After Hour

Part 13 - Nogizaka corp

Manaka and Risa look at each other, there is no way back to their home. Their home already burned and they don't have a place to go home. Manaka and Risa nodded together as they agreed it.
"But, there is something that I want to do before I officially join with you." said Manaka.
"What is that?" asked Shiraishi.
"After hearing what Reika said to me about my father and knowing that my father hide this kind of job from me, let me freely investigate about my father's death." said Manaka as her eyes filled with spirit.

Reika nodded and directly say yes to Manaka.
"Yeah, you can."

After watched the news on tv, Manaka and Risa came back to their seat followed by Shiraishi.
"Then what should we do now?" asked Manaka.
"From now on you both are not allowed to come out from this building for your safety. I'll let people here to know about you both so they can protect you." said Reika.
"Am I really that weak until lots of people protect me?" asked Manaka as she rolled her eyes.
"I will let Keyakizaka know that you both joined us. Reika, call Wakatsuki and the others to this meeting room. We will have a group meeting with Keyakizaka." said Shiraishi.
"Alright!" said Reika then she left the meeting room.

Risa who seated next to Manaka started to worry about their life. She touched Manaka's arm and look at her eyes.
"Are you okay?" asked Risa.

"Hm?" confused Manaka.
"About your house.... got burned.." said Risa lower her voice.
"It just a house.." answered Manaka.
"Oh.."
"What happened with you, Risa?" asked Manaka back.
"Somehow, I feel betrayed.." answered Risa.
"By who?" asked Manaka curiously.
"Akanen and Yuuka." said Risa as she looks kinda sad.

Manaka didn't know what happened back then when she was in UK. She didn't know about Risa's condition at that time. Looking at how sad is Risa feeling betrayed by 2 of her best friend, it hurts Manaka a lot.

Shiraishi suddenly stood up again, Manaka and Risa look at Shiraishi at once.
"There is something that I want to show you, Manaka. Follow me." said Shiraishi then she left the meeting room.

Manaka and Risa were hurriedly following Shiraishi. They took the lift together, without spend a minute Shiraishi pushed the highest number inside the lift.
"Where are we going?" asked Manaka.
"Just follow me and see.." answered Shiraishi.

Manaka look at Risa and Risa just gave her a shrug as the sign she also didn't know where they were going to.

"PING!"

The lift finally arrived at the highest floor in the building, they immidiately stepped out from the lift and following Shiraishi. As they following Shiraishi, they were arrived in front of huge metal door. Shiraishi put her identity card in a scanner and scanned her hand. The metal door opened and the lights inside the room slowly turned on. Inside the room there are some desk and chair just like a normal office room.

"What is this?" curious Manaka.
"Welcome to your father's room.." said Shiraishi.

Manaka and Risa surprised, slowly Manaka get inside the room followed by Risa and Shiraishi. The door closed as Shiraishi entered the room.
"Here is the place where your father used to work." said Shiraishi.
"It is just a normal room. Is Manaka's father really the best scientist and researcher? If yes he is, why there is nothing here?" asked Risa.
"His works are on labs, this room is just his personal office." said Shiraishi.

As Manaka explored the room, she found a photo of puzzle that hanged on the wall.
"Ah! I remember this! This was my first puzzle game, I don't believe it he framed the photo here." said Manaka.
"So that is the meaning, I oftenly came here and asked Mr. Shi about that. He just answered that he loves puzzle." said Shiraishi.
"My father is good at lying huh.." sighed Manaka.
"Maybe he wasn't lying. If he loves puzzle and you said that was your first puzzle game, that's mean...."
"..He loves me..." continued Manaka.
"That's right." nodded Shiraishi calmly.