lit it.After taking one sip,I spoke up. "Anyways,finding out her motive is the hardest one to do while solving this case.So it feel like I''m just like you,Sensei.I couldn''t also think something about it.But after some time,that third question:''Why the murder happen today, in Valentines Day'' pop out in my mind.To you, it seems like it was something that is not really necessary on this case but to me,it''s quite bothering me.For example,if Kanakura- san is the culprit,with her motive of being jealous to Chinatsu-san,then she could just killed her a long time ago.She doesn''t need to wait Valentines Day.Then after that,I tried to recall the events yesterday.As far as I know there are two major event happen to me.First is when Chinatsu-san confessed to me and second is when I confort her.Also because of that,I remember the love letters I been receiving since February.I compared the first thirteen love letters and the one that I received yesterday.And when I look carefully,there are some difference.In the former,the sender wrote my name ''Hashimoto-san''.But the the latter wrote my name ''Hashimoto-kun''.So what''s the point?.Yes,probably first thirteen letters and the love letter I received yesterday was written by two different people.I''m sure that the the love letter I received yesterday came from Chinatsu-san since it was written there to come in the rooftop,which is eventually result to her confession.But the other letters I received may only came from four people.Specifically,those who called me ''Hashimoto-san''.First is Onodera-san.Second and third are Hoshino-san and Ichika-san.But we already ruled them out from this case right?.But there is still one more.That is of course-Ayumi-san." After saying that long explanation,Takahashi- sensei took several sips from her cigarette. And after some time,she finally spoke up. "I didn''t know that you been receiving love letters from someone,Hashimoto." "I really don''t know if I should be happy about that or not." "Anyways,that means Ayumi also like you." "Not really.It''s more like she was OBSESS to me.Liking someone and being obsess to someone are two different things." "Is that so?." The former is a good thing to hear while the latter feels uncomfortable. Maybe that was the main reason why she volunteer herself to become my assistant to this murder case.Maybe she just want to be with me.Maybe she didn''t really care about this case. "All that said,what''s the difference if she was obsess to you?.I mean,I know that she was jealous to Chinatsu because she also like you but didn''t you reject her?.Meaning,there''s no more reason to become jealous." "Are you truly listening to what I been saying here,Sensei?." "Of course I''m listening.Why?.Did I skip something?." "Yes.And that is the fact I comfort her after I reject her." "And?." "Ayumi-san witness that scene yesterday." "Ah.Okay,I get it now." I''m glad she finally understand it now.Is she perhaps a good joker like me?. Anyways,comforting her that time is almost the same as accepting her confession. Unfortunately,Ayumi-san witness that scene since she was the only student remains in the school aside from me and Chinatsu-san.Come to think of it,I remember yesterday that she was looking at the sky,saying that she likes watching rain.That time,I guess she didn''t really mean that and instead,she was just thinking of a plan to kill Chinatsu-san. "How about the evidence?.You must have at least one to prove that she the culprit right, Hashimoto?." Hmmm.Since she asked that question,it seems like she haven''t checked her phone "I can''t really show you the real thing but can you look at your phone for a bit?.Remember when I borrowed your phone earlier to take a photo of something." After hearing that,she immediately pulled out her phone and go to the gallery.Then after looking at it,she opened her eyes widely. "This is...." That''s right.It was a photo of Ayumi-san''s stained uniform.I took that when I asked her to watch my classmate outside on the classroom. The color of the paint that stained her uniform is blue.But there also some red stain from it.I''m sure that is Chinatsu-san'' blood. "Kanakura-san said that she ACCIDENTALLY poured some paints to Ayumi-san''s uniform. But I think she INTENTIONALLY let that happen to give her a way to go in the restroom.Or should I say,to give her an opportunity to kill Chinatsu-san." "I see.But when did she get this blood?." "The time when she stabbed Chinatsu-san.I''m sure there are some blood go to her hand after doing that.She ended up wiping it using her stained uniform.Of course,she could she just wash it in the restroom.But maybe the reason why she didn''t do that is because she don''t want to stained the fire exit while escaping.If there are some blood stick to that,it will be obvious where the culprit enter the classroom. Lastly,doing the crime as quick as possible is also a factor." Of course,you might be thinking that maybe