Yuzuki gently slid one of the bento boxes toward the Korobokkuru. "Here, you all worked so hard—enjoy!" she said with a warm smile. The little Korobokkuru's eyes sparkled with excitement as they carefully lifted the box together, carrying it to the center of the room. There, they formed a cheerful circle, dividing the food among themselves with remarkable cooperation, each taking small, polite portions and happily munching away, their soft chatter and laughter filling the once-silent space.
Turning her attention to the boy, Yuzuki carefully helped him sit up and lean against the wall beneath the window, making sure he was comfortable. She glanced at one of the Korobokkuru and asked, "Do you still have the water bottle from earlier?" The little creature perked up, nodded, and darted off, soon returning with the bottle clutched in its tiny hands. It passed the bottle to Yuzuki, then scampered back to the circle to rejoin its friends.
Yuzuki twisted open the cap and, cradling the boy's face gently to avoid any discomfort, brought the bottle to his lips. She tilted it just enough for him to take a few sips, supporting his head with care. He twitched slightly, a faint sign of consciousness returning, his breathing now steady and his eyes half-open.
Setting the water aside, Yuzuki opened her own bento. The aroma—savory simmered beef with onions, fluffy white rice, and sweet simmered carrots—wafted through the air, making even the boy's nose twitch. She picked up a small piece of the beef, then gently opened his mouth and placed it inside. The boy's jaw moved slowly, chewing as if on instinct, the taste coaxing him further awake.
Yuzuki smiled, relieved, and began eating her own meal, taking a bite herself before offering another to the boy. With each bite, he grew more responsive, eventually opening his mouth on his own for each new morsel, like an obedient child. The minutes slipped by quietly, the bento gradually emptying as they shared the meal.
When the food was gone, Yuzuki closed the box and held out the water bottle to him. For a moment, he simply stared at it, as if unsure what to do. Then, slowly, he reached out, his hand trembling just slightly, and took the bottle from her. Yuzuki's smile widened as she stood and gathered the empty bento boxes. As she busied herself with closing them, she heard the soft sound of the boy taking a sip—proof that he was truly awake and beginning to recover.
With only a little time left before she needed to return to class and finish her incomplete notes from the first two periods, Yuzuki stood and walked over to the boy. She knelt in front of him, her voice gentle but firm. "I'm glad you're recovering, baby boy! Now it's time for your nap again. Or else you won't recover!" she said, giving him a small, encouraging smile.
The boy parted his lips, as if trying to speak, but no sound came out. Instantly, the little Korobokkuru rushed to his side, tugging at his sleeves and gently urging him to lie back down.
Yuzuki watched as the Korobokkurus settled him down, her gaze lingering on his bandaged wounds. A frown creased her brow. Who could have done such a thing to him? she wondered, the question heavy in her mind.
Suddenly, her thoughts snapped back to the present. She stood up, determination in her eyes. "I'll visit you guys tonight as well, okay? Till then, take care!" she called out, already moving toward the door.
The Korobokkuru gathered by the boy, waving their tiny hands and calling, "I see you!"—their own way of thanking her as she dashed out, her heart both lighter and heavier at once.
🎶🎵Kin-kon... kan-kon...🎵🎶
As the final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, Yuzuki packed her bag and began making her way out of the classroom, still walking with a deliberate limp to keep up the appearance of her injured ankle. Just as she reached the door, Kaito's voice called out from behind, "Don't forget about the meetup!"
Yuzuki paused, turning to study his face for a moment. "Yeah…" she replied, her tone nonchalant but her eyes lingering on him a second longer, before turning away.
Reina quickly caught up to her, falling into step beside Yuzuki. "I'll walk you home this time," she promised, her voice gentle and supportive. Together, the two girls left the classroom, Yuzuki's careful steps and Reina's quiet presence drawing a subtle line of solidarity between them.
As the clock struck 6:45 PM, Yuzuki knelt in the entryway, tying her shoelaces with practiced speed. "Mom! I'm going out. I'll be back in a few hours," she called out.
Her mom came rushing in, eyes wide with worry. "WHY? IS SOMEONE DEAD?????" she exclaimed, clearly bracing for the worst.
Yuzuki couldn't help but laugh. "No, Mom. I'm just seeing a friend. I'll be back before you know it!" she promised, flashing a reassuring smile.
Her mother relaxed, chuckling as she wagged a finger. "Alright then, sweety. Be back by 8:30 PM. Not more than that!"
"Yes yes, Mom!" Yuzuki replied, swinging the door open.
