The courtyard felt colder after Yuki's death.
No one said it out loud, but everyone understood something had changed.
Yesterday, they were students trapped in a strange situation.
Today, they were survivors standing around a crime scene.
And somewhere among them-
A killer.
The body had been taken to the infirmary.
No ceremony.No silence.
Just a practical decision no one wanted to make.
"Leaving her outside isn't right," someone had said.
No one argued.
Now the courtyard stood empty, except for twenty-one students who no longer stood close to each other.
Groups had begun to form.
Not friendships.
Positions.
Near the fountain, Daichi Moriyama spoke first.
"We need structure."
His voice was firm, carrying the authority people instinctively listened to.
"Random panic will just get more people killed."
Ren Kurogane leaned against the railing nearby, arms folded.
"And what are you suggesting? A leader?"
Daichi didn't hesitate.
"Yes."
Murmurs spread.
Some faces showed relief.
Others showed suspicion.
Mika Shirasagi adjusted her glasses.
"A leadership system makes sense," she said calmly. "Decision-making by consensus would be too slow in emergencies."
Haru Tachibana frowned.
"Or one person could just manipulate everyone."
The tension tightened immediately.
Daichi looked straight at him.
"If you have a better idea, say it."
Haru looked away.
"…We move in pairs. No one goes alone. That's my idea."
That suggestion spread through the crowd like quiet agreement.
Pairs meant witnesses.
Pairs meant safety.
Pairs also meant-
You had to choose someone to trust.
Across the courtyard, Aiko Fujimori stood near Sora Minazuki, their voices low.
"Do you… have someone?" Aiko asked.
Sora hesitated.
"I don't know."
Her eyes drifted across the others.
Some were already talking in twos.
Others stood alone, trying not to look desperate.
Aiko forced a small smile.
"…We can pair up. If you want."
Sora looked relieved.
"Thank you."
Neither of them said the obvious thought:
What if she's the Imposter?
Near the entrance, Riku Hayato watched the groups forming.
He hadn't moved yet.
Observation first.
That was safer.
Kaito Shinomiya approached him casually.
"Not choosing anyone?"
Riku glanced at him.
"Still thinking."
Kaito smiled lightly.
"That's dangerous. People will start thinking you're avoiding witnesses."
Riku didn't respond.
Kaito's expression didn't change, but his tone softened.
"If you don't have a partner, we can work together."
There was no pressure in his voice.
No urgency.
Just an offer.
Riku studied him for a moment.
"…Alright."
They shook hands.
Across the courtyard, several students watched that exchange.
Every partnership mattered now.
Every alliance was information.
By evening, the structure was clear.
Pairs had formed.
Small groups gathered near living areas.
And one decision had been made collectively:
Curfew.
No one would leave their assigned floor after 10 PM.
Anyone found alone at night would be considered suspicious.
No one argued.
Because everyone knew-
Yuki had died early in the morning.
Alone.
The first night after the murder was quiet.
Too quiet.
Doors locked early.
Lights stayed on longer than usual.
Conversations were whispers.
Every sound in the hallway felt too loud.
Every footstep felt too close.
Inside one of the common rooms, a small group sat together:
Daichi.Mika.Haru.Aiko.Sora.
No one spoke for a while.
Then Aiko said quietly,
"Do you think… the Imposter will kill again soon?"
No one answered immediately.
Mika finally spoke.
"If their goal is to create fear, then yes."
Haru shook his head.
"Or maybe they'll wait. Let us turn on each other first."
Daichi looked around the group.
"That's exactly why we need to stay organized."
Sora hesitated.
"But… what if the killer is someone who wants to be organized?"
Silence fell again.
Because that thought pointed at everyone.
Even Daichi.
Even Mika.
Even Haru.
Even each other.
Trust had become a risk.
Later that night, the hallway lights dimmed automatically.
10:03 PM.
Curfew had begun.
Behind closed doors, students lay awake, listening.
Waiting.
Counting the silence.
On the third floor, one door opened quietly.
Very slowly.
A figure stepped into the hallway.
No hesitation.
No fear.
They moved carefully, avoiding the brighter sections of light.
They stopped in front of another door.
For a moment, they didn't move.
Then-
A soft knock.
Inside the room, someone stirred.
"…Who is it?"
No answer.
The handle turned.
The door opened.
And the hallway returned to silence.
At 6:42 AM, the academy alarm rang again.
Louder than yesterday.
Longer.
More urgent.
Students rushed into the corridor, doors opening one after another.
Someone was already shouting from the stairwell.
"Second floor! Someone's been attacked!"
Footsteps thundered down.
Breath quickened.
Hope faded.
Because deep down-
Everyone already knew.
The game wasn't slowing down.
It was accelerating.
And this time-
There was no guarantee the victim would still be alive.