Akira had been busy in the restaurant all night, and I quietly stayed by his side the entire time.
It was good for him to experience life on his own. He couldn't rely on me forever. Besides, I had already left him ahead of time. I smiled bitterly to myself, looking at my semi-transparent body, noticing that it had become even more transparent compared to a few days ago. How much longer could I accompany him in this form? It wouldn't be long before I completely disappeared.
But seeing Akira capable of taking care of himself before I left was a comfort. The only thing that worried me was his bad habit of killing people indiscriminately.
When Akira finished his shift, the sky was already beginning to brighten. He returned home, made a simple fried egg, and prepared to catch up on sleep. However, a knock on the door interrupted him. The school had given a break due to Chizuru's tragic death, so who would be looking for Akira at this hour? Or rather, looking for Kawashima Megumi.
Akira frowned, got up reluctantly from the bed, and looked through the peephole. Then, he calmly went back to his room, put on a wig, and opened the door.
It was the officer who had previously taken Akira's statement. He was dressed in plain clothes, not a uniform.
"Miss Kawashima, I'm sorry to disturb you so early, but I still have some questions about the case," the officer said bluntly, without a hint of apology. His expression was even more severe than during their last conversation.
"Please come in." Akira stepped aside to let him in.
The officer entered, discreetly observing the room's decor before sitting down at the dining table. Akira took a seat opposite him.
"I forgot to introduce myself last time. My name is Makoto Watanabe." Despite not wearing a uniform, Watanabe exuded an intimidating presence.
"Mr. Watanabe, you can ask your questions directly," Akira replied calmly, showing no sign of panic.
Watanabe looked at Akira, a slight smile forming on his lips.
"Miss Kawashima, you're remarkably composed. Not quite like an ordinary high school girl."
I couldn't help but shake my head. Of course, because he's not a girl at all.
Akira returned the smile politely. "Mr. Watanabe, your words are ambiguous. Can't a girl be calm? I'm not afraid of your visit, so why shouldn't I be calm?"
Watanabe was slightly taken aback by Akira's response, then smiled.
"You're right, that was impolite of me."
"Please, get to the point. I have other things to do." I could sense Akira's patience wearing thin. Honestly, I was a bit worried that this officer might end up as another victim.
Watanabe slowly took out a folder and pulled out a photograph. The picture showed a thick pipe. My face changed immediately upon seeing it.
This was the pipe Akira had used to kill Chizuru.
I recalled that Akira hadn't disposed of the weapon or wiped off the fingerprints. He had left it sticking straight out of Chizuru's throat. Naturally, the police would examine it and find Akira's fingerprints.
"Miss Kawashima, can you explain why your fingerprints are on this pipe, which happens to be the murder weapon?"
I was puzzled. Akira's fingerprints were different from mine, so how did the police suspect him? Akira didn't seem surprised, taking the photograph and examining it closely.
"This pipe looks familiar," Akira said, touching his chin. "I remember now. This pipe was in one of the toilet stalls. I saw it when I was using the restroom."
Watanabe raised an eyebrow. "So why are your fingerprints on it?"
Akira chuckled. "I believe the police found more than just my fingerprints on it, right?"
"Indeed. We plan to question everyone whose fingerprints were found."
Akira shook his head and sighed. "Then you'll have a lot of work to do."
Watanabe frowned, puzzled.
Akira got up, poured himself a glass of water, and took a sip before speaking slowly.
"Mr. Watanabe, do you know why this pipe was in that stall? And why it has so many fingerprints?"
"Go on."
"The pipe was placed horizontally between two elevated gaps. Some girls would use it for support when getting up after using the toilet," Akira explained, playing with the glass in his hand. "I have low blood sugar, and sometimes I get dizzy when standing up quickly. So, I used the pipe for support that day. I'm sure the other fingerprints are from people who did the same. If you don't believe me, you can ask around."
Watanabe's expression didn't change much, but he smiled.
"You're right, but what if the murderer thought the same and used the pipe to clear suspicion?"
Akira shrugged, looking innocent. "How should I know? Mr. Watanabe, the pipe has many fingerprints. Why are you fixated on me? Do you have a bias against me?" He then added with a knowing look, "I understand your suspicion since I had a conflict with Chizuru before. But I suggest you investigate others too. Instead of wasting time on me, it might be more productive to check other suspects."
I was astonished by Akira's eloquence. Despite never having attended school, his logic and reasoning were impeccable. His ability to remain calm and lie effortlessly, even to a police officer, was remarkable.
Watanabe was speechless. He scrutinized Akira for a long moment before standing up.
"I've asked all my questions. Miss Kawashima, I will continue investigating this case. I hope the evidence doesn't point to you in the end."
Akira began to shake the glass more vigorously, droplets splashing against the sides.
"I won't disappoint you. The door is that way. Goodbye."
After Watanabe left, Akira's smile vanished, his expression turning serious, his lips pressed into a thin line.
It seemed the officer was determined to pursue this to the end.
