You never thought you'd read killer, fancy, party, and kiss in the same chapter. Let's get into it!
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Rin led the three of us into a building where a room was reserved for her party. She was wearing a cute magenta pink dress with lace patterns on the bottom. “Sorry if it all seems a little formal to you.” She gestured at the table which was set up with fancy napkins and silverware, “My mom wanted my going away celebration to be a little more fancy, as you would call it.”

Maiko looked around, marveling at the extravagant light decorations. “Your mom did do good with those lights she asked for.” Rin chuckled while she stroked some curly brown hair over her shoulder, “It's a little silly, huh? I'm not much for big things like this either.”

“No, no, it's just fine.” Akito insisted, trying to be nice. I nodded, “It's nice.” Rin cooed, “Aww, thank you guys!” She hugged all three of us tightly. “I'm so glad you were able to make it.” She waved at some guests that came in, being guided by her mother. “Especially you, Ritsuko. I heard that you weren't feeling good.”

“I got over it quickly.” I shrugged. “You look very beautiful.” Rin beamed, “ Thank you! I hope everything is ‘delightful’.” Maiko nudged her, “Ahh, using fancy terms now that you're gonna be a star, eh?”

Rin rolled her eyes playfully, “Oh, stop!” She lightly pushed Maiko's hand away. “I have to go greet my cousins. If you need me, just ask my mom.” She excused herself with a bow and walked away.

Akito offered a friendly smile then looked behind him. “I didn't see Dominic and his sister come in.” Maiko and I looked to the same direction, seeing Dominic wearing a nice shirt and tie. Kira wore a long blue skirt with a black top.

“Me neither…” I mused. Maiko looked around, “No one else is here yet, though.” I glanced at the door, “I'm sure the rest of them will be here too.”

And soon enough, they did. A lot of people from school came, most of them were already graduated. I assumed they were from Rin's class. The twins surely arrived, staying mainly isolated in a corner of the room, talking with each other.

This time, it was me who had to go up to them and greet them. “You wanna come with me, Maiko?” I suggested before approaching them. Maiko shyly backed away, shrugging her shoulders. “I don't think that's a good idea.”

Akito volunteered, “I got you, Ritsuko.” he put his hand on my shoulder and whispered to me, “You have that thing just in case, right?”

I nodded and showed him the small pocket knife he gave me. I slipped it back under my dress discreetly. “Just in case they get a little aggressive.” He nodded at me. “Maiko, why don't you go see if Rin is okay?”

“Sure.” Maiko agreed. As we approached the two girls, I noticed Alexandra tensed up, throwing some hair over her shoulder in nervousness and she mumbled something to Rosalina.

“Hi, girls.” I chirped with a convincing smile. Alexandra grabbed my hands, “Ritsuko, I'm so glad you're here! Feeling better?” I nodded, Akito casually greeted Rosalina while she just murmured something and looked to me.

“Oh, I'm so glad! Rosalina and I were feeling a bit out of place here.” she rubbed her shoulder. Rosalina didn't react and looked over Akito's shoulder. She adjusted the collar on her petite old styled dress.

“Where's Maiko?” She questioned. Alexandra looked back and looked to us for a reply. I could tell Akito got defensive quickly. I responded, “She's off, mingling with Rin. Why?”

Rosalina shrugged plainly, “Just wondering.”

Alexandra sighed in remorse, “Well, she's probably trying to avoid us. We kind of had a little issue with her yesterday.” Akito pursed his lips, “What kind of issue?” I forgot that he didn't know about what they told Maiko.

“Oh, nothing.” Alexandra waved her hand off. “We just needed to let her know something...she just didn't take it the right way.” Akito looked back at Maiko. “That's why she's been kinda wary about you girls.”

Rosalina looked at him innocently, making her look even more like Alexandra. “It’s alright. It's not like we hurt her, or anything.” Akito somehow kept himself composed though he seethed from under his lips. “Well, that's good to hear.”

Akito’s eyes went to me, “Do you mind if I leave for a sec?” I gulped, “Yeah. Go ahead.” Then looked back to the twins. Akito walked away and I looked back to the two.

