The cool autumn air feels refreshing against my pale exposed face. The decorated hood of my coat bounces lightly with each joyful step through the streets. Today feels like a wonderful day to observe what I love most in this world.

"Ah Izaya! You want Sushi? I give you good price!" the large Russian man asks with his usual big smile.

"No thanks, Simon. Not today!"

With a small wave I walk past the restaurant owner, continuing along the busy streets of Ikebukuro.

I let out a deep breath of air, feeling at ease amongst the crowds of people hurrying by.

This is my city. These are my people. It doesn't get better than this.

Remembering my conversation from the night before, I whip out my cell phone and text my latest project.

Hi Ren! It's Nakura from last night. How are you today?

A sly smile forms across my face.

It isn't necessarily a normal hobby, manipulating strangers online, especially suicidal ones, but oh how fun it is! I love it. They're so interesting, I can't help it! It's something I typically enjoy late at night, when I have free time. People seem more desperate at night too.

Hopefully this one will be more fun than the last one. She didn't even show up to our meeting place. So disappointing. All I wanted to do was see the look on her face when I told her the truth.

*BEEP*

I take the device out of my coat pocket with delight as Ren's response is displayed across the screen.

Hi. Fine. Running errands. You?

Seems he's not too big on words. Nevertheless, I never turn down a challenge. I will make him open up to me.

I quickly message him back, still prancing down the crowded sidewalk.

I'm just at home. I don't really have any motivation to leave my house today.

Oh, lying is just too easy for me. And obviously the only way I'll be able to dig deep, is for me to appear vulnerable. I need to get on his level, if not lower.

*BEEP*

I don't have motivation at all. But I have to do what I have to.

A bit more pleased with his longer response, I ponder over how I should reply next. That is, until I hear my name being called out from the opposite end of the street by a much too familiar voice.

"IIIIII-ZAAAY-AAAAAAAAA!"

Heh. Time to run!

I shove the phone back into my pocket and sprint towards the street corner, briefly turning to look behind and see what object he has decided to hurl at me this time. Street sign. Classic.

The crowd quickly separates as the blonde man in the bartender outfit swiftly chases me down to the next street over.

His swing misses me by inches, as I am too quick and articulate for him to catch.

I turn the corner in front of me, quickly slipping into the nearest alley way before he sees me. Leaning against the concrete wall, I watch as he runs past me and down the main street.

Hah. What an idiot.

I let out a sigh of relief, and attempt to catch my breath before I attempt to make my way back to my apartment. As soon as I decide I am ready to leave, the idiot appears before me once again, standing in the entrance of the alley.

He breathes heavily, tightly clenching the neck of the street sign with his right hand. His golden brown eyes burn furiously through his sunglasses. He looks disheveled and animalistic.

"Ahh, looks like you found me," I remark in an unimpressed tone.

"Iiii...zayy...yaaaaaa..." He breathes through his teeth, clearly still out of breath.

I quickly switch out the blade of the knife I always keep in my pocket and point it directly at the blonde monster blocking my way.

"Shizu-chan, why must we always go through this? I was just on my way home," I say playfully.

"Heh...Don't fuck with me. Wherever you go there's trouble," he retorts before making a second swing at me with his street sign.

I jump backwards gracefully, just missing his attack. I briskly make my way around him before he has enough time to make a third swing.

"Hehe, bye Shizu-chan!"

I make a quick wave, pleased with the look of disappointment on his face as I disappear down the street.

A bit relieved to be back in my apartment, I fall into the comfort of my cushioned chair and switch on my computer. Busying myself with work is another great hobby of mine. As an information broker in Tokyo, there is always something dirty and entertaining to dig up. I'm never bored with my work.

Taking a small break from my research, I open up the Dollars chat window.

Niro: Hey did you guys hear about that thing in a couple weeks?

Kanra: Thing? What thing?

Junko: Apparently someone from the Dollars is throwing a party or something, right?

Tanaka Taro: What? Really?

Akashi: Yeah, my friend told me about that. One of the Dollars members is going to throw a Halloween party at his apartment. Supposed to be nice.

Kanra: Ehh? Sounds interesting

Akashi: It's apparently for Dollar members only. Here's the link he sent me:

Akashi: Oh and you have to enter the Dollars password to view the invite

Instantly filled with curiosity, I click on the link.

Dollars-Only Halloween Masquerade

When: Friday, October 31st

Time: 8PM

Where: 7-4-1 Nishi-Ikebukuro

Theme: Formal Masquerade (Wear Masks!)

* Removing of masks is not allowed *

Tanaka Taro: That actually sounds like a fun idea

Junko: Yeah, like we get to have an actual gathering but still remain anonymous ;)

Kanra: Ahh this will be interesting!

Niro: See you guys there? Well, you know what I mean haha

Kanra: Of course! Don't forget your masks hehe!

Tanaka Taro: Looking forward to it!

I sign out of the chatroom and lean back in my leather chair.

I don't typically find much interest in parties, but the idea of a Dollars-only party... I can't help but feel like something very interesting is going to happen. And of course I want to be there when it happens.

*BEEP*

Looking down at the message on my phone, I realize I forgot to text Ren back earlier, thanks to a certain someone.

Sorry to bother you. I guess I just need to talk to someone.

I quickly respond, telling him to send me an Instant Message so I can respond easier as I continue my work.

Seconds later a window pops up on my computer screen.

Ren: Hi

Nakura: Hello Ren! So what do you want to talk about?

Ren: Something happened today

Nakura: What do you mean?

Ren: Well there were these guys picking on some kid, trying to take his wallet or something. So I beat them all up. Pretty bad. The kid started screaming and crying. He called me a monster and ran off.

Nakura: I see

Ren: I was just trying to protect him

Nakura: Why?

Nakura: I mean, you didn't do anything wrong. You can't expect everyone to understand

Ren: I feel like when I try to do something right, it ends up being wrong.

Nakura: I know how you feel. People are so unappreciative. You are in the right, not anyone else.

Ren: You think?

Nakura: Of course! But at the same time, wouldn't it be easier if you could just forget about all of them?

Ren: What do you mean?

Nakura: Like, if you could just disappear

Ren: That would be too easy

Nakura: Then why don't you try it?

Ren: Because sometimes I feel like there's still a little bit of hope, maybe.

Nakura: I commend you for your optimism, Ren. I wish I could be more like you.

Ren: Why?

Nakura: Because I'm hopeless. I've already tried to kill myself several times. My family thinks I'm crazy and doesn't speak to me anymore. Nobody cares. Whenever you think someone cares, it is always fake. There's no such thing as real kindness. Everyone is selfish and only thinks of their own happiness.

Ren: Sorry. I think I disagree

Nakura: Oh?

Ren: Because, my sadness doesn't come from others, it comes from myself. I'm my own enemy.

Ahh Ren. You are going to be a lot more difficult than I initially thought. Challenge accepted.