Misaki Suzuki sat in the corner of the classroom, her gaze dark as it swept across her classmates. The "friends" who used to flock around her were now like startled birds, each coming up with excuses to distance themselves from her. In the classroom, she sat alone, isolated, as if banished from the rest of the world.
Her hand clutched the pen on her desk so tightly that her knuckles turned white. In the past, Misaki had always been the center of attention, as if the whole world revolved around her. She basked in the feeling of being surrounded and admired, relishing the power that came with her family background and status. But now, she had become a plague that everyone avoided.
Everything that had happened over the past few days left her agitated. Her most loyal followers had been killed one after another in brutal, chilling ways. She noticed the fear in her classmates' eyes when they looked at her, as if she were cursed, as if the air of death clung to her and could infect them at any moment.
Out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of several girls near the classroom door—girls who once used to laugh and chat with her. They were whispering among themselves, occasionally glancing her way before quickly looking away. Misaki could sense the dread and unease in their eyes, as if she were a ticking time bomb.
She gritted her teeth, her anger boiling over and drowning out her fear. She couldn't accept that the very people who once kissed up to her were now turning their backs on her.
"Useless cowards," Misaki cursed inwardly, brows furrowed. She used to believe these people would always stay by her side. After all, she gave them what they wanted—money, status, protection. But the moment death loomed overhead—and after her parents' divorce—they scattered like rats fleeing a sinking ship.
The air in the classroom seemed frozen. Misaki found it harder to breathe with each passing moment. Her eyes swept across the empty seats, her anger mingling with a hint of anxiety. She had thought her background alone would keep everyone around her. But reality made her realize that all those so-called "friendships" were nothing more than illusions built on her dominance. When danger came knocking, her "friends" crumbled like paper.
The fire of rage devoured her heart. Suddenly, she stood up. Her chair screeched across the floor, making everyone fall silent and look her way in alarm. Her gaze was sharp and nearly deranged as she scanned the room.
"Cowards," she hissed coldly, her voice icy.
One girl, who used to follow Misaki's every word, stood up timidly and said in a small voice, "Misaki… it's not that we don't want to be around you, it's just… the situation's really weird. I mean, it's all the girls who hung out with you that keep dying…"
Misaki whipped her head around, her eyes as sharp as blades, slicing straight into the girl. Her eyes narrowed as if scrutinizing someone who dared to challenge her. "So what?" she said, voice razor-sharp. "If it really had something to do with me, then why am I still alive?"
The girl instantly fell silent, opening her mouth but saying nothing. Misaki's presence was too overwhelming, forcing her to lower her head, twisting her fingers nervously. No one else dared to speak.
Suddenly, an idea flashed through Misaki's mind, and a pleased smile spread across her lips. "Alright then," she said, voice suddenly softer and laced with temptation, "who wants to stay at my villa? My place has a top-grade security system. You'll be safe there, guaranteed."
A heavy silence filled the classroom at first, but soon a few glances began to pass between students. Her words were like a stone dropped into still water—stirring ripples of thought. Many began to hesitate. Though they'd pulled away from Misaki out of fear, this offer stirred new temptations. Even with her parents divorced, Misaki's mother had taken a huge share of the assets, including that well-guarded villa—a guaranteed safe haven.
Some began calculating: if they stayed with Misaki, not only would they be safe, but they might also continue benefiting from her influence. A few girls looked at her, their eyes filled with hesitation and curiosity.
Misaki saw it all and sneered inwardly. Just as she thought—these people were fence-sitters, ready to sway with the wind. To her, they were nothing more than pitiable puppets, easily manipulated with the right bait.
"Think carefully," she said, voice full of challenge. "If you want to survive, you stick with me." Her tone was confident, as if she were declaring victory. And yet, deep in her heart, a faint unease lingered.
Seeing some students still hesitant, Misaki marched straight to the principal's office and demanded a break from school. The principal was reluctant at first, worried about the school's reputation and the panic this might cause, but unable to risk offending the Suzuki family, he eventually agreed.
Soon, a school-wide notice was issued: vacation granted.
"You guys should enjoy the luxury of my family villa," Misaki boasted proudly. "It was a birthday gift from my dad. No killer's ever going to find us there."
Akira raised his eyes slightly. To my surprise, there was… nervousness in his expression.
"M-Misaki… is that place really safe?" he asked, sounding timid.
"Don't be scared, Megumi," Misaki said, deliberately softening her tone with a taunting glint in her eyes. "If you're that afraid, why not come stay with me too? My villa is isolated, the killer will never find it. And it has high-end security systems—no one can lay a finger on you."
Akira looked at her with a glance of gratitude and dependence. "Really, Misaki? I… I'm really scared. Would you… really protect me?"
