Author's Notes – hello, I have a hot chapter ready for you guys. My thanks go to Yandere Dev senpai for the brilliant update on Yandere Sim. Also, a friend picked the name of the victim. Props for the laughs we had. n_n

I woke up to the beeping of my phone and yawned, scrawling for it on the nightstand. "Who the fuck texts me at half past six?"

My sleepy eyes adjusted to the light. Mino- san? The sleepiness vanished. We are back in business. I picked up the phone and read the text.

Good morning, Onodera. Do you fancy a little chat? I'll meet you at work. When you can slip out, text me.

I erased all the messages from him after that. If anybody got a look at my messages with Mino – san, it would seem suspicious at best. I went on with the morning routine and went to work earlier than was required, hoping Mino -san would be there sooner and we'd have that very helpful chat.

Riding the train was still as unpleasant as ever. And some fucker had the gall to feel me up. Me.

Bastard would be dead if there weren't over sixty witnesses. My hand gripped the train's door. Suddenly the dirty hands were gone before I lost my cool.

The groper was restrained by that Yokozawa – guy. My face drooped. Why did it have to be this guy? He's the last person I wanted to see early in the morning. But wait. I can capitalize on this. This might be the starting point of us becoming friends. He let go of the groper and the grumpy bear (as I nicknames him) drew closer to me with that annoyed look on his face. "Can't take care of a random pervert on your own, can you?"

How did he manage to tick me off with every word he utters? It's a mystery. "Thank you very kindly, Yokozawa. I will be more careful in the future not to attract unwanted attention."

He snorted. "Humph. I don't know what's your deal, but I got my eyes on you. Something is not right with you."

Did he figure me out? No,he's bluffing. This dumb bear is barking at a tree here. "I am a normal office worker, like you or anyone else. If you're referring to the murders..."

Some heads turned at the word murders and we both quietened down. This isn't a topic to be discussed in a train. I should be more mindful of my surroundings. "We will conclude this at later time. I don't have time to chat with you on the way. Unlike you, I have much more to do." He said bossily and I couldn't care less. This does it. There can be no frienship between us, not even on pretense. He hates me and I can't stand him either. I put on my best indifference mask and turned my back on him so I don't see his grumpy mug.

A beeping from my phone again. Who is it this time? I held out my phone on, taking a look at the sender first. Ishiyama -san? I opened the message.

We have trouble brewing in office and we are banned from entering from Isaka -san himself for our own safety. I am calling for a Crimson meeting in the café we were in last time. Come ASAP.

The petition, I wager. Wait. Banned? This isn't internet site, they can't ban us from entering our workplace! Then my eyes fell upon the words – for our own safety. Sounds like we gained a reputation. I put the phone back in the bag, staring at the next stop sign above my head.

I felt like I was being watched – Yokozawa? He's not on my list today. I've got more pressing matters, like that double – timing whore.

Some minutes after the tedious ride, I was walking towards the same café, feeling the deja vú effect. The café was bustling with customers and waiters. My team was seated in the corner. Nakamura discreetly waved to catch my attention. I went to meet them. Mizutani was dozing off, Nakamura was looking depressed and Ishiyama -san completely out of it. Joining them and sitting down next to the snoring Mizutani, I glanced at the Crimson department. "Good morning, Onodera. We've got a situation at Marukawa. Isaka -san has banned us from going into Marukawa Publishing. A petition is being held for our resignations, you see. And to satisfy the demands of others departments, we are not to enter until the petition is done out of fear of... intimidation on our part." He said solemnly, sighing heavily.

But Takano assured me yesterday that the petition won't get through. It's a waste of time and I will tell my team there is nothing to fear. "The petition won't do any good. Isaka -san can't resign a full team. Where'd he get replacement for crime manga editors on such a short notice? This is a plot of someone, someone working to have us removed for their reasons. Either way, it's gonna blow up at them one day. This is a minor hiccup."

Mizutani woke up from her daydream, her head flopping. "Huh? I heard something about us?"

