The Songwriter's Funeral Song

XXX. Resting Pawn

The Songwriter’s Funeral Song
Resting Pawn

“Ah, done!”

Mugi’s POV

Just as Yuru finished peeling the apple, I’ve done reading the messages from Panda. I haven’t sent any replies and thought that I would send one when we make it back to Yuru’s apartment.

My sister’s curiosity is beyond my expectations. That’s why I’ve already prepared the arrangements for our apartment. A week ago, I’ve decided to cut down the services in it. Lodgers began to complain, but they have no choice but to leave. Then, my attempt to kill Kumo failed. He didn’t die.

I’m content with what I have right now
I didn’t think of having a man somehow
I’m also scared of having a vow
I only care for myself here and now

I started to sing these lines when I reached the apartment’s kitchen. I took a knife and headed to the room.

I didn’t ask for directions
But clouds led me to my destination

I hid the knife behind my back as I entered the room. Kumo is on his bed reading Pet Sematary by Stephen King. I have caught his attention with my tune. He put the book aside and smiled at me, not knowing the plan I have in mind. I continued singing…

I want a clear sky but then, you came.
I thought it’ll be different, I expected rain.
You gave me shed from the sun’s radiance,
And showed me that birds know how to dance.

When I managed to get closer, I stopped the hymn. He was sitting on the edge of the bed while I was standing in front of him. We were both exchanging smiles, but his was genuine. But even though it’s innocent, I didn’t bother. I stabbed him in his abdomen. I feel the knife impale on his skin. It was enjoyable that I want to stab him more. I was planning to stab him next on his neck, but Panda arrived, shocked by what he had seen. I pulled the knife off. Kumo had passed out, and his blood started to run on the bed. Then, I turned to Panda. He ran but I caught his shirt. He was shaking in fear. His body was larger than mine, but I’m pleased that he was the one who showed dread.

“Shh… it’s okay, Panda. I won’t hurt you,” I said as I drop the knife on the floor, “Just do me a favor, okay?”

He was hesitant but he nodded.

“Good.” I turned him to face me. “I need you to leave this place and go back to your hometown. Bring Kumo along. Take good care of him. And don’t you ever return until you see me behind the bars. Understood?”

Panda was baffled but he agreed to it somehow. He took Kumo with him and left the place immediately. I then cleaned the room and departed as if nothing happened. That’s when I thought, I should fool Yuru with it again.

“Kumo isn’t bedridden anymore, but his abdomen still hurts sometimes.”

“I don’t know if I should thank you, but the doctor you sent was good.”

The caution tapes that I bought from the store were cheap enough to design the whole apartment. I didn’t need police officers to do them for me. Besides, there’s no real murder that happened there. It’s just that the rotting smell was disturbing. And those bodies that Yuru thought were from Kumo and Panda, were from the dead rats and hounds.

“Thank the doctor instead,” I replied to Panda's messages.

○●○●

The ice cream shop’s bell rang when I opened its door. Two people inside turned their heads to where they heard the noise. I’m wearing my black sweater, and it seemed to warm my body as much as the tension I feel inside.