Twisted world

He did confess to her before the breakup with Sano, but that timing. Perhaps Daiki knew about Sano's intention to break up with her? It could just be a coincidence, but it felt strange to her.

"Speaking of Daiki. I heard he and mr late idiot share a room in the dorms again."

Oh, that's right, the dorms.

"Unfortunately, I'm with Masaru again," Masato said with a deep sigh.

Her sweat fell at that comment. It seems like Masato will always have a difficult time handling Masaru. Perhaps it is because they have opposite personalities.

Hijiri perks up."That's a good thing. I'm with Sei and Nao again. Everyone's old room arrangements still seem to stay the same. Futaba is still living in the apartment house, right ?"

"I wonder how she's doing," Sumire mumbled.

Momoi Futaba is her best friend. Because of the bullying incident, she was held back a year and thus only just came to the high school. Currently, her friend is in France modeling for a fashion show.

Nao flicked her forehead.

"Hey, that hurt-!" Sumire exclaimed.

"Quit making that face. She's not going to die, you know. Momoi is strong, and well, I'm sure she will find someone in no time."

That's right; her best friend was strong. Even she acknowledged that, and she didn't usually acknowledge anyone's strength. But when it came to stuff like this, she didn't want to let her guard down on the matter anymore.

It's not like she had never experienced severe bullying before because she did. In middle school, for example, people there did not hold back. But even if she acknowledged their bullying, it did not impact her at all.

They could snigger and laugh at her for all she cared; in the end, something like that wouldn't hurt her.

If such poisonous words were enough to destroy her,, she would be dead long ago.

"Alright, class, let's get seated!" A familiar teacher strolled into the room.

Her thoughts broke off when she heard the sound of her phone.

From: Mikaze

I overslept! Sumire-chan, I'm sorry, but I'm on class duty today.

Could you take over?

From: Sumire

Sure, but you owe me now.

To live a normal high school life was something Yuhi wanted from her. Right now, she is living a normal life. But what use is that when he is not beside her?

Sumire sighed deeply. It is no good; no matter what happens, her thoughts end up going back to Yuhi. It does not make sense to her. An entire year has gone past since he went to Tokyo. During that time, she dated another person and received other confessions. Why is she still so attached?

'I don't understand these feelings very well.'

Sumire's thoughts broke off when Masato moved his table and attached it with hers. He slid the textbook, so it was in the middle. "Ah-"

"You must have forgotten again."

He is right about that. More like she has the books from the day before. She did not have time to return home and fetch her things.

"Mamoru isn't attending class until third, so you do not have to worry."

"Did something happen?" Sumire asked worriedly.

It is unlike Ru not to attend school and not inform her.

"He said he had some cleaning up to do."

Her sweat fell when she heard those words. Could it be due to the accident the other day? Ru always ends up cleaning after her mess.

"He also told me to tell you not to worry; he will be back before school ends today and walk you home."

That's right, no matter how busy Ru becomes. He always finds the time to walk home with her. Although there are a few exceptions, like what happened the other day, he seldom leaves her side.

"I see." Sumire trailed off when she saw Masato looking at her. "Is something wrong?

"There is something different about you today."

At those words, Sumire froze. Something different? Could it be Masato noticed? That isn't possible. She checked herself in the mirror earlier on; that guy did not leave any strange markings on her.

Or perhaps is the scent of blood still on her body? She only managed to wash her face and arms in a hurry earlier.

It is not like the guys do not know about her involvement in the delinquent world. But how much do they truly know? Do they know she is the type of person who would kill people in their sleep or torture them to death?

She already stopped feeling something about killing others a long time ago. No, she never felt anything, even after the first time.

It came naturally to her, almost like she was a born killer.

Her thoughts broke off when Masaru extended his hand out; he brushed his hands across the hairpin she wore. "Masato?"

"It's the first time seeing you wearing something like this in a long time."

Oh, by something different, he was talking about her clothes?

"Does it look strange?" Sumire suddenly felt self-conscious. Now it makes sense why people were staring at her on the way in.

"No." Masato smiled gently at her. "It looks good on you."

For a moment, she froze when she saw the gentle look in his eyes. How strange; since when did Masato start to look at her like this? She has always gotten along with him very well because they both like to play the piano. He helps her with her composing and learning new songs. They have a lot in common.

There was even a time when people mistook them as a couple. Sumire sighed deeply. Now isn't the time to think such things.

She turned to the textbook in front of her. She ought to focus on cl- Sumire paused when she saw the markings on the textbook. Her gaze softened. Masato does not change.

He still puts in the same effort to study as he does with his career. The other guys could learn more from him.

"Sumire, how is the work for the album? Will you be alright?"

"Ah yes, don't worry. I just need to compose the solo songs, but the group songs are all finished."

Even if worse comes to worst and she does not finish on time. They could just release the group songs as a new single.

"If you need any help, feel free to ask me."

"Aren't you busy, Masato? You're in more demand these days."

Masato coughed awkwardly. "Frankly, I still find it awkward receiving so much solo work. Up until now, we have done everything as a group."

"That's true. But this shows how even individually, the six of you can shine. I am very happy that you all made it this far."

In middle school, the six of them did not get along, but gradually, they spent more days together. Their hearts got closer; music brought them all together. Now they have reached this far where they can sing in harmony.

Suppose a person like her can balance being a member of the underworld and a student. Then it shows how twisted this world truly is.

Her gaze fell onto the window. No matter how bright the sky is today, it would remain dull and grey for her.

If a killer like her can walk under these supposedly blue skies like nothing happened, what about a truly twisted individual?