March 30th.

This day included, only one more day remains until the classes resume.

There, I plan on making my entrance and making sure that he is aware.

I will make you look at me.

However, before that, I need to gather even more intel on you. Strictly speaking, I have firmly run a simple hypothesis.

If Yulia committed suicide, then the source lies within those four individuals. That's irrefutable.

Therefore, as morning came, I decided.

I will, once again, go out of my way to interact with others.

Thus, in the brick of the morning, I went out to the bottom of the dorm, on the first floor, and there, I approached the supervisor.

Her name is Olivia and we have never really spoken. Simply because I don't want to talk to her in the first place.

Nevertheless, in her small desk, with an empty look on her face, reading a fashion magazine, there, she idly stood.

"Um, excuse me..."

Since she wasn't paying any attention to her surroundings, I called her out.

Is your attitude like this feeble being too? Pretending to be feeble while being the only one that actually matters?

Despite my internal questioning, Olivia finally looked at me soon after yawning, disrespectfully.

"Yukishiro, was it? What is it, darling?"

I dislike the fact that this horrible looking hag just called me that, however, I have an extremely high priority and thus, I will swallow all my possible hatred and fake a smile just in order to extract information.

"Ah, Olivia! So, quick question..."

I placed my hand on her desk and looked at the hallway, all the way from the entrance to its end and I saw no one.

Even then, I still spoke in a very low toned voice.

"Where is Sana's room?"

It would be troublesome if I had to knock every single room in this dorm just to find Sana.

As of now, I will prioritize extracting information from the two girls on that list.

However, despite my intriguing obsession in my own words, Olivia answered my question in a very abhorrent way, which displeased me immediately.

".....She's not well... Yulia was a big figure for her. You know, whenever they were around together, whenever they entered the dorm, whenever they ate, they would always share a big smile and honestly, considering what happened, it's best to leave her alone. She's trying to recover."

Ahhhhhhhhhh............

Why? Why? Why?

Why?

Why is it that every time I put my hatred aside, you creatures just bore me to death with these simple-minded mediocre words? Did I ask your opinion on any matter OUTSIDE of what I asked?!

No, I didn't.

Therefore, why would you go out of your way to ACTUALLY try and assert your opinion? Do you know how hard this is for me? I just want to snap your neck, Olivia.

"Ah, I see. Well..."

But, still.

Posture is important whenever it comes to extracting information from partial sources, such as other human beings.

Are you aware that by some chance I struggle when it comes to interaction? Is that it? Do you actually think I can't just erase this factor out of my system?

Watch me.

"Olivia, pardon my lack of manners, but I would like to know where Sana's room is located so I can speak to her. What happened to Yulia was horrible and I am aware that Yulia, to Sana, was a very important figure. However, I cannot stand the fact that no one is trying to help her! And so, I would like to try and cheer her up."

I spoke with so much enthusiasm that I became surprised by how well I could fake this.

Usually, even speaking a word out of fakeness or for the singular purpose of just driving someone away yet now that I am doing this for a far bigger purpose, it doesn't feel that bad anymore.

Because it's partial.

"Oh, I see. Well... It's 10 am. So, maybe she's up? Well, come with me, Yukishiro."

"Thank you very much."

Thus, we both arrived at Sana's room door.

However, I had to let Olivia know that she was not necessary here anymore.

Therefore, in a subtle manner, I told her off.

"Olivia, I'll handle it from here. I don't mean to be rude, but I think that as her classmate, I can relate better and hold a better ground when it comes to emotional conversations. Plus, too many people on her might backfire. So, I would like to go solo here."

Olivia, in response, looked puzzled at first, but eventually, a few seconds later, after perhaps thinking about my purposely made up words slightly, made up her mind.

"Alright, I trust you. But, don't be too harsh on her."

"Harsh? I care about her. I would never be anything but kind. You can count on me."

"Thank you."

I had to fully wait until Olivia exited the parameter and vanished from my sight. Otherwise, this might entirely backfire.