I I''m trying to frame her by putting some red paint to her uniform but that''s impossible since I don''t have the reason to that. "Another thing is that remember when I said earlier that the reason why Chinatsu-san go in the classroom is to get an extra colored pencil because the one in the spare room is missing?.I''m sure Ayumi-san stole that yesterday in order to make Chinatsu-san go towards classroom that time." Well it is not really an evidence but it would make sense for Ayumi-san''s case since she was stayed for a while in the school yesterday when I left. "Basing on the informations you gave to me up until now,it seems like she already planned all of it yesterday.She thoroughly think this plan no,Hashimoto?." "That''s right." And it was scary thing to think. Takahashi-sensei pulled out again another stick from the pack.She was really hardcore smoker,isn''t?. "And for the last question.Well it was first thing asked you since this conversation started but to think it was the last question you will answer,how ironic.Anyways,why did you hide the truth from your classamates?. Why did you bother yourself creating those two solutions?.Especially to the part when she committed the suicide because her parent died.You really don''t have to said that right?." "Actually,it was the opposite.The culprit- Ayumi-san wants to conclude this case as suicide." "What!?." I think this is the first time she got surprised since this conversation started.Well it was already expected since no one will be gonna be able to think that. "My proof for that is also in your phone.Can you check it again,Sensei.If I remember,I also took a photo of the classroom from there." Takahashi-sensei checked again her phone after hearing that. "You''re right.So how about it?." "Look carefully in the fire exit." She probably zoom the photo from her phone. Then she opened her eyes widely. "The window handle is locked." "That''s right." "How she did manage to locked it after she left?.I mean it was impossible to lock the handle from outside right?." "Yes.But the answer for that is very simple. She simply just locked it inside.She do that when the meeting ended after we found out. Chinatasu-san''s dead body.If I remember correctly,she immediately go to the classroom that time to examine the corpse.That was the time she locked the window handle. Unfortunately,I took that photo after that happens." I also forgot to check the window part when I arrive on the crime scene since I was also too stunned when I saw Chinatsu-san''s corpse. But at the end of the day,I still manage to figure it out.Well it was easy to find out if you just look again carefully at the circumtances. Additionally,maybe that was her another reason why she volunteer herself to be my assistant.Just to locked that fire exit,aside from wanting to be alone with me. "But the question ''how did she locked it?'' is not really necessary here.Instead,the more important question is ''why did she locked it?." "Hmmm.What did you mean?." "There''s no reason to locked it anymore if you already have witness and created alibi.Unless if you have another ulterior reason." "So are you saying that she have one?." "Yes and that is of course,to turn this murder case into a locked room mystery." "Ah,okay.I get it now.So that''s the reason why you asked me to look to the photo of the classroom." What I mean is real life locked-room murder mysteries always conclude where the victim commits suicide in most cases. Of course,Ayumi-san could just also frame someone but actually,it will just makes et more suspicious and sometimes,that decision will just end up being an evidence against the culprit. "To end this case,the reason why I hide the truth that answer for that is simple.I want to protect my classmates." "Protect your classmates?." "If I revealed to them that Ayumi-san is the culprit,she will KILL all of us." "Huh?.What do you mean?." "Ayumi-san is a madman,Sensei.Of course,I''m not sure whether she already killed someone in the past but I can definitely feel the aura around her.And her eyes.Those eyes looks innocent but they are actually eyes of a serial killer." I remember when I arrived at the classroom after doing a second interview from some of my classmates.Ayumi-san was already there inside the classroom.My guess is that she already waiting for me to tell her the truth.If I said she was the culprit and laid the evidence, she will eventually kill me and my other classmates.Well I couldn''t guranteed that she will be able to kill all of us but as long as she killed two or three from us,that still okay. There''s nothing for her to do if she find out as a culprit unless she caused a commotion.Or should I say,a massacre. I remember the time when we shook hands.I looked to her eyes.I could see her celebration. Not because the murder case finally solved but instead,it was because her plan succeded. But I''m sorry,Ayumi-san.If you think that you already escape from