Chapter CXV: Cornered
The morning sun rises like a slow yawn over the city, its rays stretching across the park like warm fingers. In a corner street just two hundred meters from the park, Ochafé is already bubbling with life—espresso machines hissing, jazz music playing, and the sweet scent of cinnamon pastries swirling in the air.
Inside the café, Asahi sits near the window, nursing a hot cappuccino with an extra heart design on top, though he didn't ask for it.
"Barista's getting too sentimental again," he mumbles with a chuckle. "First hearts, next thing you know, she's writing me sonnets."
He scrolls through his phone idly, tapping on group chats that haven't been updated in hours. The silence from the Aki-Kota group chat feels... strange.
Asahi stands up, throws his sling bag over his shoulder, and heads out, sipping the last bit of his coffee just as someone calls from behind:
"Oyyy~ Coffee boy!"
It's Enmei, waving with one hand and holding a fish-shaped taiyaki in the other.
"Enmei?" Asahi squints. "Aren't you supposed to be with Yui today?"
"Nah," Enmei shrugs. "She's in Nagoya. Some family thing. She'll be back tomorrow though."
"Lucky for me then. I needed some company."
The two of them start walking through the park, kicking pebbles and lightly debating whether taiyaki is better than mochi (it is, says Enmei, obviously). Just as they pass in front of the city post office, someone is already waving by the benches near the arc monument.
It's Gin, sitting coolly with his headset on, sipping from an enormous iced tea with more toppings than liquid.
"You boys sure took your time," Gin says, not even looking up. "I almost started feeding pigeons out of boredom. I even named one Will."
Asahi claps his back. "We're not here to babysit your pigeon kingdom, Gin."
They chat and laugh—until footsteps echo nearby and a voice says:
"Well, look at this shady congregation."
Natsuki arrives in jeans, a bomber jacket, and sunglasses like she's in some indie band reunion tour. She flips her cue stick from behind her back like a sword.
"I'm in the mood for some billiards."
Naturally, the squad heads off to the old mall nearby, the one that's barely hanging on to life thanks to the random kids who still treat it like an arcade haven. They scale up the escalators to the third floor, where an old pool hall glows under yellow lights.
As they chalk their sticks and line up shots, the game begins.
CLACK! Solid ball in.
"Hey guys, I've been thinking," Natsuki says, leaning on her cue stick like a detective with a lead.
Asahi and Gin instantly look toward her. Enmei is still focused on his turn.
"What if we organize soon all of those who'll be participating in the search? I mean—it's been a week now. A week, since Akiko and Kota vanished. And still no signs, no clues. We don't even know if they're... well..."
She trails off.
"Dead or alive," Asahi finishes softly, voice serious for once. "I agree. We need to make a move before it's too late."
"Yeah," Gin nods, his voice low, "but we need to make sure no one is a spy."
"The enemy might be laughing right now," Enmei says, finally finishing his shot and leaning over dramatically. "They could be watching us."
"It could be in this very room," Asahi adds theatrically. "It could be him. It could be her."
He points randomly at everyone—including a confused mall cleaner behind the glass window.
"But we all know ourselves."
"We need to be vigilant," Gin affirms.
"That's why," Natsuki smirks, "we need to be somewhere private right now."
"The bathroom?" Enmei asks, hopeful.
The three freeze.
"NO! At the Whatevs Café, dumbass!"
After their game, they go down to the first floor of the mall to Whatevs Café.
Tucked in an alley with neon signs and hanging plants, Whatevs Café is quiet and discreet. The group huddles at their usual booth, drinks in hand. The walls are filled with Polaroids of random customers, some of them oddly familiar—was that one Principal Fukushu holding a plate of waffles and doughnuts? Damn, he might be really into waffles and doughnuts.
"So..." Enmei starts, "what's the plan?"
"We need to coordinate first with our local group," Asahi answers. "Meaning us—the Aki-Kota Squad—together with others."
"What others?" Enmei squints.
