Renjiro's pulse quickened. Katsuro knew about him, but how much?
As he debated his next move, the sound of footsteps approached from behind. He spun around, ready to defend himself, only to find Aiko staring at him, confused.
"Renjiro, what are you doing here?" she asked, tilting her head.
He hesitated, scrambling for an excuse. "Uh... I thought I left my notebook in the faculty room."
Her brow furrowed. "You're acting weird today. Are you sure you're okay?"
Before he could respond, the faculty room door creaked open, and Katsuro stepped out. His eyes met Renjiro's, and for a split second, time seemed to freeze.
"Ah, a student," Katsuro said, smiling politely. "Can I help you with something?"
Renjiro forced a sheepish grin. "No, sir. Just looking for my notebook."
Katsuro's smile didn't falter, but his eyes betrayed him—sharp, calculating. "Be careful not to wander too much. Some places are off-limits."
With that, he walked away, leaving Renjiro and Aiko standing in the hallway.
"What's his problem?" Aiko muttered.
Renjiro didn't answer. His mind was already piecing together Katsuro's plan. The man had planted something, or was about to. Renjiro had to figure it out before it was too late.