Her mom called after her, "You took your phone, right?"
"YESS!" Yuzuki shouted back, already halfway out the door. "Byee!" she added, dashing into the evening, excitement and nerves mingling in her chest.
She was finally going to uncover the truth—what could be better than that? The anticipation sent a thrill through her veins. With determination in her step and questions swirling in her mind, Yuzuki dashed off toward the school, ready to face whatever secrets the night might reveal.
As Yuzuki reached the school gate, she stopped short—Kaito was waiting behind the bars, but not in his usual uniform. Instead, he wore a full kamishimo: a crisp black kimono beneath wide, pleated hakama trousers, and a sleeveless jacket with stiff, exaggerated shoulders—the kataginu. Heavy, structured fabric adorned with family crests (mon) on the chest, back, and sleeves marked his lineage and authority. The silhouette was unmistakably regal, designed to project dignity and command respect.
At his side hung a long katana, sheathed in a lacquered scabbard. The hilt was wrapped in intricate silk cord, the fittings gleaming faintly even in the fading light. The sword was both a ceremonial symbol and a reminder of ancient tradition, its presence both intimidating and awe-inspiring.
"Kaito-kun?" Yuzuki breathed, her voice barely above a whisper as she took in the formal, almost fearsome sight.
I was right, she thought, her heart pounding. There's something up with those outfits—him, his father, the student council, and their parents. They serve a purpose. And I don't know it yet. Pushing open the gate, Yuzuki stepped inside, determination and curiosity sharpening her senses as she prepared to finally learn the truth.
Kaito strode up to her and extended his hand, his tone clipped. "Take my hand."
Yuzuki hesitated, glancing at his outstretched palm. "I—I'd prefer not to. It's not appropriate," she replied, her voice uncertain.
"And it was appropriate during the storm?" he countered, his gaze unwavering.
She stared at him, caught off guard by the memory, then sighed. Just as she reached out, he abruptly dropped his hand to his side. "Too late," he said flatly, turning on his heel and heading into the school.
What? What's up with him? Why so much attitude all of a sudden? Yuzuki fumed, annoyance prickling beneath her skin as she hurried after him.
Trailing behind, she noticed Kaito glancing back a few times, checking that she was still there. The silence between them grew heavy until Yuzuki finally broke it. "Okay… just me or is what you're wearing a little off for the occasion?"
"Oh, sorry—didn't realize I needed your fashion approval to exist. Next time I'll dress to match your insecurities," Kaito shot back, his words cool and dismissive.
WHAT THE HELL? Why's he showing me attitude? What'd I even do? Yuzuki thought, her confusion mounting.
They continued in silence, winding up staircases and through empty corridors for what felt like ages.
"Where are we going? And when'll you tell me everything?" Yuzuki finally asked, her patience thinning.
"Relax—we're not even there yet and you're already dying for spoilers? Try patience. It's a thing," Kaito replied, not even slowing his pace.
UGH. What a reply, Yuzuki seethed internally, deciding it was pointless to keep trying.
After what felt like a half hour, they finally reached the third floor—only to keep climbing. Yuzuki eyed the next flight of stairs. "We're going to the rooftop?" she guessed.
"Gold star for observation. Want a medal too?" Kaito tossed over his shoulder.
And that was the last straw. Yuzuki clamped her mouth shut, determined not to say another word if all she'd get were snarky comebacks. She followed in silence, her irritation simmering as they ascended toward the rooftop.
They climbed the stairs, Yuzuki's footsteps echoing in the unnatural hush. But instead of the expected rooftop door, they emerged onto… another floor.
Huh? Was… there always another floor? Yuzuki's mind reeled. No. There were only three floors in this building. How did another one appear? The corridor stretched before her, dimly lit and eerily silent, the air thick with a cold, stale draft that didn't belong.
Without a word, Kaito pressed on, leading her to yet another staircase spiraling upward into shadow. Yuzuki's skin prickled as she climbed—Another one? Another floor? Two floors I never knew existed? Each step felt heavier, as if the building itself was warping around them, swallowing the familiar and replacing it with something wrong.
They turned a final corner on what had to be the fifth floor. The corridor was unnaturally long, lined with doors that seemed to lean inward, as if listening. At the end loomed a massive set of double doors, their surface dark and polished, almost reflective in the weak light. Above, in weathered gold letters, the sign read:MP HALL B
A multipurpose hall… on the fifth floor? Yuzuki's breath caught. The air here felt colder, heavier—each sound muffled, as if the walls themselves were holding their breath. The silence pressed in, thick and expectant. The hall's door seemed to pulse faintly, as though something on the other side was waiting, listening, aware.
