Meanwhile, as Kaito was changing his sweater in the locker room, the image of the child—and those black veins—kept flashing through his mind again and again. He paused for a moment, his hands still halfway through pulling on his sleeve.
Kaito (to himself): "That child… I hope nothing goes wrong."
A strange uneasiness settled in his chest, but he shook it off and exhaled sharply.
He stepped out of the locker room and walked toward the common lounge where everyone else was gathered. The atmosphere there was tense but quieter compared to the chaos outside.
The child was sitting on the sofa, quietly swinging his legs. Sora and Haruto were standing nearby, both watching Kaito with serious expressions. Meanwhile, the only one who seemed completely relaxed—Doctor Mitsuni—was sitting on a chair, grinning like he had just solved the universe.
Kaito immediately felt something was off.
Kaito: "What are you all staring at again? What happened?"
Haruto tilted his head slightly and replied with a teasing grin.
Haruto: "You might've narrowed your field of vision from frowning so much."
Kaito blinked.
Kaito: "What are you talking about, Haruto? You've completely lost it—"
Before he could finish his sentence, something hard suddenly hit the back of his head.
Kaito: "—Huh?!"
He stumbled forward, trying to turn around, but lost his balance and crashed straight into the wall.
Sora was standing behind him, one leg still slightly raised, glaring at him with pure irritation.
Kaito: "Ah— hey! What did you do?!"
Sora cut him off immediately.
Sora: "Idiot! Where's the blanket?! The kid is shivering—are you blind?!"
The child let out a small, nervous giggle, trying to ease the tension.
Child: "Um… it's okay. You don't have to. I can manage."
Haruto sighed softly and looked at the child with a calm expression.
Haruto: "Oh, come on… don't worry. I expected this, but this time it's my fault. I didn't prepare a backup plan."
Kaito rubbed the back of his head and slowly stood up again.
Kaito: "Alright. I'll get it."
Without another word, he left the room and returned a few minutes later holding a green blanket decorated with small bunny patterns. He walked over and gently placed it over the child's shoulders.
The child looked down at the blanket, then up at Kaito.
A faint, soft smile appeared.
Child: "Thank you."
Kaito nodded slightly but said nothing, stepping back quietly.
Haruto then leaned forward slightly, his tone becoming more serious.
Haruto: "So, buddy… tell us. What were you doing there? Where's your family? And first of all—what's your name?"
The child's small smile slowly faded.
A heavy silence filled the room.
Kaito, Sora, and Doctor Mitsuni exchanged brief glances. Even Mitsuni's usual playful grin disappeared for a moment.
Haruto continued gently but firmly.
Haruto: "Don't worry. We're here to protect you. But for that, you need to tell us everything you remember."
Sora crossed her arms.
Sora: "There's nothing to be afraid of." (She then glanced at the eccentric doctor.) "Except for the crazy doctor, of course."
Doctor Mitsuni immediately reacted, pointing at her.
Dr. Mitsuni: "Heeey! How dare you talk like that—wait…"
Then suddenly, his expression shifted into something oddly proud.
"Ohhh, 'Crazy Doctor,' huh? Hearing a compliment from you is really spoiling me, dear."
Sora and Haruto both let out small laughs and turned their attention back to the child. The child hesitated, then slowly looked toward Kaito. Kaito raised an eyebrow slightly, surprised by the sudden attention—but he didn't say anything.
The child took a small breath.
Child: "Actually… I—"
Everyone focused on him instantly.
At that exact moment—
Thunder roared outside.
BOOOOM
A deep voice echoed from the hallway.
Man: "Hey!"
Everyone jumped and turned toward the sound.
It was Taro the cook.
Taro: "So… who's this kid?"
Kaito shot him a sharp look.
Kaito: "Taro, it's a long story. Please give us some space. We need answers."
Taro scratched his head, then nodded.
Taro: "Alright, I understand. I brought some more warm milk. It's cold out there—take care."
They all nodded as Taro walked away, leaving the room in a slightly warmer mood.
Once he was gone, their attention returned immediately to the child. The room felt heavier again.
The child hugged the blanket slightly tighter.
Child: "I don't know who I am… or how I ended up there. I can't remember."
Everyone exchanged shocked glances as the child continued speaking.
Child: "The only thing I remember… is people calling me a 'demon'…"