After reading the novel's description, I couldn't understand how to find the rest of it. I tried, and I thought I understood something—but nothing made sense.
So I gave up on the book and went home. Night had fallen. I couldn't do my homework because my mind kept going back to that novel and how to find the rest of it. My brain just couldn't process anything. I decided I'd reread the description tomorrow to try to understand it, but for now, I had to focus on my homework.
Morning came, but I hadn't slept. I washed my face and went to school—but I had completely forgotten about Ash.
[Akira]: So you came… Akira, I was looking for you yesterday. Don't worry, I didn't forget you. Meet me after school, you idiot.
[Ash]: Sounds good to me, but make it outside the school.
[Akira]: Why not? That way you won't stain it with your filthy blood. Fine, I agree. See you after school, commoner.
[Ash]: Yeah, see you—rich boy living off money that's not his.
[Akira]: You little rat, I'll make sure you swallow those words.
[Ash]: I never wanted to fight in my school life, but I have no choice. That guy needs to be taught a lesson he'll never forget.
We entered the classroom and the lesson began. After the teacher left, I asked Kana if she'd learned anything about the story.
She replied that she had asked her grandfather. He told her that no one had ever been able to find the pages of the book, so they just left it there. He tried too, but found nothing. She suggested we ask the third-year students. It made sense, but the atmosphere around me suddenly felt heavy—I looked around and saw faces ready to devour me.
[Student]: Look at him, talking to Kana. That commoner… Why is Kana even speaking to him? Should I throw him out the window? My dad's rich, so everything will be fine, right?
[Another student]: Heh, the classroom is lively as always… but I feel like my life bar is slowly draining.
During the break, Kana and I went to ask the third-year students if they knew anything about the book. But everyone said they hadn't entered that library. The last people who went in were third-years—six years ago. No one's gone there since.
We thanked them and left.
[Akira]: So what now? No one knows anything about the book, and the students who saw it would be around 24 years old by now. They're probably either working or still studying. How are we supposed to meet any of them?
[Kana]: Akira, why are you even interested in this book?
[Akira]: Hm? Why…? Well, I'm just curious about a few things. First, what's the story behind it? Second, why was it torn apart? Why didn't they put it back together? And why was it hidden? That's all.
[Kana]: I see. So you're tagging along even though we're not close. But I agree—our thoughts align. That's why I've decided to work with you on this.
Listen, I'll ask my grandfather if he knows anyone who might have a clue. I'll contact you once I know where to find them. So, give me your phone number.
[Akira]: What? Our phone numbers? Are we really exchanging contacts?
[Kana]: Yes—but just to solve this book's mystery, nothing else. Keep that in your mind. Now hand me your phone.
[Akira]: Alright, here you go...
After giving her my phone, I thought to myself:
"Getting her number… felt like an impossible dream. But honestly, it was easier than I expected. Thank you, God. All I needed was to talk to a girl like her to feel alive again.
But no, I'll just stay the side character—our worlds will never align. I'll go along with this for now."
[Kana]: Alright, I saved your contact. I'll ask my grandpa and message you. I have to go now. Bye!
[Akira]: Okay, goodbye.
I went to the library, hoping to find any clue—but nothing except the first page and the words of that student.
How did he find this page? Overthinking really hurts.
Break ended at last.
[Ash]: So, Akira, your time is up. Listen, apologize to me in front of the class and I'll let it go. What do you say? Sounds like a good deal, right? That way you get to keep your face. Not a bad idea, huh?
[Akira]: What? Apologize? And my time's up?
No, I'd rather let it end. I'm actually looking forward to meeting you after school. Let's see whose face gets smashed.
[Ash]: Oh, big words. But your chance to apologize is gone. Believe me, I've already reserved you a spot at the hospital. Don't worry—I'll make sure to visit. You won't have to worry about the treatment costs.
I looked at him and walked back to my seat.
The school day ended, and we got ready to leave. I saw Ash waiting and he said:
[Ash]: Don't be late. I hate waiting.
[Akira]: I went outside. He was there with two of his friends.
[Ash]: Oh, so you came. You didn't run. I guess worms really do crawl out from under the earth sometimes.
Let me welcome you. Guys, don't get involved—I want to play with him a bit.
