Some pre-words:
“If no one else participating I might get a chance to win this! Hahaha…” (The poor guy who never won a contest)
I was also using new writing style for this one and I hope you guys like it. More importantly I hope there won’t be a lot of grammar mistakes. (Please give me immunity from grammar Nazi for this one)
Without any other useless rant, enjoy!
The Literature Club
Prologue
“Kenta, what happened?” Hikaru comes and asked in panic.
“I don’t know, when I arrived he is already lying down there.” Kenta hands were trembling, it was dyed red.
“I-I-Is Suga-senpai dead?” Sakura stuttered when she said that. Clearly she received a huge shock like everybody else.
“We have to call the ambulance and the police.” Raphael said that while taking out his cell phone however he cursed not long after. “Darn it, this place doesn’t have a freaking signal.”
“Sakura-chan…” Reyna can only approached Sakura and hugged her.
“The culprit may still be around us.” Hikaru said that and caused even more chaos.
“There is also a chance that the culprit already escaped.” Raphael said that and trying to calm the others.
“But what if the culprit is actually among us?” that words from Kenta is like a lighting in the middle of a sunny day.
Hahaha… This is great. ( ????)
The only one who could laugh and be happy in this kind of situation is clearly the culprit.
Part 1
It was early in the morning; however in front of Sunbarigaoka high school some figures can be seen.
“Yo, Hikaru! I was surprised to see you to be one of the earliest one to come.”
The owner of the voice is a teenager boy. His hair color was brown, brown eyes, and the most noticeable feature of him is a long scar on his cheek that somehow didn’t ruin his good looking face.
“I should be the one saying that to you Kenta.”
Hikaru on the other hand is a gloomy looking boy wearing old fashioned spectacles. His black hair matched his spectacles so well. He is replying while only taking a glance at Kenta before returning his gaze to the book he is reading.
“As usual, the two of you is so close.”
That was mentioned by a beautiful girl. Her beauty is one of the finest in Sunbarigaoka high school. Her face is an oriental Japanese beauty with a long silky hair that is tied up into a ponytail.
“How many times I have to tell you Sakura that I am not his friend.”
“Eh? How can you be so mean Hikaru?”
The complaint was coming from Kenta. It was a wonder how Hikaru can be a friend of Kenta. Hikaru looked like some honor student with his appearance while Kenta is a troublemaker. The reason for their friendship is because they happened to know each other from kindergarten.
“Geez… How can it be so noisy?”
The one who said that clearly just arrived there. It was a boy with a blonde hair and blue eyes. His face is on another level from Hikaru and Kenta. It was as if he came out from a painting because it was too handsome to be true.
“Raphael! How can you leave me behind like that?”
Not long after Raphael arrived a girl that looked like him appeared. Her face rivaled Raphael on the ‘out of the world’ category. If there was a painting of an angel, it must have been modeled after her. Her curly golden hair is swinging as she runs to catch up to Raphael.
“Reyna, good morning! I’m glad you’re here already.”
“Sakura-chan, ohayou~”
Sakura greeted Reyna and immediately she was welcomed by a warm hug from Reyna.
“Reyna, what are you doing?” Sakura said that while trying to escape the situation she was in.
“Sakura-chan, I missed you.”
“But we just met yesterday.”
“Nevertheless I missed you already.”
However Reyna won’t let go of her hug no matter what Sakura do. They are really close with each other since no one in the class talked to Reyna except for Sakura. The truth is Reyna is the one who doesn’t want to talk to anyone other than Sakura. She is distancing herself from the rest of the class for some reason. The people presents are the only exception where she could talk normally with them.
“So, is everyone here?”
Raphael asked while looking at his watch. After that he is looking around to check on the member.
“Suga-senpai is the only one who isn’t here. It must be because he is bringing the van.”
For Sunbarigaoka students, this is a bizarre scene. Hikaru who always get the top score, Kenta who excel in nothing except for P.E class and a troublemaker, Sakura the flower of the school, Raphael and Reyna the twins with excellent family background that always keep their distance from the other, have all gathered in this place.
They only have one reason. That is because they are belongs to the same club, ‘the literature club’. It was a club that focused on literature however the words literature itself can be defined into many meaning. Written material or piece of writing that doesn’t specify any genre or format.
Hikaru loves old Japanese writing style that usually used ‘hard to understand’ words. Kenta found his child dreams fulfilled on modern fantasy light novels. Sakura immersed on the world of romance novel that is suitable with her image. Raphael and Reyna with a surprise come from a family that runs big printing and publishing company. The main family company was abroad since they are half-Japanese half-foreigner, because of that kind of background, their parents asked them to join the club to enrich their knowledge about Japanese literature.
Those factors brought them all together to the literature club. However since the third year students aren’t allowed to engage in club activities, the only upperclassman remained in this club is Suga-senpai. A sophomore that loves mystery novel, his personality was eccentric and loves to play childish prank then plays the innocent role.
Not long after they have gathered, the sound of a vehicle approaching can be heard from the distance.
“Sorry everyone, I wasn’t late right?”
