AsAThought
Chapter 1: The Third Bell Rumor
Part 1: The Third Bell
The rain seemed steady, and the earth felt warm. As was typical for a Monday morning, gloomy clouds enveloped the small rural town of Yomikiri, setting the residents in motion for the start of the week.
But amidst the hustle and bustle, there was one young lady who had watched too many thrillers last night and forgotten to set her alarm. Maaya wasn't exactly the hardest working kid. Being the youngest of her siblings, she could be a bit of a spoiled brat. Blaming her useless brother for not waking her up early, Maaya rushed to the bathroom to prepare for the day. The chilly morning made taking a bath seem like a daunting task, and she decided it could wait. In just a few minutes, she washed her face, tucked her brown hair into a ponytail, brushed her teeth and donned her high-school uniform. Naturally, she also had to take a moment to freshen up in a misty mirror, just to look a bit more put together. Maaya boasted a sun-kissed complexion and warm brown eyes adorned by darken eyebags. While many would say she took on her dad, Maaya always thought she looked more like her mother. Her brother, on the other hand, looked more like adopted thanks to his dyed blonde hair.
"It's nearly 8:30, you might want to hurry up, idiot," her older brother Ani yelled with his usual lack of enthusiasm, slouching on the couch. Ani had been with Maaya for as long as she could remember, but these days he seemed to have zero motivation. Maaya glanced at her so-called brother figure, dressed in a haphazard greenish outfit with messy bed hair, lazily watching the morning news without a care in the world. If someone offered her 500 yen to take her brother away, she would probably give them a discount and give him away for free. Maaya couldn’t believe herself that she once used to admire that brother of hers. However, despite everything, he was all she had.
With a gentle slap from Ani, the bulky box with a meager 10-inch screen emitted a noisy glitchy sound until the familiar voices of the morning anchors became clear.
Anchor 1: "In today's event, a quicksand near Nakayama shrine has been found to host more than a dozen bodies, some of which are those of lost children. Such tragic news to start our week, don't you agree, Keita-san?"
Anchor 2: "It is indeed a terrifying case, Takashi-kun. Our hearts go out to the families of the found victims, who can now, at least, have some closure. Authorities are currently investigating the site as they recover the bodies, and we'll keep you updated as more information becomes available."
Anchor 1: "In other news, our local Minamitani High School has further fortified their security in response to the rising number of missing person cases."
"Hey brat, isn't that your school?" Ani asked casually.
"Yeah, so?" Maaya replied, uninterested in the morning news as she was searching for her shoes.
"Nothing much, just take care if you go out there. Lots of people have gone missing these days."
"Sis-con much? If you worry that much, you can always pick me up after school."
"Nah, too much work. If that's the case, you can just get lost," Ani retorted.
"Wow brother of the year, screw you too," Maaya shot back, finally managing to retrieve her shoes which were stuck at the back of the shoe boxes. Now all that was left was for her to snatch that backpack crammed with every single textbook and sprint as fast as she possibly could. Luckily, while most students lived far from their high school, Maaya lived quite close. Even so, as she ventured out from their modest apartments, her sleep-deprived mind found itself in a fierce battle with the sweet fragrant of the earth and the soothing rainfall.
"Must resist," Maaya slapped her cheeks and bulldozed on towards the already closed school gate. The morning view of Yomikiri remained as gloomy as ever, with rain persistently refusing to abate during this time of the year. This continuous downpour likely contributed to the rise in missing person cases, as landslides and treacherously slippery roads became all too common. Maaya knew this all too well, as she lost her parents in such manner. Even after that many years, no one has ever found their bodies. Then again, Maaya wasn’t too sure if she wanted them to be found. Truth might break her. She preferred to hope.
The lousy school bell suddenly rang in the distance urging her to take some drastic measures. Was it the first, the second or the third? At that time, it didn’t matter, for as long as she could race the bell, her laziness could be excused. After attempting a failed stunt to jump over the fence, the unimpressed security uncle decided to simply let her in. Luckily, Maaya's classroom, class 3C, was located on the ground floor of the building, so no more stunts were needed. Just as the third bell rang, Maaya found herself inside an almost empty classroom.
As she stepped into class 3C, her teacher, Mrs. Akiko Yamaguchi, acknowledged her presence with a weak nod before continued working on the whiteboard. Mrs. Akiko was clad in her usual attire – a pristine white blouse, a warm brown sweater, an elegant grey skirt, and modest white covered shoes. Despite being relatively new to her job, the darkened eye bags and the melancholic smile she wore this morning added years to her appearance. The unusual gloom in Mrs. Akiko's demeanour caught Maaya's attention, hinting that something might be amiss.
