SCIAW: Chapter 389/390

Chapter 389: Every Time I Go Out

Returning to the side hall, the atmosphere remained lively. People on both sides seemed to have started interacting more actively.

"Eh? So you guys are going somewhere else for vacation over the next few weekends?"

Katsura Yukiji was visibly surprised, her expression filled with both astonishment and envy.

"You can't exactly call it all sightseeing,"

Ran replied, her tone carrying some complicated emotions as she thought back on recent experiences.

"Sometimes, unexpected things happen while traveling. For example, once we went to Tsukikage Island and discovered a massive drug trafficking operation hidden there. And there were several murder cases tied to it too."

"A teacher's wedding almost turned into a blood bride incident,"

Kaguya added, shaking her head slightly.

"There was that time when Mouri-san was almost caught up in a murder case,"

Hayasaka followed up.

"On the way back from a trip, we encountered inner turmoil within the Hatamoto family. There was even a near-homicide situation,"

Sakuya chimed in at just the right time.

"And my sister's class reunion turned into a murder case. A former classmate got two others involved over a suicide that happened two years earlier. Even my sister became a target,"

Sonoko added with a sigh.

"???"

Everyone in the room was filled with question marks.

They couldn't quite understand why all their travel stories somehow involved murder cases.

They had heard about the drug bust on Tsukikage Island from the news, but they didn't realize the people in front of them were the ones who had experienced it firsthand.

And then there were the class reunion murders, the blood bride incident—each one more disturbing than the last.

"Why… are they all murder cases?"

Katsura Hinagiku felt it was too much to process.

Going on a weekend getaway only to run into murder cases or drug trafficking rings—this wasn't just odd, it was downright unsettling.

"To be honest, we're troubled by this too. We don't seek these incidents out, but somehow, wherever we go, we run into bizarre cases."

Sonoko looked resigned. She knew these incidents weren't things they wanted to encounter, but trouble always seemed to find them.

"We've kind of gotten used to it. Like, just a little while ago, Nagi was right across from the museum in Shinjuku when the explosion happened. She witnessed it firsthand."

"!?"

Katsura Yukiji and the others widened their eyes in shock. They hadn't expected something like that to happen so close to someone they knew.

The explosion from a week ago had caused major upheaval—especially the one at the Shinjuku Museum, which had more casualties than initially reported.

Though the news had broadcast a string of numbers, it also showed the tragic aftermath. Anyone who saw those scenes wouldn't be able to sum it up with just figures.

Real lives were lost in that explosion.

And then the bomber issued a second warning—the next target was the Todou Loop Line.

That subway line was always packed. Bombs placed along the tracks would cause even more casualties than the Shinjuku Museum incident.

Worse yet, the third target was the municipal building, which was barely announced to the public.

"That's true."

As someone who witnessed the explosion, Wataru had firsthand experience with it.

"The explosion was just too sudden. That day, Nagi…"

Wataru's expression twitched a bit as he recalled how Nagi had lectured him that day.

"If you've got questions, ask me. It just so happened that the museum across the street exploded. Shockwaves from the blast shattered the windows of every shop on the street. The far end was affected the least, but the central area was in complete chaos."

"I've also noticed more police patrols recently, especially around the museum, the municipal building, and major streets."

Many students who went straight home after school had no idea. But Wataru, who ran a video rental business, noticed the difference.

With fewer people on the streets, it was easier to spot unmarked patrol cars.

Wow, so this is the kind of life Nagi and Isumi are living after transferring schools…

Even Hinagiku found it hard to bear.

If she encountered murders or bombings every time she went out, she honestly wouldn't be able to handle it.

Especially after Wataru's very matter-of-fact explanation.

Did Miss Sakuya also go through this kind of life?

Kasumi Aika, who had been listening from the side, silently turned her gaze to Sakuya.

She was now certain something serious had happened behind the scenes involving both Nagi and Sakuya. Sakuya also had something to tell her today—was it related to these events?

"Crack!"

The door to the side hall opened again.

Everyone turned toward the sound. The first people they saw were Nagi and Isumi walking in.

Isumi!

Wataru nearly called out. He hadn't seen Isumi since she transferred from Hakuo.

Though he knew where she lived, he had no proper reason to go visit.

If it were Nagi, he'd have many excuses. Plus, he didn't even need an excuse—she often asked him to find collector's editions of movies and anime. That gave him many reasons to visit her house.

But that same reasoning couldn't be used for Isumi—not anymore.

While Wataru's eyes were fixed on her, everyone else in the room had already noticed something.

Especially as a Spectator, Chika's eyes were filled with subtle sympathy.

Once she switched into Spectator mode, she could read the emotions of those around her like an open book—and everyone's thoughts were currently laid bare.

For instance, Wataru's heart was entirely with Isumi.

Unfortunately, Isumi's gaze remained calm, showing no hint of emotional fluctuation toward Wataru. She was clearly suppressing her feelings. But it wasn't her thoughts about Wataru she was trying to control—it was her thoughts about Ren.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 390: Nature Is Really Heart-Wrenching

Chika, who had entered Spectator mode, saw everything clearly.

