Chapter 29: The Search for Koka
The Taxi Ride
Rain began to streak against the taxi window as Shizuku Academy came into view. Yurika sat in the back, her face hidden behind a high collar to avoid prying eyes. She gripped her phone and dialed.
"Yurika...?" Midori’s voice crackled through the speaker, breathless. "Is it true? Are you finally released?"
"Yes," Yurika said, her eyes fixed on the gray road ahead. "I’m out. How is Mrs. Hanada?"
"She’s safe," Midori whispered. "Euro is with her. But Yurika... I'm still terrified of Koka. No one has heard from her."
Yurika’s hand tightened around the phone until her knuckles turned white. "Don't worry. I’ll find her. Just stay hidden, Midori. Don't show yourself to anyone. It’s too dangerous right now."
"I... I understand," Midori stammered. "Please be careful."
The call ended. Yurika stared at her reflection in the dark screen.
"I swear I'll end this," she murmured, a cold fire burning in her chest. "I will get that necklace back, and I will save Koka. You won't win this game, Turo."
Principal’s Office
Principal Turo sat in his high-backed leather chair, staring at the clock. Tick. Tick. Tick.
His private phone buzzed. He snatched it up.
"Report," Turo barked.
"The girl is secured," a distorted voice replied. "She won't be making any noise. And the other one... the 'ghost'... remains quiet."
Turo let out a long, ragged sigh of relief. "Good. Keep them there. Make sure they disappear if things go south."
He hung up, a cruel smile twisting his lips. "I won't let a couple of teenage girls ruin my legacy. Time is running out, Yurika. You have less than twelve hours. Come beg for your life."
Shizuku Academy
The taxi dropped Yurika at the gates. As she walked onto the campus, the atmosphere shifted. The usual chatter died down. Students parted like the Red Sea, whispering behind their hands.
"That's her..."
"The murderer..."
"How is she walking free?"
Yurika ignored them, her gaze. She marched toward the main building, but a teacher stepped into her path.
"Ms. Saisho," the teacher said, looking nervous. "You shouldn't be here. You should be resting."
"I need to see Principal Turo," Yurika said flatly.
"He... he is busy," the teacher stammered, blocking the way. "He gave strict orders. No visitors. He is buried in paperwork."
Yurika stared the teacher down, then sighed. She didn't have time to force her way into the office yet. She needed leverage. She needed Koka.
"Fine," Yurika said, turning on her heel.
She walked away, heading toward the Drama Club. Midori said Mino was the last one to see her. If Turo is the head of the snake, Mino is the venom.
She burst into the club room. "Where is Mino?"
The members jumped. "Uhh... last we saw him, he was heading to the overgrown garden behind the East Wing."
Yurika didn't wait for a thank you. She ran.
The Overgrown Garden
The back garden was a tangle of weeds and neglected statues. Yurika scanned the area, her heart pounding.
"Koka!" she hissed.
Nothing but the rustle of wind in the leaves. She walked along the path, her eyes scanning the dirt. Then, a glint of metal caught her eye.
She crouched down. Half-buried in the mud was a keychain a small, silver drama mask.
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My Knife Pointing At Your Heart
Misteri / ThrillerA 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...