Due to the brutality of the murder and its occurrence in a crowded school, even the administration couldn't suppress the news. Rumors spread quickly, and soon the whole of Japan was aware, creating widespread fear. The police were overwhelmed, but fortunately, no one had come looking for Akira in the past few days.
Akira didn't remain idle. He spent his days at the table, sharpening a gleaming dagger. His fingers were long and strong, his movements skilled and precise. The blade's sharp edge reflected a cold light under the dim lamp, matching his stern expression. His eyes were focused, deep and unyielding, like a frozen lake. The grinding sound of the knife on the whetstone was like the wind rustling through dry branches on a winter night. Even in such concentration, his face remained impassive, only the slight furrow of his brow indicating his meticulous attention to the blade. Occasionally, he paused to brush away debris with his fingers before resuming the grinding.
The dagger grew sharper with each pass, its brilliance increasing. His gaze never wavered from the blade, cold and focused, as if the world had frozen at that moment. His presence, like the dagger, was icy and formidable, exuding an unapproachable chill.
A few weeks later, the school resumed normal classes. The incident had brought some unexpected benefits to "Kawashima Megumi." While no one believed the gentle "Kawashima Megumi" could be the killer, many thought the murderer was a justice-driven psychopath lurking in the school. This kept everyone on their best behavior, even making Misaki Suzuki more reserved.
Despite Akira's high intelligence and resemblance to me, he sometimes struggled to keep up with the teachers due to his lack of formal education. He sat in the corner of the classroom, spinning a pen rapidly between his fingers, his brow furrowed, and his gaze fixed on his notebook. Curious, I leaned in to see what he was working on, only to be stunned.
The notebook didn't contain any schoolwork. Instead, it listed names: Misaki, Mai, Riko, Chizuru, Makoto Watanabe. Chizuru's name had already been crossed out.
A chill ran down my spine as I realized Akira's intention. Was he planning to eliminate everyone who had wronged me? And Watanabe too, probably because he was bothering Akira.
Akira's eyes burned with intensity as he stared at the names.
At that moment, a girl tapped him on the shoulder.
Almost instantly, Akira turned, putting away the notebook, his eyes filled with suspicion. The girl was startled and quickly waved her hands.
"Megumi, it's me."
Akira didn't recognize her but seeing she meant no harm, he relaxed a bit.
"What is it?"
I knew this girl well—Ayaka Yamada. She was the only one who had been kind to me at school. She often brought me snacks and helped bandage my wounds, kind and gentle. However, she was timid and never stood up for me when I was bullied. I understood; we weren't related, and she had no obligation to risk herself for me. Her kindness was precious in such an environment, giving me a glimmer of warmth and hope.
I was nervous now, fearing Akira might consider her a target too.
Ayaka looked down, unable to meet Akira's gaze.
"Sato wants to see you. He's waiting outside the classroom." She hesitated.
"I'm not going," Akira replied flatly, turning away to end the conversation.
Ayaka sighed, "Megumi, are you still angry with him? I actually think he's been quite good to you; he really wants to get back together."
"Back together?" Akira latched onto the key word. "Who is this Sato Satoru to me?"
Ayaka looked at Akira in confusion. "He's your ex. You two were quite affectionate before. Suzuki Misaki's dislike of you is because of Sato."
Akira frowned and remained silent, causing me to feel a pang of guilt.
I hadn't told Akira about dating Sato Satoru. I thought Akira wouldn't care or would be indifferent to whom I was seeing. But seeing his serious expression now, I realized I was wrong.
After a moment, Akira slowly spoke, "Let me ask you something. Do you remember why I broke up with him?"
Ayaka, always straightforward, answered, "You saw him shopping with Suzuki Misaki. But they might just be friends. Please forgive him, Megumi."
Upon hearing this, Akira put down his pen.
"Take me to see him," he said, standing up.
Ayaka led Akira out of the classroom, where they met the waiting Sato Satoru. He was leaning against the wall with his eyes cast down, looking as if he hadn't rested well.
"Megumi," he straightened up as soon as he saw Akira.
"What do you want to say? Hurry up," Akira said, his tone filled with impatience.
Sato Satoru thought that "Kawashima Megumi" was finally willing to communicate with him, and his eyes showed undeniable surprise. "Misaki and I... it's not what you think."
"What you do is none of my business. If you're here to reconcile, then I'm telling you now, go away." Akira scoffed, as if hearing the greatest joke, and turned to leave.
"And also, I must have been blind to ever like you," Akira added disdainfully before going back into the classroom.
I burst out laughing. I knew Akira was referring to me as the one who was blind. His retort to Sato was incredibly satisfying. If it had been me, I wouldn't have dared to say such things. But soon, my smile faded as I saw Akira write a new name in his notebook: Sato Satoru.
I sighed. Honestly, I don't care who Akira wants to kill; I'm actually quite relieved if he can avenge me. I hope those who have hurt me all suffer, but I can't do it. Clearly, Akira can. But I'm afraid Akira might be arrested or become a murderer. After all, his safety is the only thing I care about in this world.
I saw Akira write something else in his notebook and couldn't help but lean in for a closer look.
On the blank page, four black characters were written:
"Idiot Sister"