Chapter Text
That day will always remain hazy to me. Being ushered out of class alongside my classmates, seeing the police arrive, loud chatter, and people moving everywhere. Thinking about it gives me a headache.
But what happened?
I didn't know till I got home. I came home late that day since the police ended up questioning every single one of us, but their questions were too vague.
"Did you see any suspicious behavior?"
That was the question I kept being asked.
"No."
And that is what I always answered with.
When I got home and walked into the living room, I saw my parents watching the news, but once they saw me walk in, they switched their attention to me.
I sat down and tried my best to explain to them what happened at school.
Then I heard it.
"Breaking news is just coming in regarding the police activity that was seen early today at Akademi High. The police have stated that a body was found on the campus. The identity of the body is still unknown. Progress is currently still being made, we'll keep all of you at home updated with any new information."
My parents and I were shocked at the sudden news.
A death? Someone died at my school?
Who was it? Was it a student? Hell, maybe even a teacher? The case is still ongoing as well, so I can't let my mind get too carried away, it'll make me more anxious than before.
Then, my worst thoughts became true. It was a student.
He was a first year student, I talked to him a few times, but I didn't know him on a personal level. Yet, his death is hurting me. The thought that a person I saw every day at school and even talked to is now gone makes me shiver.
After the news got released, it didn't take long for Akadimi to close. It was a temporary procedure, so the police had more time to investigate, but this time was also used for any student affected by the death to mourn.
During this time, I decided to text Ayato. He didn't respond right away, and when he did, he didn't even seem fazed by the news.
I've known Ayato since we were young, so this behavior from him didn't surprise me. He has always been this way. I chalked it up to him being very apathetic.
His behavior didn't bother me when I was young, unlike other kids who would bully him for his lack of emotion and interests. I thought he was nice and a great listener, so I chose to stick by his side even if I got odd glances from the other kids.
But as of lately, Ayato has made a new friend. Taro Yamada is the guy's name.
I only talked to Taro a few times, and I wished I could get to know him more, but my duty of being the newspaper club's leader has made me more busy.
I also found out that Taro has an older sister, and her name is Taeko Yamada.
She is one of the more popular students at Akadimi. I suppose this is for her kind nature. I've talked to her a handful of times, but it was never enough to form a friendship with her.
Even though I never knew either of them on a personal level, I started to wish to see them again.
The school was closed for three months, and I practically had all the time in the world to do anything. The only problem was that I had nothing to do.
I wanted to ask Ayato to hang out, but he was never the type to do so.
So I mostly stayed at home and tried my best to entertain myself, or I walked around the town to find anything interesting to do.
One...
Two...
And finally, three months passed.
The school announced we would be going back on the sixteenth of that month.
I knew it was odd to be excited about this, but I was more than ready to go back and see everyone again.
When the day finally came, I woke up early and did my usual routine. I woke up extra early today since the club is going to have a morning meeting.
This is due to me and the other club members having to discuss what we would publish in the newspaper. Should we talk about the death and any new information that comes from it? Or should we not talk about the death at all and instead go for a happier approach?
Either way, we had to come to a conclusion, so when I made it to the school, I rushed to the club room. I saw a few members seated while others weren't there yet.
We waited, and the remaining members came, we then started our discussion.
School hasn't even started yet, but it was already hectic. I hoped that the rest of the day wouldn't be draining.