The mansion was silent when I woke.
No clattering of dishes. No voice of my grandmother echoing through the halls. Just the faint hum of cicadas outside, and the cool air sneaking in through the cracks of the shōji.
I sat up slowly, rubbing my eyes. The tatami floor pressed against my palms as I steadied myself.
I had expected to find her at the table, sipping tea in her usual composed manner, eyes sharp even at dawn. But when I went downstairs, only the faint trace of her remained a half-drunk cup of green tea, still warm, and a folded note placed neatly beside it.
"Haruto, I had to leave early for business. Eat well. I'll return tonight. – Sumire."
Typical. Grandmother never lingered. She moved like the tide unshakable, always moving forward, never waiting for anyone.
I stood there for a moment, staring at the note longer than I should have. Then one of the maids appeared from the corridor, bowing deeply.
"Good morning, Young Master."
Her voice was polite, gentle, yet I could feel her eyes studying me.
"Morning," I muttered.
She straightened, hands clasped before her. "Lady Sumire left very early. She asked us to take care of you."
"I see." My eyes drifted toward the garden outside. "Is there… any waterfall nearby?"
She blinked, taken aback. "A waterfall?"
"Yes."
"An hour's walk into the eastern forest. But…" She tilted her head slightly. "Why do you ask?"
I shrugged, feigning indifference. "Just wanted to know."
Her lips curved into the faintest smile. "You really are like Lady Sumire. Always hiding your reasons. But your eyes…" She paused. "…they carry something heavy."
I ignored the comment. "Thanks."
"Breakfast is ready whenever you wish."
The table was set as always perfectly grilled fish, steaming miso soup, pickled vegetables, rice. I ate without savoring, more to fill myself than enjoy. The food was good, but my mind was elsewhere.
By midmorning, I left the estate. The village at the foot of the hill was still waking up old men sweeping storefronts, children running with backpacks, the faint chatter of shopkeepers.
I stopped at a small store, buying a few things: bottled drinks, some food wrapped neatly in paper, and a knife. The blade wasn't meant for defense. No. Just holding steel reminded me that hesitation was the first step to weakness.
The forest swallowed me whole as I walked east. Pines towered overhead, cicadas screeching like broken wires. The air grew damp, the earth soft underfoot.
An hour later, I found it.
The sound hit first a roaring wall of water crashing against stone. Then the sight: the waterfall, tall and merciless, pouring into a pool below that shimmered in fractured sunlight.
Without hesitation, I stripped down and climbed onto the rock beneath the stream.
The water hit like knives, stabbing into my skin, freezing me from the outside in. My breath caught in my throat, body stiffening instantly. But that was the point. Pain stripped away the noise.
Fragments of memory will return to you, Haruto Kurogane… as you become worthy of my help.
I closed my eyes.
And the fragments came.
November 9th, first year. I had come home early. Souta stepped out of my mother's room, shirt half unbuttoned, hair sticking out. My mother followed moments later, sweat glistening on her forehead despite the November cold.
I had told myself I was imagining it. That it was coincidence.
Now, the memory burned raw.
The soccer clubroom. Miyuki and Souta slipping out together, her uniform wrinkled, his smirk lingering. Her smile it wasn't mine. It never had been.
The living room. The faint trace of Souta's cologne on the sofa cushions. He had no reason to be there.
My fists clenched against the rock. Nails dug into my skin, knuckles white.
So I wasn't paranoid after all.
"Valkyrie," I whispered. "You there?"
Silence.
Only the roar of the waterfall, pounding against my skull like a reminder.
Hours passed. My body shook with cold, skin raw from the stream. But my mind grew sharper with each passing minute. Every fragment was a thread. Threads that would weave into a noose.
By the time I finally climbed out, my limbs were stiff, but my resolve had never been clearer.
I dried myself, pulled on fresh clothes, ate the food I'd bought, and drank until my throat no longer ached.
Then I went back.
Afternoon light bled into the estate when I returned. I went straight to my room, notebook in hand, scribbling furiously.
November 9 – Mother + Souta.
Clubroom – Miyuki + Souta.
Cologne – living room.
