Everyday Life with a Murderer

Chapter 40: Preparations

The months passed, and November quickly slipped into December. Snow gradually covered Tokyo, blanketing North and East Japan in white. The colder weather brought the holidays nearer: Christmas, New Year's Eve, and the one Hideaki was most focused on—Seiji's birthday.

[ Weekend before Seiji's birthday ]

Seiji was deeply engrossed in programming in his room. Meanwhile, Hideaki lounged in front of the TV, scrolling through anime channels. Suddenly, he pulled out his phone and made a call.

Ken's phone lit up with an unknown number. His brow furrowed. "What the... Who's calling me now?" he muttered, glancing at Rika with mild concern.

Rika shrugged. "Why don't you answer? Could be something important."

Ken took a deep breath. "Alright..." He tapped the screen. "Hello?"

"Oi, Ken. I... need your... help." Hideaki's voice came through, sounding like he was forcing himself to say the last word.

"Miyahara-san? Is that you?" Ken asked, bewildered.

"Who else would it be, genius?" Hideaki snapped, clearly irritated.

"Well, it showed up as unknown. Could've been a scammer. And how'd you even get my number?"

Hideaki huffed. "I peeked at Seiji's phone. But that's not the point! Look, I need your h-help with something."

Ken was still skeptical. "Help with... what, exactly?"

After ensuring Seiji's door was closed, Hideaki quickly explained, "I... want to do something for Seiji's birthday. And... you're g-going to help me, okay?"

Ken blinked, surprised by Hideaki's unusual tone and request. "Uh, sure... I guess?"

After discussing the details, Hideaki slipped his phone back in his pocket,  trembling with stress. 'T-talking one-on-one on the phone with people is incredibly s-stressful.!

Once he calmed down, he went to Seiji's room, pausing briefly before entering. Seiji glanced up from his monitor as Hideaki hesitantly stepped in.

"Hey. What's up?" Seiji asked.

"Um... I arranged a meeting with... Ken," Hideaki replied, his voice unsteady.

"With Ken?" Seiji raised an eyebrow, a mix of surprise and suspicion on his face.

"Y-yeah... We, uh, need to... take care of something," Hideaki stammered.

"Take care of...? What exactly?" Seiji's suspicion deepened. Given Hideaki's history, he wasn't about to take this casually.

Hideaki hesitated before muttering, "We just need to buy something... insignificant."

Seiji frowned. "So you're heading to the shopping center?"

"Yes!"

"Alright... Hmm." Seiji rested his chin on his hand, considering. 'A crowded place like that... Hardly the best location for Hideaki to try anything dangerous.'  After a moment, he asked, "Anyone else joining, or just you two?"

"Just us."

"I see... Alright. When are you leaving?"

"In about an hour."

"And you'll know which train to take?"

"Y-yes!"

"Fine. Just one last question." Seiji's gaze narrowed slightly. "Can I trust that you're not going to try anything with Ken? Last time, you got a little... creative.'

Hideaki bristled. "I'm not doing anything to him! Why don't you trust me?"

"Well," Seiji replied dryly, "you are a serial killer with a history of... impulse control issues. I'd say it's a reasonable concern, based on past experience."

"Tch! Just shut up..."

Seiji sighed, watching him carefully. 'I really hope he doesn't screw this up... It's good he wants to spend time with others, but there's always that risk.'

Finally, Seiji gave a slight nod. "Alright. Go get ready for your meeting. I'll be here working. If I don't hear you come back, I'll cal you."

"O-okay!" Hideaki was about to leave when Seiji spoke again.

"And remember. No murders."

"Yeah, yeah..." Hideaki muttered, barely hiding his irritation.

***

[ Later, at the shopping center ]

Ken and Hideaki wandered through the shopping center, scanning the bakery aisles with differing visions in mind. Ken was ready to grab any colorful, festive cake, but Hideaki had his sights set on something... darker.

Ken eyed him, a little exasperated. "Does it have to be this specific cake? A regular one would work, too, you know."

Hideaki shot him a glare. "Yes, it has to be this one. It matches the theme I have in mind."

"Right. Because a cake with skulls and fake blood says 'Happy Birthday,'" Ken muttered. "Feels more Halloween than December."

Hideaki scowled. "Just... shut up! I know what I'm doing."

Ken sighed, mentally calculating how long they'd be stuck in this bakery. He shook his head, mumbling, "You criminals sure have strange taste..."

Hideaki snorted, too focused on his mission to respond. They eventually found a display cake – a small Black Forest with red strawberry glaze oozing down the sides and a single marzipan skull.

"Perfect," Hideaki said, eyes gleaming.

Ken frowned, glancing down at the price tag. "Are you paying for it?"

"Tch... No. You are."

Ken groaned. "Unbelievable. Fine. But only if you promise this 'theme' isn't going to freak Seiji out."

Hideaki's eyes flashed with annoyance, but he didn't argue. The line was building behind them, and Ken reluctantly handed over his card.

As they walked toward the exit, Hideaki clutched the cake possessively, glancing at Ken.

"I... I'd rather keep the cake in place where he won't discover it..." Hideaki explained, as he and Ken were getting closer to metro station. 

 "Sure... I can keep it at my place till' the birthday party, since it is the only way to keep the surprise intact. Don't worry no one will eat it." Ken reassured him.

 "T-thanks... Tch!" Hideaki responded through gritted teeth, not entirely pleased with Ken taking care of his present. "If anything happens to this cake, you'll regret it."

Ken gulped. 'Of course, he'd throw a fit over cake.'  But he forced a grin, shrugging off the lingering tension. "Got it. I'll guard it with my life."

They parted at the station, and as Ken headed home with the cake, he couldn't shake a sense of foreboding. It wasn't just the cake – it was whatever twisted idea Hideaki had in mind.