Illegal Romance

Chapter 4

Newscaster: ...The body was found three days after the previous murder...

Jimena: That place... 

The distinct aesthetic of that apartment is something that I've seen before. However, I had never heard the address or the name of the woman that had been killed. 

Newscaster: The victim that was discovered was one Naoko Sakaki, who lived in the apartment...

Jimena: Why is it that this is the only thing I can remember...?

Finding out that there had been a murder in that apartment sends me into a panic. That's because I know this place. Which means that this news... 

Jimena: Am I... connected to these two incidents?

My body shows no signs of scratches or other injuries. If it wasn't physical shock that caused me to lose my memory... It's only logical to think that it was mental shock that caused it.

Jimena: (Did I... kill someone...!?)

I'm filled with a sense of dread at the thought of my identity, feeling guilty for the people affected. Although I was once afraid of getting my memory back, I now want to make it come back.

Jimena: Maybe if I go to that apartment, I'll figure something out...

I stare at the television screen, making the decision to face my memory head on.

Listening to people on the street, I'm finally able to find the location being streamed on the news. Beyond the several onlookers, there are police officers combing the scene.

Jimena: (There are so many curious onlookers... Ah!)

Noze: After we get the forensic results...

Mixed in among the many police officers are a few men in suits. Noze is one of them. 

"There are some commonalities between this and the case three days earlier..."

Jimena: (Noze is... in charge of this case...)

I attempt to hide behind the other onlookers, so as not to be seen by Noze. Given how close the crime scene is to his apartment, it's no wonder that he's in charge. However, I didn't even consider that possibility until I saw him.

Jimena: (I don't want him to see me right now...)

I don't want him to know that I think I may be involved with the two murders somehow.

Jimena: (If he finds out, he'll probably kick me out of his apartment...)

I'm afraid to leave him until my memory returns. Taking care to not be noticed, I slip away from the scene.

Despite leaving the scene, I can't bring myself return to the apartment right away. There's one more place I feel like I have to go in order to find my memory. 

Jimena: (If I go to the apartment I saw on the news first...)

Even now, I find myself shivering at the though of the images on the television. That fear that I can't help but fear tells me I should remember something if I go there. However, because I had panicked the moment I saw it, I'm unsure of the name of the victim or the location. 

Jimena: (I'don't think I really should, but I feel like it'll be good if I do too for some reason...)

???: Huh? You...

Jimena: What...?

Mao: You're still hanging around here!?

Jimena: Mao...