Instead of being afraid that someone would send a photo of her with Sugai Yuuka, Akane is surprised by another video posted by an anonymous account on the school blog. The video is 25 seconds long, the first 5 seconds of the video shows a location like in a forest behind a school. The video only lasted about 5 minutes before it was deleted from the blog. However, Akane firmly believes that the terrible and gasping voice in the video belonged to Watanabe Risa and Fujiyoshi Karin.

In the video, Akane can hear a few words. Secret and traitor.

Akane was horrified. Could that be the reason for Karin at that time? When she asked her about Hirate, and the reason she had to leave Sakurazaka?

She became more suspicious of The Elites' involvement in the deaths of the five students and Hirate's withdrawal from school. But Akane doesn't want to speculate without proof. She wanted to find out more about the strange case, but if she alone had to find out it would be easy to wipe out.

Especially if indeed The Elites were involved, the fact that Akane's status and The Elites were certain that Akane could easily be annihilated.

That morning is running as usual. She left her apartment, walked alone along the sidewalk to the station among the hurried adults. She wore her spare blazer, because Risa still hasn't returned the blazer that she lend to her yesterday.

The sunlight was covered by thick dark clouds. Since she left her house, usually at 6 am the sun should have started to show its light but on that day the opposite. It seemed that Akane should consider bringing an umbrella, but she ignored her hunch. Because even if it rains, she can stay at the school for a few hours.

When Akane was about to pick up her ID cards in the lobby, she could hear several students discussing about the video. Of course they immediately changed the topic for fear that one of The Elites members would accidentally walked near them.

"Ah, senior!" a sound made Akane immediately close her locker and turn around. She found Ten running towards her, Akane didn't miss the little girl who struggling to follow Ten's fast steps.

“Moriya, is fine. I'm not really comfortable being called senior, Ten..” Akane chuckled. She then looked at the girl beside Ten. The girl smiled at Akane. "Morita, is it?"

"Yes. Nice to meet you, ”Hikaru smiled. She then continued. "Maybe a little late, but I'm very grateful because you helped Ten that time."

“I just happened to be there,” Akane raised and waving her palms. She felt a little flattered. "It's been so long." she said to Ten.

Of course they would rarely see each other because their buildings were different. The first, second, and third class buildings are all separate. Only connected by a long corridor. Ten looked happy when she met Akane. Judging from her sparkling eyes when she met her senior. Likewise with Hikaru, she also looks enthusiast about Akane.

"Good morning, Sugai, Kobayashi."

Ten, Hikaru, and Akane turned their heads when they heard several students mention those names. Yuuka and Yui chatted with some girls that Akane didn't recognize. She watched Yuuka for a few seconds before turning her gaze to the two juniors beside her.

Even though it wasn't someone Ten was afraid of, she still felt uncomfortable and wanted to leave the place immediately. “Uh, we have to go first. See you again, senior!" With that she turned towards the first class building, Hikaru bowed her head to Akane before following her friend.

Akane watched the two juniors leave. She opened the locker again, took out a thick book for morning lessons and closed the locker again. When she turned around, she didn't know that the two Elites were done with their business so she almost ran into Yuuka who happened to be passing behind her . Luckily, Akane managed to hold back her steps.

Suddenly she became a little annoyed. It wasn't that the two of them were walking carelessly, it had nothing to do. It's because Yuuka just passed in front of her without even turning to look at her. She didn't even bother to say hi. Even though yesterday we chatted as usual. What a cocky girl.

Akane shook her head, why was she pissed off anyway. Yuuka and herself are only people who just know each other. Without realizing it, that was what made Akane's mood breakdown. As soon as she arrived in class, she immediately sat in her seat. Koike who notice Akane's resentful face, looked surprised. She then stood up from her place and approaching Akane.

"You saw the video?" she starts the conversation. Hope Akane will be interested.

Hearing that, Akane lifted her head. "Yes. Right before the video was deleted."

"They are scary. They even eat their own friends. I feel sorry for Fujiyoshi,” Koike jumped to sit on Akane's table. "I'll never want to deal with them."

"Isn't it suspicious? The video was deleted quickly as if it was avoiding a riot. And in the video they say secret words and traitors. Just..” Akane paused, her gaze straight ahead of the class. She tried to think, “I don't know, forget it. I'm too excited."

“Don't be too curious. You don't know who you're dealing with." Koike said. At low volume. It made Akane sharpen her eyes for a moment. "I know what you think. Because I also thought the same thing."

Akane looked at Koike with a look of enthusiasm, full of questions, and with great interest. She had a lot of questions in her head that she wanted to discuss with Koike, but it seemed like she had to hold back her curiosity because the morning bell had rung. The loud voice echoed throughout the school and made the students stand in their seats—waiting for the teacher to arrive.

