Chapter 2

Friday 08/07/20 8:30 am

It was a new day, I ended up spending the entire night reading the documents, but they had nothing useful.

-Hi! Soutaaaa! (Ryusaki)

-Ryu, good morning. Thanks for skipping class today to help me out. (Souta)

-Don't worry I would have missed even if it was for us to play ball. (Ryusaki)

-Do you like soccer? (Souta)

-No. (Ryusaki)

So you just wanted to miss it.

-Where are we going? (Ryusaki)

-It seems that some people commented that they saw Saiko walking near the mall on Tuesday. We'll start looking for clues there. (Souta)

-Who is Saiko? (Ryusaki)

-It's the victim's name. (Souta)

-Oh I know... the one you killed. (Ryusaki)

-I DIDN'T KILL ANYONE! AND HOW DO YOU NOT EVEN KNOW THE VICTIM'S NAME?! DID YOU HAPPENLY READ THE DOCUMENTS I SENT YOU?! (Souta)

-I read...I read...no need to worry. It's just that knowing the victim's name wouldn't help much in the investigation. (Ryusaki)

-Just out of curiosity, how long have you been reading all that paperwork I sent you? (Souta)

-As I remember... it was for about... 15 minutes? (Ryusaki)

-YOU DIDN'T READ ANYTHING! It took me the entire night to finish all that. That's why you don't even know the victim's name. (Souta)

-Oh come on, what's the use of wasting time complaining if I read it or not. What are we waiting for? To the mall! (Ryusaki)

Because I feel like he's seeing this as a shopping trip.

-Whooooooo! It's giant. Look at Souta, escalators. Look here, there's a dounat shop. Look, look, look, they even have a souvenir shop. (Ryusaki)

-You talking like that seem like you've never been to a mall. (Souta)

-Yes... this is my first time. (Ryusaki)

Damn... I don't think I should have said that.

-Badly, but we'll have to leave the fun for later, we have many things to check here. (Souta)-OK! Yes sir. So where do we start? (Ryusaki)

-The first store she passed was this one. (Souta)

- An eyeglass store. (Ryusaki)

-Did she need to change the ones she wore? (Souta)

-I think it was for her rehearsal, since she was a model, they should be committed to one that suited her best for the photos. (Ryusaki)

-Tell me, how do you know she was a model, but you don't even know her name? (Souta)

-Because knowing she was a model helped in the investigation. (Ryusaki)

-Okay, so let's go inside. (Souta)

After entering isolated by the owner of the store.

-Excuse me, what would you like to try? (receptionist)

-We're actually here for other business. (Souta)

-Pardon? (receptionist)

-We heard that Saiko was seen visiting this store, the day before she was found dead. (Souta)

-Hmmmmmm... (receptionist)

-Hey! Why are you leaving? (Souta)

-I don't have time to miss this antics. It's just because she came here that I'm forced to waste my time on it. (receptionist)

-You don't understand, I need you to talk about what you saw that day. (Souta)

-I already told you, I have nothing to do with her murder, I'm not the murderer. (receptionist)

-Hmmmmm, but nobody here accused you of having killed, because you tried to apologize for something that nobody supposed. (Ryusaki)

-Urgh... insolent brat, anyway I won't say anything more about it. (receptionist)

-She left, why can't she say anything? And now, won't we be able to get her to say anything anyway? (Souta)

-No, she will speak. (Ryusaki)

-But how? (Souta)

-Trust me! Just go with the flow of things. (Ryusaki)

-Excuse me, I really liked these glasses, how much are they costing? (client)

-Oh these? They are for 400 dollars. (receptionist)

-Really? (client)

-Yes, but if you are going to pay the cash, I can make a discount for you of 50 dollars. (receptionist)

-Buhhhhhh! How expensive! (Ryusaki)

-What are you doing inside the counter? (receptionist)

-Take it here, lady. (Ryusaki)

-What is it? (client)

-It's a store card, they sell the same glasses for 200 dollars. (Ryusaki)

-Really! (client)

-Yes. Just follow the street in front of the mall and take the third right. (Ryusaki)

-Thank you very much, you helped me a lot. Goodbye. (client)

-Do not wait! What the f*** are you doing? (receptionist)

-What's the problem, I'm just helping by giving information to people, isn't this a noble act that all citizens should have? (Ryusaki)

-Ahhhhhh, look here kid, don't bother me again, because if you dare... (receptionist)

-Excuse?! (customer 2)

-I'm on my way! Hahahaha. (receptionist)

The receptionist glared at Ryu and motioned with her hands that she was keeping an eye on him.

