The next morning at 8 AM, the corridors of Kurokawa High buzzed with a feverish energy. As Yuzuki stepped through the main entrance, the low hum of voices swelled—snatches of yesterday's scandal weaving through the air like wildfire. Every few steps, she caught fragments:
"That's her—the one from yesterday…"
"Did you see the video? She just ran out!"
"Is it true she rejected Kaito-kouhai in front of everyone?"
"Yeah, and they say she stole Ayaka-san's notebook too…"
Yuzuki kept her head down, her face unreadable, moving with practiced indifference through the sea of stares. She reached her locker, knelt to swap her outside shoes for her indoor pair, and placed the street shoes neatly inside. The metallic clang of the locker echoed as she closed it, bracing herself for another day of scrutiny.
Suddenly, a bright voice rang out right in front of her. "HI!"
Yuzuki nearly jumped out of her skin, startled by the sudden intrusion. Her eyes widened in disbelief as she recognized the face before her. "Reina-chan?"
"Yuzuki-chan!!!" Tachibana Reina's smile was radiant as she threw her arms around Yuzuki, enveloping her in a warm, fierce hug.
"I missed you, Reina-chan," Yuzuki murmured, relief flooding her as she melted into her best friend's embrace.
"Me too!" Reina replied, squeezing her tighter.
Hand in hand, the two girls walked down the corridor, the whispers momentarily fading into the background. Entering their classroom, they took their seats together, but the moment of peace was brief. A cluster of classmates began to gather around them, curiosity and anticipation written all over their faces, the air thick with questions and the scent of fresh gossip.
As Reina and Yuzuki settled into their seats, the atmosphere in the classroom shifted palpably. The usual morning chatter faded, replaced by a tense curiosity as classmates encircled their desks, eyes flicking between Yuzuki and Reina.
A girl from the front row leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper but loud enough for the circle to hear. "Is it true, Mikazuki-san? Did you really steal Ayaka-chan's notebook?"
Another chimed in, "And what about Kaito-kun? Did he really confess to you in front of everyone?"
The questions came rapid-fire, each one sharper than the last, feeding off the rumors that had exploded overnight. Some students held up their phones, ready to record any drama that might unfold, while others simply watched, their faces a mixture of skepticism and anticipation.
Yuzuki felt the weight of every gaze, but before she could answer, Reina's presence beside her became a shield. Reina straightened, her tone calm but commanding. "If you're all so curious, maybe you should ask Ayaka-san and Kaito-kun directly. Yuzuki-san and I are busy."
A few students shifted uncomfortably, murmuring among themselves. The boldest of the group, Ayaka herself, finally stepped forward, clutching her recovered notebook tightly. Her eyes narrowed as she addressed Yuzuki, but her voice was less certain than the day before. "I just wanted my notebook back. That's all."
Yuzuki met her gaze evenly. "You have it now. I hope you'll be more careful with it in the future."
The tension in the air was palpable, but Reina's unwavering support made it clear that Yuzuki was not alone. The circle of classmates slowly began to disperse, some disappointed at the lack of confrontation, others quietly impressed by Reina's loyalty.
With the crowd thinning, Reina squeezed Yuzuki's hand under the desk. "Let's just get through today together, okay? Ignore them. You've got me now."
Yuzuki nodded, a small, genuine smile breaking through the fatigue of the past twenty-four hours. The whispers would continue, but with Reina back, the burden felt lighter—her best friend's presence a silent promise that, no matter how wild the rumors became, she would never have to face them alone.
As homeroom began, the classroom slowly returned to its usual rhythm. But for Yuzuki, everything had changed: she was no longer just the accused, or the heartbreaker, or the girl at the center of the storm. She was, once again, someone with an ally by her side—ready to face whatever the day might bring.
The day unfolded in a haze of routine and tension. Tsukimoto Sayaka's seat remained conspicuously empty, while Tsukigami Kaito kept his distance, stationed at the desk nearest the door, gaze fixed anywhere but Yuzuki's corner. The unspoken rift between them was palpable, drawing curious glances from classmates but no words.
When break-time arrived, the classroom buzzed with the usual chatter. Reina was animatedly discussing project ideas with a small group near the window, her laughter bright and easy. Meanwhile, Yuzuki quietly cleared her desk, methodical and withdrawn.