It was Suga; he is driving a van that could fit eight people inside with no problem. One of his hands is coming out from the window and he moves it towards his head when he is saying sorry while the other hand is on the wheel.
“You are three minutes and twenty seconds late senpai.” Raphael said that while looking at his watch, clearly he is the only one who can’t forgive that kind of behavior.
“Come on Raphael, you are taking this too seriously. Don’t worry senpai, we haven’t waited that long.” As angelic as her face could be, Reyna said that with a smile.
“Sorry Raphael and thank you Reyna-chan. Will you be my wife?” the eccentric Suga said that shamelessly while giving a wink.
“Enough with the joke senpai, we better be moving or we will be late.” Hikaru said that calmly and it started the process for them to load their luggage and enters the van.
Part 2
One day suddenly Suga entered the club room and shouted out loud.
“Everyone, listen to me. In the summer holiday, we will have a club camp.”
“But, we are literature club senpai. We don’t do a special training camp.”
Kenta protested as he already makes a detailed plan to go playing everyday in the summer break.
“Who said that? The sports team has a special training so why don’t we have one too? Of course it is connected to our club.”
Suga said that while pretending to be angry at Kenta and crossed his hand.
Hikaru uninterestedly asked while keep on reading his book: “So, what kind of camp is this?”
“Oh Hikaru, you already thinking of doing xxx and xxx to Sakura-chan aren’t you? Haha, don’t worry because this is the perfect opportunity.”
“S-Suga-senpai!” Sakura was flustered when she heard that and Hikaru ears are reddened too.
“I was just asking!”
“So, can you tell me the details?” Raphael asked impatiently while looking at his watch. “I’ll give you one minute to talk.”
“Eh? One minute only?”
“59…58…57…”
“That’s not fair Raphael! Alright then, I’ll explain this shortly. A friend of a friend of mine have a friend that have a nephew that found a villa that is to perfect to be true. It was secluded in the mountains; we will stay there for 3 days and 2 nights. Of course we can do some test of courage where Hikaru make his advance on Sakura.”
“10…9…”
“Eh, how can I only have 8 seconds left?”
“That’s because you keep telling us unimportant things. 3…2…”
“Alright, the main reason is that place is suitable for the mystery novel that I was writing right now!” It was a wonder how Suga can said that sentence in one second.
“Then you can go alone senpai.” Sakura said that hastily, clearly she is angry because Suga teased her before.
“I don’t think that plan was bad though.” After saying that, Reyna whispering something to her that makes her face go red like a boiled crab and said: “I-I may reconsider the offer.”
Of course that caused the boys to be interested at what Reyna told Sakura.
“What about the cost for travel, food, and the villa?” Hikaru asked Suga.
“Don’t worry; of course we’re going to use the club allowance for the food and the villa. For the travel, my family got a van that we can use; however we can’t buy any book this month.”
“No, anything but that, Summoned Hero light novels volume 3 is out this month.” Kenta is the only one who overreacts while messing his short hair like a madman.
“Alright, count me in.” Hikaru agree to join because he doesn’t have any plans on the break and since the offer before about Sakura is irresistible.
“If Reyna go then I have to go too to watch over her.” Raphael answered like a tsundere.
“Ugh… summoned hero volume 3, good bye…” after spouting that nonsense, Kenta regained his sanity. “I guess I will have to buy it with my own pocket money then. Okay senpai, count me in.”
“That’s great! I will inform Tachibana-sensei to write the letter for your parents.”
Suga then leaves the room like a whirlwind, he come and goes as he please. At that point, nobody knows that their decision is what leads them to a nightmare.
Part 3
“Suga-senpai, how long is it before we arrived at the villa?”
Kenta the most impatient one from them asked Suga. They have been on the road for more than six hours while making two short breaks every two hours.
“Maybe another ten minutes.”
Due to the distance they have travelled, the scenery around them has changed several times. From the town skyline, seaside view, rice fields, now it is slowly turning into forest surrounded by thick trees. The asphalt road also turned into paved and now dirt road.
“Look!” Reyna excitedly exclaimed while pointing outside. On top of a small hill behind the forest, the roof of the villa can be seen.
“Finally we arrived! Six hours eighteen minutes and fifty seconds.” Raphael said that while looking at his watch.
Not long after, the van entered the villa’s front yard. The yard itself was more like a garden. With bushes neatly trimmed at either side of the road, and a fountain in the front of the villa. The most notable part of the front yard is a sign arched on top of the road as if it was the entrance gate sign, “red rose villa” is written there. That name must come from the rose flowers that are planted here. The front yard was decorated with various types and color of rose.
“It’s beautiful.” Sakura said her amazement but surely the boys should have thought the same too.
The villa itself was a two level building. The design was similar to medieval time’s manor in Europe. The only drawback from the villa was the location which is remote and secluded. Maybe that is the reason the stay cost can be covered using the club allowance.
Suga parked the van and then all of them start to get out from the van.
“Huuaaaa… My body is so stiff.” Kenta said that while doing some stretching.
“Hei Kenta, don’t try to use that excuse to run away from your responsibility. Help me out unloading the luggage.”
Suga comes and grabbed his shoulder with enough force to make Kenta give out a wry smile.
