NOVEL NEXT Chapter 60
“……”
──A man sat in a chair with a face like death. For the record, the setting is the police station.
“Ahhh…”
When you think about it objectively, there are three scenarios you typically associate with a man burned out in a police station: an unfortunate victim caught in a crime, a perpetrator who caused trouble, or someone involved in the incident.
In any case, the reasonable reaction would be “my condolences” or “I’d rather not get involved.” At least, that’s what I would think… The problem is, the man in question is me.
“I’m so tired…”
No, seriously, I’m exhausted. My mental energy for an entire week was drained in a single day.
“Chaotic” doesn’t even begin to describe it. A stalker charged at us with a knife, the store manager got injured. We somehow managed to repel the stalker, but what awaited us afterward were the explanations to the police, the incident report, and the cleanup of the store.
I explained the entire sequence of events to the responding officers, the injured manager was taken away in an ambulance, and of course, since we couldn’t continue business, we had to close the store.
While cooperating with the police investigation, the entire staff, including those who came in on their day off, helped with the closing process.
Just when I thought it was all over, I was told, “We’ll need a more detailed statement at the police station.” For some reason, only Kondo-san and I were put in the police car, and the ordeal continued.
Now it’s finally over, and here I am. The incident happened in the late afternoon, and it’s now after 9 PM. You can probably guess how chaotic it was.
“I can’t take this anymore… The police scolded me so badly…”
By the way, the reason I was taken to the police station is that I was the one who dealt with the police instead of the injured manager, and I fought off the stalker with enough force to possibly leave lasting damage.
Apparently, I overdid it. They praised me for stepping in to protect my underage colleague, but swinging a metal tray at the stalker’s face full-force was deemed too dangerous.
They acknowledged it was self-defense given the circumstances, but that doesn’t mean you can do whatever you want to your opponent. I was lectured for quite a while, saying that in certain situations, it could be considered excessive force.
“I think Kondo-san already went home…”
I sighed and checked my phone. I had heard from the police that she had gone home earlier, but I wanted to confirm it for myself.
Sure enough, there was a chat from Kondo-san. It started with her checking if I was okay, followed by a thank-you message for stepping in and helping, and concluding with her gratitude for everything today.
There was also another polite thank-you note below it. The sender identified themselves as “Ayane’s mother,” so she must have borrowed Kondo-san’s phone.
For now, it seems like there aren’t any problems, which is a relief. Her parents came to pick her up, and they all left with a police escort. Hopefully, she gets some rest tonight… I plan to rest, too. In fact, I’m taking tomorrow off from university.
──”Sorry for the wait.”
“Oh, thanks.”
“Shall we? We’ll drive you home.”
“Sorry for the trouble.”
“It’s no trouble. This is part of our job.”
A detective… no, a police officer? Whatever. Someone from the police in charge came over, and I nodded as I followed them.
We walked together and arrived in front of a patrol car. Yes, I’m being driven home in style.
The reason for this VIP treatment is simple. Even though I fought off the criminal, I’m still considered a victim. While they did bring me all the way to the station, they’re treating me like a victim.
“Still, even though he was caught in the end, that jerk managed to run for quite a while. I thought they’d catch him right away.”
“Haha, we’re honestly embarrassed. We did move quickly, though.”
“You guys knew where he lived, right? You summoned him to the police station the day before.”
“Yeah, that’s true. I can’t share too many details, but it seems he didn’t go home.”
“Maybe he ran off on the train or something since it’s near the station…”
As I sat in the patrol car, I started thinking about the stalker, who was probably in cuffs by now.
His identity had already been revealed, and given the seriousness of the crime, I figured he’d be arrested immediately… but he put up quite a chase.
Marinesnow, where the incident occurred, is located in a prime spot near the station. In this case, “near the station” means there’s easy access to trains, taxis, buses, and other forms of transportation.
From what I gathered, the stalker was likely a local, so he probably used his knowledge of the area to make a clever escape.
I don’t know much about the police’s investigation or search efforts, but considering all that, it makes sense that he had at least a small chance.
“I did break some of his teeth, though… honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if I broke a bone in his nose or jaw.”
“I get what you’re saying, but don’t say it out loud. You got warned enough about that earlier, remember?”
“Must’ve been the adrenaline.”
“Maybe.”
It was a casual conversation, but the content was quite grim.
Still, it’s impressive that he managed to run after taking a full swing to the face. The guy had guts to keep playing tag with the police.
Normally, no one would be able to do that. This isn’t an anime or manga. With broken teeth, likely fractured bones in his face, and blood everywhere, most people wouldn’t be able to move. I have to admit, I’m kind of impressed.
It’s just too bad that he didn’t use that determination for something more productive. If he had that kind of grit, he could’ve lived a decent life instead of becoming a stalker…
“Is this the right area?”
“Yeah… Oh, there it is. This is fine.”
“Understood.”
That said, what’s done is done. You can’t put spilled water back into the cup. What’s happened can’t be undone.
The stalker committed a serious crime and has been apprehended. And that’s the end of it.
“Thanks for everything. I appreciate the ride.”
“Not at all. We’ll likely have to talk again soon, so when that time comes, I’d appreciate your cooperation.”
“Of course. I understand.”
“Take care.”
I watched the patrol car drive away, and finally, I let out a breath of relief. Standing in front of my house, I felt the tension leave my shoulders.
“…Whew. I’m exhausted…”
I lost count of how many times I’ve muttered that today. All I want to do now is take a bath and collapse into bed. I’m utterly drained.
“But first… food… Ugh, I’ll just make some instant noodles.”
I don’t have the energy to cook tonight. I’m starving, but without the willpower to prepare anything, instant noodles will have to do.
“…Huh? The lights are on?”
──As I was thinking that, I suddenly noticed. The lights in my room were on for some reason.
“I’m sure I turned them off before I left… Did Chiaki-san forget to turn them off? But she wasn’t supposed to come today, was she?”
For a moment, I wondered if my pseudo-housekeeper, the former stalker (the one who isn’t in police custody), had forgotten to turn off the lights, but I quickly dismissed the idea.
Chiaki-san may give the impression that she’s at my place every day, but that’s not actually the case.
With her university lectures, band practices, and other commitments, there are days when she can’t come over. Though, admittedly, those days are extremely rare.
Anyway, today was supposed to be one of those rare days. She had told me in advance, so I was certain.
Which means… the lights being on was strange…
“Wait, could it be a burglar? Is that even possible?”
Naturally, the worst-case scenario crossed my mind. Could this be the extra level of trouble I don’t need right now? Maybe I shouldn’t have let the police leave…
“…”
But it’s too late for regrets now. I can’t just stand here forever, and nothing will get resolved unless I check things out inside──
“Haruto-kun!? You’re back!?”
“Chiaki-san!? Don’t scare me like that!”
“That’s my line!”
Scratch that. There’s no extra level of trouble. Why is Chiaki-san here, though?