It is the middle of homeroom, and I can hear whispers from my peers. Instructor Shinoda gazes at them with a sharp eye, aware of the discussion.

Ryuko Homura.

Instead of ending it, she let it be. I expect several students will face disciplinary action; one rule did state, “Gossip and rumours are strictly prohibited.”

I turn to see the lone individual staring at my desk. She has not said a single word.

But then an unprecedented moment occurs.

She opens her mouth to speak.

Only to be halted by Instructor Shinoda slamming the front desk, sending a gust of wind at us.

“Must you corrupt the pristine air of this institution with your mindless blabber? This is a lecture, not some mind-numbing podcast for your entertainment!”

The homeroom lingers in conspicuous silence.

The elegant concrete floor mirrors the glare Instructor Shinoda has over us.

“I will castigate the next person who utters a sound.”

I can feel the fear of everyone around, except for two people, who do not seem to be fazed by Instructor Shinoda’s declaration.

The lone individual, and, of course, Reiko Yami.

Turning back to the board, the instructor writes a few words before pointing at the lone individual.

“Could you, Yurei Kurayami—the one with the odd name—explain to the incompetent class what Dissonance Affinity opposes?”

Yurei Kurayami, without missing a beat, stands up; her voice is quiet and quite peaceful.

“Dissonance Affinity challenges the concept of personal desires by manifesting a power that contradicts one’s wishes.”

“Indeed, that is the right answer.”

Instructor Shinoda’s gaze shifts over to the rest of the class.

“Behold, the glaring truth laid bare before your eyes, as undeniable as the scorching fury of the sun itself. Yet, I stand amidst you, unflinching in my conviction that not a single soul in this homeroom could explain the concept of Dissonance Affinity with the sheer intellectual prowess and piercing insight that she possesses—as your minds are too occupied with feeble gossip. Consider this a lesson for everyone. The pursuit of knowledge should be your primary focus, not the petty squabbles and rumours that seem to consume your attention. Let us proceed with the lecture uninterrupted."

The lone individual sits down but also puts a note on my desk without facing me at all.

I pick up the note as Instructor Shinoda resumes the lesson again.

The note reads: “I know where you come from.”

I glance up at Yurei Kurayami, but she is already engrossed in the lecture, her face an unreadable mask.

I fold the note and tuck it into my pocket.

***

Homeroom ends; about twenty-four pupils face disciplinary action; and I look for Ryuko Homura, only to stumble upon Yuka Nanami apologising to Class Four’s instructor.

I approach as the instructor walks away.

“Why are you apologising?”

Startled, Yuka Nanami jumps up in surprise.

“Ah! Sorry, I didn’t mean to be in the way!”

I observe the instructor walking away.

“What happened in Class Four? Why the apology?”

“I somehow bumped into him. And I thought I was going to be expelled… Wait, Kage?! What are you doing here?”

Her eyes widen in surprise at my unexpected appearance.

“I am simply looking for Ryuko Homura.”

“Ohhh… Okay. I thought you were going to ask me to inform you about my group—hehe…”

“Please inform me about your group.”

Yuka Nanami takes a step back, possibly surprised at my straightforward inquiry.

“Ah! So direct!”

The unexpected directness seems to have thrown her off balance.

“Your group details, please.”

Yuka, now slightly flustered, stutters and stumbles through an explanation of the students in her group, how they act, and their Affinities.

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“That’s all I can remember.”

“The fact that you can remember is already surprising enough.”

“It is? Wait, what do you mean?”

“You rarely think, so it must be a remarkable feat.”

Yuka Nanami gasps and then pouts at me.

“Not true! I remember plenty!”

“Sure you do; I will look for Ryuko Homura now.”

As I turn away, I hear her call out in protest.

“That’s so mean, Kage! Wait—oh no, Instructor Shinoda is coming!”

I ignore the commotion and head towards the café.

Ryuko Homura is already there, seated by herself, observing the students.

I approach her and sit down.

“Ryuko Homura.”

Startled, she looks up and then recognises me.

“Kiyorakana… Hello.”

“How come you are all alone?”

She looks at me for a moment, as if evaluating the question.

“Just needed some time to myself. What are you doing here?”

It is an obvious deflection, but I allow it.

