Before I left the cafe yesterday, Shiro and I exchanged numbers, so we can call each other. We ended up talking about other stuff for a while before I finally went home.
I left my room and went downstairs, as it’s almost time for school.
“I don’t care if you’re out late, but at least call or text and tell me that you’re going to be late. I hope you’re not running around causing trouble.” (Yuko)
“I’m not, and I’ll tell you next time.” (Yuno)
“Alright then. Breakfast is on the table. You’d better eat today.” (Yuko)
“Yeah, I’ll eat.” (Yuno)
“So, if you don’t mind me asking, what were you doing after school?” (Yuko)
“I loitered around a few movie stores and then I saw someone from school, so we hung out for a bit and bullied a few kids.” (Yuno)
“I assume you’re joking about the last part. Please tell me you’re joking.” (Yuko)
I only smile at her.
“Don’t you have work. I know you had a day off yesterday, but I think it’s about time for you to be leaving.” (Yuno)
“Oh shit, you’re totally right. I need to head out now. Make sure you get to school, okay?” (Yuko)
“Sure. See you later.” (Yuno)
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I decided to walk to school on my own today, so I took a route Aki and Kaho don’t know about.
*Ding* *Ding* *Ding*
A message from Shiro came in saying to meet at the cafe from yesterday. I text him back and tell him I’d be there before 4pm.
Aki and Kaho were already in the classroom when I arrived at school.
“So where were you?” (Akio)
The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
“Nowhere special.” (Yuno)
“...” (Akio)
Luckily Aki didn’t press on further. I’d really hate for him to know about my secret route, he’d be more annoying if he did.
“So how did your date go?” (Yuno)
“She’s totally into me. She said that we should go on another date next week.” (Akio)
“Nice going.” (Yuno)
“Yeah, totally. The only ones left are me and Yuno.” (Kaho)
“I hope you’re not expecting us to get together, Kaho.” (Yuno)
“Hell no. You’re not my type.” (Kaho)
“So handsome, smart and funny isn’t your type?” (Yuno)
“Sure, that’s exactly it.” (Kaho)
The teacher, Takahashi-sensei, seems slightly annoyed by us, given we’re kind of lessening his class time.
“Hey, you three idiots, class is starting.” (Takahashi-sensei)
“Sure. Sure.” (Yuno)
“This kid...” (Takahashi-sensei)
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May 6th After School 3:27
“Do you guys wanna go get something to eat? I’m starving.” (Kaho)
“I’m always in the mood for food. And also girls.” (Akio)
“I’m gonna tell your girlfriend that you’re dating 10 different girls at once.” (Kaho)
“When did I say that?” (Akio)
“You guys are gonna have to go without me. I have plans.” (Yuno)
“What do you mean ‘plans’? It’s not like you have friends other than us.” (Kaho)
“Why do I have to tell you? See you guys tomorrow.” (Yuno)
“O-okay. See you.” (Akio)
“Bye?” (Kaho)
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After School 3:56
When I got to the cafe, I saw Shiro sitting in a booth by the window. He had already ordered something and staring at his phone.
“Yo.” (Yuno)
“Oh! Hey, hey. Have a seat!” (Shiro)
For some reason, he seems really excited. I wonder if something good happened.
“So, why did you want to meet? I hope you’re not gonna ask me out or anything because you’re not my type.” (Yuno)
“You’re quite the character, aren’t you?” (Shiro)
“Yeah, yeah. So why did you ask to meet?” (Yuno)
“I wanted to give you this, the last clue your brother found before he went missing.” (Shiro)
Shiro hands me a note, and I assume the item it was attached to was returned. The note states:
Cloaked in blood, burning in crimson, a maiden stares with a cold gaze
Watch where one gains knowledge.
5/11 - 5/17
“What the hell is this supposed to mean?” (Yuno)
“I have no idea...but, that’s what you’re here for. This is the clue to the what the next item is.” (Shiro)
“5/11 and 5/17 are obviously dates of some sort, probably a time period or something.” (Yuno)
“I thought so as well. May eleventh to May twenty-seventh? Maybe a deadline?” (Shiro)
“It could be. Maybe I should just take this home and think on it. I gotta go, I have a bunch of homework to do.” (Yuno)
“Wait! Actually, before you leave, I wanted to give you something.” (Shiro)
Immediately he says that, I notice a grey bag, which is has the top tied in a knot, beside him. He hands it to me.
“What’s this?” (Yuno)
“It’s a...actually, only look inside when you decipher the note.” (Shiro)
Even though it’s slightly suspicious, I just nod.
“O...kay? Well, bye. I’ll text you if I find anything.” (Yuno)
“Bye.” (Shiro)