“Ahhh… Sure thing senpai! But, can you let go of your hand first?”
“Oh? What’s wrong? I just patted it lightly.” With an eccentric smile Suga let go of his hand. He was joking but maybe he use a little bit too much of strength.
While the boys are taking out the luggage, the girls are running around the garden.
“Reyna, it is strange. Even though the name is red rose villa however there is no red colored rose in here.”
While examining the garden, Reyna replied to Sakura. “Yeah, this is weird. Let’s ask Suga-senpai later.”
“Sakura-chan, Reyna-chan, let’s enter the villa.” Suga is shouting loud enough for them to hear.
“Alright.” With that, they finally entered the villa.
Suga take out a key out of his pocket and unlocks the door. The large door opened and they are greeted by a crystal chandelier hanging majestically from the ceiling and the stairway to access the second floor across the hall.
“Whoa, this is so awesome senpai!” Kenta said that while completely forgetting that the cost to cover their stay won’t allow him to buy summoned hero volume 3 using the club allowance.
“Is there someone else here besides us? I mean, isn’t there a housekeeper or a gardener?” Raphael asked something that indicating his lifestyle. For someone from a family that can be considered wealthy, he must be used to have someone serving him.
“I don’t think so. Even the key was delivered via mail after the payment is done. I was only given some instruction to not damage the property or we have to pay for the repair cost. The key after we have finished the rent should be mailed back to the owner. But don’t worry the gas and the electricity runs fine.”
“It seemed so suspicious.” Hikaru muttered that silently.
“It is so mysterious right? I was also given a simple map. Towards our left seemed to be the dining room and the kitchen. To the right there will be the living room and a small library which is also the main reason we’re renting this place. Our room is all located at the second floor. Come on; now let’s put our bag first.”
When Suga finished saying that, Kenta is the first one to run to the second floor. He must be thinking of choosing the biggest room or the one with the best view. The other is following silently after him.
“I will take this room!” Kenta said that while jumped on the king size bed. The room he chooses seemed to be the master bedroom of the house. It was decorated in antique wooden furniture and a king size bed in the middle.
“I’m sorry Kenta; this room is for the girls. We only have five room, four with single bed and one with king size bed. Of course this one is for the girls.”
“Boo…”
Kenta said that while sulking and lazily wake up from the comfortable bed. The girls then entered the room while giggling at his reaction.
Thus the room placement has been settled. On the left wing of the second floor, there are one bathroom and two bedrooms, the master bedroom where the girls are and a single room across it where Hikaru will stay. On the right wing, the master bedroom space is replaced with two bedrooms where Kenta and Raphael will stay and across it will be taken by Suga. In the villa there is another bathroom that is located on the first floor adjacent to the kitchen.
While they are still organizing their things, Suga comes up and give everyone a time table.
Day 1
06.00-12.00: travel to the villa
12.00-13.00: unpacking and lunch preparation (Reyna and Raphael)
13.00-14.00: lunch
14.00-15.00: free time
15.00-17.00: reading time (library)
17.00-18.00: dinner preparation (Hikaru and Sakura)
18.00-19.00: dinner
19.00-21.00: discussion / writing time
21.00-06.00: free time / sleep
Part 4
The lunch preparation takes longer than usual. The cause is Reyna and Raphael is not someone who usually prepared their meal. Raphael completely useless and can’t help anything out except for moving the ingredients and washing it. Reyna on the other hand can cook but it wasn’t something she does daily. The result affected the lunch menu which is a simple sandwich.
When the free time arrived, everybody doesn’t know about what to do except for exploring the villa and the garden. It wasn’t that big that it only takes four minutes and twenty seconds according to Raphael to walked around the villa. The garden itself is the main attraction. Butterflies flying around and the sight of colorful roses is enough to feel relaxed.
The reading time has come and they are now gathered at the library. It was a small library but there are enough books to keep them interested although most of the books come from twenty to ten years ago. Of course there are various types of genres to keep them occupied.
Dinner was so much better than lunch. Although Hikaru and Sakura keep on flustered in the kitchen, they at least have better cooking skill than the rest of the group, which makes the dinner good enough to make up for the plain lunch.
“Whoa, this is so good. Really, Hikaru and Sakura will make a good pair for husband and wife.”
“W-W-What are you saying Reyna?”
Reyna really enjoyed teasing Sakura, what’s more Hikaru also reddened like tomato in the process.
“So, you will really get a girlfriend ahead of me?” Kenta said that while looking at Hikaru disappointed. “I thought we will be single until we’re twenty.”
“S-Shut up. It was just Reyna teasing me and Sakura. There is no way she will go out with me right Sakura?” Hikaru said that and looked at Sakura however she didn’t give any response.
“*sigh* Really you are too dense Hikaru. I feel sorry for Sakura.” Suga said that while returned to eat his food.
“Eh? Why everyone looking at me like that? Not you too Raphael!”
“What? I was just sad that we’ve wasted three minutes five seconds for this pointless talk.” Raphael said that while looking at his watch.
