"Mm…"
In her room, Mrs. Yuigahama slowly opened her eyes.
She had just been drifting off for a nap when a strange sound startled her awake.
"A mouse?"
She slipped on her slippers and went to investigate the noise.
As she approached the source, the sound grew clearer.
It wasn't a mouse. It was… music?
It seemed to be coming from right outside her door.
She turned the handle and opened it.
The music—some kind of symphony—flooded into the hallway, crystal clear.
And in that instant, Mrs. Yuigahama froze.
She understood immediately what had happened.
The very thing she hadn't worried about… had happened.
—--
Click.
The sound of a door opening—Yui's bedroom door.
Mrs. Yuigahama quickly turned and looked.
Nanashi stepped out, dressed neatly and looking completely composed.
He gave a sheepish smile and bowed slightly. "Mrs. Yuigahama, thank you for your hospitality last night. The rain has stopped, so I'll be heading out now."
"Oh, and Yui's not feeling well. She might not make it to class tomorrow—I'll notify the school for her."
Mrs. Yuigahama forced a smile, somewhat avoiding his gaze. "Alright. Thank you very much, Nanashi-kun."
Outside, the neon lights bathed the street in color as Nanashi walked alone.
Thinking of Yui, a soft smile curved his lips.
He hadn't left because he wanted to.
But he knew they hadn't been quiet. And it was very likely Mrs. Yuigahama had heard everything.
It would have been inappropriate to stay any longer.
Besides, with her mother around, Yui would be fine.
He looked up at the night sky. The earlier downpour had finally passed.
But the aftermath was clear—smashed signs, toppled trash cans, broken branches littered the streets. Cleanup crews were already at work.
"That rain…"
He recalled how it had come out of nowhere. He hadn't gotten a good look before Yui had dragged him inside.
Something about it still didn't sit right.
"Is this the place?"
A familiar voice drew Nanashi's attention.
He turned toward it.
"Hm? Shizuka-sensei?"
Sure enough, stepping out of a red sports car was Shizuka, dressed in a striking red dress and high heels.
She looked stunning—if only she weren't acting like… well, herself.
Leaning against the car door, cigarette in hand, she smoked casually.
Her car had stopped in front of a restaurant called Fragments.
"Ms. Shizuka!"
A man in a suit, short hair, and glasses exited the restaurant. He looked refined—polished.
"I'm Vinsk," he said with a smile, extending his hand.
Shizuka gave him a brief glance. Just one look and she knew—this blind date her family had arranged was doomed.
She reached out to shake his hand, but suddenly recoiled, covering her nose.
"What's that smell?"
A sharp, pungent odor hit her.
Vinsk quickly withdrew his hand, patting his suit with a faint grin. "Ah, sorry. I must have picked up the scent in the kitchen—maybe from some seasonings."
"Ms. Shizuka, shall we go in?"
He reached out again to guide her—
—but his hand was suddenly stopped by another, much stronger one.
"Sir," said a voice coolly, "you're guilty."
Vinsk was stunned for a moment, then glanced at the man gripping his hand, irritation written all over his face.
"What are you talking about? Let go of me, now."
"Nanashi? Why are you here?"
Shizuka blinked in surprise, clearly not expecting this turn of events.
Nanashi smiled at her calmly.
"Just happened to be passing by… and caught sight of this sinner."
"Sinner?" Shizuka tilted her head in confusion. She had no idea what Nanashi was talking about.
Vinsk, meanwhile, struggled to wrench his hand free but quickly realized he couldn't budge it.
"Let go, or I'm calling the police!"
"Heh."
Nanashi didn't let go—instead, he let out a cold chuckle.
Then he squeezed.
Click!
The unmistakable sound of bones snapping echoed in the air.
"Aaaarghhh!"
Vinsk screamed in agony, veins bulging in his neck. Nanashi had just crushed his hand without a second thought.
"Nanashi, what are you doing?!"
Shizuka panicked—not for Vinsk's sake, but because she feared Nanashi might get into serious trouble for assault.
"Help! Someone call the police!"
Vinsk shouted toward the street, spotting a passerby nearby.
Strangely, the passerby didn't seem to notice them at all.
Frantic, Vinsk reached out with his good hand, grabbing at the person's sleeve.
"Huh? Bit of wind?"
The passerby casually brushed off his arm, scratched his head, and walked away as if nothing had happened.
"...!!!"
Both Vinsk and Shizuka were shaken by the eerie sight.
"What's going on…?"
Shizuka looked around. Not a single person was paying them any attention—not even the usual curious onlookers.