This is a thrill already. You are not here yet you are here.

"Sana? It's me, Yukishiro! Open up! I want to talk to you..."

Even though I knocked on her door, faked a cute voice, no response came forth.

Nonetheless, I retried my luck.

"Are you there? I can go away if I'm being annoying, I just want to know if you are in your room or not. I'm worried about you..."

Or maybe she killed herself too? What a comedy show that would be.

Or, even better. You, somehow, already saw my move and you are therefore making Sana unavailable?

"...Go away."

At last, a small voice came from the inside of Sana's room.

Hearing her voice and her response left me with a sensation of hope.

"Sana? Oh, I'm glad you are there. Can't we talk? If we can't, I'll leave."

"We can't... Leave..."

"I see... Be well."

No response came forth.

A source of information was blocked from me. Furthermore, should I insist now, then Sana will just be annoyed and revolt against me due to my persistence.

You.

You already saw this coming, didn't you? Then, does that mean that you will predict my next step too?

Amuse me even more.

Defeated, I went to where I started, to Olivia's desk.

Without losing time, I explained my failure and went straight to the next point.

"Have you seen Arkalee today? Did she leave her room yet? Or is she still in it?"

"She left early in the morning! However, she was crying. Poor girl... Just like Sana, she must too..."

Hearing that left me puzzled.

Why would Arkalee be crying when she never really cared for Yulia? I need to know what happened. Plus, I need to talk to her, since Sana is unavailable.

"Did you see where Arkalee went to, by some chance, Olivia?"

"Ah, she went straight to the male dorm. To tell you the truth, she always does. Even though she is perfectly aware that she can't enter, she is always at the entrance."

I didn't need to think twice about why. She has displayed an obsessive behavior over Hyunda.

Although we have never really interacted, Hyunda is on that list so he is a high suspect.

This lack of knowledge is bothering me though. If I knew you were going to play it out like this, I would've gone out of my way to gather intel early on yet you are making me do all of this now.

Have it your way.

It won't matter since I'll get the result done anyway.

"Alright, thank you so much!"

With haste, I left the scene and went to the male dorm's entrance.

However, I didn't quite make my existence be noticed...

In one of the pillars, I completely hid and there, from afar, while gazing at the entrance, I witnessed Arkalee at the door, arguing with their supervisor.

Since I wasn't quite hearing what they were arguing about, I got a bit closer, still masking my existence within the pillars and then bushes. Ultimately, I finally managed to get a good glimpse of the scene.

Standing with his arms crossed, the male supervisor gave off a fearless look to Arkalee, who, in contrast, was upholding a very lackluster image and was borderline breaking down.

"I need to see him! It's been two days!!! Two days! This is injustice! Tell him that I will be here for as long as it takes!"

Borderline screaming with tears on her face, while looking at her phone that she has in her own two hands instead of firmly glancing their supervisor, Arkalee made her weak stand.

Though, she is undoubtedly referring to Hyunda. I cannot imagine anyone else.

"Him? Who could you be speaking about exactly?"

With a small grin on the corner of his lips, the supervisor, superficially mocked Arkalee swiftly.

The latter, looked at him with eyes of hatred that looked ready to kill.

It appears that Arkalee doesn't handle rejection well.

I may not know the full case, but given that Arkalee has said that it's been two days, she's referring to the fact that she hasn't seen Hyunda in two days.

No doubt, that's the case.

"Ah, I get it. You're talking about my boy Hajime, aren't ya?"

"Don't you dare use that sacred name like that!!! Only I have that privilege! Reeeee!!!"

She actually said that. I can't believe this.

What am I watching?

Nonetheless, the supervisor went ahead and finally said some interesting words.

Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

"He left you a message for you. 'You can forget this month.' Hahahaha!"

"Huh? What? What? What?! Forget this month? No. No. No... No!!!! You can't do this to me!! Are you that mad, sweetie?! But, But I-------!!!"