"Oh boy," Gin sighs. "Without Yui around, your brain's just like the dad from The Himpsons."
"Yui, Haru, Himari, and Masashi," Natsuki lists.
"We'll ask them to meet us. Tomorrow, Shinomiya High, music room. A meeting to plan it out perfectly," Asahi continues.
"Nobody's perfect," Natsuki hums.
"To execute it successfully," Gin groans.
"Oh! Like Bluetooth," Enmei snaps.
"Can someone give me that decoration needle over there?" Asahi mutters. "I think I'm about to prick this dude."
They laugh. The tension breaks—momentarily.
That night, one by one, they message the others.
Yui: "Yep, I'll be back from Nagoya at midnight! Count me in"
Himari: "Of course. Anything for Akiko."
Masashi: "Heck yeah. Let's bust heads if we need to."
Haru: "I'm in. Just name the time."
The next morning, at Shinomiya Highschool's music room.
The room is peaceful, with muted instruments resting on velvet cushions. The blinds are pulled shut, creating a calm, secretive ambiance.
Asahi steps forward, serious as ever.
"Good morning, everyone. Please avoid using the instruments—we've only borrowed this room with permission from Principal Fukushu and Mr. Amane. And for the sake of privacy, all blinds are secured and there are no hidden cameras here."
"We are here," Natsuki takes over, "to talk about the plan to find and rescue Akiko and Kota. But before we go further, let's reintroduce ourselves."
Yui steps up.
"I'm Yui Ichikawa. Kota's been like a brother to me since first year. He was kind, and I misunderstood him back in the days. "
Himari speaks next.
"I'm Himari Furumi. Akiko and I were part of the same art club. We weren't always close—but she once gave me her extra watercolor set when mine spilled. That day, she said, 'Your art matters too.' It stuck."
Masashi stands.
"I'm Masashi Karasuki. Both of them are one of a kind couple, and very inspirational. I admire them. I... just want to put the whole group back together with the missing pieces."
Lastly, Haru speaks.
"I don't talk much. But Kota and Akiko were two people who actually listened to me when I did. I can't just sit around knowing they're out there, maybe in danger."
There's a pause. A shared breath.
Asahi walks to the whiteboard, writing in bold letters:
PHASE 1: OPERATION TRAP THE NOODLES
"Alright, guys. Our first phase... is to trap Hanako and Tengen."
He glances back at the group.
"And I've come up with the solution and plan..."
On that monday morning, the skies are clear. Birds chirping from the trees in the park. The school gates of Shinomiya High School creak open with a dramatic flair, as two notorious figures stride in like they own the place.
Hanako, flipping her sleek straight hair with bangs, with overconfidence, adjusts her cream designer coat.
Beside her is Tengen, chewing gum, his hands in his pockets, radiating casual smugness.
"Back at this dump, huh?" Tengen says, smirking.
"Yeah," Hanako shrugs. "Can't wait to see their faces."
They march forward like villains entering a hero's lair. But then—
SCHRRRRRTTTTT!
SLIIIP! BAM! BAM!
Both of them go flying—limbs flailing—and land gracelessly on the floor. A sharp clinking sound echoes.
They groan, looking under them: dozens of glass marbles, scattered like confetti. One rolls dramatically into the gutter.
"Are we under attack... by kindergartners?" Tengen mutters, wiping dust from his elbow.
"Marbles? Who the hell brings marbles to high school?" Hanako growls, standing up and rubbing her sore hip.
They reach the third floor, now suspicious but still composed. Hanako grabs the handle of Class 3-A's door.
"Let's just get in and—"
She pushes the door.
CLIK-CLAK. It swings open eerily. Inside, the classroom is dim, only a few flickering fluorescent lights trying to stay alive. The windows are shut. The air feels too... still.
They step in. Then... SLAM!
The door slams shut behind them, locking with a definitive chunk. Hanako gasps. Tengen spins around.
