Autumn, a memorable seasonal time. The leaves change from their vibrant green to a luscious shade of orange. In the scene of an empty classroom, only one thing stands out, the silhouette of a boy reading a book. He closed the book and watched the sky turn into a vibrant orange hue. He turned his attention to the sound of the ticking clock in the classroom. He noticed the time 05:03pm, he stood up, extended his arms high, and began stretching. He packed up his belongings before finally leaving the classroom. As he walked down the hallway, he noticed a gang of boys picking on a weaker kid. Instead of interfering with the incident in play, he just idly walked past them, ignoring the scene unfolding
He finally left the school premises, his face remained unfazed and expressionless. As he walked down the sidewalk, he finally neared a crosswalk and stood near a traffic light. As he waited for the light to turn from green to red, he let out a heavy sigh. Finally, the light turned red, and the incoming vehicles stopped. He started crossing the road and reached the other side of the road. He stopped and continued walking when suddenly his path is blocked by a local group of thugs.
"Looky here, another victim" one of the thugs said witha smug expression.
His face remains unfazed, and expressionless, he reached into his pocket and took out his wallet. He extended his arm holding the wallet and offered it to them. The thugs all grinned in satisfaction.
"Thanks for your cooperation" the leader of the group said as he snatched the wallet out of his hands.
The group cleared the way, revealing the path. He resumed walking, strolling down what feels like an endless sidewalk. He still seemed unfazed by the events that transpired.
He finally reached his home, he entered the house, took off his shoes, and walked upstairs. He entered his room, he flopped onto the bed, and sighed in relief.
"Why can't life be more interesting" he said in annoyance.
This is Kaito Arima a seventeen year old male, a student at Ryuujin High School. His looks are pretty much average with hazelnut eyes, short dark hair, and a slim build. He isn't typically athletic nor is he talented in anything, his grades are pretty much average, and he doesn't partake in any after school curricular. At school, he never tries to stand out much, and he doesn't usually associate with others unless needed to.
As Kaito rested, his back upon his bed, still in his uniform, he stared at his homework desk and noticed a framed photo. He stood up to look at the framed photo. He lifted the framed photo and stared intentively at the picture of a younger him standing with his mother and father. As he stared at the photo, his gaze grew distant as he reminisced about the past before finally placing the photo down. His gaze was eventually drifted upon a mysterious black envelope parched on his desk. His face contorted into that of intrigue and confusion as it was his first time noticing it. He picked it up and opened it. He carefully took out a note placed within it, and begins reading it.
'Dear Recipient
We'd like to formally congratu—'
He quickly crumbled the paper, his facial expression changed into annoyance.
"Probably just a scam" he said nonchalantly.
He tossed the crumbled ball of paper into a trash can.
He sighed "Why do humans waste their time deceiving others?"
He stepped out of his room, he suddenly felt a strange sense of déja vu, he quickly shook it off, and proceeded to head downstairs. By the time he made it downstairs, the front door opened and entered his mother.
"Hey mom" Kaito greeted.
She doesn't respond, Kaito decided not to continue you further.
Kaito's mom, was a single parent, she had bags under her eyes, and always had a tired facial expression. She worked as an FBI agent, and constantly worked late night shifts. She's currently been working on these strange murder cases that have happened in the past week.
Kaito's mom stumbled along over to the couch and collapsed on it. All while Kaito thought.
She must be tired again
He walked over to the couch and covered her with a blanket. He headed into the kitchen and made himself a sandwich and headed upstairs to his room. He closed the door behind him and took out his phone before finally sprawling on his bed. As he seems to be watching a video.
"Another victim has been claimed in a hit and run incident. A man by the name of Goro Nagisa, age 35, had his life claimed in a hit and run accident. The victim's body was taken—"
"huh…another one" Kaito said, his voice indifferent.
"That makes it 47 deaths in the past month…" He stated while taking a bite of his sandwich
He continued munching down on his sandwich as a single thought circled to mind.
I wonder who the next victim is?
