Friday, 5th of June [School] -Early morning-
The twins yawn as they pass through the school gates. The school is looking duller than ever because of the superfluous ghost stories circulating the school. The rumours are getting more and more nonsensical, most of which are not backed up by any evidence whatsoever. Which is understandable, considering other-worldly things are involved. However, too much of something is also not good.
Minato rolls his eyes as he hears yet ANOTHER rumour from a group of students nearby. If he gets a dollar (or yen?) every time he hears a rumour, he can own the entire Kirijo company by now. Of course, even if he could, he would not. It would be troublesome and he is not interested in making investments anyway.
Another thing that annoys the twins is Yukari. She has been blabbering on and on about investigating these ghost stories, to a point where it becomes redundant. Of course, a reminder or two would not hurt but EVERY SINGLE DAY? Yukari told them to make investigations every morning and evening for the entire week. Why does she put in that much effort anyways? What is she trying to prove?
Both the twins helped as much as they could before giving up entirely. There are so many other things that are more important like their studies, homework, personas and personal relationships.
A familiar voice greets them enthusiastically in the school compound. Minato looks at the person with half opened eyes. He is still half asleep. Minako, as always, has a wide smile on her face.
Yukari: Hi, you two. Remember what we talked about on Monday?
Minato: Monday?
Yukari: Umm... the ghost story?
Minato: Oh... The one where Junpei took out a flashlight from his--
Minako places her hands on her brother's mouth.
Minako: YEAH OF COURSE! What about it?
Yukari: Well, let's talk about it some more tonight.
Minako: Okay, sure.
Yukari: I heard some interesting stories so don't forget, okay?
Minato: How could we forget, you remind us every day. Like before school, after school ends, tonight when we go back to the dorm, probably at midnight when I'm asleep on my bed--
Minako smacks her brother's head. At the same time, the school bell rings.
Minako: Okay, that's enough. Let's head to class, shall we?
She literally drags her brother by the ears to the classroom. Yukari cannot help but laugh at the twins' antics.
[Classroom] -After school-
The school bell rings, signalling the end of school. As soon as the teacher walks out, Yukari walks to Minato's table. Junpei is standing nearby.
Yukari: Well, today's Friday. Did you two ask around, like we said?
Junpei: Huh? We had something planned for today?
Yukari: Junpei, I TOLD you--
Junpei: I know, I know! I'm just kidding! Man, you have such a short temper...
Yukari: Then we'll meet at the lounge after school. Don't forget!
Junpei: *sighs* Yes, Ma'am...
[Dormitory] -Evening-
Back at the dormitory, Junpei and Yukari are already gathered in the lounge. They are waiting patiently for the twins to arrive. Yukari begins talking when the siblings move closer.
Yukari: Okay, as we agreed on Monday, we'll now hold a meeting to discuss what we learned.
Junpei: Wow, you're really into this.
Minako: Well, did you find anything interesting?
Yukari: Of course. I got lots of good info. It turns out no angry ghost was involved.
Minako: Phew, what a relief~
Junpei: Oh, so THAT'S what's important, huh?
Yukari: Hmph. First off, let's talk about how this rumour got started. Since the girl was found on school grounds, there's at least one similarity to the ghost story. But, why did the rumour spread so fast, if this was the first time anything happened?
Minako: *gasps* IT WAS A GHOST ALL ALONG!
Yukari: Please... stop it.
Minako giggles slightly. The silent Minato finally speaks.
Minato: There were three victims.
Yukari: Correct! But yeah, I was surprised when I found out the reason. Over the next few days, there were two more similar incidents. All three victims have to be hospitalised. No wonder people were talking.
Minako: Is there anything else?
Yukari: The victims are in different classes, and they don't seem to be connected. However, they did have something in common. What was it?
Junpei: What is this, a quiz show?
Minato: I better win some money after this.
Minako: Maybe you might win some if you answer correctly.
Junpei: Do YOU know the answer?
Minako: Well... um.. they ate out a lot!
Yukari: Ate out a lot...? Are you crazy? What's THAT gotta do with anything?
Junpei: Well, some families never eat out.
Yukari: Quiet, Junpei!
Minato: They hung out together, not ate out a lot.
Yukari: Correct. Not just once or twice either. They got in with a bad crowd and were always out late. It can't be just a coincidence.
Minako: So what are you planning to do now?
Yukari: To find out what happened, we're gonna do some field research.
Junpei: Field research? Are you kidding?
Yukari: Well there's this one place where the three victims were regulars.
Junpei: *gasps* Wait, you're not talking about that place behind Port Island Station, are you...?
Yukari: Oh, you're familiar with it?
Junpei: You can't go there!
Minako: Why? What's wrong with that place?
Junpei: Let's just say it's not the place you want to be in. I've heard some nasty rumours about it.
Yukari: Is that so? Well then, we should all go together.
Minako: Together?
Yukari: Yeah. You'll come, right?
Minako: I'm kinda scared to go...
Yukari: Don't worry. I'm sure Junpei is just exaggerating like he always does.
Junpei: Forget it, that place is bad news. I mean, don't you think we're getting in over our heads?
Yukari: Up until now, all we've done is taking orders. Does that feel right to you?
Minako: Yukari, you don't have to say it like that.
Junpei: Yeah, Yuka-tan. I know what you mean but... Man, did you have to say it like that?
Minako: What are you gonna do now, Junpei?
Junpei: I guess I don't have a choice, do I?
Minato: Minako, if you're going, I'm going as well.
Minako: Well... I don't want Yukari and Junpei to go alone. So I'm going too.
Yukari: Okay, we'll go tomorrow night then.
Saturday, 6th of June [Dormitory] -Evening-
Right after school, all four of the junior SEES members decided to gather in front of the dormitory. None of them mentioned about their "field research" to their seniors. Minato has been wondering if this is the right thing to do. Even though they are outside of Tartarus, he still feels responsible for their safety as a leader. However, he did not worry too much because he is equipped with an exceptional physical ability as well as some martial arts. His only concern is that he does not have his trusty sword with him so if things get out of hand, he could not rely on his swordsmanship.
Yukari: Alright, let's get going.
Junpei: What's your hurry? I still think this is a bad idea. How could you be afraid of ghosts, but not be scared of this?
Yukari: It's easy to get freaked out by things you can't see, don't you think?
Junpei: Actually, I'm more afraid by things I CAN see, like bats and knives!
Yukari: *sighs* Big deal, so it's a little "dangerous"...
Minato: Enough of this immature act. Let's just get this over with before I shove some ghosts and bats up your arse. See how much THAT freaks you out.
Minato leaves them and walks into the darkness. They are unsure if he even knows the way or he simply just wants to leave.
Yukari: C'mon, lets go before he gets lost.
Junpei: This is a suicide mission.
Junpei sighs but he is fully aware that he could not do anything at this point. He reluctantly follows Yukari and the rest to the infamous place behind Port Island Station.