“Tell me what exactly happened, miss.”

The police got here as soon as they were available. They were searching the place, dusting for evidence of footprints, fingerprints and such. Meanwhile, the woman named Erza, as it says so on her badge, was interrogating me personally so I don't feel overwhelmed, so she says.

                  “There was this man. Natsu. Tall, dark, black hair, midnight eyes. Always in a trenchcoat. Er, he gave me an apple a few nights ago when he asked me where the convenience store was. And then he visited me yesterday. What I didn't realize was the fact I let a stalker into my home even though I had a hunch he was a criminal.”  This Erza person was simply jotting down notes, refusing to make eye contact.  “Just now, while I was out grocery shopping, he claimed he was staying over at a friend's house which is why he managed to ‘bump’ into me. He didn't mention the name. But even so. . . I took the chance and ran away. At least I thought I ran away. He had me detained in my own home and asked me about the alleyway.”

Erza stopped to look me in the eye this time, tilting her cap. “Alleyway? Is this another story?”

                  “I . . I saw a man biting into the neck of another man. Dead. I couldn't see the face. . .but I know what I saw.”

Erza smiles at me, patting me on the shoulder and said, “Young miss, don't you worry.” She stands up from my chair, clearing the room of her colleagues, telling them the investigation's done and complete.

                   “What, it took you a few minutes? It takes longer in movies.”

                   “Miss Heartfilia, I believe you're—now, how do I put it delicately? You're delusional.”

The word struck me like a bullet behind my back. I thought I was being taken seriously here. And I thought it was just her that's convinced, but even her fellow police were laughing alongside her on their way out.

                     “How could you say that to a victim? This is a severe trauma, someone breaking into your house and stalking you for what seems like a week. The man never knew my address in the first place! His name is Natsu, look at his profile in your file drawers or wherever! I'm not lying.”

Erza left with a small bow as her smile disappeared from her face, walking away without saying another word.

Fine! If the police aren't going to do anything, then I might as well do something about it myself.

🦇

Cana and Mirajane were looking for me at the entrance door, welcoming me with open arms when they thought I was in danger. They were keeping up with my pace towards the elevator.

                      “What's weird is how you're casually accepting this.” Cana looks at Mira. “Us.”

                      “There are tons of weirder things that have happened, Cana.” I haven't been paying attention to anything more than my issue. I haven't been this focused since my college's final examination.

                      “It was a one time thing.” Mira spoke. “And well, it could be more than a one time thing if I come over.”

The moment the three of us got out of the elevator, I confronted the two of them. I was. But seeing their hands intertwined and Mira's rather messy updo, I'd say,

                     “Wait, you two—you two are together?”

                     “Have you not been listening to a word I told you last night?” Cana was frustrated, shaking her head, rubbing her temples at the same time. “She was drunk. I was drunk. I came to her place because I felt. . lonely and she. . and I. .”

                     “I'm happy for the two of you.” I say with a smile, hugging them both at the same time. “Sorry, something came up to me last night, too, so I couldn't listen like a friend.”

                     “No problem.” Mirajane winked, pulling her espresso close to her chest with glee. “I'll see you later.” Mira tugs at Cana's pinky before going into her workspace in her cubicle.

                     “What a catch, huh?” Cana was leaning against the wall on her right shoulder. “And Mira, out of all people.”

                     “You two better take things seriously to make it last.” I know for a fact they've never been on a long-term relationship before. They'd casually hook up with people they meet online, usually men. I never knew they had a different sexual orientation.

                     “Lucy?” Cana tapped me on my forearm, almost frightening me from how tight it was. “Did someone. . .leave a package at your place? You know, something out of the ordinary?”

                     “I don't think so. . .” was it the apple? “Why? What's wrong?”

                     “Nothing.” She lets me go. “Whatever package that was, throw it away. Destroy it. Take it somewhere far away from your location. It's hard to explain, but it's bad luck, you could say.”

The apple Natsu gave me. Bad luck? Is that why the police didn't believe me in the first place? Now that's too suspicious. But believing in bad omens would be too superstitious of me. I did throw it away. I threw it through a window.

Cana and I finally entered and went our separate ways to work on our projects. Mr. Fullbuster sent me a new message.

Gray Fullbuster (manager):

        I’m currently making progress, thanks to the evaluation forms for improving the length of my patience. Naturally, this calls for a celebration. Take the half day off tomorrow and come as late as you please. Thank you.

It wasn't exclusively sent to my board. It was a message for the whole office. Perhaps it's why this day doesn't feel too gloomy like it used to. I'm glad he's moving past his limit to commit on keeping his temper intact.

                     “That's a start.” He's clever for calling the day off tomorrow for this. It's going to let him keep his job as our boss and improve his relationship with his co-workers. Even if it's only half day.

I decided to come to his office to congratulate him personally. But it looked like I came at the wrong time, though, since I didn't see he was having an important video call with someone, whose voice I overheard. It was a woman.

                     “It would be delightful to officially meet you, Mr. Gray Fullbuster. Your father has told me so much about you. When would it be convenient for us to chat?”

Mr. Fullbuster cleared his throat, gesturing me to turn around and so I did. Turns out he was trying to whisper something but then changed his mind and typed his reply instead. Maybe he was too embarrassed to tell her since an employee was present. Yeah, that must be it.

                   “Tomorrow sounds great.” Ah. That must be why he called the half day off.  “I'll see you soon.”

In a glimpse, Mr. Fullbuster had actually smiled through his cheeks before closing his laptop to talk to me. “You always have impeccable timing, Ms. Heartfilia. Should I be admiring that?”

                    “I'm sorry, I. . came to say congratulations. On the patience improvement. Uhm, that's basically it. I've also noticed you haven't screamed at anyone for the past two weeks, so, good job.” I gave him a smile and two thumbs up to emphasize my message to which he replied.

                     “Yes, well, thank you. Thank the woman my father chose for me to meet.”

                     “Ah, is she your girlfriend?”

                     “No, but my father thinks it's best if I get married. I don't think so. However, her presence through our calls always calms me down since I shouod be saving face for M.A.G.E.” Mr. Fullbuster smiled bluntly before opening his laptop once again, typing something. “Would that be all?”

                     “Yes.” I bowed promptly before walking out of the office. That was the same thing we did the last time. He'd be too busy to say goodbye so I'd close his office door myself without him looking back at me.

Obviously, our floor has been quiet this entire time. Naturally, to avoid disturbing the others. Except that Mirajane and Cana were talking rather loudly around my cubicle.

                   “Yah! Why are you two so noisy? Mr. Fullbuster could hear us.”

                   “Oh, Lucy,” Mirajane pulled me into a hug. “I never thought you'd find the one. He's so handsome, too!”

                    “What are you talking about?” I could be rolling my eyes right now if I hadn't notice the man these two had been talking to. The man I've always managed to somehow bump into on my way.

                      “Natsu.”