The sun began to descend and the glowing moon began to rise in the onyx sky sprinkled with tiny shiny dots that were the stars.

Ariyama had gotten too invested in doing his homework, so now he didn't even know what time it was. The sky outside was pitch black, so it must have been relatively late. Then again, it was winter so it got darker a lot earlier.

Ariyama yawned, stretching his arms above his head, making his aching bones creak. It was like he had just woken up again. For all he knew, maybe he did fall asleep again while working on his assignments.

But none of that mattered now. His work was done, and it was getting closer and closer to ten, when he'd have to face Jack and his weird satanic abandoned building with scary bloody eye sigils.

He checked the clock he had above the door to his room. Its face read half-past seven. Still two or so hours before Ariyama needed to head out of the house. He thought back and hoped Jack would indeed send the location of the place.

But as luck would have it, Ariyama checked his phone where he left it in the wardrobe – if he had it on him while he studied, he'd get no work done – and saw a notification. He'd been added to a group chat, the only message being from Jack, saying: "Remember to be there at 10pm on the dot. Go to this location and remember to bring a jacket! It'll get pretty chilly in the winter air, not to mention there ghosts that'll be haunting us all night long."

Ariyama audibly scoffed at that last remark, appalled at how Jack was trying to make a joke. The only people who laughed at them were Yasami and Koenji, anyway.

But at least Jack had sent the location before time ran out. He must've added everyone to the chat and sent that message while Ariyama was invested in his homework so much that he'd lost awareness of his surroundings.

Suddenly piqued with curiosity, Ariyama opened the 'members list' on the chat, checking who was added.

Sure enough, there was everyone who he knew was going: Jack, Yasami, Koenji, Kazura, Odomura, Matsuragi, Takemichi, Matsune, Yaranagi, and of course himself.

His heart skipped a beat when he read Yaranagi's name. He then instantly cursed at himself and smacked his knee with his fist. Whatever weird feelings he was getting over Yaranagi not telling him about his involvement was getting annoying at this point. Why couldn't he just let it go and accept that Yaranagi maybe just didn't want him to go, or didn't even want him to know he was going at all.

Then, as Ariyama began to pack away his homework equipment, his mind still invaded with thoughts to do with Yaranagi, he suddenly heard a knock on his door, which broke him from his daydreaming.

After that one knock, as if that was more than enough confirmation, the door squeaked open and Harumi strode in, a soft smile on her face.

It was almost scary how she could go from this to screaming her head off in just moments. But as long as Ariyama didn't mention his father in any major capacity, he was safe.

"Mom, what are you doing? You're supposed to knock more than once before coming in!"

Harumi chuckled softly as she shut the door behind her, her long white robe crawling across the floor as she stepped closer to Ariyama.

"Sorry, sorry. I was just wanting to say that I was going to cook some dinner for once. I know you've been locked up in your room studying for the past while, so I'll make us some food. Anything in particular you…"

Ariyama opened his mouth to answer her, but slowly closed it again as he saw his mother's words die on her lips.

The next thing he noticed was that her eyes weren't focused on him, but instead on something else off to his right. His gaze followed hers, before stopping right on what she'd been staring at: A History of Sumura's Local Legends.

Ariyama half-laughed, making a joke of the situation.

"What is it, mom? So surprised to see me read for once? I do like reading, I'll have you know. I just don't find much time to commit to finishing a novel–"

"Where did you find this?"

The way his mother's voice came from her throat – dry and breathless – made Ariyama pale. Her eyes were unblinking, staring at the book like it was the spawn of the Devil.

"Well… It was with all my other books… on the shelf in my wardrobe. Mom, what's wrong?"

"How can this be here… Who…"

Harumi's words were a mumbled mess, her fists clenching and unclenching. She gained movement in her legs all of a sudden and quickly reached the book, reaching down to pick it up.

"He must've… Gotou, what were you thinking…"

Ariyama nearly blurted out a 'WHAT?!' at the sound of his mother saying his father's name. That was one thing he'd never heard before. She'd always call Gotou 'your father' or just 'him'.

