MHA: Jigsaw Reborn

Chapter 16: A Completly Normal Customer

(A/N: After reading the comments, I decided I won't rewrite the chapter. Though I could go back and rewrite it, what's done is done. I fully and completely understand why some of you didn't like it, and I agree with your points, but ultimately I'll do my best to elaborate/build up from what happened in the chapter. Moreover, I'll use it as both a reminder and fuel for myself to create better SAW traps in the future. With that out the way, I hope you enjoy the chapter!)

----------

[2 Weeks Later]

[Narrator's POV]

The air was filled with the faint hum of refrigeration units at the back of the small convenience store, where chilled drinks and snacks were displayed behind glass doors that occasionally fogged up.

Every once in a while, a child would whizz towards the store with nothing but thoughts of candy and chip bags in their eyes. But Kramer always noticed that they ended up back in the refrigeration units, where they would draw innocent doodlings before their parents chased them down.

It was always a pleasant sight to see innocence uncorrupted by the realities of the world.

The convenience store managing life was simple in comparison to being a Civil Engineer, Kramer constantly thought to himself. It was different, and it came with its own set of challenges, but it was pleasant.

The store was empty, but that was a given considering how dark and chilly it was outside. Fall was soon approaching, and winter was not long after. But the convenience store stood almost like an outpost on those nights. Its warm interior in contrast to the dark, quiet street outside makes it feel like a small, isolated bubble of activity.

John Kramer, or rather Okazaki Yuudai, was reading a novel behind the counter as he always did to pass the time, the only thing breaking the silence being the hum of the refrigerators at the back, along with the mounted television on the corner of the room blaring the latest news.

"Authorities are still grappling with the recent events that happened only two weeks ago, urging the public to stay vigilant and to report any suspicious activity. Hero patrols have more than tripled, with..."

Kramer drowned out the noise, absorbing himself in his pastime. He flipped to the next page, again, and again, and again, for an unknown amount of time, until the door opened with a soft chime, letting in the cool air from the outside.

Kramer was pulled back from his readings as he took a glance upwards to meet the customer. For one, the man was tall, and dressed in a sharp black suit that seemed to absorb the white fluorescent light of the convenience store. His hair was as white as snow and neatly fell over his forehead, contrasting with his dark suit.

The man hummed as he walked in the store, walking slowly between the isles that were stocked with goodies and treats. "Me, my," the man spoke in a way that naturally commanded attention and respect, but to him could have only been casual. "The authorities should catch this Jigsaw individual, don't you think?" he asked curiously to Kramer, gesturing to the news that played on the television screen.

Kramer stood up, bookmarking the page he was on. "I suppose so," he said evenly, matching the man's tone. The man could only respond with a small, yet hearty chuckle to himself. "It did take a while to find you, Okazaki Yuudai," the man said as he looked at the items on sale, taking hold of some chips and reading their nutrient contents.

"My store is certainly not in the most populated area of the city, I can say that much. But, it works for me and does the job well." Kramer shrugged as he spoke, keeping his eyes fixed on the man who strolled his stores with interest.