Dates. Places. Faces.
But my phone sat on the desk, mocking me. The cracked lens reminded me of every failure.
"This old thing can't capture anything. If I want proof, I'll need a camera. Or a new phone."
Frustration surged. The pen snapped in my grip. I hurled it across the room, ink splattering against the wall.
I sat there, breathing hard, before finally leaving the room.
The maids were gathered in the lounge, folding laundry. They looked up and smiled warmly when they saw me.
"Young Master, welcome back," one said.
"When will Grandmother return?" I asked.
"Late," another replied. "Meetings in the city."
I nodded and sat down. Their chatter filled the silence.
"Young Master, do you like it here?" one asked gently.
"…It's quiet," I said. "Different from home."
"Do you miss your parents?"
I smirked faintly. "Not really."
They glanced at each other but didn't press further. For once, I didn't mind their presence. Their laughter was soft, almost comforting.
Time passed quickly. Evening crept in.
At seven, I headed to the bath.
The water steamed as I lowered myself in, muscles finally unwinding. But peace didn't last.
The door slid open, and one of the maids entered. She bowed deeply.
"Young Master. Please allow me to wash you."
"I can do it myself."
She shook her head. "It is our duty. Lady Sumire would scold us if we neglected you."
I hesitated. "…Fine."
I wrapped a towel around my waist. She knelt beside me, pouring water over my shoulders, hands gentle but professional.
"Your hair is so long," she murmured, almost amused. "Messy, too."
"I didn't have time to care for it."
She laughed softly. "You sound older than you are."
Her fingers worked shampoo into my hair, nails scratching lightly against my scalp. For a moment, I let myself relax, eyes half-closed.
"All done, Young Master," she said finally.
I stood, drying off quickly. "Thanks."
She bowed. "My name is Aoi. If you need anything, call me anytime."
I nodded and left.
At nine, Grandmother returned. The air in the mansion shifted instantly, her presence heavier than silence itself.
"Haruto," she said as soon as she saw me. "How was your day?"
"I managed."
"Good. Wait here. I'll bathe, then we'll eat."
Later, we sat at the table. Beef, rice, soup. She ate calmly, eyes occasionally flicking to me.
My phone buzzed. Father.
"Dad?"
"Haruto. How are you? Eating well?" His voice was calm, but I heard the fatigue beneath it.
"Yeah."
"Good. Don't overthink. Just focus on yourself. Give the phone to your grandmother."
I handed it over. Her voice softened instantly, her words flowing warmly. I tuned out, staring instead at the wood grain of the table.
When she handed it back, she said, "Your father worries for you. Even if he doesn't show it."
I nodded. "I'm tired. Good night."
"Good night, Haruto."
Back in my room, I dialed my mother.
"Haruto?" Her voice cracked with relief. "Are you eating? Sleeping? Tell me you're okay."
"I'm fine." My tone was flat.
She sighed. "Good… good. Please take care of yourself."
I clenched my jaw. If only you stayed like this. But you chose Souta. Over me. Over Father. I can't forgive you.
I ended the call before my voice betrayed me.
Notifications lit up my phone.
Thirty unread from Miyuki.
Five from Yui.
Two from my teacher.
One from Souta.
I scrolled.
Miyuki: Haruto, why aren't you replying?
Miyuki: Did I upset you? Please don't ignore me.
Miyuki: I miss you. I need to see you. Can we meet when you're back?
Miyuki: Souta said you're not feeling well. I'm worried…
Miyuki: I love you.
Yui: Haruto-kun, sensei said you weren't at school. Are you okay?
Yui: Don't push yourself too hard. Please rest.
Teacher: Submit your essay draft. Check your email.
Souta: Bro, what's with you? Stop ignoring me. Let's talk.
I typed quick replies.
To Miyuki: I was busy. I'm fine, iwill try to come faster as i can. Love you too
To Yui: Thanks. I'll manage.
To Teacher: Understood.
To Souta: Later.
I set the phone down, lay back on the bed, and whispered to the ceiling.
"Just wait. You three. I'll show you a place more cruel than hell."
Sleep came slowly, but my resolve never wavered.