Stepping Beyond the Pixels: Loves Intricate Game

Chapter Eight: Schoolyard Brawl

Pins and needles. That is how you would describe the feeling that you've had ever since Makino showed up for class, like you were sitting on pins and needles. Anxiously, you were waiting for the time where Makino would be alone. The game never specified what time it was where she died, all you know for certain is that she disappeared half way through the school day and was found dead later on. You had a guess on when exactly it took place, 'Lunch time is the only time where Akui could have killed Makino and cleaned it up without anyone suspecting it was him. If he did it during a class then he would have been questioned as to why he was absent for a class around the same time Makino died. It has to be lunch time, it's the only time that makes sense.'

With a set time frame in mind, you found it even harder to concentrate during class, and it didn't help that you were already struggling to grasp the concept of most of the subjects. Your eyes would either shift from the clock, heart rate increasing as the minutes ticked by, to Makino, sneaking glances at her ever so often. You couldn't help it, whether someone dies or not is left all up to you, your nerves were shot, and it only got worse as lunch time drew closer.

During each class period leading up to lunch, you made sure to pay close attention to where Makino was, and your distractedness led to you appearing more airheaded than before, worrying many of your classmates, especially Yuki.

When lunch time finally rolled around, you had an excuse ready as to why you couldn't eat lunch with Yuki, but Akihiko beat you to the punch. He approached you first, before Yuki could, and he had something he wanted to say.

"L/n-san, may I have a word with you for a moment?" he asked.

Taken aback by his sudden approach, any excuse you might have had suddenly left your brain. "Ah-Fukumoto-san, I'm not so sure about that. Y-you see I have to get going, a-and I am gonna be busy." Unconsciously, your eyes flickered over to Makino's form before they quickly retracted by to Akihiko. For the moment she seemed stationary.

It seems he caught your stare, because he turned to look at Makino for a brief moment. "Can those plans wait? It is very important that I discuss something with you." It seems he wasn't gonna take no for an answer.

Sneaking one more glance over at Makino, you decided to follow him because you didn't want to make a scene. "Okay, if you say so..."

Stepping out into the empty hallway, Akihiko led you over to a more secluded corner, just a little ways from the classroom door. His sudden need to speak with you left you with a feeling of unease, not only because you were leaving Makino alone but also because you had no idea what he could want to talk to you about.

"So you said you had something to say?" you asked after a small silence.

Akihiko let out a sigh, awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck. "Well, several of our classmates have come up to me and expressed their worry for you."

Taken aback by the news you say, "Me?"

He nodded his head. "Yes, they say that you seem more fidgety than usual, and I can't say I haven't noticed it either." He stared you dead in the eyes as he said, "I have also picked up on the fact that you are constantly glancing at Makino-san."

Feeling like a child who was caught with their hand in the cookie jar, you stubbled to say an excuse. "I-I have a reason for that! I can assure you that–that, it's not what you think–"

He held up a hand to stop your ramblings. "No need to explain, I can assure you that she won't be posing a threat to you anymore."

"Yes, well–wait, what?"

"I know it can be hard to sit in the same room as the person who assaulted you, and you did go through a traumatic experience, so it is understandable that you would be more apprehensive than normal." Akihiko said, pushing his glasses up and looking thoughtful.