"Okay. Creepy. Nice prank. Who's doing the horror movie bit?" Tengen raises his voice. "We ain't scared!"
As if on cue—
The overhead lights black out.
Then—
CREEEAAAK...
The closet doors at the back of the classroom slowly slide open.
From inside, a haggard girl in white, with long, tangled black hair and a blood-stained uniform, begins to crawl out. Her skin is pale, her fingers twitch like broken twigs. She moans softly, a sound that sends chills down spines.
Hanako is already screaming.
"OHMYGOD NO NO NO NOOOO!"
She bolts for the door. It doesn't budge. Tengen tries to keep his composure.
"Tch. Tch. This isn't real. It's just pure imagina—"
The girl suddenly twitches her head violently and emits a croaking wail that vibrates through the walls. Tengen's knees give slightly.
Hanako trembles, presses into the wall, and then—
PSSSSSSHHHTT.
She pees her pants.
Tengen looks at her, then at the ghost. The ghost tilts her head again.
"You know what? I don't get paid enough for this," Tengen mumbles.
And then—
PSSSSSSHHHT.
Yep and oh boy someone's soaked. He pees too. Still conscious. Still trying to look cool.
As the ghost lunges, a sudden whistle of air slices the silence.
PHFFFT!
A small dart pierces Tengen's neck. His eyes widen.
"The hell—"
THUMP. He collapses.
Suddenly at a dimly lit interrogation room, Tengen and Hanako wake up strapped to metal chairs, in a room illuminated by a single hanging lightbulb. Shadows loom all around them. Their wrists are cuffed, legs tied. There's the faint smell of rubbing alcohol and anxiety.
A voice from the dark:
"Tell us where they are."
Asahi steps out, arms crossed, eyes sharp. His voice cold.
"Where are Akiko and Kota?"
"We won't talk!" Hanako snaps, her voice still trembling.
"Never!" Tengen adds.
"Is that so?" another voice echoes.
Out of the shadows step two imposing figures—Mr. Amane, the ever strict Disciplinary Head, and the towering, nearly mythical presence of Principal Fukushu.
Hanako pales.
Tengen gulps.
Principal Fukushu speaks with ice in his tone.
"Now, Mr. Anasui and Ms. Nazo, will you speak?"
"Never. Never, I tell you!" Tengen insists, shaking the chair.
Gin steps forward.
"Or I'll tell Chief Anasui—your own dad—about this little performance."
Tengen's eyes twitch. His confidence shakes.
Asahi grins beside the principal.
"Tell me, Tengen... do you bleed?"
Tengen's lip trembles.
"Fine, fine! We'll talk! We'll talk!"
Hanako sighs.
Mr. Amane and Principal Fukushu step forward.
"Tell us the truth," Mr. Amane says. "Where are Akiko and Kota?"
"We... we were manipulated," Hanako confesses, voice small.
"By two people who had grudges against them," Tengen adds, defeated.
Principal Fukushu leans forward.
"Can you name them?"
Hanako shakes her head.
"I don't know. All I know is... they're both blondes."
"Oy-veh, Hanako you motherfu—" Tengen hisses.
"That's all I know! They forged the video of the robbing incident!"
"Silence, wench!" Tengen barks.
"No, YOU shut up!" Hanako screams back. "This wasn't about Akiko and Kota! This was all about you! You wanted more money! You forgot everyone else!"
In the corner, Gin whispers to Enmei:
"Damn... I think he needs some milk."
Enmei nods sagely.
"Nah bro. He just got cooked."
Asahi chuckles.
"Now that's what I call a cooked Yakisoba. Time for breakfast, your noodles are ready."
Mr. Amane slams the table.
"But do you both know where they are?"
"That's what we don't know," Hanako admits. "We only followed what the blondes told us. We don't even know their names."
Everyone frowns.
Tengen sighs, defeated.
"But... we've seen their chat names. They're called Iceburgh and MapleSyrup."
The room falls silent. The only sound is the flicker of the bulb.