your crime,you are wrong.Afterall,I made a promise to Hosokawa- san and Chinatsu-san. So at the end,Hoshino-san''s theory is right afterall. "So you tag along to her plan,Hashimoto.You made them to believe that Chinatsu committed suicide. "Well telling them that directly will not convinced them immediately.I need to force them to accept that fake solution.And that''s where the first solution came up-accusing one of them as murderer and the rest as the accomplices.Of course,I don''t really need to accused everyone,that''s why Hiten-san was not included.But at the same time,I needed to include Ayumi-san as a accomplice,for her to not become suspicious about my real plan." "So that''s the reason." Honestly,thinking all of that solutions really makes me tired.Right now,I just want to take. a rest. "But seriously,to think that she will also kill the person she obsess to,what kind of girl is she?." "Well aside from being a madman,she was also what they called a ''yandere type''." "Two of the worst trait combined in one person.She was definitely a monster,isn''t?." "Indeed." "If only she was not very obsess to you,you can conquer all the girls here.How should I put,I typically boy would do in a all-school highschool.Something like that" I get what she mean but I think that''s impossible.Afterall,there are also some people who hate me like Reina-san,her friends and Hiten-san. "I will not do that,Sensei.In the first place,I didn''t came here to seek for a love comedy life.What''s more,to solve a murder mystery. Come to think of it,I now remember one fact- that romantic comedy and detective-fiction are the two genres that shouldn''t blend in one story.Because it would just result to a tragedy." "I guess you''re right." That''s why those two genre are seperate to each other.Most people enjoy romantic comedy stories while some appreciate the beauty of detective-fiction.Well in my case,I do enjoy both genres. I wouldn''t say I''m really a hardcore fan of detective-fiction works since I haven''t read any western and classic books like Agatha Christie but I read some Japanese mystery books like Nisio Isin.His murder tricks may not be mindblowing but the way how he blend mystery to other aspects of genre and settings make his works special.I really do enjoy reading his books. On the other hand,I more like a huge fan of romantic comedy stories than mystery stories.Maybe because of the fact that romcoms had been dominating the light novel industry in the past few years,it influence me. And my favorite among them is a story about stepsiblings.This one has a decisive title but after reading the series itself,I can say that it was actually a wholesome romance between the male and female main character.The perfect balance of romance,comedy and drama is just so good that you couldn''t help but to read immediately the next volume. Now that we come to this,I think I will read again that series just to forget this incident. This murder case gave me a trauma so I need some happiness for now.Yeah,I guess I will just do that.I was supposed to read the books that Yahiro-san recommended to me but I guess I will refrain from that for a while. "Do you have any questions,Sensei?." "Ah.I think you already gave all the information I needed,Hashimoto." "If that''s the case,then I will leave the rest on you,former police-inspector Kaede Takahashi-san." "Woah,how did you know that?." "The conversation between you and former chief inspector Hikari Natsume-san from your phone." "You shouldn''t interfer on someone''s privacy, Hashimoto.Not that I didn''t trust you though." "I''m sorry.It was hard to beat human''s curiousity." Well without knowing their conversation,I might still ended with the same conclusion because of this whole meeting here.I think she already know from the start who is the culprit and how they did the murder.Maybe she was just testing my detective skills so she pretend on not knowing anything. Another one is when she immediately agreed when i said the part ''Ayumi-san wants to turn this murder into a lock-room mystery'' without even saying the circumtances about it.If she is just a normal teacher,she will ask that.But if she once a chief-inspector who have already an experience to murder cases then there''s no need to ask that anymore. "But why you didn''t volunteer yourself on solving this case from the start,Sensei?.You really don''t have to trust this case to a mere student like me right?." "That''s because I saw your determination whe you said you will definitely find out the one who killed Chinatsu.That time,you gave a feeling ''Ah I know this boy will be able to solve this crime'' something like that.At then end it seems like my hunch was correct afterall." "Is that so?." "What''s more,I ended up having a different culprit than you.In my case,the culprit is Reina.Specifically,my conlusion I came up is like the first solution you said earlier.The only difference is the involvement of