Rrrrrrrrrrrrriiiiiiiing!!!!!
I turned the alarm off and looked at the time—it's already 6:15AM. I'm not really a morning person, but at the very least I wanted to attend our school's opening ceremony at the right time, so I've set the alarm earlier than usual.
I looked around, and sighed. Sadly, I didn't have a younger sister who would wake me up everyday, nor an older sister who would wake me to the scent of breakfast. Come to think of it, I only had this alarm clock that my old man gave me to rely on. I set that thought aside and went to the bathroom to clean myself up. Then I changed to my school uniform, grabbed my bag and headed out into the dorm hallway.
Luckily, the dorm where I am staying at is really close to my school, though I still had to walk a few more meters, starting from my room here at the farthest side of the dorm's second floor, up to the school gates.
As I made my way through the hallway, the room door next to mine opened...
"—?!"
[https://em.wattpad.com/09736e8929974114782ea95b654e11009733cb1f/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f786e5930353943415839354874673d3d2d3331313833313830352e3134383835303866653933343530613137313639323339323239352e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
Wait, I knew this person—Nodachi Satou. She was one of the three most talked freshman in the school last year.
A stunning beauty.
Her personality, however, was a bit on the down side—she doesn't talk much to people; in fact, most of the other freshmen say that she's very hard to approach.
So, what's the ultra popular Satou-san doing here? For someone that looked like a daughter of a rich and perhaps a prominent family, I didn't know she's a fellow resident in this dorm.
She took a glance of me for a moment, then continued walking towards the stairs. I better get moving too.
*~~~~~~*
"Hmm?"
There seemed to be someone inside the reception room here at the first floor. Curious, I looked inside and saw a girl sitting on a chair.
"Masato-san, good morning [https://em.wattpad.com/4e82461e614bea04b653b4284d55ed59bf2a0c49/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f736c4c7546386b504730342d65513d3d2d3331313833313830352e313438326634336432316637613665353433383037383937363734332e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
"Masato-san, good morning."
"Ah, Tsubame-san, good morning."
This is Miyamae Tsubame, sister to this dorm's landlady, Miyamae Senri. Although she looked distant all the time, she's quite friendly and easy to talk to. I honestly thought she's a scary person at first, but you really can't judge people by their appearances.
"You're quite early today. Are you heading out?" I inquired.
"Yes. I'm just waiting for Nee-san." Tsubame-san answered as she gently nodded her head.
"Senri-san?"
"Yes. She's going to help me do the shopping. I told her I can manage on my own but she insisted on coming with me today."
"Oh. But where is she?"
"She went out to bring something to Aunt Shizuno," she replied without hesitation. Aunt Shizuno? I think I've heard that name somewhere before.
"I see. Well, I better get going. See ya later."
"Later."
I waved my hand and left.
*~~~~~~*
The Miyamae Guesthouse is located at the crossroad of this town. It's quite famous as it's very close to Takemori High School, which is probably the best and most recommended school in the town... and the very reason why I chose to live here.
"Takehaya-kun!" I looked up in reflex. A familiar figure approached me.
"Ah, Senri-san. Yes, I actually managed to wake up early."
"Mhm. Good. Well, I shouldn't hold you for long. Tsubame is also waiting for me."
"Alright, I'll see you later, Senri-san."
I finally made it outside the dorm when...
"Ah, wait!" Senri-san called as she hurried her way towards me.
"Hmm?"
"A-are you going to be alright?"
"Thanks for worrying about me but I can manage myself."
I smiled and left the dorm lady, who was still looking behind me as I made my way to school.
I smiled and left the dorm lady, who was still looking behind me as I made my way to school [https://em.wattpad.com/3f88072bd60df520d96ee84f4367d1dd83bbd9aa/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f5f71326e666c5a44553532394d673d3d2d3331313833313830352e313438383238623164663562616336623136373337363338393938332e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
*~~~~~~*
A year has passed since I've stayed around this place. The cherry petals were falling from the trees in the nearby intersection, definitely a sign that classes were already starting again. As I passed through the road, I remembered that incident from back then.
It's not that I was looking for trouble, since I only bought some supplies at the nearby grocery store that afternoon, when I bumped into one of the bystanders inside the store. I didn't really talk that much, but who would've thought that a little apology could've saved me a lot of trouble...
Soon, I was surrounded by a group of people as I walked my way to the crossing. They're students from my school, considering they wear the same uniform as I do, albeit a bit off from my school's dress code.
"Hey, kid. Want to have a bit of a talk over there?"
