Detective Masakuma and officer Kojito entered through the front doors of the school. Some of the lingering students were suddenly awestruck at the sight of the duo casually strolling through the halls. Isamu smiled and waved to the students. Kojito remained silent and stern paying no mind to the students. He knew Isamu was popular amongst the citizens so he could play the 'good cop' role in the meantime. The two walked into the office. The lady behind the desk looked up at them and without a word, pointed to her right where the principals office was. They nodded then headed in that direction. Kojito knocked on the door. It opened up with principal Tanaka standing there.

"Ah gentlemen! Welcome welcome! Please, come in and have a seat." He greeted them.

Kojito and Isamu grabbed a seat in front of the desk. Touta sat down, clasping his hands together on top of the desk.

"Good to see you sir." Isamu said in a cheery tone.

"You as well officer. And this must be the famed Kojito Masakuma. My name is Touta Tanaka. Nice to meet you."

Kojito nodded silently. He cleared his throat.

"Pleasure. So what is it you are wanting us to do here exactly to help further our investigation? We need to collaborate here and work together." He said, crossing his arms.

"Right of course. So you two suspect that the culprit could be here within the school, correct?"

"Yes. We've come to that conclusion after exhausting all of our other resources. After some thorough discussions and a lack of evidence catching anyone entering or leaving the woods where the old chapel was, we're led to believe that based on how these murders have been playing out we think that our suspect could be a resident of the school. Why else would they target specifically high school girls?"

"I-I see. Do you think it's a staff member or...?"

"Or a student? Either is a possibility we haven't ruled out. What me and a partner here wish to do is sit down with every student and briefly talk to them. See if any of them showcase any signs or tells that could reveal potentially sinister intentions. It'll just be a few tailor-made interrogation questions and then we'll be done. Every student is to take part no matter their role or reputation."

"Hmm. They won't be too happy to hear but... Okay. Classes are on hold since we held the assembly and they're all at lunch right now. We can start after lunch if that works."

"Perfect."

Isamu stood up and stretched his arms.

"Thanks for the cooperation sir. We already ate so we just ask if there's a room we can bring these students into for questioning. I'll ease them in and Kojito here will do the talking. After everyone has been spoken to and their responses documented, we'll spend tomorrow going over and analyzing all of the documentation. Then we'll come to you with possible suspects should there be any. We clear?"

"Understood. Good luck detective. I... God I hate to think that someone in my school could be responsible for this heinous crime. But anything to put this madness to a close is fine by me. Now if you'll excuse me, I have work to get to. You two may take off and go set things up." Tanaka stated.

"Of course. Kojito shall we go?"

Kojito nodded. He stood up. The two left Tanaka's office to go find a room and set up. It would be another half an hour before lunch would end so the two would have to just kill time for now. Tanaka switched the intercom on to speak into it and send the announcement across the school:

"Attention all students and staff members. Principal Tanaka here. Detective Masakuma and officer Kojito will be interviewing everybody in the school individually for the rest of the day. This is mandatory as protocol for their investigation. All students will be spoken to first. Staff members will be spoken to afterwards so we don't have to keep any students past their scheduled release time. They will be setting up in the main hallway so look out for officer Kojito. I assure all of you this is necessary for their investigation so please cooperate and this will soon be over. Please be honest with Masakuma. Thank you. Enjoy the rest of your day."

The announcement made it's way throughout the entire school. Even up to the rooftop where Senji and Ayame sat back-to-back quietly eating their lunches. Senji stopped midway through eating his sandwich for a moment. Ayame slowly slurped up her noodles.

"Did you hear that Ayame? I-I guess they mean serious business now. The detective and officer actually did come to our school. Wow... Huh. Kaito must be ecstatic right now since he's been doing his own personal investigation. We'll have to go talk to them too huh...?" Senji said.

Ayame remained silent as she eat her noodles and rice. Senji just sighed, returning to his sandwich. A gentle breeze blew in the air. The sun was shrouded by clouds casting shadows over the school grounds. Senji didn't have anything else to say for now so he didn't speak. Once he finished his food he stretched his arms out. Ayame set her empty box and chopsticks down to shuffle herself forward and turned around. She sat on her knees as Senji turned to face her also on his knees. He noticed a cold stare in her violet eyes. He brought a hand up to gently brush her flowing hair back behind her ear and out of the way of her eyes.