The next day, on another early morning, the sight of the sun reaching its peak, the sound of birds chirping. Kaito was clad, dressed in his full school uniform on his way to school. On the walk, he passed by a crime scene, but he paid no mind to it and continued walking. His journey seemed endless, and tiring, likely because Kaito had spent the previous night playing video games.
So today, Kaito found himself sleep deprived. His eyes had bags underneath, and his movements seemed slowed down as he walked in a slightly slouched position. He entered the school grounds, completely ignoring the conversation of other students. He walked into the hallway, trying to avoid any altercations with others. As he walked to his locker, a bulletin board parched right near the lockers caught his attention.
"What's this?" he said. his voice still groggy from his sleep deprivation.
He noticed a poster on the board but not just any poster or a missing person's poster. His tired expression slightly faltered.
"Isn't this?"
The poster depicts a picture of a young girl with blue eyes, and black hair dressed in her winter school uniform her blazer has a few badges. Kaito took a closer look at the poster. Upon inspecting the poster, he shrugged his shoulders and continued walking.
"Oh, it's just our student council president…" he yawned "No one really important" he said, his voice containing disinterest.
He headed to his locker and grabbed his books. He continued his stroll to his classroom, trying to stay awake with every step. Finally, he reached his homeroom and proceeded to walk towards his desk. Near the window at the back of the classroom, he overheard conversations about their missing student council president filling the air.
He proceeds to place his bag onto his desk and takes his seat. Just as he was about to rest his head upon his desk, the bell rings, signaling the start of school. He lets out a silent groan in his reluctance to start the day.
As their home room teacher enters the classroom, everyone begins settling, and all chatter amongst students slowly subsides. He continued to rest his head upon the desk, showing no interest in current events. The teacher proceeded to approach her desk and placed a clipboard and her coffee cup upon her desk. She proceeds to check attendance and called out each students name.
Suddenly, just as when the teacher was about to call out the student council president's name, the door slid open. The person announces.
"Apologies for my tardiness Ma'am" a female voice emerged.
Kaito's attention is brought to the voice, and his tired expression slightly falters in surprise.
I could've sworn she was supposedly missing. How is she even here? Actually, how is she even here?
Multiple stared at her in confusion and speculation, but the president ignored them.
As Kaito's mind swirled with thoughts, the student council president bowed in apology and walked to her seat. Each step she took carried a sense of elegance and confidence. As she took her seat, she gave a quick side glance in Kaito's direction. Kaito noticed the subtle action and was slightly taken aback by it. He shrugged his shoulders and continued placing his head upon his desk, trying to get some sleep.
Throughout the lessons that followed. Kaito tried desperately to stay awake. With every passing moment, and the sound of their teachers voice, he grew more weary and drowsy his eyes threatening to shut at any moment, but just as Kaito was on the brink of succumbing to sleep, the school bell chimed signaling the start of break.
"OK, everyone's dismissed" The teacher announced.
The sound of chairs scraping the floor and students chatter filled the room. But Kaito's attention was drawn to the student council president's quick exit. He decided not to pay any attention to it, but what does draw his attention was a black envelope placed on her seat that fell from her pocket.
As everyone began leaving the classroom, Kaito remained alone, his eyes constantly wondered back to the envelope. His mind recognized its unique aura it would give.
"She wouldn't obviously fall for such a scam, right?" He asked himself. His mind pondered on the thought.
His mind wondered about its contents and if it was any familiar to the one he received. He extended his arm reaching for the letter, but suddenly, the classroom door opens, and he quickly reverted back to his original seating position.
The person who entered was none other than the student council president. She darted at the black envelope and proceeded to approach her desk. She quickly took the letter and placed it within her blazer pocket.
"So what's so special about that letter?" Kaito asked
She sends Kaito a sharp glare, her eyes revealing a tinge of annoyance. She remains unresponsive, her glare aiming daggers at him. She took a deep breath, and she finally spoke up.
"Why does it matter to you?" She asked, keeping her sharp glare. Her tone was rather cold.
"I was just curious" he answered nonchalantly.
"Well don't be" she responds.
She proceeded to exit the classroom, the sound of her footsteps echoing within the classroom. Kaito remained sitting at his desk, he stared at her while she exits the classroom.