"Scram! You're a nuisance! And annoying as hell too! The only drama I watch is my telenovela at night and although you qualify as a drama actress, you're annoying nonetheless!"

"What was that?!"

This is bad.

Arkalee's my only available source of information. Daniel and Hyunda are most likely inside their dorm and therefore, I can't reach out to them.

This is why, knowing that, I entered the scene and spoke to Arkalee, coming from behind her.

"Arkalee? What's going on? I was just strolling by and I saw you arguing with their supervisor."

Arkalee, as soon as she heard my voice, looked at me with a serious look.

However, it wasn't her that spoke first, but instead, their supervisor.

"Take this pest out of here. Bitch's been here all fucking morning trying to enter!"

Speaking directly to me while pointing at Arkalee, the rude, unmannered supervisor, decided that it was a good idea to order me.

Luckily for him, I will not throw a tantrum as I need Arkalee right now.

Nonetheless, the real problem here was Arkalee. She would not back down without a fight.

"Then let me talk to him! He doesn't answer my calls! No signal of life is coming from him! I've also texted him more than a thousand times! I would like to just say that this is a verdict truth and not a lie because it's been two damn days! Hyundaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!! Where are you?! I need you!!!"

Not that it's any of my business but why has Arkalee been ignored for two days? Is Hyunda that heartless? Or is Arkalee just that clingy? I can't tell.

I don't know them at all.

However, however. There might be a hidden connection here.

Which is why...

"Arkalee, I saw him a wh---"

"Where?!"

Before I could finish my sentence, Arkalee almost jumped on me and vomited that aggressive question.

Regardless, she had taken the bait. Interesting. Whenever it comes to Hyunda, she can't resist the temptation.

That alone makes her formidably useful in a wider sense.

"Come with me. I'll take us where I saw him. Ah, thank you very much for your comprehension, supervisor. On Arkalee's behave, I'll apologize. I'm sorry."

With a firm bow, I fakely bowed down as an apology.

"..."

However, despite that, the supervisor did not reply and instead, looked at me for a second with a small grin.

Leaving off, only his grin was the only thing that could be remarked about him. However, why did he do so?

As I questioned that, Arkalee went ahead and spoke on her own.

"Take me to where he is. Now."

It's not as if I hadn't thought of a specific location yet the truth is; I don't know where Hyunda is.

The truth also is; I don't need to know where he is because Arkalee will be gullible regardless.

"Are you sure you don't want to do something else? Why chase after a boy anyway?"

"Oh my god, do you know where he is or not!? Or was that just a lie?!"

That was simply a test to see if she was completely serious or not yet it seems like she is.

Thus, I took a step further into this conversation.

"It wasn't a lie. Come with me, please. However, walk slowly. I want to talk to you."

"You better not be lying."

Arkalee's awfully hostile with her words. However, only when it comes to Hyunda. In other words, for reasons unknown, Arkalee has a massive obsession over him.

Nevertheless, we started to venture into the campus a little bit.

Arkalee was obnoxiously looking everywhere for Hyunda. I had told her the lie that I saw him near block A yet as soon as we would reach block A, I would just tell another lie.

Therefore, before we arrived there, I started talking to her.

"Arkalee, you don't seem troubled by the fact that suicide has recently taken place."

"At this rate, a second suicide is coming up if Hyunda doesn't show up! Two days! Two damn days!!"

Arkalee's clearly not well. Her eyes are completely wasted, which symbolizes a lack of sleep.

Plus, pulling hair strands can only mean that she's oddly stressed. Hyunda hasn't been talking to her, it seems.

However, Arkalee's open about her situation, which makes it easier to perceive her.

"What exactly happened?"

"Ah... I told him some words that I shouldn't have. I got jealous about him talking about other girls, blah, blah, the usual stuff."

According to Arkalee, that is what happened. I find it strange that she had such a lack of difficulty while saying those words.

It's almost as if she already knew those words from back to front.

"But like, Hyunda's a bit rude for neglecting you for two days straight. Talk about harsh."

