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The next morning, the sun rose softly over the quiet town. Kirota Hoshigawa slowly opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling for a moment before letting out a long yawn. He climbed out of bed, stretched, and walked to the bathroom. After brushing his teeth, he returned to his room and put on his school uniform. Slinging his bag over his shoulder, his eyes caught a photograph on the desk — one of him and his sister holding hands, smiling warmly. For a brief moment, his usually cold expression softened.
With a deep breath, he turned and left the room, closing the door gently behind him.
Outside, an elderly woman sweeping the walkway greeted him with a warm smile. "Good morning, Kirota."
"Morning," he replied.
She looked worried. "Did you hear? There was another murder last night."
Kirota frowned. "Another? I thought the last victim was a police officer who just disappeared."
The woman shook her head. "People are scared. My grandson won't even leave the house anymore. You should be careful too."
Kirota nodded. "I will. I'm already late." He waved quickly and ran toward school.
---
Bursting into the classroom, slightly out of breath, Kirota faced the teacher's unimpressed gaze.
"Late again, Hoshigawa. But with the Blackgrave on the loose, I suppose no one can blame you."
Kirota gave a sheepish laugh and took his seat. Across the room, Ayame Tsukino glanced at him but said nothing. He sighed.
"Morning," he said quietly.
No response.
He looked at her again, then slowly looked away. The classroom buzzed with whispers as the teacher took a phone call.
Leaning slightly toward Ayame, Kirota spoke softly. "You know... you could make friends if you wanted. You've got the looks."
Her cold voice replied, "I like being alone."
Kirota blinked, surprised. "You like being alone? Why? What's wrong with having friends?"
She turned toward him, eyes sharp. "Look who's talking. You sit alone, too. Don't ask me what you won't ask yourself."
He had no reply.
A beat of silence passed, then she asked, "Where were you when the last murder happened?"
"At home," he said. "Why?"
"Because the Blackgrave appeared right after you came to town. The timing is suspicious. Are you the Blackgrave?"
Kirota's eyes widened. "Huh?"
Before he could answer, a student burst in, shouting, "There's been another murder!"
He raised his phone, showing a photo of a dead body in broad daylight.
Gasps filled the room.
"What...?" someone whispered. "The Blackgrave always killed at night!"
"Don't tell me he's changing tactics," said another.
Chaos erupted.
The teacher raised a hand, trying to calm everyone.
Ayame looked at Kirota. "Maybe I was wrong. You're here now, so it couldn't be you."
Kirota laughed nervously. That was close... But who's using my name?
"Ayame," he asked, "how can I make it up to you?"
"It's fine," she said. "If I were you, I'd suspect me too."
Suddenly, she slammed her desk. "No, I judged too quickly. I want to make it right."
She scribbled an address on a piece of paper and handed it to him. "Meet me here after school. I'll buy you something to eat."
The bell rang. She left.
Kirota muttered, "What was that about?"
A classmate grinned. "Lucky you! Nobody's ever gone out with Ayame before. Teach me your ways!"
Kirota chuckled softly.
Suddenly, a black cat meowed by the window.
He stood. "I have to go."
---
Behind the school, Kirota met the black cat.
"Someone used your name to kill," it said softly. "And now the blame is on you."
Kirota clicked his tongue. "Tch. I know. Whoever did this will pay."
The cat chuckled.
Kirota narrowed his eyes. "Why are you laughing?"
"Because you sound so cold."
"Do you know who it is?"
"No. But I warn you: the one using your name belongs to Fairy Tale."
Kirota frowned. "Fairy Tale? Like the stories? Dragons, wizards, snow white...?"
"No. This Fairy Tale is a group of witches."
Kirota touched his jaw thoughtfully. "A witch, huh? Finally... something interesting to kill."
His face hardened as he turned away.
The cat shivered. Sometimes, you really scare me.
---
That afternoon, Kirota walked to the address Ayame had given him.
She arrived wearing a simple blue dress.
"I'm glad you came. Let's go."
Kirota blinked. No hello? No small talk? He sighed and followed.
They sat at a quiet café. Ayame ordered a huge bowl of ice cream.
Kirota stared, surprised. I didn't know girls could eat that much...
He glanced around. A girl nearby handed an old man a cup of tea, which he accepted with a smile.
"There's a reason I brought you here," Ayame said, breaking the silence.
"Yeah? What is it?"
"You can't eat here alone. You have to come with a partner — family or a date."
"Then why not bring your family?"
Her face darkened. "My dad's busy... and someone murdered my mother."
Kirota's eyes widened. "I'm sorry."
"I made it my goal to find whoever did it."
Suddenly, the old man at the next table collapsed.
"Are you okay?!" people shouted, rushing over.
He wasn't breathing.
Kirota froze. Ayame's eyes narrowed.
"Damn it... I was too late."
Kirota looked at her, speechless.
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To be continued...
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