Project SEKAI: A Rose Among Thorns

Chapter 1

(A little A/N: Some characters in here are a bit ooc. Such as— Tsukasa is now more gentle and Mafuyu can feel other emotions but doesn't show them much, there's more but surely you'll figure it out. Also everyone is 20+ and uhh Saki is dead. The VOCALOIDS also don't exist here
Now with that being said, let's begin)

Tsukasa's POV:
"For the last time, Tsukasa, let it go" My boss says to me sternly. "But sir—" My words are cut off, "You're not even a journalist, just an office clerk, and you want to be given permission to investigate a big story? And not just any story but the case of the Roseblood Killer?" My boss says to me in a serious tone.

"We can't turn a blind eye to such a grave matter when lives are at stake!" I shout, determined for even a glimmer of hope.

"Tokyo Yard will handle the investigation, not us. Stick to your duties and let the professionals handle theirs. Understood?" "Yes, sir..." I sigh, there's no point in fighting it

...
Outside Tsukasa's workplace
I wrap my coat tightly around myself as the brisk night air tousles my hair. The conversation with my boss plays in my mind like a broken record.

Other than a few anonymous supporters and readers of our work, no one seems to believe in my work...I may not be a journalist yet, but is it unreasonable to aspire to follow in my parents' footsteps? They wouldn't have idly sat by while a killer roamed the streets!

Frustration fuels my stride as I walk down the street, but it gradually wanes once my flat comes into view. Though it's modest, it offers solace and familiarity.

Maybe I should be content with what I have...it's the first time I've felt secure since my days in foster care.

After my parents were murdered, I never thought I'd find happiness or experience a sense of normalcy again...That's until I met Ena, my best friend, and we saved up to rent a place together.

So, my current circumstances might not align with my aspirations, but at least I have a place to call my own.

Tsukasa and Ena's flat
Feeling somewhat reassured, I unlock the door and step inside. Darkness greets me as I enter, odd...

"Ena? Are you here?" And there's no response...perhaps she's stepped out?

Movement catches my eye, and I pivot. A shadowy figure looms near the window, unmistakably not my roommate. I can't understand who they as their features remain obscured. It's definitely not Ena, I know her more than anyone else.

My whole body trembles. I can't help but think about the recent killing spree going on in Tokyo.

"Wh-Who goes there?!" I yell. A sharp intake of breath is the only sound I hear.
Ena is supposed to be here...did this person do something to her?!

Despite being terrified, I rush forward, but the window is ajar and the mysterious figure is poised for escape.
"Stop!" I shout out, but it's no use...

Seizing a nearby book, I fling it at the engimatic figure with little forethought, driven solely by instinct. They intercept the book mid-air and cast it aside, but the brief distraction affords me a moment to close the gap between us.

"Who are you?! What have you done with my roommate?!" I shout once again. Instead of a reply, they shove me with an unexpected force which propels me into the wall.

When my shoulder connects with the wall, a jolt of pain courses through my arm. I slump to the floor as the person vanishes into the night through the window.

"W-Wait!" I rise to my feet and stumble toward the window, but the mysterious figure is long gone. "No..." I shakily whisper to myself, trembling in fear. Could they have taken Ena...?