"I know right! How can he possibly neglect a maiden in love like me?! I'm so lost without him!"

That wasn't exactly sarcasm yet I felt like that was sarcasm. Alternatively, irony?

No.

A true statement with a sense of falsehood to it. Arkalee's been looking at me in the eye quite concretely and has stopped being paranoid.

Her behavior does not match. It's as if her behavior has been programmed.

What?

Did you think I wouldn't notice? I'll surprise you, my mystery.

Ultimately, it was about time I got to the topic I actually wanted to talk about.

"So, Arkalee, where were you on the day of the suicide? I'm trying to search for who could have caused this, but I'm having no luck here."

"Eh? Why? Yulia killed herself. She did it all by herself."

"I know, Arkalee. But there is a reason for that. Also, when was the last time you saw her?"

"Mhm... Why does that suddenly matter?"

Now, Arkalee's looking at me with a suspicious look. There is no reason why you'd ask that question.

"I just want to know in order to get a good grasp of what could have happened. Not to worry, I am not suspecting you, Arkalee."

"Well, okay. I was doing an event and I saw Yulia walk on the sidewalk of the blocks!"

"Haha, I see, I see."

Liar.

The last time you saw Yulia was when she suddenly left you and Sana to go somewhere else.

You are hiding that information yet for what reason, Arkalee?

You are bad at acting. I'm already aware that you most likely think that I am under your control, that this conversation was triggered because it was meant to happen.

If you were being genuine right now, then your choice of words would've been different. However, this only means that my sources of information are being manipulated.

First Sana, who was far too emotionally unstable to hold a conversation and now Arkalee, who is deliberately lying to me? Are you saying that you somehow managed to create such a scenario?

Then, you were watching me. You knew all along.

"Yukishiro?"

"Ah, sorry. I slept really badly, like super badly. My mind's all fuzzy. By the way ---- You and Hyunda, what exactly happened? You seem to be all over him."

"Ah, that? He's my future husband, but he's not exactly complying with it. Oh well."

"Eh, I see."

Probably just a teenager romance. Hyunda's most likely feeling insecure about committing to a relationship and Arkalee's clinginess must be bothering him.

Not that I care.

What I care about is what you are making me think right now. Because, at the merit of my own actions, my way of thinking will be shaped and if my actions are already under your prediction, then I will trust no one.

Not even myself.

"Arkalee, I don't mean to meddle in your endeavor, but could I talk to Hyunda when I have the chance to?"

"No."

"Why?"

"Because he's mine. Stay away from him. I'm being kind enough to warn you, Yukishiro."

"Alright, alright."

Sincerely, as we kept on idly walking, I was attempting to scout more information about Hyunda yet from my understanding, he is just Arkalee's subject of romance and nothing else.

However, this is all according to Arkalee. She could very well be lying about this, although, I doubt that.

You are someone who has control over all my list's individuals' actions.

Furthermore, I am under your radar. Before I noticed you, you already had noticed me.

When? Are you that far ahead in terms of thinking? Don't worry. I'll step my game up too.

Thus, I spoke to Arkalee once again.

"Arkalee, hypothetically speaking, in your opinion, who could have triggered the reason for Yulia's suicide? Assuming it was someone, that is."

Choose your words wisely, I will analyze them religiously.

Plus, from the way you keep on looking me with serious glances, Arkalee, it also means that you are just going to tell lies.

In other words, you are hiding the truth for a reason. Alternatively, furthermore, you... know who did it.

No, there's no way it was you. You are far too dumb to be the mastermind.

My mystery man over here has no qualms about shaping reality as he sees fit and Arkalee, either you are completely aware of this or you aren't.

So, I'll listen to your words now carefully.

"I don't know. No one really ever hated Yulia. But... How about Ikkiri?"

.......?

"Why Ikkiri?"

I am so puzzled. Why did Arkalee just say that? How is Ikkiri somehow...

"...Just between you and me, I really hate her. Like, she's such an attention whore. Trying to play high at the beginning but then acting so small."

"Okay."

