Editing Ghost Hunt:Volume1 Chapter6 (section)

=== 3 ===

In the afternoon, when Naru and I finished putting the equipment back, Kuroda came. 

"...What happened?" she asked, observing the scene. 

I explained the situation to her. 

"Since this building was built on damp soil, it's not very sturdy and is now falling apart. That's why it seems that ghosts are here." 

"But... Then, what about the ghost who attacked me?" Kuroda asked, her gaze turning to Naru. 

That's— Oh yeah, I almost forgot about that. That's... How can that be explained? 

Naru coldly replied, "Perhaps it is a wandering spirit that follows you around." 

"...How can that be," Kuroda said. 

A wandering spirit. Ah... Is that so. 

"Then, are you done with your work?" she pressed.

"Not yet. I will be after I finish writing my report today." 

...It's all over. 

That's right. Naru's a ghost hunter who came here to investigate the old school building. Keiko and them will be disappointed. We'll never see him again. 

Ha ha ha. Keiko and the rest may be disappointed, but I know I'm not. I'm so happy~ I won't have to get tangled up with this guy again. So happy... 

…………? 

"I still think there's a ghost here," Kuroda insisted. 

"There is none." 

"How confident. This place may have land subsidence, but a ghost could still be here." 

Kuroda was stubborn, unwilling to accept Naru's words. 

"There are none. My investigation has showed me that there are no ghosts here." 

"You could've made a mistake." 

"Kuroda-san." 

There it is again. That cold look in Naru's eyes. 

"Well then, you can exorcise it. I believe my work here is done, so I'm packing up." 

Kuroda looked timid for a moment. She turned around to avoid Naru's piercing gaze. 

I whispered, "This sucks." 

"Because I'm about to leave?" 

...Who said it was about you! 

"You narcissist! Why would I feel sad about you leaving! Stop joking around! You're just a..." 

"So you're okay with me leaving?" 

"...Well it's like the end of a dream." 

"Huh?" 

"The old school building is in the corner of the school. No matter how you look at it, it seems like something's there, and that's how the rumors about the ghosts started. ...Doesn't that seem sort of romantic?" 

"But aren't you scared of it?" 

"...That's two different things. It's a scary feeling, but it's also a happy one. Do you understand this kind of feeling? But... Since everything was caused by land subsidence, it doesn't feel romantic at all. At least say you're running away from the earth spirit. It would be bearable if you say that. Soon the old school building will fall down and be replaced by a gymnasium. All the rumors will eventually fade away too... It's kind of sad. Even though I wouldn't like it if people died here, I still like talking about ghost stories." 

"...Is that so?" 

"Yes, it is." 

And at that time... 

Crack..! 

A sharp sound. The windows in front of us Cracked. 

"Mai! Get away!" Naru shouted. 

"Okay!" 

The building's falling?! 

But my legs won't move. 

The windows shattered, with the glass flying out the window because the curtains prevented them from flying at us. 

And at the same time, there was a knocking sound. 

A knocking sound...? 

...No, it can't be this feeling. This is...the sound of someone knocking on the wall... 

Who's doing this?! Who's making this loud noise?! 

"What's happening?" shouted Miko-san as she ran into the room. 

"...Is it collapsing...?" asked Naru hesitantly. 

This was the first time I heard Naru speak without confidence. 

Who can be knocking on the wall so hard? The sound seemed to be coming from all directions. And with each knock, the building shook. Dust drifted down from the ceiling. 

"Is someone knocking on the wall?" 

Naru didn't answer Miko-san's question. 

Bang! 

Suddenly the door shut itself. It was scary, especially since it happened right after the glass windows had shattered. 

The door opened and closed by itself. 

No one touched it. 

It just automatically opened and closed. 

When the door closed one more time, the windows completely shattered, covering Kuroda's body. 

Kuroda screamed. 

Bou-san and John's voice came from somewhere inside the building. 

Naru grabbed my hand, then turned to help Kuroda stand up. He opened a window and motioned to it. Then he turned to Miko-san. "Go outside!" 

"Through the window?!" she cried out in panic. 

"Now's not the time to fight!" 

I went through the window since it was impossible to go through a constantly moving door like that. 

Naru grabbed Miko-san's hand. 

"Hold on, let go!" she protested. 

Not listening to her pleas, Naru continued to pull Miko-san. Then he looked at me, shouting: 

"Hurry up and run! It's not safe!" 

...The building is falling apart. And now, this big mess happened. The knocking sound on the wall, the door opening and closing... I wonder what's doing all this. 

If it's not because this building is unsturdy, then it must be... 

Holding Kuroda's hand, I ran away from the building. 

I kept running until I was far away.