"Mizutani, the petition, remember?" Nakamura repeated, tiredly. "Oh, that one. I am with Onodera -san on this. It's hard to find anyone wanting to go and edit crime manga nowadays. People want to read about love, not gore."

Ishiyama and Nakamura felt inclined to agree with her. "It's true. Onodera joined our team on a mistake, but we're glad to have him. Especially in times like these, when other departments turn up their noses at us."

So, I came to the group wound – licking? I have better things to do... "Um, if I can ask, are we only here to discuss the petition?"

Ishiyama eyed me, then laughed. "Nothing escapes you, Onodera. No, we have come up with a list of potential culprits and I wanted your opinions on them." Nakamura fished out a portable small laptop and turned it on. On the screen appeared a a list of names – and pictures of them from the employee cards we each had. I had mine too – but I never actually used it. It was a formality to have it done, it wasn't required to have it on person.

Well, let's have a look at the list. Me and Mizutani went to other side to have a better look. Nakamura switched to fullscreen and some sort of presentation was rolling. "First suspect is Amano Kousuke from the crime literature department. Seeing as his magazine is out of question somehow, it smells fishy. I don't know what he had against us, but he's on top of our suspect list. In the past at company New Years parties, we haven't seen eye to eye on a personal level – he and I were good friends in middle school, but we kinda drifted apart after going to different high schools and when we met up here six years ago, he instantly disliked me. Maybe it's his idea of a personal vendetta against me. But taking it out on a whole team is stupid."

Who is this Amano Kousuke? First time I'm hearing about him. Kinda makes me curious who is next on the list. Nakamura took over. "Now this is highly confidential, but I have known Kirishima -san on a personal level. Hiyori, his daughter told me that her dad was good friends with the wild horse of Marukawa - he even stayed over every once and then; then, the day before Kirishima... died... they had a fall – out and Hiyori heard them arguing over the phone. And now, Yokozawa didn't even come to see Hiyori at all. I don't know if he did all the murders, but I have a feeling he got something to do with Kirishima's death. I don't know. I am grasping at straws here, but it's odd how distant and standoffish Yokozawa is towards the poor girl."

Yokozawa, a suspect? Hmm.. can't say I am not surprised. That grizzly bear seems the type to do such things. Not a soul would suspect me... except the bear himself.

Ishiyama nodded, not too happily. "Yeah. He's acting strange. But we do have some people on the list who don't act strange. Like for example, Isaka – san himself."

I burst out laughing. He is a suspect? That goof ball? He was far from done. He clicked through many names and faces I didn't know until they reached... Takano's. He's there, too? Why? I didn't let the surprise show on my face, instead I stayed neutral poker – faced. But how did he make it on the list? … Because of Haitani? That man whore had it coming.

So we kinda have two main suspects, I guess? That Amano guy and grizzly grumpy bear. My, my. And I wasn't there. So, I know who to frame. I'll gladly frame grizzly bear. It will be my fucking pleasure.

That concludes the meeting, I guess. I texted to Mino -san (of course out of Mizutani's reach) that I am stuck at a café and banned from entering Marukawa because of a resign petition and send it, waiting for a reply. Fifteen seconds passed and I got a short, curt reply.

Make an excuse and I'll wait for you outside the back door of Marukawa.

Time to mosey along, then. I stood up and the other three stared at me. "I am sorry, but I have an appointment with a friend I told you about. He might have some insight on the murders. If we're permitted to enter, please let me know, okay?"

Nakamura nodded, perplexed. "I'll see you later today." I bowed and exited hastily. Neither said anything upon my sudden excuse. Only exchanged a couple of looks.

I can't let the fact that Takano was on the list bother me. He's not on the top of the list, Ritsu! He's on the bottom, but still a suspect. Why was he deemed a suspect? Hatori or Kisa are far more suspicious, not to mention Mino -san. It must cling with Haitani's death. I pondered about the list more than I should have, considering it's baseless and I AM the murderer. I am out of question because I am on the Crimson team, I guess. They are nice people, even the stupidly ignorant Mizutani. I don't want to hurt them, but if they come to something... it can't be prevented then.

