Case Four: the meaning of farewells

  Chapter 13: don’t say goodbye

  Eiji Narukawa packed his belongings in his duffel bag. It contained some number of syringes, a few chisels, knives, and other miscellaneous objects for his mission. Eiji zipped up the duffel bag and swung it over his shoulder before leaving his apartment. His next victim was another woman named Satoko Mishima who lived in the residential area of Shinjuku.

  Eiji took the train to the victim’s location and prepared himself for the mission today. He determined It was Satoko’s time to leave the world, as she was forty years old now. She wasn’t getting any younger. Eiji grimaced at what he was about to do, but it was his mission. ‘I’m sorry, Mother…’ Eiji thought to himself, gripping his duffel bag tighter to the point that his knuckles were white.

  Eiji then went inside Satoko’s apartment building and rode the elevator to the eleventh floor where she resided. He hummed to himself during his elevator ride when the elevator stopped and opened the doors. He stepped out and headed to apartment 11D where Satoko Mishima lived. Eiji rang the doorbell and waited patiently, whistling a nostalgic tune from his childhood when his mother was still alive.

  Satoko Mishima opened the door to see a young man standing outside her door. She did not recognize him at all, so she tried to close the door but Eiji was quicker than her and pushed his way through. He locked the door and pushed Satoko deeper inside.

  “W-Who are you?!” Satoko asked in a panic. “What are you doing here?” Satoko was visibly shaking, terrified for her life of what’s happening to her right now.

  “Don’t worry, it’ll be quick…” Eiji muttered mostly to himself. “It’ll be fine… You won’t feel a thing…”

  Satoko tried to scream but Eiji placed a hand over her mouth before any sound could come out. She started perspiring and her knees felt so weak that she collapsed to the ground. She couldn’t stand up even if she wanted to escape from this home intruder.

  Eiji bent down and put his duffel bag on the floor beside him. He lifted Satoko’s chin up with one hand and licked his lips, causing Satoko to shudder violently. Then he dropped Satoko and unzipped his duffel bag. He took out a handkerchief and sprayed it with a small bottle before covering Satoko’s mouth and nose with the handkerchief.

  Satoko realized what was happening and struggled for her life to loosen the man’s grip on her. But the more she struggled, the more the man held her tighter with one arm. She started to feel her consciousness fading but she still struggled and kicked with her feet in the air.

  Eiji kept gripping on the woman until she finally stopped moving. He went into his duffel bag and took out a white negligee, placing it on the floor beside the bag. Then he undressed Satoko and put the negligee on her. He folded Satoko’s previous clothes and stood up, then put the clothes on her bed. Returning to the living room with the unconscious woman, Eiji picked out a knife and picked up his bag, to prevent it from getting dirty after the mission is carried through. He put the duffel bag by the door and returned to the body. He licked his lips once. He felt adrenaline rush through his body as he then pierced her aorta with the knife right by her chest. He quickly stepped backwards and picked up his duffel bag, swinging it across his shoulder.

  **

  Back in Kashiwa, Mari was jamming to her music in her room, trying to zone out her parents’ discussion about her father’s relocation. She didn’t really want to leave, but she didn’t know where else she could stay. Plus, her brother Kazuki wanted to go with them.

  Mari put down her headphones and sat down on her bed. She felt like tearing up again, which has been happening every day since her parents announced the relocation. She didn’t want to leave Orion. Gripping her bedsheets, tears streamed down her cheeks, shaking her head rapidly.

  ‘Orion…’ Mari thought longingly. ‘Why can’t you help me too?’

  Mari fell on her side on her bed, clutching her pillow to her chest. She closed her eyes as the tears fell down her cheeks. She felt despondent and reached for her smartphone. She thought about texting Orion but in her despair, she felt she’d only be interrupting his time with Amane. ‘Maybe I should just confess to Orion and be done with it… Maybe then I will be freed from this agony.’

  Mari started crying again when her phone buzzed with a new text message from Orion.

  Hey Mari are you okay?

  Mari gasped and quickly sent a response to Orion: …I’ll….be fine….

  Right then, Orion sent another text: What’s wrong? You can talk to me.

  Mari struggled with the words before replying with: umm… im not sure right now. I’ll let you know when I’m ready to disclose this.