Misaki, seeing his fragile and helpless look, grew even more smug. "Of course," she said, patting his shoulder in mock generosity, voice dripping with condescension. "You're my friend, after all. As long as you behave, nothing will happen to you."
Akira bowed his head, the corner of his mouth curling ever so slightly in a barely visible smirk. Yet his voice was still laced with fear. "Thank you, Misaki… I'll be good."
Seeing a few students still hesitant, Misaki's restlessness turned into frustration. She stormed off to the principal's office again. Minutes later, the vacation announcement spread across campus.
The news stirred a wave of commotion. Students murmured and gossiped about the unexpected break.
Meanwhile, Misaki basked in attention, boasting, "You guys are going to love my vacation home. It's a birthday gift from my dad—there's no way that murderer will find it."
Some students were moved.
"That… actually sounds pretty nice."
"Yeah, being together is safer than being alone."
"Misaki, you're so kind. Always thinking of us."
"Yay, vacation!"
Akira stood quietly to the side, eyes lifted, weighing the situation. When he looked up again, his face was full of "fear." Misaki looked at him, her tone turning gentle but her eyes mocking.
"Don't be afraid, Megumi. If you're that scared, just come stay with me. No one will find you there."
Akira looked up at her with a timid expression, voice trembling. "Really, Misaki? I'm… really scared. You'll protect me?"
Misaki, savoring the power, patted his shoulder with haughty disdain. "Of course. Just be obedient."
Akira lowered his head again, lips curving in a hidden smile. "Thank you, Misaki. I'll listen."
Misaki didn't notice the glint in Akira's eyes. Drunk on her perceived control, she declared, "Alright, if everyone's coming, let's leave tonight. But first, I'm treating you all to a meal at a family-owned restaurant!"
The girls cheered excitedly, thrilled by the promise of a free fancy dinner. Akira, pretending to be grateful, played along.
When they arrived at the restaurant, a big sign loomed overhead: "Ichiban-ya."
Misaki led everyone inside. As soon as they stepped through the door, a middle-aged man rushed out with a beaming smile.
"Misaki, you're here!" Takumi's voice trembled with joy, unable to hide his emotion, as if he'd waited an eternity.
Misaki's expression froze when she saw him, then quickly twisted into disdain. "Yeah. Hurry and get us a table. I brought friends," she said coldly, her eyes devoid of warmth, as if the man before her disgusted her.
Takumi kept smiling, but Akira caught the flash of sadness in his eyes. Takumi led them in eagerly, saying, "Order anything you want—tonight's on me!"
Akira sat silently, connecting the dots—Misaki's arrogance, Takumi's hopeful yet submissive demeanor. He instantly understood: this "relative" was Misaki's estranged father.
Takumi returned to the kitchen, but his hands moved slowly, distracted. His eyes kept drifting back to the dining area, full of tender longing. Despite Misaki's coldness, he watched her with the devotion of a long-lost father.
He watched her command the table with a faint, bittersweet smile. Though she clearly resented him, he stayed quietly, as if just watching her was enough.
Even as steam rose from the food and the kitchen buzzed with noise, Takumi's eyes never left her. Even a fleeting glance was enough for him.
His distractions slowed him down, and the food came out late. Misaki began tapping her fingers, irritated. "Why is the food taking so long? You people want to lose your jobs?"
The waiters stood frozen, not daring to speak. Takumi flinched at the sound of her voice, then rushed the final dishes out.
"S-sorry, Misaki, I was too slow."
Misaki waved him off with disgust. "Whatever. It's edible, I guess."
A girl leaned in. "Misaki, I didn't know your relative owns this place. That's amazing!"
"Yeah, it's hard to get a table here. You're so generous, Misaki."
Misaki smirked, clearly enjoying the flattery. "Of course. My family's full of powerful people. Eat up, it's on me."
Akira silently ate, his face dark, his disdain growing.
After dinner, they moved to a private room. While no one was watching, Takumi pulled Akira aside and said in a low voice:
"Megumi, I'm really happy she came. Even if she won't acknowledge me publicly, just being able to see her, care for her, is enough for me. I've never asked anyone for anything… but please, Aki, when I'm not around, will you look after her for me?"
Akira looked at the wrinkled man full of hope. "She has plenty of people to look after her. She doesn't need me."
Takumi looked hurt, but sighed. "Either way… thank you. Misaki's lucky to have you. Just… take care of each other."
He understood Misaki's nature, and he saw through Akira's coldness. He knew they'd never truly be friends, though he cherished them both.
Akira said nothing, his face lost in shadow. Takumi patted his shoulder and walked away.
Back in the private room, Misaki laughed with the others, not noticing their exchange. She glanced at Akira and sneered.
"Come sit, Megumi. Isn't this the best food you've ever had? I bet you've never eaten this well before."
Akira sat down silently, face blank. He watched Misaki gloat, and inside, something sharp and bitter was taking root.