The morning's first lesson is history. And that's not a lesson Akane liked. She glanced at her friends; Matsuda, Fuyuka, Koike. The three of them started to open the thick book and issued a lighter to mark important parts of their book. Akane took a deep breath. Presumably she regrets her decision to agree to moved to Sakurazaka. She should have gone to an common private school.

After 3 months of schooling there, the image of Sakurazaka as an elite school with students who have high levels of intelligence, students who become examples for other schools and tend to have no problems immediately disappear. Indeed, not all students are like that, other schools must have students who like to find problems with other students. But 6 people under the guise of the student council who are pretentious? The deaths of five students and the reasons for leaving the students that the school has covered up?

The minute by minute listening to the teacher explain about the storming of The Bastille made her sleepy. She put down her pen, then glanced out the window—to be precise at the outdoor field. Several students dressed in school jerseys ran around the field led by a student who had a white cloth wrapped around her arm.

Unfortunately, their comfort did not last long as a few moments later drops of water from the sky descended. Initially it was just an ordinary drizzle, gradually turning into heavy rain. The out-facing classroom windows that normally opened were automatically closed. However, the children in the field were still running through the heavy rain that was piercing their skin.

Is this school now a military school? Akane said to herself. When she looked out the window, she felt happy that it was raining in the morning. Because surely will stopped by the afternoon. There were voices from several of her classmates. Complaining about not bringing an umbrella, also complaining that they were afraid that the white uniform they were wearing will be dirty.

Even during breaktime, the rain still didn't stop. As if there was no sign that the volume of water that had fallen would decrease, it was getting heavier and accompanied by flashes of lightning. The outdoor field was flooded with water. At that point, Akane's expression started to look worried.

"Yo..." Fuyuka greeted her. She approached Koike and Akane's seat. Stop there and stare at the faces of the two friends one by one. "Geez, what happened to your faces. Don't sleep like Matsuda!” Akane and Koike looked at where Matsuda sat. Sure enough, the girl folded her arms across the table while she snored over it.

"The rain is heavier than I thought. I thought it would only be a few hours." Akane answered. She then grumbled.

"Why? You didn't bring an umbrella?" Koike asked. “Ah, I can take you all the way to the bus stop if you want. From there you can take the bus to your apartment."

"Thank you! Gosh, Koike. I love you!"

They then choose to eat food from the vending machine instead of going to the cafeteria. After Akane awaken Matsuda with her beautiful dream, they were finally able to sit together around Akane's seat. The four people were sitting very tightly like what they were talking about should not be heard by anyone else.

"Eh, WHAT?" Koike covered Fuyuka's mouth because of her sudden loud scream. After trying to break free Koike's hands, she said, “Damn, I missed that. I was too sleepy yesterday."

"Too bad, you can't join our discussion. Now go away." Matsuda laughing at Fuyuka who looked annoyed.

Akane joined in at Fuyuka's laughter. She then asked after an idea popped into her head all of a sudden. “Apart from that, can you guys tell me about those five girls? I mean where is their address? Especially Hirate."

It made the three friends stare at her for a moment in silence. But finally Matsuda gave an answer. “From what I remember, Yonetani's family immediately moved out of town a week after their daughter was found dead. Suzumoto family too. If I'm not mistaken, the Yonetani family moved to a very distant city. Meanwhile, the Suzumoto family moved abroad."

“Ishimori, just like you, lived here alone. It's very sad because when her parents pray for the safety and success of their daughter to go to school outside the city, their beloved daughter died in a tragic accident. Her parents came here to retrieve her daughter's incomplete body and bury her properly in her hometown."

Hearing Matsuda's explanation made Akane shudder in horror. Especially when the lightning followed by the sound of thunder that was so loud from outside that it almost made them scream.

"What about the other two?" Akane asked. "Hirate too."

"I don't know exactly about the Nagahama and Sato families." Koike replied. “But Hirate is still in this city. She ended up being treated in a mental hospital after leaving school."

Matsuda and Fuyuka were shocked. Especially Akane. Koike's information about Hirate is something new because It has been a long time since the news about Hirate has been heard from the same as the other victims' families.

With an inexplicable expression, Fuyuka grabbing Koike's arm and shook her shoulders. Each of her words expressed curiosity and a sense of wonder. "How do you know that? There were never any rumors about Hirate in this school before."

“I can't remember for sure. But a few days ago Habu and I went to the downtown. We accidentally saw Hirate's father get out of his car. We passed the parking lot wondering each other."

"Besides, why do you ask like that?" Matsuda asked Akane. She gave her a suspicious look. "You're not going to act like crazy again, right?"

Akane fell silent as Matsuda waited for her to answer. She confused. She wanted so badly to reveal the truth about the five students and she couldn't do it alone. She wanted to ask her friends for help but she felt that her friends did not show a cooperative side.

"Akane!" this time Matsuda said rather loudly.

