Chapter 2: The Seal is Now Solved (2):

Hiroshi's POV:

I was looking more into this. It can't be a coincidence, can it? I then called her mother. "Hello," asks Mrs. Oishi.

"First, I'm sorry for your loss," I said, "and second, do you know the names, Nomi and Yoko?"

"Why," asks Mrs. Oishi.

"I have some doubts," I said, "do you know those names?"

"Well, I'm afraid I've never come across those names," says Mrs. Oishi, "now, I'm going through something because my daughter is dead! Don't bring up unnecessary ramifications again!" She then hung up.

I then put the phone down.

...

I spoke with Tsubaki Domyoji, a scientist studying different types of viruses.

"Four people died of myocardial infraction on the same day and time," I said, "they're classmates of mine and they were healthy before they died!"

"They could've made a pact to commit suicide at the same time," says Dr. Domyoji.

"There were no signs of medication," I said.

"Which means..."

"A virus," I said, "an unknown virus.

"Even if it is a virus," says Dr. Domyoji, "everyone has a different level of resistance. They couldn't have suffered the effects at the same time. You're just a kid. Let professionals deal with it, okay?"

"Someone has to figure out what's really going on," I said, "this guy from school is scamming everyone by convincing them he can curse them! And all those victims go to my school!"

"I'll find the cause," says Dr. Domyoji.

...

She then took me to her lab. "Sensei," says Dr. Domyoji.

"Sorry, I didn't know you had a guest," says the doctor, "look for me when you're done."

"I will," says Dr. Domyoji. He then leaves. "He is running the elections. If he is elected, we hope to see some changes in our working environment. I'm studying human resistance to cancerous cells and a possible cure, using genes from mice."

Yoshiki Oishi's POV:

I was at the funeral for my daughter. I miss her terribly. I just wish I knew what happened.

Ryūji's POV:

I called Nonomura again. "You're left with one last day," I said.

"If you keep making prank calls, I shall report you to the police," says Nonomura.

"Don't be mistaken," I said, "I want you to know the limitations of science and the existance of curses!"

"Quit being an alarmist," says Nonomura.

"This is my last call of verification," I said, "the power of curses does exist. Only I can dispell it. When tomorrow comes, everything will be too late. So? If you're willing to apologize to me..."

"I will not apologize! There's no such thing as curses!"

"You've lost your last chance of survival," I said, "come tomorrow you shall die under the power of curses! After work tomorrow... a girl seeking revenge will come from behind you. She will kill you. And your eyes will cease to open forever!" He then hung up.

Hiroshi's POV:

I was still trying to find out what happened, but so far, I have nothing! It doesn't make sense! I then realized something. Hideichi got a card from a club...

...

Mayako and I spoke with the owner of that club. That's when we learned something. Two weeks ago, they went to some inn together and had a horrifying experience there.

Yūji Nonomura's POV:

I looked out my window and saw nothing. This is nonsense! Curses indeed! Then the phone started to ring. I then answered. "Is this Nonomura-Sensei? Sorry to disturb you. I'm calling from Channel 2."

"Yes," I asked.

"Due to the great response to our previous programmed, we're planning to screen a special feature tonight. It'll be telecast live at 12 midnight. It will feature your views regarding curses. What do you think? Sir, are you there?"

I then chuckled. "This is so interesting," I said, "interesting indeed! I'll definitely be there. That arrogant Ryūji Takayama is always pitting himself against me. If I have the audience as my witness... This is indeed interesting!"

Ryūji's POV:

I was out jogging.

Hiroshi's POV:

"Don't you think you're getting obsessed with this," asks Mayako.

"There's a logical explanation for everything," I said.

"Look, there's a detective investigating," says Mayako, "leave this to him! Let's just move on!"

"Fine," I said, "on an unrelated note, what do you say, we go somewhere this weekend?"

"Where," asks Mayako, skeptically.

...

I had to do one last thing. I spoke with Shūichirō Harashima, the detective on the case. "Ryūji Takayama, huh," asks Detective Harashima.

"Yeah," I said.

"Let me show you something." He reveals a board.

"You're already suspicious of him," I asked.

"Since I saw him on TV and he started talking about curses," says Det. Harashima, "nobody believes me because he's a teenager, but I believe he's a murderer who wants people to think it's curses. Thanks for the info, Kid. I might be able to prove it!"

...

Me, Norihiko, and Mayako checked into the Yamamura Inn.

"Wait... is this the room where the victims checked in," asks Mayako, "unbelievable!"

"If it helps, I also told the detective about a potential murderer, in case my theory about this place is wrong," I said, "as we speak, he's probably investigating Ryūji!"

"I know you don't like Ryūji," says Norihiko.

"He's a jerk," I said, "and he's conning everyone!"

"Let's just enjoy this vacation, but if one thing goes wrong, we are leaving," says Mayako. She then walks away.

"Sometimes, she scares me," says Norihiko.

...

I was taking a look around the room. Maybe she's right. Maybe I am too obsessed. I know it couldn't be a curse, so why bother trying to find out what it could be. On the other hand, it happened to kids at our school and another classmate might be a killer... so, yeah, I have to worry.

"Hey, Hiroshi, I dare you to watch this... unmarked tape alone tonight," says Norihiko.

"You really are an idiot," I said, "hand me the tape!"

...

That night, Norihiko and Mayako were both in bed... not together, you sickos. I was then thinking about my family. How sad they would be if anything were to happen to me. I then sat down and played the tape. It was just pop idol, Nao Matsuzaki. "Just like Norihiko to waste my time," I said, "one of these days, I have to teach him what a dare is." Then there was static. I then turned it off. "I'm going to bed," I said. Then the phone rang, and I answered. "What's on your mind, besides your hat?" It was no one. I was confused, so I hung up and walked away.

...

I wanted to speak with the owner of the inn. "Mr. Yamamura," I asked. I guess he wasn't available. I then saw a thing on a TV about Nonomura and Ryūji. I found Mr. Yamamura in bed, but when I tried to wake him... he was dead! I then looked at the tape. "This..."

To Be Continued

In the next chapter, Hiroshi believes in curses.