“So, where are we going? I don’t remember seeing this place have tables outside.”

“Don’t worry, we have a special table set up in our back alleyway.”

Charlie thought about the possibility that this mysterious waiter could in some way be connected to Tamashi’s criminal case.

“We’re disappointed with ourselves for being sub-par when it comes to our standards, so we’ve prepared a special table for you in our back alleyway.

‘Man, this guy’s a terrible actor.’

As they left the building through a side door and walked towards the back, Charlie skimmed over his surroundings, looking for signs of danger. His checks also included watching over Anna and Tsuru.

Anna was walking slowly, maintaining a slight distance from the group. A look of determination was visible in her eyes, but Charlie could tell that that was a facade.

Tsuru was maintaining a close distance to Charlie, almost to the point of hiding behind him. Her face was full of pure fear, and she was on the verge of crying.

‘Wow, she’s really cute right now! But this isn’t what we need right now.’

After spending what felt like a painful eternity walking, the group eventually made it around the building.

In the center of the alleyway, there was a small dinner table covered with a white tablecloth. Surrounding the table were four white plastic chairs.

“Please, have a seat.”

“Before we do, I have a question. How is this any better than being inside?”

“My apologies. This was the best we could come up with. We really wanted to provide the best experience possible, but the inside area just won’t-”

“Then answer me this. Why isn’t anybody else outside?”

The waiter paused, seeming to be thrown off by the question. After a brief moment, he slowly turned around, his eyes closed.

Charlie started to focus on the waiter’s appearance. He appeared to be a young, fit guy with brown hair that was down to his ears.

‘I know what he looks like now, but that’s not gonna help much. I need to get some info out of him, but at the same time, I can’t let anyone get hurt.’

Before Charlie could continue his though process, the waiter began to speak again.

“Alright, let’s get down to business. You guys all know Tamashi Yosha, correct?”

“So what if….“

Charlie’s words trailed off as his eyes widened and his face sunk into horror.

The waiter’s eyes slowly opened to reveal his blood-thirsty red eyes. He matched his eyes with an ominous smirk.

“You guys might want to sit down. No one’s leaving for a while.”

——

Savior: Original Story by OneSevenEight

Episode: Framed Perspective - Part 7

——

“What do you want from us?”

“Wow, look who decided that he’s just gonna speak for everyone here. I personally want to hear more from the ladies that tagged along with you.”

“Again, what do you want from us?”

The waiter leaned back into his chair, using his body language to show his discontent.

“Let me ask you something. Can we at least start by introducing ourselves? You can’t start a conversation without properly introducing everyone who’s involved. I’ll be nice by going first. My name is Max. Nice to meet you guys. Now, Mrs. Icy Black-Hair to my left, what’s your name?”

Anna forced herself to form a proud smile.

“My name is Shove.”

“Shove? That’s it? Tell me what your last name is.”

“It.”

“Mrs. Shove It. What kind of parents would name you Shove It?”

“My French parents would.”

“Ah, the clever one. And now to my right, the very bashful and beautiful brunette. Can I have your name, miss?”

Tsuru gave Max a brief glance, then snapped forward and down towards the table.

“I see your eyes are fearful. I don’t understand why, I’m just here to talk to you guys, that’s all.”

“If you want to talk so badly, then start talking. Who sent you here?”

Max sighed with annoyance and proceeded to prop his chin up on his fist.

“I’m from a certain organization. That’s all I can really say.”

“Look, ‘organization’ means the government or a gang. You don’t seem to be the government type, so you’re a gang member.”

Max showed off a cocky half-smile.

“So what if I am? What are you gonna do about it?”

Charlie moved into a thinking pose, attempting to mask up with his best poker face.

Behind the mask, Charlie began to sweat.

‘SHIT! He’s a gang member. Man, why are there even gangs in our area? Who knows what this guy could do. We could be in some really deep shit here. Ok. For know, I need to try to gain more info from him. If I see an opening, then I have to take it and get all of us out of here.’

As he repeatedly thought over his plan for escape, Charlie began to let off a light shudder.

“Oh wow, it looks like all of you are shitting your pants at the sight of me. Do I really look that bad?

Time passed without anyone forming a response for Max. He began to grow incredibly impatient.

“Look. I’m here to talk to your guys, but now you lot are all getting too quiet. Am I supposed to talk to myself? I’ll look like a freaking idiot if I do. Hell, I’m pretty much talking to myself now-“

“We need to go. Sorry, we have things to do.”

Max’s agitation began to grow from simple impatience into a raging inferno.

“Huh? You really think I’m gonna let you guys go now? I need you guys to understand something.”

A brief flash appeared in Charlie’s line of vision. As soon as he could comprehend what was going on, Charlie saw that Max was stretched out across the table. Max’s face was leaned in to his, close enough to where they could kiss.

Charlie felt a sharp and light point on his neck. At that moment, his mind began to destabilize as his soul filled itself with complete and utter fear.

Anna and Tsuru could only watch in horror as Max held a knife to Charlie.

Max’s face was full of smugness and content. His eyes were full of pure rage.

“Listen here, buddy. Listen real close. I’m in charge here. I’m here to make sure that you guys stay put. Don’t you freaking dare to defy me.”

He began to convert his smug rage into a cold smile.

“Now, tell me about your friendship with Tamashi. I love stories, and I’m also starting to get bored here.”