Taking a moment to observe her surroundings, Maaya spotted some familiar faces among a handful of students. There were Hana and Miyo, her two best buds, both of whom greeted her with friendly waves. Hana has dark hair, typically fashioned into long twin tails, gave her the air of a washed-up idol, especially when paired with her grey long-sleeved coat, which she used to conceal herself from the world. She also wore a long grey skirt that bore traces of being caught in the pouring rain. On the other hand, Miyo donned the school's standard sailor uniform, with a slightly shorter skirt and a nonchalantly loosened-up blue denim jacket. She also wore a slight makeup with long eyelashes and curly brown hair. While Hana exuded shyness and timidity, Miyo radiated confidence and always seemed to be equipped with the latest gossip.
"Morning gang, what's up with our class today? So quiet and gloomy," Maaya asked Miyo, as she tried to regain her composure after the eventful stunt at the front gates.
“Wait, you didn't hear? The lost kids Maaya, they found them. The woods got to them sadly. I even heard Mrs Akiko’s nephew is one of them,” Miyo responded, as she seated Maaya and proceeded to meticulously brush the dirty leaves off her friend’s messy head.
“Poor Mrs. Akiko. I hope she’s doing all right," Hana softly added, glancing at their homeroom teacher who continued sluggishly working on the whiteboard.
“Yeah, she seems really grim. I wonder why she didn’t just take a day off. Not many at school today anyway, strangely enough,” Maaya chimed in as her curious gaze span around the spacious classroom. It was quite unusual to see this many people being absent on Monday.
"People freaked out, Miss ponytail. Especially when something this unusual happens out of blue,” Miyo noted and finished off with a playful bop on Maaya’s now tidied head.
Maaya flashed a grateful smile, then continued to elaborate, “Of course, I know that much. Still, what I meant was lost cases like this aren’t that much out of a blue thing. We of all people should know that,”
"Yes. The woods like to hide the dead,” Hana murmured the local tune.
“And the dead likes to hide in the woods,” Miyo continued while nodding in agreement. “Of course, it’s norm for us, locals to know how hard it’s to find anyone lost in those woods. If those shady tourists respected the woods half as much as we do, we wouldn’t even have lost cases. Still this time, it’s unusual. Because rarely do we get know what actually happened to the lost, and once that hit you, you can’t help but be more wary of it,” Miyo lightly tapped on the nearby empty desk, a small gesture to further prove her point.
Maaya understood the fears and anxiety that truth could possibly bring. Even before, she couldn’t help but feared it.
"Should we like go home or something?" Hana wearily suggested, tugging Miyo's jacket.
"Hana, you live at the edge of town, and my house is in the mountains. Unless Maaya invites us to hers, there's no way I am walking home with all this lost people thing happening around town," Miyo replied.
"Sure, I'd love to have you gals around, but I doubt the school would let us leave, now that we're already here." Minamitani High School has always been known for its weird rules, which has become even more pronounced during these difficult times.
"Welp, this stink. I knew I should just skip today, but my old man kept yapping about education this, education that, and now I’m stuck here," Miyo yawned, rolling her head on her desk. Miyo's father, Mr Kuu, has always held a deep reverence for both education and his daughter. Every chance he got he kept mentioning about docking her to over-sea studies, much to Miyo's dislike. Whether it was because of his unfulfilled dream or superstition of the town being cursed, wasn't never made clear.
“I thought so too but Mom had a meeting, and she didn’t want to leave me home alone,” Hana also added as she let out a sigh. Hana's family operated a bustling trading corporation based in Yomikiri, so being busy was the norm. Maaya could only recall Hana's mother's cold voice. While her sweet friend's explanations pictured Mrs. Koori as a caring mom, as far as Maaya could recall she was rarely around.
"Oh, come on, is this much gloom really necessary? This, this classroom is the best hangout spot. Picture this—an almost empty school, pouring rain, and quiet teachers. We can do anything we want! I can sleep for whole day, and no one would bat an eye,” Maaya attempted to steer the conversation to a brighter side. She didn’t like this frightful air and her tired eyes could use some rest.
“Sleeping? In this class? No way, nah-uh, not after what Akiko sensei told us about the last dude who tried it,” Miyo quipped, her voice hushed, as if she believed someone might be eavesdropping. “I looked into it, and she wasn’t kidding. That rumour she told, has been around for generations,”
In the shadowy corners of Maaya’s high school, whispered tales echoed of the ominous third bell that haunted Class 3C. While the routine chimes typically rang twice — once for the teachers to end their reign and again for the students to revel in their freedom — the presence of the ominous crimson bell near Maaya’s classroom shattered this tranquil pattern. A third toll, intended neither for the teachers nor the students, echoed eerily throughout on a daily basis. No one knew why, what or whom its tolling for. The only thing they knew was when and it was always on time.
