Underneath the Moonlight: REBOOT! || Osorō Shidesu x OC

31 - Cat and Mouse Game

Week 7

On Monday, I walked into school with Aru by my side, and Osorō and his gang following close behind us. We diverted to our respective shoe lockers, where another pink note waited for me.

Keep your mouth shut & Watch your back today, Akiyama.

A shiver ran down my spine, and my body became tingly with anxiety as I glanced around, looking behind me. I froze when I caught Ayano staring me down from behind a row of lockers, glaring at me with a fire of hatred in her eyes.

Dear god, she's not even hiding it anymore, I thought with another chill.

I pocketed the note and hurried to find Budo, when Fureddo Jonzu blocked my path with his camera and snapped a photo of me. "Hey!" I protested at the unsolicited photo.

"Sorry, Athena-sama, I couldn't help myself. Hey, would you like to be our model this evening for our club meeting?" He asked enthusiastically, his eyes lighting up at the question, hoping I'd agree to his request.

I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. "Sure, fine. I'll meet you in the photography clubroom at five?"

"Yes! Thank you, Athena-sama. See you then!" With that said, he ran off, running up to the rest of the photography club members to tell them the news.

I shook my head. He's an odd one, isn't he?

I headed into the plaza, where Taro-senpai was reading a book. He glanced up momentarily to make eye contact with me, and offered me a nervous smile as he waved. I averted my eyes and walked faster, cutting through the plaza to get to the drama club room for morning rehearsal.

It felt like everywhere I looked, everytime I turned around, Ayano's presence lingered in the background, watching me, stalking me like a cat stalking a mouse, waiting for any chance to pounce on its prey.

It was me. I was the prey.

Being on this end of a murderous stalker's path was much more terrifying.

Rehearsal went on without a hitch. Despite my worries distracting me, I managed to recite my lines without my script. Kizano could tell I was anxious, however, as when rehearsal ended, he approached me.

"Athena-sama? What troubles you?" He asked.

I sighed. "It's nothing, Kizano. Just... something personal."

"You can tell me." He said, his hands falling my shoulders before he pulled me in for a hug. "I'm here for you, if you want."

I sighed again as I hugged him back. "I appreciate it, but this is something I need to figure out on my own."

"I understand."

"Thank you."

He released me, and we chatted about meaningless stuff as we walked to class together. Once we got to class, I noticed Osorō was already in his seat. I sat in my seat in front of him, and discreetly passed him the note Ayano had left in my locker today. He read it, then ripped some paper out of his notebook and passed me a note.