  Orion sent another text: All right. That sounds good. Remember I’m here for you.

  Mari struggled with her tears again, wondering what Orion would think or say if she were to confess to him. She decided she would confess to Orion if she had to relocate with her parents, after telling him about the relocation.

  **

  In Tokyo, Amane was reorganizing her room while listening to music on her laptop. She wanted to change a little of her room, starting with more throw pillows. Amane changed her bed sheets and pillowcases to another shade of pink. She rearranged her stuffed animals on her bed. Then Amane stood a little away from the bed and nodded in approval. Her room was slightly changed but still had the pink to match the walls. Amane then flopped on her bed with her smartphone in hand and scrolled through the messages to find the chat with Orion.

  Amane quickly tapped her phone to send the message: Hey Orion! How are you doing?

  Orion responded immediately: Hey Amane. I’m good today. How about you? Are you okay?

  Amane flushed at the concern Orion showed her. She loved talking to Orion and how he was always willing to cheer her up no matter what the cause was. It made her feel loved and wanted. Then she typed up a message to Orion: Yeah, I’m fine! Hey, can we meet up tomorrow?

  Orion was typing. Tomorrow? That might not be a good idea. I have something to do tomorrow. Sorry, Amane. I’ll make it up to you!

  Amane sighed and flipped to lying on her side with her phone. She wanted to see Orion again, but it couldn’t be helped. All right, Orion! It’s a promise. :)

  Orion sent a quick response: Of course.

  **

  Orion stretched his arms as he got up from his seat. He had just finished texting Mari and then Amane, but he was really concerned for Mari even if she wasn’t ready to tell him what was going on. He had decided to visit Mari tomorrow to see if he could get anything out of her. He felt guilty having to turn down Amane’s offer to meet up, but he had to make sure his friend was going to be okay.

  He grabbed his smartphone and checked the time. 22:04. Orion yawned as he sprawled out on his bed. He held onto his smartphone as he started losing consciousness. Orion fell asleep for about two hours when his phone buzzed. Rubbing his eyes, Orion checked his smartphone.

  It was a message from Mari. orion… im sorry to wake you up but can we talk?

  Orion’s eyes widened. Yeah, what’s up?

  Mari started typing. umm actually can we talk tomorrow?

  Orion’s eyebrows were raised in confusion. That’s fine. I was going to visit you tomorrow.

  Orion fell back asleep with his phone in hand in case of any emergency texts. The rest of the night went by peacefully for Orion. When Orion woke up again, it was around 8:02 AM. He yawned greatly before kicking off his blanket and sitting up on his bed. He remembered he was going to Mari’s to check on her. And considering her late-night text, he was concerned about her wellbeing.

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  Orion sat upright and changed into a casual outfit of a black hoodie and dark blue jeans. He skipped breakfast and practically dashed out of his house to get to Mari’s place. He rang the bell and waited for someone to open the door, though he admitted it was rather early. However, Mari opened the door regardless. She was wearing a pink blouse with a white knee-length skirt and a pair of beige sandals.

  “Orion? Why are you here so early?” Mari inquired; her head tilted to the side in confusion. She felt giddy to see Orion early in the morning and wished he did it more often. But she was satisfied with today.

  “I came here to check on you,” Orion said, bopping his hand over Mari’s head. “I know you’ve been bothered by something, that much is known. But what’s going on?” He patted Mari’s head a few times.

  “Umm… well… Can we talk at your place?” Mari asked softly, looking back inside her house. “Just give a moment.” Mari went inside the house and then came out with a black backpack on her back. “Okay, so…?”

  “Yeah, of course,” Orion nodded.

  The two walked back to the next house that was Orion’s and Orion unlocked the door for Mari to enter first. He then closed the door and the two took off their shoes before entering the living room. Mari sat meekly, looking around.

  “Hey Kiyo!” Mari greeted the parrot, which had chirped in response.

  Orion opened up Kiyo’s cage and the bird flew over to perch on Mari’s shoulder. Then Orion took a seat beside Mari. “So, what’s up?”

  “Umm…” Mari said hesitantly. “Well… It’s about my parents. Umm… They’re…relocating…but we haven’t discussed whether my brother and I will go with them or not, yet. I’m really scared. I don’t want to go.”

