Developing Mystery

“Yunnie, there you are,” said a voice that suddenly called out to Yuno Tomoe in the middle of his alone time in the classroom.

Yuno Tomoe, 16 years old, a first-year student of Altair Academy High School Department, General Studies course. He has a passive nature and acts as an observer while sitting at the backseat near the window, just like any typical protagonist in a slice-of-life manga. He is fond of books, particularly mystery novels.

He raised his gaze from the book he read and looked at the person with disgust. “Ugh, it’s just you, Mikaru.”

Standing in front of him was Mikaru Wendell, 16, Tomoe’s friend and classmate. He is boisterous and somewhat a popular figure in class. But for some reason, he often hangs out with Tomoe who, unlike Wendell, is a loner.

“How rude of you, Yunnie!” But Wendell didn’t fuss about it and leaned his body against the window beside Tomoe's seat. He shrugged his shoulders. “Good grief! As usual, you have no humor.”

“Why are you here? Don’t you have a club meeting today?”

Apparently, Wendell is a writer for the school publication and he came from a family connected to the state media. That’s the reason why he had a fair number of connections inside and outside of the school.

“Uhm! C-c-lub m-meeting?”

His voice was trembling. He averted his gaze while clenching his fists and pushing his index fingers against each other.

Tomoe made a suspicious look.

“Don’t tell me you're–”

“T-that’s not it! I’m not ditching the club. I’m actually about to do my field assignment.”

“...”

“It’s true. Believe it or not, I take pride in this career. Anyway, right now, I’m gathering information about an incident in Ersa.”

“Ersa? Oh, the Encrypt Lab explosion.”

“Yes. They say that the case was closed and the culprit was already apprehended. But I believe there’s something fishy and I want to know more and write a great story about it.”

The Encrypt Lab incident, which happened three days prior, has shocked the whole city given how reputable the company was in terms of technology. State media released an official statement that the culprit was already under police custody. However, the unreasonable lack of public disclosure of vital information supporting their claim, made it unbelievable for the general public. That’s what the independent media, including school publications are trying to delve into.

“Is that so? Well, good luck! But to be honest, that’s quite risky.”

“I know. They already established the truth, but there’s nothing wrong with seeking the truth yourself. That’s what Dad taught me.”

“Mhm.”

“Besides, aren’t you curious too?”

Upon hearing the question, Tomoe looked at him. Wendell pointed at the book he was holding.

“Oh, come on! Isn’t that The Disappearing Soul, one of those rare mystery novels? You clearly like mystery if you have a copy of the book.”

“Sigh! Well, who wouldn’t?”

“We have known each other since middle school. You’re an aloof person, reeking of curiosity.”

“Yeah, yeah. So what of it?”

“Do you want to accompany me in investigating the truth behind the incident?”

“Fine.” He turned his gaze at the window, looking at the Himalia cityscape which can be seen perfectly from their classroom.

A faint smile appeared on Tomoe’s face. On the other hand, Wendell grew a smirk on his’. “Look what we have here. Yunnie’s smiling!”

“Shut it,” Tomoe exclaimed.

“Haha! Despite your usual cold shoulder, you have a surprisingly warm heart. That’s what I like about you.”

“That’s a bit cringy, you know?!”

“Well, wait for me! I’ll just prepare my stuff.”

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