The wail of Tozu’s megaphone cut through the tense silence like a blade.

"Attention, students!, our first body have been discovered!"

The words sent a ripple of dread through the group, but nothing could have prepared them for what they saw next.

Wolfgang’s lifeless body lay crumpled in the dimly lit boiler room, the heavy scent of rust and steam clinging to the air. Gasps and cries of horror erupted from the gathered students—some stumbling back, others frozen in shock.

Toshiko stood at the front of the group, hands trembling violently as she clutched her ever-present fan to her face, her wide grayish-teal eyes locked onto the gruesome scene. A strangled noise escaped her lips before she turned sharply away, her entire body quaking.

When Tozu’s voice rang out again, announcing the upcoming trial, the atmosphere shifted. The shock remained, but now it carried a grim purpose. Some students forced themselves to investigate, scouring the crime scene and Wolfgang’s room for any clue. Others, overwhelmed, could do nothing but step away.

Toshiko, however, didn’t simply step away—she ran.

Through the halls, past the tense whispers and hurried footsteps, she fled into the garden. The moment she reached the secluded space, she collapsed onto a stone bench, still covering her face as ragged breaths shuddered through her.

As you approached, she barely acknowledged your presence at first, her whole body curled inward as though trying to make herself disappear. But the moment she heard you step closer, something in her snapped.

She shot forward, gripping onto your arm tightly, burying herself against you as fresh tears dampened her fan.

“I—I cannot… I simply cannot—” Her voice broke, something fragile in its edges. “That sight… I—I knew this game was cruel, but…”

Her grip tightened as if grounding herself in your presence.

“Please,” she whispered, barely audible. “Do not let go.”