Chapter 9 — The Envelope by Sunset

The door creaked open.

Soft light filtered in from the hallway as Shinichi and Megumi stepped cautiously into the student council room.

It was quiet—unnaturally so.

The air was still, scented faintly with lavender. The space was immaculate, almost sacred in its order. Polished wooden cabinets lined the walls, banners bearing the school crest hung proudly, and a long central table was covered with neatly sorted stacks of paperwork and official-looking folders.

At the far end of the room, seated beside the wide arched window where golden sunlight poured in like a spotlight, sat Akane Takahashi.

She didn't glance up at first.

Her jet-black hair was tied in a high ponytail that shimmered under the light like silk. As always, her uniform was immaculate—blazer pressed, ribbon perfectly tied, not a crease in sight. Legs crossed, posture flawless, she moved with quiet precision, flipping through documents and writing with an elegant fountain pen.

Only when the soft click of the door closing reached her ears did she lift her gaze. Her violet eyes narrowed slightly, then softened into a practiced, polite smile.

"Oh. You're both here?"

Her voice was as refined as her appearance—smooth, cool, and poised.

"Sorry, I still have a few things to finish," she added, her tone calm but firm. "It's better if you two go on ahead."

"Need help?" Shinichi offered instinctively.

Akane shook her head with a graceful tilt.

"That won't be necessary," she said with a faint smile. "This work—I'd rather not involve anyone."

Her words weren't unkind, but there was distance in them. Measured. Controlled. Just like her.

Shinichi nodded slowly. "Alright. If you say so…"

Megumi, however, shifted beside him—clearly conflicted.

"But… it's almost evening. You shouldn't walk home alone this late," she said, voice gentle but firm.

Akane let out a light, musical laugh. "Oh, I'm not walking."

She reached into her elegant leather handbag and pulled out her phone, flashing a message on the screen:

Aiko-san will arrive at 5:30 sharp with the car.

"My servant will be here soon to pick me up," she added. "And even if she weren't, someone from the Takahashi family would be."

Shinichi blinked. "Right… I keep forgetting."

Of course.

Akane Takahashi wasn't just their schoolmate.

She was the heiress to the Takahashi Group—a vast empire of luxury hotels, high-end fashion, private medical research, and global investments. Born into marble-floored mansions and raised with silver spoons, Akane lived in a world completely different from theirs.

Her pens were imported from Europe. Her lunch was crafted by chefs with Michelin stars. Her shoes? Hand-stitched Italian leather.

And yet… she never boasted. Never looked down on others. Never acted entitled.

"Please don't worry about me," Akane said gently, her expression perfectly composed. "I'll see you both tomorrow."

There was a pause.

Megumi finally exhaled, but didn't meet Akane's eyes. "Fine. If you say so."

Her voice was strained. Shoulders slightly stiff. She turned without another word and walked out of the room.

Shinichi gave Akane a small wave. "See you tomorrow."

"Take care, both of you," she replied, dipping her head gracefully.

The door closed behind them with a soft thud.

...

Outside, the late afternoon sun had mellowed into a warm amber glow. Long shadows stretched across the pavement as Shinichi and Megumi exited the building and passed through the school gates, their footsteps soft on the stone walkway.

As they disappeared around the corner, the last golden rays caught the edge of the student council window.

Inside, Akane Takahashi stood by the glass, one hand resting lightly on the frame. Her violet eyes followed their silhouettes with quiet intensity. Her face was unreadable.

Then—

A figure emerged below.

Tall. Composed. Dressed in a sharply tailored black suit with polished shoes and a discreet earpiece. Her dark sunglasses concealed her expression, but the poise in her movements was unmistakable.

Aiko, Akane's personal servant—and head of her private security detail.

Akane's lips curled into a subtle, knowing smile.

The council room door opened without a sound.

"Good evening, Miss Akane," Aiko said, bowing with crisp, practiced form.

Akane nodded lightly. "Aiko."

Without hesitation, Aiko stepped forward and extended a gloved hand. In it was a sealed white envelope.

"I trust this will delight you," she said in a hushed tone.

Akane accepted it wordlessly. Her fingers brushed over the envelope.

Her expression shifted.

Just slightly.

Her eyes narrowed, lips curling into a faint, calculating smirk.

"…I see."

She tore the envelope open with a fluid, deliberate motion.