Suddenly, Kaito approached. His steps were hesitant, his expression weighed down by regret. The room's energy shifted; conversations faltered as eyes turned to the unfolding scene.
"Yuzuki-san. About yesterday, I—"
Yuzuki stood abruptly, cutting him off with a steady, unyielding gaze. "If you wish to discuss something with me, then I have nothing to say to you, especially about yesterday. I'd appreciate it if you could leave me alone." Her voice was clear, her words final. Without waiting for a response, she stepped past him and made her way to Reina.
But as she turned, a familiar voice called out—Ayaka's. Yuzuki glanced back and saw Ayaka now beside Kaito, offering him quiet comfort. Confusion flickered across Yuzuki's face; she was certain Ayaka had just been near the door moments before.
She leaned in to Reina and whispered, "Reina-chan. Wasn't Ayaka-san near the door just now?"
Reina blinked, puzzled. "What? No? She was beside you when you were confronting Kaito-kun."
Yuzuki shook her head, her voice low and insistent. "What? No she wasn't! I swear."
Reina's concern deepened as she reached out, pressing the back of her hand to Yuzuki's forehead. "What're you talking about? Are you okay, Yuzuki-chan?"
Yuzuki pulled away, defensive. "I'm clearly alright," she insisted, catching Reina's hand before it could linger. But the unease remained, a subtle ripple beneath the surface of the ordinary school day—one that neither of them could quite explain.
🎶🎵Kin-kon... kan-kon...🎵🎶
The final bell rang, its chime echoing through the corridors and signaling the end of another long school day. Students poured out of classrooms in a rush of laughter, chatter, and the clatter of shoes against polished floors. Sunlight slanted through the tall windows, casting golden stripes across the now half-empty classroom.
Reina, surrounded by her project group, paused at Yuzuki's desk. "Sorry, Yuzuki-chan! I promised to help them out today. I'll call you later, okay?" Her apology was sincere, her eyes apologetic as she squeezed Yuzuki's hand before hurrying off, her laughter trailing behind her. Yuzuki watched her go, a faint smile on her lips. She was used to this—used to being independent, used to letting people go when they needed to.
The classroom emptied quickly. Chairs scraped, desks rattled, and the last few students filed out, their voices fading into the corridor. Yuzuki's group had divided their project work weeks ago, and she'd finished her part early. With nothing urgent left, she decided to tackle her math homework, pulling out her notebook and pencil case. The problems were straightforward, and the familiar rhythm of solving equations soothed her nerves.
By the time she packed away her books, the school was nearly silent. The sun had shifted, painting the classroom in a soft, dusty glow. Yuzuki zipped her bag, the sound loud in the quiet, and swung it over her shoulder.
Just then, Kaito appeared in the doorway. His uniform was rumpled, his hair slightly disheveled, and his face was drawn with guilt and exhaustion. He hesitated, then stepped inside.
"If you have something to say, then I'm giving you just two minutes to blurt it all out. If you exceed the time limit, I'm leaving," Yuzuki said, her tone clipped as she stood up, facing him head-on.
Kaito nodded, swallowing hard. "I swear, Yuzuki-san. It was Himari-san's doing. She and Ayaka-san planned everything. They forced me to go along with it—threatened to tell my parents about the fight I got into. I'm sorry…I had no choice."
Yuzuki's eyes narrowed. "So to cover for yourself, you decided to throw our friendship away? My, my. And you have the guts to admit it to my face."
He met her gaze, desperation in his voice. "Of course, I had to! Lying would only make it worse. Even though our friendship may be broken to an extent that it can't be fixed, it's still my responsibility to bring you to the light even if I'm wrong because that's who I am. And I won't back off just because I'm in the dark now. And I apologize. I know it's my mistake. I just didn't want to burden my aging parents. I'm sorry. And I swear, I'm willing to help you get your rev—"
A sudden, sharp metallic click echoed through the room. Both heads snapped to the back of the classroom, where the sliding door had just been pulled shut with force.
Yuzuki's heart leapt. She rushed to the door, her shoes squeaking on the linoleum. She grabbed the handle and tried to slide it open, but it wouldn't budge. Kaito was right behind her, panic rising in his voice. "Don't tell me it's locked!"