Someone grabbed me and pulled me inside alleyway, a hand blocking my screams. Who's this?! Another molester? I'll show them I am not the prey, but the hunter. With free hand I grabbed the paper cutter and swung with it. The person let go and evaded. "Whoa! It's me!"

I got a better look at my to be assaulter and it turned out to be... "Mino – san!"

He smirked. "It's good you're on guard. I should be careful how I approach you. I tend to forget you're not so unharmful as you look."

I sighed in relief. Thank goodness it wasn't another molester. I attract such types, sadly. The paper cutter was safely stashed in the bag and Mino -san leaned on the wall. I waited for him to speak up. He pulled an encased envelope from his own bag and held it out. Oh, the information, right?

I took the envelope and opened it. "By the way... can we be seen in this alleyway?"

"We can be seen anywhere, but I am only showing you a couple of photographs. What's so wrong about it? Also, it's not frequented much by "proper folk". I have it on good authority no one will bother us here."

Well, he's the one with contacts, not me. "Okay then."

Two huge photos were inside and a small paper scrap with her name and other misc things. Her name was Yuki Ereri, she was twenty – seven years old, long bangs along her face. Hair was sandy brown and eyes light brown. Her hobbies were cooking and cleaning? How boring. She wasn't bad looking at all, she certainly was better looking than the crybaby An.

Mino -san's grin deepened. "Take a good look at her face. The next time you see her it will be pitch dark. In this same alley. I have arranged for her to meet me here Instead, it will be you. She won't expect you and you'll use the moment of surprise."

I liked it so far. It sounded just like the murder with his ex – lover Yanase. He didn't expect me, either. "I hope you're not afraid of little flames?"

I shook head. "No, I am not a scaredy cat. What... am I... no, don't say it..." I got into the idea before he even said it. That's kinda romantic. She'll die just like Haitani, soaked and grilled by nature's forces.

Mino – san took back the envelope and put the photos and scrap of paper back inside, pulling out a lighter and setting it ablaze, letting it fall to the concrete. "This is a preview, Onodera -san. Here, take this."

He gave me a perfectly normal looking bottle of apple juice and I blinked. What's so special about it? Curiously, I opened the bottle and sniffed. Oh, nothing like camouflage. He had a lighter for me, too, but I declined kindly. "I have these." I showed him the matches and his head bobbed as he giggled. "I see. Well, she'll be here around ten at night, so be ready. I'll leave as first. Give me a five minute head start until you go on your way. I'll see you later. And don't worry about the petition. Only the fifth floor signed and it's not nearly enough to have Crimson fired." He winked and left the alley coolly.

I glanced at the dust where the envelope was. The wind carried it and no one knew a murder has brewed in this inconspicuous alley.

Five or maybe more minutes have passed before I reappeared from the shady alley, like it was a normal hangout place. I blended in the crowd and opted on where to go. I checked my phone for any new messages, but I got none from Ishiyama -san, so the petition is not done yet. They are probably presenting it to Isaka and others in power. Off to the café, I guess.

I arrived only to see them leaving the blighted café. Ishiyama saw me as first. "Oh, there you are! I was about to call you. We can go inside. Isaka – san called me the petition was rejected and we're free to enter... but he told me to stay away from the fifth floor. After Kirishima's death, many editors blame us and will be openly unfriendly." He said sternly.

The four of us went to Marukawa and it was strange how everyone was looking at us. Like we were murderers in disguise. Technically, one of us was, but I wasn't about to brag.

The daily hasty and stressful day in office went by normally, considering other departments avoided us like plague. Emerald was the exception on our floor. They gave us supportive smiles and Kisa even shared cookies with us. Mino -san flashed me with another smile. Takano... his eyes warmed up to every fiber and pore.

Crimson weekly was finished with a portion of workload and each of us headed home one after another. Nakamura left as first, saying she has to see how Hiyori is coping with her new family. Ishiyama joined her after little persuasion and they left together. Mizutani skedaddled off to her boyfriend and I stayed until nine at night. I had someplace to check.

