Chapter 25: The Silent Funeral
Principal’s Office
Principal Turo collapsed into his leather chair the moment the door clicked shut behind Koka. His chest heaved as he loosened his tie, gasping for air.
"I need to plan quickly... or I'll lose everything," he muttered, staring at his trembling hands. "I have nothing left to lose. If that girl exposes me, the Shizuku legacy dies with me.
His eyes darted to the framed photo of the school on his desk. His empire. His life's work.
"I guess I have no other choice."
A dark resolve settled over his features. He picked up his secure phone and dialed the number for "Sir."
"Sir... we have a situation," Turo said, his voice dropping to a gravelly whisper. "A student named Koka Binata knows too much. She is blackmailing me. Please... remove the obstacle."
He hung up, wiping a bead of cold sweat from his forehead. "It has to be done."
The Hospital
Yurika lay awake, staring at the sterile ceiling tiles. The clock ticked maddeningly on the wall. Three days left.
"I can't sleep..." she whispered. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw the silhouette standing over Mrs. Hanada.
"If it wasn't the Principal who killed her... then who was it?" She clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. "And why frame me?"
The Funeral Parlor - Three Days Later
The air was thick with incense and the scent of lilies. It was the day before Yurika’s custody ended.
Lenka stood by the closed casket, dressed in mourning black. Her face was pale, her eyes red-rimmed. A relative approached her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"Lenka... do you need some company?"
Lenka wiped a tear, composing herself. "I... I’ll be alright."
"I know it’s been hard, losing your mother so violently," the relative said softly. "But don't let grief consume you. She would want you to keep living. I’m sure she is in a better place now."
Lenka nodded slowly, hugging the woman. "Thank you."
Once the relative walked away, Lenka’s expression shifted. The grief remained, but beneath it lay a terrified urgency. She excused herself to the restroom.
Checking under the stalls to ensure she was alone, Lenka splashed cold water on her face. Her hands shook as she dialed a number.
"Is it done? How is Pippi?" she hissed into the phone.
"Don't worry," a distorted voice replied. "Pippi is safe in our hands."
Cut to: A dark, windowless room, likely beneath the restricted grounds of Shizuku Academy. Pippi is sitting on a cot, reading a book, unharmed but locked in.
"I am doing what you wanted," Lenka whispered, tears streaming down her face again—this time from frustration. "I staged the scene. I played the grieving daughter. I attacked Yurika. Now free my daughter!"
The voice on the other end chuckled darkly. "It's not that easy, Lenka. The performance isn't over. You still need to do us one more favor..."
Lenka slid down the tiled wall, burying her face in her hands.
Shizuku Academy
Koka Binata walked the empty halls, her footsteps echoing. She stopped at the bottom of the grand staircase—the spot where Sumire had died.
"So this is where it all began," Koka mused, running her hand along the banister. "I can't believe how this world is full of such convenient mysteries."
She turned around and jumped. Mino was standing right behind her, silent as a ghost.
"Oh my goodness! Mino, you scared me," Koka exhaled, clutching her chest. "What brings you here?"
Mino didn't smile. He simply extended a hand. "I’m sorry, Koka. I gathered Yurika's number for you. Here."
He handed her a slip of paper.
YOU ARE READING
My Knife Pointing At Your Heart
Misterio / SuspensoA Girl desperately seeks the attention of her crush, willing to do anything to make him notice her. But in her pursuit, she stumbles into the tangled lives of those around her, uncovering secrets she was never meant to find. As she delves deeper, sh...