  “Where will they be going?” Orion asked, a voice full of concern. He patted Mari on the back as she spoke. He was concerned too. He felt uneasy with the revelation from Mari.

  “T-The States…” Mari stuttered. “I really don’t want to go. But my brother does.” She leaned to the side to rest her head on Orion’s shoulder.

  “I don’t want you to go either,” Orion admitted to Mari and reached his arm out and held Mari close. He wanted to comfort the girl beside him, so he figured she’d feel better with a hug.

  Mari flushed deep red at the gesture but embraced it. She turned to face Orion and started resting her face on his chest, clutching his hoodie with both hands and Orion responded by holding Mari with both arms. Mari started crying on Orion’s chest, gripping tighter and tighter.

  “It’ll be okay, Mari…” Orion tried reassuring the girl.

  “I-I’m sorry, Orion…” Mari stuttered as she gasped for breath. “I-I’m r-really sorry…” She felt abashed now, too, after Orion gave her such a hug for the first time. She wondered if Orion had done this with someone else before, which gave her a prickly feeling inside. “U-Umm… I also have to say something else…”

  “Yes?” Orion said softly. He petted Mari on the head while one arm held onto the girl. He smoothed her hair as he waited for her statement. He wanted to help her out as much as he could.

  “U-Umm… well, you see… O-Orion…” Mari stuttered over her words. She wasn’t sure how to word it and she was sure she was going to be turned down. It was most likely Amane that Orion felt something for. She was that certain about it. “I-It’s… um… It’s nothing actually!” She couldn’t confess after all. She didn’t want to be turned down and rejected, and then to ruin the friendship they already had. “I-I’m sorry…”

  “Mari,” Orion suddenly said as he pulled her from him to hold her at a distance with both his hands. “Look. I really like you and you’re a really good friend to me. I really care about you and I don’t want you to relocate to the States either. But uh, how should I say this without hurting you too much? Well… I don’t feel the same for you as you do for me. I’m sorry, Mari.”

  “O-Oh…” Mari said slowly, looking down at Orion’s face. She knew that was coming but didn’t know it would come like this. She felt devastated and heartbroken, but she couldn’t very well tell Orion. He came out honestly to her and then she couldn’t just tell him how devastated she was. She clenched her fists in frustration. “I-Is it Amane?”

  Orion stayed silent for a while. “Who knows.” Orion shrugged and released Mari from his grip. “It doesn’t matter anyway. I’m sorry, I know I hurt you but guessing who I may like is just going to hurt you more.”

  That was when Orion’s phone buzzed, which was at an awkward time, but Mari nodded to let him check. She bit her lower lip as she presumed it was Amane texting him. And it was, in fact, a message from Amane: Good morning, Orion! How are you doing today?

  Orion smiled at the message and began typing a response. I’m fine… Had to do something this morning. Hey, want to come over?

  Amane started typing again. Really? That sounds good! I’ll be there in half an hour!”

  “I just invited Amane over,” Orion announced. “Stay here.” He wanted to see if maybe Amane could help Mari feel better. He was still concerned over Mari’s mental wellbeing.

  “B-But I—” Mari started to say, drooping her head down. “All right.” She figured she could gauge Orion and Amane’s relationship this way.

  After a while, a knock at the front door came through and Orion went to open the door. At the entrance, Amane stood there looking regal with a pink ribbon tied at the back of her head and sporting a polka dot light blue blouse, white shorts that went halfway down her thighs and light blue sandals that wrapped around her ankles. Upon seeing Orion, Amane ran straight to Orion and embraced him tightly.

  Orion returned the embrace, holding Amane tightly. Not knowing Mari was watching, the two remain in an embrace for a while before they disengaged. Amane was flustered, her heart racing and feeling giddy. Then she noticed Mari had disappeared back inside the house and a pang of jealousy struck Amane’s heart.

  “Well, I asked you over since I thought you might be able to help me cheer up Mari,” Orion explained. “She’s having a bit of a rough time…” He figured girls might be able to help each other better, plus he wanted to see Amane again.

  “I’ll try my best!” Amane said cheerfully, ignoring the jealousy in her stomach. She looked around and then back at Orion. “Umm…”

  “Right,” Orion said. “Come along now.” Orion led Amane into the living room which was on the left of the entrance. Mari had been sitting on the settee, her hands folded on her lap. As Orion and Amane entered, Mari looked up and had a slightly disappointed expression on her face even if she saw the two embraced at the door. “Hey, Mari. I thought you might need some extra support.”

