My Girlfriend is a Death Row Inmate

Chapter 31 – False Pretenses of Love

“So, What’s the story?”

The topic was a little too sensitive to talk about in the classroom during recess, so we moved closer to the emergency staircase. Because we’re perceived as colleagues, no one would question us being together. Those who typically tie everything back to romance and have a love-centric mindset wouldn’t likely be stirring up any fuss.

“Sakisaka-kun, have you heard about the latest case that’s been making the rounds recently?”

“The case that’s been going around?”

The incident involving Shizuku probably hadn’t resulted in any charges since the victim had disappeared altogether. Plus, if she had witnessed the scene firsthand, there would be no need for such roundabout questioning, so it was probably something else. It wasn’t just limited to the police or similar organizations, but when dealing strictly with facts, one had to move cautiously. It’s absurd to think foolish stories like “swallowed by the shadows” could be used as facts.

“No, not really. If I had to say, it would be Nanagi Shizuku’s escape.”

(e/n: will be changing her name from ‘Shizuku Nanagi’ to ‘Nanagi Shizuku’ from here.)

“That’s not just something happening around town; it’s an incident that’s constantly a topic of discussion. I’ve been doing my best to search for her, but unfortunately, we haven’t been able to track her down… That’s not it, though.”

“Then, I don’t know. If it’s really causing a stir around town, wouldn’t it be on TV?”

“There’s a media blackout. Broadcasting it on public airwaves would only exacerbate the situation.”

“I’m not quite getting your point. What are you trying to say?”

“Curiosity killed the cat. Are you familiar with the Pied Piper of Hamelin?”

… If what I’m imagining is correct, then yes, I’m familiar with it. It’s a legend of an event that supposedly happened, where a piper, conveniently used by circumstances, led away children out of vengeance.

“I know about it, but you’re not suggesting that person has appeared in modern times, are you? Modern Japan isn’t some battle manga where supernatural abilities are flying around.”

“I’m not saying that. However, there is a kidnapper using that name.”

Kusune took out a folded paper from her uniform pocket and unfolded it, showing it to me. The paper, neatly folded into twelve sections, contained a reproduced text that could be interpreted as either a warning or a challenge, with the letters drawn crookedly using underlines. No distinct handwriting.

“Good child, bad child, where is that child?”

“This is a letter sent to the targeted house by the Pied Piper. Although I say sent, it’s not through the postal service. It’s likely hand-delivered.”

“I see. So, why the media blackout?”

“Criminals like this tend to seek attention. Otherwise, there would be no need to read or create such a message. I believe the perpetrator wants to become someone special and is doing this for that reason.”

“But wouldn’t a media blackout make them more desperate to commit crimes?”

“If they create chaos, there’s a risk of getting caught more easily. Also, the media blackout aims to prevent impersonation or mischief. It would be troublesome if someone else, not the Pied Piper, creates the same message.”

Dealing with a fairy tale-like figure, mischief is bound to happen. There are always people who want to stand out. The increased attention on the Pied Piper is like a dream come true for such shadowy figures.

That’s what Kusune said, but perhaps that’s not the main concern for the organization.

“Alright, I get it. But here’s the most important part. Why do you want to tell me this? If it’s about being marked by Nanagi Shizuku, and if she’s involved, I understand. But I’ve never heard of this incident before. I have no connection to it.”

“Will you help with the investigation?”

Her hand firmly grasped my left arm.

“I once invited Sakisaka-kun, didn’t I? Ah, no, I am not asking for your reply immediately. But recently, I’ve been sensing a particularly strong scent of blood coming from you. Nanagi Shizuku will kill you soon. I want to stop that.”

“…That scent thing, you’re the only one who can sense it, right? It might sound strange to say this, but don’t you think it’s stupid to act on something like intuition, considering you’re not a dog or anything?”

“This is not intuition but conviction. And there is something about Nanagi Shizuku that even I haven’t grasped.”

I thought it might be about the power to interfere with shadows, but the way she said it bothered me. Something not grasped must mean an unknown power, but you can’t know if it’s unknown until you see it. And if you’re seeing it, it’s still strange to seek my cooperation. Would Shizuku be surprised by another power despite knowing the power of domination by name?

…Could it be that Shizuku still has secrets she’s hiding from me?

Though I’ve been told not to trust Kusune, she currently holds the most information. I inquired, being careful not to give away our relationship.

“Hey. What is this thing that you haven’t grasped?”

“…I won’t ask you to believe me. Sakisaka-kun is a sensible person. It’s more natural not to believe.”

After a pause, Kusune uttered a strange story.

“―――Nanagi Shizuku has been executed once.”

“…Eh?”

“It’s being reported that she escaped, but I definitely witnessed her execution with my own eyes. A notorious serial killer like her, who will be remembered in history, doesn’t deserve human rights. The death penalty was immediately carried out, and she should be dead for sure. Yet… Nanagi Shizuku is alive.”

There’s nothing complicated about it; logically, it’s just a contradiction like ‘I thought she was dead but she’s alive.’ Yet, my understanding was already left behind and flew off into the direction of the day after tomorrow. I can see why Kusune was tilting her head. She doesn’t understand what’s going on. If she thought she was dead but she’s alive, and she wasn’t even detained before the escape… What is real, then?

There was also that straitjacket thing.

“I don’t know how she escaped the death penalty, but I believe she has the ability to possess the bodies of those she killed. In any case, Nanagi Shizuku should already be prepared to kill you. If my speculation is correct, you might become the next ‘Nanagi Shizuku.’ Sakisaka-kun, I believe you would want to avoid that. Therefore, I am requesting your cooperation. If you become my collaborator, the police will also provide protection, and most importantly, I will be by your side. Pretense is acceptable. What do you say?”

——————————

Sunlight blocked by curtains.

His body heat lingering on the bed.

For me, the outside world was terrifying.

I don’t consider this house safe. But I’m here because I believe he’ll protect me. He could betray me at any moment if he wanted to. What I believe in… I can only do it now.

“Believe him… It’ll work out, for sure.”

The sense of distrust grows by the day. The risks were piling up. There’s a high possibility he might betray me. If that happens, I wouldn’t need to keep my promise, but he will never betray me. I’ve decided to believe that.

The fate of the ‘death row inmate’ was entirely in his hands.

“…………Nfufu. I can’t wait for him to come home.”

As if waiting for a lover.

Or waiting for the guard to escort you to the gallows.

Hell depends on you, Sakisaka Ryuma-kun.