School Hallway – Still Smiling
Kira was everywhere again.
Laughing in the halls. Making dramatic gestures in front of the teacher. Inviting Keon to join in.
Keon didn't smile. Didn't respond. But he watched.
Kira was too persistent. Too interested in him.
It didn't feel normal. Not like Fuyu's suspicion. Not like Nova's duty.
It felt… planned.
---
Nova's Warning
After school, Keon stood with Nova in front of the gate.
"You think I'm being paranoid?" he asked.
Nova tilted her head. "No. I think you're finally being careful."
Keon looked at the street ahead.
"I'm going to follow him."
Nova didn't blink. "Then I'll follow you."
Keon shook his head. "Too obvious. Let me do this alone."
She hesitated. Then nodded once.
"Keep your phone on."
---
The Tail
Keon trailed behind Kira as the sun dipped lower behind the buildings. Kira's steps were loose, aimless. He stopped to get a drink. Checked his phone. Made a sharp turn into a quieter street.
Keon kept his distance.
Then Kira turned again — down a side alley.
And then into a fence cut open at the bottom.
Keon paused.
Looked around.
Then followed.
---
The Warehouse
Through the fence and past an overgrown lot, Keon crouched behind a rusted stack of crates.
In front of him stood an old warehouse, half-collapsed, with broken windows and graffiti covering the walls.
And there — slipping in through the side door — was Kira.
Keon's heart thudded.
He waited.
Watched.
No one else followed. No sounds came out.
Just Kira. Alone.
Inside a building no normal high schooler should be entering.
Keon crept forward. Closer.
But didn't enter.
Not yet.
---