"Hey. Is something up? You've been silent since that announcement. Everything alright?" Senji asked.

Ayame shyly looked away for a second. Senji seemed concerned. Ayame then glanced back at him, taking a hand and pressing it against his chest to push him down onto the rooftop surface. She crawled forward and loomed over him keeping her hand on him to keep him pinned down. He was in total surprise at this sudden advancement. He wondered what she was intending to do here. This is similar to how she acted on the night when she took his virginity.

"A-Ayame??" Senji stammered.

Ayame took her other hand and with a single finger, pressed it against Senji's lips. She moved up to seat herself over Senji, pressing her thighs against his body.

"Senji... I want you to ask you something. Do you trust me?" Ayame asked

"Huh? Of course I do." Senji replied feeling both puzzled and aroused.

"Okay. Another question. We've been together for some time now. What do you think about me?"

"I-I think you're wonderful. You're beautiful and cute and... And perfect in every way. You... Helped me find love when I thought I'd never do so since moving here away from everyone I grew up with. Ayame you mean the world to me."

A grin formed on Ayame's face. There was a gleam in her eye. She grabbed Senji's head, bending down to kiss him deeply. He grabbed her by the thighs while they kissed the remaining time away before the bell rang. She got up off of him and stood up, offering a hand to him. He took it and stood up with her. The two held hands before heading for the door to the stairs leading back down into the building.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

"By the way Ayame I... I have something I want to show you after school. In the art room. I-if you'd want to come see it that is." Senji proposed.

"Sure. I... Have been curious to see how you've been coming along in that club." Ayame responded with a smile.

Senji smiled back and nodded. The two descended the stairs together hand-in-hand.

Katashi had a piece of paper set and ready to go for the next student. The door opened and in walked Kaito. A smirk across his face on his way to the chair and sat down. His foot tapping in anticipation. The gruff detective raised an eyebrow. Something about this student seemed different then all of the prior ones.

"Alright kid let's get started-"

"Mister Masakuma it's an honor. Name's Kaito. I've actually been conducting my own investigation amongst my fellow students for the past couple days now. I've been eager to speak with you since the assembly. Even personally ruled out several students as potential suspects in your investigation. I may not look like much... But I excel at reading others." Kaito interrupted Katashi.

Normally Katashi hated being cut off like that but he knew who this was.

"-Ah I know you. Tanaka mentioned you over the phone. Interesting that you've decided to take matters into your own hands prior to our arrival. I do admire your determination kid. What uh... Students did you rule out? Before we begin anything." Katashi asked.

Kaito started listing off several students by their first and last names. Mostly girls. A few of them had been spoken to already. Katashi wrote their names down. His interest in Kaito was peaked now. This student in particular had something going on.

"I see. From the few you mentioned that I had already spoken to, I can confirm that they seemed innocent of anything malicious. Impressive. Kid you've got potential I'll say that." Katashi said. A frail smile on his face. Rare to see from the man. Kaito snickered.

"See? I told you. Thank you for the kind words sir. Okay okay I've taken enough time speaking on my behalf, apologies. I'm ready to answer your questions now." Kaito replied with beaming eyes.

"Very well. Let us begin then..."

After asking a series of questions, Katashi concluded that Kaito was not only free of any suspicion but also determined to have this case solved just as he was. He shook hands with Kaito and spoke some last words before letting him go;

"Thanks for the info kid. Hopefully we get this case closed soon. But keep at it on your end. And, come speak to me once our business here at the school is done. Alright now get on out of here."

With a reassuring grin from Katashi, Kaito smiled back and left feeling quite confident in himself. A real sense of joy he wasn't familiar with all too much in his rather mundane, miserable life. He left the room. He went to find the others all gathered up in the hallway to give them the news. They all praised him and patted him on the back. Aoi, Daiki and Senji were proud of him. Kanako even admired the guts he had to confess to the detective. Ayame was silent. Soon the next of their group would have to go in after another round of students.

"Hey there! I'm Isamu! Go on in don't be shy!" Isamu could be heard speaking to the next student outside the room.

Katashi prepped his next sheet of paper. Speaking to so many students had already begun taking it's toll on his mental state. From the list he had of students he was almost done with the entire student body. The door opened up and a girl walked in. She took a seat.