Then Ariyama's mother looked at him, and he could now see how her face was so pale and sick-looking, such a contrast to how smiley and cheerful she seemed just moments away. What was the deal with the book?

Regardless, her gaze made the blood in his veins turn to ice water.

"M-mom?"

Harumi stormed forward and gripped him by the shoulders with such intensity Ariyama thought his shirt might tear.

"Saato, listen to me. I know things haven't been the best between us whenever your father leaves for work and you probably don't want much of anything to do with me. But if you're ever in your life going to be honest with me, now is the time. Son, did you read from his book? Even a page?"

Ariyama was taken aback by his mother's burning force as a result of this book. He knew in this type of situation, it'd be best if he just told the truth, but Ariyama wasn't risking getting a beatdown from his own mother.

"I… didn't. We both know I don't really read all that often, so why would I start now? I was planning on getting back into reading, so that's why that book was out on the floor. I was just in the process of dusting them all off. I hate seeing things get all old and decrepit."

Harumi stared into his eyes for a very long time, before silently leaning back, breathing a sigh of relief.

"I see. I understand everything now. Sorry, but I've got to take this book with me for a bit. I just want to make sure it's nothing too boring for you, you know?"

Ariyama really didn't, but he decided to just nod and smile anyway.

"Sure thing…"

Harumi returned his smile, then swiftly left the room, almost in a hurry, shutting the door behind her.

Once the sound of her fading footsteps vanished entirely, Ariyama finally released the breath he'd been holding in.

What was that all about?

Ariyama focused his gaze on that spot on the floor where he had left the book. He thought even harder on the subject.

"That was weird…"

Even though there was no one in the room, he felt the need to audibly speak his mind.

But seriously, what could've been in that book that triggered such a reaction from his mother? It wasn't the type of silent fury or seething that came when Ariyama mentioned his father, no. Instead, Harumi seemed more distressed and scared than anything, as if she'd caught him smoking.

Like reading that book was somehow detrimental to him in some way.

Ariyama could only shake his head. Things were getting weirder and weirder as the day went on.

But he had other things to focus on.

His mother had said she'd be making dinner, but clearly the situation with the book had thrown her off course, so it fell to Ariyama to make his own meal once again.

He silently left his room, heading to the kitchen, thinking about what he wanted to eat. Maybe something hot, like that miso soup they still had?

But once again, his thoughts were cut short as he passed his parents' room. The door was left slightly ajar, and with curiosity getting the better of him, Ariyama steeled himself and shifted closer to the gap, careful not to step on any of the creaky floorboards.

His view of the inside was limited, as he could only see the edge of the bed that stuck out from the far wall, as well as about half of the cabinet that was standing beside the bed.

Then he saw as his mother came into his line of sight, still holding that damn book.

And her face…

Her face was a mask of fear.

Ariyama knew his mother was far from perfect, but he'd never seen her so vulnerable. He suddenly got hit with a wave of emotion. This just showed she really was her own person, her own human being, with her own feelings. Far more than just his mother.

Ariyama had half the mind to go in and comfort her, but whenever she was in any sort of state of distress, time alone was the best medicine for her.

So, swallowing thickly, he tiptoed away from the door, heading down the stairs. He tried to forget it, to make his mind change the subject and think again about what he wanted to eat.

If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

But he just couldn't. A weird coldness was swirling in his chest and he didn't know what to do.

Another hour passed, and his mother remained cooped up in her room, probably still lamenting over the book, for whatever reason.

Ariyama had decided to just eat some of the leftover microwavable ramen in the fridge. It tasted slightly off due to it being reheated, but it was filling none the less.

As Ariyama sat alone in the living room, his chopsticks twisting and turning the last noodle, he glanced up at the clock against the wall.

It was almost nine now, so he probably needed to get ready. The location Jack sent was on the outskirts of the city, past the rolling fields that surrounded it, and from his house, it would be a thirty minute walk for Ariyama at least.

And factoring in the time he needed to get prepared, as well as making sure to arrive a bit early, there really wasn't any time to waste now.

Ariyama gave one last look up the stairs, thinking about his mother. He needed time alone, he knew that. But seeing her seemingly so defeated over a damn book he was reading made him very worried.

