Hope you enjoy this update!

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The ambulance showed up a few minutes after I called. Mr. Hagiwara was still unresponsive to anything, even his wife’s crying. Koji soon came to realize what was happening and slumped his shoulders, wailing. Kyoko tried to comfort him as best as she could, but she failed to even convince herself things would be alright.

Akito still hadn't showed up, I was starting to get scared, until the police came and reported that the black car that hit Mr Hagiwara was found.

When I got to the back of a clothes store and found the car, where the police said Akito found it, no one was in there. Whoever drove it ran away and didn't leave anything. There wasn't even a license plate.

“There's no identification or license plate anywhere.” Akito groaned, stroking his hair back in distress. I returned his camera and sighed, “I’m just glad you're okay! I was sure the person would’ve gotten you too.”

“No, of course not. I’m fine.” I looked down and remembered something. “Did you see who was driving the vehicle?” Akito shook his head. “There's not a trace of the suspect anywhere.”

An officer came up to us and shook his head, “The boy’s right. We couldn't even find a hair of this person. No idea on who would’ve done it yet, it could possibly be the same people that caused the other accidents and murders, but we’re still not sure. This seems less brutal than what they’ve been known to do.”

“Oh yeah, did you find anything new on the other corpses from earlier events ?” Silence followed my question when then officer simply looked down, as if hiding something. “Not yet... Did you two see anything?”

I couldn't recall anything familiar. I didn't even see the person through the window. I wasn't sure who did this in the first place!

“No, sorry. We were just talking with our friend and the victim when the little boy stepped out onto the road. The car came at a fast speed, my friend jumped in the way and picked him up, but the victim came in and pushed her out of the way. We don't know much about them other than their last name is Hagiwara.” Akito nodded at the police.

I went on, “Our friend’s name is Kyoko Mizushima.” The police took his hands out of his pockets, “Ah, yes. My partner is asking her some questions right now as well.” He looked back at the car where three officers opened the trunk.

The trunk of the car, from what I could see, was filled with two plastic bags. Though, from the officer’s expressions, there was something far more terrible than that.

Akito and I looked over the police’s shoulder, seeing a disembodied head in the bag and a bloodied body in a bigger bag. No distinct details were seen other than the stomach was ripped open with dried red fluid staining it. My eyes widened at the image of that and I quickly turned it. It reminded me of the dream I had where Maiko's head rolled out from the bed.

The officers quickly spoke into their walkie talkies and the police in front of us pushed us back. “Sorry, kids, you're going to have to leave this. We need to investigate the car.”

Akito and I hurriedly left with no further questions. We didn't speak a word when we made it the apartment complex. Maiko was totally curious to how our ‘date’ went while both of us were trying to come up with a reasonable explanation to who did it. Was it the twins, Dominic, possibly Michael or Asher?

“Ritsuko! Akito!” Maiko whined, “You can't keep ignoring me like this. Are you two okay? You look kinda sick actually.”

Akito took Maiko's arm and dragged her into my apartment to speak in private.

We filled in Maiko in everything that happened, she just stared at us with her mouth open and wide eyes. “What?! Weren't you two supposed to be taking pictures?”

Akito slapped his forehead and groaned, “Is that all you’re worried about?! Yes, we took pictures, but don't you see there’s something worse to be concerned about? Koji’s father was hit with a car, for goodness’ sakes!” Maiko put her hand over her chest. “You think that's all I think is important?”

“It seems like it!” Akito snapped. Maiko exclaimed twice in disbelief and argued, “Excuse me, Akito, but I’m the one who didn't see any of this go down! You two always leave me out of any of these things and always send me off to do something else. Just because I’m younger doesn't mean you can treat me like a little kid!”

I felt a little at fault here, but interjected anyway, “We never thought that about you, Maiko. You know Akito and I always like having you with us. Where did all this come from anyway?” Maiko shook her head, “I’m sorry, I’m just processing this right now! You guys are asking me for an immediate response, but I don’t know what to say. I don't know what to do now.” She put her arms around herself.

“This is happening way too fast.” I sighed, leaning against the wall and putting my hands on my face. “These people are already 2 steps ahead of us. There's no way we can figure out who did it at this rate.”

Maiko looked up at me with a hesitant yet scared look. “Does that mean we’re losing? Does that mean they’re winning?”