The atmosphere of the situation was telling me that I'm not in any position to negotiate, nor did these people seem to offer any escape, so I had to agree. Still surrounded, we walked a little bit further back from the grocery store, close to its parking lot. The leader of this group, the very same I guy I bumped a few moments ago, came close and started interrogating me.
"You shrimp, what's the matter with you? Is your vision too narrow that you're not looking on your way when you bumped into me? Look at what you've done to my shirt."
To be fair, I was looking at my checklist to make sure I've bought everything I needed, and I didn't notice he was taking a snack close to the shop's door. Upon close inspection, I've noticed the red stain on his shirt. It sure was a big deal to him.
I can't put the right words to explain what happened—as much as possible, I didn't want this to escalate to the point that the passing students would notice us, though I doubted those people would care about my situation since I only realized afterwards that I've messed up with a notorious group of delinquents in the school.
Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.
I can't put the right words to explain what happened—as much as possible, I didn't want this to escalate to the point that the passing students would notice us, though I doubted those people would care about my situation since I only realized aft... [https://em.wattpad.com/1fdb86dec53a754ba8a441ba93a2957d561d690f/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f4443312d5f7052765749543863513d3d2d3331313833313830352e313438383238663933643733366265323836343938343834383036382e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
"HEY! ANSWER ME!"
He yelled close to my ears, as if I didn't hear his inquiry, yet I could only stare back at him.
"You sure have some guts, huh... YOU'LL DEFINITELY PAY FOR MY SHIRT!"
A fist soon flew towards my face. I had to react, so I caught it by cupping it with my hand. I then grabbed his wrist and threw the gang leader aside. I never thought that the self-defense training my me and my father did back then would pay off. Infuriated, the other members then charged towards me, but I dodged whatever attacks they threw. I didn't want to hurt them, so all I could do was trip them over—their stances looked crude to me that they'll definitely topple if I pushed them even for a bit.
As soon as the dust settled, the delinquents were all lying in the sidewalk. I then grabbed my groceries and ran my way back to my dorm as fast as I can. The next day, I became the talk of my school, and eventually, my very own classmates started taking their distance from me, out of fear that I, too, had been considered a delinquent.
Well, that's fine. That means I no longer had to worry about them bothering me while I make my way to my morning classes.
All I could do afterwards was to look up in the clouds while I walk my way to school.
*~~~~~~*
I finally arrived at the school's gate as the other students also arrivedd—most of them on their own, some others in groups of two or more.
"Hey, isn't that—"
"Shh! He might hear you..."
I paid no heed to the murmurs as I made my way to the students' bulletin board to check which room I'm assigned to. From the crowd, I did a quick scan through the list.
"Oh, Room 2-B huh..." I was hoping for 2-C, which was pretty close to the stairs... But oh well, nothing I could do about it.
As I left the other students by the bulletin board, a commotion suddenly started behind me.
"Reina-chan~!"
"Good morning, everyone [https://em.wattpad.com/53b0860cfb4d5dee62877efc991276a41f5ecf41/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f4c345851724c78476a78423430413d3d2d3331313833313830352e3134383832393331386539306564313433313538383837373733332e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
"Good morning, everyone." the girl, seemingly used to the crowd, waved and greeted back to those who called out to her.
"Are you going to make the speech for the opening ceremony today?"
"Yes, I was asked by our principal."
"How was your vacation?"
"I went back to France with my family."
"Have you decided to join a club this year?"
"I'm still thinking about it, sorry. I'll be probably busy with the student council."
More and more questions were thrown as her bodyguard tried to make space between her and the curious crowd. Somehow, it looked like a celebrity has entered the red carpet.
I better get going. I didn't want to get involved with this.
*~~~~~~*
I found Room 2-B without problem. The classroom is already crowded when I entered the door. I guess my punctuality is still not early enough like these people. After I settled on a vacant seat, the teacher arrived and gave us a brief instruction for the entrance ceremony. After the courtesies, we all went to the school gym.
"I'd like to welcome and congratulate all the freshmen who have enrolled this year. I, the principal of Takemori High School will ensure you the best education..."
The principal gave a long welcome speech especially addressed to the new students. After that, Reina-san, the representative of the student council, rose from her seat and walked up to the stage to make her speech.
"...And so, I'd like everyone to make this year a memorable experience for everyone! Thank you and good morning~!"
And with that, the entrance ceremony ended. We then went back to our class and started our first homeroom.
"Everyone. I'd like you to all vote for the class representative and its committee members. You're all second years now, so I'm sure you already know how it's done."
The teacher went out of the class after those instructions were given. The election went on for about... thirty minutes.
Of course I won't be nominated for any position due to my reputation, but that's actually for the better.
*~~~~~~*
"Hey, have you heard about the ghost?"