I checked the fourth floor – Sapphire and Ametyst were still there. Emerald, Ruby and others I didn't care to remember were long gone.

They are harmless. I traipsed to the elevators and got into the to the left, pressing the third floor button. The door closed and it took me down one store. Let's hope no one will mind. The sales men and women shouldn't be around. Maybe the grumpy man will be by himself. Alone. I risked a peek outside, hiding in the shadows of the badly lit area near the lifts.

So far so good. I saw no one by any of the desks. Then the dark brown coat flung over a chair came into my sight. Ah, Yokozawa's desk. Fucking excellent.

A grin spread on my lips. I'll... borrow something from the grizzly bear so that framing him will be much easier when it comes down to it. I ducked all the way to his desk and inches away, I looked around. The grizzly wasn't around. He's on toilet? I have to be quick. He could be back at anytime.

I was looking for his DNA – in any sort. Skin, nails, anything. Then, my gaze stopped at a single dark hair under his trash can under the desk. Hopefully, I have the tweezers... I found them in the bowels of the bag and a little reclosable polysack. Carefully, I scooped the single hair into the polysack and enclosed it, putting it in the bag along with tweezers. I am done here.

Ducking back to elevators, I hardly pressed the button to summon the lift. It came and I rushed inside before the bear could see me.

My phone rang and I almost jumped out of my skin. I looked at the ID caller, frowning. Mom is calling me? I'd better pick up or she won't leave me to do my deed in silence. "Yes, mother? You realize it's past nine o'clock?"

"Ritsu! I am your mother! I have every right to call you! Nevermind. An's funeral will be held this weekend on Sunday. I'll call you up on Saturday, so you won't forget to actually attend. Oh, she was so perfect for you... and now there is a void nobody can fill... poor An – chan..." And she went on, blabbing. I am through listening to my parents about my personal life. "I am going home to rest. Please don't call me. Believe it or not, editing isn't fun and I had a hectic day at work. I am hanging up." And so I did.

Mother and her "perfect match" thing. Look what it did to An, it got her killed. I have a match in mind and he's far better than the wimpy girl with drowned dreams.

My parents meant well (mostly), but I am done playing their compliant heir son. I was nearing the death drop point – the unused dark alley. I should be more stealthy. That Yuki Ereri woman shouldn't see or hear me coming. The area felt like it was avoided by people (maybe frequented by yakuza or other troublemakers) and that played into my cards. Walking the lonely night streets in a dangerous part of city pumped me with adrenaline for some reason.

I shortened my steps and made effort to be as quiet as I could, my hands crept inside the bag, searching for the set of matches and that flammable liquid, whatever it was. I heard some rustling and a woman's voice exactly at the alley where Mino -san sent her to wait.

"Oh, I don't like this. The person said he had information on Haitani's death... but this location is strange, Rin."

She was on phone with someone, distracted. Good. Half crouching I approached her, the woman's back was turned. She is making this too easy. "Stupid bitch. Join your beloved Haitani in hell!" She turned abruptly and I didn't waste a second, splashing her from head to toe with the liquid. Some got into her eyes and the dumbass tried to wipe them clean. "Who? What! What... IS this? It smells like... gasoline?!"

Opening the match box, I picked one and ignited it, flicking it at the still blinded woman. She instantly went up in flames, her scream was resounding through the area. "Nooo! Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!"

As much as I wanted to stay and watch the light show, her death scream was prone to attract people. I walked outside and went on to the subway. I threw the empty bottle into a trash can in the subway, buying a ticket from the machine. The train came two minutes later and I hopped in, satisfied with how easy it was to kill that double – timing bitch.

Another smear in Takano's life has been eradicated. So, so much closer to him.

At home, I ate a very, very late dinner, took a bath and went to sleep, but not before I notified Mino -san about the success.

I knew you would find it easy. Don't worry about her. I'll make sure no one asks any questions about why she was there.

No one will ask questions... I wonder if he has some relations with yakuza? If so, I should count myself lucky he's on my side. I curled up under the sheets and slept like a log.