"Stop yelling," she snapped, her own anxiety mounting as she yanked harder. The door stayed stubbornly shut.
Damn it. It's really locked. She pressed her forehead to the cool glass, frustration prickling at her skin.
Kaito shoved past her, banging on the door with both fists. "HEY! WE'RE STILL IN HERE! LET US OUT!"
No answer. The corridor beyond was eerily quiet, the usual afterschool bustle gone.
Yuzuki spun around, her bag thumping against her hip, and darted to the windows. She flung them open, the hinges creaking. A gust of late afternoon air swept in, but the school grounds below were deserted—no students, no teachers, not even a stray cat. The clock on the wall read 4:23 PM, but it felt much later, the silence pressing in from all sides.
Panic clawed at her chest, cold and sharp. The classroom, so familiar and safe, now felt like a trap. Every detail—the dust motes in the sunlight, the faint scent of chalk, the echo of their voices—seemed suddenly magnified, as if the room itself was holding its breath.
"Kaito! Kaito-kun!" Yuzuki's voice trembled with urgency as she spun toward him. "Do you have your phone? I forgot to bring mine!"
Kaito's face fell. "N-no! I left my bag—" He cut himself off, panic rising in his voice.
"What'll we do now?" Yuzuki exclaimed, cutting him off completely. She began pacing the length of the chalkboard, her gaze fixed on the floor, two fingers pressed thoughtfully to her chin while her other arm supported her elbow. Her mind raced through possibilities.
Who could have done this? Sayaka was absent. Himari wouldn't—there was no motive. That left… Ayaka. Yuzuki's eyes narrowed as she glanced at Kaito, who was watching her anxiously.
"Where's Takasago-san?" she pressed, referring to Himari.
"Himari-san? I don't know. She was called to the staff room earlier and told to help empty all the classrooms. I had the same job, and when I came to ours—since it was the last one—the door just shut on us," he explained, voice still shaky.
Yuzuki nodded, piecing it together. "So, if the prefects were clearing out classrooms, only staff and prefects should be left in the building. The most likely place for them to gather is the staff room or the Student Council's room, which is a few corridors away."
"Yeah… and to reach them…" Kaito started, trailing off as reality set in.
"Is impossible," Yuzuki finished for him. "Unless we can break open the lock." Her eyes lit up with determination. "I should have a bobby pin somewhere in my bag."
She hurried to her desk, rummaging through the inner pocket of her bag. Suddenly, the world outside shifted: thunderclouds rolled in, the sky darkened to an inky black, and rain began to lash against the windows. A deafening clap of thunder exploded right outside, making the glass rattle in its frame.
Kaito, visibly shaken, rushed to her side. His hands trembled, sweat beading on his forehead. Yuzuki noticed, her mind flickering back to all the times he'd been easily spooked—a trait she'd always found both frustrating and oddly endearing.
She rose to her feet, took his hand, and led him to the door.
Kneeling by the door, Yuzuki inserted the bobby pin into the lock. She twisted and turned it, her fingers nimble and sure despite the tension in the air. The metallic click of tumblers shifting was nearly drowned out by the storm outside. She pressed her ear to the door, feeling the vibration of the rain and thunder through the wood, and kept working the pin with determined precision.
After several tense seconds, there was a sharp, satisfying snap—the lock gave way. Yuzuki exhaled in relief, pushing the door open just as another flash of lightning illuminated the hallway beyond.
After several tense seconds, there was a sharp, satisfying snap—the lock gave way. Yuzuki exhaled, relief flooding her as the door slid open, a gust of cool, storm-scented air sweeping into the classroom. Another flash of lightning briefly turned the hallway beyond into a corridor of stark, dancing shadows.
Without wasting a second, Yuzuki turned on her heel and darted back to her desk. She snatched up her bag, slinging it over her shoulder in one fluid motion, and then reached for Kaito's hand. Her grip was firm, determined—there was no time for hesitation.
"Come on!" she urged, her voice low but urgent.
Kaito, still pale from the ordeal, nodded and let her pull him along. Together, they dashed out of the classroom, Yuzuki leading the way. The soles of their shoes squeaked against the polished floor as they raced down the empty corridor, thunder booming overhead and the flicker of lightning guiding their way through the storm-darkened school.
To be Continued...