When Hina's distress message had arrived, he had assumed maybe the mansion's squatters were targeting her. Perhaps because they wanted to create a real-life horror story.
Or maybe because they felt threatened that someone knew about their existence. Whatever the case, his first doubt was directed at them.
Technically speaking, he wasn't far off. The source of the attempted kidnapping was the haunted mansion. Just that the reasoning behind it was a little too complex.
'We accidentally brushed past a cult. As much as I know about these cultists, there is one thing I'm absolutely sure about them… they are a bunch of maniacs. They don't value human life nor do they look at the world from a normal standpoint. If it befits their needs, they would do the most horrendous thing known to man.'
It was exactly why he couldn't just blindly chase after them and try to unveil their secretive workings to the police. He actively needed their help in the case.
'I should contact Naoya-san to check up on the proceedings. Maybe he got some extra information from the police. With his aide, convincing them would be a lot easier.'
But before that, he needed to accompany Sakuya. That was also important. "First things first, let's take a shower. I don't wanna die from a cold."
After taking a shower, Ryuga changed into a pair of his casual clothes. Baggy, simple and mobile. That was his style.
The others had already started dining. They did wait for him, but he took too long in the shower, so they decided to eat.
Ryuga didn't mind. He was just happy he didn't need to listen to Iuno lecture him about food again. Anything was better than that.
Nobody spoke while eating. They maintained a peaceful decorum. Though the others had started earlier, Ryuga finished his meal first. Though not by a huge margin.
After everyone had eaten, they prepared to leave the apartment. Each sibling had a spare key with them, in case one of them lost theirs or came home early.
After Iuno locked the door, they all went their separate ways. For some reason, Kai decided to wait for a 'friend'. He urged Ryuga and Sakuya to go alone.
Iuno had already taken a taxi to her school. So, it was just Ryuga and Sakuya now. It didn't take a genius to understand what the sibling duo was plotting.
"They are getting bolder each day. Seriously, do they think I'm an idiot who can't read the room? I know what they're plotting, and they should have a decent idea about our relationship too… but still… they act like persistent bugs." Ryuga grumbled.
He wasn't angry at them, just annoyed. His and Sakuya's relationship was just a front. A method that benefited both of them, so they had started this collaborative relationship.
But besides the collaboration… they were nothing more. Just acquaintances… not even friends.
"They are kids, surrounded by pheromones of love and lust alike. Iuno in particular, she's at an age where romance is a hot topic. Surrounded by such an atmosphere, of course she would be excited about it," Sakuya explained gently.
The dried leaves of the looming trees fluttered in an entrancing pattern. The way they separated from the branches after their part was done… seemed oddly poetic to Sakuya.
"Iuno, I can understand. She's a little bit of a brat. But even Kai is getting corrupted. What are the chances the 'friend' he talked about is a girl?"
Sakuya chuckled. "See, even you are interested in romance. Let alone them. Everyone loves a gossip or two. And if it's from their family, the fun increases several folds."
Ryuga scratched the back of his head, feeling slightly embarrassed. "Well, you got me there. I can't deny that accusation."
Suddenly, his voice turned placid, calm like a suspended lake. He raised his head to look at the blue sky and smiled. "I just hope, once they know the truth, they don't overreact. I know it's not a big deal. Probably Kai wouldn't even care. But Iuno loves you. She thinks of you as her big sister… a real big sister. She wouldn't take the truth lightly."
Sakuya followed Ryuga's gaze and peeked at the blue skies. The movement of the clouds, crossing each other's paths, oddly amused her.
"We still have a year… she will be much more mature by then."
"I hope so…"
…
After arriving at the university, Sakuya and Ryuga separated. He went to attend his classes, which went on until he was bored out of his mind. Thankfully enough, he didn't sleep this time.
That didn't mean he paid attention to the lectures. No, no, no… he was formulating different ways to catch the hooded gang. But without any solid clues, he was helpless.
He needed information as much as he could get, as fast as he could. The faster the problem was solved, the faster the danger would recede.
It's worth noting that even though he was more worried about his family, his friends were also on his mind. He had not once regretted going out to help Hina yesterday. In a way, he considered them siblings from another mother.
After the lectures ended, Ryuga messaged in the group chat, calling everyone to the Philosophy Cafe.
He wanted to check up on Hina while also making sure everyone else was fine. Hina was targeted, and the chances were high that Daichi, Souta, and Ryouma, who went to help her, would also be targeted.
He just wanted to meet them in person and make them aware of the danger.
After half an hour, he made his way to the Philosophy Cafe. Sitting outside the cafe, occupying two round tables, were his friends.
He waved a hand and slowly approached them. He took a seat beside the boys, while the girls were seated at the other table.
Sipping her boba tea, Sayo started the conversation. "So, why did you call us in a hurry? Is it related to Hina's attempted kidnapping?"
After saying that, she suddenly felt it was a little rude. She slowly whispered a quiet 'sorry' to Hina.
"Well, you aren't wrong. Besides checking up on Hina, sorry for running away, by the way, I wanted to emphasize certain things. Related to the attempted kidnapping…"
They all leaned closer, clearly giving his words their utmost attention. Which dearly pleased him.
"I think this was the work of a cult. And they will most probably return… not just for Hina, but for us four too."