-AURORA ACADEMY, COURTYARD-
-4:28 PM, MARCH 6, 2017 (MONDAY)-
Snow fell softly over the campus.
Students moved as usual—laughing, talking, going about their day.
But Ichika felt it.
A presence.
She slowed her steps near the courtyard path.
"…Something's wrong."
Her fingers tightened slightly around her bag strap.
Then—
She noticed him.
A man.
Standing near the far edge of the courtyard.
Dark coat.
Still.
Watching.
Ichika's gaze sharpened slightly.
"…That's him."
The same kind of presence Rikuu described.
She didn't panic.
But she didn't ignore it either.
Instead—
She started walking.
Toward him.
As Ichika approached—
The man turned slightly.
His eyes landed on her.
"…Komori Ichika."
Her steps slowed.
"…Who are you?"
The man studied her calmly.
"Someone interested in your connection."
"…Connection to what?"
He smiled faintly.
"Arakawa Rikuu."
Ichika didn't react outwardly.
But her eyes sharpened.
"…You shouldn't be talking to me."
"On the contrary."
The man took a step forward.
"I think you're exactly who I need."
Ichika stood still.
Not backing away.
"…If this is about Rikuu," she said calmly,
"you should talk to him directly."
The man tilted his head.
"That depends."
"…On what?"
"On how much he's already told you."
Silence.
Ichika didn't answer.
The man smiled slightly.
"Not much, I see."
Ichika's expression tightened.
"…Stay away from him."
The tone was firm.
Clear.
The man paused.
Then—
He chuckled softly.
"You're more involved than I expected."
Ichika didn't respond.
She simply stood her ground.
The man stepped closer.
Ichika didn't move.
But her posture subtly shifted.
Prepared.
Then—
A voice cut through the air.
"…Get away from her."
Both turned.
Rikuu stood several meters away.
His eyes locked onto the man.
Sharp.
Controlled.
Dangerous.
The atmosphere changed immediately.
Rikuu walked forward.
"…I said, get away from her."
The man smiled.
"Ah."
He turned slightly toward Rikuu.
"You're faster than expected."
Rikuu stopped beside Ichika.
Placing himself slightly in front of her.
"…Don't approach her again."
The man raised a hand slightly.
"Relax."
But his gaze sharpened.
"I was just talking."
Rikuu didn't move.
"…That's enough."
The air between them grew tense.
The man studied Rikuu carefully.
Then looked between the two of them.
"…Interesting."
A pause.
"Very interesting."
He stepped back slowly.
"…We'll speak again."
Rikuu's expression didn't change.
"…Don't."
The man smiled faintly.
Then turned.
And walked away.
Silence returned.
Snow falling softly again.
Rikuu remained still for a moment.
Then—
"…Are you okay?"
Ichika looked at him.
"…I'm fine."
A pause.
Then—
"…You came immediately."
Rikuu didn't respond right away.
"…Of course I did."
She studied him.
"…You were watching me?"
He hesitated slightly.
"…I just had a feeling."
Ichika smiled faintly.
"…Good feeling."
Rikuu's posture relaxed slightly.
But his expression remained serious.
"…They're getting closer."
Ichika nodded.
"…I noticed."
A pause.
Then—
She stepped closer.
"…We'll face it together."
Rikuu looked at her.
And this time—
He didn't argue.
"…Yeah."