After the dinner was done, they move to the living room to do the discussion / writing session. As a literature club, it wasn’t strange for them to discuss the series that they read with each other. They also write their own original works and put it up as a book for the school festival.
“So, did anyone have a question?”
Suga as the club president is unusually acting like he should be.
“Its creepy senpai at how you act like how you should be.”
Kenta gives that remarks which end up with him being strangled by Suga under his armpit.
“Aw aw aw, I give up.”
Kenta tapped on Suga arm to surrender.
“That’s how you should be. You know, you can’t look down on me, after all I’m your senior.”
“Then senpai, can I ask something unrelated to our club?”
It was Reyna asking while giggling a little.
“Of course, you can ask me anything. Wait, are you asking me when will I marry you?”
Suga then look surprised and show a silly smile.
“You can’t even keep your act as a senpai for five minutes. Only two minutes and fifteen seconds.”
Raphael looks at his watch when he said that.
“Alright, now what do you want to ask Reyna-chan?”
“I wonder why this villa is named ‘red rose’ while there is no red rose in the garden.”
Suga fell into silence for a while before laughing like a mad man.
“Huehehehehe. Finally someone asked. I was waiting for this.”
Clearly nobody else in the room wanted to hear the answer by now and Reyna regretted her decision.
“Long time ago, the villa is said to be called as ‘white rose mansion’. It was a lively place with some attendants serving the family lived here. However one day the master of the mansion goes mad and starts to kill everybody. He also killed the people in the garden which turned the white rose planted in the garden to turn red.”
“Hiii!” the girls let out a cute cry while hugging each other. Kenta also did the same thing while hugging Hikaru.
“Oi, let go of me.”
Hikaru said that to Kenta which is showing sign of still afraid.
“Then, what happened to the master?” Raphael seemed to be not affected by the story and asked calmly.
“Some say he killed himself afterwards, some say he was killed by one of the servant after all he was one and the opponent is many. Some even say that he manages to get rid of the body and keep living somewhere in this place as if nothing happened. Some even said, the true survivor was his son.”
That last statement sends Goosebumps to everyone hearing that. Although Hikaru and Raphael isn’t afraid; but it was creepy enough to make the hair behind their neck standing.
“Is that true? Then why are we staying in such a place?” Kenta asked that panicky.
“It was just all rumors! Besides, if it was true, as a mystery lover, I couldn’t resist the temptation. There must still be a sign of the fight or the massacre. However we don’t know yet. Some even said that this mansion is cursed, that’s why the rent is so cheap.”
It was a wonder how Suga can said all that with a big smile.
“Of course, it was cursed. After all many lives has been lost here. Come on, let’s leave from this place. Hikaru, you agree too right?”
“Calm down a little bit Kenta. The cursed story doesn’t have any connection to the mass killing. It was another rumor. It was said that this place is once belong to a wealthy merchant family that deals in exporting and importing goods. That’s why the design was taken from Europe even though it was an old Japanese house. The reason for their success is a youkai named Zashiki Warashi. When finally the Zashiki Warashi left the house, the family wealth slowly declining at a dangerous rate and it lead to their ruin which makes this house abandoned before it was purchased by the current owner. The red name comes from the red yukata that Zashiki Warashi always used.”
It wasn’t that strange hearing the name Zashiki Warashi. It was a name of a youkai that takes form of a small child that always running around the house but you can’t see her body. She likes to enter someone futon at night and plays a prank on them. She also said to be bringing wealth, riches, and fortune to the house she resided in. Maybe when the house futon is replaced with bed, she left the house. Some people believe if a Zashiki Warashi leaves a house; that is the sign of the collapsing of the family.
“I believe the second rumor than the first one.” Kenta said that with a trembling with a tone. Although he also afraid of youkai that can be considered as ghost, but it was better than believing that the place was a former massacre field.
“Hahaha, alright then; let’s resume writing your story. Remember we need to have a piece from each of you for this year festival.”
After that, the session flowed normally. No one is seemed to be bothered about the rumor of the villa anymore.
When the writing session ends, although it was a free time before they go to sleep, everybody is heading straight into their own room. Nobody wants to go out of the room when they remember the rumor.
Hikaru then lay down on the bed while checking his phone.
“Eh? There is no signal?”
Hikaru just noticed the fact since he didn’t look at his cell phone from the moment he arrived here. The other surely must have realized this fact by now too.
Slowly, Hikaru’s eye feels heavy because he doesn’t have anything to do.
*knock* *knock*
A knocking sound can be heard at Hikaru’s door.
“Who is it?”
While get up of the bed and moving towards the door, he asked.
“It’s me, Kenta.”
“Kenta? What do you want?”
Hikaru opened the door and saw Kenta standing there.
“Urm… I wonder if you can accompany me to the kitchen. I am thirsty.”
“For heaven’s sake Kenta, you are old enough to not be afraid of the story told by Suga-senpai.”
“But…”
“No but! I have been accompanying you to go to the bathroom at nights for more than a hundred times and it isn’t 22.00 o’clock yet.”
“I understand…”
With a pouting face that doesn’t match the scar on his face, Kenta leaves Hikaru.
*knock**knock*
Not long after, another knock can be heard.
