[Morning – Café Near the Concert Hall]
The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with early sunlight as Kira stirred her cup absentmindedly.
Her thoughts wandered far beyond the café's gentle hum. Across from her, Renn sat animatedly, his plate already half-empty from his breakfast.
"Hey, you were absolutely on fire last night!" Renn beamed, shoveling another bite of toast into his mouth with a grin that could light up any room.
Kira froze mid-stir. Before Renn could say another word, she abruptly reached across the table and tugged at his uniform tie, pulling him closer. In a low, hushed tone, she hissed, "Are you really that careless—talking about this in public?"
Renn's eyes widened in mock alarm, his lips curving into an innocent "oops." He then flashed his trademark puppy-dog eyes, which never failed to soften her edge.
With an exasperated sigh, Kira released his tie and shook her head. "Tsk, fine," she murmured, though a small smile betrayed her annoyance.
Renn leaned in conspiratorially.
"So… did anything unusual happen last night?" he asked, his tone gentle yet curious.
Kira's fingers tightened around her coffee cup. "I'm worried about her," she admitted quietly.
Renn tilted his head.
"Who? Your sister?" he probed softly.
Hesitation flickered across her face before she replied, "Do you know her?"
Renn scratched his head, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. "Uh… sort of? I mean—maybe not really, but I recall a girl with the same last name at my school, so I thought..."
Kira narrowed her eyes, a spark of amusement in her tone.
"How did you guess? I haven't even mentioned her school yet, or her full name."
Renn grinned and tapped his temple.
"I'm a pro detective, you know."
A rare, genuine chuckle escaped Kira. "Alright, alright.
Her name is Yukimura Hanae.
She's in her first year at Keio High School, Class 2."
Renn's eyes lit up. "See? I was onto something! She's even in my school!"
Kira pushed her cup aside, her tone softening as she asked, "Could you check on her? Just make sure she's okay?"
Renn sat up straighter, placing a hand theatrically over his heart.
"Don't worry, miss. I'm on it," he declared with a playful wink.
"Okay, stop already—no more words,"
Kira said, and soon both burst into light laughter.
But then—
A sudden buzz cut through the jovial moment.
A new message flashed on Kira's phone:
Unknown Number:
"I can see you."
A chill raced down her spine. Her body stiffened as she scanned the café, searching for the unseen sender. Nothing stirred. In an instant, the warm, easy atmosphere shattered.
Renn frowned, concern replacing his playful smile.
"Hey, are you okay?" he asked softly.
Kira forced a smile, masking the unease. "I'm fine. You should get going—you're going to be late for school."
Renn studied her face for a moment, then nodded reluctantly.
"Alright, see you later!" He grabbed his bag and hurried out.
As the door closed behind him, Kira's fingers tightened around her phone. In a quiet, determined whisper, she murmured,
"Get ready. I'm coming for you."
[Keio High School – Meeting Room]
The student council meeting was in full swing. In one corner of the room sat Yukimura Hanae—a girl with short, fluffy brown hair and big, expressive pinkish eyes. She listened intently as the council president outlined plans for the upcoming sports event, her pen diligently capturing every word.
To everyone in that room, Hanae appeared the epitome of a perfect honor student—smart, polite, and hardworking. No one suspected the silent storm that had raged within her the previous night, or the secret burdens she carried.
[Keio High School – Canteen]
In the bustling canteen, the chatter of students blended with the clatter of trays and the scrape of chairs. At a quiet corner table, Hanae sat alone, picking at her lunch and keeping her gaze low as if trying to vanish amidst the clamor.
Suddenly, a shadow fell across her table. A boy in glasses, short dark blue hair, and an adorably earnest smile slid into the seat beside her.
It was Aoki Renn, his presence both unexpected and warmly familiar.
"How are you today, Hanae-chan?" Renn asked, his tone gentle and teasing.
Hanae blinked, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Senpai… you know how I am,"
she replied softly.
Renn grinned mischievously.
"If I already knew, why would I ask?" he quipped, his eyes twinkling with genuine care.
Hanae sighed, the tension easing from her shoulders. "Alright, enough of our silly banter. What do you need?"
Renn's smirk softened into something tender. "Well… someone mentioned they were worried about you," he said quietly.
Hanae's cheeks warmed slightly, and she raised an eyebrow.
"Worried about me? Not you, Senpai?"
Instantly, Renn's face flushed a deep shade of red.
"I—I mean, I just care about you," he stammered.
Hanae laughed gently, her expression softening.
"Why are your cheeks so red, Senpai?
It's not even that hot today."
Renn coughed, trying to regain his composure. "A-anyway," he said with a playful roll of his eyes.
"Answer me already!"
Hanae's gaze grew contemplative as she lowered her eyes. "I think... I already know who might be worried about me," she murmured.
Renn hesitated, then ventured, "Hey, want to go to karaoke after school?
My friends and yours will be there. It might be fun—just a chance to relax."
A small, genuine smile lit Hanae's face. "That… actually sounds like a good idea," she admitted softly.
[Night – An Unknown Apartment]
The hallway was eerily silent as Kira moved stealthily down its dimly lit length. Reaching a heavy door, she pushed it open with measured caution.
Inside, a solitary figure sat with their back turned, illuminated only by the flickering light of a laptop screen. The room was shrouded in oppressive stillness.
Kira leaned against the doorframe, her voice low and icy.
"I've caught you."
The figure remained unmoved.
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