Under Arisas cheerful lead, we went back inside the manor that was supposed to be abandoned. Theres no light source inside, hence they brought in a flashlight.

The creepy atmosphere remained but seeing my girl hopping jubilantly without any care in the world to tour me in whats supposed to be a haunted place was warding it off.

Shizu took my left side, copying Juri in hugging my arm. Shes silently following along with us, maybe a little tired from everything that happened today. When I asked her if she wanted to rest first, the girl just shook her head. She either didnt want to slow us down or be left out.

No matter what, spending time with me was also at the top of her priority.

Then theres Izumi whos probably a little scared. Or maybe shes not just being honest again that she missed me. She positioned herself behind me. One of her hands gripped the hem of my shirt while the other wrapped to my front, partly hugging me. Shes trying to be subtle about it yet shes being so obvious. If I pointed that out then shes definitely going to retract her hand.

Thats why instead of teasing her like that, I decided to simply enjoy her presence behind me while occasionally glancing back at her.

Anyway, back to our exploration of this haunted place this manor was probably used as another lodging place. Unlike the cabins were staying at with a simple architectural design close to usual log houses, this one felt more like a Japanese-style inn or ryokan. Although it mightve looked smaller from the outside, this place consisted of a lot of rooms.

The woods were already creaky and gave off the sense that it might break on us but other than that, the place seemed to be pretty well-maintained for something abandoned.

The decorations of each room remained there, along with some dusty cabinets.

There was even a recreational hall that contained some dusty ping pong tables, old arcades, and vending machines. When we reached what should be a kitchen, utensils were also properly housed in their cabinets.

Whether they still have a plan to use this place or not, I have no idea but a simple renovation would surely make this place functional again.

Still, as we continued to explore further inside, the creepy atmosphere never subsided.

Maybe its because of the scratches on the wall and some tears on the doors that were probably a result of violence. It gave off an eerie feeling as if a crime was committed here and it was never made public.

Or maybe I was just overthinking things and those were made by other guests who went to vandalize the abandoned property.

Juri once again filled us in about the history of this place while we went from room to room with Arisa using her flashlight to show us what she finds interesting.

I asked someone whos working here for years and she said the reported sightings are those of two women and a child. No crime was committed here at all so the management dismissed it as nothing but hearsay. However, because the sightings seemed to keep on being reported... guests stopped booking their rooms here.

They also invited a priest to perform an exorcism but even after that, the sightings never stopped. Thats why when maintenance costs outweighed the profits theyre making here, they decided to close it and years later, they never touched the topic of reopening this place again.

I dont know if she just wanted to scare us too and see our reactions but Juri was enjoying this moment. Furthermore, her eyes werent only focusing on me, she was also checking out the reactions of the other three.

Arisas interest was clearly piqued. She wanted to know more.

Shizu was unbothered. Shed rather relax on my side than stress herself over the background of this place.

And lastly, I could feel Izumis grip on both my shirt and my stomach tightening. In fact, she was already so close behind me that I could feel the softness of her chest pressed on my back. And along with it, the thumping sensation of her gradually quickening heartbeat.

Yep. Shes getting scared but shes also trying her hardest to keep it hidden from anyone except from me, I guess?

Two women and a child? That sounds familiar.

Maybe remembering some detail, Arisa suddenly stopped in her steps and then turned to another direction, flashing the light there.

Naturally, our gazes were also drawn there since she was the only one lighting our path. With her expression a mix of intrigue and bravery, she then started walking towards a room that they probably passed by earlier.

Soon enough, we arrived in front of it. She reached for the shoji door to slide it open. But before doing so, she continued, Oh. Youre probably curious but I saw a pretty old photo in here earlier. Wanna check it out?

Arisa, dont try to scare us. We went here earlier and we didnt see anything.

The silent Izumi was the one who replied. As I expected, its becoming spookier for her that shes probably reaching her limit to act like shes not scared at all.

And if Im not mistaken, Arisa was intentionally poking fun at her friend with this. Her mischievous grin was pretty telling.

Should I stop her? Well, its not like shes going to hurt her friend. Shes just playing a prank on her. But then again... if she really saw something like that... then theres a possibility that it truly corresponds to the rumor about this place.

I still dont believe there are ghosts though. Sometimes people will hallucinate based on something they hear. And in the case of those reported sightings... most were probably a product of the guests imaginations after hearing about the rumors.

Heh. Izumi... If youre so sure then... wanna do the honor of opening this door? Arisa stepped aside and gestured for Izumi to take her place.

But instead of answering yes, Izumi clicked her tongue and rejected her after a short pause. ... No thanks.

Pfft. Okay then. What about you, Ruki? Maybe we can solve the mystery tonight. Arisa giggled and then turned to me.

And since Izumi was clinging behind me, she was looking to accomplish what she set out to do through me.

No doubt. Shes clearly aware of her friends spooked state and shes going all out to see her break down in front of us.

What a devious girl.

Upon hearing Arisa, Izumis growing anxiety or anticipation about how I would answer made her body start shuddering. She reflexively hugged me tighter and her head lowered down on my shoulder, seemingly hiding from Arisas sight.

And then, I heard her helpless whisper, trying to get me on her side, Shameless guy, dont say yes. Stay here with me...

Whos this adorable girl? Wheres the fake delinquent whos unhappy to see me arriving with another girl?

No. Lets go in together. Dont worry about it. Were just going to look for the photo, right? I said as I turned around to face her. I raised her chin and stared directly into her eyes as I gave her a reassuring smile.

Izumi bit her lips as she attempted to shake her head. In the end, she didnt finish it and simply threw herself in my arms. Even if she didnt want to admit it, she was genuinely feeling scared at the moment. And for her, being in my arms was her only refuge.

At this point, Juri and Shizu already caught on to Izumi's state and Arisas attempt to scare her best friend. The two girls shook their heads watching us from the side. In particular, Juri covered her mouth as she was probably evaluating these girls or rather, their relationship with me.

Anyway... If we look at this from a different angle... is she actually helping out her friend here? Maybe. Maybe not. Sometimes, it's hard to read what's going on in the playful girl's head.

Seconds later, Arisa nudged me to move while holding back her laughter, Ruki... lets go! Time is ticking. Lets solve this mystery, look for the ghosts, and have a good time here!