Chapter 117: Suspicion Meter…

Beside him, Mia was happily eating her lunch, occasionally stealing glances at him with a soft smile.

The Heart Strings skill had worked perfectly.

But as Akira looked at the threads still visible around her… the GREEN jealousy was still present, just contained now, he wondered how long he could keep this balance.

And what would happen when the threads finally snapped?

[HEART STRINGS USAGE: SUCCESSFUL]

[MIA’S EMOTIONAL STATE STABILIZED]

[JEALOUSY: Reduced from Critical to Moderate]

[TRUST: Increased +15]

[FEAR OF ABANDONMENT: Temporarily Suppressed]

[WARNING: Repeated emotional manipulation may result in dependency or instability in target]

—

After school, as Akira was packing his bag, Ayame approached his desk. Most students had already left, and the classroom was unusually quiet.

“Kanzaki-kun, may I ask you something?”

He looked up, careful to keep his expression friendly but neutral. “Sure.”

“I’m still getting oriented. Do you know of any good study spots nearby? Libraries, cafés, that sort of thing?”

It was an innocent question, but Akira’s Combat Precognition tingled… not danger, but significance. She was mapping his routine, learning his patterns.

“There’s a good library about ten minutes from here. The city one, not the school library. I mean, there’s the school one too, but it’s only available during school hours. The city’s library is usually quiet, and they open late.”

“Do you study there often?”

“Not really. Only once or twice, when I needed to focus.”

“And when you’re not studying?” She tilted her head slightly. “You seem like someone with… active hobbies.”

The phrasing was intentional. Active hobbies. Was she fishing for information about nighttime activities?

“Basketball recently. I just made the team as co-captain.”

“Congratulations. That must keep you very busy.” A pause. “Late practices?”

“Sometimes. Depends on the schedule.”

Ayame smiled. “Thank you for the recommendation. Perhaps I’ll see you at the library sometime.”

As she walked away, Ai’s voice cut in: “She’s building a profile of you. Mapping when and where you might be vulnerable to observation.”

“Should I avoid my usual spots?”

“No. Changing your routine now would be more suspicious. Just be aware that she might ’coincidentally’ appear at places you frequent.”

—

When Akira returned to Rosewood Residences, Ayaka was waiting outside his door. She was dressed casually in a fitted black tank top that hugged her curves and showed off her pale shoulders, paired with dark jeans that sat low on her hips.

Her silver hair was loose, cascading down her back, and her crimson eyes held an intensity that made him pause.

“We need to talk… my room. Now.”

Her tone left no room for argument.

Akira had never actually been inside Ayaka’s room before. As she unlocked the door and led him in, he wasn’t sure what to expect.

The space was… different.

The lighting was dim and warm, coming from what looked like dozens of candles scattered throughout the room, though he quickly realised they were electric, flickering with artificial flame.

The walls were painted a deep burgundy, almost wine-coloured, and the furniture was all dark wood and plush fabrics.

A large velvet couch dominated the living area, deep purple with silk throw pillows. Sheer curtains hung from the windows, filtering the evening light into soft, hazy rays. The air smelled faintly of vanilla and something else… something sweet and musky that he couldn’t quite place.

But what caught his attention most were the small details: intricate carvings on the wooden furniture that looked like intertwining vines and flowers, a collection of crystals on a shelf that seemed to pulse with faint inner light, and artwork on the walls, mostly classical paintings of mythological scenes, many featuring figures in various states of undress.

It was sensual without being overtly sexual. Comfortable but with an undercurrent of something more.

“Like what you see?” Ayaka asked, noticing his assessment.

“It’s very… you.”

“A succubus has to maintain certain aesthetics.” She gestured to the couch. “Sit. And don’t look so nervous… I’m not going to eat you. Not today, anyway.”

Inside, she pulled out her phone and showed him photos taken from a distance: Ayame at various locations around the school, always watching, always observing.

“She’s not just investigating the supernatural incidents,” Ayaka said, settling beside him on the couch, close enough that her thigh pressed against his. “She’s investigating you specifically. I overheard her on the phone during lunch. She was reporting to someone, probably that SPIU agent, Sato.”

“What did she say?”

“That the ’primary subject’ shows no overt signs but warrants continued observation. She mentioned your name, Akira. You’re her main suspect.”

Akira felt his stomach drop. “How much does she know?”

“Nothing concrete yet. But she’s good. If you slip up even once, she’ll notice.” Ayaka’s crimson eyes were intense. “You need to be more careful than ever. No supernatural activity anywhere near school. No late-night gate closures unless absolutely necessary.”

“What if a gate opens and people are in danger?”

“Then you’ll have to make a choice. Your secret or their lives.” She softened slightly. “I know what you’ll choose. You’re too good a person to let people die. But understand that the moment you act, she’ll know. And then this whole house of cards comes crashing down.”

Akira ran a hand through his hair. “So what do I do?”

