The next morning, Hitori got up, had breakfast, and was just about to leave for school when her mom called out to her.
"Hey... Ichika, didn't you head out with your guitar yesterday? Why didn't you bring it back?"
Her dad, sitting on the sofa, turned his head and chimed in, "That's right. You've been carrying it to school every day lately, haven't you?"
Hitori's first reaction was relief.
Carrying that huge guitar case around every day made her stand out enough already. She was glad they didn't question the other bag she had started carrying.
Good. This way, no one would notice Pochita.
"I, uh... left my guitar at the live house for now," Hitori answered.
"Live house?" her mom blinked.
"Yeah... I haven't told you yet, but... I actually joined a band recently."
"Oh? Really?" Her dad instantly perked up. "Ah, I knew it! Music brings people together. So you finally met some kindred spirits, huh?"
Hitori's dad had been into rock back in the day. The guitar she was using now had actually been his. So of course he'd react like this.
"Ichi... you're not just imagining this, are you?" her mom asked cautiously.
"It's real! Totally real!" Hitori insisted.
"I see. I'm so happy you finally made some friends," her mom said, visibly moved.
The family knew about Hitori's social anxiety. Even her five-year-old sister, Futari, was more socially capable than she was. So it was no surprise they'd worry about her.
Now that she had friends, it really was a huge relief for them.
"I've been getting home late a lot lately because... I've been working part-time at the live house," Hitori added.
"Really? What kind of work are you doing?" her mom asked.
"Just basic stuff. Greeting guests... and things like that..."
"Huh? You can greet strangers now?"
"I'm... still working on it."
"Keep it up, Ichika," her dad said with a smile. "Mom and I are cheering for you."
"Yeah." Hitori nodded quickly, feeling a warm glow in her chest.
After saying goodbye, she turned to leave.
Ding-dong.
Just then, the doorbell rang.
"Who could it be this early in the morning?" her mom wondered aloud.
She walked to the intercom and pressed the button. "Yes, who is it?"
"Good morning, Miss Gotoh," came a calm female voice. "I'm from Public Safety."
"Public Safety?" Her mom furrowed her brows. "Did something happen nearby?"
"No, everything's fine. I'm here on a private matter. May I come in?"
"Oh... of course."
Her mom unlocked the door, and Hitori watched curiously as it swung open.
A tall woman stood outside, and in that instant, she completely captivated Hitori's gaze.
She's... gorgeous.
"Hello, Miss Gotoh." The woman offered a polite smile. "I'm Makima, from Public Safety's Special Division 4."
Her mom blinked in surprise. "Oh, I see. What brings you to our home today?"
Makima paused for a moment. "Is Hitori Gotoh your daughter?"
"Yes, Ichika is my daughter. Is there a problem?"
"Good. I'd like to speak with her for a bit, if that's alright. May I come in?"
"Yes, of course. Please."
Makima stepped inside.
Hitori's mom gave her a suspicious look, as if asking, What did you do now? Why is someone from Public Safety here for you?
Hitori was just as confused, watching silently as Makima approached.
There was nothing threatening about this woman. In fact, she radiated a strange warmth and calm.
"You must be Hitori Gotoh," Makima said.
"Um... yeah, that's me."
"I'd like to talk to you about what happened last night."
"...Huh?"
Hitori froze, then quickly understood.
She must be talking about the devil.
"Take me to your room. We can talk in private," Makima added with another smile.
"Okay... sure."
Hitori looked down and couldn't bring herself to refuse.
Just to be safe, she kept her bag Pochita still inside and led Makima upstairs to her room.
It was the first time she'd ever brought someone other than family into her room.
She never imagined the first guest would be a stunning older woman she had only just met.
As soon as Makima stepped in, she quietly shut the door behind her.
Then she spoke again.
"Bocchi-chan."
Hitori stiffened.
She turned around slowly. Makima's golden eyes were locked onto her, sharp and unreadable.
"I'll get straight to the point. Last night, the Bat Devil... you killed it, didn't you?"
"Ah..."
Hitori's heart started to race.
She thought Makima was going to ask her questions not state it as fact.
Strictly speaking, it was Pochita who killed the devil. But... that probably wasn't the issue here.
Wait... did she just call me Bocchi-chan?
Trying to keep calm, Hitori asked, "You... you heard about me from my manager, didn't you?"
"Very clever," Makima smiled. "She was the only known survivor from the incident. Thanks to her statement, we found you quickly."
"I don't know anything..."
"You killed the Bat Devil," Makima repeated.
This time, it wasn't a question. It was a firm declaration.
"No, I didn't..." Hitori shook her head.
If they officially considered her responsible for killing a devil, what would they do to her?
She didn't know. And she definitely didn't want to find out.
But what Makima said next completely blindsided her.
"Then... you must be the Chainsaw Devil."
"...Huh?"
"I'm a huge fan of yours."
"What...?"
Step, step, step.
Makima suddenly closed the distance between them and pulled Hitori into a hug.
Her soft, full chest pressed tightly against Hitori's face, making her cheeks turn beet red.
What... what is happening right now?!
"Now that I've found you, I have no reason to hide how I feel," Makima said gently. "I've always admired you... Chainsaw-sama."
"Wait hold on! You've got the wrong person!" Hitori blurted out. "I'm just a normal high school girl!"
Makima paused, then smiled again.
"Why lie about something so easy to see through?"
"My sense of smell is very sharp. I can tell right away..."
"You have the scent of a devil all over you."