The hidden room changed everything. Aika and Yumi knew they had to act fast. With the police informed and a plan in place, they prepared to set the trap. The goal was simple: catch Ryohta in the act and put an end to his obsession once and for all.
Inspector Nakamura arrived at Aika's apartment with a team of officers. They set up hidden cameras in the living room and around the hidden door, ensuring that every angle was covered. Aika's apartment was now a carefully orchestrated stage, and Ryohta was the unwitting actor.
"We'll be monitoring everything from a van outside," Inspector Nakamura explained. "If he shows up, we'll move in immediately. But you need to act normal, Aika. Don't let him suspect anything."
Aika nodded, though her stomach was in knots. Acting normal was easier said than done when she knew Ryohta could be watching her at any moment. But she had no choice. This was their best chance to catch him.
That evening, Aika went through her usual routine. She made dinner, watched TV, and tried to relax, though every sound made her jump. Yumi stayed with her, providing much-needed support and keeping her grounded.
As the hours passed, the tension in the apartment grew. Aika's nerves were frayed, and she found herself glancing at the hidden door more often than she cared to admit. But there was no sign of Ryohta.
Just as they were beginning to think he wouldn't show, Aika's phone buzzed. It was a message from an unknown number: "I know what you're doing, Aika. But you can't catch me."
Her heart raced as she showed the message to Yumi. "He knows. He's onto us."
Yumi's face paled, but she remained calm. "We need to stick to the plan. He's trying to scare you, to throw you off. Don't let him."
Aika took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. She couldn't let Ryohta win. She had to stay strong.
The night wore on, and still, there was no sign of Ryohta. Aika was exhausted, her body and mind pushed to their limits. She was about to suggest they call it a night when she heard it—a faint creak from the direction of the hidden door.
Her heart pounded as she glanced at Yumi, who gave her a subtle nod. They had to act normal, to lure Ryohta out.
Aika stood up, pretending to stretch. "I think I'm going to bed," she said, her voice deliberately loud. "It's been a long day."
She walked toward her bedroom, her every sense on high alert. As she reached the door, she heard it again—the creak of the hidden door opening.
Her breath caught in her throat as she turned, her eyes locking onto the figure emerging from the shadows. It was Ryohta, his hood pulled low, his eyes gleaming with a mix of obsession and desperation.
"You can't hide from me, Aika," he said, his voice low and menacing. "I'll always be here."
Before Aika could react, the room was flooded with light as the police burst in, their voices loud and commanding. Ryohta froze, his eyes wide with shock, as the officers surrounded him.
"Ryohta Kimura, you're under arrest," Inspector Nakamura said, his voice firm.
Aika watched as Ryohta was handcuffed, her emotions a whirlwind of relief, fear, and exhaustion. It was over. He was finally caught.