There were many theories relating to that extra ring. While most used to dismiss it as a mere coincidence, the rumour became more well known after the vanishing of Ryo Kurosaki, a second-year student and leader of school popular basketball team. On the day of his disappearance, his fellow classmates remembered spotting him as he came back to class 3C, seemingly to catch a brief nap after their training session. He was never found after that, and the only one who witnessed the truth was the third bell, which was found to be ringing ominously at that fateful moment.
The haunting tale whispered through the halls was this, should anyone found themselves dozing off in class 3C during that bell’s third haunting toll, they would vanish into the void, forever trapped in the sinister otherworldly place that lurked unseen.
“You don’t seriously believe that, do you? It’s just a defective bell, everyone knows that. Besides, it’s probably just a decade old ruse that the teachers use to keep students from dozing off during class,” Maaya remarked, taken aback by Miyo’s unexpectedly superstitious stance.
"Usually, I don't, but those kids, they made me rethink some things, and I... I would really hate to end up like them," Miyo sounded nervous, and she didn’t even bother sugarcoating it.
"Hana, don't tell me you too?" Maaya sought backup from Hana, who just avoided eye contact.
"At this point, Maaya, I think it’s better for us to not risk getting lost," Hana replied, softly nibbling on her thumb.
It seemed that the case of the missing kids might have more effects on people than what Maaya thought. Even though that bell rang thrice from times to time, Maaya could recall more than one occasion where she and others stayed even after that third bell. The rumour wasn’t true before and it wouldn’t be now. Maaya was a bit disappointed to learn about her friends’ superstitions, but she wouldn’t let it stop her from enjoying her nap. At least that’s what she has decided.
“Okay class,” Mrs. Akiko spoke as she scanned what’s left of her class. “Our teachers have an important meeting today and unfortunately its mandatory. So, there'll be no class until lunch break, but before you celebrate, here’s the lists of home works. I want all of these sections on the whiteboard done by this evening. So better get busy my little bees. I’ll be off now, but Aunty Sato'll drop by soon to watch you guys ... I think,” Mrs. Akiko grabbed a bunch of files and rushed off towards the teachers’ offices.
The class was quite obedient until they noticed Mrs. Akiko’s absence. Once they did, people started leaving in pair to roam around the school since it was much fun than getting tucked in class full of Maths. Miyo & Hana seemed like they also wanted to join in the fun, but Maaya didn’t budge.
“I am not going; you guys can go ahead and enjoy your little trip. I’m going to sleep until Lunch break,” Maaya announced as she made herself comfortable using her bag as a pillow.
“Come on Maaya, don’t be a tool. Let’s drop by the stadium. They have table tennis there and we can also watch those basketball guys training,” Miyo insisted and started dragging Maaya from her seat.
"We should go now, guys. If Aunt Sato catches us, she'll never let us leave," Hana urged, peering outside the classroom. Aunt Sato, the school's janitor, wasn't exactly known for being nice.
“Urgh, you just want to eyeball them, Miyo. I slept late last night, so I really need this nap,” Maaya pleaded as she sluggishly struggled back.
“How're you this stubborn after what I’ve just told you? You know what? Come with us and I’ll even treat you one of those venting machine coffees that you like so much,” Miyo bribed.
“I don’t need coffee, I need sleep,” Maaya declined, her voice grew impatience.
“Guys! We’re running out of -”
A distinct and familiar sound echoed through the hallways, halting the girls’ argument. The first bell has rung. At first, the sound of the bell itself was sharp and clear. Then the tone transformed into a steady, repetitive notes of echoing harmony with each pitch reminding the teachers that the first period has ended.
“The first bell. It's ringing. We should leave,” Miyo muttered as she stared blankly at the infamous crimson bell.
“Maaya can’t we just leave? I feel better if we stick together,” Hana asked as she crouched down near Maaya. Her hands covering up her ears as she also gazed into the ringing bell.
Maaya had grown weary of the stifling atmosphere that surrounded her. Everyone seemed to be gripped by fear and anxiety, even to that silly little rumour thanks to the morning news that had blown out of proportion. For Maaya, the burden of knowing such truths was heavy to bear, as she knew all too well that they often brought only misery and trouble to those who became aware of them. If only the news hadn't spread like wildfire, today would have been just like any other day, normal.
In the face of this unwelcome reality, Maaya yearned for the solace of ignorance, where she could blissfully enjoy her nap without the weight of disturbing thoughts. She couldn't help but find Miyo's anxious behavior increasingly annoying, and she longed for Hana to return to her usual cheerful self. Above all, in the depths of her heart, she desperately clung to the faint hope about her parents – a hope that the newfound truth seemed to challenge, making it feel almost impossible.
At this moment, Maaya found herself resenting the truth and all its complexities. Sleep, she thought, might offer a temporary escape, a sanctuary where she could briefly evade the unsettling realities that plagued her mind.
"I told you NO! I don't give a damn about that stupid bell or that dumb rumour. Just piss off and leave me the hell alone! I am going to sleep, and no one will stop me," Maaya shouted, her voice even louder than the incessant ringing of the first bell.