“How many times should I tell you? I won’t accompany you.”
Hikaru opened the door while saying that and surprised when it wasn’t Kenta who is standing there. It was Sakura.
“Um… I will return to my room then.”
“Eh, wait wait wait Sakura. I didn’t say those words to you.”
“Is that so?”
Sakura then lowered her gaze, either because she is shy or embarrassed.
“So, what brings you here?”
“Um… I was wondering if you can accompany me to the kitchen. I want to take some water.”
“Sure, I will go with you.”
However before Hikaru can move a step; a scream can be heard. It was a boy scream coming from the first floor.
His eye met with Sakura and she nods. Hikaru then run towards the first floor with Sakura behind him. Before he descends the stair, he also saw Raphael and Reyna. From the direction of the sound, it must be coming from the kitchen.
“Kenta, what happened?” Hikaru comes and asked in panic.
“I don’t know, when I arrived he is already lying down there.” Kenta hands were trembling, it was dyed red.
“I-I-Is Suga-senpai dead?” Sakura stuttered when she said that. Clearly she received a huge shock like everybody else.
“We have to call the ambulance and the police.” Raphael said that while taking out his cell phone however he cursed not long after. “Darn it, this place doesn’t have a freaking signal.”
“Sakura-chan…” Reyna can only approached Sakura and hugged her.
“The culprit may still be around us.” Hikaru said that and caused even more chaos.
“There is also a chance that the culprit already escaped.” Raphael said that and trying to calm the others.
“But what if the culprit is actually among us?” that words from Kenta is like a lighting in the middle of a sunny day.
Hahaha… This is great. ( ????)
The only one who could laugh and be happy in this kind of situation is clearly the culprit.
Part 5 – Hikaru
When I heard someone screaming, I immediately look at Sakura. She nods and with that signal, I ran as fast as I can to the first floor. Judging from the direction of that scream just now that is coming from below my room, it must have coming from the dining room or the kitchen.
I met with Raphael and Reyna at the stairs, so it should be coming from Kenta or Suga-senpai. I arrived at the dining room but nobody is here. The door to the kitchen is open, it must be there.
The first thing I saw is Kenta with his hand dyed red and Suga-senpai body that is lying down on the ground with a puddle of dark red liquid forming underneath him. There is a kitchen knife settled on his lower back which seemed to be the cause of this incident. Is he stabbed from the back?
“Kenta, what happened?”
“I don’t know, when I arrived he is already lying down there.” His hands are trembling. Maybe it was because he was shocked or afraid, but why it was dyed red?
“I-I-Is Suga-senpai dead?” Sakura seemed to be the last one arrived and she stuttered when she asked me. Clearly she received a huge shock like everybody else.
“We have to call the ambulance and the police.” Raphael said that while taking out his cell phone however he cursed not long after. “Darn it, this place doesn’t have a freaking signal.”
It seemed that this is the first time Raphael looks on his phone because he doesn’t realize that we don’t get any signal in this place.
“Sakura-chan…” Reyna can only approached Sakura and hugged her.
“The culprit may still be around us.”
I said that just incase if it was really a murder. After all we don’t know what happened yet.
“There is also a chance that the culprit already escaped.” Raphael said that and trying to calm the others.
“But what if the culprit is actually among us?”
Really, Kenta said that as if he is bringing bad omen for us. Kenta, did you realized the situation that you are in? Saying that isn’t a smart move.
Part 6- 22:00
“Oh? Is that so Mr. Culprit?” Raphael said that while looking at Kenta with hostility,
“W-w-what are you saying?”
“You are the first one to be here so you have no alibi. We could’ve believed you if you say you weren’t the culprit but your hands are too suspicious. And the way you said the culprit is among us is meant to cause confusion. Isn’t that right Mr. Culprit?”
“NO, IT WASN’T ME!”
Kenta said that while shouting out loud. He looked panic either because he is the true culprit or he is angry because of the false accusation.
Kenta seemed wanted to jump at Raphael before he was stopped by Hikaru.
“Kenta, stop this!”
“But really I wasn’t the culprit.”
“Oh? Aren’t what you are trying to do is killing me next?”
“Yooouuu!!”
“Stop it Kenta, Stop it.”
Hikaru is trying his best to hold Kenta back. Raphael taunted Kenta with his words and eye while Sakura and Reyna hugged each other.
“Everybody, we need to calm down!”
Reyna’s angelic voice brings silence to the room.
They are now gathered in the living room. While Kenta and Raphael are still looking at each other with hatred, the girls sit between them to make a clear line between them. Hikaru who is usually calm now is moving like an iron back and forth while thinking.
“What is happening?” (Reyna)
“I don’t know, I just want to go home.” (Sakura)
“We can’t do anything since there is no phone signal in this place.” (Raphael)
“What about the van?” (Kenta)
What Kenta said makes Raphael realized something, as if a bulb is lighted above his head.
“That’s it; we can leave using the van.” (Raphael)
“We can’t do that. If we all leave together, we may be accused as the killer.” (Hikaru)
“Then I will be the one who go and try to contact the police.” (Kenta)
However Raphael strongly against that idea.
