Ai sat alone in the library, tucked between two tall shelves of dusty classics. Her fingertips traced the edge of a weathered page, but her mind wasn't on the book—it was on Aoi. Ever since their confrontation, something had shifted. She could feel it—not just the rivalry, but an unease. Like he was hiding something.
Across campus, Aoi stood at the rooftop, the wind tugging at his blazer. He stared at the empty courtyard below. The echoes of their past were creeping up again. Their transfer to this school wasn't random. He knew it. And Ai was starting to remember.
Earlier that morning, whispers had filled the halls again.
"Did you hear? The new twins? They used to attend the elite private academy in Hokkaido."
"They vanished for a year. No records. Suspicious, right?"
Back in the library, Yuki slid into the seat beside Ai, snapping her out of her thoughts. "You've been quiet. Everything okay?"
Ai smiled faintly. "I'm just… thinking about the council elections."
"More like thinking about Aoi," Yuki teased.
Ai's smile dropped.
As Ai and Yuki walked out of the library, the warm sunlight was a welcome relief from the musty smell of old books. They strolled across campus, enjoying the gentle breeze and the sound of birds chirping.
"I need to tell you something," Yuki said, her voice low and serious. "I've been digging into our school's history, and I found something weird."
Ai's curiosity was piqued. "What is it?"
Yuki hesitated, glancing around nervously. "I think there's a connection between our school and that elite private academy in Hokkaido. The one we supposedly attended before transferring here."
Ai's eyes widened. "What kind of connection?"
"I don't know yet," Yuki admitted. "But I have a feeling it's more than just a coincidence. And I think Aoi knows something about it."
Ai's mind was racing. She had been wondering about their past, and now Yuki's words only added to her suspicions.
As they continued their walk, Aoi watched them from afar, his eyes narrowed in thought. He knew Ai was getting closer to the truth, and he wasn't sure if he should be relieved or worried.
The game was about to change, and Ai was ready to play. But would she be prepared for what was coming her way?