  “Hey, Mari,” Amane greeted the other girl nervously. “How are you doing now?” Amane’s voice was filled with concern. She knew Mari and Orion were childhood friends, and she felt she was stealing Orion away, but she couldn’t help it. But to say stealing would mean Orion had feelings for her and that she was doubtful.

  “Umm…” Mari said hesitantly. “Well, my parents are relocating because of my dad’s job and they’re going to the States… I don’t really want to go though. My brother does.”

  “I…I’m so sorry…” Amane said, hanging her head low. She took a seat beside Mari on the settee. She patted the other girl on the arm consolingly.

  “I’ll be fine…” Mari said, trailing off from her thoughts. She wasn’t sure why Orion thought it’d be a good idea to invite Amane over. “Umm… I think I’m in the way so—” A pang of jealousy and sadness tinged Mari’s heart as she was about to get up from the settee.

  “Not at all,” Amane interrupted her, grabbing a hold of Mari’s arm with one hand. “I’m here to listen to you!” As soon as Mari sat down again, Amane let go of the arm and smiled. She wasn’t sure why Orion invited her to Mari’s dilemma, but she wanted to help regardless.

  “T-Thanks, Amane,” Mari said, smiling weakly. She never imagined she’d be talking like this to her own rival in love. But she figured it wouldn’t hurt; it’s not like it was Amane’s fault that both of them fell for Orion while he was oblivious to both feelings. “Umm, but I really will be fine.”

  “Then let’s chat! Like about Orion,” Amane smiled slyly, looking to the side where Orion was watching. At the mention of his name, he jolted and stared at Amane with fake hostility. “Oh! I know! You two should come with me to my place!”

  “Umm… are you sure?” Mari asked with uncertainty. She had never been to Amane’s place, but she knew Amane came from a very wealthy family, so she was nervous about going there. Twisting her hands on her lap, she looked away from Amane.

  “It’ll be fine!” Amane said cheerfully. “Orion’s been there before. It’s fine, right?” She looked eagerly at Orion, remembering the times Orion visited her during her mourning of her grandparents and the embrace they shared together. Though that was also when her parents started teasing her about Orion.

  “Yes, it’s fine,” Orion confirmed. “Her parents are really friendly.” Orion spoke as a smile sneaked onto his face. He remembered one time he went to her family’s house.

  It was about a month ago when Orion visited Amane again. Amane still didn’t feel like going out outside of school, so Orion agreed to visit again. The chauffeur picked him up and drove him to the family house as usual.

  Orion arrived at Amane’s family house and two adults were standing outside the door with large grins on their facial expressions. Orion approached them with a smile.

  “Umm, hello… Mizushima…” Orion said hesitantly, uncertain how to address Amane’s parents. He looked uneasy, looking between the wife and husband.

  “You can just call us by name,” Takato Mizushima smiled. “My name is Takato. And Amane’s mother is Michiko.”

  “Umm… okay, Sir Takato and Lady Michiko,” Orion said, still feeling slightly uneasy at calling Amane’s parents by their given names.

  Takato laughed. “I like you already. If you’re serious with Amane, we’ll give you our blessings.”

  “Daaad!!” Amane’s voice came from the entryway. “What are you doing?!?!” She burst into Orion and her parents.

  “Earth to Orion!” Amane’s voice came through Orion’s reverie. Her heart plummeted a little thinking about Orion possibly thinking about someone else.

  “Oh, sorry,” Orion muttered. “I was just recalling your parents.” Orion realized he said it in an awkward way, to create misunderstanding with Amane and Mari, who had just recently tried to confess to him.

  “…Oh… Um…” Amane flushed beet red at the mention. She, too, remembered the same scenario with her parents and Orion. Her heart was racing, thinking back to how her parents introduced themselves to Orion. Her face was still very red.

  Mari looked at both Amane and Orion and wondered just what happened with the two. A pang of jealousy struck Mari’s heart, and sadness because Orion already rejected her before she made a better form of a confession. “Are you two…dating?” Mari asked suspiciously.

