Time: 8:12 a.m.
The classroom buzzed with its usual noise-shuffling feet, half-asleep greetings, the occasional yawn. But Haruki sat in silence, staring out the window as sunlight poured in over the buildings.
To anyone watching, he looked like just another quiet high school student.
Inside, though, his mind was somewhere else entirely.
Kuroyama Shrine.
The name echoed like a whisper stuck behind his ribs. His fingers brushed the pendant tucked beneath his shirt-it felt warmer today, like it was reacting to something nearby.
He hadn't opened the envelope. Not yet. Something told him he'd know when the time was right.
"Yo, space cadet." A hand slapped his desk. Haruki blinked and looked up to see Kaito grinning down at him. "You alive in there?"
"Barely," Haruki muttered.
"Let me guess, you were up all night watching conspiracy videos again?"
"Something like that."
Kaito laughed and dropped into his seat.
"You've got that look again, like you just found out your family's secretly royal."
Haruki gave a weak smile.
If only he knew.
Their teacher walked in, starting roll call. Haruki turned his attention to the front of the class just in time to notice a new student stepping in behind the teacher.
She was quiet, tall, with long black hair tied neatly at the back. Her eyes swept across the classroom... then paused briefly on Haruki.
Just a second.
But he felt it. Like a chill.
Or recognition.
"We have a transfer student today. This is Ayame. Make her feel welcoте."
Ayame bowed slightly. "It's a pleasure to meet you all."
She took the empty seat across the room-but her eyes didn't leave him for long.
And beneath his shirt, the pendant burned again just a flicker.
But enough to make Haruki wonder.
Lunch came faster than expected.
Haruki sat on the rooftop, his usual quiet spot, away from the cafeteria noise. He needed space to think. He pulled out the notebook again, flipping to the page that mentioned Kuroyama Shrine.
The handwriting was his father's. Neat. Controlled. Every line felt like it held weight.
"Do not return until he's ready."
Ready for what?
He traced the words with his finger, barely noticing the soft footsteps behind him.
"You're reading something interesting."
He nearly jumped. Ayame stood behind him, lunch tray in hand. Her expression was calm, but her gaze-sharp, focused.
"How'd you find me?" he asked, trying not to sound shaken.
"I saw you leave. This spot's... quiet." She sat down beside him without waiting for permission. "I like quiet."
Haruki slid the notebook shut and shoved it into his bag.
"You're not very subtle," she said.
"What?"
"That pendant you keep touching. It glows."
He froze.
"You saw it?"
"Not clearly. But I know energy when I feel it." She unwrapped her rice ball slowly, as if this was just casual rooftop talk. "You should be careful. Some things are better hidden."
Haruki's heartbeat quickened. "Who are you?"
"I'm just a student," she said, biting into her lunch. "For now."
And just like that, she stood up, brushing off her skirt.
"See you around, Haruki."
She walked off, leaving him stunned-and very, very aware that things were no longer just in his head.
Someone else knew.
And she was watching.
Next Chapter Teaser:
The letter is finally opened. Secrets spill like flame. And shadows begin to close in...