Kaito stopped, his silhouette stark against the door's shadow. For a moment, neither of them moved. The corridor behind them seemed to stretch endlessly, the way back lost to darkness. Yuzuki's heart thudded, every instinct screaming that this was a place not meant to exist—a secret floor, a hidden hall, and a truth she was never meant to find.
"K-Kaito? I-I-I'm sorry but… I-I-I guess I need to run along now. I'm—I'm getting late," Yuzuki stammered, her voice trembling as she began to turn away, desperate to escape the suffocating atmosphere of the mysterious fifth floor.
But before she could take a step, a firm grip seized her wrist, spinning her back around. Kaito's face was inches from hers, his expression unreadable, eyes cold and unyielding. "You're going nowhere," he said, his voice low and commanding as he loomed over her.
Without another word, Kaito dragged her toward the massive doors of the MP Hall. Yuzuki's protests echoed down the empty corridor—"NO! NO! NO!!!"—but his grip was ironclad, far stronger than she'd ever imagined. Her struggles were useless against his relentless strength, and within seconds, the doors yawned open, swallowing them both into the shadowy depths of the hall.
Inside, darkness swallowed everything—so absolute that Yuzuki couldn't see her own hands, only feel Kaito's unyielding grip dragging her deeper. Her voice echoed in the void as she pleaded, "Stop! No! Let me go!" but Kaito offered no response, his silence chilling.
Suddenly, he halted. For a moment, there was nothing but the sound of their breathing. Then, with a low hum, a harsh red light burst to life beneath their feet. The floor blazed with an intricate, perfectly drawn circle—its lines razor-sharp, looping into arcane patterns that pulsed with a sinister glow.
From the edge of the circle, seven figures emerged from the darkness, their faces illuminated by the crimson light:
Kaito's father
Shiranui Haruki (Student Council President) and his father
Kurosawa Ren (Vice President) and his father
Aihara Nozomi (Haruki's girlfriend) and her father
Behind them, standing just outside the circle's reach, were three more figures:
Headmaster Kanzaki Ryouma
Homeroom teacher Yakumo Toma
Occult Studies teacher Yukimura Saya
The red glow cast their shadows long and monstrous, the silence suffocating. The circle's light flickered, reflecting off the ceremonial garments and stern faces—an audience of authority and secrets, all eyes fixed on Yuzuki. The air was thick with ritual and menace, and the purpose of this gathering pressed in, heavy and unknown.
Kaito's voice cut through the tense silence, low and deliberate:"Mikazuki Yuzuki. You—are…"
He paused, his gaze heavy with something unreadable. The red light flickered across his face as he continued, each word measured, almost ritualistic."You're the chosen one. The one who can see supernaturals—an ability that only appears in those meant for sacrifice. Everyone standing beside this circle… we're from exorcist families. For centuries, our duty has been to keep the gate to the supernatural realm sealed. The last time a sacrifice was made was generations ago, before the Sacrificing bloodline was wiped out by plague. Since then, no one thought another would appear."
Kaito's voice grew colder, more distant."But now, the gate won't close. We've grown weaker, and the only way left is to offer a sacrifice. If we don't, the supernatural world will merge with ours—permanently. And with this year being the Lunar Year, the merging will begin soon. There's no time. You're our only hope, Yuzuki. You'll help, won't you?"
Before she could process his words, cold hands seized her from behind. The Headmaster, Yakumo Toma, and Yukimura Saya moved with grim precision, binding her ankles to heavy chains anchored to the floor. Yuzuki screamed, thrashing as they forced her down, her shoulders pressed to the cold ground. Her wrists were shackled, the metal biting into her skin as the chains clinked and tightened.
"No! Please—stop! Let me go! I don't want this! Please!" Yuzuki's voice cracked, echoing off the cavernous walls.
But her pleas were drowned out as the figures around the circle began to chant, their voices rising in a chilling, ancient cadence. The red light pulsed, the symbols in the circle glowing brighter, the air growing thick with a supernatural energy that pressed in on Yuzuki from all sides.
And just then…
Just then, a thin cord whipped through the darkness—a kendama's string, ending in a heavy wooden ball. It struck with a sharp crack, knocking several exorcists off their feet as it snapped back into the shadows.
"Who's there?!" Haruki shouted, his voice slicing through the chaos. Around the circle, startled voices erupted in confusion and alarm.
To be Continued...