My mouth opened, but no words came out. I had no idea how to respond. “No, Maiko. We're not losing!” Akito answered in a flustered voice. “But they’re killing off so many people!” She sniffed. “I know.”

“It’s only a matter of time now before one of us gets hurt, I mean, they tried to kill Rin, Kyoko and Koji, they killed Emily, Tadaaki, and so many other people. They're probably targeting us now since Ritsuko is the one who’s seen all of them.”

“Not all.” I mumbled, crossing my arms. Maiko went on, “They're going to get us in only probably a few more innocent people and then what?”

I looked down with big eyes and concluded, “I’m next.”

Akito and Maiko turned their heads to me. They must’ve heard me. I looked at them and nodded. “I’m next, guys. They may not know I’m a Despair Healer, but for some reason, they're after me.” Akito questioned agitatedly, “What makes you say that?”

I stepped toward them and explained, “They told me.” Maiko gasped and put her hands over her mouth. Akito stood there in complete silence. “There was a masked person at the window. The one that killed Tadaaki. Before I could call for help, they told me ‘you're next’.” I flashed back to that moment. How terrified I was, how I could hardly breathe or move, I would never forget it.

“They want me next. And I don't know what I’m going to do, but we're not gonna cower from them.” Akito gasped and looked up at me. It was obvious by his expression that he wasn’t expecting me to say that. “The whole point of you helping me is so I can heal these five people. I’m so close to that now! I can sense it! We can't go back to square one, worrying about what they’ll do in the future! We have to move on and I have to finish this. From now on, I won't look back. I’ll heal them, I’ll heal all five of them! Even if it's the last thing I do!” I swore with tears building up in my eyes.

“I know you both want me to be safe, but I can't be safe anymore. No matter what, they're coming after me. And if the only way to get them off my tail is healing them, then I’ll do it.” Maiko sniffed, fighting tears herself and nodded. “Whatever you want, Ritsuko, we’ll help you!” She whimpered, “I won't be a bad friend to you. I’m going to help you. No more doubting and looking back.”

Akito nodded once and looked at me straight in the eyes, we almost lost the courage to do that, but kept our stare. “I will help you Ritsuko. I’ll do anything for you if it’s to know that it’ll help you. I’m not backing out either.”

“I’m so glad you feel that way.” I said sighing in relief. “I’m glad that both of you are okay.” Maiko wrapped her arms around me and Akito.

“Maiko!” Mr. Tanaka called from outside the door. “Are you in there?” He knocked. We all rushed to the door and answered it. “Yes, we were just in here talking with Ritsuko.”

Mr. Tanaka looked back and twisted his mouth, “Well, I smell something cooking in the oven and I wanted to let you know before it started burning.” Maiko gasped and looked back at us, “I gotta pull those macarons out, they’re for Rin’s party thursday! I’ll be back in a bit, Ritsuko!” She quickly skipped downstairs to the bakery.

I put my hand over my mouth and chuckled quietly, looking at Akito. He chortled back and stepped up to the door. “Do you need me to do anything else, Dad? I kinda ran out this morning with Ritsuko.”

Mr. Tanaka looked around and scratched his head. “Not that I can see. You took care of all the chores pretty well this morning. You're fine for today.” Akito's eyes widened and he pumped his fist, “Yes! Do you think I can go up to the store and get my photos printed out real quick? I wanna frame some of them.”

“I suppose there isn't a problem with that.” His father shrugged. Akito grabbed his camera from my counter and dashed out the door. “Bye, Ritsuko, see you later!” I waved, “Bye bye. Be careful.”

Mr. Tanaka nodded his head at me, “Good afternoon, Ms. Akiyama.” And closed the door. I was left alone again, with nothing really important to do. I tried to think of something to do as I walked to the window to see Akito excitedly jogging into the village.

I had never seen this side of Akito before, but I loved it. I wondered if he loved anything about me. Was there anything truly special about me that would make people like me?

Suddenly, I remembered something I could do. The party was the day after tomorrow, so I needed to prepare myself for the healing. All the flowers I had collected before had died. Flowers of Despair last longer than normal flowers do when plucked or cut, but I needed to get a new one. One petal would be enough to heal one curse, which meant I would need one flower to heal all five of the cursed ones.

I should go pick one. I prompted. I grabbed my basket, threw the dead flowers away and went out to look for a new flower.

I don't know how long I searched for one. There was not one in sight, not even blooming. I must’ve taken all the ones in the village last time I went picking these.

