Demise Game

5. the blank letter

It was only when your phone started ringing the third time that you picked it up, annoyed that anybody had the audacity to call you just as the sun was rising.  There was no attempt to look at the caller ID; very few numbers were saved to your phone, and none of them would be calling you at six in the morning.

        Well, maybe Hanami would, but considering her phone wasn't in her possession, it couldn't be her.

        Picking up the phone, your response was grumbled, voice thick with sleep.  "This is [Y/n]..."

        For a moment, the other line was dead, and you swore to the heavens above that if this was a prank call, maybe you really would become the traitor — but then, the voice spoke.

        ". . . [Y/n]?"

        It took your tired brain a moment to recognize the hoarse voice.  It was clear they had been crying, but no doubt it was Natsume.  How did she get your number?  You assumed Hanami had handed your number out to everybody in the club (something you'd have to talk to her about later).

        You glanced at the time on your phone, sighing.  "Yeah," you hummed, all anger leaving you.  If Natsume was calling you, especially sounding upset, something must have happened.  More likely than not, it was related to whatever sick game your group had been pulled into.  "What's up?"

        She was silent once more, but only for a few moments.  "Can you...  Can you come over?"

        At first thought, you almost said 'no'.  It was much too early, and while you didn't actually believe one of your clubmates was a traitor, it didn't mean you were about to risk it, either.  Still...  The timidity in Natsume's voice put you off.  She was many things — timid wasn't one of them.  Headstrong, stubborn, a bit prickly...  That was the Natsume you knew.

        Damnit.  It didn't feel right to just leave her hanging when she was obviously scared, and annoyingly enough, you were curious.

        "Text me your address."

        You hung up before she could respond, and sure enough, your phone buzzed moments later as she texted you her address.

        And this was how teens died in horror movies.

        Still, you swung your legs over your bed, forcing yourself to throw on your uniform and get ready for the day.  The sooner you could get over to Natsume's house, the better.

        The moment you stepped out of your house, a small 'mrow' caught your attention.  You didn't need to look to know it was Shiki, and you bent down to scritch behind his ears.

        "I don't know if you'll be able to go inside with me, but if you want to walk me to Natsume's house..."  You waited patiently, as if you expected a response from Shiki.  When he butt his head against yours, you took that as a sign that he'd stick with you, and started to walk.  As you thought, Shiki trailed diligently behind.

        Thankfully, the walk wasn't too far.  The air was rather chilly this morning, the only sound being the occasional passing of a car and the various birds chirping.  About ten minutes later, you had made it to Natsume's home.

        You wondered if she'd let you take a short nap before school...  All that walking made you feel sleepy.

        Unlike your own home, modest and simple, Natsume clearly lived in a well-off neighborhood.  Her house seemed to tower over you, a traditional Japanese estate that left you wondering if you were even in the right place.  Doublechecking the address on your phone, however, proved this was the case.