“How can we let you leave? If you are the culprit, we don’t know what you will do to us. Leave us behind here and burn the villa, or even kill us before you leave.” (Raphael)
“As I said, I am not the culprit! Then, why don’t you be the one who go to the police?” (Kenta)
“Fine! I’ll be the one who go to the police. Hikaru, do you know where is the key?” (Raphael)
“It must be in Suga-senpai room. Let me take it.” (Hikaru)
“Let me come with you.” (Reyna)
“Why?” (Sakura)
“As you can see, if the culprit is still out there, it is dangerous for him to go there alone. I can’t let you go with him Sakura since you are too afraid. If I let Kenta or my brother go with him, my brother will be suspicious if Kenta will do something to him or to us when they both leave.”
When she said that, Reyna calmed everybody down with a good reasoning. Honestly in this kind of situation she seemed so reliable except from Hikaru.
“Alright, come with me to take the keys.” (Hikaru)
Hikaru and Reyna then walk to Suga’s room. When they arrived, they can see the van key is placed on a small table besides the bed.
“There it is.”
Reyna walked forward and take the keys. However Hikaru focus was on a book on top of the bed. He picks it up and carefully examines it.
“What are you doing Hikaru?”
“I was just searching for some clue. There are two sides that know the best of a murder. The first one is the culprit and the second one is the victim. The victim should have known why the culprit aimed for him/her. Right now, I’m looking for some clue.”
There are only a few notes on the book like day 1 time table, food and supplies, the club allowance records and a story that seemed to be written this evening. There is no clue about why Suga is killed.
“Did you find something?”
“No, let’s just head back to the other.”
After that, all of the rest watched Raphael as he boards the van.
“Hikaru, please take care of my sister and Sakura alright, keep an eye on Kenta.”
“You still suspected me?” Kenta protested at him.
“Just leave brother, no need for useless remarks.” Reyna then asked him to go before any other incident occurred.
Raphael looks at his watch and said: “If I didn’t return in two hour, then you have to be panic.”
He seemed to be aiming to go to the gas station that is one hour away from the villa. That is the nearest place that might have a landline phone to call for the police. They all silently watched the van as it disappear in the darkness.
“So, what should we do now?”
However no one could answer Sakura’s question.
Part 7 – 23:00
“So Kenta, can you tell us what exactly is happening?”
Sakura, Reyna, and Hikaru are currently surrounding Kenta while asking.
“Alright, I’ll tell you the details. At first, I was thirsty and I wanted to take a drink. At first I asked Hikaru to accompany me but he refused, so I walked down the stairs and head to the kitchen. When I arrived Suga-senpai is lying down there motionless.”
“Then, explain to us why your hands are covered in blood?”
“This? I don’t know, maybe it was because the kitchen door handle was covered in blood.”
“Is that true?”
Hikaru as the bravest out of them checked out the kitchen door handle and yes, it was covered in blood. He also took the opportunity to look at Suga’s body that is lying down there once again. Still, he couldn’t believe what he saw.
“So, is that true Hikaru?” (Sakura)
“Yes, the doorknob is covered in blood.” (Hikaru)
“So, he must have tried to get some help by walking out of the kitchen but he couldn’t.” (Reyna)
“So, do you believe me now?” (Kenta)
Part 8 – 24:00
There is nothing special happening and there is no suspicious movement except for Kenta that go to the bathroom to wash the blood on his hand before returned and waited like everybody else.
“Brother is taking too long.”
Reyna by now is worried and lose her usual calm demeanor.
“Should we go and try to walk down the road?”
Kenta suggested that and the others think they don’t really have other option.
With only lights from their cell phone, they walked down the dirt road but it didn’t take long. They stopped several minutes after walking. It wasn’t because it was dark, nor because they are tired. They saw a burning van. They can only see the steel of the van because the exterior has been burned down. Up to this point, the possibility of Raphael surviving is almost zero.
“Brother!!!!!”
Reyna let out a sad cry as she saw a bone of an arm hanging from the front driver’s seat window.
Part 9 – Hikaru
With heavy legs, we are walking back to the villa. We decide to wait until the morning before we walk on foot towards the town. However it seemed that peace won’t come to this villa.
“Hikaru! Come here!” (Reyna)
I heard another shout coming from the kitchen. When I arrived, there is something that makes my head ached.
“Suga-senpai body is gone!” (Sakura)
“Yes I know, I can see it myself alright.” (me)
After that, Kenta too arrived at the kitchen.
“How can Suga-senpai body is missing?” (Kenta)
“I don’t know. When did you found out?” I asked Reyna and Sakura.
“Sakura said she was thirsty and I come here to accompany her. The next thing we know, Suga-senpai body is nowhere to be found.”
“I-I-Is the culprit is still somewhere around here?” Sakura asked while stuttering.
There is a chance for that. But, I don’t know who the culprit is and what the motive is.
“Is the story about the master who do massacre was true?” (Sakura)
“So, the culprit could be hiding somewhere in this house?” (Reyna)
I calmly analyzed the situation. If there is a culprit hiding in this house, he should be found out after we explore the villa. After all the structure wasn’t that big and there is no possible place for a secret room. When I look at the map Suga-senpai get from the owner, there is nothing strange with the building size.
