At the auditorium.The three of us took our seats together. Kiyona, the vibrant and talkative girl, claimed the center. Kim sat on the left, and I occupied the right."There are so many people here!" Kiyona exclaimed, rising suddenly and letting out a loud "woo hoo!" This drew surprised glances from the students in front of us."Stop it... You're only embarrassing us," Kim chided her, shaking his head slightly before turning to me."I hope you're not uncomfortable with this girl... She's a bit eccentric, to say the least."Well, I can see that... I thought, glancing up at Kiyona, who was smiling wholeheartedly. Despite her eccentricities, there was something likable about her that I couldn't quite pinpoint."Hey, Kim! The principal is making her appearance!" Kiyona pointed excitedly to the center of the stadium.She added, "She looks young and beautiful! How old is she again?" Her eyes sparkled at the sight of the principal. I rolled my eyes and snorted.Indeed, appearances could be d

"....""...."Tapping my index finger on the table, my eyes shifted between Aerial and the mysterious numbers sprawled across the paper she was holding. How in the world could she decipher this cryptic language?"....Mmm." I closed my eyes, pondering. If it were just ordinary numbers, she wouldn't bother, unless these papers concealed a hidden message—a Morse code of sorts.".....""....ugh."Finally, after what felt like an eternity, she placed the folders down, meticulously arranging them on the table. Glancing my way, she closed her eyes and inquired, "...what do you want?""....!!"Clearing my throat, I put on a smile and replied, "Ah... Well, I want to join this club." She abruptly halted, processing my unexpected announcement.Turning her head slightly, she contemplated before asking, "Why do you want to join?" Her scrutinizing gaze moved from top to bottom."It's because... ah?""You know what, zip it." Before I could elaborate, she handed me a paper—an application for the club

Entering the apartment building, I was immediately greeted by Miss Olivia, her warm demeanor a stark contrast to the unsettling events of the day.Earlier, I had borrowed Aerial's phone to make a call, seeking refuge in their home. Jack, the owner of the apartment, agreed almost immediately upon hearing my situation.Aerial's surprise was palpable when she learned that I was practically homeless after running away from home. By the time I hung up and said my thanks, she immediately asked about what happened.Since I have nothing to lose anyway, I decided to tell her the truth.... Not the regression part, of course.Her reactions were somehow expected; she sympathize with me, and thus, diverted the topic back to our work.Anyways—"Vallen is finally here," Olivia informed Jack, who nonchalantly continued watching a horror movie, the flickering images casting an eerie glow across the room."You're here already?" he said, h