Dark circles, Dark secrets

---

The cafeteria buzzed with the usual lunchtime chatter. Students gathered in groups, exchanging rumors about the recent murders. The tension in the air was palpable, but for most, it was just another passing curiosity.

For Akira, it was something else entirely.

He sat alone at his desk, staring blankly at the chalkboard. His fingers tapped against the wooden surface rhythmically, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

It had been exhausting—playing the role of the cheerful, carefree classmate. But now, with Hinata gone to the cafeteria, he could finally drop the act.

His smile faded. His body relaxed. His eyes—sharp, calculating—scanned the room.

The students around him had no idea.

They laughed. They whispered. They lived their simple lives, oblivious to the fact that a wolf sat among them, watching, waiting.

Then, just as swiftly as it had disappeared, the mask returned.

The moment he saw Hinata walking back toward him, Akira's expression changed. His lips curled into an easy grin, his posture light and playful.

Hinata had no idea.

She was the only one blind to the game he was playing.

---

By afternoon, an announcement echoed through the school hallways.

"Due to the ongoing investigation, the school will be closed for a week. Please stay safe and avoid unnecessary outings."

Excited murmurs filled the corridors. A whole week off? Some students planned vacations. Others talked about gaming marathons or binge-watching TV shows.

But for Hinata, there was only one thing on her mind.

She wanted to spend time with Akira.

He had lost too much. She could see it in his eyes. If she could just be there for him, maybe… maybe he wouldn't feel so alone.

Yet, as she looked at him, she noticed something strange.

While most students cheered about the break, Akira wasn't smiling.

Instead, he looked… amused.

Like he was looking forward to this week for an entirely different reason.

A cold shiver ran down Hinata's spine, but she quickly brushed it off.

Maybe she was just overthinking it.

---

That evening, as they walked home together, Hinata made up her mind.

"Let's watch the new movie together tomorrow!" she said excitedly. "It'll be fun!"

Akira, however, didn't even hesitate before replying.

"No."

Hinata frowned. "Why not?"

"I have plans."

Hinata's curiosity spiked. "What plans?"

"I'm meeting a friend."

A friend?

She blinked in surprise. "You never mentioned having friends."

Akira gave a small, unreadable smile. "You wouldn't know them."

And with that, he stepped into the darkness, disappearing into the night.

Hinata stood there, staring after him.

Something about this didn't feel right.

Something about Akira… felt dangerous.

---