Emma's Boyfriend (Editing)

Chapter ❦3❦ Faux

The faint hum of the television blended with thr distant noise of the city outside of a certain man's cramped apartment. He lay sprawked on the worn out futon,half-empty ag of stale chips beside him. His eyes were glazed as he stared blankly at the screen, barely registering the news anchor's voice. He reached lazily for another chip, stuffing the piece into his mouth.
"Breaking news," the anchor announced, her somber voice cutting through the quiet.  "Last night of July 2,2017. A shocking incident rocked the quiet district in Shibuya. [L/n], [M/n]. Age 27, a well-known café owner, was fatally shot. Witnesses report seeing a blonde man with a dragon tattoo on his neck, walking in front of the café and shooting the victim. The gunfire shattered the café's front panel windows, leaving bystanders in shock."

Images flashed on the screen: a cordoned-off street, the café's shattered windows reflecting the flashing red and blue lights of police cars.
The man froze mid-chew, the words brushimg against some buried nerve. He reached for the remote, increasing the volume.

"[L/n], [M/n] was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities are investigating potential motives, but one name surfaced in connection with this incident—Manjiro Sano, also known as 'Mikey', the leader of the infamous Tokyo Maji Gang." The man sat up straight,[L/n]? No way! We just talked yesterday!!!

The images and words on the screen blurring as memories surfaced, [M/n], is someone he had always looked up to from a distance. Kind and caring, that's how he'll describe [M/n]. A loud knock on his door snapped him out of his spiraling thoughts.  He jerked, nearly dropping the remote. "Hey! Keep it down in there!" Mrs. Nakamura's voice called sharply from the other side.

Takemitchi scrambled to his feet, rushing to open the door. "Sorry, sorry, Mrs. Nakamura," he said hastily, bowing in apology. The older woman glared at him, her arms crossed over her chest. "You've got the tv so loud I can hear it in my kitchen! Turn it down will you?!"

"Yes, of course! Sorry.." Takemitchi stammered, bowing again. "I'll keep it down,"

She huffed and stomped off, muttering under her breath. Takemitchi shut the door softly, leaning against it as his heart pounded in his chest. His eyes caught one last glimpse of the café's shattered windows before the news transitiomed to another story. He sank back to the futon, sighing deeply. Who would have known that someone want's to kill him? His glance at the photoframe that hung on his wall, a hansome man in beige brown sweater and jeans smiled at the lens. Beside him was an equally happy raven haired Takemitchi in a red hoodie. The duo had their hand posed in a peace sign. 

On next day, Takemitchi get to work like the usual. The store's fluorescent lights buzzed faintly overhead, casting a sterile glow over the aisles of DVDs and video games. He leaned against thr counter, his uniform slightly wrinkled and his name tag tilted awkwardly. He sighed, staring blanky at the rows of colorful cases. The monotony of his job had always grated on him, but today, it felt suffocating. He absently fiddled with a stack of returned DVDs on the counter. He knew he should put them back on the shelves, but his legs feel heavy to move. Who and why would someone kill [M/n]? He pondered.

The bell above the door jingled, snapping him out of his daze. A mother and her young son strolled in, the boy excitedly pointing at a display of video games. Takemitchi plastered a tired smile as he straightened up.

"Hanagaki!" His manager's sharp voice cut through thr air. Takemitchi flinched, turning to see her standing near the back of the store, arms crossed. "How many times do I have to tell you to put the returns back on the shelves? The customers can't find what they're looking for if you leave them piled up."