He thought he might as well give it a chance.

"Mom? I'm going out now to that get-together, OK? I'll text you when I'm done, but it'll probably be kinda late!"

He called out, but received no answer.

Sighing tiredly, Ariyama cleared the table and disposed of the recyclable ramen box.

He made sure he had everything he needed – a bit of money in his wallet, his phone – and left the living room. He went straight to the coat rack that was on the wall next to the front door, and pulled out his thickest coat.

It was made of puffy, strong black materials, with a lining of yellowish fur around the sleeves and inside of the hood.

Ariyama slipped it on over his black shirt as he pushed the front door open.

Instantly, he felt the rush of chilling air blast against him. Shivering instantly against the cold, Ariyama realized how warm it was inside his house compared to outside.

The sky was dark at this point, dotted with flickering dots of stars. It was so cold and the breeze was so strong that Ariyama felt the vibrations around the doorframe of the house creaking. It was fairly young, in house years, having only been built around the time Ariyama was born.

As Ariyama took a step down the short set of stairs to the smooth stone of the driveway. Out of all the things Ariyama Gotou bought with his money, a car was never one of them. Ariyama vaguely recalled his mother telling him at a young age that since they lived in such a rural area, filled with tight bends in the road and lots of overgrown hedges and trees, trying to drive anywhere was more than a hassle.

But apparently when Harumi always told Ariyama to get a private driver to bring him to school, they must've forgotten that point.

They must've meant it was a hassle for them, but for anyone else? Who cares, right?

It didn't matter too much to Ariyama, anyways. He had found an appreciation in walking to and from school each day. He found himself enjoying taking in the scenery on his way through Sumura.

Ariyama took the last few steps and his feet then landed on the driveway. That was about when he noticed the shadowy figure approaching him from the road just outside his house.

Ariyama jumped back in surprise.

The roaring wind must've acted as a good way to conceal the sound of footsteps.

Ariyama's heart banged in his chest as the silhouette reached him.

But as it came into the perimeter of light cast from the spotlights installed high on the house, Ariyama calmed.

"Airi? What are you doing here?"

Odomura Airi, wearing a fluffy beige coat, zipped up to her chin, gave Ariyama a gentle smile, her purple eyes shining in the light of the spotlight. Her lavender hair was tied back into a tight braid, keeping it from blowing in her face, which was flush with color from the cold.

"Hello, Ariyama-kun. When I learned you were joining us for Jack's little meetup, I figured you'd want someone to walk with while you went to the location. It's pretty far away from her, isn't it?"

"It is, and that's why I'm so surprised to see you. It's a much quicker walk from your house, right?"

Odomura only smiled further, her bloodless fingers digging into her jacket pockets for even a hint of warmth.

"I don't mind, Ariyama-kun. I haven't walked here in such a long time, I almost forgot where you lived. Anyways, there's a shortcut around here that'll make the journey a little less taxing. Plus, neither of us wants to be walking alone when it's so dark and so windy, yes?"

Ariyama couldn't deny that she made some good points. He contemplated as he also stuck his hands into his pockets, his fingers stroking against the fur-lined interior of his jacket pockets.

"I… suppose so. But wait, you said there was a shortcut around here? I've been living here all my life and I've never known of a shortcut to outside the city."

Odomura giggled and took one of her hands out of her pocket to hold it out for Ariyama to take.

"Well, Ariyama-kun, I'd love to show you. If you'd like…"

The look of joy on Odomura's face made Ariyama's lips curl up at the edges, unable to contain his amusement.

"Well, how could I say no. I've talked to you alone more today than I ever have before, so why spot now?"

"I agree. So, shall we?"

"We shall."

Ariyama took her hand and gave it a playful shake. Then, side by side, the two of them struggled through the gale as they left the driveway and onto the rocky road.

And to Ariyama's surprise, Odomura was completely right. There was instead a shortcut that he'd never seen in his life.

If you continued down the road that would eventually stretch all the way into the main city, you'd come across a small gap in the ditch on the left side of the road.