  “W-What?” Amane turned to look at Mari, having stopped blushing now. “N-No! We’re not!” Amane stammered, her face turning red again. Her heart was racing again, and she panicked about how Mari would feel.

  “N-No,” Orion perspired. “We’re not.” Orion felt a pang of regret in his heart as he said that, but that was true after all. They weren’t dating at all, though Orion felt a weird sensation in his chest when he thought about it. ‘Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to go out with Amane…’ Orion thought to himself. He shook his head. It was too early to tell.

  “O-Oh…” Mari said hesitantly. She looked down at her hands and wrung them together on her lap. “Umm… So, are we going to visit Amane’s home?”

  “Yeah!” Amane said cheerfully, forgetting the question Mari asked about her and Orion. ‘I wouldn’t mind dating Orion… but that’s only IF he felt the same for me. Wait… The same? Do I feel that way for Orion?’ She shook her head. Things are too inconclusive right now to determine that,’ Amane thought. Then aloud, she said, “Umm… well, my chauffeur is outside in the parking area so we can go anytime!”

  “Let’s go!” Mari said, getting up from her seat.

  The three left Orion’s house and headed to Amane’s car where Amane took the passenger seat while Mari and Orion were in the backseat. The group rode in silence to Amane’s house where they arrived in approximately thirty minutes. The group left the car and Mari stared at the entire mansion flabbergasted.

  “This is where Amane… lives?” Mari asked incredulously.

  “Hehe, yes,” Amane blushed. “Let’s head on in.” She was afraid of what her parents will say now, especially with Mari around. But it might not bode well for Orion.

  Amane led the group into the mansion and upon entering, a row of maids was at the entrance, announcing, “Welcome home, Lady Amane.” Amane blushed and hurried along to the interior of the mansion, with her entourage chasing after her. Her personal maid also followed her. She took them up the stairs and then to the left where her room was located.

  “Well, uh, welcome?” Amane said nervously. “Chika, bring some green tea and snacks.”

  “Yes, my lady,” the maid Chika acknowledged as she left the room to prepare her task.

  Amane flopped down on her bed while watching her two guests. She wasn’t sure why she invited Mari to her place, but maybe some tea will relax her. And casual topics to be discussed may help. Amane sat up on her bed and gestured to Mari and Orion to get closer.

  “Yes?” Mari asked meekly. She wasn’t sure how to act in such a grandeur mansion, even if it was her friend’s. Butterflies were felt in Mari’s stomach figuratively as she fiddled her thumbs.

  “Come on, you can sit anywhere. Like my desk if you so wish,” Amane smiled. “You too, Orion.” She was hoping Orion would sit next to her, but she knew that would set off triggers with Mari. Sighing, Amane clutched her shorts and looked away from her guests. Unexpectedly to Mari and Amane, Orion took a seat on Amane’s bed, causing Amane to flush beet red. That was also when her maid Chika returned with a pot of tea, three teacups and a few cookies for snacks.

  “Ack!” Amane suddenly let out a small shriek. “Umm… No, it’s nothing, Chika. You can set down the tea and stuff on my desk.” Amane watched Orion relax on her bed near her and felt her heart racing. Her thoughts were speeding at the speed of light. ‘Oh no, why did Orion take the bedside seat? Not that I mind but… I’m just worried about Mari.’

  Chika took the teapot and poured out the three teacups, brimming with hot green tea. Mari took a cup and blew at it for a bit before taking a sip. It burned her mouth a bit, but it was delicious.

  “That’s good tea…” Mari said quietly, almost inaudibly. “Umm…” She watched Orion relaxing on Amane’s bed, feeling a pang of jealousy strike her heart. Though she was turned down, it still stung her to see him relaxing like that with another girl.

  Then Orion got up and took a cup and a cookie with him before turning to bed. He took a sip of the tea and said, “Mari’s right, this is some really good tea.” He had a slight smile on his face as he ate the cookie.

  “Thank you,” Amane smiled. She glanced over at Orion who had finished the cookie. He got up to pour more tea into his cup and returned to the bed again. “Umm… I can grab some more chairs, if you want.”

  “I’m fine as-is,” Orion replied quickly. “I don’t mind walking a bit to refill my cup.” He enjoyed the tea and snacks and sitting near Amane. Something about her made Orion feel at ease. He really enjoyed Amane’s presence.