"Dang, must be that time of the month…" He half muttered.
As the day slowly passed on, every second and hour felt like an eternity, the lessons feeling more draining and tiring the school bell finally rang, signaling the end of the day.
After a while, Kaito continued his regular stroll back home. Along the way, a single thought lingers within his mind.
What was the black envelope about?
When he finally arrived home, he walked upstairs to his room and sets his bag near his bed. Just as he was about to take off his tie. Something caught his attention.
"How did?" His voice betraying a hint of confusion.
He approached his desk and upon it was a black envelope.
"Did I not toss thi—" his sentence was cut off as his gaze was drawn to his empty trash bin. The black envelope from before was no longer there.
His facial expression contorted to that of confusion. He decided to pick up the envelope and opened it to reveal its contents.
"I swear if this is some sort of scam"
Within the envelope was the same letter as before. His curiosity gets the better of him. He breathed out a heavy sigh and reluctantly began to reading it.
'Dear Recipient
We'd like to formally congratulate you, as you have been chosen to face off against other players in a series of games, all for the sake of one prize. Any one wish you so desire. But we must inform you that these games are not for the feint hearted, and there will be risks if you choose to partake in this little game of ours. Please, I implore you make an informed decision and choose cautiously and wisely, you have been warned.
Yours truly
???'
Upon reading the strange letter, Kaito placed the note upon the desk, and his mind ponders on the letter.
Is this fake? Is it real? Do I take the chance? And any one wish I desire…
His mind swirled with thoughts. His thoughts were clouded with doubts and uncertainty, just as when he was about to make the choice that could've ultimately changed his life.
"Kaito, I'm heading out to work!"
The sound of his mother announcement from downstairs brought back Kaito from his thoughts. He quickly ran downstairs to meet his mother before her departure.
"Are you working another late night shift?" He asked, masking his concern with his usual tone.
"Sadly, these cases aren't going to solve themselves, yknow?"
"I know, just stay safe" Kaito requested.
"Don't worry, I'll be safe"
She opened the door and stepped out. She closes the door behind her, leaving Kaito standing in the same position. As the sound of the car leaving the driveway emerged. Kaito decided to remain in the living. He took a seat upon the sofa and held the TV remote within his right hand.
As he turned on the TV, his attention is brought to a news report about the strange deaths around and the disappearance of individuals.
During the report, he let out a yawn, indicating his disinterest within the topic. Suddenly, as Kaito was about to change channels, something caught his attention. The victim in the news report had a strange black envelope within their pocket.
His eyes shot wide open as he noticed the envelope in the victims pocket. He quickly placed the TV remote upon the sofa when suddenly his darted upon the cushion. Upon it was the black envelope that was opened.
"How did it—" he cut off his own sentence as he continued staring at it.
The sound of the reporter reciting the incident echoed throughout the living room. Kaito hesitantly picked up the paper with written text upon it, curious about any changes to it. His eyes shot wide open as he noticed new written text upon the paper.
'Do you accept or decline?'
He began pondering about his response, just as when a single thought ushered within his head.
Any wish my heart desires…
His curiosity overpowered his skepticism, with no other choice. He was left with one possible option, one final conclusion. He reached into his pant's right pocket and reveals a blue pen within his hand. The pen hovers over the paper as he hesitantly circles the word "accept."
The text on the paper began glowing, and with it, new text is written.
'You have made the right choice player 173. We hope you enjoy our little game'
As Kaito read the new text, the sheet of paper with written text began folding itself with fast movement Kaito's eyes could barely keep up with. Its folding techniques seemed complex as it made no mistakes with every fold. Finally, what was once a regular sheet of paper with text was now an origami rose.
Kaito gazed at the paper rose with a mix of confusion. As Kaito began examining the eccentric patterns on the paper rose. His expression contorted to one of intrigue and anticipation. The only sound that was heard was coming from the TV. He began tracing his fingers around every curve, feeling the paper's smooth texture. Suddenly, Kaito's hit with a sense of déja vu, and he couldn't help, but uncontrollably smirk. Suddenly in an instant his vision darkened...