"Alright. State your name young lady." Katashi spoke.

"Ayame Chisato." The girl replied.

"Okay. So I'm going to ask you some questions. Want you to answer honestly. I'll be documenting your responses. Ready to begin?"

"Sure."

Katashi took his pen and wrote on the paper. He took a deep breath then spoke;

"First question: How are you doing academically here at school?"

"Fine. My grades are above-average I'd say. I get to classes early. I study. So overall... Just fine."

"Second question: How is your personal life outside of school?"

"Eh. Could be worse. Could be better. Parents died years ago. My aunt who I live with is an alcoholic constantly yelling at me, treating me like dirt or just ignoring my existence. I'm... Sure she cares about me. But never shows it. Or maybe she doesn't care for me. I don't know. I always seclude myself in my room. Only ever come out to use the bathroom, grab something like food or leave the house for school or to see my boyfriend. So... That's it."

"I see. Third question now: How do you personally feel? About your life, friends, how others treat you or how you treat others? Is everything okay?"

"I... Don't really care for anybody. Never cared to socialize much. Others ignore me or talk behind my back because I'm introverted. It's always been like this for me. But none of that bothers me. Nobody's words or thoughts of me bother me. Senji is the only person I care about. He's all I need. I... Just want to be done with school and get out of here."

Katashi finished writing then set the pen down. He nodded to Ayame and stood up to shake her hand. She ignored his gesture and turned to leave the room without another word. He sighed, scratching his head. Another set of students and he would finally be done before moving on to the staff members.

"First question: How are you doing here as a teacher?" Katashi asked.

"Well I love what I do. I teach math. I adore each and every one of my students equally. And the other staff members are all very friendly with me. I love this school." Ms. Koyami responded.

"Second question: How is your personal life outside of school?"

"I live by myself in a small house with my cat Shinra. I do like to go out for tea with my friends. Lately I've been spending more time with another one of the teachers here, miss Fujiwaka. She's sweet, funny and beautiful. Honestly quite comforting in these troubled times. Oh I also enjoy reading and watching soap operas in my free time alone. I'm a simple woman really."

"Hmm. Okay then. Third question: How do you personally feel? About your life, friends, how others treat you or how you treat others? Is everything okay?"

"Um, well... I feel blessed to have a nice, cozy life. My friends are all wonderful people. My students treat me with respect and kindness and I do the same with them. Admittedly I, do think some of their parents have looked at me kind of funny. Usually the single fathers. O-oh but they're all good people. Before these disappearances everything was great I'd say. The mood around here has been bleak since the murders were announced... But I'm doing my best to remain optimistic and cheerful for my students and fellow teachers."

Katashi finished writing down what he needed. He shook hands with Koyami. Her smile and cheery aura was infectious to him, making him feel a little better before she left the room. With that, the day was done. Each and every student and staff member had been interrogated. Isamu walked into the room, closing the door behind him. The two of them took a seat to begin going over the documents.

"Well? So whatcha' got detective? Anybody stand out?? Think we got a potential culprit or culprits singled out??" Isamu asked with eager anticipation.

"Cool your jets there my friend. Give me a sec." Katashi replied brashly.

He started scanning through the papers. Almost every person was already excluded from suspicion so he skipped over those. After a couple minutes in silence he stopped at one. Isamu raised an eyebrow.

"Well that Kaito kid is interesting. He comes from a rather fucked up home having no mother and an abusive father. Yet he didn't read as someone who would want to commit anything heinous or cruel. If anything he's as determined as we are to solve this case. While it's not entirely uncommon for kids to have dysfunctional home settings, antisocial personalities and remain entirely distant from others... If I'm to be honest only one individual really has me curious. This girl... The way she spoke with that tone of voice, her rather calm yet cold demeanor, how everything in her personal life from her views of those around her to the trauma she endured growing up to end up with a negligent relative that shows little to no care towards her... Seems to have affected her mental psyche. Her responses hit me different then everyone else..." Katashi explained.

"Kaito sounds like a great kid I agree. But you seem intrigued about this girl you just rambled on about afterwards. Who is she?" Isamu asked.

Katashi had paused for a moment to review the paper over closely. He took a deep breath, pressing a finger to the paper and answering;

"...Ayame Chisato. That's her name."