夏のスペシャル ２０２５年度 夏の怖い話 その９ (Part2)
It would be impossible for seven people to stand in a row here, after all.
"Fortunately, while this community center is two stories tall, it isn't particularly large."
"Is that so?"
"In larger districts, you sometimes see four or five-story buildings equipped with theaters or small libraries."
"It depends on the district, the population, and the budget, of course."
Ah, true. The size of the community center and its facilities really do fluctuate based on the local population, don't they?
Thinking this over, I pushed open the sliding door at the front, and what I found inside was...
"It's a large restroom. It looks like one you'd find in a hospital."
As Rushi said, it was far too spacious for a single person to use—just like the ones in hospitals.
"Right. As I mentioned earlier, this is designed for people in wheelchairs. It’s also equipped for infant care."
Oh, you’re right. Looking toward the wall, I spotted a changing table for babies. They really do pay attention to the smallest details.
"There’s nothing here."
Taiki-sama was checking the toilet lid just to be sure. I really didn't want to think that a stamp would be hidden inside something like that.
"Well then, onto the next restroom... I suppose we should split up by gender."
"That makes sense."
"Actually, if we split up, we might get separated from Yuki-sama and Taiki-sama. Perhaps we should divide the groups differently?"
That’s true. I agree with Prol-san. Besides, we aren't actually here to use the facilities, and it’s safer if we stay together.
"Ah, you've got a point. And the probability of it being in the women's restroom is higher, anyway."
"Indeed. So, who is going where?"
"Honestly, I’d like to leave the women's restroom to Taiki-kun, but since Prol and the others are my subordinates, Taiki-kun should take the men's room."
"Understood. And who is coming with me?"
"Rushi and Prol, since they’ve already encountered the anomaly. Yayui and Hovis seem eager to see it, and the women's restroom is the most likely spot. What about you, Orelia? If you don't want to be scared..."
"No, I wish to remain by Yuki-sama's side."
Yes, well said, Orelia-chan. Though, Yayui and I certainly don't mind the thrill of seeing a ghost.
"Alright, if anything happens, just scream. Though, it's more likely to happen on your end."
"I shall be sure to provide a deep, manly shriek for you."
"That would actually be quite reassuring."
"Haha."
After exchanging those lighthearted remarks, we stepped into the restroom. Unlike the wheelchair-accessible one, this was a standard door that you pushed to enter. Inside, there were slippers provided, and—five stalls? No, the one in the back was a cleaning closet, so there were four. It was a standard layout for a large building, complete with a washbasin and a mirror...
"Oh."
The sound escaped my lips before I could stop it. The reason was simple: I saw a reflection that shouldn't have been there. I was the only one looking into the mirror; Yuki-sama, Yayui, and Orelia were all focused on the stalls in the back. Yet, a fifth person—who shouldn't have been there—was clearly visible.
And she was standing right behind me.
Normally, I would have spun around instantly, but in horror movies, the ghost always vanishes the moment you look. So, I decided to keep staring. Without breaking eye contact or letting my focus waver, I confirmed that a young girl was peeking out from behind my waist.
At a glance, she didn't seem to have any injuries, but her face was devoid of life. It wasn't the pale skin of Comet-sama or Havia; it was a dull, ashen gray. If you call that the look of death, then that's exactly what it was.
Wait, why do the undead Comet-sama and the ghost Havia only have pale skin?
Well, never mind that. The ghostly girl was still there, staring back at me. She wasn't doing anything else. So...
"Yuki-sama. I can see a girl's ghost in the mirror. She hasn't looked away, so can you confirm it from your side?"
"It appeared!"
"Really!"
The moment I spoke, Yuki-sama replied immediately, and Yayui’s reaction was just as enthusiastic. Oh, Orelia didn't say anything, but I sensed her shift, so I’m sure she was watching too. Perhaps sensing the collective gaze of Yuki-sama and the others, the girl immediately ducked behind me.
"I saw her."
"I saw her too!"
"...She was there. But, around Hovis's waist..."
At Orelia's words, I checked my own waist, but there was no sign of the girl. I thought she had been right there, but there was nothing. Just as I was thinking that...
"Oh, isn't that a stamp on the washbasin instead of soap?"
"Ah."
At Yayui's words, we finally noticed the stamp sitting casually on the vanity. That made five. They were all so light and easy to carry. Now, onto the final, sixth one. I wonder what awaits us there.