@promisesleuth has been ordered to die!!
It was commonplace for her to disappear from school, without warning. Even if specifications themselves weren’t stated, everyone knew why. Between the stakeout and the actual assassination, she was gone for long periods. Normally, Maki would check in. Normally, she’d reassure the others, particularly Saihara, that she was safe. Not a word was heard from the assassin. Any message sent to her went unread.
She wasn’t actually on stakeout. She knew where and how to reach her target. She could contact him, without a problem. Rather, she was purposefully avoiding him. Part of her was debating letting the deadline pass. She would be damning herself, but that was the preferred outcome. Realistically, Saihara would track her down. She needed to do something, but what? She was no hero. No, no. She was the horror everyone claimed her to be. And he’d know it too, if she couldn’t do anything.
Reluctantly, she responded to him. She requested him to meet up with her, far from the others, so they could talk. She owed him that much. Part of her hope he wouldn’t show up. But she knew he wouldn’t leave her alone.
When he arrived, he’d notice how off she was. Her fingers, trembling, curled tightly into her skirt. Her eyes were unfocused, staring at nothing. She looked like she hadn’t slept or eaten in days. Maki was a wreck. It took her longer than usual to notice his presence. “...Oh, Saihara-kun, you’re here,” she spoke, her tone muted, “I.... Uhm... I own you an apology, don’t I?”
