Heart Strings

Chapter 8: Grow On Me

Much like what happened with Osana, there was a short mourning session for Amai's passing, and due to the mammoth amount of stress the Odayaka Goods bakery shut down just a few days after.

"This time there was absolutely nobody in the building so we don't even know if Amai was killed by someone or it was a total accident." Kuroko says as Jaku and Uekiya find themselves in the student council room with the rest of the members. "Reports show that death came from a fractured neck."

"Did they check the stall door?" Jaku asks.

"They did actually and that is where my suspicion lies." Kuroko replies. "The door was apparently welded shut by someone, and the bathroom floor was very slippery, at least that's what the people working in there reported."

"For some reason I want to suspect it was Ayano, but like you said nobody was around." Jaku says. "And there's no way anyone could have seen her, even as everyone was leaving."

"May I let you and Uekiya in on something?" Kuroko asks as she shuts the doors to the council room again, and the two nod, ready to take in and keep secret whatever was going through Kuroko's thoughts. "Part of the reason we have to keep our guard so high up is because of Ayano. You see there was an incident back in the 80's."

"My father mentioned something about it. Something like the Yandere of '89." Jaku replies.

"The headmaster has heavy suspicions Ayano is the daughter of this infamous yandere, so he and Megami have told us to keep an eye out for her." Kuroko says.

"We won't tell anyone." Jaku and Uekiya say confidently.

"Much appreciated." Kuroko says. "By the way Jaku, I've already mentioned you to Megami."

"What did she say?" Jaku asks.

"She's willing to let you join the student council after hearing everything that's happened as of late. It never hurt to have another set of eyes looking out for trouble." Kuroko replies.

"Please tell Megami it would be an honor to join." Jaku says.

"Then I say, welcome to the student council." Kuroko says, shaking Jaku's hand. "You'll have to get here earlier than most and you'll have to take on extra responsibilities."

"I am ready to take on these extra responsibilities." Jaku replies. A few more minutes pass and Jaku changes into his new student council uniform. It's all white with a red trim, just like the other members, his blazer has an extra pocket hidden inside to discreetly stow away small items, his slacks are somewhat looser than those of the ordinary uniform, allowing him to run without any hindrances, and he now wears a red tie to go with the rest of the uniform. The signature council armband is on his left shoulder and his crimson eyes seem to enhance the entire uniform and his overall appearance.

"Megamai will be happy to hear that there will be a new member." Kuroko says. "We can have you patrol the roof for a start."

"It would definitely save Aoi some work." Jaku replies. "As I continue to be part of the council I will probably expand my area and patrol the third floor halls as well."

"Geez, you just gonna take over like that?" Aoi chuckles.

"I'll leave you with the first and second floor halls if that satisfies you." Jaku chuckles back and the two fist bump in agreement.

"Jaku, catch." Shiromi says as she tosses Jaku a can of pepper spray and a walkie-talkie. "Use that can wisely."

"Of course." Jaku replies as he puts the pepper spray in that hidden pocket and stows away the walkie-talkie. With everything said and done the student council and Uekiya leave for their classes. Jaku only comes a few minutes late but as soon as his sensei notices his student council uniform she simply nods as he takes his seat. Once again Jaku notices that Ayano has gone missing. "I have my suspicions..." Jaku says in his head as he continues class. Once everyone leaves for lunch, Jaku pulls out his walkie-talkie and gets in touch with Aoi. "Ayano wasn't in class today. Keep your eyes peeled."

"Thanks for the heads up." Aoi's voice crackles. "If she tries anything you know what to do."

"Right." Jaku replies before he ends the conversation and heads to the roof. He eats a quick lunch before he simply walks around, occasionally standing still to get a better view of his surroundings, and eventually he spots Ayano. "Hmm..." He mumbles to himself as he carefully watches her from a distance. That's when he decides to move in closer to see if there's anything she might be holding, but as soon as Ayano notices him approaching she runs off, clearly set back by his appearance. "Aoi, keep an eye on the third hall. I just saw Ayano run downstairs."

"Good eye." Aoi's voice crackles. "Oh wait, I see her."

"Alright." Jaku replies before communication is cut. While doing roof patrol Jaku spots Gaku, who appears to be preparing for some sort of prank, and the former simply approaches quietly.

"This is gonna be great." Gaku chuckles.

"What's gonna be great?" Jaku asks, startling the delinquent as he turns around.

"...Jerk?" Gaku asks in disbelief.

"Whatever you're trying to do, I'm not letting that happen. I'd dispose of whatever that is if I were you." Jaku replies sternly. Not willing to go up against a member of the student council Gaku does exactly as he's told and runs off.

"Looks like she's returning to class." Aoi's voice crackles.

"Alright, I guess we should all get back." Jaku replies.

"We should." Aoi's voice crackles before communication is cut.