“He has to ask you for permission to leave?” Alexandra smiled girlishly. “Is he always like that around you?” Rosalina questioned slyly with her malicious grin. I shrugged it off and answered flatly, “He's my friend and I'm his friend, that's all.”

Rosalina commented plainly, “It looks like he might want something else.” I almost snapped, but let her statement slide. “Well, I think I'll just wait for whatever happens.”

Wait for whatever happens? Like that's worked so well with her puzzle solving on who did what. I heard Rosalina think. I gulped tightly, taking a step back. This was even more proof that the twins were involved.

I politely excused myself and hurriedly tried to find any two of the siblings. I bumped into Dominic, almost making him drop his glasses. “Whoa, be careful, Ritsuko.” He wiped his glasses and put them back on.

“Sorry.” I sighed, “I was looking for Akito and Maiko. Have you seen them around?”

He glanced back, “I saw Akito with Maiko. I think they were talking to Michael.” My body relaxed, they were alright. “Oh, thank you.” Dominic nodded and I walked over to where Rin was.

Thankfully, I did see Maiko and Akito, but Michael was nowhere to be seen. I looked across the room and ended up spotting him leaning on the wall, alone.

Akito looked over his shoulder, “Oh, hi, Ritsuko.”

“Hi, guys. Excuse me, Rin, but could I speak to these two in private for a moment?” I faked a smile. Rin nodded, “Of course!”

I automatically took Maiko and Akito to the side of the room where we were alone. “I just got even more proof that the twins are involved with this.”

Maiko's eyes widened but she said nothing. Akito gasped, “So-” he pointed to them, “They killed Tadaaki and Emily?” I shook my head.

“I'm not sure. But I read Rosalina's mind and she's onto me!” Akito put his finger to his lips reminding me to keep my voice down. “She knows I'm trying to figure out who did all these things. I never told her, and I surely didn't even hint at her that I was looking into it. That can only mean that she noticed me when I fought off that girl in the hood or she heard it from whoever is helping them!” I hissed.

Maiko nodded, “It makes sense…” Akito gulped, “So then, what do we do?” I shrugged, glancing back to the party, “We can't turn her in to the police without physical proof or a confession.”

“Then she doesn't pay for what she did?” Maiko panicked, her voice going higher. “Not yet. But if we find her in the act of doing something or trying to hurt someone, we can turn her in for that and the police could see if she matches the other clues from the crime scenes.”

Akito looked back, “We gotta split up. If any of the other 5 are involved, we ought to catch em too.” Maiko and I nodded. The three of us departed into different sections of the room, keeping an eye out for any of the cursed ones. Asher hung around Kaito most of the time, never being alone, unlike Michael and the twins.

Speaking of the twins, I couldn’t spot Alexandra anywhere. Dominic seemed to disappear too. This made me suspicious. I went in pursuit of the two, passing by Rosalina.

“Don't bother her.” Rosalina said tightly. I paused and looked back at her, but she didn't even meet eyes with me. She still kept her back to me, walking on as if nothing happened. “Oy.”

Outside the building, I heard two familiar voices talking.

“Why can't we try?”

“You know exactly why, Alexandra! I don't want to hurt you like that.”

I poked my head to see the side of the building where Alexandra stood, arms folded over her purple ombre black dress. Dominic looked completely exasperated and annoyed, somewhat pained too.

Alexandra looked down, “I think you should at least give me a chance.” She huffed, voice seeming to break as if she was about to cry. “You know very well I couldn't do that.” Dominic chuckled, picking his glasses up.

“Listen, I already made it clear to you! I can't be in a relationship with you. This curse tells it all.” He explained, voice on edge, “You went from being stubborn to being selfish.”

Alexandra snapped, “Yeah, and you went to being a loner that shuts everyone out!” Dominic's jaw dropped, “I don't shut anyone out!”

She raised her voice a little more, “Yes, you do! You know you do! You always shut me out, and that's why you don't even want to be friends with me! Forget about a relationship.” She mumbled the last part.

I felt a little awkward eavesdropping like this. They couldn't being arguing over only this, could they?

Alexandra sighed, “Ever since I first came here, you suddenly just shut down on me. I'm trying, Dominic!”

