Chapter 16: A Freaking Science Bath
The next morning, at the medical division.
Kitayama arrived at the clinic with a book in hand, assuming she'd be the first one there. But to her surprise, the lights in the men's locker room were already on, and wisps of steam drifted out from underneath the door.
And that wasn't all.
The mist carried a strange, pungent smell.
Frowning in hesitation, she finally decided to investigate.
As soon as she cracked the door open, a wave of thick, acrid medicinal steam slammed into her face, making her cough violently. It took several moments before her lungs adjusted to the harsh scent. Inside, the fog was so dense, she couldn't see her own hand in front of her.
Once she confirmed the fumes weren't poisonous, she cautiously stepped in.
"Hello? Is anyone in here?"
No response.
Step by careful step, she advanced into the room until she reached the showers. That's when she found the source of the steam.
Inside one of the large bathing tubs, a handsome boy lay stretched out in the darkened water. Whatever he'd added to the bath had turned the entire tub inky black.