"It was about a month ago... a woman visited my house." "Oh? What was she like?" "She had red hair, in a strange hairstyle. She looked about my age and wore a uniform similar to mine, but slightly different. I thought she might be a student from another school..." "Why would a student from another school come to see you?" "I don't know. She forced a letter on me and left immediately. I was too scared to open it..." The agent next to me furrows his brow. "What's wrong? Don't like the 'blaming' situation?" "I'll punch you. Look at this."

Apparently, he had been checking uniforms of nearby high schools. The boy's uniform is quite distinctive, but no high school in the vicinity seems to have a similar one.

"That's not the only reason I came here today. Since about last week, whenever I get home, things have been moved..." "Did you talk to your parents?" "Yes. They said they hadn't touched anything." "..." "I tried to force myself to believe it was just my imagination, but when I got to my room today, there was a letter in the same envelope as before sitting on my desk. I got scared and rushed here." "Did the room smell different than usual?" "Fruity..." "Ah, nice." "Director!" "Anyway, did you come here alone?" "Yes. My parents are on a business trip. Until this weekend."

The air conditioner's hum sings along to a 60 BPM rhythm.

"I think I understand the situation. For now, stay at our dormitory until your parents return. Also, once you've settled in, let's go set up hidden cameras. There's a possibility someone is entering your room while you're away." "I understand. Thank you so much!"

I summon two burly agents who look bored and head off to install the cameras. During the trip, the boy is excited, as if he's on a test of courage. Terror viewed from a safe zone is a form of entertainment.

A week later, we retrieve the cameras and review the footage with the boy and the agents.

"Ah! That's her! That's the person! She really is entering the house!!" "The same person who came to your house before?" "The same! Look, red hair! Strange hairstyle!" "Ah! I've seen this girl with the white bob at school! She was always staring at me, it was scary..." "Back in high school, I used to worry that if I glanced at a girl I liked and our eyes met, she'd think I was staring at her and get creeped out." "Be quiet and listen for a moment." "Wait? Isn't this girl with the blue twin-tails the one who was hiding behind the utility pole the other day?! They were all in on it..." "..."

How can I save him from this abnormal situation? Staring intently at the footage where no one is visible, I let out a long sigh.

Later, I took the boy to the hospital I usually work with. I'm not obligated to go that far, but apparently his parents have no interest in their own child. I've seen the word 'Schizophrenia' a few times; they say it involves hallucinations, auditory delusions, and sometimes even phantom smells. His blank expression is a perfectly reasonable reaction.

"I wish people would cherish their children more." "Yes, truly."

The sound of the buzzer mixing with the chirping of crickets is the only pitch I can identify, despite having no perfect pitch.

"Yes, I'm home." The straight path to the entrance is a little brighter than usual. "Yes, how can I help you?" "I'm being chased by a woman with drill-like hair!" "Hair color?" "Red."

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< Investigation Report > On the spread of the phenomenon following the 9/29 Phenomenon

[Past Mistakes and Lessons] "Do not respond to visits from strangers without prior notice," and "Lock all doors and windows after 23:00." Regarding the 9/29 Phenomenon, which served as the catalyst for these mandates, we deeply mourn the boy who became a victim and will conduct thorough subject checks to ensure the same mistake is not repeated.

[Overview of the Phenomenon] Regarding the causes of this phenomenon, which has occurred frequently nationwide since the 9/29 Phenomenon, it has been determined that three girls are the cause in all cases. The characteristics of each of the three investigated by the Bureau are listed below.

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[To the Subject Reading this Report] Even if you should happen to see the third person, it is possible to escape the worst-case scenario through appropriate measures. Maintain strong hope and strive for a lifestyle without openings. If you feel any sense of wrongness in your daily life, please contact the Investigation Bureau immediately.

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