“And I'm done trying!” He hissed. “I can't do this. I couldn't put you through that. I couldn't put anyone through it.” Alexandra looked a bit confused. “Yes, Alexandra, I’m doing this for our own good. It doesn't matter if you'd sacrifice everything for me, I couldn't be with you. I can't be with anybody!”

She sniffled, appearing to be close to tears. I actually felt bad for the two of them. Alexandra for having to hear that and Dominic for having to say it.

“I'm only doing it, too….because I care about you.” Dominic confessed, turning his back. Alexandra bit back a word and cried out, “Stop lying!”

“I'm not lying.” He argued calmly. “Yes you are!” She accused with anger and sorrow mixed into her expression. “You don't care about me. How could you say you care about me?” I had to keep myself from coming in there. I knew what they both felt.

Dominic argued, “I do care.” Alexandra’s voice raised a pitch as she held her head forward, “You don't! You don't care about me at all! What would you care?!”

Suddenly, without warning, Dominic spun around, grabbing Alexandra's arms and instantly pressed his lips to hers. I heard Alexandra gasp a little as her eyes widened, but they didn't close.

I felt even more awkward watching this. This was none of my business, was it?

Alexandra held back a whimper, gripping onto Dominic’s sleeves as if pleading for him to let go. Dominic didn't move, kissing her even harder. Tears streamed out of Alexandra's eyes, as if she was in pain. Both of them seemed to struggle with breathing

Seconds later, Alexandra finally pulled back from the kiss, stumbling back and putting her hand over her mouth. She looked down so he wouldn't see her tears. Dominic stood in silence while Alexandra tried to process things, holding back a cry.

“Trust me, Alexandra, I do care.” Dominic sighed heavily. Alexandra quickly wiped her tears and raised her head. “Now do you see why?”

Alexandra nodded, not speaking a word. Dominic clenched his fists and forced out, “I don't want to hurt you.” He shut his eyes tightly, refusing to stare anymore.

I backed up just in time to hide from Alexandra, who walked into the building, covering her face. I couldn't believe what I saw. Dominic kissed Alexandra, but something was off with it. It must've been his curse doing whatever it did. I had no idea what to do now.

Guilt came over me. I thought I was going to catch them in the act of doing something wrong, but instead, I witnessed something personal between them. How could I fix that? Was it even any of my business?

Of course not! I reprimanded myself. That had nothing to do with their curses or murders or anything!

I don't know what I had in mind when I decided to talk to Dominic about it. My voice wasn't even heard when I called his name. I couldn't speak!

“Dominic,” I began, slowly approaching. Dominic instantly gasped, visibly startled by me. “Oh, hi Ritsuko.” He murmured. “Listen, I don't think this is a good time-”

I continued, already knowing what he was going to say. “I saw Alexandra come back to the party. She looked kind of upset.” I hoped my lie was believable.

Dominic groaned, “Oh, no. I know I shouldn't have done that.”

“Done what?” I asked, clueless. Dominic retreated a little and shook his head, “We were talking back here and I was trying to show her...then it got all screwed up.” He crossed his arms.

“What did you do that was so bad she was upset for?” Dominic hesitated and said in a low voice, “My curse.” I faked an expression to show I wanted to know more.

He bit his lip and looked away. “It's been driving me nuts. She won't get it through that I can't go out with her or be anything like that.” He pulled his sleeves up his wrists. “Ever since I met her, it's been clear that she likes me. I could like her too, but I can't because of the curse.”

I frowned a little, “You don't want to mess anything up.” He nodded, confirming my statement. “It's not Alexandra, it's me. I would be fine with living with this curse, but I can't with her. But we can't be in any romantic relationships anyways. I tried to tell her many times before.”

“So then, what was different tonight?” I interrogated. Dominic froze, glancing around us and gulped, “I kissed her. Well, it wasn't really a kiss, but we did. Don't tell anyone!” He immediately got defensive. I nodded, “I won't. I just wanted to know what bothered her.” I stared at the ground for a moment.

“What's wrong with kissing her?” Dominic opened his mouth, but I didn't hear anything. “I- well… it's like-” He thought for a moment, glancing up and took a long breath, “Okay, I'm going to ask you something that I'll probably regret; can I show you?”

