Chapter 54: Disappearance

When Masashi arrived at Aiko's apartment on his motorcycle, he saw her three friends anxiously waiting by the door. As soon as they spotted him, they immediately surrounded him.

"Have you called the police?" Masashi asked.

"We did, but they said they can only start an investigation if she's been missing for over 24 hours. They just told us to wait," Murashima Mami said angrily.

"Have you informed Aiko's family?"

"No, because we don't know her parents' contact information."

Masashi thought for a moment. "Are you sure she's actually missing? Explain everything that happened from the beginning."

Mami took a deep breath and said, "After we parted ways with you in the morning, Aiko went with us to watch a movie. Around noon, we went for lunch, and in the afternoon, we shopped around Roppongi. At about seven in the evening—yes, it was seven, right?" She looked at Kogure beside her.

Kogure thought for a moment and nodded.

"Aiko said she was feeling a bit tired and wanted to head home early to rest, so we parted ways with her. Around 9:00, I called her home to chat, but no one answered. I tried her mobile, but still no answer. I got worried, so I called them to check, but they didn't know where she was either. Where could she be? Do you think something has happened to her?" Mami's worry grew, and the other two girls also looked increasingly anxious.

"Calm down. Things might not be as bad as you think. Did you check inside her apartment?"

"We don't have her house key."

Masashi considered the situation and then walked around the apartment's perimeter. He turned back to them and said, "Wait here for a moment; I'll get inside and open the door for you."

"But how will you get in?" Kogure asked, puzzled.

"Ever seen Spider-Man?" Masashi joked, then walked to the balcony. Taking a few steps back, he sprinted forward, jumped up, and grabbed hold of the second-floor balcony column, quickly climbing up with ease.

When he opened the door from the inside, the three girls stared at him in shock.

"Are you a monkey?" Mami exclaimed in amazement.

"Miss, can you be a little nicer? It's called agility."

"That's crazy! I'd believe you if you said you used to be a thief."

The other two girls laughed.

Masashi gave her a look, slightly annoyed.

Once inside, Masashi turned on all the lights and carefully observed everything in the apartment.

"Aiko, are you here?" Mami called out a few times, and the girls checked the kitchen, bathroom, and other rooms.

After a moment, Masashi stopped Kogure as she came out of the kitchen. "Take me to Aiko's room."

Kogure nodded and led him upstairs.

Outside Aiko's room, they saw Aiko's friend, Aikura Ai, emerging.

"Did you find her?" Kogure asked urgently.

Ai shook her head.

Masashi entered the room. It was a typical young girl's room, filled with stuffed toys on the bed and in the cabinets. Even the bedspread and quilt had Pikachu patterns. Posters of celebrities were plastered all over the walls and wardrobe. There was a large desk on the right side of the bed, with a computer and a TV on it, and a faint scent filled the room.

"Call Aiko's mobile again."

Aikura Ai immediately took out her phone and dialed.

A few seconds later, an energetic ringtone filled the room.

Masashi followed the sound and found the phone by the pillow.

"Where could Aiko have gone? She never leaves without her phone," Kogure said, her voice full of worry.

"One thing we know for sure is that she came back here and even went to bed. But for some reason, she left again afterward. Do any of you know if Aiko has a habit of sleepwalking?"

"I don't think so. At least, I haven't seen her sleepwalk. She once stayed at my house for a few days after her sister left. She said she felt a bit scared being here alone. But after a while, she got used to it and moved back. When she stayed with me, I didn't see her sleepwalking," Mami recalled.

Masashi nodded and said to them, "I'll go out and look for her now. Since it's already late, you three should stay here and don't go out. If I haven't called by morning, report her missing to the police. In the meantime, if any of you hear from Aiko, call me immediately."

The three girls nodded in agreement.

After exchanging phone numbers, they saw Masashi to the door.

Masashi started his motorcycle, then pulled out a device from his pocket resembling a Game Boy. After studying it for a moment, he rode off.

Once he was gone, the three girls left the front light on and returned to the living room.

"Ai, are you okay? You look pale. Are you tired?" Kogure asked.

"I'm fine," Aikura Ai said, shaking her head.

"You always keep everything to yourself. Are you feeling unwell?" Mami brushed her forehead.

"No, I'm fine. I was just thinking…" Ai hesitated.

"What are you thinking about?" Kogure couldn't help but ask.

Ai looked at them, then lowered her head and quietly said, "I was wondering if this has anything to do with Toyokawa Mito."

The moment she said this, the other two girls' faces turned pale.

Remembering some rumors they'd heard, the sense of unease in their hearts grew stronger.

"I don't think it's his doing. Didn't Gennai say Aiko left on her own? Maybe she had an urgent matter to attend to," Kogure said, forcing a smile to ease the tension.

"Alright, let's not overthink it. Let's take turns keeping watch tonight; maybe Aiko will come back soon," Mami suggested, trying to change the subject.