-Good morning, what would you like? (receptionist)

-I have difficulty choosing glasses, (client 2)

-Really? (receptionist)

-Yes, you know... there's a boy I like in my class. And I didn't want to look ugly to him, so I want to buy glasses that make me beautiful for him. (customer 2)

-I see, I understand, hohohoho. A passionate heart must be concerned with even the smallest details to impress the person you love. Here, try these. (receptionist)

-OK. And then? (customer 2)

-Sorry? (receptionist)

-Do these glasses match me? (customer 2)

-Of course, without a doubt, they look great on you. (receptionist)

-That's what she said, but what she thought was "What are you talking about? No glasses would look good on you. If you want to look beautiful, pay for surgery and not glasses". (Souta)

-Buaaaaaa, I'm so ugly. (customer 2)

-DON'T, WAIT! IT WASN'T I SAID THAT! (receptionist)

-Ahhhhh damn, you made a customer leave your store crying, I'm sure that wasn't very good for the image that people have of her. (Ryusaki)

-You guys! What do they think they are doing. (receptionist)

-Give up soon and speak at once what we want. (Souta)

-That's right bitch, give up soon and say what we want. (Ryusaki)

-Look here you kids, I know this may seem like a joke to you and that you may think it's a lot of fun, but you better stop. (receptionists)

-What seems so difficult for you to understand, just give us the information we want to stop. (Souta)

-NEVER! Now get out of here. (receptionist)

-She'll end up counting right? (Souta)

-Just a little longer and she'll give up. (Ryusaki)

-Excuse me, are you the owner of this store? (customer 3)

-Yes, i'ts me. (receptionist)

-Is it true that a girl came out of this store crying? I was on my way here when I heard some people whispering this. (customer 3)

-Of course not, huohohohoho, but just out of curiosity, who was whispering that? (receptionist)

-The whole mall, they said that two boys went out spreading it and now everyone is talking about it. (customer 3)

THOSE SONS OF BI*****!! (receptionist)

-Huohohoho, of course it's a lie. Aiaiai these rumors, you really should be very careful with what you hear these days. (receptionist)

THOSE TWO PAY ME! IF I SEE THEM AGAIN I swear I'll KILL THEM BOTH! (receptionist)

-But then, what do you want? (receptionist)

-About that, you know, tomorrow will be my and my wife's wedding anniversary. I wanted to give her a very special gift to show her how much I love her. (customer 3)

-Wow, so romantic you give her glasses, it symbolizes that you think she's smart and cunning, giving her glasses will make her feel smarter. (receptionist)

-Do you think so too? I was getting worried that it wouldn't be a good gift. (customer 3)

-Of course not, a man who lives beside you giving you glasses shows how much attention he pays to you, he wouldn't have a better present to give. But, just asking, how much would you be willing to pay? So I can show you what we have up to that price. (receptionist)

-Don't worry about the price, because it's the least of the problems. No matter how much it costs I will pay. (customer 3)

Yesssssss! That's what I wanted to hear, now just don't let those two screw it up again... (Receptionist)

-Boriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiing... (Ryusaki)

-Seriously man, a glasses, a monkey would have chosen a better gift. (Souta)

-Who are they? (customer 3)

-Hahahaha I don't know, give me a minute to... (receptionist)

-Who are we? We are the ones who will help you through your failed marriage. (Ryusaki)

-Ugh. Failed? (customer 3)

-IT'S! Failed? (Souta)

-From what my friend and I can see here your marriage to your wife is not going so well. (Ryusaki)

-That's right. (Souta)

-I can even see the scene, you coming home after a stressful day at work just wanting her affection and she's bored sighing, then she picks up her bag, says she's going to visit a friend's house and leaves. (Ryusaki)

-Yeah, that's what happens. I always work hard listening to complaints from superiors, but I warm it all up because I know that when I get home I'll be able to see that smile of hers. But...but...but...buaaaahhhhhhhh. (customer 3)

-He is crying? (receptionist)

-Hey! Hey man, don't be like that. We understand you. (Souta)

-Let it all out brother, you can tell everything, we are here to help you. (Ryusaki)

-But, but she always left when I arrived, she goes to a friend's house to talk bad about me to her and complain about our marriage. I don't know what to do anymore. (customer 3)

-Don't worry champion, we are here for you. (Souta)

-That's right, we'll help you rebuild your failed marriage. (Ryusaki)

-Serious? Smuff. (customer 3)

-Pay close attention to what you're going to do. You'll go to a dress shop and buy the most expensive one, no matter what it looks like, as long as it's black. Afterwards you will sell it and take it to the poshest restaurant your pocket can afford, when you get there you will order the most expensive champagne. You're writing down everything I'm talking about. (Ryusaki)

-Yes, Yes, Yes. Please continue master. (customer 3)

-Great... as soon as the champagne arrives you will unravel it. I'm sure she'll be blown away by the surprise... I remembered one important thing, book the table with the best view, one that you can see the city and the landscape. (Ryusaki)

-Okay, okay. Beautiful view. (customer 3)

-After that she will already fall under your spell saying "love this is so romantic" and that's when you show your potential, "I'm sorry darling, but the surprise hasn't started yet", she will be confused and it's then that you give her the bag with the dress you bought, you will ask her to wear it, she will go to the bathroom to dress it and when she comes back she will ask, "Do I look good, love?" and you'll respond "as beautiful as the day I met you" and BUMMM, the magic is cast. The view of the starry night, the sound of the orchestra playing softly in the background and her looking at you with a passionate gaze all night long. Trust me, there's no way she won't stick with you after that. (Ryusaki)

-Is that all I have to do, master? (customer 3)

-That's right, that's all you have to do. So, what are you waiting for? Stop wasting time in this store and go arrange everything so that you can have the woman who loved you back when she decided to marry you. (Ryusaki)

-Yes Master! Thank you so much, I will never forget this! (customer 3)

-That's it Ryu, sent a lot. A dinner by night light. Where did you get that from? (Souta)

-Yeah... we do what we can, right? (Ryusaki)

-You!... you!... (receptionist)

Damn she's very angry, maybe our plan failed.

-You, smufff... you two... smufff... (receptionist)

Did she start crying too?

-What do you want, why don't you leave me alone? (receptionist)

-You know what we want. (Ryusaki)

-I don't know anything, I swear... smufff. (receptionist)

Ryusaki approaches her and hugs her.

-Shiuuuuuuuu, calm down, calm down, we're not accusing you of anything. It doesn't have to be like this. Here, take a handkerchief. (Ryusaki)

-Bruuuuuuuu. (receptionist)

-Yes, yes, now breathe and tell us everything you know, okay? (Ryusaki)

-Hmmmmmm... (receptionist)

Here it is!!!

-I remember she came with a guy. (receptionist)

-Do you remember what he was like? (Ryusaki)

-Yes, I asked if he was her boyfriend, as they were both extremely handsome, but apparently he was just her stylist. He was tall with green eyes and blond hair. That's all I know, I don't know anything else, not even his name. (receptionist)

-Do you remember if they took some glasses? (Ryusaki)

-Yes! They chose one that matched the beach theme, it was a square frame and the color yellow. That's all I know. (receptionist)

-If they were choosing something beach related, maybe they stopped by a bikini shop nearby. (Souta)

-Hey! Tell me, will you come back here? (receptionist)

-Don't worry. We will never want to see that ugly face of yours again, when we are in this mall, we will always be careful to walk 20 meters away from this store. (Ryusaki)

-Thank you... smuffff. Really, thank you very much... (receptionist)

After we left there, Ryu and I made our way to a swimsuit store.

-Good Morning. (Souta)

-Oh, sir, good morning. May I help you? (clerk)

-My friend and I are conducting an investigation into a murder and would like your cooperation. (Souta)

The attendant forced a smile as she looked at us with a dubious face. Well, it makes sense for her not to take us seriously, after all we're just college students.

-Are any police officers coming to ask you questions during these days? (Souta)

-No... I answer here every day and at all times and none came to talk to me or any other employee. (clerk)

-Just to know, do you recognize this young woman? (Souta)

-Let me see. Yes, I remember her, there's no way I can forget a girl as beautiful as that, I even attended to her the day she came looking for a bathing suit. She was so beautiful, she looked like the famous ones on TV. (clerk)

I see, so she actually passed here. So no one else noticed that she came to this place, so the police didn't check this place. We ended up coming here because we heard she was looking for glasses that matched the beach and we ended up stopping here. Though she was with her stylist that day, why didn't he give this information to the cops? Didn't he want to tell them or did they end up asking? Did he miss the fact that he was with her that day? He looks very suspicious...

-Sir? (clerk)

-Oh, I'm sorry. I ended up traveling in my thoughts. Well, anyway, I think I'd better explain the whole situation to you. (Souta)

While I was explaining to the lady, Ryu arrived with a bunch of bathing suits that he grabbed while I was talking to her.

-Hey Souta, do you think these ones would match my skin? (Ryusaki)

This guy... I'll just ignore him, he'll give up when he realizes I'm not paying attention.

-I was thinking about getting these blue ones, but I don't know if it would match my charisma, so I think these yellow ones went a lot better. Do not you agree? Souta? Eiiiiii Soutaaaaaa, answer me. Don't you think... (Ryusaki)

-AHHHHHHHH! SHUT UP! I'M IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INVESTIGATION, I'M LITTLE F****** UP FOR WHICH SUIT YOU WANT. (Souta)

-I see, hey, look at these blacks. Aiiii nooo Souta. (Ryusaki)

Ryusaki said this while trying to show shyness.

-What did you think? Don't these black ones make me sexier? (Ryusaki)

After that I kicked Ryu out of the store and told him to wait for me outside so as not to disturb me.

-I'm sorry for this. (Souta)

-Oh, not that. You guys seem pretty close to play these kinds of jokes. (clerk)

As she said this I noticed Ryu blowing the glass from the outside and writing "sorry" and a heart, this guy just knows how to make fun of the situation anyway.

-No, no. We are not as close as you think. (Souta)

-Even, looking at you it seemed... (attendant)

-I'm sorry, but can we get back to the main issue? (Souta)

-Oh yes, of course, please. (clerk)

I finished explaining the entire situation to her.

-My God, it means that you ended up being dragged into a big mess. (clerk)

-So I would appreciate it if you could give me any information for me. (Souta)

-Unfortunately, I don't remember anything else. (clerk)

-Don't worry lady, any information even if it seems useless will be of great help. (Ryusaki)

-Ryu?! I told you to wait outside. (Souta)

-Calm down, calm down, I won't do any more. So girl, please tell us everything you remember. (Ryusaki)

-Okay, so... I remember she was accompanied, a very elegant man too, she said she wanted the most provocative swimsuits she had here, so I took her to that sector in the corner where we put the most "indecent" swimsuits . (clerk)

-She managed to pick one? (Souta)

-After trying on for an hour she ended up taking a yellow bow tie, I remember that at the same time she made up her mind she even called her parents and sent a photo of the swimsuit to her parents. (clerk)

-She mentioned the name of the store or something to them. (Souta)

-She just talked about the bathing suit with them, she didn't tell them where she was. (clerk)

-I understand. (Souta)

-Well after the call she bought them and left with them in a bag. That is all. (clerk)

-Thanks for the time spent. (Souta)

-Don't worry. I'm just talking about what I saw that day, no problem. I hope you can find the culprit in all this. (clerk)

We leave another place with little information.

-Hey Ryu, do you think these tips are useful to find the imposter? (Souta)

-I don't know. Did she visit any places after here? (Ryusaki)

-No. But I know where we can go looking for clues. (Souta)

I ended up contacting the police station and getting his address. I pressed your house bell.

-Already... ohhhh, good morning. (stylist)

-Good morning, I'm Souta and this is Ryu. (Souta)

-Save! (Ryusaki)

-I'm Blair, how can I help the two young people? (Blair)

-To make a long story short, I was accused of Miss Saiko's murder and I'm looking for clues to prove my innocence. (Souta)

-I see... this subject is kind of delicate to discuss out here, please come in. (Blair)

-Thanks... wait Ryu. I have something to tell you. (Souta)

-What was it? (Ryusaki)

-Keep your eyes on Blair. (Souta)

-Why you say that? (Ryusaki)

-Because whoever killed Saiko has a high chance of having been her stylist. (Souta)

We entered his house, it was quite big and fancy, the furniture must have cost a fortune. Whoever he is, he's not just any stylist out there.

-Since you are my guests I think I have to offer you something to drink. Would you like a beer? (Blair)

-No... actually we're not old enough for that. (Souta)

-I accept! (Ryusaki)

-Accept nothing, stay quiet there. (Souta)

Souta slaps Ryu on the head while Blair is making tea for the two of them.

