Aiko Hoshino sits by the window, her chin resting on her hand, brown eyes reflecting a calm smile that seems almost too perfect.
"Page 42. Second formula."
A murmur of approval sweeps through the class as the teacher nods, but inside, Aiko remains distant, her thoughts veiled behind a serene mask.
(INNER MONOLOGUE) If I stay quiet… If I stay kind… No one looks too closely.
Aiko walks beside her best friend, Emi, whose vibrant presence lights up any room.
"Movie night tonight! You’re coming, right?"
"I’ll try."
Emi grins and dashes off, leaving Aiko standing alone as her phone buzzes with a message that chills the air around her.
(INNER MONOLOGUE) Normal people go to movies after school. I clean up messes.
She removes her school cardigan, revealing a sleek black tactical suit beneath—a jarring contrast to her earlier innocence.
From her backpack she pulls a silenced handgun, a combat knife, and a red string bracelet, her fingers lingering on the last as memories flicker across her face.
(INNER MONOLOGUE) Rule one: No hesitation. Rule two: No emotion. (her hands tremble) Rule three… Never forget why you started.
Aiko perches above, gaze sharpened, every muscle coiled.
Handler(V.O., earpiece): "Confirm visual."
"Confirmed."
In one silent, practiced motion, she drops to the ground, gun raised, and a single shot rings out. Rain washes the crimson away, leaving cold emptiness behind.
(INNER MONOLOGUE) People think killers are monsters. They’ve never met a girl who still has homework due.
Aiko sits on her bed, scrolling through her phone, her face illuminated by the faint blue glow.
Emi(TEXT): "You ditched me 😭 See you tomorrow?"
"Yeah. Tomorrow."
She sets her phone aside and stares at her own reflection, half her face swallowed by darkness, eyes hardening as she steels herself for another day.
(INNER MONOLOGUE) As long as no one knows… I can keep pretending.
Aiko’s silhouette stands poised between light and shadow, her expression unreadable.
The music crescendos, promising secrets, danger, and the fragile dance between innocence and violence.
TO BE CONTINUED…