“I… just want to know the truth about Hirate and those five students. Aren't you curious of their family who suddenly moved and disappeared and also Hirate's hidden whereabouts? School thinks it was an accident, but I'm sure it wasn't.” Akane lowered her head, fiddling with her fingers on the table.

"You really need to stop bothering yourself, Akane." Fuyuka answered. She sighed softly. Her face were dark and untranslatable. "Whatever is in this school, this school's past. Better not to take it out, or put it up again."

Matsuda shook her head slowly. But she did not refuse, nor did she approve. She seemed hesitant, should she be on Akane's side or Fuyuka's side. If she want to be honest, she also wants to know the truth of the cruel accident.

"I'm on her side." Koike replied firmly. "Whatever happens, the truth must be revealed."

"Oh no.. Not you too. You don't know how dangerous it is." Fuyuka hissed. Almost angry because the two friends were so difficult to tell. She wanted to continue, but then she give up. Choose silence and think. She had just noticed something odd.

"I'm on you, Akane. There's no way I let my friends fight alone." Matsuda finally said. She smiled, making Akane feel very happy. Same with Koike. Seeing that, Fuyuka could only scratch her neck which which is not itchy, finally she reluctantly said, "Okay then. I will help."

----

14.00 PM.

Yuuka walked quickly towards the principal's office. This time Yui didn't come with her because her girlfriend is busy taking care of other things with Karin. More precisely to accompany Karin, because Seki and Risa were doing their own business.

She couldn't hide her nervousness and trembling when she arrived in front of the large double doors made of wood with an iron plate reads the headmaster's office. A sacred room because every time she entered there, she was always rewarded by Mr. Kobayashi cold and sharp stare.

After catching her breath, she finally dared to push open the heavy door and enter the room. Mr. Kobayashi is there, facing a window with raindrops on it. The man seemed oblivious to Yuuka's arrival because the sound of rain disguised the sound of his office door.

"Mr. Kobayashi." Yuuka said. The man turn around and stare at her coldly. Even though she used to Mr. Kobayashi stare, she still couldn't hide her fear.

"You know what reason I called you here?" hisdeep voice got to Yuuka clearly. Clearer than the sound of rain from outside. Yuuka fell silent. Choose not to answer and say nothing.

“I heard about a video from an unofficial school website from some students. The video shows something that should not be done in the School area. Apparently the student council itself is more problematic than the students." Mr. Kobayashi hissed. He then sighed heavily, took off his glasses and placed them on the table.

“Sugai .. I know your burden is very difficult as the person in charge of this school. But still, you have to keep trying. Your performance as student council president is good enough. There aren't any students who have committed violations since you formalized the new rules last semester. It's just that you need to taking care of the student council members. Especially Watanabe's daughter."

Yuuka nodded.

"Listen. I don't want anything to make our school bad in the eyes of outsiders. I don't want to see anything like that, anymore. Starting today. Understand?"

"Yes, Sir."

Mr. Kobayashi glared at Yuuka. "I will not tell this matter with your father. This is not a big deal. But, if one day there is something worse than this I will no longer hesitate to ask your father to guide you. "

Yuuka bit her lip, nodding at Mr. Kobayashi.

The man asked again. "Was Yui okay yesterday?"

Yuuka's heart stopped suddenly. She could feel something hot running down her neck and ears. "Yes, we studied biology yesterday." Yuuka answered firmly and it was her lie that succeeded in making Mr. Kobayashi smiled proudly. There's no way I could say that I made out with her daughter, I could die.

"Okay. You can go now."

Yuuka bowed politely for a few seconds before turning around and leaving the creepy room for her. Outside, she took a deep breath. Calming her heart that beating uncontrollably. She then walked back to her class, along the way she watched out the window and the few students walking past her. The rain still didn't stop. She was grateful that at least she brought an umbrella with her.

"Yuuka!" she stopped in her tracks, looking back to find out who had called her name.

"You alone? Where is Risa? " asked Yuuka. Intrigued because Seki came alone, even though she should have returned from the rooftop with Risa.

"She came back first. She said there was something had to be done." Seki replied. They are now walking together to class, intending to take their respective items. “I'm done with Marino. She already confessed."

"Then?"

“She also said she posted it as a joke. It was true as Yui said, this was all too easy. We'd better be careful about what's to come."

Yuuka nodded. "And also maintain your behavior. I'm already embarrassed of being accused of doing wrong for what I didn't do."

"Risa?"

“Karin and Risa are not on good terms right now. We have to be more vigilant about watching them so they don't kill each other. Like Risa and Hono few days ago."

Seki chuckled. She then said again, “I want to know. Actually where Hirate is after she left school. Neither of us ever saw her again.”

