Four months ago, Shizuka realized that life could become harsh and bitter without prior warning. And as always, tragedy changed the way one viewed her or his life.

Shizuka, who previously lived a happy-go-lucky life, decided to start working part-time. She didn't plan to go to college, but she wanted to accumulate money as early as possible. Also, work would help her to forget some painful memories.

Shizuka's workplace was Yumi Resto. A middle-class restaurant with Siamese culinary traditions, where his father worked as an assistant chef.

As a dishwasher and food delivery girl, Shizuka earned 600 Ren/h. Not a huge amount, but she was quite proud of the money she made. Moreover, every time she came home she could make sure his father didn't take too long to stop by the snack bar and take him home before he got too drunk.

As she laid her father on the bed, Shizuka asked, "Dad, can't you stop drinking every night?"

"I can't. Without alcohol your mother would fill my mind every time I close my eyes."

"Why haven't you forgotten the damn bitch who left you for a younger man?"

Shizuka clenched her fists tightly. But his father did not answer, he was already asleep. Sighing silently, Shizuka then fixed her father's blanket. Not long after that, she left the house carrying a backpack containing a wig and uniform for her second part-time job.

Every night, after her father fell asleep Shizuka would work at Kenzo Bowling, as a mini-bar waitress for 2000 Ren/h. With such a nice salary, she didn't mind having to compromise with some customer with naughty hand. She won't be working there forever, after all.

By using a pile of used bricks, Shizuka silently jumped over the wall behind her lodging house, then sneaked through the backyard of a massage parlor, toward the wall before Tamie alley. After jumping over the second wall, she could enter Kenzo Bowling through the back door and no one would know she was working there.

With steady steps, Shizuka took a stance. Then, in one flowing motion she jumped over the second wall. The problem was, as soon as her feet landed on Tamie alley, she found a black-clothed youth she knew, kneeling in front of her and pointing a silenced sidearm.

Moreover, in front of the youth lay three men, whom she recognized as money collectors from Toruma Mafia. The three men were no longer breathing. Their mouths were foaming and their chests covered in blood. So it's easy to conclude that the sidearm in the youth's hand was not an airsoft.

"Hide?"

A big question mark filled Shizuka's mind, especially since Hide's current gaze was so different and made hairs on her nape stand straight.

---

'A surprised face, but no scream or panic. . . Interesting.' While observing Shizuka's unnatural reaction, Hide put the memory card into his pocket.

He then calmly said, "Never thought someone I know would show up here."

"Don't worry, I know how to keep my mouth shut."

"Good." Hide smiled before adding, "Hope you don't mind having a short chat at the bus stop in front of Miyagi Mall."

"I don't."

Shizuka agreed without hesitation. She understood that if Hide wanted to kill her, she would have been lying on the pavement by now.

"Then, walk four meters ahead of me and don't try to run, because I'm a good shooter."

"Okay."

Without wasting time, Shizuka started walking, and after sending static to Takeo as a signal he could go to the RV point, Hide followed Shizuka. With casual steps, the two walked to the end of the alley, moving away from Kenzo Bowling.

---

At the bus stop in front of Miyagi Mall, Hide and Shizuka sat next to each other. Hide calmly started the conversation, "Do you know why the police use serial killers to track down murder suspects?"

"How in the absolute fuck I would know?"

Even though she knew Hide was pointing a silenced sidearm under his jacket, Shizuka dared to speak casually. She had a feeling Hide just wanted to make sure she kept her mouth shut.

Still in a casual tone Shizuka added, "Hide, I will keep my mouth shut. I just want to live in peace. So can you not go round and round. I still have work to do."

"I'm just trying to say, a serial killer will recognize another killer instinctively."

"So..." Shizuka smiled scornfully before continuing, "You want to say you are a serial killer and you recognize me as a murderer."

"More or less."

"Well, we have three bodies that can prove you are a serial killer. But where are the bodies that show I'm a murderer."

Hide calmly but firmly replied, "If we trace back to 6-12 months, I'm sure we'll find friends, acquaintances, co-workers, family, or anyone in your social circle, declared missing or died of unnatural causes."

Panic was reflected in Shizuka's gaze, but only for a moment. "If you're not planning to kill me, can you stop your bullshit and let me go?"

"Sure." While putting a bundle of money on Shizuka's lap, Hide continued, "This is your silent money. Take a break and rest for a few days. You look battered and full of sorrow."

Hide then got up and left Shizuka who stared at him dumbfounded.

---

A kid playground four blocks from Kenzo Bowling, Takeo was sitting on a wooden bench playing with his smartphone when Hide arrived. Without wasting time, he handed over a small paper bag.

"Bacon sandwich and warm lemon tea, in case you are hungry."

"Thanks." Hide took a big bite of the bacon sandwich before saying, "We have a little problem."

"What problem?"

"Shizuka from your class saw my action."

Takeo immediately turned to Hide and said in a super serious tone, "Hide, I saw Shizuka and a drunk. But they passed Tamie alley and entered the next one. So I didn't warn you."

"It's not your fault. She took a shortcut by jumping over the wall."

"Did. . ." Takeo swallowed hard before continuing, "Did you kill her?"

"I didn't, but I already talked to her and gave her some silent money."

"So what are we going to do next?"

"Wait and watch."

"Nothing else, are you sure?"

"Yeah." After handing a bundle of money to Takeo, Hide continued, "Let's go home."

To be honest, at this moment Takeo's heart was in turmoil. He was super worried that Shizuka would report Hide to the police. But at the same time, he didn't have the heart to silence Shizuka by killing her.

'Damn it! Hide, I can only trust your judgment.' After a silent sigh Takeo then called a taxi.

Meanwhile, Hide turned his head towards a figure in a dark corner, then casually sip his warm lemon tea as if he saw no one.

*****