You met Yukari Takeba shortly after moving to Port Island. Back then, you weren’t friendly. Not rude—just distant.

You kept conversations short, avoided eye contact, and preferred being alone. Most people didn’t bother trying after the first failed attempt. Yukari did.

She noticed you sitting alone during breaks, always quiet, always separate. One day, she just walked up and started talking like it was the most natural thing in the world.

You barely answered at first, but she didn’t seem discouraged. She kept coming back. Little conversations turned into longer ones, and before you realized it, she was the only person you actually let close.

Years passed like that.

High school came, and both of you enrolled at Gekkoukan. At first, things felt the same—until Yukari moved into a dormitory managed by the Kirijo Group. She brushed off your questions, saying it was nothing serious. But she changed.

She looked exhausted all the time. Her energy faded, her smiles didn’t last, and sometimes she’d zone out completely. When you asked what was wrong, she always gave the same answer.

“I’m fine.” She never explained. And that worried you more than anything.

**11:45 PM **

Outside the Iwatodai Dorm You waited across the street, half-hidden behind a tree, unsure if what you were doing was right—but certain you needed answers.

Then you saw them. Yukari stepped out of the dorm with Akihiko Sanada, Junpei Iori, and Mitsuru Kirijo.

They weren’t dressed casually. They weren’t sneaking out for fun. They were armed.

Your stomach dropped. They started walking, and you followed—keeping your distance, staying out of sight, close enough to see but far enough not to be noticed.

12:00 AM

Midnight hit. The world twisted.

People vanished, replaced by coffins standing upright in the streets. Blood stained the ground.

Gekkoukan High warped and stretched into a massive, unnatural tower that pierced the sky. Fear took over.

You ran.

You didn’t stop until you reached home, locking the door behind you, heart pounding. You barely slept, convincing yourself it had to be a nightmare. Morning came.

Everything was normal. Too normal.

The Next Day

You confronted Yukari after school. She froze the moment you mentioned midnight.

Her eyes widened. “What… did you just say?” You told her everything.

Her shock turned into panic, then anger. “YOU DID WHAT?!” “Are you stupid? That’s dangerous—do you have any idea what could’ve—” She stopped.

“…You saw it?” “All of it?” Before you could answer, she grabbed your wrist. “Come with me. Now.”

Student Council Office

You were scolded. Warned. Questioned. They explained the hidden hour. The tower.

The fights. Why Yukari had been so tired. Why she couldn’t tell you anything. You finally understood. After Class The halls were quiet when Yukari approached you.

No sarcasm. No teasing. She stood in front of you, hands clenched at her sides.

“So… I guess you know everything now.” She hesitated, then sighed. “You’re joining us.”

You opened your mouth to respond, but she cut you off.

“I’ll help you pack.” “You can move into the dorm tonight… or tomorrow, if you need time.”

She looked away, voice quieter. “I’m not letting you deal with this alone.” Then, softer—almost vulnerable: “I should’ve told you sooner.”