𝐓𝐀𝐌𝐄𝐃 || 𝐊.𝐍𝐉

𝟷𝟷 | 𝐇𝐈𝐃𝐃𝐄𝐍 𝐓𝐑𝐔𝐓𝐇 ☽

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"A clan?" I can barely wrap my head around it. Of course, there are still some active clans, but to be so active in society and dangerous surprises me. "You're serious?"

He nods and turns the laptop back toward him. He types quickly on the keyboard before opening a new website on a different tab.

"If I'm correct, then yes, it's all connected. It took me hours to find another lead, but we have a clan I believe. If this is true, then that means this can be tied to different killers, not solely one." He narrows his eyebrows while typing.

"Read this old newspaper clipping I found. I thought it sounded familiar,"

This time, he hands me the laptop. I place it on my lap and begin reading, while he sits next to me eyeing the computer screen and myself ever so often to see my reaction.

"𝟭𝟵𝟮𝟯: Breaking News! One of the oldest clans in Japan is expected to close due to an old tradition recognizing the murder of Princess Yuko that took place over 150 years ago in the year of 𝟭𝟳𝟳𝟯..."

I stop reading after that and narrow my eyes.

"Princess Yuko? He never said she was a princess. He only said she was the lady of the house." I admit.

"Exactly, so why would our Professor lie or not mention any more vital details?" He ponders while I shrug.

"Perhaps he wanted us to find out the information on our own? But still... he was willingly giving us this info for our assignment, and he left out a major key component in his explanation." I look at the ground hard while trying to piece it together, but I eventually shake my head. "Maybe he forgot," I end it at that and yawn tiredly.

"You know, we should plan these types of appointments before you show up uninvited. Wait, how exactly did you know my whereabouts?" Suddenly, the realization hits me.

"Our Professor asked one of the higher-ups at the university to give me your current living address. I have to admit I was surprised the address was here and not the apartment. The only reason I asked was that I figured you were probably staying with a relative, and surely, my guess was correct." And like that, it makes more sense. I gave the university this address for my mail instead of the apartment to keep it from my parents.

"But they're not supposed to be giving that information out, so are you sure that's really what happened?" I eye him up and down with a tad of suspicion.

"Yes, Emiko. I only received the address because I'm taking all of your college work to you and because we have to work on this together. I'm the only person who's not terrified to be around you and the only one willing to meet up with you." He stops short when he sees my eyes widen from his last few words. "I... I didn't mean for it to come out like that. It's just that everyone is one edge and-"

"It's fine, Namjoon," I put my hand up to stop him from saying any more. "I know the whole country is either scared of me or trying to kill me so-" He cuts me off.

"Kill you? What do you mean?" He asks quietly.

"It's nothing. I can take care of myself. I'm okay now." I end it there because I hate to be pitied. I don't need him or anyone else feeling sorry for me.

"Are you sure?" He asks once more, and I shake my head to confirm it.

"I promise everything is okay." After that, he starts packing up and begins to put his laptop in his backpack, but he suddenly stops.

"Since it looks like you don't have any electronics, I'll leave this and the charger here for you. I have a computer in my room, so you can use this and do some research of your own since you want to work on the project as much as I do." He admits and places the laptop on the coffee table. "I should get back home before it gets too late. I'll see you later." He shuts the door on his way out, while I collapse on the couch in exhaustion.

I hoped that today wouldn't be as tiring as yesterday, but it turned out to be exhausting. Sighing, I turn my head to the other side of the couch towards the coffee table.

Inspecting his laptop, I decided to sit up and research some of the project, too.

Placing the laptop on my lap, I open it and enter the laptop as a guest. Going to the search engine, I type in a few keywords, but nothing pops up.

Narrowing my eyes, I have to admit Namjoon must be good at computers to be able to find such deep information. I get comfortable because I have a feeling I'll be here for a while.

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As soon as I get another idea to search, the screen suddenly goes black. "Come on," I groan with aggravation.

Standing up, I grab the laptop charger and bring it over to an outlet to let it charge for a while.

Sadly, I couldn't find any information while searching about our topic. Thankfully, he left the tabs from earlier open, so I did scan over those for a little while and tried searching but nothing came up.

It seems either I suck at computers, or Namjoon's good with them. Of course, I'm not going to give a compliment to him, so I leave the thought hanging.

While realizing I've done enough for today, I head upstairs to bed instead. It still is a little early, but after the long day I've had, I need the rest.

Walking into the dark room upstairs, I don't waste any time before falling onto my futon and shutting my eyes.

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