"Checkmate," said the guy in front of me, a familiar face with his glasses as we sat in his cozy apartment's living room, playing chess, but I always failed to understand the gameplay.
"Fourth in a row, indeed, no match for you," I sigh as I lean into the soft couch.
"I could teach you if you're interested," said the guy, organizing the board and storing it under the table while sneaking a glance.
I look at the ceiling and say, "Thanks, but it just gave me another headache."
He chuckles softly and walks into his kitchen.
My eyes narrow when I focus on some part of his ceiling, chains? I look at him, who disappears behind the wall, as I carefully stand up and walk up to the stairs.
Following those chains, it ends up to a maroon polished door. I observe that door as I look down, checking if he's still in his kitchen. I turn my gaze back at the door, and when the door is slightly open, I can't help but look closer.
My eyes widen. I cover my mouth once I look at what's behind that door.
'I shouldn't-'
"You shouldn't be here," said that guy, leaning against the wall beside him.
'Since when he's here'
I take a step back, trying not to tremble when his demeanor becomes drastically different yet still calm. It chills me.
"Uh... haha... just curious. Sorry if I walk to the wrong side." I try to chuckle the tension away, yet his gaze pierces my soul. I awkwardly walked past him before-
"And you think that's fine with me?" His hand pins my wrist, so tight that I start to be scared of the person in front of me. My eyes are slightly dilated, clearly noticed by him. He is a good observer indeed, but never expect him to be in such circumstance.
"You shouldn't wander around in someone's house, but truly, a great detective will never let go of their instinct." He leans closer. His eyes undressing me, searching for my truth.
I try to push him off, but his grip is just getting firmer. "Ye-yeah, yeah, I'm truly so-sorry about that."
Sh!t my facade slips away, just that, as if running away to save itself.
"Scared ? Seeing the person in front of you is rather an unexpected psychopath on the most wanted list." He smirked, I was pretty sure it was something.
My eyes locked on his apartment door.
"Looking for an escape ? Yes ? No ? Maybe so?"
I suddenly pushed him as hard as I could, which thankfully caught him off guard.
"Enlighten me; I'd love to see if you make it out when..." His voice was so calm, contrary to my heavy breath, running to the door, and as my hand gripped the handle, it electrified me.
"Ahh," I yelp as I pull my hand away, turning to see him in horror.
'No! Am I going to-'
"Don't worry, we'll have our fun here," he chuckled softly as he walked down the stairs.
I'm looking for a way out, something to defend myself. My breath raged in panic. I didn't expect him to be our searched serial killer.
My mind is still denying it because of how well he treats me. He's been my best pal ever since we met at the orphanage and promised to take police inspector exams back then. Indeed, he is a skilled forensic at the base, a perfect combination for a detective like me.
