The Mystery of the Phantom Secret Admirer (part4)

As usual, the Whimsical Matchmaking Brigade met in the clubroom after school, but today there was a palpable air of anticipation. Ryota entered the room, greeted by Sato’s mischievous grin. “Well, well, if it isn’t our extraordinary detective who made a grand entrance in the middle of a history lesson,” Sato teased. “You made history my friend, you made history!”

Ryota shot him a playful glare, determined to maintain his composure. Taking his seat next to Mai, he mustered a calm smile, concealing the lingering feeling of embarrassment.

“I believe I’ve uncovered the solution to our mystery,” he began, his voice steady and composed.

Sato raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Ah, the brilliant detective reveals all. Do enlighten us, Sherlock Holmes,” he quipped.

Mai turned her gaze toward Ryota, a soft smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “Lazy-kun, we’re all ears. Please, share your findings.”

Ryota took a measured breath, ready to divulge his discoveries. “Let’s examine the layout of the lockers,” he explained, projecting an air of confidence. “Hatsumi’s locker, let’s call it Locker A, is directly positioned above the culprit’s locker, which we can call Locker B.”

“Why do I feel this is going to be a math lesson? ”

“Sato!”

“Sorry, sorry!”

Hatsumi’s eyes widened with curiosity, leaning in closer. “But how does that relate to the mystery?” she inquired.

“An astute question, Maeda-san,” Ryota acknowledged. “The key lies in a hidden gap between the top of Locker B and the bottom of your own locker, precisely where the door meets the locker frame.”

Sato leaned forward. “In other words, the culprit must have been aware of this gap to slip the letter inside,” he deduced, his voice tinged with excitement.

“Indeed,” Ryota confirmed. “The gap isn’t immediately visible or easily accessible. It requires a subtle adjustment or a gentle push to reveal the concealed space.”

He glanced at his watch, realizing the perfect opportunity was just a few minutes away. “But words can only convey so much,” he remarked, his tone measured. “It’s better to witness things with our own eyes.” With that, he motioned for the others to follow him as they headed for the lockers.

As they made their way toward the corridor, the young novice detective took a moment to explain his theory about the secret admirer’s actions. “The culprit would inspect Hatsumi’s movements,” he explained, his voice steady. “They would note her routine, such as opening her locker during lunch break or after her last class. This information allows them to find the right opportunity to act without being seen.”

Mai furrowed her brow, processing the information. “So, based on that, when do you think would be the best time for them to slide the letters?”

“Considering that they want to remain undetected,” Sato chimed in. “The culprit would choose a time when fewer people are around, reducing the chances of being seen.”

Reaching the corridor where the lockers were lined up, Ryota signaled for everyone to hide and maintain absolute silence. Silent breaths filled the air as a nervous-looking student went to the lockers.

The boy’s disheveled attire hinted at his hurried arrival, with a creased shirt and unkempt hair. The corridor’s flickering fluorescent lights cast a pale glow, and the faint echo of distant voices reverberated through the air. His eyes darted around the corridor, filled with a mixture of fear and caution. Every movement he made was quick yet deliberate as if he was acutely aware of his surroundings. The tension in his body was palpable, and his hands trembled as he fumbled to open his locker, his actions betraying a sense of urgency.

Ryota glanced at his companions, his eyes urging them to remain hidden. It was a crucial moment, and they couldn’t afford to miss any details. The nervous student seemed restless, constantly scanning the area for any signs of impending discovery. Despite the risks involved, he operated with a sense of urgency and apprehension.

Taking a deep breath, the boy retrieved a folded letter from his bag. Delicate heart shapes adorned the paper, their vibrant shades of red and pink exuding an air of innocent romance.

Unable to stop shaking his hands, he carefully positioned himself in front of Hatsumi’s locker, his gaze focused on the hidden gap. He revealed the concealed space—a narrow opening between the top of his locker and the bottom of Hatsumi’s locker. As if it were a secret compartment designed for covert exchanges, the gap needed precision to use.

Ryota could see a soft blush spread across Hatsumi’s cheeks as he attempted to slide the letter through the narrow opening. She couldn’t help but find the scene strangely endearing. A shy smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she observed the nervous boy’s actions, her face turning a shade of crimson. Her voice was barely audible as she whispered, “It’s... kind of cute.”

Mai, overhearing Hatsumi’s comment, seized the opportunity to intervene. With a mischievous glint in her eyes, she nudged her gently. “Oh, Hatsumi-chan, now’s your chance! Go talk to him,” she urged, a playful tone lacing her words.

Hatsumi’s blush deepened, her heart pounding in her chest. She hesitated briefly, torn between her shyness and the newfound intrigue surrounding the mysterious boy. Her eyes darted between Mai, Ryota, and Sato, seeking their support and guidance.

“You’ve got this, Maeda-san,” Ryota said, his voice filled with conviction. “Remember, the president is right. It might be your last chance, so don’t let it pass you by!”

“Come on, Hatsumi! It’s time to man up!” Sato added, his tone dripping with humor. “Well, you know, figuratively speaking, of course!”

“You do realize I’m a girl, right?”

Hatsumi’s perplexed expression transformed into a mixture of surprise and amusement at Sato’s remark. She glanced at Ryota, who nodded reassuringly, and then at Mai, who was still grinning ear to ear. All of that gave her the final push she needed. Finally, she mustered her courage and took a hesitant step forward...

Ryota watched her with a mixture of pride and relief. His gaze lingered on Hatsumi, capturing grace in her every movement. Her shy smile and the way her cheeks flushed a delicate shade of pink conveyed a vulnerability that only added to her charm.

She walked. With each step she took, time was slowing down.

Lost in the magic of the unfolding scene, Ryota barely noticed the air shift around him until a force gently pulled his attention away. A gentle warmth enveloped his being. He turned his gaze towards Mai, who was looking at him with eyes sparkling with joy.

In a swift motion, she closed the distance between her and Ryota, embracing him tightly, her arms wrapped securely around him. Softly, with a whisper that carried the weight of unspoken words, Mai’s voice trembled against his ear, “You did it, Ryota... You solved the mystery. I’m so proud of you.”

Startled, Ryota’s eyes widened in surprise, his breath catching in his throat. He uttered a stunned “Prez!” before the world around him faded into darkness.

“Arara, President!” Sato exclaimed with a glint in his eyes, unable to resist making a joke at Ryota’s expense. “You finally killed the poor guy? I didn’t know your charm was this lethal to him!"

Unbeknownst to the unconscious Ryota, the mystery still had not been solved. It would take more than a theory built a hunch to grasp the whole truth.