For the witch, today was just an ordinary day.
There was no surprise or mystery, just boring and meaningless time.
While the teacher on the stage lectured in a monotone voice, Koizumi Akako simply propped her chin on her hand and gazed absentmindedly out the window at the sky.
It was raining outside.
It had been drizzling since the morning, and the gloomy sky pressed down on the city, making everything feel heavy and dull.
While Koizumi Akako was staring blankly out the window, many male students in class were secretly watching her. Whenever she glanced their way, those restless adolescent boys immediately averted their eyes, blushing furiously.
Koizumi Akako was no longer surprised.
After all, it was only natural.
She was fully aware of her own beauty, and quite narcissistic about it. With the aid of magic, she could charm nearly every man in the world.
"Akako, someone from outside the school is here to see you."
The homeroom teacher suddenly appeared at the door and called into the classroom.
Koizumi Akako blinked, surprised.
She couldn't think of anyone outside of school who would come to see her. In truth, with her haughty pride, she had never considered anyone a real friend... maybe Nakamori Aoko counted as half of one.
Still puzzled, Koizumi Akako stood up and walked out of the classroom.
Following the homeroom teacher to the corridor, she caught sight of the visitor—
"Good afternoon, Koizumi Akako-san."
The incredibly handsome man greeted her.
His voice was soft and intellectual, and his clear eyes reflected Koizumi Akako's startled expression.
But around him, there was a black aura of death...
"Thank you very much for helping me find my lost property. There was something very important inside, so I came here personally to express my gratitude."
Before Koizumi Akako could say anything, Hayashi Yoshiki spoke with calm courtesy.
The homeroom teacher standing nearby smiled widely and said, "That was a wonderful thing you did, Akako."
"Yes, teacher, could I have a moment alone to thank Koizumi-san in private? Just a few minutes."
"Of course, Mr. Hayashi, please go ahead."
Ah, the benefits of fame.
At least when Hayashi Yoshiki arrived at Ekoda High School, all he had to do was hand over a business card and offer a plausible reason, and he was immediately let in without issue.
"Who are you?" Koizumi Akako looked at him with suspicion and caution.
"Please, don't be alarmed, Koizumi-san." Hayashi Yoshiki smiled warmly, eyes narrowing slightly. "You're the elusive fortune teller, aren't you?"
How... how was I exposed?
Koizumi Akako's expression darkened. Her crimson eyes narrowed.
His aura was terrifying. Almost monstrous.
"Actually, while you were divining that day, I noticed your hand under the cloak."
"It was a very slender, young hand. So I could guess that you were a teenage girl. Also, based on the sightings I've collected, the fortune teller usually appears between after school and before dinnertime—sometimes on weekends. So I guessed you might be a student at a nearby school."
"And finally, Koizumi-san only transferred to Ekoda this year, didn't you?"
"And coincidentally, the rumors about the elusive fortune teller only began appearing after your transfer."
"Of course, the main reason I noticed you is that you're... well, hard to miss. Otherwise, with so many students at Ekoda High, spotting a single one wouldn't be easy."
—It was a deduction crafted knowing the answer, a prepared script Hayashi Yoshiki had rehearsed.
Koizumi Akako hadn't expected such a straightforward explanation. Her wine-red eyes briefly flickered with confusion before sharpening again. "Even if that's the case, you can't be a normal person! What do you want?"
"I just want a favor. I'd like you to divine someone's real name."
Hayashi Yoshiki said it in the calmest tone he could muster.
Though outwardly composed, he was tense.
She'd said he wasn't normal.
He thought of himself as ordinary—except for the Death Note.
Had he exposed something unknowingly?
Or was it just that his belief in divination made him suspicious?
Or... could this witch truly sense something that others couldn't?
In fact, shortly after receiving the code name "Cointreau," Hayashi Yoshiki had browsed through a wealth of obscure data on the organization's intranet—some of which referenced magic. Even the Black Organization, with its rejuvenation drug and advanced black tech, had no explanation for this.
Still, though cautious, he didn't panic.
He had never intended to approach a witch unprepared.
"As I said, to divine someone's name, I need something imbued with their aura or personal traits. That's the requirement."
"I've brought what you need."
Receiving the signed autograph from Hayashi Yoshiki, Koizumi Akako glanced at it and said, "Alright. Let's call this completing the divination I failed to do last time. But don't expect a 100% accurate answer."
"There's no way to guarantee total accuracy?"
Hayashi Yoshiki asked, though he wasn't disappointed. "Well, that's fine. As long as there's a chance… In return, Koizumi-san, I'm willing to accept your terms."
"Any terms? What if I want to know your secret?"
The witch asked without flinching, proud and direct.
To her, his aura of death was overwhelming. Even if she didn't touch him, she instinctively wanted to flee...
But that very darkness intrigued her.
This was something she had never encountered in her life.
The smile on Hayashi Yoshiki's face never wavered.
As if I'd reveal my secret to anyone.
But he answered sincerely: