Chapter 225 - Searching for an answer

But since it's someone who became close with Akito, this is a somewhat expected development, eh? Izu, even though he acts this way, can get quite close with other people. Izu isn't the friendly guy type. He's more of the loner type — a person who likes to keep to himself. However, just like any other person. He craves attention for the warmth of another person. For love… She paused at that thought and sighed. The one who wants that is her.

Setsura stared at his expression and saw nothing but genuine look in his eyes.

Akito, he really is a fool, isn't he? However, that's exactly why...exactly why she purposely wanted to meet with him. Why she purposely joined, the world truly is mysterious. The blonde hair girl stood up and made her way over to the window. She opened it slightly, and a cold breeze entered the room.

"The sky, the sun, and the horizon

Are waiting in ambush for the summer

Alone, bringing my dog with me,

I walked on the white sand beach

The skeleton of

It's still not ready yet

But I vaguely remember it

Like the love that has gone away

The corn ear we ate together

Was still a little raw inside

Didn't we spit it out together?

I miss that laughter.

I finally realized

What is the direction of the wind

My heartfelt at peace

Thanks to your smile

My feelings overflow," Setsura sang.

Anything regarding the arts drew her in. But, Setsura knew there was nothing special about her voice. She isn't tone-deaf, but it isn't amazing.

Once she finished singing the song, Setsura turned to the redhead. "I wonder if you know about it. The loneliness that I and those people share. It's not something normal. Even so, will you try and reach out to me?"

To her surprise, he suddenly grabbed hold of her arm and made sure that their gaze locked with each others. Those eyes.... and this strength. So that's what he meant, the idiot.

Izu sighed and rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand. "It seems as though you're underestimating us quite a bit."

"Indeed. It also seems as though you're not normal. Is this also one of the reasons why you asked for me?"

"Think whatever you like. But I'll tell you straight, that we're serious about this."

In the darkness of the night, Setsura could feel the intensity and pressure in the air. She could see it clearly, a somewhat indescribable look. Something that can't be explained, and yet all the answers were right there. An answer that's clearly in front of her.

Akito, he did this on purpose, didn't he?

No...that's not it.

Akito he is the real fool. Even now, he does things like this. Is this also one of his wishes? If so, then she wouldn't refuse.

He clearly sent this guy here after her because he is trying to express something. What exactly is that message? If it's what she thought the she would have to accept. That's how it's always been, for these past few months that's been the case here. Setsura acted tough, and her personality is difficult to handle. However, once anyone got to know her, they would understand.

She has her weak moments. Since she came here, those moments have become more frequent.

"Y-" she trailed off, as a flash of different colors appears in her head — colors associated with people who have become important to her.

Ah, really, it's no good. It's no good this way. She won't be able to do it. Sorry Aki-san, just this once she couldn't do it. Even if it is your request, even if it's for him, this was too much.

"Setsura?" Izu spoke up; concern filled his eyes.

"Sorry."

As the words escaped her lips, she let the darkness take over, and everything faded into black within seconds. She was back in that place again, a place with no end and no start.

…

It was difficult for her to explain, that's why Setsura didn't tell anybody about it. So, maybe this entire strange real-life dream phenomenon is due to regrets. But, it didn't make much sense to her. A wave of sadness would appear in her heart.

Why sadness? It's not like she was particularly close to that man. The one who mainly dealt with him was that guy, her partner, and fiancee. At some point, work became a hassle to her. The police force stopped feeling safe to her.

It felt like a prison, a place she couldn't escape. Every single door she opened, every room led to a bitter memory from Rae's case. A sense of emptiness. After that man's case, something had changed. Setsura didn't know what it was, but things differed in contrast to before.

Her gaze fell on the man in front of her. This time when she woke up, Rae was not on top of her. Nor were they in a strange compromising position like before. The man was going through the bookshelf. He eventually picked out a book and started to read. It's like what happened earlier, didn't happen at all. Every single time she comes, it's a new event — a new story.

"That night, why didn't you kill me?"

Rae looked up from his reading; he seemed a lot calmer. "The gun was empty; there were no longer any bullets."

Setsura made her way over. She assessed his mental state already. He looks calm, so isn't it okay? Still, Setsura kept a concealed blade in her pocket. She picked up her mug and brought it to her lips. It tasted so real, Setsura found it hard to believe that this was a dream. "I thought you'd do it anyway, one last body before the end."

He raised his eyebrows, amused by this. "Did you think I was that type of murderer?"

"I don't think like that. If you were that kind of person, we wouldn't have had such a hard time."

If he were that kind of killer, he would be just like the others. A man like that would not pique her interest. She wouldn't think about him.

Rae chuckled, "I gave you a hard time?"

"You already know that you were spying on us."

"It seems like I wasn't a very good spy if you could figure that much out."

"No," Setsura murmured. "It was him; he figured you out."

"Really? I was more interested in you."

What a liar, he's only interested now. Back then, it felt like she got in the way of those two.

"I think you were always searching for answers through your crimes," Setsura mumbled. "The reason why you committed crimes. You weren't a normal murderer; you didn't kill for kicks or any grudges. No, it felt like you wanted to find an answer. Even now, I think you're searching for an answer, appearing in front of me like this. Or maybe, it's the other way around.."

"What an interesting view there," he closed his book. Rae stood up and walked over until he stood directly opposite her. "You're probably onto something there. It's a real shame that I'm a dead man; otherwise, you'd most likely have an answer by now. Isn't it peculiar that I'm the only person you can see?" Rae's lips curved to a smile, "Is it easier to accept that I'm dead than him?"

Her eyes widened in alarm when she hears his mocking tone. Usually, she would never lose her calm. But the way Rae said it made her shiver, it made her want to hit him. Her entire body shook violently. Setsura knew she shouldn't get emotional. He is clearly provoking her; it was apparent. However, that didn't stop her from feeling frustrated.