Principal Fukushu takes a breath, then declares:
"For withholding this vital information and taking part in criminal deception, I, Principal Fukushu, hereby place you both on excommunication status from Shinomiya High School until further notice."
Tengen and Hanako slump in their seats, exhausted.
Then later that morning at the faculty room.
Natsuki, Gin, Asahi, and Enmei walk together into the faculty room, a fresh sense of satisfaction on their faces.
"So..." Gin says, "next step?"
"We confirm who Iceburgh and MapleSyrup are," Natsuki says.
"And find Akiko and Kota," Asahi concludes. "No matter what."
Enmei stretches.
"Hey guys, I didn't wet my pants today. That's a win, right?"
They all stare at him.
"Nobody asked, bro," Gin mutters.
"But, we need to find them for now, there should be a group investigating who are Iceburgh and MapleSyrup, and one who checks up CCTV cameras, and one to find Akiko and Kota.", says Asahi.
They feel determined as their pace slowing as they exit the hallway.
The trap was only the beginning. The war for Akiko and Kota is far from over.
And somewhere out there...
Iceburgh and MapleSyrup are watching.
Later that evening...
The lights are off in most homes, but inside the Fukushu Administrative Room, the glow of laptop screens lights up determined faces.
Everyone is in a Zoom meeting. The screen tiles fill up with familiar names.
Asahi sits upright, a mini whiteboard behind him that says: Operation Phase 2 – FINDING.
Joining him are Natsuki, Gin, Enmei, Himari, Haru, Masashi, and Yui, all in different locations but clearly geared up for the serious business ahead.
On the second row of tiles are the adults: Principal Fukushu, Mr. Amane, Ms. Soumei, and the ever-stoic Mamoru and Takeshi—both donning suits, clearly treating this like a police task force call.
Asahi clears his throat.
"Good evening, everyone and ma'am and sirs. Thank you for attending. As you all know, the noodles—Hanako and Tengen—have been 'soft-boiled,' and we've extracted vital information from them."
Gin mutes and chuckles on camera.
"Soft-boiled. I'm stealing that."
Asahi continues, pretending not to hear.
"We now move to Phase Two: Finding. Our goal is simple but critical: Identify and locate Akiko and Kota. We'll break down into groups."
Principal Fukushu nods, hands clasped.
"Before we begin... There are two more individuals joining this operation. They've been briefed earlier today."
The screen flickers, and suddenly—
Two more tiles pop in: Mr. Nashi, with his unmistakable wild scarf and glowing cyber glasses, and Ms. Ezura, stern-faced and calm, sipping from an intimidatingly large mug that says "Trust me, I grade harder than your heartbreak."
Everyone gasps.
"WHOA," Enmei says, jaw dropping. "OMG, it's them... it's really them!"
"They're like retired legends," Yui whispers to Haru in chat.
"More like Final Boss mentors," Haru replies.
"This is starting to feel like a crossover episode," Gin mutters.
"...Is this the Avengers or the Academe League?" Masashi asks.
"Quiet, children," Ms. Ezura speaks, "and let's finish this mission."
Asahi grins and gestures to Natsuki.
"Natsuki will now break down the task force."
Natsuki straightens her camera and leans in like she's about to announce exam results.
"Alright, everyone. We'll divide into three groups."
She clicks something on her screen, and a slide shows a three-part diagram labeled:
1. Identity Task Force – Who are MapleSyrup and Iceburgh?
2. Surveillance Task Force – Tracking Evidence and Camera Footage
3. Search and Rescue – Finding Akiko and Kota
Natsuki continues:
"First group: uncover the true identities of MapleSyrup and Iceburgh. This is about hacking traces, usernames, chat logs, and known aliases."
"This group includes: Mr. Nashi, Ms. Soumei, Mamoru, and Takeshi. You're the brain squad."
"We prefer 'Digital Assassins,'" Mr. Nashi says dramatically, lowering his glasses.