"Ghost? Yeah I've heard about it. Everyone is talking about it, but I doubt it's true."
Just before the last afternoon class, a group of my students started talking about some rumors by the corridor. It's funny how we're already in high school, yet things like these spread around like wildfire.
"They say you could hear its cries behind the school during the night."
"Do you wanna go?"
"No way. I don't think it's there anyway."
"Haha... I know right?"
"But I heard a senior saw the ghost. They say it's tall and dark and you really can't see its face."
"Oooh scary. I ain't believing that shit."
"Hahaha!"
The students then laughed it off as if it's a joke... Maybe it was a joke.
*~~~~~~*
Afternoon arrived.
It's time to go home. I took my bag and headed out of the classroom. Although it's just a rumor, I can't deny that it got my curiosity running. I'm a sucker for mysterious things after all.
I took a big turn from the gate and went to the back of my school. I thought it's weird that there was no security guard patrolling there, or simply because there was nothing over there but a bamboo forest beyond a wall, if our principal was right...
"Hey you."
...Or so I thought.
I turned around to see an unexpected person standing behind me: a person who's not supposed to be here; a person highly respected and adored by many, who won't waste her precious time hanging out behind the school...
Reina Fleurblanc [https://em.wattpad.com/dc657b4db9de779816b062327b03ae044517cd54/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f2d4a724447476c675345655f33413d3d2d3331313833313830352e313438383239366461386233346466663237363139343539333436382e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
...Reina Fleurblanc.
"What's the school student president doing here I wonder?"
"I could ask the same question to you."
"I'm not as important as you are, so I can go anywhere I like."
"Then that's perfect. Come with me."
"..."
What?
I couldn't say anything back. I followed the school president until we've reached the wall dividing the school and the bamboo forest.
"Now what?"
"We climb of course."
"Can YOU climb up there? That's pretty high."
"No. But with your help, I can."
"What do you mean 'with my help'? I'm not going to climb that."
"It's not like you have to tag along with me all the way... And, are you not gonna help this troubled young lady who just wants to climb a wall?"
"Give me one good reason why I should help you."
"Alright. I'll give you one: If you'll help me, I won't have to report a certain someone loitering behind the school at this hour."
Blackmail. Wow.
"You're one to talk."
"Oh we're not the same, Takehaya-kun."
"...?"
"I'm the president of our school's Occult Club and this is just a part of my research and club activity."
Occult...what?
"So what are you gonna do?"
To be quite honest. I didn't give a damn—I can just walk out of here and completely ignore her. I came here because I also want to see this so-called "ghost"; I simply didn't want company.
I readied myself to climb the wall but then...
"Wrong. Why are you going ahead of yourself?"
"You said we'll climb. I'm getting ready for it."
"Who said you should climb first?"
"Ha?"
"Squat."
Her words were like a command coming from an empress—totally different from the impression I had of her this morning. I instantly went down and squatted. She removed her shoes one at a time and stepped up on both my shoulders. She really had a good balance.
"Now stand up."
I slowly stood up as I maintained my own balance, because hell this is the first time I held someone on my shoulders.
"There we go~"
She then reached her hand above the wall and climbed herself up.
"Thanks. I'll be waiting for you on the other side."
She jumped down just like that. All I could do was take a deep sigh.
*~~~~~~*
I had no trouble climbing the wall and followed her. Looking around, this bamboo forest was far more stretched than I thought. You could get lost just by walking aimlessly around here.
"Say, what would you do if you suddenly learned that there's another world aside from ours?"
She suddenly stopped on her pace and asked an out-of-this-world question.
"Hmm? I would not be surprised. I mean the universe is huge and all but I'm not sure about me doing something about it."
"That's true. But what if you know how to access that other world?"
"What are you going on about?"
"You'll see."
She continued walking and then...
"Hey, someone's over there." She whispered.
"Hmm? Who is it?"
"Shh... let's get a little closer."
Slowly we sneaked around until we reached an old torii. It was so deep in the forest that I never saw this whenever I looked at the forest through the school's rooftop.
And beyond the gate... there's a person standing still.
My heart suddenly felt a huge pressure, I could feel my blood rushing through every passageway in my body.
I had a good look at the person [https://em.wattpad.com/32d0e9ac483460e9aab55ba175bbc77a402365a4/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f384744392d43705a6778476541773d3d2d3331313833313830352e313438383239393330613864316631303533333439303533313439342e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
I had a good look at the person...
I definitely had seen this person somewhere before. But I can tell that this person was dangerous not because she's wielding a sword; nor because her look is different from the usual... but the fact that the whole place is scattered with blood. It was easy to tell that a murder has occurred.
We're not even sure if we can get away from this place alive.