Nishikino An’s expression was flawless, appearing to be a simple inquiry, yet her gaze held a sharp edge.

Yueci Porcelain was momentarily stunned by the sudden question. The day Nishikino An mentioned must be when they first met.

So she must be referring to Hiru Kawakami.

What surprised Yueci, though, was that Nishikino An would even notice whose phone she’d borrowed.

“Yes, it was her phone.”

Since it wasn’t something to hide, Yueci answered honestly.

Hiru Kawakami was just an ordinary girl—nothing particularly noteworthy about her.

“Hmm… keep a closer eye on her from now on.”

Nishikino An lowered her eyes briefly, then met Yueci’s gaze after a few seconds’ contemplation, her voice soft but firm.

At this, Yueci’s brows furrowed slightly.

“Okay, I will.”

Though she agreed aloud, doubt lingered in her mind.

What was there to watch about Hiru Kawakami?

After sitting beside her for two days, Yueci saw nothing that set her apart from other students.

Aside from a timid personality, she seemed like any typical high schooler…

Why would Nishikino An say this?

Had they met somewhere else besides that first encounter?

Though Yueci’s internal storm didn’t show on her face, Nishikino An sensed her hesitation and distraction.

That afternoon, news of a suicide jump at Light Private High School reached her. Checking her phone, she spotted two prominent missed calls.

When she called back, Hiru Kawakami answered.

Her memory was sharp—the interrogation happened just days ago.

Hearing that voice, she’d vaguely recognized the girl from that day…

Fate had woven its threads quietly: after twenty-three years of dormancy, the first person the awakened Yueci Porcelain met was Hiru Kawakami.

Two lives from entirely different worlds, bound by an ugly accident.

Nishikino An’s warning stemmed partly from Hiru Kawakami herself.

During their first meeting, Hiru’s demeanor felt off—just like the artificial aura she sensed from Yukiho Doi and Eiko Sakurai.

When Nishikino An silently approached them from behind, Hiru’s reaction was unnaturally swift.

But that split-second flicker of defensive aggression hadn’t escaped her eyes.

That’s why she’d pressed her with extra questions.

Back then, she hadn’t expected such a revelation.

Her thoughts drifted to Yueci’s face.

Yueci walked behind her now, both moving at a leisurely pace toward Nishikino An’s parked car.

Even while walking, Nishikino An’s mind raced.

She’d investigated the girl after that day.

Hiru Kawakami—

Parents died in a car crash—

Lived with her uncle—

Graduated middle school, then admitted to Light Private High School on academic merit—

On paper, just an unfortunate girl. Nothing suspicious.

But Nishikino An trusted her instincts.

And sure enough…

She’d uncovered a buried incident.

Two years ago, a string of murders targeting minors went unsolved.

Police finally tracked the killer and rushed to his next intended victim.

They arrived to find him reduced to pulp.

Standing over him, gripping an axe, was Hiru Kawakami—

Reading the case file, fragments of memory resurfaced.

The incident sparked fierce debate: self-defense or excessive force when the body was butchered beyond recognition…

In the end, Nishikino An ruled it justified.

Hiru Kawakami was acquitted.

Because Hiru was a minor, Nishikino An suppressed all media coverage to protect her life.

A small favor, soon buried under newer cases.

Now, after two years, this memory resurfaced…

The girl in the case file’s testimony bore little resemblance to the meek student Nishikino An knew today.

Someone who could reduce a man to pulp shouldn’t look so docile.

Hiru Kawakami was deeply unsettling.

“Yueci,” Nishikino An glanced back with a faint, knowing smile, “what you see isn’t always the truth.”

Yueci, puzzled, nodded anyway.

“You’re classmates now?”

“Desk partners.”

“You’d do well to keep your distance from her.”

It was practical advice—and a selfish plea.

Nishikino An sensed Yueci’s unusual warmth toward Hiru. Just a flicker, yet it sparked a flicker of jealousy in her.

“Okay.”

Yueci’s obedient nod lifted Nishikino An’s mood. She chuckled softly, sliding into her Ferrari’s driver seat.

As if remembering something, Yueci spoke again.

“Oh—today at three, I have a date with her.”

…

This was Yueci Porcelain’s first face-to-face with death.

————

Afternoon sunlight filtered warmly through the trees, a gentle breeze stirring tender green leaves.

The wind brushed Hiru Kawakami’s face, lifting her bangs.

She smoothed them down, waiting shyly at their meeting spot.

She’d swapped her uniform for a white lace-trimmed dress, radiating innocent charm.

Yueci Porcelain had never seen her in casual clothes before.

It suited her far better than the school uniform.

Spotting Yueci in the distance, Hiru’s face lit up with a smile.

No glasses. No dyed spiky hair. Her stunning features glowed in the sunlight.

“Yueci! Over here…!”

She waved eagerly.

Yueci approached.

When Hiru saw her face clearly, her smile faltered slightly.

“…”

“Yueci… are you feeling unwell?”

Yueci’s face was pale, drained of color—utterly unlike her usual self.

“Hmm…”

“Car sickness…”

Yueci lowered her eyes, hiding her embarrassment.

“Should we rest first?”

Hiru’s voice brimmed with concern.

“I’m fine. Let’s go.”

Accepting Yueci’s insistence, Hiru fell into step beside her on the sidewalk.

Feeling Yueci’s presence so close, Hiru’s heart fluttered with shyness.

Truthfully, she hadn’t wanted to buy books or browse stores.

She’d only craved this moment alone with Yueci.