Tsukigakure woke up under the same pale sunlight, but the city didn’t feel the same. Cars moved,
people rushed to work, children waited for buses — everything looked normal. Yet conversations
everywhere carried a quiet tension, like a song played at a lower volume.
The news from yesterday had spread everywhere. Most people had already chosen a comfortable
explanation.
“A serial killer,” they said.
It was easier to believe in a human monster than something unknown.
School Morning
The classroom buzzed louder than usual. Normally students argued about games or homework, but
today every whisper circled back to the same topic.
“I swear bro, it’s a serial killer.”
“No normal killer does that…”
“My mom didn’t even let me step outside last night.”
The teacher walked in. “Settle down, everyone.”
The room went quiet, but the unease remained.
Near the window sat Satoshi Amagiri. He watched the street more than the board. He wasn’t loud,
but not distant either — balanced, calm, someone people naturally felt comfortable around.
Outside, everything looked fine. Inside, he felt a faint pressure in the air, like humidity before rain.
Hina
Two seats ahead, Hina Takamori turned slightly.
“You’re doing it again,” she whispered.
“Doing what?”
“Zoning out like you’re in some deep anime monologue.”
“Maybe I am.”
They smiled lightly. No awkwardness. Just comfort. After class she asked, “You walking home
later?”
“Yeah.”
“Good. I’ll come with you.”
The Friend Circle Arrives
“Oi, lovebirds.”
Ren Okabe’s voice cut in. Satoshi sighed. Hina looked away.
Ren laughed. “Discussing the murder case already?”
“We were talking about homework,” Hina replied.
“That’s worse.”
Daichi Moriyama adjusted his glasses. “Statistically speaking, you two pretend not to like each
other 63% of the time.”
Yui Nakamura burst out laughing. “Don’t expose them like that!”
Five friends. Five personalities. For a moment, the world felt ordinary.
Evening Walk
After school, they walked home under the orange sunset. Shops closed earlier than usual.
“City feels weird,” Yui said.
“Fear spreads faster than facts,” Daichi replied.
“Still think it’s a serial killer,” Ren added.
Hina glanced at Satoshi. “What do you think?”
“I think… it’s not random.”
As they passed a glass window, Satoshi saw a tall figure in the reflection. He blinked. Only the five
of them remained. The air suddenly felt heavier.
“You okay?” Hina asked softly.
“Yeah. Just tired.”
The Next Morning
Sirens replaced alarm clocks. Phones buzzed with breaking news.
Another body had been found. A man, skin unnaturally pale, eyes hollow, no deep wounds — yet
completely drained of life.
Students gathered again.
“No blood at the scene…”
“That’s impossible.”
“This is getting worse.”
Again, people repeated the same word — serial killer.
Satoshi Watches
Standing at the edge of the crowd, Satoshi kept his hands in his pockets. The invisible pressure
pulsed stronger now.
He wanted to act. But he couldn’t.
Not because he was afraid — because he didn’t know where the enemy truly was.
“They’re observing… not rushing,” he thought.
Behind him, Ren called out, “Yo Satoshi, you coming or planning to solve the case alone?”
Satoshi turned calmly. “Coming.”
Life continued. Buses moved. Students laughed. Shops opened.
But beneath the surface of normalcy, something unseen stirred.
And Satoshi knew — this normal day wouldn’t stay normal for long.
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