Chapter 16: A Deadly Meeting

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"What? H-How?" Hinata stammered, gripping her phone.

Akira's voice remained calm. "Wait for a second."

The line went silent.

On the other end, Akira lowered the phone and looked down at Bomi, her body trembling, her eyes wide with agony. Blood dripped from her lips as she struggled to breathe.

Akira sighed. "I'm sorry, Bomi… It's my fault. If I had killed him more carefully, you would still be alive today."

Bomi's eyes burned with pain and regret.

Akira knelt beside her, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "But you're also 50% involved, aren't you?"

A silent tear rolled down her cheek.

"I can't see you suffer like this." His voice was almost tender.

The screwdriver plunged into her throat.

Bomi's body twitched—then stilled.

Akira wiped the blood from his hands and unmuted his phone.

"Akira, what's happening? Are you okay?" Hinata asked, panic rising in her voice.

Akira's tone was relaxed. "I was just taking my medicine."

"Which hospital?"

A pause. Then, a smirk curled on Akira's lips. "Takamochi Hospital."

Hinata exhaled in relief. "I was going to meet a friend nearby. Maybe I'll stop by and visit you on the way."

Akira's fingers tapped lightly against the bloodied screwdriver. "Who's your friend?"

"Bomi."

A sharp gleam flickered in Akira's eyes. His lips curled into a smile.

"Okay. Good night, Hinata."

Scene Change – Bomi's House

Hinata walked towards Bomi's house, but as she got closer, her steps slowed. Flashing red and blue lights illuminated the night. A chill ran down her spine.

Police cars. An ambulance. A crowd gathering.

Hinata's breath hitched. No… No, this isn't real.

Her body felt numb as she walked closer. An officer turned, noticing her frozen expression. "Miss, who are you?"

Hinata's lips trembled. "…Her friend."

A strong voice cut through the air. "So, you're Hinata?"

She turned. A tall young man with sharp grey hair and an overwhelming presence stood before her. His piercing gaze locked onto her.

"Who are you?" Hinata asked.

A smirk played on his lips. "Kento Takeshi." He held up Bomi's phone. "I checked her call history. You were the last person she spoke to."

Hinata's heart pounded. She nodded slowly.

"What did she say to you?" Kento's voice was steady, unreadable.

Hinata hesitated before whispering, "She said… she saw Akira murder someone. She wanted to warn me."

Kento ran a hand through his hair, sighing. "Akira, huh? Hmmm… A new name."

Hinata clenched her fists. "No. Akira can't do this. He's not that kind of person."

Kento tilted his head slightly, studying her. "Where is he now?"

"He's in Takamochi Hospital," Hinata answered quickly.

For the first time, Kento's expression changed slightly. His smirk widened.

"Takamochi Hospital, huh? That's not too far."

Hinata looked up at him, confused. "I was going to meet him now."

Kento chuckled, tucking Bomi's phone into his pocket. "Perfect. Let's meet him together."

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