Ariyama frowned in confusion as Odomura tugged at his sleeve, almost with childlike playfulness, and dragged him towards it.

Once they slipped between the gap in the thorny brush, they found themselves trailing up a short path, closed off tight on either side with bushes the gerund treacherous with uneven rocks and slick mud. That plus the blowing wind didn't help Ariyama's uneasiness.

Eventually, the path gave way to another road that seemed more rundown, the tarmac shattered and mud scattered over the surface. Despite the damage, Ariyama guessed the road hadn't been used in years at least.

After taking that road, which wound around a short hill, before coming to a stop right in front of a treeline, Ariyama followed Odomura into the thicket. Wincing at the random sting of pain he felt as the thorns attacked what little skin he had exposed, Ariyama was starting to get a little irritated. An unreasonable irritation, but irritation nonetheless.

The endless torrent of the wind, the claustrophobic embrace of the forest, the deep mud that his shoes sank into, the drizzle of water that made his jeans and hair damp and his skin itchy.

Before he could explode from the inside, Odomura disappeared from view for a second. Worried, Ariyama went to follow where she'd been walking, only to drop a few feet with a yelp.

Odomura, now next to him again, turned to him with her regular kind smile, her purple eyes crinkling in warmth.

"Sorry, I forgot to mention that little drop was there."

Shivering, Ariyama thought about the sinking mud, the tight paths of rocky grounds and thorny bushes, and the forest that made him all damp.

She'd forgotten to mention a lot more than just that drop, that's for sure.

"It's OK, Airi. Don't worry about it. So, are we close?"

"Well, normally it'd take about half an hour to reach the location from your house, yes? Well, it's been about ten minutes and we're almost there. This shortcut is such a godsend, right?"

Odomura didn't know how happy that made Ariyama, who just smiled gratefully.

"Sure is. OK, let's get somewhere less dangerous. Even though an abandoned – supposedly haunted – house isn't much of an upgrade, it's a start."

Odomura nodded and continued on, with them now crossing a grassy clearing, bordered on all sides by trees.

It took less than five minutes for the fields to come and pass, and then the rundown structure to finally come into view.

Like most things this far out from the city, the building was covered in foliage, trees and trees on all sides. As for the building itself, it had an uncanny resemblance to what was depicted in that book his mother threw a fit over.

Squat, with cracked but otherwise strong walls. Smashed-in windows, graffiti and greenery accenting the outside. There didn't seem to be much of a visible door to go through, but Ariyama assumed they just had a bad angle of the place.

Odomura, who shifted slightly closer to Ariyama as if she wanted protection, winced as they came to a stop just inside the barrier of trees circling the mauled building.

"Oh wow… That looks scary…"

Her eyes squinted, her lips pursing in concentration.

"And another thing; I can't see the others anywhere. We have a bit before it's ten o'clock, but there's no way we're the only ones who were early…"

Ariyama followed her movements, his eyes narrowing and his lips pursing too.

"Yeah, it's weird. I'm sure they're somewhere around here, right? Because otherwise–"

"BOO!!"

A loud, booming voice jumped at them from somewhere to their left.

Ariyama's heart nearly leapt out of his chest as he yelped in fear, stumbling back. Odomura shrieked in a high-pitched tone that pierced Ariyama's ears, her hands closing around his arm as she also fell back, her butt hitting the dirt.

The dirt sprayed their backs, falling down the collar of Ariyama's coat. His skin prickled with the coarse texture of the substance.

His senses heightened and his chest burning with the shock, Ariyama's eyes shot up at the figure who approached. The perpetrator of the scare.

"Oh my God! That reaction was priceless!"

Kazura Machi, wearing a big jacket covered with lots of pockets and zippers, peered down at them with a predatory glare, her head tossed back with laughter.

"The looks on your faces were legendary! Oh, I should've been recording that, haha!

Ariyama stared up at her in shock. His heart banged violently against his chest still. Odomura is still beside him on the ground, the cold dirt below them seeping up into their clothes.

A shiver ran up Ariyama's spine, and he swiftly pulled Odomura up with him.

Then, there was another rustle of movement from behind Kazura and Matsuragi appeared from the darkness, also sporting a big coat.

