Tokyo Exorcism Diary

Kiryu Rakuye didn’t ask much, nor did she say much—after all, the situation was clear as day, even with just a flick of her nail. This was obviously Hoshino Gen’s doing.

Naturally, she shifted her attention away from Liz, flashing a sweet and lively smile at Hoshino Gen. “Senpai, we were just planning to ride the Ferris wheel after watching the float parade. Want to join us?”

Hoshino Gen glanced at her. His next plan was indeed to ride the Ferris wheel; after all, today’s sunset was particularly mesmerizing, and the view from up high would be spectacular.

However, going with this group… Hoshino Gen chuckled. “A carriage doesn’t fit that many people. Too crowded, and it loses its charm. Better if we all go separately.”

“Exactly! The Ferris wheel isn’t like other rides. It’s not fun with too many people. Two per carriage is just right. Kiryu-san, let’s go together. I happen to have something I’d like to tell you in private.”

Since Arakawa didn’t really know Hoshino Gen, he and his two friends had been awkwardly standing aside. Seeing an opportunity, he quickly spoke up.

Kiryu Rakuye looked at Arakawa in surprise. His smile was forced, and was that… a hint of shyness?

His two friends exchanged knowing glances, watching the two with amused expressions. In an instant, Kiryu Rakuye realized Shinkawa’s intentions. The corner of her mouth twitched slightly, but she played dumb. “Eh? What is it? Does it have to be on the Ferris wheel?”

“Please!” Arakawa suddenly bowed at a perfect ninety degrees, startling everyone. Kiryu Rakuye’s mouth fell slightly open, momentarily speechless.

In the end, Kiryu Rakuye ended up sharing a carriage with Arakawa. The others split into groups of two or three, while Hoshino Gen naturally took Liz into a carriage by themselves.

The Ferris wheel turned slowly, the view gradually rising. The sunset stretched from a single ray to fill the entire cabin.

Hoshino Gen sat with his chin resting on his hand, smiling faintly as he gazed outside.

The ambiguous hues of red and purple painted the sky, dyeing the drooping clouds a soft pink. Below, the amusement park was still lively, the sounds of laughter carrying far into the distance.

Liz knelt on her seat, pressing against the window to marvel at the breathtaking scenery. Her large blue eyes reflected the dreamy light.

A unique tranquility spread within the cabin, as if even the rush of time had slowed…

Since Hoshino Gen and Liz were the last to board, they were the last to disembark.

Though they had agreed to go their separate ways, the others still waited outside the Ferris wheel. However, Arakawa and his two friends had already left. Only Kiryu Rakuye, Shimizu Yuu, and a few of Hoshino Gen’s classmates remained.

Hoshino Gen didn’t bother asking why Arakawa left early. First, he wasn’t close to him and didn’t care. Second, he could guess: some rich kid, swept up in today’s atmosphere, probably tried for a romantic Ferris wheel confession.

The outcome? Most likely a failure, given that Kiryu Rakuye was still here. Besides, she didn’t seem like someone an average guy could win over…

He didn’t ask, and no one brought it up. Instead, since it was nearing dinner time, someone suggested where to eat.

Hoshino Gen glanced at Liz beside him, who stifled a small yawn, looking a bit sleepy. A faint, invisible static drifted from her back to his pocket, making him smile slightly.

“You guys go ahead. We’re heading back first,” he said.

“Eh? Leaving already? Won’t you join us for dinner?” Oguri Aino asked, with the others chiming in.

“Nah, Liz seems a bit tired, and she wasn’t feeling well earlier. Maybe next time,” Hoshino Gen replied politely. Just like at lunch, he waved them off and started to leave.

This time, Shimizu Yuu broke from the group to follow, explaining, “I still have work to finish. I’ll head back too.”

Seeing this, Kiryu Rakuye quickly caught up. “There’s still quite a bit left. I’ll help out as well.”

The once lively group dispersed in the blink of an eye, leaving the rest exchanging bewildered looks.

…

Eastern Suburbs. Nagano-machi.

The horizon devoured most of the setting sun, its once dreamy red-purple glow fading into a harsh, piercing crimson.

Dark clouds gathered from the east, hinting at an impending downpour.

A chilly breeze swept across the ground, carrying a ten-thousand-yen bill into a yellow barrier marked “Restricted Area.”

A worker in overalls and a hard hat chased after it, crossing the barrier without a second thought, hurrying into the eerie schoolyard bathed in the blood-red sunset.

The bill landed among the weeds of the wide courtyard. The middle-aged worker jogged over, delighted, but just as he approached, a colder, damper gust stirred the dry grass, lifting the crumpled bill toward the school building.

The worker paused, cursed softly, and chased after it.

Eventually, perseverance paid off. He caught the bill in the first-floor corridor of the school building.

Holding it up, he inspected it with satisfaction, already imagining a hearty dinner tonight. But suddenly, lightning flashed across the now fully darkened sky, followed by thunder so loud it almost made him drop the bill.

“Damn it, is it going to rain already?” he muttered, stuffing the money into his pocket, eager to leave this creepy school.

But the moment he looked up, he froze.

A pair of shoes dangled mid-air in front of him—or rather, someone hanging by the neck.

Cold sweat drenched his back. Eyes wide, he stumbled backward. Another flash of lightning illuminated the corridor.

Instead of relief, his blood ran colder. The once-empty classroom beside him was now filled with pale-faced students, their heads tilted, staring straight at him.

“Aaaahhhhhhh!!!”

BOOOOOM!

A scream, sharp enough to make one doubt it came from a grown man, was swallowed by the thunder.

Rain poured down, slanting into the corridor, quickly washing away streaks of crimson.