"I prefer 'Graduation Approvers,'" Ms. Soumei deadpans.
Mamoru just nods like an unbothered cryptid. Takeshi adjusts his tie.
"Second group," Natsuki continues, "is for analyzing surveillance. We'll need to trace any footage from public cams, buildings, or even dashcams that could give us leads."
"Mr. Amane, Principal Fukushu, and Ms. Ezura, you're in charge. You'll go full CSI."
Mr. Amane leans forward, fingers templed.
"I've already requested access to the city's CCTV grid."
"And I already threatened the tech department to cooperate," Ms. Ezura adds calmly.
Principal Fukushu simply nods in stoic approval. The entire student group collectively gulps.
Natsuki clicks again.
"Last, but the most active group: Search and Rescue. Our boots on the ground. This is where it gets risky."
The screen shows the names:
Asahi, Natsuki, Gin, Enmei, Himari, Haru, Masashi, and Yui
Natsuki looks at her fellow students through the screen.
"We're the eyes, feet, ears, and hearts of this mission. Starting tomorrow, for one full week, we'll split up, canvas all known areas—abandoned warehouses, basements, schools, parks, railways—anywhere Kota and Akiko may be hidden."
Asahi steps back in.
"We'll also coordinate daily at 6:00 PM to share updates. Clues, sightings, and any weird people who may match the blonde description. One looks like 'MapleSyrup,' the other, 'Iceburgh'—we assume both are possibly students or posing as ones."
Gin raises his hand.
"So, can we confirm? Is it actual syrup and iceberg names or just... usernames?"
"We're not hunting food, Gin," Natsuki says with a facepalm.
"I mean, it'd be easier if we were," Enmei shrugs. "Just go to a diner and boom."
Ms. Ezura sighs deeply.
Mr. Nashi is heard chuckling.
Back to Asahi:
"As we proceed, remember: this is a covert mission. We don't make noise. If the enemy knows we're sniffing around, they'll cover their tracks."
"Which is why we'll all be using code names in the field," Gin announces proudly, pulling up a hand-drawn doodle chart.
Yui squints.
"Why does mine say 'Code Strawberry Frappuccino?'"
"Because you scream basic," Gin says.
"Mine says 'Yakisoba 2.0,'" Asahi mutters. "Why is everyone calling me noodles?"
"You called Tengen soft-boiled earlier. You started this," Enmei says.
"What about me?" Haru asks.
"Yours is 'Silent Thunder,'" Gin replies seriously. "Because you never talk and you have anger issues."
"Fair," Haru nods.
"Can I be 'Electric Pancake'?" Masashi asks excitedly.
"Absolutely not," Natsuki snaps. "You're 'Map Scanner.' You literally have GPS memory. Stop trying to be edible."
"This is why I never get cool names," Masashi pouts.
Principal Fukushu speaks:
"Now that everything is assigned... let me remind you all. This isn't just a game. You're dealing with a high-level manipulation scheme that includes false video evidence, psychological abuse, and disappearance of minors."
Everyone quiets down.
"Our goal is to bring Akiko and Kota home. Safely."
"And if possible..." Ms. Ezura narrows her eyes, "bring those blonde bastards to justice."
"I second that," Mamoru says dryly. "Let's cut their wi-fi too."
The meeting winds down. Everyone confirms their roles. A calendar is shared. Group chats are made. Code names are finalized (mostly—Masashi keeps petitioning for a pastry alias).
Asahi looks at the grid on his wall with red pins and locations.
He stares at a photo—an old picture of the group at a school event. Kota smiling, Akiko teasing him.
"We'll find you," Asahi whispers. "No matter what."
The screen fades to black as the Zoom meeting ends.
Everyone prepares for what lies ahead.
The Week Begins...
Asahi wakes up the next morning to his alarm blaring.
Monday, 6:30 AM.
Time to start the search.
Operation: Finding Akiko and Kota has officially begun.
And this time, no one's backing down.