"As with past years, next week the school will hold a two-day overnight trip with a visit to Yomiyama Shrine. Everyone, please prepare…"
Today, with Kubodera on leave, Assistant Homeroom Teacher Mikami-sensei gave the announcement.
Because of Rinji's efforts to protect the class openly and in secret, there hadn't been a death for nearly a month. The students were beginning to relax.
But Rinji wasn't optimistic.
As soon as he heard about the trip, he raised his hand.
"Mikami-sensei."
"What is it, Takamine?"
"I don't think our class is suited for a trip now," Rinji said, standing. "The mountains are dangerous. You know about Class 3-3's situation. Who knows what accidents could happen out there."
"Well…"
"Instead of praying at a shrine, it's better to stay at school and keep everyone together for safety."
As long as the students stayed in sight of him and Mei, they'd be safe. Mei could sense danger, Rinji could protect.
"No need to worry, Takamine," Mikami said with a smile. "This time, everyone will stay in the same inn, and go out in groups. It'll actually be easier to manage than at school."
That was true—after school, students scattered all over town. On a trip, they'd be centralized.
"And Takamine, it'd be good for you to join. Even if it's only been a month, you are a member of Class 3-3. At least take a group photo. Next week, you'll leave and return to your own school, won't you?"
"…Yes."
Rinji nodded, agreeing.
The other students were surprised.
"Eh? Takamine's leaving?"
"Right, he was just studying abroad…"
"But if Takamine leaves, what will we…"
Almost everyone didn't want him to go.
Apart from hoping Rinji could protect them, there was also genuine friendship toward him.
Although Rinji didn't really interact much with the students, his usual actions had earned him quite a bit of goodwill.
"…Forget it, let's go on the trip."
To this, Rinji had no further objections.
"I hope everyone will be a little more careful."
…
"Takamine, are you really leaving?"
"You won't come back again?"
After class, students crowded around Rinji's desk. They all wanted to know if it was true he was leaving the school.
"Yeah, I really am leaving," Rinji said.
"I came here as an exchange student. When the time is up, naturally I have to leave… Though our time together was short and I didn't really get the chance to become friends with you all, these days were still very important to me."
"Takamine…"
Class rep Yukari looked at him sorrowfully. Her lips parted slightly, and in a quiet voice she asked, "Takamine… will you ever come back to Yomiyama?"
"Probably not in the short term." Rinji smiled. "Next time we meet… it'll likely be twenty years later."
"Twenty years!?"
"That's way too long!"
"There's nothing that can be done." Rinji lowered his head, murmuring. "The fact I appeared here at all… is already a miracle."
"But twenty years…"
"Takamine."
A voice suddenly called out.
From the back of the crowd, Akazawa walked up to him.
She looked at his face, silent for a moment, then said, "Thank you for everything until now."
"No, it's nothing."
"And also…"
Halfway through, Akazawa's words caught in her throat. She wanted Rinji to stay, at least until graduation, because only when he was in the class did she feel safe. If he left, then…
Of course Rinji understood what she meant.
"Don't worry, I already know what's going on with this class. When the time comes, I'll handle it."
As he spoke, he turned to look for Mei, who was protecting the students alongside him.
But the moment he turned, Mei, who had been sitting in the corner, had already stood and was walking toward the door. And even though her covered eye hid her gaze, the aura of determination from her made him uneasy.
---
"Mikami-sensei."
"Ah, Misaki-san?"
In the garden beside the school building, Mikami turned her head at the voice, spotting Mei less than a meter away.
Mei was usually quiet and unnoticed. For her to come seek out Mikami was surprising.
"Is something the matter?"
"Yes, I do have something to discuss."
Today Mei was acting strangely. The crimson pupil beside her eyepatch was colder than ever. As she spoke, she slowly stepped closer to Mikami, one hand slipping into her skirt pocket.
"What I want to say is…"
Smack!
Just as she prepared to step closer, a hand suddenly grabbed the arm she had put into her pocket.
Turning her head, she saw Rinji behind her without her even noticing.
"Sorry, Mikami-sensei," Rinji said with a smile. "Mei is just worried about the safety of the trip. I'll explain things to her."
"I see… given all that's happened, it's understandable for everyone to feel uneasy," Mikami said with a smile.
After a brief exchange, Mikami left.
Mei lowered her head slightly and asked Rinji, "Why did you stop me?"
"Because this isn't something you should do."
"I have to do it."
"…What's with you today?" Rinji asked. "You're acting unusual."
"I… saw the color of death on you."
Mei raised her head to look at him, her uncovered eye full of unease.
"If I don't end this now, Takamine, you'll die."