Hikaru on page 4, Shiori on 7, Sakurai twins on 8, Raku on 9, Miyu on 10, Satoru on 11, Shu on 12, Rena and Nazuna on 13, Hiroyuki on 14, Reika on 16, Miharu on 17, Toru on 18, Usagi on 19

Warehouse

We open the blue door right nearby.

Yui: Looks like... a warehouse?

Hikaru: Damn, this is huge.

Supplies are stacked so high as they almost reaches the ceiling. Everyday goods, snacks, sporting equipment---too many to count. It looks like I can live here forever without wanting for anything. Even so, am I spending my whole life locked up here? No way.

???: --H-hh...! th-There’s human, t-two humans...!

A sharp gasp. Turning my eyes, I see the one: a shadowy figure crouches in hiding, with his hands clamped over the mouth. When he sees us, his body trembles, and each step we take makes his shoulders jolt in fear.

Yui: You don’t need to be so afraid...What’s up?

I crouch and speak to him with a wry smile. I feel no nervousness, probably because I sometimes talk to a similarly quiet boy in the class where I serve as a class leader.

???: s-Sorry...I thought I was gonna puke when I saw you,

I become speechless.

Yui: Huh? y-You hate us that much?! Did I say something rude?

???: n-No, that won’t happen! I’m...so glad to see you, it’s true, but I just...got too nervous,

He excuses with his fingers in a fidget, never making an eye contact.

Hikaru: That’s tough for you...

Yui: Easy, my friend. Why don’t we start with names? What should we call you?

He stands up timidly, tries to say something, stammering again. Even his narrow eyes look somehow weak when they flick back and forth like this.

Shu: m-My name’s...Shu Kurobara. I’m the...Ultimate d-detective...actually...

Yui: Whoa, seriously? A real detective? That’s cool.

I am surprised to learn that detectives actually exist since I’ve always thought they are only in mystery novels and games.

Yui: I’m Yui, Ultimate Lucky Student. Nice to meet you. And he is...

Hikaru: Hikaru Sakaki. I don’t know much about the Ultimate, but...yeah, nice to meet ya.

Shu raises his eyes for the first time, showing these peculiarly deep purple irises.

Shu: You don’t know the Ultimate...?

Hikaru: Nope. Like, I don’t remember anything. If I’m here, guess I had some kinda talent...but I’ve got no clue what it is.

As expected of a detective, he immediately sinks into thought. While I get surprised that a detective really put his hand on his chin, he flicks a glance at Hikaru.

Shu: ...Hikaru, what school are you from?

Hikaru: Hah? No idea! Whoops, that’s bad, huh?!

Hikaru is always bright on the outside, but inside...he must feel forlorn, though I still can’t step into there.

Shu: Bother...I usually dig up the Ultimates every year. Thought maybe I could help if I remembered...but I don’t. I’m sorry...

When Shu gets sorry, his slim shoulders seem to fold even tighter. And I wonder---would Hikaru ever remember who he really is before we escape?