Makoto wasn't hard to find—if you knew where to look, like Naseru was learning to.
He hadn't meant to seek him out at first, but something unconscious drew Naseru to the back of the school, to the old art storage room that doubled as a quiet lunch spot. It was unlocked, warm, with electricity and a table with a few chairs. The room smelled of old paint that had soaked into the unvarnished hardwood floors, and it was the only place in school where Makoto went for lunch—especially since Hikaru had been avoiding everyone while the investigation continued.
On their first day eating together, neither had spoken. It had been an awkward coincidence, coming just a day after Naseru had politely declined Makoto's offer to show him around school. Hiro-sensei had assigned Makoto as his guide anyway, despite Sousuke being the obvious choice as class representative.
The next day, a can of coffee had been waiting on the far side of the table when Naseru arrived. Clearly a peace offering for sharing the space.
On Thursday, there had been coffee again, and Naseru had brought a banana in return. Makoto had thanked him but mentioned he preferred apples. So today, Naseru had brought two apples—one red, one green—for Makoto to choose from. Makoto put away his sketchbook and selected the red apple, gazing at its waxy crimson skin before sighing.
"I know something's wrong, and I couldn't tell Ueno," Makoto said quietly. "Hell, I don't know why I'm telling you. Why would you believe me?"
Naseru shrugged and bit into his apple. "If you told someone who'd known you longer, they'd probably think you'd lost your mind. But I'm new here—I don't have any preconceptions."
Makoto snorted. "That makes me feel so much better."
"As it should," Naseru said. "So what do you think you know?"
Makoto sighed heavily. "Everyone thinks Hikaru did something to Sayuri, and it's not fair. He hasn't done anything. I've known them both forever—I'd be able to tell."
"The police will figure out he couldn't have done it," Naseru said tentatively.
"That's the problem," Makoto said, head in his hands. "They think he did it because he was home alone that night. Nobody can vouch for him. His mom works night shifts at the hospital, and his dad spends weekdays in Tokyo for work. Since junior high, Hikaru's been on his own most nights."
Naseru winced. "That's rough."
"Yeah." Makoto ran a hand through his hair, looking up at the ceiling. "If I could prove what really happened to Sayuri, then he'd be off the hook. But I don't know where to start."
"What about that girl Emi? She seems convinced something happened to her friend too."
"She's probably right, but I can't give her false hope," Makoto said. "She's been acting strange since Mae disappeared. If Mae really just transferred schools without saying goodbye, that would be incredibly cold. They've been friends since kindergarten. You don't just leave without a word after that long."
"So what do you think happened?"
"I think there might be a connection between Mae and Sayuri disappearing. But I can't say that to Emi—it would destroy her if I gave her hope and I'm wrong. I don't know anything concrete about where Mae is."
Makoto stood and paced the small room. "I just wish I could help somehow."
"Hey," Naseru said, swallowing the guilty feeling in his throat. "You are helping. You're being a good friend to Hikaru."
"No, I'm not! Helping would be giving him an alibi, or figuring out what really happened to Sayuri."
"Makoto," Naseru frowned, "can I give you my number? I'm in your corner—and Hikaru's. I have no reason to think he did anything wrong."
Makoto's eyes welled up with tears. "Thank you, Matsuoka."
"Call me Naseru," he said, pulling out his phone. "Here, put your number in."
After they exchanged contacts, Makoto wiped his eyes. "Please don't tell Ueno what I said about there being a connection. We're not supposed to be talking about the investigation. I could get in trouble for even suggesting Hikaru's innocent."
"I won't say anything to Officer Ueno," Naseru promised, taking another bite of his apple. "But maybe we can figure something out together."
Makoto's shoulders sagged with relief. "Thank you."
---
When Naseru returned to his classroom, some classmates were whispering conspiratorially, probably exaggerating whatever scraps of information they had about Sayuri's disappearance.
He was surprised to see Maki and Emi had returned to class, papers strewn across their pushed-together desks. Kaho, who sat behind him, was watching them with wide eyes. He couldn't recall seeing the three of them interact much before.
"Matsuoka!" Maki called, fastening her hair in a ponytail. "Just who we wanted to see. Have you seen Makoto anywhere?"
"No," Naseru lied. "What do you need him for?"
"We want to talk to him," Maki said.
Naseru raised his eyebrows. Emi held up her hands defensively.
"Not about what you think! I promise. I don't think Hikaru would hurt anyone. In first year, he stood up to a guy who was taking inappropriate photos of girls. He's always been protective of others."
Naseru hummed thoughtfully. That was something the police should probably know—it showed Hikaru had a strong sense of justice. Though he supposed it could also be twisted to make him look violent.
"I'm worried about Sayuri," Emi continued, her voice shaking. "And I know I got angry this morning, but I want to talk to Makoto because I'm scared."
"She means," Maki explained, "that she's afraid whatever happened to Sayuri also happened to Mae—the girl who used to sit next to her."
Naseru pursed his lips. "I'm sorry, but I really don't know where to find him. Maybe try messaging him?"
Emi nodded sadly. "Thank you anyway."
She turned back to their papers. A few minutes later, Officer Ueno returned and called Emi for her interview. Maki handed her several sheets and Emi left with the officer.
Naseru raised an eyebrow at Maki questioningly. She made a face at him, which he copied, making her sigh.
"Emi's convinced the police aren't taking this seriously. She reported concerns about Mae during spring break and they did nothing. She's really angry—says she can't trust them."
Naseru snorted. "That's quite a change from this morning."
Maki laughed, a slightly hysterical sound. "You have no idea. Emi was always so quiet and rule-following. But losing Mae has changed her completely. I never would have expected this kind of defiance from her."
"But you're helping her?" Naseru asked.
Maki nodded, tightening her ponytail. "It's the right thing to do. I'm trying to be better this year."
---
When Emi returned from her interview, she was red-eyed and furious, papers crumpled in her fists. She practically slammed the door and slumped into the chair facing Maki, who gently reached out to steady her trembling hands.
"Right," Officer Ueno announced sharply to the class. "Anyone else who wastes our time in these interviews will be taken to the station. Do I make myself clear?"
Maki hissed under her breath. Naseru scowled. How could Ueno be so dismissive when two girls from the same class had disappeared? Spring break was only ten days, and Mae had vanished over two weeks ago. It seemed like an obvious pattern.
As Ueno called for Maki to come for her interview, Naseru quickly pulled out his phone and sent a text to Makoto:
*"Some other students are starting to connect the dots about Mae and Sayuri. You're not alone in thinking something's wrong."*