"I don't think that was very necessary, Kazura. It's scary enough out here from the cold to the weird sounds in the forest. We don't need people jumping out at us for a cheap thrill."

Kazura spun to him, her mouth agape with disbelief.

"'A cheap thrill'? Kento-kun, how could you? That's such a mean thing to say! It isn't cheap when it's got me laughing my ass off, is it? What, do you not want me to laugh anymore? Is that it?"

Kazura pouted like she usually did, scrunching up her face in an attempt to drain some sympathy. But Matsuragi Kento had eyes for Matsune Sasya and Matsune Sasya only. He adjusted his glasses with a huff.

"We both know that's not true. But that's besides the point. Ariyama, Odomura? Are you two OK?"

Listening to the two's conversation had taken Ariyama's mind off the freezing coldness seeping in his bones. The faint warmth that Odomura let off at his arm was a help, but it didn't aid much. As the topic of conversation turned back to him, however, and due to the fact that his body had just been tossed down into freezing dirt, the earthy substance having slipped through the cracks in his clothing, Ariyama shivered violently.

"I suppose that answers that."

Matsuragi dismissed them with a one-shoulder shrug. He turned back towards the dilapidated structure ahead of them.

"As for this… place, I suppose it's about as 'abandoned' as one could get. Judging from the foliage and the graffiti, this place must have been some sort of hotspot for delinquents. Even though Jack said this place was abandoned and isolated, it for sure has some history with people defiling it. Just another thing that punk is lying about."

Ariyama agreed with him, of course, but if he knew Jack was a lying scumbag, why did he even bother coming here? In fact, why did anyone decide to come here?

Ariyama knew why he came here. He needed that moment, that moment to prove his worth apart from his money. It wasn't exactly a selfless reason, but it was a reason at least.

But maybe the others had their own personal reasons too.

Ariyama hadn't a clue as to what they wanted or why they wanted it, but just as he had his own reason for coming here – a reason no one else knew of – was it really that much of a surprise if the others came here for personal reasons too? Maybe to prove something, maybe just to not get left out of the event, even if Jack was the one hosting it?

"All you do is yap on about boring stuff like that all day, Kento-kun. Come on, let's get moving on and see if anyone else is here yet."

Kazura rolled her eyes at Matsuragi's breakdown of the place, and eagerly skipped her way through the trees and quickly disappeared.

"Kazura? Kazura, for God's sake!"

Matsuragi clicked his tongue in annoyance, then angrily stomped after his boisterous friend.

Odomura wrapped her arms around herself, still shivering. Her teeth chattered as she shook against the cold.

"U-um, Ariyama-kun? Should we..?"

"Yes, I think we shall. Unless we want to die of hypothermia out here."

Odomura staying close to him, and his breath turning to a cloud of mist before him, Ariyama trundled on after the two, careful not to trip over the frozen twigs and roots that stuck out from the dirt and uneven ground.

After following the footprints left in the dirt trail by Kazura and Matsuragi, Ariyama and Odomura finally reached the closest point to the abandoned building, being right outside one of its graffitied walls. But this wall must have been out of view back in the cage of trees, as it had a small rectangular doorway on its far right side, the plaster and stone around its edges cracked and splintered, but the doorway still held itself together.

Ariyama was about to call out in relief that there was an actual way into the building at the very least, but he was interrupted as he spotted a group of silhouetted figures talking by the treeline.

Odomura moved away from him slightly, her eyes squinting against the darkness.

"Is… is that…"

And sure enough, at the sound of Odomura's voice, the group of five figures turned to them and quickly made their way over. Once they were out of the concealing cloak of darkness and stepped into the illuminating moonlight, Ariyama recognised them instantly.

In front was Jack Hayakawa, his droopy purple eyes scanning him like he was an exotic animal, and to his left were his 'buddies', Koenji Bennosuke and Yasami Oichi. And to his right was the shivering Takemichi Yuno and the statue-like Matsune Sasya. It was like she was attuned to the cold somehow. Her flashy coat was pulled tight around her and her silver bracelet glittered in the moonlight, almost enchanted.