No logic.

I could not identify a single reasonable remark there. Arkalee just lied and she didn't give it much thought. She probably just blamed Ikkiri out of spite without trying to come up with a reasonable excuse.

At last though, we had arrived at block A.

"Oh. He's nowhere to be seen."

"Haha, so it seems! Oh well, I will look for him elsewhere! Bye, Yukishiro!"

In a rush, Arkalee went in the opposite direction and regressed back south while running.

In order to collect my thoughts, I went to a near-by cafe and grabbed a cup of coffee.

There, in a lonely table with little to no people around, I alone stood.

As soon as I reached out to the sugar packs, indecisive on whether or not I should take two or three, I ultimately went with three.

One by one, each sugar pack went down the drain as I continued to pour sweet delicious sugar into my coffee.

"That conversation was an entire lie."

I'm a pessimist by nature. I quickly assume the worst things, so I will assume my worst scenario.

If you are already aware that I would be searching for you and attempt to extract information from the available sources, the reasonable move here would be to let the sources know that I would be coming for you.

However...

What if you let them know in an indirect way? Maybe they don't know that they are under your control yet they are. You are a manipulator, capable of twisting even the most irrefutable arguments. Your knowledge far surpasses those that we witness in class. Therefore, it should be a piece of cake to twist the reality here.

"Sana was a given. You were already aware that she would not deal with this well. Thus, her unavailability is completely reasonable. Here is the confusing part. I could have gone with Arkalee first instead of Sana yet are you telling me that it wouldn't have made a single difference? That my move would fail regardless?"

Noticeably after I failed to resonate with Sana, Arkalee was the obvious choice.

Questioning the sources that are available is common sense.

Yet, yet...

"What if... No, it's not a what if. I should've known better. You purposely set this up, didn't you? All this time, you made the most credible sources limited. I am stuck with that list thanks to that. You placed that restriction on me. So, in other words, you like to be unfair on purpose."

Daniel and Hyunda are unavailable and if I start approaching all of them too suddenly, then I might raise hints, flags.

Yet...

I hate to wait. Don't run away now. Show me what you are capable of.

"However... you had to be there all the time, right? Or... Or, is that what you want me to think? Are you aware that I would have no chance to resort to the fact that you were there somehow or that you somehow managed to keep those five individuals linked all the time? Are you capable of twisting this fact just because you want to make me walk in circles that much? You're evil."

I could endlessly wonder what you are capable of, but one thing is for certain.

You are not a good person and you are not bothered by that fact. It's beyond you; morality that is.

"You leave me with no choice then. If you are in control of the sources, then there's not much of a point. I'll have to let you know. Let you know that I am aware of you."

April 1st. 8 am.

On the morning of April 1st, as classes would finally resume, upon waking up, a huge smile was reborn on my face.

A smile only reserved for when I think about your mysterious existence and your unknown identity.

In a sequence of necessary movements, I immediately took off my pajamas, underwear, and went straight to the shower.

Though cold water was the first sensation, eventually, a steaming sensation transcended the latter.

I can only imagine that putting up a meaningful beautiful appearance to you could very well be the equivalent of nothing.

Yet as I shower and partake in the well caring of my parts, I contracted a sudden optimism; an abysmal sense of formality.

Because, essentially speaking, today is the day.

"You might be aware of me, but I must admit, it was rude of me to only be aware of your existence ---- no ---- to be aware of your actions only a few days ago. Ever since when, did you have your eyes on me? Yet nonetheless, not a single word came forth. I have committed the gravest sin of all; to be unaware of what should have been primal knowledge all along."

That boredom which kept on endlessly pilling up; you broke that vicious cycle.

Lies that weaved from cruel necessity no longer have a redeemable purpose; so I won't taint the truth.

"Ahhh... Certainly, I will be late for class, however, it's for a good reason. I need to look plausible. I will not lack manners in front of you as you did an irreplaceable favor for me. An undying wish made from my unconscious that surged all the way to the lackluster reality that used to take place every day. No more."