Finally, after almost an hour of searching, I found a big Flower of Despair. I bent down and reached for it when I heard footsteps behind me.

“What are you doing?” I gasped sharply and turned around, almost falling back on top of the flower. Asher's expression looked a little scared as he grimaced. “Be careful there. You almost fell on top of that thing!” He picked me up by the arms and dusted off my shoulders.

I dusted my pants off. “Thanks,” I looked up at him and glanced down at his leg. Asher limped a little when he stepped backward, giving me my space. His leg was a little unsteady as I could see. “Are you okay?”

“Huh?” Asher gave me a puzzled look. I didn't want to gesture at his prosthetic leg so I looked down at it repeatedly. “Oh. Yes, I’m okay. I’m used to it, I’ve had it for years.”

“You just look a bit uncomfortable with it right now.” Asher looked down at it and shifted his weight on his real leg, “Yeah, it’s been bothering me a little. What were you doing with that thing? It’s dangerous.”

I shrugged, “I thought I could cut it off and throw it away. You know, so no one would get hurt. But what are you doing out here?” Asher looked over his shoulder. “Kaito's playing soccer with his friends, I’m just… just watching, I guess.” He held his arm and turned to the side.

“You know, if you wanted to, you could actually be able to try and play with-”

“I don't want to get into that right now.” Asher warned. His defenses were up, I needed to avoid him getting hostile. I probably struck a nerve anyways. “Sorry. So did you ever talk to the twins after we talked?”

Asher chuckled, “Wow, you sound just like your boyfriend, now!” He shook his head and kicked some dirt lightly. I asked in slight confusion, “Boyfriend? What boyfriend?”

Asher looked up at me and answered, “That boy, Akito. He asks me weird questions just like you. Now I know why you like each other so much.”

I stammered random words, “But- I...gah! I’m not- he’s not. We’re not together that way! We’re just friends!” Asher laughed, “Then why are you getting flustered?”

“B-because! That's not something like-”

Asher rolled his eyes, “It’s a joke, Ritsuko. I was just kidding.” I sighed in relief, Thank goodness he was joking!

“What weird questions did he ask you anyway?” Akito never got to tell me how it went with Asher, but he might've gotten a little suspicious. Asher shrugged, “I dunno. Stuff about those weird accidents happening around the village.”

“Well it is serious. People are dying more often now than ever. I mean, just a few days ago, Tadaaki was killed, and today, Mr. Hagiwara, a parent of Kyoko’s regular kids was hit by a car at lightning speed! They found a dead body in the trunk of the car.”

The color in Asher's face started going away and he turned to me, “Did they?” I nodded, “I was right there when they opened it. Akito and I were right there with Kyoko and Hagiwara family. There was a body.”

I took this chance to read his mind, not knowing what I would hear him think. Oh my gosh, who the heck would that body be?! Don't tell me it’s one of the students again.

Nothing really sounded suspicious, but he sounded overly terrified to not have been involved. He probably saw the car or saw the people who got in the car and hit Mr. Hagiwara.

“That's horrible. Do the cops even know if it’s the same people that have been killing these other people?” I shrugged, “I’m not sure. We didn't see anything else after we saw the body. The officer was pretty scared himself.”

Asher leaned against one of the trees and sighed, “I guess I’ll see it on the news. Probably the fifth story I’ve seen like this a month.” he murmured that last comment more to himself than to me. I eyed him cautiously and stepped away, “Take care of yourself, Asher.”

He took a step away from me before waving a hand, “Bye.” After he went back toward the open field where Kaito and three other young men kicking a soccer ball played, I watched closely at Asher as he stared at a soccer ball near his feet.

“Goal!!” I heard Kaito playful shout as he ran around the field laughing while his other friends teased or rolled their eyes playfully. Asher grinned a little and put his right prosthetic leg on the ball.

I could tell Asher was still passionate about sports, it’s that his curse hardened his heart on that subject, making him think he could never play. He was a good guy, but I didn't know what could keep him or make him do something that might end up hurting others.

“Asher!” Kaito called to him. Asher snapped out of his own thoughts and took his leg off the soccer ball. “Yeah?” Kaito stepped by with the three other guys, cleaning up their trash or water bottles. “Wanna come with us to lunch? We can go wherever you want today since you were our supportive audience today.”