In fact, even without using this ability, Wataru's reaction was so obvious that anyone with eyes could see it.

But his secret feelings would never bear fruit, because the one he secretly loved had absolutely no affection for him.

No matter how carefully Chika observed in Spectator mode, she couldn't find a single trace of romantic emotion directed toward him. In fact, there was even a hint of irritation.

That feeling of, "Why am I even liked?" lingered in her heart.

Unfortunately, the one I secretly love doesn't love me back.

Chika sighed inwardly.

No matter the circumstances, as long as the person you're crushing on isn't interested in you, it's a completely one-sided love.

Then, she glanced at Kijima Saki with a peculiar look.

Why is this maid's emotional state so complicated?

In Spectator mode, she could read many people's surface thoughts. Though it was only surface-level, that was already more than what most people could conceal.

The maid, Kijima Saki's, thoughts were no exception. But what struck Chika as odd was how deeply contradictory those thoughts were.

She hoped Wataru's wish would come true, and at the same time, she hoped it wouldn't.

There was even a trace of jealousy embedded in those contradictions.

It was faint—so faint that even the person herself wasn't aware of it.

A textbook love triangle, Chika thought.

The master likes another girl, the girl doesn't like him, but the maid likes the master. Ah, but since Isumi doesn't like the maid, this doesn't really count as a triangle…

Still, the whole thing made Chika chuckle inwardly.

Are these two—master and maid—really that oblivious?

Since the master's love won't be returned, wouldn't it be ideal for the maid to step in?

Well, that's just what she thought. Chika wasn't foolish enough to say it aloud.

She was in Spectator role now. As a Spectator, she had to remain silent. No matter how the play unfolded on stage, she was only to watch with a calm and balanced mindset, never voicing her opinions carelessly.

A Spectator who speaks out is no longer a Spectator.

Maintain rationality and sensitivity. That's how one properly becomes a Spectator—just like Ren, silently watching everything unfold.

As someone who held the Source of the Chaos Sea, Ren could easily grant this ability to others. But even without tapping into extraordinary power, he could already guess what Wataru was thinking.

Most people's situations were just as he remembered them.

Though there were differences between the story and reality, there were also undeniable similarities.

The true gap between fiction and reality often lies in personality and behavior. Real people didn't act as naturally as fictional characters—especially those from prominent families.

Of course, there were exceptions.

At the very least, Tachibana Wataru was very much like the version Ren remembered.

But Ren wasn't completely sure if his memory was accurate.

"Long time no see, Student Council President."

Isumi was the first to greet Katsura Hinagiku. Back at Hakuo Academy, the two had interacted frequently thanks to Nagi.

"Long time no see, Miss Isumi. You're looking well."

"Really? Maybe it's because I actually got some sleep today. Since it's Sakuya's birthday party, I stayed up a bit late last night."

As she spoke, Isumi glanced at Nagi standing beside her.

Katsura Hinagiku, who knew Nagi very well, understood immediately.

It wasn't strange at all. After all, Isumi and Nagi had been close since childhood. It was common knowledge that they were childhood friends. It wouldn't be surprising if Nagi had dragged Isumi into playing games all night.

Nagi just pursed her lips, clearly annoyed at being blamed again.

Then, Isumi turned her attention to Wataru.

"Long time no see, Wataru."

"Yeah… long time no see…"

"Wataru and Nagi-chan really have a close relationship. Even though they bicker constantly, Sakuya still invited Wataru to her birthday party."

"Crack."

Though the words weren't particularly harsh, to Wataru they were like a cursed gaze, turning him to stone.

He remembered.

He still remembered that he and Nagi were an engaged couple.

Even though he and Nagi had already discussed certain things, they weren't matters to be shared with others. No one besides the two of them knew the full agreement they had reached.

Naturally, he couldn't speak about it openly.

Until the engagement was officially canceled, this couldn't be said lightly. Otherwise, if something major happened… he didn't know what would become of Nagi, but his own fate certainly wouldn't be pretty.

As for whether Isumi knew—she definitely didn't.

Nagi wasn't the type to share everything, especially not something as sensitive as an engagement agreement. She would never reveal that to a third party.

Isumi was simply redirecting the conversation to Nagi on instinct.

She knew that doing so would shift Wataru's attention away from her.

Now, seeing Wataru's reaction, Isumi was confident her tactic had worked.

"Pffft."

Chika couldn't hold back her laughter.

Because she understood both Isumi's and Wataru's thoughts, she realized just how ridiculous this all was.

Isumi wanted to divert Wataru's attention and meant no harm.

But for Wataru, this was the last topic he wanted brought up—because he was actually Nagi's fiancé.

"Miss Chika?"

Isumi tilted her head slightly as she looked at Chika, who had suddenly burst into laughter.

"No, it's nothing. I just thought of something funny."

Suppressing her lingering emotions, Chika forced a smile.

She hadn't expected this kind of drama before dinner had even begun.

At that moment, Chika finally understood why Ren enjoyed watching other people's messes so much.

(To be continued.)