Death's Deception

Chapter 6: Masks of Sweetness

Aoi Himura stood with her back to Tatsuya Kuroda, her voice still trembling from revealing the truth about her past. Silence clung to the air around them, heavy with unspoken emotions.

"You said his name was Shion," Tatsuya said calmly.

Aoi turned her head slightly, confused by the subtle shift in his tone, but offered no response.

"What happened after that?" he asked. "After he said he was your father?"

The hallway seemed to fold in around them, trapping them in a space where only the past existed. Aoi's voice softened.

"I followed him without hesitation. I didn't have anything else. He took me to a small house on the edge of the city and said, 'This is your new home.'"

---

Flashback

A younger Aoi walked down a quiet path, holding the hand of a tall man in a black coat.

"He wasn't warm," she recalled. "But he protected me. Fed me. Trained me. He said people always take advantage of others. That the world only respects strength and silence."

She remembered learning to read people's expressions, how to speak only when necessary, how to hide fear.

"He opened a shop for me. Told me it would teach me how the world really works. How kindness is often a disguise."

"A mask of sweetness," Tatsuya murmured.

She nodded. "He used those exact words."

The memory shifted to an older man lying in bed, frail and pale. Aoi, now older, knelt beside him.

"Never trust anyone," Shion had rasped. "People wear sweet masks. And behind them... they'll betray you the moment they can."

Then he was gone.

---

Back in the present, Aoi turned fully to face Tatsuya. Her usual anger had melted into something softer, more resolute.

"That's why I am the way I am. Why I don't trust anyone. Why I fight so hard."

"Your strength is real," Tatsuya said, his tone unreadable. "But your past isn't the only shadow in this game."

She raised an eyebrow but didn't question him.

"You said you'd tell me," she prompted. "The VIP. Who is it?"

Tatsuya didn't hesitate. "It's Mei Tsukino."

Aoi's eyes widened. "Mei? How do you know?"

"Yesterday. She dropped her card. I saw it. Didn't say anything... until now."

Aoi looked away, processing it. Her arms loosened, though she remained on edge.

"So she really is the VIP... Damn. We need to protect her. No matter what."

"Exactly," Tatsuya agreed. "If the Killer marks her two more times, it's over. We lose more than just a player."

"Then from now on—we watch her back. You and me."

They stood side by side, for once united.

---

The third floor was quiet and cold. Dust hung in the air. Tatsuya and Aoi walked silently until they spotted Daichi Hayasaka and Ren Sakamoto leaning near a boarded-up classroom.

"Well, well," Ren smirked. "Look who showed up. You two look serious."

"We were just talking," Daichi added casually. "Trying to figure out who the Detective is."

Ren looked at Tatsuya. "You're observant. Got any clue who the Killer might be?"

Aoi took a step forward. "We know who the—"

Tatsuya raised a hand sharply. "Don't."

Aoi scowled but obeyed. Ren raised an eyebrow.

"What was that about?" Daichi asked.

"Nothing important," Tatsuya replied smoothly. "We're all trying to figure things out. That's all."

"What about you two?" he asked, shifting focus. "What are you doing up here?"

Daichi adjusted his glasses nervously. "We were talking about the Detective. If we find them, we might better protect the VIP. Or spot the Killer."

"You're wasting time," Tatsuya said flatly. "The Detective is hiding for a reason. Reveal too soon and the Killer strikes."

"True," Ren admitted. "But hide too long, and it could cost us."

The group stood in silence.

"We should be protecting someone... not arguing," Aoi muttered.

Ren and Daichi exchanged glances.

"Anyway, we're heading back down," Ren said. "Don't get too lonely up here."

Once they were gone, Aoi spun toward Tatsuya.

"Why did you stop me?! I was going to tell them who the VIP is!"

"And that's why I stopped you," Tatsuya said coldly. "You idiot."

"What?!"

"You almost handed the VIP to the Killer. What if it's one of them? Or both?"

Aoi's defiance faded. "I… I just wanted to help. I thought—"

"You would've handed the VIP to the Killer. On a silver platter."

She looked down. "...I'm sorry."

A sudden crackle of static interrupted them.

Accountant (intercom): "Attention, players."

They froze.

"The Killer has touched the VIP once more. That makes two touches. One more, and everyone will lose one life—except the Killer."

Silence followed.

"And now... the third day begins."

Click.

Aoi trembled. "This can't be happening. That's two already. If they touch her again—"

"Then she dies," Tatsuya said grimly. "Which means today is critical."

"Wait... the Killer can touch twice in one day?"

He nodded. "If they touched once yesterday and still have today's move, yes. That's two chances. The VIP is one touch away from death."

The hallway stretched empty and silent around them. The tension thickened. Time was running out.

Next in Chapter 7:The Judgement Day(Part 1)