The sound of the bell had already left, but the awkward atmosphere did not. When all noises were settled, Miyo’s hands had let go of Maaya’s.
"Not even your so-called friends?" Miyo shot back, her words tinged with bitterness as she turned away and stormed out of the classroom. Hana was taken aback by the sudden tension, but reluctantly followed Miyo, appearing terrified to remain in Maaya's presence.
Maaya sighed, slamming her head into her backpack. She wouldn't mind if the world ended here right now. The second rang soon after, much shorter but louder than the first. The third bell appeared to be on its way, but Maaya could care less about it.
Following that annoying bell, a serene silence enveloped the room, accompanied only by the steady rhythm of raindrops tapping gently on the cozy earth outside. In this moment, there were no chatters, worries, bitter truths, or lingering anger. Just the rain, offering a momentary respite. Maaya succumbed to drowsiness, allowing herself to drift into a brief slumber.
The tranquillity, no matter how blissful, was short-lived for it was interrupted by the sounds of chaotic footsteps. The steps seemed jumpy and slightly childish, accompanied by the noises & voices. Maaya wondered if it might be another student or perhaps Aunt Satō. Then again, Aunt Satō has a bad leg so it couldn’t be her. Nevertheless, she decided it wasn't worth investigating and continued to rest.
In an instant, all the noises around Maaya ceased, and only the soothing patter of raindrops remained audible. It was an odd but welcome change, finally allowing her some peace and quiet. Just as she began to relax, a warm and friendly voice reached her ears, breaking the silence,
"Umm, hello? I don’t think you should be here, ponytail-san,"
Slowly raising her head, Maaya realized that the strange question was directed at her. As she scanned around the empty room, she laid eyes upon a peculiar girl who clearly didn't belong to the school. She was staring directly at Maaya from the outside of the classroom window, clearly soaked from the heavy rain. The girl wore a bright yellow raincoat paired with a matching dress, and her countenance bore a curious, childlike innocence. She has golden hazel eyes, a large forehead, and messy, unkempt long black hair partially soaked from the pouring rain. Despite her youthful appearance, she seems frail and somewhat undernourished.
"Oh, hello? Odd of you to say that. Should you even be here? Aren’t you like a middle schooler? Besides what are you even doing out there? Aren't you cold?" Maaya replied, genuine concern evident in her voice.
"Nope, I got my raincoat with me, so I'm fine. Ponytail-san, Ponytail-san, can I be your friend? I moved here recently and haven’t made a friend around my age," The strange girl tilted her head, anticipation shining in her eyes. Uncertain of how to respond, Maaya thought that saying yes couldn't hurt.
"Sure, I guess," Maaya replied, casually shrugging her shoulders, "The name is Maaya, not ponytail-san. And you are?"
"Yui, they call me Yui," the girl responded. Her first name was rather ordinary, but her accent added on to the fact that she really wasn't from around here.
"Nice to meet you, Yui-chan. Do you want to come in? The rain will catch you a cold, you know," Maaya offered, gesturing towards the window.
“Cold sounds awful, yes. Sure, I’ll join,” She wasted no time and skilfully climbed through the window. Despite her small frame she seemed athletic.
Yui playfully pondered around the classroom for a while until something caught her attention on the white board.
"These symbols sure do look weird," she inquired, genuinely puzzled.
With a lazy yawn, Maaya nonchalantly responded, "Oh, it's just math homework. Quite boring, honestly."
Yui shook her head, her voice still tinged with confusion. "I don't think it's math, though.”
“It is. Well, it is a high school math so it could be a bit hard for a kid like …” Maaya response was put to a halt when her eyes finally landed on the white board.
It was a baffling sight; every inch of the board was covered with mysterious symbols of unknown origin. Maaya stared at them, utterly perplexed. It almost seemed as if someone had played a prank on her while she was asleep, scribbling these enigmatic marks all over the whiteboard. She chuckled at the absurdity of the idea; she wasn't the one to be fooled so easily. She could easily guess who might’ve done it. It must be none other than Miyo & Hana.
Approaching the whiteboard, Maaya attempted to wipe the symbols away, but to her surprise, they didn't budge. It was as though they were etched into the whiteboard itself, defying any attempt to remove them.
"What on earth?" Maaya exclaimed, her frustration growing as she persisted in trying to erase the symbols.
"I don't think they're coming off, Maaya-san," Yui interjected, causing Maaya to pause reluctantly. Despite Yui's warning, Maaya remained determined.
"How's that possible? They’re just ink; they're supposed to come off," Maaya retorted, still fervently attempting to wipe the white board clean.
"I don't think you understand, Maaya-san,” Yui stated with an unsettling calmness. “This isn't your classroom."
Part 1: End