I think I am missing something here.
Why did Suga-senpai body is missing?
Why his notebook only have day 1 planned when we supposed to stay for 3 days?
Could it be?
“Kenta, do you check if Suga-senpai really died?” (me)
“What do you mean?” (Kenta)
“I mean, do you check his pulse or his breathing?” (me)
“N-No. In fact, no one did. We’re just in too much panic.” (Kenta)
“I see. There is a chance that Suga-senpai is still alive.”(me)
“What?”
Reyna, Sakura, and Kenta said that at the same time. After that, I explain the clue that reached me that conclusion.
Part 10 – Day 2 00:30
“If that’s the case, could it be Suga-senpai that killed Raphael by faking his death as a preparation.” Sakura asked hesitantly.
“That could be the case, but I don’t see a reason. I can see Suga-senpai do a prank by playing dead. But killing someone is not a joke.” Hikaru said that with a serious face.
“E-e-e-everyone… Can I say something?” Reyna who is usually calm is now showing some hesitation and fear.
“What is it?” Hikaru quickly replied with a long face.
“I might know the reason my brother was killed.”
“What?”
At first Hikaru think that he couldn’t get anymore surprised before Reyna said that sentence.
“So, here’s the story. You may know that my family runs a publishing and printing company. Suga-senpai father is working in my family company. In other words, his father is an employee at my father company. Recently I heard that there has been some problem with them. Something about a business that happened long time ago. I don’t know the details but this could be the case.”
“But, a simple work related business isn’t a strong motive to kill someone.” Kenta said that while protesting.
“I-I know. But I heard that this long time ago business involved with people getting killed.”
“So, in other words, your father and Suga-senpai father is involved in some killing incident and there is a chance that the blame could fall into Suga-senpai father. In return, he killed your brother to take revenge. That just doesn’t make sense.”
Sakura then the one who has been silent from the beginning say something shocking.
“Um… I heard that Suga-senpai father passed away a week before.”
“What?”
After some time passed as they regaining their consciousness, they need to decide on what to do next.
“Hikaru, should we check the mansion just in case Suga-senpai is still hiding?”
Kenta seemed to have made up his mind.
“What are you thinking leaving us girls behind?”
Reyna is giving her consent to Kenta’s suggestion.
“Then, isn’t it better if we split up?”
Kenta said that again while looking at Reyna then to me.
“A-alright, I’ll go with Hikaru.”
Of course it was Sakura who said that.
“I’ll go with Kenta then.”
“Hikaru, Sakura, you guys check the first floor while I go check the second with Reyna.”
With that said, they all split up.
Part 11 – Hikaru
Honestly, I found it all too suspicious. Is the motive strong enough? Is what I heard is true? I really can’t decide which one is right or wrong.
“Sakura, did you find anything?”
She only silently shook her head. Why I asked her in the first place? She is only silently following me from behind while holding onto the end of my shirt.
Is Suga-senpai is the real culprit?
That question keeps ringing in my head.
*Crank*
“Kyaaaa!”
I heard a loud scream along with the sound of glass breaking.
“HIKARU! IT’S SUGA-SENPAI!”
I ran as fast as I can and I know where the glass breaking sound comes from.
On top of the chandelier, Reyna body is hanging down while her body is being stabbed by the ornaments on the chandelier. Blood drops down from her body towards the floor.
“Darn it!!!”
This is going too far. Is Suga-senpai really doing this?
“Kyaaa!”
The second scream comes from Sakura who is shocked seeing Reyna’s body from behind me.
“HIKARU! HE’S RUNNING INTO THE ROOM! I NEED HELP!”
Kenta who is shouting from the second floor seemed to have cornered Suga-senpai.
“Sakura, you should wait here! I’m going to the second floor.” However she won’t let go of my shirt.
“Alright, you can come with me but be careful and stay behind me.”
Because of that, I can’t walk up the stair as fast as I want to.
“Kenta, where are you?”
As I am trying to see where Kenta is, I heard a scream once more coming from Sakura. The tugging feeling on my shirt is now gone. I looked behind and I saw Sakura is rolling down the stair.
“SAKURA!”
I was too shocked to realize the reason she fall from the stair. She wasn’t that clumsy. It was because someone pushed her down the stair. Of course the one who pushed her down is Kenta, or should I call him the real Mr. Culprit?
Before I could react or say anything, Kenta already punched me in my stomach and kicked me on the chest. It caused me to fall backwards.
“W-why?”
I said that as I look into the face of my friend. I have known him since the kindergarten. Why is he doing this?
He then takes out something from his pocket and throw it to me.
It was a photo. A photo of a family consisted of five and more than a dozen servants. I could know the different from the servants and the family they served based on their clothes and position. In the center of the photo I saw a child. It was Kenta. However he doesn’t have a scar on his face as he is now. The man and woman standing besides him could it be his mother and father? But they are different from the one I know. The background of the photo is… the red rose villa.
“So, do you know why?”
I was in too much shock to think of anything right now.
