Alexithemia

Prologue

Alexithemia
/əˌleksəˈTHīmēə/ noun PSYCHIATRY
The inability to recognize or describe one's own emotions.
...

     Fifteen minutes late, a pumpkin spiced latte in your hand, and a rushed field report shoved into your backpack, you burst through the doors of your office.

     You mutter hello's under your breath as you refuse to meet the gaze of your coworkers. You set your latte on the desk and  shrug your backpack off your shoulders, hurrying to fish out your report.

"Hey you're 15 minutes, 33 seconds, and 26 nanoseconds late."

     The cocky voice belonged to none other than your best friend in the office, Choi San. You look up and glare at him jokingly and he laughs.

"Hey, no need to be hostile! Do you have your report finished? BMin's gonna be mad if you don't have it on his desk before 9"

"BMin?" I asked, confused.

"You know, boss man Mingi?"

"You create some of the stupidest nicknames."

"Why? Are you still mad about the whole Marshmallow thing?"

     Your cheeks heat up and you shove the report in his hands. "Don't speak of that at work."

"Aye Aye Captain"  He replied as he walked off to hand in your report; and you sat down in your swivel chair. You take a big sip of your latte and let out a sigh.

"So much to do, so little time to do it." You rubbed your tired eyes and logged into your computer. A few minutes later, Mingi came out of his office, San trailing him close behind.

"Alrighty listen up!" Everyone tore their eyes from their screens and payed attention to their boss.

"Today we have a lot to cover. There was another murder committed by Scar. There's politics to talk about, oh!  There was a protest outside one of the noodle shops down town; something about unfair wages. So divide and conquer!" He started to walk back to his office, but stopped at your desk. "Were you late again today, Miss. Kim?"

    You hung your head in shame. "Yes I was."

"Field work. I expect a full report on my desk by 3pm sharp." He grumbled.

"Yes sir."

     He walked off to his office as you gathered supplies to take with you. Putting it all into your bag neatly, you hung your work ID around your neck, and pulled your backpack on.

     You made sure to stop at San's desk before heading out, only to smack him in the back of the head for ratting you out.

"You know you love me!" He shouted. You flipped him off as you walked out of the building, and towards your company car.

     Parking alongside a major tourist street, you got out and walked along the strip. You tried to blend in with the crowd.

     You had observed people going about their lives. You stopped in a few major restaurants to interview people. Then you found yourself once again merged in the stream of people outside.

     Satisfied with your work, you walked to the café you frequent, and walked in. You were greeted by the smile of Choi Jongho, your favorite Barista.

"The usual Miss. Kim?"

"You got it!" You said excitedly as you shot him finger guns, and he laughed while making your order; a triple shot caramel macchiato with a Ceaser Salad for lunch.

     You sat at a table near the windows, so you could watch people pass by as you ate. Then you grabbed your laptop to begin your report.

      A short while later, Jongho delivered your order as always smiling, carrying your drink with extra whip, and a heart after your name.

"Thanks!" You exclaimed.

"No problem." He said as he went back behind the counter. The overhead door bells chime out, signaling a new customers arrival.

     You looked up to see a man in all black, wearing a mask and a black hat. Nothing out of the ordinary, they're just a little emo, was all you thought to yourself, and you happily returned to work.

     Done with your report, you start to pack up your stuff and finish your salad. You took care of your trash and waved goodby to Jongho.

     When you returned to work, everything was in chaos.

"Y/N! Did you hear!?" San yelled.

"Hear what?"

"SCAR! He's been caught by the police! We've been trying to get an interview, or even a photo, but police aren't letting anyone in!"

"What?! He has? That's a relief!"

"Yes it is," you jumped back, Mingi's voice startling you, "However, no one can get in to take a photo or do an interview as to how he got caught."

"I have two things for you" you said as you pulled your field report out of your bag.

"1.  I have the report. 2. I have a friend at the station who might be able to help. I'll call him to find out." Mingis eyes widened, even almost bursting out of his head."

"Why didn't you start with that?!"

~ To Be Continued ~

** Note:
      I'm a writer on Wit as well, and this story was originally published there, as well as my other work. My username on wit is @JayCee