I had hoped today might pass quietly, just once. But the city had other plans—another body, another name scratched off a list only I understood. The moment I went to my class. I wasn't surprised that everyone stared at me that I did another murder but I ignored it and sat on my desk. I was hearing some whispering from my surroundings.
"You wanna bet he's the murderer?"
"Didn't the police clear him?"
"Could be fake."
"Shut up."
Another classmate leaned in, lowering his voice.
"Hey… you know Yuto and Kenta were friends, right?"
"Obviously. Why bring it up?"
"Maybe the killer's trying to clean up the city…"
"Are you serious?"
"I mean, it makes sense."
"Okay—let's just change the topic."
Their eyes don't leave me. I've grown used to the silent accusations—the way whispers follow wherever I walk, like ghosts dragging chains. Let them talk.
And then our class teacher came in and requested us to keep quiet.
"Students! Please be quiet… I don't want to hear any nonsense or rumors from your mouth. Police are doing their work properly to investigate to find out the killer. But for now, open your book and start reading anything you want… I don't want to see anyone talking."
In my mind, I was hoping Miyu should be okay. Maybe I should visit her during break time.
— ✦ —
This is insane, another murder, both of them are from the same school… What should I do? I don't have anything to suspect about someone. Shion was the suspect but he has been proven innocent so it doesn't make any sense.
"Oh gosh!"
When I was understanding the situation on the board by linking crime to each other. Someone walked in.
"Detective Reina!"
I turned around, it was Chief Inspector Shinji Mori. "No, sir. I'm trying my best… but there's no solid evidence yet."
"Hmm. Unfortunate."
"Still, I won't give up."
"That's the spirit of being a detective."
"I need something which can help me to lead this case further."
"Well, take this."
Chief Inspector Shinji Mori hands me over the cassette tape.
"A cassette?"
"Yes, this is from the shop near the flower shop. The crime scene spot. Maybe you can find anything useful in it."
"Thank you sir."
"Mention not. Let's see if that cassette reveals something… unsettling."
"Sir."
He left my room, now I have two things to think about. A cassette and Noma High School connection in both cases.
— ✦ —
I wandered through the hall during break, scanning the crowd.
No sign of her.
Where is she?
Just as I was about to turn back, I spotted a familiar girl near the vending machine, sipping juice.
"Hey, Rika," I called out.
She turned, blinking in surprise. "Oh—Shion? You don't usually talk to me."
"Do you know where Miyu is?"
Rika tilted her head, then pointed toward the rooftop door. "She said she needed some air… looked kind of out of it."
I nodded. "Thanks."
As I walked past, she added quietly, "She's been like that since… you know. Be gentle."
I glanced back and gave a small smile. "Yeah, I know how to approach her. See you, Rika."
"See you too. Bye!"
As Rika said, Miyu was on the rooftop.
When I opened the door, I found her standing near the railing, the wind playing with her hair as she took a slow breath.
She looked peaceful… but I knew it was just the surface.
I approached quietly.
"Miyu."
She turned. "Oh—Shion. Sorry, I just wanted some fresh air."
"It's okay. I needed some too."
There was a pause before she smiled faintly. "So… how was yesterday?"
"You're still thinking about that moment?"
"Of course. It felt… different."
"It was just a kiss."
"Hey, kissing someone isn't nothing."
"When did I say it's nothing?"
"You should feel lucky you got a kiss from me."
I smirked. "Next time, how about a kiss in front of the whole school?"
Miyu's eyes widened. "Shion! Are you insane?!"
"What? I'm just preparing for a dramatic love story ending."
She playfully hit my arm. "You're ridiculous."
"But it worked—you smiled."
Her expression slowly softened again. "Can you stop being silly for a second? I'm… worried." I stepped closer. "Why? What's wrong?"
"You didn't hear the news about Yuto?"
"The one who used to be in your class?"
She nodded. "Yeah. He's… he's dead too."
"I know."
Miyu's voice trembled. "Shion…"
"Yes, Miyu?"
"I don't want to die."
My heart sank. "What? Don't say that."
"I'm scared. What if whoever's doing this… what if they come after us next?"
"Why would they?"
"I don't know. The killer is choosing people randomly, right? What if we're next?"
I placed a hand on her shoulder, firm but gentle.
"Don't worry. If it comes to that… no matter what, I'll protect you."
Tears welled up in her eyes. "Shion… that's why I love you."
She stepped into me, arms wrapping tightly around my waist. I let her.
"Thanks for being here."
"I always will be," I whispered back. "I love you too."
It was a nice moment for both of us.
After school, I walked back to my apartment. On the way, I passed a small garden near the building. I paused.
Something about it… hit me hard.
(Flashback)
"Shion."
I was playing in the garden, chasing butterflies, while my sister sat on a bench holding a flower.
"Yes, sister?" I smiled, running to her.
She looked at me, warm and gentle. "Come here."
"Okay!"
"My good brother… promise me something."
"Anything."
"If I ever get hurt… please remember me with a smile. Not with tears."
"Why would you say that?"
"Things have been hard… and we don't know what the future holds. So promise me, no matter what happens—smile. For me."
"Sister…"
I hugged her tightly, my chest aching.
"Don't leave me."
"I won't. Take this."
She handed me the flower she was holding. A marigold.
"As long as you have this flower, I'll always be with you, Shion."
"Understood."
I was almost crying then.
"Don't cry… everything will be okay."
(Back to present)
I stood there by the garden, frozen in the moment.
"Sister… I miss you so much."