Quickly, I became tense, my face heating up from all the blood going up to it. “Wh-what? Like a kiss?!” Dominic shut his eyes tightly and rubbed his arm, “I know, it sounds strange. But I don't know how to tell you, otherwise.”

It was my turn to look around in panic. “Um.. Uh, I…..” I went silent and looked to the building, hoping no one would come out. “This won't count as my first kiss, right?”

Dominic nodded then looked at me strangely, “You haven't had your first kiss yet? Aren't you like, seventeen?” I shook my head, turning as red as the red on my dress. “Never got the right time or person to do it.” I explained.

He exhaled a little, “Alright, let's just say it was contact by the lips.” I agreed with a nod and prepared myself, “Just to show me, right?”

He looked a little unsure and swallowed hard, “Trust me on this one; it won't feel anything like a kiss.”

I don't even know how I got this far into that, but I did. Slowly, Dominic leaned down, shyly putting his lips against mine. Now I knew what Alexandra felt.

Dominic was right: it didn't feel like a kiss. I felt my mouth burn as if I just ate something spicy. This made me yelp a little, closing my eyes in panic. My lips felt as if they were getting pricked with a thousand needles. Pain was all I felt, almost an emotional pain as well, as if feeling his despair. The worst part was, I could hardly feel his lips on mine. It was as if we were both numb.

It only took 2 seconds to make me pull away and clap my hands over my mouth. Dominic shrugged his shoulders and lowered his head. “What was that?” I yelped, taking my hands off my lips.

Dominic replied, “That’s what it feels like.” I suddenly understood why Alexandra was so distressed. “Oh...and that's because of-”

“Yes.” He sighed. I inhaled and looked at him, “I'm sorry, Dominic.” Dominic shrugged without another word. I slowly walked away, feeling grief and guilt. I wasn't going to let it go to my head that technically, we did kiss. We both agreed that it wasn't a kiss.

I didn't even feel like being at the party. But I had to, in case something happened. Maiko walked over to me, “Oh, I was worried where you had gone to.”

“No, I'm fine. Just was checking out the place to see if anyone suspicious was around.” I lied, putting my hands behind the back. She seemed to believe it as she smiled and took my hand. “Nothing has happened yet, but Rosalina looked around for quite a bit. I don't know if she's expecting someone to come talk to her, but I think she's trying to rig something.”

Rosalina was searching around, but she didn’t appear to be trying to set something up. She looked a bit nervous, actually. Alexandra came by her side quickly, still looking unhappy about Dominic.

Michael was still in sight, having a conversation with Rin. Maiko took me to Akito and said, “Here she is.”

“Oh, good.” Sighed Akito in relief. “Where were you?” I explained briefly, “Just checking around the other places.” He nodded. Maiko suggested, “Maybe they're not doing anything tonight? They could just be here because they were invited.”

I glanced at Asher, then to Michael, to the twins, and to Dominic, who came back. “No. Something's off. Rosalina seems like she's most likely to do something.” she furrowed her eyebrows, “Yeah, that's true.”

“Why don't we just stick together now and try to enjoy the party?” Akito recommended. Maiko and I agree and the three of us stayed by a table with snacks on it.

Maiko gasped in delight, “Oh, Ritsuko, you have to try my macarons, they came out perfect!” She grabbed two and handed a pink one to me. “Thanks.” I examined the treat and bit into it. “Mmm, it tastes so good!”

She smiled, “Thanks! Rin said they're one of the best batches she's tasted. Everyone else loves em too!”

We didn't notice Michael came right by us. “I certainly do like them.” Maiko and Akito startled while I just turned my head to Michael. He held a half eaten macaron in his hand and looked to us curiously, “What?”

We all chuckled nervously, trying to not look surprised. “Oh, nothing.” I looked away for a second and smiled nervously.

“I didn't see you guys around earlier.” He mentioned with an innocent look. “Were you three avoiding me or something?” Maiko and I looked at each other, not knowing what to say. We both knew how Michael would get his feelings hurt easily.

