May 8th During School: Lunch

It’s been two days since I met with Shiro and got the note from him. No luck. I’ve looked in libraries, bookstores, at school and everywhere else I could think of regarding ‘gaining knowledge’.

“Hey, I’m talking. Stop spacing out.” (Akio)

“Oh sorry.” (Yuno)

“What exactly are you thinking about?” (Kaho)

“Nothing that concerns you.” (Yuno)

“...rude.” (Kaho)

“...sorry, it’s just...sorry.” (Yuno)

“You’re acting strange today. You’ve apologized way too many times.” (Akio)

“I swear it’s nothing.” (Yuno)

“Alright, you don’t have to tell me.” (Akio)

People are getting worried about me, I need to be more careful about how I act. If I get found out when I start working, it’ll be bad. I’d get arrested on the spot.

“Sorry, I’m gonna take off now.” (Yuno)

“Where to?” (Akio)

“Nowhere special.” (Yuno)

“Secretive bastard.” (Kaho)

“Woah. Language young lady.” (Yuno)

“Keh, whatever. See you in class.” (Kaho)

After School: 3:22

“Do you wanna hang out today, or do you have ‘plans’?” (Akio)

“None whatsoever. What are we gonna do?” (Yuno)

“Arcade?” (Akio)

“Arcade.” (Yuno and Kaho)

After School 4:31

After playing games at the arcade for an hour or so, we went to get some food. We ate at Cosmic Burger, which has been gaining popularity this year.

“The three of us haven’t hung out after school all week.” (Kaho)

“Well, all of us were busy, so that’s expected.” (Yuno)

Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.

“I still have no idea what you could have been doing yesterday.” (Akio)

“To tell you the truth, my sister got me Triple Jeopardy 6. Did you hear? It just came out. I ended up watching it yesterday.” (Yuno)

I mean, I’m not lying. My sister really did get me the movie and I really did watch it yesterday. Though that was after I met up with Shiro.

“I really don’t get why you’re obsessed with those movies. They’re not even good you know? Actually, they’re just straight up terrible.” (Kaho)

“You don’t know what you’re talking about. All the movies are great. Save for the first two. Also, someone who watches yakuza movies shouldn’t talk.” (Yuno)

“H-how did you find out?” (Kaho)

“I think the Boiling Point notebook gave it away.” (Akio)

“That or the Ryuji pen.” (Yuno)

“O-oh. Ahahaha. You caught me.” (Kaho)

“Let’s not forget about how she watches Kira Kira Sparkle-land. A show for 8-year olds.” (Yuno)

“I-I don’t k-know what you’re talking about?” (Kaho)

“Phone case.” (Yuno)

“Were you even trying to hide it?” (Akio)

“Ugh…” (Kaho)

“Sometimes you’re a delinquent and other times you’re just an airhead.” (Yuno)

“Try not to bully her too much.” (Akio)

“That’ll be tough.” (Yuno)

“Heeey, can you both stop?” (Kaho)

“Sure thing.” (Yuno)

“I’ve stopped for a while now.” (Akio)

As I go back to eating my burger, I notice the TV, and start watching it. The news channel seems to be playing right now. The woman’s name is Sakurai and the man’s name is Bando.

‘...Bando-san, you said you saw Shuiro in person last year, right? How was it?’ (Sakurai)

“Yes, I saw it in Tokyo. It’s as beautiful as they say. It was mesmerizing. I couldn’t believe an actual human creating that could be possible. The colour scheme made the painting look like it was actuall- I shouldn’t spoil it. You would have to see it yourself to be able to understand how marvelous it is.” (Bando)

“There have been so many art fanatics lately.” (Kaho)

“That’s to be expected, seeing as how there’re so many artists in Tokyo.” (Akio)

“Is that so…” (Yuno)

“You’re very passionate about the painting, aren’t you, Bando-san? Well, you’ve heard it here, next week, on May 11th, Shuiro, painted by the renowned artist, Horie Etsuko, will be showcased at Tokyo City Art Museum. A meet and greet with the artist will also take place outside the building. This will be happening for a week.” (Sakurai)

I nearly choke before I stop eating and then I pull out the note from my pocket.

Cloaked in blood, burning in crimson, a maiden stares with a cold gaze

Watch where one gains knowledge.

5/11 - 5/17

5/11 The date that the painting is being displayed, and 5/17 the day that the event will end. I take out my phone and look up ‘Shuiro’ in the search engine. A painting shows up perfectly matching the clue, so much that it’s kind of creepy.

This is it. I’ve figured it out. After thinking about it for a bit, it seems obvious that ‘watch where one gains knowledge’ would mean the news. It makes me feel slightly like an idiot. But only slightly.

I immediately text Shiro about what I found out and almost seconds later, he calls my phone. Was he just waiting, staring at his phone since yesterday? I’d like to think he wasn’t, but I don’t know him well enough to say it’s not possible.

“Sorry guys, I need to take this. I’ll be right back.” (Yuno)

“Again with the apologizing. Well, hurry back.” (Akio)

I walk (rather quickly) to the bathroom, feeling slightly excited (and proud). But only a little.

“You’re a genius! How did you figure it out? ” (Shiro)

“Aren’t you just stupid? And I only figured it out by coincidence. Pure coincidence.” (Yuno)

“You’re quite rude, you know? Anyway, we can finally start getting ready for your first job. I’ll text you my address.” (Shiro)

“Sure thing.” (Yuno)

“See you soon.” (Shiro)

“Yeah. Later.” (Yuno)

----------------------------------------

I came back to our table, with Aki and Kaho both staring at their phones.

“Took you long enough.” (Kaho)

“I was gone for 5 minutes.” (Yuno)

“Well, 1000 people in the world have died in those 5 minutes.” (Kaho)

“And 2000 people were born. Are we just gonna keep throwing facts at each other?” (Yuno)

“Well played.” (Kaho)

“So, who were you talking with on the phone?” (Akio)

“Some of my gang buddies.” (Yuno)

“I take it you’re joking.” (Akio)

“Obviously. There are many things I’ll do, but that doesn’t include messing around with gangs or delinquents.” (Yuno)

“Smart choice. Who was it then?” (Akio)

“My sister. She said she’d be late tonight.” (Yuno)

“Ah, I see.” (Akio)

“I’m not sure why you’re are always interrogating me though.” (Yuno)

“Haha, sorry. Maybe it’s the detective blood in me.” (Akio)

“Your dad’s a detective right? That’s gotta be it.” (Kaho)

That’s right. My best friend’s dad is a detective. And now I’m basically (but not yet) a thief. Sorry, phantom thief.