“Let me tell you a story. A long time ago there is a merchant family that lived in this villa. They are doing well in their business which is publishing and printing. “
It seemed familiar as the one Suga-senpai told us.
“However it all changed when a foreign company entered Japan. One by one, the entire client was taken by the foreign company Japan’s branch and never make a deal with the merchant anymore.”
Is this the Zashiki Warashi story?
“That is causing the head of the family to stress out. They are quickly going out of the business. The head family however didn’t accept the condition and it caused them to fall into a huge debt. He soon lost everything except this villa.”
Is he the son of the merchant?
“Judging from the look, you have figured it out. Yes, I am the son from that merchant family. And the foreign company that entered Japan belongs to Reyna and Raphael father. Of course Suga-senpai father is involved too. At the beginning he is my father right hand man before he betrayed him.”
“B-but, is that why you killed them?”
“Did you think that it was the end of the story?”
“What?”
“Do you remember the first version of the villa history that Suga-senpai tells you?”
“T-t-the massacre…”
“Bingo! Because of that, my father one day finally snapped and goes insane. He killed everyone in the house. HE EVEN TRIED TO KILL ME! HIS OWN SON!”
When he said that, Kenta face turned ugly.
“I am lucky to be able to survive. This scar is the proof of my existence.”
Is that why he doesn’t have a scar in this photo?
“Of course, in the process I killed my own father. I have to do it if I want to survive, and more importantly to take revenge. Do you know how much I suffered all these years? Do you know how can I kill my own father when I am still four years old?”
Then he takes out a gun with an antique design.
“This is the reason. Reyna and Raphael father send this to my father. HE IS TELLING MY FATHER TO GO SUICIDE!”
I don’t know what to say anymore.
“So, aren’t you curious at how I did this all?”
I saw an expression that I never believed that I could ever saw. An expression of a maniac that is smiling proudly telling their killing method while doesn’t have any resentment about it.
Part 12 – The culprit
I killed Suga-senpai father one week before this trip. Of course beforehand I asked him to write a letter to make sure Suga-senpai go on this trip.
In the evening I was really glad that Suga-senpai asked me to help him play some prank. At first he wants to play dead by using a counterfeit knife. But of course I switch it out by a real knife and enjoyed my time killing him. He is an easy prey.
The location where he died is in the middle of the kitchen and of course my hand is dirtied by blood, I smeared some of the blood on the doorknob to make my alibi later on. Before that, I also checked out his book plan and removed the day 2 and day 3 plans to make the other suspicious of him. We don’t need that much day plan after all.
The way to kill Raphael is the easiest one. When we have our first free time; I am messing the brake so it won’t work and the result is as I expected. Of course I load some gasoline on the van trunk to enhance the fire.
When I go to the bathroom to wash my hand, I use the time to hide Suga-senpai body. Afterwards, even if I wash my hand, nobody will feel suspicious and with this, the preparation to blame it all on him is completed.
At first I wanted to kill Hikaru since he is the only male remaining however Reyna volunteered to be the next victim. I easily pushed her to the chandelier without any effort.
Sakura who comes up with Hikaru is the next target. I pushed her down the stair and at first I was afraid that it wasn’t enough to kill her. But it is enough, I saw my father did that once to my mother.
Now, only Hikaru is alive. How should I deal with him?
Part 13 – the real culprit
“HAHAHAHAHA!”
That maniac laugh didn’t come from Kenta. It comes from me. I never know that I could enjoy this so much. I feel so much thrill and excitement.
“Why are you laughing?”
Kenta is surprised seeing me laugh. Really this is so amusing.
“Do you know, in snow white story, the real culprit isn’t the one who gives her the poisonous apple. It was the mirror who pointed her out.”
“What is your point?”
“Do you know? How can you find out about Suga-senpai, Reyna and Raphael father?”
“Of course I searched for them.”
“Hahahahaha. Fool! Of course I was the one giving you the hints when you are examining their background. After all, I worked hard to gather all of them in ‘the literature club’.”
“W-what are you saying?”
“It is too bad that you killed Sakura too. I was hoping I could have a taste of her virginity. Tch…”
“W-what nonsense are you saying right now?”
“Do you know why Reyna and Raphael father come to this country in the first place?”
As if a thunder has hit the ground, I took out from my pocket a gun similar to the one in his hand. It has an antique and old design.
“W-w-why do you have that gun?”
“Of course it was because I am the one who buy it and send it to your father. My father is the one who invited Reyna and Raphael father to come to this country.”
*Bang*
With a loud noise, the gun was shot.
Epilogue
“So, Suga-senpai do you like my story?”
Suga is looking at the book in his hand. The book contained a story titled ‘the literature club’ that Hikaru wrote.
“Really, this is so creepy. I liked mystery novel but this one is way out of my league. “
“Why? What’s wrong with this one?”
“A good mystery only has one culprit. This story you write have a lot of messed up character. I mean, why do you have to name your character A, B, C, D, E, and F?”
“Why? That makes it mysterious right?”
“*sigh* I give up.”
While seeing Suga leaving the room, Hikaru said: “Don’t blame me later on for not warning you.”
Rebirth Online World 