multiple accomplices." "Really!?." For the first time since this conversation starts,I got surpised.I didn''t expect that.I thought she already knew that Ayumi-san is the culprit.I see.So maybe that is the reason why she was asking so many questions here. "Thank you very much for taking and solving this case,Hashimoto.Since you already told me the whole truth,you can go back to your home now." "No problem.But take actions now as soon as possible.I know I manage to hide the truth from her to the best of my ability but if she manage find out something,she might go crazy." "Don''t worry.We will immediately go to her house after this." After that conversation,our long discussion finally ended there.We both left the rooftop to mind our own businesses.And when we are about to part ways,Takahashi-sensei suddenly called me out. "Wait,Hashimoto." "Hmmm.I thought you don''t have any questions about the case,Sensei." "Well it''s about Chinatsu''s parents dying from an accident.That was just really a lie right?." Ah about that.Well I only just said that to conviced my classmates that Chinatsu-san committed suicide.To tag along with Ayumi-san''s real intention.In short,a lie to protect my classmates from her madness. Takahashi-sensei probably forget that so maybe I will just have to remind her again that answer. "Who knows." Epilogue 13th February,2022 Wednesday 10 P.M. Dear Diary, Today is a rollercoaster experience.After that tragic event happen to my parents the other day,I was rejected by Hashimoto-kun today. Yes,I confessed my love to him.But it seems like she was not still yet ready for this kind of thing.I lose my parents in a car accident and now I lose to someone I love in a cofession.I really don''t know how to feel right now. But after the class ended,he visits me in the spare room.I don''t know why she visits me but when he started patting my head,it surprised me.The way how he gently patting my head,it reminds me of Mom.And when he said that I can rely to him if there''s something bothering me,I couldn''t help but to cry in front of him. The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.Yes,I showed to him my weak side.But that''s okay.I don''t mind doing that to someone I love.He also said that I can rely to my other classmates.He''s right.With the help of Hashimoto-kun,my classmates and others,I can be able to move on from the death of my parents.It may take a while.The pain may didn''t go away immdetiately.But that''s alright. Life is unfair but we need to accept it to face the future. Lastly,that event makes me to love Hashimoto-kun even more.I remember when my late parents supported me when I first revealed to them that I have someone I liked in school.Well yes,he rejected me but it doesn''t mean I can''t confess again to him.Also,he just said he was just not yet ready.If he decided to have romantic relationship to someone then I will take that opportunity to confess again.Of course,rivals may appear.It was a all-girl highschool afterall.But I will just need to surpass them. But for now,let''s focus first on Valentines Day tomorrow.Now that I said it,I already finished creating a chocolate that I will give to Hashimoto-kun tomorrow.I hope he likes it. Aina Afterword Hello,random reader.If you saw this,it just means two things.Whether you read the whole novel itself and came to this afteword,or you just go immediately in this part.Either way,I don''t mind what you do.Although it would make me really happy if you chose the former. This story is a standalone novel,meaning they will be no sequel after this.So if you are expecting a new arc,I think I will not be able to grant that. Anyways,about the novel,my main intention on writing this is to create a murder mystery story in a school setting.I noticed that the murders in mystery novels usually happen in inhabitable,islands,houses,hotels,trains,airplanes,etc.And it was rare for a murder to happen in school.And that''s when this novel came up.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. So I started thinking for the whole story.The murder itself,the trick,the setting,the culprit, the protagnonist and the the suspects,I think and write all of that for almost a month. Additionally,you might noticed that the story started in a cliche romcom setting(especially the confession part).That is because not only mysteries books,but I''m also a fan of light novel romcoms.Thats was the another reason why I created this novel.To combine romantic comedy genre and murder mystery genre. Although I''m not totally sure if I really manage to do that.I will leave that to your review, random reader. Lastly,although I said earlier that it will never have a sequel,I''m planning to write again another story.This one is a completely different one but I can assure it was a romance-mystery.So if you want that kind of genre,then just wait for this amateur author to release that. That''s all and thank you for reading,random reader.