Chapter 170: The Truth Behind
-25 January 2027-
“Hey bro!”
Junpei’s voice boomed before we even reached the table. He was already waving like some celebrity waiting to be recognized.
“What’s up, man?” I grinned, sliding into the seat across from him. “How’s Ruka doing?”
Keiko smiled politely as she sat down beside me.
Junpei puffed his chest. “She’s fine. Sorry she couldn’t come—she’s with the baby.”
“We’re the ones who should apologize,” Keiko said softly, bowing her head a little. “You’re sacrificing your precious time for us.”
Junpei smirked so wide I thought his face might split. “You hear that, bro? Precious time. You owe me, Ryusei. Big time.”
I rolled my eyes. “Yeah, yeah. You’re practically the saint of friendship. But seriously—how’s the baby? Since Ruka’s already back at work.”
His smirk softened into a proud smile. “Busy, obviously, but it’s manageable. Ruka’s friend opened a daycare, so that’s been a lifesaver.”
“That’s wonderful,” Keiko said warmly.
I nodded in agreement. “Glad to hear that.”
But then I noticed Junpei shift in his chair, his eyes flicking between me and Keiko like he’d been waiting for the perfect opening. He leaned forward dramatically, lowering his voice.
“Why are we talking about diapers and daycare? We’re here for the bastard.”
The way he said it made Keiko’s brows rise, but she stayed quiet.
I straightened. “Right. So… what did you find?”
Junpei smirked, but then held up a finger. “Wait for it.” He fished into his pocket and pulled out a folded note, laying it on the table like a magician about to reveal his trick.
I exchanged a look with Keiko, then unfolded it carefully.
“His real name is Reina. Twenty-two years old.”
My heart nearly stopped. “Wait. What?!”
Junpei leaned back in his chair, clearly enjoying our shocked faces. “Yep. He was really a she.”
Keiko’s eyes widened. “So that means…”
“Calm down, guys. I haven’t finished.” Junpei cleared his throat, savoring the moment. “So yes, this Riku is actually Reina. And from what my guy dug up… maybe she really is the owner of your current body, Ryusei.”
My chest tightened. I pointed at myself, voice cracking. “You’re saying this body…”
Junpei nodded firmly. “All signs point to it.”
For a moment, silence fell. Even the clinking of dishes in the café around us faded, like the world had paused just to let the weight of that truth sink in.
Junpei broke it with a sigh. “She only lived with her grandmother. No job. Just drifting. And get this—she’s got a history.”
My gut twisted. “History?”
“Yeah.” He tapped the note. “Reported for theft at twelve. Then at sixteen… there’s a rumor. Supposedly, she killed her own friend over some drama. Never proven, but the rumor stuck. People around her said she was a problematic one.”
I stared at him, stunned. Keiko’s face had gone pale.
“Now she’s acting as Riku, the shiny new host. Word is, she’s good at it. Rookie, but already popular.”
I let out a bitter laugh. “Of course. That’s because of my face.”
Keiko immediately smacked my shoulder, scowling.
Junpei looked like he was choking on air. “Did you just—ugh. Bro. This is not the time.”
“What?” I raised my hands innocently. “I’m just saying my face is working overtime out there while I’m stuck in hoodie-and-cap mode.”
Keiko groaned. “You’re impossible.”
Junpei pressed a hand to his temple, like he was seriously rethinking this friendship. “I swear, you two are the cruelest couple. Talking about your face when there’s a potential murderer running around in it.”
I smirked anyway. “Hey, don’t ignore the facts. My face is a marketable product now.”
They both gave me the silent treatment, talking to each other like I wasn’t there.
Keiko turned to Junpei. “So… did you find anything about her grandmother?”
I blinked. “Hello? I’m still here.”
Junpei ignored me and leaned toward Keiko instead. “Not much yet. My guy’s still digging. But we’re trying to get pictures of both of them.”
“That would help,” Keiko said thoughtfully.
I crossed my arms. “I literally just asked the same question two seconds ago.”
“Yeah, but Keiko asks it better,” Junpei shot back without missing a beat.
Keiko stifled a laugh behind her hand, while I glared.
“Anyway.” Junpei grew serious again. “Bro, this Reina—this girl whose body you’re in—she sounds dangerous. Not just in the gossip sense. She’s unpredictable. If half of this stuff is true…”
I nodded slowly. “I know. That’s what scares me. She has my face, my voice… and she’s already using it to play games with us. If she gets worse…”
Keiko reached under the table and squeezed my hand gently. Her touch grounded me, though her expression showed the same worry I felt.
Junpei leaned back, crossing his arms. “You need to be careful. Both of you. This isn’t just about finding answers anymore. This could get… ugly.”
I swallowed hard, then nodded again. “Yeah. I get it.”
The heaviness hung between us until Junpei clapped his hands suddenly, jolting us both.
“Alright! Depressing talk over. I gave you the info, now it’s your job not to die. Deal?”
“Gee, thanks,” I muttered.
Keiko chuckled softly despite herself.
Junpei stood, brushing off his jacket. “I’ll keep digging. Might get you pictures soon. For now, just… watch yourselves, okay? Especially you, bro. Try not to make this harder than it already is.”
I frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
He gave me a deadpan look. “You’re literally arguing about how good-looking you are in the middle of a murder rumor. That’s what I mean.”
Keiko burst out laughing, and even I couldn’t help but smile reluctantly.
“Alright, alright,” I said, raising my hands in surrender. “Point taken.”
Junpei grinned, satisfied. “Good. Then my job here is done. Catch you guys later.”
We stood to say goodbye, Keiko bowing politely while I gave a small wave.
“Thanks, man,” I said. “Really. You’re a pain, but… thanks.”
He smirked. “Don’t get sentimental on me now. Just pay me back with beer someday.”
And with that, he was gone, leaving me and Keiko staring at each other across the café table, the weight of his revelations pressing down harder than ever.
---
Walking home, I couldn’t stop replaying Junpei’s words in my head. Reina. Rumors of murder. Now living my life as Riku.
Keiko walked beside me silently, her hand brushing mine every few steps. Finally, she spoke.
“Ryusei…” Her voice was quiet. “This Reina… if she really is the one… then it means your real body is being used by someone who’s not just careless, but dangerous.”
I clenched my fists. “Yeah. Which means I have to find a way to stop her. Before she ruins everything. Before she hurts you.”
Keiko looked at me, her eyes full of worry. Then, slowly, she smiled. “I believe you will. Just… don’t try to do it all alone, okay?”
I nodded, though my chest felt heavy. Not alone, I reminded myself. But how do I protect them when my own face is being used against me?
For the first time, I realized this wasn’t just a mystery anymore. This was a fight for the life I’d been trying so hard to rebuild.
And Reina—Riku—whatever name she chose… wasn’t going to let it go easily.