Chapter 37 - Please… Help Me…

Inside their dorm, the four of them sat in the living room, with Celine and Rina on Ayami's side facing Yanna in front of them.

It has already been ten minutes since all of them sat together with not one speaking.

"How long are you intending to stay silent?" With a sharp voice, Celine was the one to ask.

Ayami observed Yanna's demeanor. It looks like Yanna wouldn't be able to tell her what she wanted to say if Celine and Rina continued to stay.

Ayami stood up, not intending to waste time anymore in this staring contest. "Come with me."

Ping!

Suddenly, a notification bell resounded throughout the room.

Huh? I already turned it off. Ayami checked her phone and saw that it was still turned off. It wasn't hers. Then whose was it?

Ayami looked around and made eye contact with everyone in the living room, but all of them shook their heads.

Ping!

When the sound came again, Ayami was able to pinpoint where it was coming from. It was inside her room. The door was wide open and she could see a phone on top of her table from where she was standing.

That's weird, the door to my room should be locked.

Ayami turned to look at Celine and Rina with an inquiring gaze. "Why is my room open?"

"Huh? Didn't you leave your room open?" Rina scratched her head. "I saw that it was open this morning, so I thought you already went back."

"No, I didn't go back this morning. I met up with you guys first. Must be a burglar. I'll go check if there is something missing." Ayami said and went to her room.

Ayami looked around and checked if there was anything missing, but everything was the same as before and her things were left untouched. The only odd thing is the phone that was on top of her table.

Ayami took the phone and observed it. The phone's model was unknown and looked brand new. It looked like it was custom-made.

Ayami pressed the power button and opened it. A messaging interface appeared the moment she opened it.

You have two unread messages.

Unknown: I can see you~

Attached on that message was a picture of Ayami, with the others sitting in the living room. Normally, one would feel scared if they received something like this, but Ayami was oddly calm.

Unknown: Like my gift?

A scowl appeared on her face. How the hell did she gain a stalker??

As much as she wanted to deal with the stalker right now, there was something she needed to take priority first.

Ayami put the phone back on the table and left her room. She locked her room to make sure nobody would go in.

"Nothing was missing, but I'll file a report." Ayami said after she locked her door.

"You should. Someone trespassed and that is illegal." Celine said while nodding her head. "If you need help, just say it."

"Okay, a favor then. The two of you stay here. It looks like Yanna won't be able to speak if the two of you are here." Ayami firmly said, no room for discussion.

"But…" 

"No buts." Ayami dragged Yanna out of the dorm and left the two alone.

They went to a secluded place, a place where nobody dared to go, the restricted area. Ayami saw the familiar looking sign and the black leopard, Midnight, guarding the entrance. Onwards was the small artificial forest.

"H-hey, we are not allowed to go here." Yanna spoke with a trembling voice as she looked at the black leopard warily. Ayami nonchalantly spoke to her. "I know. And so?"

Yanna was flabbergasted as a thought flashed in her mind. Does she want to get expelled or is this one of her schemes?

"Come on, hurry up." Ayami urged her. The black leopard that was supposed to guard ignored the two as if they didn't exist. Ayami pointed on Midnight. "See, that guy is on our side."

"Nobody can go here so that means there won't be anybody who will listen to our conversation." Ayami spoke on the way to the secret garden. Well, except for that guy.

Shortly afterwards, they arrived at the secret garden. It was still the same, still looking beautiful and relaxing. Perfect for a conversation.

Ayami sat down on the bench by the pond while Yanna stood up, anxiously looking at Ayami.

"So, what do you need?" Ayami started the conversation because if she didn't, then they would just waste time doing a staring contest.

"…" There was hesitation on Yanna's face, as if the topic she was about to bring was too complicated. Ayami patiently waited for her answer while looking at her nails.

Then, as if the idea struck her, Ayami clapped her hands and looked at Yanna with a benevolent smile. "You want to apologize for last week? Don't worry, don't worry. I was just shocked. I already forgave you. I know that you have some reasons why you did that, but it's fine."

"No… that's not it, but still, I'm sorry." Yanna looked down and fiddled with her fingers. "Actually…"

Just say it! Ayami was slowly losing her patience.

"Please… help me…" Yanna spoke in a small voice. Thankfully, Ayami was able to hear it. 

"Help you with what?" Ayami tilted her head as she asked that question, while blinking her eyes at her. Yanna looked at her straight into her eyes.

"It hasn't happened yet but it will happen in the future and this involves you. You might deny it at first but I know…" Yanna looked at her seriously, while the smile on Ayami's face froze. Yanna continued on without faltering.

"But I know… that you also came from the future. So please help me."

The smile on her face slowly faded. A dangerous glint flashed through her eyes as her expression slowly darkened. Slowly, in a dreadful voice she asked Yanna, who was terrified from her expression.

"What do you mean by that?"