“Exactly what you’re doing. Be normal. Be boring. Be a regular high school student who happens to be good at basketball.” She paused. “And stay away from gates until she moves on to other suspects.”

“And if she doesn’t?”

Ayaka’s expression was grim. “Then we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.”

[NEW MECHANIC UNLOCKED: SUSPICION METER]

[AYAME SHINOMIYA – SUSPICION: 28%]

[FACTORS INCREASING SUSPICION:]

Proximity to supernatural incidents: +5% per incident

Unexplained absences: +3% per occurrence

Unusual behaviour patterns: +2% per detection

Failed cover stories: +10% per failure

[FACTORS DECREASING SUSPICION:]

Consistent normal behaviour: -1% per day

Credible alibis: -3% per successful alibi

Social integration: -2% per positive social interaction witnessed

[WARNING: At 75%, Ayame will take direct investigative action]

[WARNING: At 100%, confrontation becomes inevitable]

Akira stared at the notification. Great. Now he had a meter tracking how close he was to being exposed.

“Think of it as a game,” Ai suggested. “Keep the meter low, and you win. Let it climb too high, and… well, game over isn’t fun in real life.”

“Thanks for the reassurance.”

—

Wednesday after school, Akira headed to the art room, where Aoi was already setting up supplies for another work session on the Cultural Festival backdrop.

The massive canvas dominated the space, halfway done now… a breathtaking, mystical forest scene that seemed to glow with inner light.

“Akira-kun!” Aoi’s face lit up when she saw him.

She was wearing her paint-stained jeans again. “Perfect timing. I need your height for the upper sections.”

They fell into an easy rhythm: Aoi was mixing paints and directing, while Akira climbed the ladder to add details to the towering trees.

The art room windows were open, and the late afternoon sun streamed in.

“Your technique has improved,” Aoi observed, watching him add subtle highlights to a branch. “You’re a natural at this.”

“Good teacher.”

She blushed, turning back to her palette. “I’m just glad someone appreciates it. My parents think art is a waste of time.”

“Still pressuring you about medical school?”

“Every single day.” Her voice went flat. “They call me every night to ’check in,’ but it’s really just to remind me that I’m throwing my life away if I don’t follow their plan.”

Akira climbed down from the ladder, standing close to her. “What do you want, Aoi? Not what they want… what do you want?”

She was quiet for a long moment, her brush hovering over the palette. “I want to go to art school. University of the Arts, specifically. I want to paint, to create, to make people feel something when they see my work.” She finally looked at him. “But that’s not practical. That’s not the responsible choice.”

“Since when do you care about being responsible?”

The question caught her off-guard. “What?”

“The girl I know doesn’t play it safe. She breaks rules in library study rooms. She wears clothes that make her parents uncomfortable. She creates art that makes people stop and stare.” He stepped closer. “That girl isn’t afraid of being impractical.”

Aoi’s breathing quickened. “That girl only exists around you. The rest of the time, I’m exactly what everyone expects.”

“Then maybe you should stop being what everyone expects.”

The tension between them was electric. Aoi set down her brush with shaking hands. “Akira-kun, I…”

Suddenly, a sound from the hallway, like footsteps approaching, made the both of them freeze.

The door slid open, and Ayame entered, carrying a sketchbook. “Oh, excuse me. I didn’t realize anyone was using the art room.” Her eyes took in the scene: Akira and Aoi standing very close, both slightly flushed, the backdrop towering behind them.

“We’re working on the Cultural Festival display,” Aoi said quickly, stepping back. “For the main entrance.”

“It’s beautiful.” Ayame moved closer, genuinely studying the artwork. “The detail is remarkable. Did you design this yourself, Saito-san?”

“Yes. Akira-kun has been helping me execute it.”

“How fortunate to have such dedicated help.” Ayame’s gaze shifted to Akira. “You’re very generous with your time, Kanzaki-kun. Basketball practice, art projects… How do you manage it all?”

The question seemed innocent, but Akira caught the undertone: how do you find time for all these activities, and what else are you doing that I don’t know about?

“I just prioritize what matters,” Akira replied smoothly.

“Admirable.” Ayame held up her sketchbook. “I was hoping to do some quick studies for a personal project. But I don’t want to intrude. Should I come back later?”

Aoi looked uncertain, but Akira made the decision. “Actually, we were just about to take a break. You’re welcome to stay.”

“What are you doing?” Ai hissed in his mind. “You should get away from her, not invite her to stay!”

“Running away would be more suspicious,” Akira countered. “Better to act natural.”

“Thank you.” Ayame settled into a corner, opening her sketchbook. “I won’t be any trouble.”

But Akira could feel her eyes on them as they worked, tracking every movement, every interaction.

The art room suddenly felt much smaller.

[AYAME SHINOMIYA – SUSPICION: 29%]

[Reason: Observed in close proximity with another female student. Pattern suggests romantic involvement with multiple girls.]

Akira pretended not to notice, climbing back up the ladder to continue painting.

But he couldn’t shake the feeling he just might have made a mistake.

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