STRANGERS FOR YEARS, THREE NIGHTS AS FRIENDS

˗ˏˋ HE SAID HE WISHED TO BE FREE LIKE A BIRD 'ˎ˗

It was moments before screams and shrieks took over the crowd. Loads of confusion swarmed everyone, especially the children that had their eyes covered by their parents. Loud, audible whispers were heard all over the main deck. Others leaned over the railing, trying to catch a glimpse of the body, but it was nowhere to be found.

What the hell just happened?

Everything happened so fast. There wasn't a lot of time to even react. Others that were near the jumping man were quiet as a mouse. Only that circle of people was silent in shock. Not a word would escape from their throat. Beads of sweat would slide down occasionally.

They were all speechless.

Not a word was let out.

Only the loud chatter and whispers were the sounds that the group had heard. Other than that, only the feeling of confusion and numbness took over their bodies and minds.

"Oh my! The man...h–he jumped off!"

"It all happened so fast! I don't even know how to react..."

"How could he do that?! He probably had a wife and kids! What a selfish man!"

Riiinnnggggggg...

A loud ring rang through Kenji's ears loudly. It was almost deafening. The shocking sound pulled him into a blank trance, eyes in a whole new different place. The loud chatter got quieter and quieter as if they were being silenced by this loud ring.

What...What the hell? The reaction whispered in Kenji's mind. A word wouldn't come out of his mouth, just like the rest of the people. He didn't even notice Seven whispering his name in his ear.

The ring continued to run until Seven's voice finally reached him. His whole body flinched once the detective quietly called their name out next to his ear.

A hand went on Kenji's shoulder and the boy slowly turned to the left, gazing directly into dark, empty eyes. They were almost blocked by the number of obsidian-colored strands hovering over the eyes.

Seven's eyelids dropped after being widened so much and pulled his face back. Then, another whisper came out of his mouth slowly. His voice was calm and collected.

"Are you okay? If so, I'm gonna take you to Prosper and–"

"Seven,"

The detective's face lightens up for a moment. Kenji actually said his name for once, and Seven wished he could've congratulated him for doing so, but now wasn't the time. Blinking in confusion, he tilted his head slightly.

Kenji darted over to where the man had jumped off despite the number of people surrounding the spot. His eyebrows were raised high just like his eyes while yellow-tinted teeth slightly showed as his jaw dropped.

Then, shaky words croaked out of Kenji's mouth. "D–Did you fucking see that? That man...he..."

At first, the detective didn't know what to say. He was completely silent, darting his eyes onto the ground. Only did he see his shoes along with Kenji's. How would he respond to something like that? Is this supposed to be a 'please comfort me' moment or a wake-up call?

Shaken by confusion, Seven shook his head, his lip biting the other. He can't say anything right now, so there wasn't any point in trying to comfort or tell Kenji to get his mind out of the gutter. Comforting people was one of Seven's greatest weaknesses. His pale hands released from their shoulders and he faced towards where the man had jumped off.

An aching pain dug into Seven's palm as his nails clenched in. How was he supposed to think in this situation? His focus had run away from him once he saved Kenji from being pushed into the water, and shit, it was infuriating.