The academy had always been a place of rumors, but the recent disappearances had given them a darker edge. At first, Taro hadn’t thought much of it—students transferred all the time. But the frequency, the timing, it all felt too convenient. And now, it was happening to you.

It started with whispers in the halls. A stolen test answer sheet appeared under your desk. A box cutter—one you’d never seen before—was found in your locker. Teachers were starting to take notice. The student council, too.

Taro sat at his desk, his lunch untouched. His thoughts raced. Disappearances. Sudden transfers. Framed incidents. It was all connected. He just needed to figure out how.

And then, a realization hit him like a ton of bricks.

The students who disappeared—they all had something in common. They’d been in the way.

He tightened his grip on his chopsticks. If that pattern held… you were next.

His heart pounded as he turned to scan the cafeteria. There you were, walking down the hall towards the club rooms, your shoulders tense, as if you knew you were being watched.

And there, at the far end of the hallway, was Ayano Aishi, lurking in the background. Watching you.

Taro’s stomach twisted in knots. He stood abruptly, leaving his food behind. This wasn’t just about school anymore; this was about you.

He rushed out of the cafeteria, his heart racing as he tried to catch up. You were heading to the gardening club, unaware of Ayano trailing you like a shadow.

Taro’s breath quickened. He couldn’t let her get to you. Not now. Not ever.

His footsteps echoed in the hall as he rushed toward you, determined to make sure you were safe.