Psychic Detective Yakumo / Shinrei Tantei Yakumo

File 03: Embers

1

-

At the morning meeting, the vice-principal Konno informed them that Komai had passed away.

However, Haruka just couldn't believe it was real. She had been talking to her just yesterday.

The business-like manner in which Konno stated the facts made it feel even less real.

Komai's flat was on the eighth floor of her apartment. The front door had been closed and it seemed that she had jumped from the veranda.

There were no signs of struggle and a note that read 'I'm tired' had been found, so it appeared to be an impulsive suicide.

Haruka had only worked together with Komai for a week, so it wasn't like she knew everything about her. However, she had been happy about her upcoming wedding. Would somebody like that kill herself -

Something might have happened with her lover.

Haruka was probably hung up because of what Masato had said.

- You'll die next.

'Ozawa-san.'

When Yokouchi tapped her on the shoulder, Haruka returned to reality.

'Eh, ah, yes.'

Haruka raised her head, flustered.

'No questions, right?'

Yokouchi asked for agreement with an exasperated look on his face.

'Er...'

She couldn't think of a response because she didn't understand the point of the question.

'Honestly, please get a grip. Everyone's had a shock.'

Yokouchi normally felt gentle, but he was unusually irritated today.

'Please forgive me.'

'The vice-principal will inform the students. Other teachers will help out in shifts for class. Please look after the children in the classroom.'

'Yes, I understand.'

'Get a grip, OK?'

'Please forgive me. I just can't believe that Komai-sensei committed suicide...'

Haruka looked at her feet.

She knew that she had to keep her head up at times like this, but she felt like there was a weight on her head.

'I think it's possible though.'

Yokouchi said just that.

Haruka looked up at Yokouchi, surprised by his words.

'What do you mean?'

'Ah, Ozawa-san, you wouldn't know.'

'What about?'

'I've heard that Komai-sensei had an affair.'

'An affair?'

'I don't know the details either, but there was this whole rumour about how she'd had an affair with the dad of one of the kids. Maybe she was troubled because of that.'

'An affair?'

Yokouchi nodded.

Komai, who had been thinking about marriage, had had an affair -

Troubled because of the affair, she committed suicide. It sounded persuasive, but it felt like it just didn't link to Komai.

'Are you ready?' said Konno.