77 The Gate

"You know about the Gate?" Tanaka asked in surprise, reassessing Yuka. He pondered silently for a while, and just when Yuka thought he wouldn't answer her question, Tanaka finally spoke, "I need to talk to you alone for a second."

Ayoi immediately breathed a sigh of relief, ran to the side. She walked in front of Yuka, shielding her from the prying eyes and ears of passersby. She had long been anxious about facing Tanaka, for his serious demeanor making her nervous.

Tanaka then turned to Kimiko and said, "You go out too."

Kimiko had been curious about the Gate and wanted to resist, but meeting Tanaka's gaze, she lacked the courage to eavesdrop and quietly left the room, head bowed.

"Alright, now I'll answer your question," Tanaka said, pushing his glasses up. "But you must promise me that you won't mention what I'm about to say to anyone."

Yuka nodded, "Okay."