“Bullying on this level can be buried deep in the subconscious for a long time. Some kids heal, others never do. But how such horrible memories manifest in time depends from person to person. I managed to move on from the bullying I endured in middle school and not dwell on the past. But for those who went through traumatic experiences—like these ‘morbidly creative’ ways of bullying—who is to say how it affected them?”
“If you were back in school, what would you have done differently?” Shinji asked.
“Nothing. That kind of stuff isn’t on me, it’s the adults’ responsibility. They should handle such situations. Not just the bullies, but the victims too. Especially the victims. My parents knew I was bullied. Mom didn’t care. Dad said it would make me tougher. Turn me into a man.”
Shinji’s face contorted in disgust. “I’m sorry you went through that.”
A heavy silence fell over them and Teruo stood. “Let’s call it a day and continue tomorrow.”
“May I take it with me?” Shinji pointed to Yamato’s laptop. “I want to check out the websites he browsed more thoroughly.”
“I think you should rest after what happened at the medical center, but as you wish.”
“We’re behind with the investigation because of me,” Shinji said, guilt clear in his voice. “It’s the least I can do.”
“While knowing Yamato’s name a week earlier would’ve helped, the information couldn’t have been added in an official police report anyway. And I still don’t understand how the spiritual mediums fit into our case.”
Shinji raised the laptop, patting the bag. “Our murderer might be one of the spiritual mediums. There’s a clear paranormal side to this case and we can’t ignore it.”
Teruo grimaced and folded his arms. “I don’t believe in paranormal shit.”
Arching a brow, Shinji smiled. “Says the man who dumped me because I talk to dead people and disappear.”
Teruo’s jaw dropped at that. “I… uh…”
“It’s fine. I’ve learned how stubborn you can be.”
Teruo gave a grunt, knowing full well he really was being stubborn, and followed Shinji out of the office and into the elevator. A horrible feeling of regret washed over him as he peeked at Shinji. Even if they’d spent a very short time together, he’d already gotten used to Shinji’s warm body beside him in bed, to their talks until late at night and to Shinji’s presence in his house. He wasn’t the type to get attached this fast, not in the past at least. Perhaps he’d missed being in a relationship more than he cared to admit, even to himself. But on the other hand, he wasn’t sure he was capable to live with all the things Shinji hid.
When the car reached the parking lot of Shinji’s apartment, Teruo’s heart constricted. He wanted to tell Shinji to stay, but no sound came out of his mouth.
“Thank you, sir,” Shinji said. “I’ll have to buy a car soon. If you know good car dealerships, let me know.”
“No need to spend your money. I don’t mind driving,” Teruo replied, a bit too fast.
Shinji stared for a second. “Okay… I’ll still need it for other errands. Taxis are expensive.” With that he grabbed the laptop and exited the car.
Teruo’s gaze followed him as he walked the length of the parking lot. Even though it was getting colder with each passing day, Shinji didn’t wear a coat and was just in his suit. This brought back yesterday’s memory of Shinji’s freezing body. Was it related to the spirits? Was that why he said he was used to the cold?
Letting out a heavy breath Teruo drove away, throwing one last glance in Shinji’s direction through the rear-view mirror. Then he slammed the brakes, bringing the car to a jarring stop.
What the hell?
Shinji was on his knees, holding onto his neck, his head thrown back. Without a second thought, Teruo got out of the car, running toward him.
“What’s wrong?” Teruo shouted.
Shinji was groaning, mouth wide open, his face turning scarlet. He looked like he was choking, and he kept pawing at his neck. Thin red lines appeared, circling his throat. Teruo pulled out his phone to call for an ambulance at the same time kneeling beside him to help.
But Shinji dug his fingernails in Teruo’s shoulder, then pointed his index toward the apartment block.
“Catch… ” he whispered.
“Catch? What?”
He kept pointing in the direction of the building. “White wind,” he choked out the words. “Killing me…”
Teruo’s eyes widened. Without hesitation, he rushed to the apartment block, getting his gun out of the holster. He couldn’t see anyone. The parking lot was empty, so was the front of the building. It was as if all life had been sucked out of the area, with the exception of the street lights’ yellowish glow. But if Shinji was being choked by that wind and the wind came from a person, then the perpetrator must’ve been at the side of the building if the wind followed a straight line.