-Here it is, I hope it's to your liking. (Blair)

-Thanks. (Souta)

-You didn't poison it here, right. (Ryusaki)

This idiot, can you make it more obvious now that we suspect him?

-Hahahahahaha, I didn't put anything dangerous there. However, if you're still suspicious of me, I can have a drink from this same cup. (Blair)

-Hahahahaha not that... Souta this guy is really suspicious let's get out of here. (Ryusaki)

-We can't, we've just been playing around until now we need some really important clues that will help us. (Souta)

-Before asking the questions, could you answer me something Souta? (Blair)

-Ann? Ahh, of course, please ask. (Souta)

-What were you doing to be framed for being Sai's killer. (Blair)

Leaves? Was he not just her stylist, but someone close to call her that?

-Actually, I always pass by that street on the way back home, it turned out that he was found there. (Souta)

-Does it always pass? You don't think it's too vague information for them to suspect you, if that's all I don't think they would put you up against the wall so soon without any more evidence. Are you sure you're not hiding anything? (Blair)

What atmosphere is this? It's like he's investigating me to see if I'm not her real killer.-No... I don't know either. (Souta)-Ahhhhh... I understand, if you're telling the truth, then it was really bad luck what happened to you. (Blair)

-Do you really think it was bad luck? (Ryusaki)

Ryu what are you talking about. Damn, I'm not able to process everything that's happening here.

-Humf, I see you're a shrewd boy, despite your air-headed face. Answering your question I have no idea. Well since you already answered my question you can ask what you want. (Blair)

-Well, then... what was your relationship with Saiko? (Souta)

-Our relationship hmmm? Let's say…we were close enough, yet not close enough to tell each other all our secrets. If I were to sum it up I would say that we were each other's shoulder to shoulder. (Blair)

-Could it be that... you felt something for the lady? (Souta)

-Hmmm? Hahahaha, I think this is natural to think, most people think we are a couple when we go out together. But I would say I'm interested in other things. (Blair)

-Ughh. (Ryusaki)

Why is this guy staring at me? (Ryusaki)

-If you were like that, I believe you would try your best to help the police find the suspect, so why didn't she know anything about your encounter with her at the mall? If you were really someone who cares about her, would you have given this information? (Souta)

-... (Blair) -Tell me! (Souta)

-Ahhhhaaahhhhhh, but what a mess you put me now in Sai. Damn it, I don't think I have any other choice. You might already know why we're there right? (Blair)

-Yes you were buying a beach outfit for Saiko, something to do with summer style photos correct? (Souta)

-We were actually buying summer clothes, but it wasn't for work, usually the company takes care of the costumes, the model doesn't give much opinion on the clothes she's going to wear. (Blair)

-So why were you buying these clothes? (Souta)

-It was for a trip she was going to do, with her "boyfriend". (Blair)

-I see, these famous artists really have a lot of restrictions on relationships, if they knew she was dating it could ruin her career. (Souta)

-Well it's like you said, but the real problem isn't there. (Blair)

-Like this? (Souta)

-The guy she was dating wasn't a boy her age. It was an older man and he was married. (Blair)-Whoeeee? (Souta)

-If people knew it would be a scandal, so I promised to keep it a secret for her, but I ended up running out of options. Promise me that you will not spread this to anyone, this will be our "little secret". (Blair)

-Little secret? This is too big a bomb to be considered just a little secret. (Souta)

-That's why I didn't tell the cops. Satisfied? (Blair)

-After that I don't even know what to ask you anymore, my head... (Souta)

-What was the man's name. (Ryusaki)

-Well don't be like that, a lady always has a little secret that doesn't... (Blair)

-I asked the name! (Ryusaki)

Ryuuu, I've never seen him make that face before.

-Hmmmmm, he was called Kurozaki Hayashi. I only know that about him. (Blair)

-That's enough, the police can tell us where he lives. Thanks for everything, if we need anything else we will come back. (Souta)

Souta got up running to go looking for Saiko's stay. Blair gets up and sits next to Ryu.

-Your friend ran away, but you don't need to be in a hurry. Huh didn't you say you wanted a beer? How about staying and drinking with me, just the two of us? (Blair)

Souta goes back into the room having remembered that he forgot Ryu.-I'm sorry, but I need this clueless to help me with the investigation. Until later. (Souta)