> I couldn't bring myself to tell her.
That the boy with the knife, with the shadow in his eyes — was me.
But her story… it was a mirror of mine.
And there's no way that's just a coincidence.
No… this is fate.
— After that, — Chiori continued, as if telling just another boring fact — I rented a small house on the outskirts. Still live there.
— That's… really touching. I'm sorry. It must've been painful.
She gave a faint smile. The kind that brushes sympathy aside like it's routine.
— Don't be. I hardly remember my parents. I'm trying to forget the past anyway.
— Well… alright…
— Alright, class dismissed! — the teacher's voice rang out, and with it, the atmosphere of her confession vanished like smoke.
> Four more classes to go... Chemistry, history, biology, and English... Pure torture.
And I've got barely any money left — 356,988 yen. Enough to last maybe a month.
And now… I feel like I have to look out for her too. Even if I don't show it.
Damn it. I'm getting out of here.
I was almost out the door when I heard a soft voice:
— Wait! — Chiori stood slightly from her seat. — Where are you going?
— Huh? Uh… got called in for work. Urgent. Sorry I didn't mention it.
— Oh, I see. Well… take care, Fio.
— You too. See ya.
> Phew. Free at last.
School lessons kill faster than a blade to the ribs.
Time to… make some cash.
...
> A dim basement. The scent of blood. Damp cement floors.
The cold metal table — all too familiar.
Sixteen people. Different faces. Same ending.
Thud — the last one drops.
> Three kidneys. Six eyeballs. A couple of hearts.
All accounted for. Not a great haul, but decent. Maybe two million if I don't haggle.
I left like always — silent, trace-free.
— Here to cash in?
— Yeah. Everything's here.
— Same warehouse. Nakume, pay him.
— Done. Check the amount.
> Nice. 2.7 million. More than expected.
Home. I need sleep. No thinking. No memories.
Night. Streets silent. The city looked… dead.
— Fio!
I flinched. Chiori?
— What are you doing out here? It's almost midnight! — her voice was sharp, laced with concern.
— Huh? Just heading home from work. You?
— I went to the store. Ran out of groceries.
— I see… well, alright. See you tomorrow then.
— Bye.
> Why did I run into her… today, of all days? At this exact hour?
And why does it feel like this is only the beginning…
of something much darker — and far more important?