“Students were gossiping about you during homeroom. Instructor Shinoda silenced them.”

Ryuko Homura sighs with resignation and frustration, then proceeds to sink her head on the table.

“It’s already started…”

“I am here to offer my assistance, if you need it.”

I try to sound as nonchalant as possible. She lifts her head and gives me a long, searching look before finally nodding.

“I appreciate that, Kiyorakana. Thank you.”

Ryuko Homura’s voice is filled with a mix of relief and gratitude. I can sense the weight of her responsibilities and the pressure she must be under.

Suddenly, I hear a voice; it sounds ghostly and ethereal.

“Take her.”

The voice seems to echo through the air, growing louder and more distinct. I turn my head, trying to locate its source, but there is no one around.

No one else seems to be able to hear it.

I take note of the voice’s words and ponder the implications of its message.

“Why’s everyone acting like I’m the bad one here? Do they think I just spit lies wherever I go?”

Ryuko Homura’s frustration echoed in the quiet corner of the café. She fidgeted with her lunch tray, her eyes darting nervously around the room.

“Possibly. Do you have friends or anyone you speak to?”

She sighed, a heavy weight on her shoulders.

“I do, but they said they had plans. Though that was probably just a plain lie.”

I could sense the bitterness in her voice as she spoke.

“People are afraid of getting involved in drama, especially if it could tarnish their reputation. It is unfortunate. Rumours have a way of pushing people away. Even if they are not sure who to believe, they would rather keep their distance to avoid being dragged into the mess. It is easy for someone to fade into the background in a place this big.”

“The boy has been invisible to the school since your little fight. I assume the school has forgotten about him, though, I wonder how Instructor Shinoda deals with him?”

“Instructor Shinoda? Oh, right, you’re not in the same class as me.”

As we engage in this seemingly profound conversation, I notice the covert glances and whispers from other students. The gossip mill is at work, and Ryuko’s predicament has become the latest topic of intrigue.

“It’s amazing how quickly rumours spread.”

Ryuko Homura’s gaze flickers towards the surrounding students.

“People find comfort in portrayals, even if they are based on half-truths or outright fabrications. It is a coping mechanism. But, Ryuko Homura, resilience is your strength, and shadows do not stand a chance against your resolve. I am here, navigating the darkness with you.”

She looks up at me with a glimmer of hope in her eyes.

“Thanks, Kiyorakana.”

As I prepare to leave the cafeteria, I catch sight of Yurei Kurayami. Her gaze meets mine, and for a moment, there is a silent exchange of understanding.

The voice from before echoes in my mind, urging me to “take her.”

It is a cryptic directive, and I ponder the implications as I navigate the shifting dynamics within the institute.

I turn away and walk through the seemingly endless corridors of the institute, I am focused on the note given to me by Yurei Kurayami. The meaning of the note is obvious. But the question is: how?

Perhaps she is a ghost that has followed me since I was a small child? That would surely be interesting.

If Yurei Kurayami truly exists as a phantom tied to my soul, it would explain the exceptional coincidences and nameless circumstances that have occurred throughout my existence.

But that is just a theory.

I stumble upon Yurei Kurayami alone, near the fountain.

Her presence is ethereal amidst the ambient hustle. Her unreadable stare meets mine; as I approach, she remains silent.

“Yurei Kurayami.”

I take slow and steady steps towards her.

“What do you want, Kiyorakana?”

“I do not recall telling you my name.”

“I simply asked someone.”

“And why? What reason do you have to know about me?”

She tilts her head, and an almost imperceptible gaze penetrates through me.

“Curiosity, perhaps.”

“Curiosity? I suppose that everyone possesses a certain degree of fascination with the most ordinary and unexceptional aspects of life.”

“You are no exception.”

She slowly rises from her seat, gathers her belongings, and readies herself to leave.

“I still want to know why you bothered to reveal your knowledge about me and how you know.”

“You’re capable of finding out yourself.”

As Yurei Kurayami starts to walk away, I firmly grasp her arm, halting her abruptly. With a fierce grip, I lock eyes with her, searching intently for any indication of her knowledge. I study her face, hoping to catch a glimpse of recognition or understanding, but no revelation presents itself to me.

I decide to release her; as she departs, I conclude that there is a depth to her that surpasses her initial appearances.