The holidays were fast approaching, and Seiji could already feel the headache setting in as he thought about all that needed to be done.
'While waiting for that therapy date, I'll plan Christmas... Let's try homemade this year instead of KFC. Sure, it'll be more work, but if I get Hideaki to help, maybe he'll actually learn something about traditional winter dishes. Alright, decision made... Hmm, we'll need to head to the city center... Next—presents.'
Lost in thought, Seiji looked intensely focused, barely noticing Hideaki studying him from across the room, curious about what could be on his mind.
Suddenly, Seiji snapped to attention, turning toward Hideaki with a quick, decisive tone. "Hideaki, we're going shopping."
"Huh?" Hideaki blinked, caught off guard.
"Christmas prep. If we get it all done now, we'll avoid the last-minute chaos," Seiji replied, his tone brisk.
As they made their way through Tokyo's bustling holiday streets, Seiji's eyes flickered with a rare hint of enjoyment as they reached the Christmas market, with its lights and decorations. "Not freezing today, thankfully. Hunting down ingredients in a blizzard would be twice the hassle."
Hideaki looked at him, puzzled. "Ingredients?"
"Yep," Seiji replied, as if it were obvious. "We're skipping KFC this year."
"What?" Hideaki's face fell in visible disappointment. "No fried chicken?"
"Not this time. We're doing things traditionally: hot pot, tempura, sushi, potato salad—and a big Christmas cake for dessert."
Hideaki's face brightened. "Wait, all of that?"
"Yeah. You can eat as much as you want."
Hideaki's eyes sparkled. "Alright, now we're talking! I'm going to eat until I can't move!"
Seiji smirked. "Figured you'd be on board. You're easily the biggest glutton I've met."
"H-Hey! I'm not a glutton!" Hideaki protested, a flush creeping up his cheeks.
"Right. So says the guy with a bottomless pit for a stomach. Your appetite is both terrifying and impressive."
Hideaki glared, face red, trying to cover his embarrassment. "Tch... whatever."
Seiji gave a small, amused shrug. "C'mon, then. We have a lot to get. Christmas is in a day."
"Mhm," Hideaki muttered, still flustered as they moved on with their plans.
[ Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department ]
Officers Nakamura and Tanaka reviewed the case files once more, exchanging knowing glances.
Nakamura placed a steady hand on the file stamped "Sekiguchi Seiji" in bold letters. "It's been over three weeks since Sekiguchi promised to check in about his roommate," he began, tapping his finger thoughtfully against the file. "Odd we haven't heard back, don't you think, Tanaka-san?"
Tanaka frowned, nodding. "Right. He introduced Mizuhara as his roommate, but it's strange—no record, no work history... almost as if this Mizuhara doesn't exist."
"Exactly," Nakamura agreed, voice low. "Too convenient. Sekiguchi doesn't have a record himself, but he could be hiding something. Especially if 'Mizuhara' is just a name."
Tanaka raised an eyebrow. "You're suggesting he's covering for someone?"
"Possibly," Nakamura said, his gaze hardening. "Here's another thing — the name 'Mizuhara Hideki.' Doesn't it sound an awful lot like 'Miyahara Hideaki?'"
YOU ARE READING
Everyday Life with a Murderer
AçãoA adult Japanese man, Seiji Sekiguchi was devastated by his life. During one rainy evening, he went to the rooftop of a building to commit suicide. Unexpectedly, on his way he meets a man, who apparently wants to kill him. Prepared for certain death...