[Friend 1]: Go ahead, commoner. If you had just apologized, you wouldn't be in this mess. But Ash is going to smash your face now.
[Friend 2]: Too late for apologies. I'll break his face so bad, even plastic surgeons won't be able to fix it. Hahaha!
I charged at Ash, kicked him in the face, and made his nose bleed.
"You talk too much," I said. "Do it first—then speak. And if you can't, shut up. Don't say things you'll regret.
And you two… want to join him?"
[Friend 1]: You bastard! I'll crush you!
**I grabbed him, elbowed him in the head, and knocked him down. The other ran away.
I turned to Ash and said:
"What did you say you'd do again?
I tolerated you at school because I want a clean record. I want to live a good life.
You spoiled brats think I want to be like you? No.
I'll become rich on my own. I want to say this is my money, not my dad's.
So if you mess with me again, the ER will be named after you. Got it?"
[Ash]: I got it… Please leave us alone. We won't mess with you again. I swear.
[Akira]: Go.
After they left, I wiped the blood off me and went back to the dorm to study.
Kana called me.
[Kana]: Hello, Akira? Still awake, huh?
[Akira]: I've got homework and other stuff. Did you learn anything about the novel?
[Kana]: Yes! My grandpa actually knows one of the students, the one who found the first page. We've set up a meeting for tomorrow at 9 PM.
[Akira]: That was quick. Rich families really are amazing.
[Kana]: Well, we like to get things done fast. Time is money—that's what sets us apart.
[Akira]: Spoken like a true rich kid.
Anyway, you're still up? That's rare.
[Kana]: I'm used to it. I'm always ranked first.
[Akira]: Well, with your scholarship, I guess that makes sense. But forget about being first—I'm taking it again this year.
[Kana]: We'll see who wins. But enough talk for now. Good night.
[Akira]: Yeah, good night.
---
After school, we went to a café to meet the person who found the first page.
We entered and saw him wave us over. We sat down.
[Michelle]: Hi, I'm Michelle.
[Akira]: Hello, I'm Akira from first year. And this is—
[Michelle]: I know, Kana, granddaughter of Mr. Sojiro. He told me you both found the book and want to locate the missing pages, right?
[Kana]: Yes, but we don't know how. We heard you found one page, so we're hoping you can help us find the rest.
[Michelle]: About that… I have something to tell you.
That page I glued in—I found it in the library by chance while browsing books.
But I'm not sure if it's really from the original book.
[Akira]: Wait, you mean it might not be from the actual book? So technically, no one's found a real page yet?
[Michelle]: Unfortunately, yes. I really don't know if it's genuine.
The only thing I can offer is this—
"The key to finding the pages lies within the book itself."
That's what the upperclassmen used to say. The book kept getting passed around in hopes someone could finish the story. But no one really cared anymore, so it got forgotten.
Now that you two are looking into it again, I hope you'll discover something.
[Akira]: Ugh, my head hurts…
So instead of making progress, we're going backward now?
God… we can't even confirm a single page. How are we supposed to move forward?
[Kana]: Isn't there anything unique in the pages to help us identify them?
[Michelle]: I don't know. The book's super old.
I'm not sure how long ago it was written…
Wait a second—I've got it!
[Akira]: What are you doing? Looking for the book?
[Kana]: Done! I asked my grandpa when the book was written.
It turns out it's over 100 years old—dating back to the Taisho and early Showa periods.
Back then, they used the Fukuro-toji method to bind pages together.
The page would be folded in half (printed on one side only), and several folded pages would be sewn with thick thread.
Then a hard cover—either thick paper or colored cloth—would be stitched along with the inner pages in the same process.
So I'm sure we'll find a clue.
[Michelle]: Okay… I don't totally get it, but I'm with you.
Kana, can we go to the school now?
[Akira]: I'm not sure. I'll ask my grandfather.
I asked him, and he said he already contacted the security guard to bring the book to the school gate, since we're not allowed in at night.
[Kana]: As expected—still strict about the rules, as always.
[Michelle]: We went to the school, took the book, and Michelle inspected it.
[Kana]: So Michelle… any sign that this page is real?
[Michelle]: Sadly… there's no proof that it belongs to the original cover.
Also, it turns out this page was made with modern printing techniques.
[Akira]: Our worst fear came true...
Looks like we're starting from zero again.