Asher shoved Kaito playfully and chuckled, “Yeah, whatever. I’m down.” One of the three others told him, “Pick something good, today is a good day for some good food.” Asher nodded as his friends started walking away. Asher looked down at the ball, and by the look on his face, he was debating with himself on kicking it.

Asher nudged the ball with his real foot once and it rolled a little bit forward. After a few seconds, he simply shook his head and picked it up with his hands. I was a little disappointed to see that.

After making it back to the apartment, I sat at my table, checking my mail. I got a junk letter and tossed it to the side, hoping the next one was a letter from my parents.

No, it was a letter from an old friend of mine; Minori Shimizu. I read through the letter carelessly. It was mostly about her wanting to know how I was doing and if I wanted to get back in contact with her. We knew each other since we were neighbors, but she never really was a best friend. I set it aside and sighed, “I need advice, not a friendly letter.”

I looked beside me at the Flower of Despair I collected and shut the basket. A knock on the door caused me to answer, “Yes?”

“Hey, it’s Akito. Are you okay? I kind of wanted to talk.” I suddenly panicked and got up. “Akito.” I opened the door and stroked some of my dark hair back, “Hi.” Akito smiled at me with his cute little smile. “Hi. Sorry Maiko and I kinda left you. I got a little excited.”

I shook my head, “Don't worry about it. I found a way to entertain myself.” Akito nodded, “Good, good. I was wondering if there was something you wanted to discuss.” Oh, that again. Why would I want to tell him about my stupid fears when I just got done telling how brave I would be. I would be a hypocrite if I did that.

“No. I’m perfectly okay right now. You don't need to be concerned about me.”

“But, I want to.” He responded. I blushed, wondering what he might be thinking. Why would he want to be worried about me? I was strong enough to take care of myself. That was one thing I didn’t want him to do for me. Do you really want to know?

“No, it’s alright.” I chuckled, finding myself feeling like a liar. Deep down, I wanted to tell him everything, but he was my friend. I could never do that to him. “I don’t need to talk about it. We can just worry about what’s really important.”

The look on Akito’s face told me everything. He didn’t believe me one bit. I didn’t even believe myself. I knitted my eyebrows and folded my arms over myself. “I’m fine, seriously.”

“Ritsuko…” He began. “I don't need to tell you.” I snapped in a hesitant voice. “I’m fine, and I’ll be fine. You know I can be strong.” I faked a smile, not even looking at him in the eye.

Akito looked down and sighed, “Alright. Goodnight, Ritsuko.” He slid his hand off the door post and left.

I closed the door quickly before I said something else. It was all I needed to say. It’s okay. I repeated to myself. It was getting late, so I put the basket with the flower aside and shut off the light to go to sleep. The pain in my chest grew and I found myself hardly breathing.

I stood in front of my mirror in my bedroom, staring back at myself in a scared and confused manner. What's wrong with me? I asked. Why did I feel this guilty for not telling Akito the truth? Why was I letting my mind do all the thinking? Or was it my heart controlling my head too much?

No answer came to me and I felt frustrated. I knew exactly how I felt about Akito, that's why I couldn't bring myself to open up to him. Swallowing hard, I slammed my fists into the dresser nearby and kicked the mirror down. The mirror fell with a thud, not spilling shards of glass all over.

After that, I crumbled to the floor on my knees by my bed and let hot tears stream out of my eyes. I tried to cry as quiet as I could before I started sobbing. I couldn't believe myself.

I drove myself so hard to fight my fear and push it aside, not letting anyone know when someone was always there to listen. Akito spent his time with me to try and get this out of me. No one knew the fear and anxiety I bottled up, no one knew my true fears.

Not knowing what would or could happen drove me to anxiety. So I just cried and vented it out by myself. All the questions whirling around my head came crashing down all at once. I couldn't handle it, I was crying aloud and breathing in hard. It felt horrible to feel this.

Am I losing my mind? I asked myself. Am I going crazy? Please don't let this happen to me. Tears streamed down to my chin and dripped onto the floor. I covered my face and leaned against the bed, shaking my head, “Please don't hurt them. I only wanted to do what I was supposed to!”

Soon enough, with all the crying and lightheadedness and stress, my breakdown wore off, I had no control over myself, and everything went black. I cried myself to sleep.

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Yeah, everyone needs to let it out eventually. What'll happen next? Find out in chapter 21! Thanks for reading!