Taking my time to shower, to fully empower my hair with my luxurious products that I never really held a vision for their utilization; I made progress towards refining my appearance for the day.

Drying myself in a towel afterward while glancing upon my figure in the mirror, even though my hair was practically soaked; I didn't mind.

Quickly and subsequent to the previous chain of sequences, I started putting my uniform on.

Not all my blazer's buttons were on, as I allowed my female charms to come to life.

Regardless of the season, female charms yet remain to be a powerful weapon in order to allure certain targets. Nevertheless, as I picked the usual skirt length, not being long, but the normal size, I remained aware of the fact that none of this work that I am applying would do a single thing.

Yet it's for the purpose of showing that I am aware.

Putting on plausible shiny earrings, a couple of bracelets and bathing myself in my favorite timeless light floral perfume filled with an irresistible endless aromatic fragrance.

Out of a sudden burst of happiness, I took a spin, opened my blinds, and grazed the morning sun; forever bright.

"Ah. I almost forgot. That would be problematic."

Makeup, makeup.

However, I will go a little further. I do enjoy painting myself in order to enhance my fashion sense.

This is new though. It's not done for the sake of vanity whatsoever.

No.

The purpose is far bigger.

"And just in case... This will do too."

Lastly, I put on one of my favorite lipstick. Lilac color, naturally. Though, the result was a bit surprising as it came out a bit heavy in purple. Yet that didn't bother me at all, as I looked at myself in my colossal mirror that had a grand arsenal of products just for occasions.

Occasions that I thought would never come yet, yet, yet.

With a feel of my own lips, intertwining and connecting from down and below, I ultimately put on my beloved high heels and went to the place where I would, at last, make my stand to you.

"Ahh... I'm bursting with excitement! What words should I say...? How should I smile? To whom, should I look? I don't want you to think that I am splitting the attention here but with your identity unknown, what do you expect?"

Approaching that door, that door that I had to just open up in order for me to get a look on you, I placed my thumb on my soft lips colorized with my lipstick, as I deeply pondered about my upcoming choices of words.

"It's better if I'm honest. After all, you will know. I will make sure that you do."

Thus, with maximum confidence, I opened the main classroom's door and took a long glance at my classmates, in their respective seats.

Simultaneously, I thought to myself that as of now, you aren't going to predict my movements yet I found myself being completely predictable, gullible, and ultimately, feeble in your presence.

Regardless, I didn't back down and so, firstly, I had to endure the short scolding that came from Basara-sensei, as I directed myself to the podium, just so I could be the center of attention.

"Yuki, you are late. Although it's by five minutes, I can't overlook that."

Ignoring what Basara-sensei had just said, I put on a big smile and also spoke to Basara-sensei in return.

"I know! However, I have something important to say to the class! Well... Not the class. A certain someone. Can I be allowed to take a few seconds of your time?"

"You're still going to get a warning."

"Is that a yes?"

"Suit yourself."

Finally allowed to go on, as I witnessed some of my classmates placing their gazes on me while some murmuring with each other, I, at long last, could speak.

Doing so, I did my best to remain calm and collect yet failed in the process, as my words started to drip ecstatic resonances from within.

"I-I... I have something to say if you don't mind. First of all, thank you. Second of all, I'm sorry. It took me three days to notice you, but I, nonetheless, did so. Again, my deepest apologies. I'm seriously sorry."

Nervously yet seemingly happy, I did a formal bow.

It's true, I do sincerely apologize. It was so rude on my behave.

"Yuki, why are you bowing? Just get to the point."

Regaining my posture, I faced those unlikable words.

"Right... It's simpler if I do this instead."

Turning my back to you, I took ahold of a piece of white chalk and started to write my message to you, in order to let my intentions be aware.

Even though it's questionable to write this on the frame, I am positive that the message of 'I AM WATCHING YOU', will not phase you. Even if it's written in capital letters, you surely understand, don't you?

It's only natural to expect such a reply when you drive me this wild.