Chapter 6: A Greeting That’s a Death Sentence

The next day.

“Alright everyone, I’m Kariya Yoko, and starting today I’ll be your teacher! You can call me Miss Yoko!”

“““““Okay, Miss Yoko!”””””

“Very good! Now, let’s jump right into our first lesson. Did everyone do their homework?”

““““““““Yeees!””””””””

The “homework” was a self-introduction card. Basically, they had to decide what to say in their self-intros and write it down. Though “write” might be generous—it was just their name, birthday, favorite food, favorite game, favorite animal, and a short message to the class.

"Alright, first up—Aiba Shou-kun!"

"Yes! My name is Aiba Shou! My birthday is August 13th, and my favorite food is—"

And so it went.

"Edo… ga… wa… Towa-chan!"

"YeS, my name is Edogawa Towa. My birthday is May 12th. My favorite foods are traditional Japanese sweets with red bean paste and chocolate. My favorite game is Smash Bros. My favorite animal is cats. And lastly—" She paused, then flashed a confident grin. "I’m looking for friends, so hit me up if you’re interested, ‘kay?"

―――Whoa...

A murmur of admiration ripples through the class. She looks their age. She said almost the same things as the kids before her. But somehow, her introduction felt… more mature.

That brief moment earns her admiration from some, admiration laced with affection from the boys, and a sprinkle of irritation from the girls. With all those eyes on her, she returns to her seat in one fluid motion.

Inside, though—

(Hhh… fuuu…)

Her heart is pounding. Her breath shaky. Her hands trembling. The cold sweat won’t stop.

(It’s okay. This isn’t like that place. Stay cool...)

(I can get through this. I’m Edogawa Towa. I’m not the person I used to be…)

Old trauma from her past life had reared its head, throwing her off balance.

"To… wa? Hey, Towa!"

"! Yuu… ki…?"

Her seatmate’s hushed voice snapped her back. She didn’t even know if she should smile anymore. Whether he noticed her turmoil or not, he whispered:

"Y’know… I’m really glad we’re in the same class."

Her eyes widened. Color rushed back into her pale face. The stiffness in her lips melted into a wobbly, relieved smile.

"...Yeah!"

I’m not alone...

Just then—a spine-chilling gaze prickled against her back.

"—Gh?!"

She whipped around—

"......"

—and locked eyes with Yui, whose glare looked like it could curse the entire world. Towa immediately faced forward again.

What the—? At this point, Yui shouldn’t even like Yuki yet!?

She risked a glance back.

Yui smiled sweetly at her.

...I’m dead.

—A little later...

"Shizuka Yui-chan!"

"Yes. My name is Shizuka Yui. My birthday is April 7th. My favorite food is strawberries, my favorite game is picture shiritori, and my favorite animal is red pandas. And finally—"

With a sly smirk, Yui turned—directly toward Towa.

"Edogawa… Towa-chan, was it? Wanna talk later?"

—WAS THAT A DEATH SENTENCE OR WHAT?!

Towa could only nod, the corners of her forced smile practically dripping blood.