"About Class 3-3, I heard the basics from Akazawa, that woman who always stops halfway when taking a shit."
On the school rooftop, Rinji spoke with Mei about what he had learned.
"So what exactly is a 'dead person'? How do they mix into the school?"
"Seems you've already learned quite a lot about Class 3-3."
Mei's expression didn't change at all as she leaned against the railing, answering Rinji's doubts. Her delicate face showed no hint of emotion.
"'Dead person' means exactly what it says—someone who is already dead. They suddenly return to life and blend into Class 3-3."
"Someone dead coming back to life should be huge news. How come no one notices?"
"No one can. Everyone's memories are altered, even written records. And the dead person's own memory is also affected. They forget they've died, and live with everyone as if nothing is wrong." Mei said calmly.
"I see. Then my second question. Does this happen every year in Class 3-3?"
"No. There were two years when nothing happened. But most years, disaster comes. On average, more than fifteen people related to the class die each year."
"…Didn't anyone think of just canceling Class 3-3?"
"It's useless."
Mei shook her head.
"Over the years they tried many things. Changing the class number to 3-4, switching classrooms, even once canceling the class entirely. None of it worked. The disaster still struck, and those meant to be in Class 3-3 were cursed wherever they went," she said.
"…"
"Because of this, from over ten years ago, the class began forming countermeasure groups to find solutions. The most effective method so far has been choosing one student as the 'dead person.' Everyone treats them like air, and this prevents disaster."
"I've heard that too. You're the one chosen this year, aren't you?"
"Yes."
Mei's tone was cold as ever, seemingly not caring at all about being the sacrificial one.
"…Your sister, Fujioka Misaki, she's related to you, right?"
"…Yes."
After a pause, Mei nodded.
"We're twins, but because of family finances, I was adopted by the Misaki family."
"I basically get it now," Rinji said.
"From Misaki's situation, the disaster must have already arrived. Everything the countermeasure group has been doing probably has no effect. You could tell them that."
"They won't believe me. On paper, Misaki and I aren't related," Mei shook her head. "And besides… Fujioka hasn't died. Even if they knew, they'd just assume the disaster hasn't come yet."
"So the current goal is to find out who the dead person is?"
"Yes. As long as we find the dead person, this year's problem will end."
"Got it."
Rinji smiled.
"I thought you were cold, but thanks for answering so many of my questions."
"I'm not the kind who likes answering people, and I hate being asked questions," Mei said, but her cold face suddenly showed a smile. "But to me, you're special. After saving Misaki so many times from the disaster, I owe you thanks."
---
"Hey, Takamine, you barely showed up for class this afternoon."
"I'm used to being free and unrestrained."
"Man, that's such a badass answer, I'm jealous."
After school, a few boys came to Rinji, hoping to walk home with him. They were Naoya Teshigawara, a boy who seemed a bit frivolous but was very lively and could always keep things from going dull wherever he was; Tomohiko Kazami, a bespectacled bookish boy who was also a member of the Countermeasures Group; and the last one, Koichi Sakakibara, Rinji's deskmate who had transferred a few days earlier than him.
"You guys… aren't here to fight me just because I mouthed off at Akazawa this morning, right?"
"Hey hey hey, don't always assume the worst about your classmates!" Naoya said with a bitter smile.
"He's right," Tomohiko adjusted his glasses. "Although your arrogance has caused many in class to look at you unfavorably… as an exchange student, you're a bit too flashy."
"Anyway… just try to get along with everyone," Koichi smiled to smooth things over.
As a transfer student himself, Koichi didn't draw much hostility from the class, but there was still suspicion. After all, in Class 3-3 where the 'dead' could infiltrate at any time, the sudden arrival of a transfer student would naturally make people cautious.
The four of them walked side by side on the way home. Tomohiko spoke first.
"Takamine, if I may ask, do you remember much about your childhood?"
"I remember it pretty clearly, my memory's decent."
"Then do you recall why you came to study at Yomiyama?" Tomohiko asked. "This isn't Tokyo or any international metropolis, just a small remote city. Exchange students rarely choose such places. Did you transfer here because of family?"
Listening to his question, Rinji saw through him immediately. The boy seemed to be making small talk, but in truth he was probing him, investigating him. Because the 'dead' had their memories altered, forgetting their death, when they recalled things there would be many blanks. And Rinji's identity was indeed suspicious, since exchange students rarely came to remote towns. His appearance was too abrupt.
"I came here because of work."
"I see…"
"Or rather…" Rinji suddenly revealed a meaningful smile. "I entered Class 3-3 on purpose."
"!!"
Naoya and Tomohiko's expressions froze in panic. Why choose Class 3-3 specifically? Could it be that Rinji was…