“No,” Akito answered, “We just happened to be on the other side of the room. We wondered if that was you we saw earlier.” Michael looked at Akito with an inquisitive face. “Oh. Well, I'm glad you three are here. The twins were a bit off when I spoke to them right now. I asked them about you and they kind of were caught off guard. Is everything okay?”

He seemed completely oblivious to the tension between us and the twins. Then again, he was sometimes the most observant person, and sometimes not. “Um, yes, we're just fine. There's nothing to worry about.” I twisted my mouth in a crooked smile.

Michael patted my shoulder, to which I almost jerked away from. “Good!” He grinned. “I don't like it when people are upset over little things when there are people who have it much worse. Don't you agree, Ritsuko?” Well, it was better than being called “little kitten.”

“Mm hmm, yeah.” I answered half-focused on what he was saying. I was actually thinking.

Maiko got in front of me and started talking for me, as I was totally out of the conversation. Akito tapped my shoulder. “What're you thinking of?”

I shrugged, speaking quietly, “I'm thinking of a way to solve this puzzle.” Akito’s eyes went forward as he looked at the dozens of people there. “I'm not sure who could be the other one.”

I smiled and joked, “Well, I guess we're on the same page.” We both chuckled. Maiko suddenly came up and put her hand on my shoulder. “Right, Ritsuko?”

I turned and asked, “Huh?” Maiko gestured at Michael letting him ask again, “Were you really there when Mr. Hagiwara was hit?” I nodded, “It was the worst thing I ever had to witness. They said he died almost instantly when the car hit him.”

“Do you know who did it?” I shook my head, “We tried to find who did it, but not even the police could find anything. There was another dead person in the trunk.” I looked down, “It's horrible what happened.”

Michael looked off to the party-goers. “Well, at least you're not hurt or anything, right?”

I replied slowly, “I guess so.” Akito stared at me, I could tell he knew exactly what I felt. I didn't really feel that way. I was worried about Mr. Hagiwara, not myself. But I kept quiet about it for some reason.

“I'm gonna go real quick to the ladies’ room.” I excused, talking a step forward. I felt something tug at my dress momentarily, but ignored it.

Maiko suddenly ripped her hand from my shoulder, “Wait, Ritsuko, your zipper!” I looked back after hearing her, but it was too late. The zipper snapped on my dress and I was tipped forward. I fell to the ground, my wrists aching from the impact. The pearls from Maiko's bracelet were spilled on the ground.

I stared at the ground for a moment before I shifted to one side, then I noticed it. People gasped in shock or fear, footsteps coming all around me. My back felt unusually exposed as I felt the dress split apart even more than before. Oh no…. My eyes widened in horror and I stared at the floor.

Whispers and murmurs went about the room, no doubt what they were talking about. I hissed a curse to myself, knowing what I had done.

I mustered up the courage to lift my head and look over my shoulder. Maiko had her hands over her mouth, looking at me in sudden fear. Akito stood there, frozen stiff, staring at me with a worried look on his face.

Michael’s mouth was open as he gasped, as if running out of air. His clear blue eyes were wide as plates. I turned my head forward, dragging my gaze up to see Alexandra's disappointed and taken aback expression. Her gloved hands shook as she threw them over her mouth. Rosalina wasn't mad, instead she looked mortified at the sight of me.

Dominic was right behind them, staring specifically at the mark on my back. He gulped tightly, hardly able to look directly at me.

Kaito stared in confusion, looking back at Asher, who was absolutely appalled. I saw his hand go to his prosthetic leg, as if he was asking me why without saying it.

I gasped, breathing heavily, and getting overwhelmed. Millions of thoughts raced through my head. Everything I had planned just crumbled in front of me, all for a stupid accident.

Rin picked me up carefully, while speaking. It was all muffled sound to me when she immediately took her hands off of mine when she had the chance to. It was obvious she was afraid. Everyone was afraid. They just found out I was the Despair Healer.

“Ritsuko,” Akito began. He reached out to me, but I reacted by pulling away. Tears sprung to my eyes as I took off toward the exit. All the people made way for me to the door. I sniffled, not daring to look back or hesitate. I just ran away.

They now knew I was a Despair Healer.

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Mega plot twist. I love them and that's why I love to write them. Sorry for the late update. I'll post the next chapter soon! But thank you for reading!