"Wherever she is, she better keep what she promised to us." They then kept quiet to each other because Seki no longer answered Yuuka's words. After all, they were already in front of the class. Hearing the sound of the guitar from in the classroom, they already knew who was playing it. They also see Risa walking towards them from the end of the corridor.

----

Dammit, knowing this way I'll carry an umbrella. Akane swore to herself. It had been about an hour since the last bell and the rain still showed no sign of stopping. Matsuda and Fuyuka had gone home earlier because there was a schedule for tutoring, they were picked up by Matsuda's car.

Meanwhile, Koike, who invited Akane to walk to the bus stop together, canceled her plan because Habu fetch Koike in class. It couldn't be helped, finally Akane asked Koike to just go home with Habu.

And now she was sadly standing in the lobby watching outside. Considering whether she should run through the rain because it's getting darker with the impact her white uniform will become dirty, including the white blazer that Risa had returned to her a few minutes ago. Or she patiently waits in the lobby until the rain stops on the condition that she will come home late

She sighed heavily. One by one, the cars came out of the parking lot and the students' voices from inside the classroom grew less and less. Which means that there are only a few students who are in school.

Akane was reminded of when Risa suddenly pulled her bag back with a little bit force, it made her almost fell over if she didn't have good balance. She will not forget Risa's cold expression when she turned around to find her handing a plastic bag containing her white blazer.

Without saying anything the short haired girl immediately turned to leave Akane. It pissed Akane a little, actually. Huh, she even didn't say thank you when I saved her from seniors she said to herself. But then she thought back. The look in Risa's eyes as their eyes met. She didn't show that cold attitude at all. Instead, Risa's eyes were different, softer and full of questions.

Akane shook her head. Now was not the time to think about such insignificant things. She then walked towards the lobby door, looking out. It was getting darker and the cloud is getting thicker. But at least the rain had subsided a little. Akane really sure it wouldn't be long so she immediately ran through the rain without thinking twice.

The water and cold air could immediately could be felt prickling her skin. No matter what other people's stange look on her, she just wanted to get home quickly. But unfortunately, God is not on her side. The rain, which initially subsided somewhat, slowly returned to being heavy. Akane shouted angrily—luckily her voice was muffled by the sound of the rain. She decided to take shelter under the roof of a supermarket. Her visibility is limited due to the increasingly heavy rain, and her clothes were soaked. Shit. She hadn't even arrived at the bus stop yet.

Whether because of lamenting her fate or being too focused on paying attention to the rain, Akane doesn't notice the presence of other person beside her. She just realized when she accidentally saw the brief shadow of a human. She gasped and immediately moved aside and looking who was beside her.

Sugai Yuuka is there. She held an umbrella and covered Akane's body with it. Her hair was messy and looked limp from the wet. Her uniform was also a little wet, her white skirt had dirt stain on it. She looking at Yuuka who was slightly panting, it meant she ran so she could catch up with Akane.

"What the hell?" Akane said quietly. Meanwhile Yuuka smiled slightly at her. The girl handed her the umbrella again, waiting for Akane to accept it. Of course, it made Akane confused whether to accept it or not.

Finally Yuuka grabbed Akane's cold hand and moved the umbrella she was holding onto hers. Her actions certainly made Akane even more confused. Wonder what the purpose of this girl is to treat her like that.

"Now go home. Be careful." Yuuka said, released her grip on Akane's hand. Then turned around and immediately running through the rain.

"Wait, Sugai!" she shouted. But Yuuka couldn't hear it because she had gone too far. But at least she could vaguely see Yuuka getting into the familiar white car. The car turned and sped to the other way.

Akane watched the umbrella she was carrying. It can't be helped.. she immediately walked slowly so she could go home. She had to be willing to walk some distance because she could not possibly get on the train soaking wet. Throughout her journey her mind is full of Yuuka. The cold of the rain no longer bothered her because the warmth of her  heart spread throughout her body.

And the stigma about the evil and dangerous of Sugai Yuuka began to fade from her brain.

Wait a minute.

She couldn't possibly like someone else's fiancé, right?

----

"Thank you for waiting."

Yui rolled her eyes when she heard Yuuka say that. She chose not to answer and focused on the streets. The low visibility makes Yui have to be extra careful driving the car.

"Yui," Yuuka said again. "you're mad?"

She glanced at Yuuka. Her hair is wet. Her bangs fell over her face. Once again, Yui didn't answer. She took a small towel from the dashboard of the car and placed it on Yuuka's head.

"Pon,"

"Don't Pon me. I'm focused on driving."

"O-Okay,"

Yui glanced at Yuuka again. The girl is busy drying her hair with a towel. She quickly hid her sad expression. Once again Yui had to endure the pain in her heart. Meanwhile, Yuuka understand very well of the meaning of Yui's attitude. She is well aware that she just hurt Yui, again. She felt guilty. That guilt made her doubt her desire to rebel from their arranged marriage.