Luka is an adult while Kaito's a student here.

"Uwaah! It's a real SLR camera! You even have all the different lenses to boot! You must be the real deal!"

I met that boy around 2 months ago. He was your typical 16 years old, so full of energy and very enthusiastic about the prospect of growing up and becoming an adult for good. He said he wanted to leave all the schoolwork behind as soon as possible. I guess it's only normal for a teenager like him to dream of that. Of course the adult world has its own set of problems, but I didn't want to rain on his parade, so I just laughed. I wanted for him to enjoy his childhood as much as possible before setting out to face the real world.

"Haha, I'm still an amateur you know? It's still really hard for me to find a project."

"Oh, really? Well, I think your pictures are great! You'll be famous in no time! I guarantee it."

I must admit that I had fun talking to that boy. His bright demeanor and "easy to smile" attitude were…contagious. I found myself giggling and laughing more than ever as I sat in that small café with him after all. It was amazing how he was able to make a person like me felt happiness.

"Luka-san, do you mind if I ask you a question?"

I took a sip from my coffee before settling the cup back on the table. The boy was looking at me with curious deep blue eyes. For some reason, I felt that I wouldn't like this question of his. I had half the heart to say yes, but I brushed the thought aside. He was actually interested in my work that not many appreciated so to answer his inquiries was the least I could do.

"No, not at all."

For a few long seconds, he remained quiet. I'm guessing he was weighting all of his options. I'm a pretty good judge of character and I could tell that the boy wasn't one to pry without considering the other person's feelings.

"You don't have to answer, but why don't you take pictures of living things?"

I figured that he would notice. It was true, what he said. I took pictures of many different things from the vast sky to the dullness of an empty room. A breathing organism with a beating heart was something I didn't have in that collection though. I used to take them, snapshots of cute kittens and smiling people, but that was in the past. Now, they were nothing but distant memories.

"I guess I just can't do it anymore, Kaito-kun…"

Kaito stared at me with a puzzled look. It was obvious that he had more questions to ask. I didn't call them out though as frankly, I didn't want to talk about the matter anymore. Glancing outside through the café's glass wall, I took another sip from my already cold cup of coffee.

"I see…"

An uncomfortable silence settled between us after that. Just like my beverage, the previously warm atmosphere had turned chilly. I found myself unable to look at the boy as I slowly finished my drink. For some reason, it tasted bitter on my tongue... Whatever it was he wanted to ask me, he didn't bring it up. Not able to bear the silence anymore, I tear my gaze from the streets.

"So Kaito-kun, can you tell me about yourself?"

My abrupt change of moods seemed to startle him as he flinched, almost dropping my camera onto the checkered flooring of the café. He apologized to me, although a little too profusely, for his clumsiness before sighing. He didn't seem to be the type to enjoy talking about himself.

"I'm just your ordinary highschooler I guess. I go to Yamaha High and live a normal student's life. Nothing interesting ever happen, so I don't really know what to say here."

For the umpteenth time that day, I laughed. From his expression, I could see just how yawnful he found his daily activities to be. In actuality, I was just like that also. It may seem to him that I lead an exciting life as a photographer, but that wasn't the case. If anything, I would like to find another job if possible. Of course, I didn't say a word about it to Kaito. I wouldn't want him to get depressed over my problems.

We chatted a little more after that about random unimportant stuff. Without realizing it, 8 PM had arrived. I had to head on back home soon if I wanted to catch the last bus and I knew that Kaito had to do the same when his mother yelled at him through the phone.

"You're a pretty slick liar." I teased him just as he flipped his blue phone shut.

Kaito just pursed his lips at my comment as he gathered all my photos and arranged them in a neat pile.

"What was I supposed to do? I couldn't tell her that I'm with a stranger right?" He grinned.

"Though I guess you're not one anymore."

I simply giggled as I took the stack of photos from his hand and stuffed them into my purse. I took one last sip from my cup before getting up. Another 15 minutes had passed. By then, my only option was to get a cab. It had started drizzling outside and the walk to the bus station would definitely drench me, not to mention that it was too late to the catch the bus.

"Well, I'll be heading off now, Kaito-kun. You should too."

Kaito did not answer as he stared down onto my camera.

"Hey, I'm not giving that to you." I chuckled.

I swallowed. Kaito's lack of response was freaking me out quite a bit, and for the first time that night, I felt fear towards the young boy. He was so talkative just moments ago, and the abrupt change in attitude unnerved me. Hesitantly, I extended my hand towards my SLR. All I wanted to do back then was to snatch my camera and head out the door.

Instead of doing just that though, I rested my hand on his and kneeled down to his level.

"Is something wrong..?" My voice came out quiet.

A few more seconds passed.

"Luka-san,"

I could feel my hand starting to tremble. A strange sensation could be felt in the pit of my stomach and I gulped. Something was definitely wrong. In the silence, I realized just how desolate the place was. I wasn't sure if it was like that when I stepped in, but right then, I was completely aware of it. The dim lighting, the empty seat, suddenly everything appeared to be eerie in my eyes.

I swallowed.

"Kaito-kun, I… I really need to go now. A-Are you alright?"

"We…"

"…We?"

"We should take a photo together! To commemorate today!"

As abrupt as his sudden silence, the cheer in his voice returned. I was taken aback, and for some time, I simply stared, baffled. It was only when Kaito waved his hands before my eyes that I snapped out of it. What that was all about, I still do not know up to this day. On that night though, I did not question his odd behavior, feeling that it was for the best to just leave the matter.

"So, how 'bout it?"

Even though the warmth of the café had returned, I couldn't help but to feel cold. To take another photo of a person… Should I do it? I was confident that I was going to regret it if ever I agree to his request. But it has been years, I thought. Things may be different now.

So I said,

"Of course."

What happened after that was…hazy. I remember taking the camera in my hands, lifting it just enough so that it could capture the both of us in its lens. I had found it hard to smile, very hard. Thinking back, I guess I must have looked odd. With such a crooked smile, anyone would…

"What are you waiting for? C'mon!" Kaito encouraged me, his voice cheerful.

My heart started to beat faster and faster. Its thumping was so loud that I was able to hear it in my ears. I was scared. I wanted to run, but at the same time, I was curious. Would it happen again? I wanted to know the answer. It was disgusting, detestable. To use others for the sake of my own morbid curiosity, it was such a loathsome act. Kaito, he had so much more to live for and I was going to cut it short.

"Kaito-kun, I-"

"It's alright, Luka-san. Here! Say cheese!"

He put his own finger atop mine, and it was as if my heart stopped. I couldn't do anything. Unlike in the movies, things didn't go in slow motion. Everything was practically a blur. One moment there was silence, and just after my finger pressed down on the shutter button, a resounding click was heard. What have I done? I asked myself. I heard Kaito said some things, but nothing registered in my mind. Regret, fear, worry, they jumbled together and swirled in my head.

"Alright then Luka-san, I'll be heading out now! I'll be sure to stay in touch!"

Suddenly Kaito was already by the café door. With a single wave and a smile, he stepped out. I wanted to stop him, but my body refused to move. I was anticipating, my curiosity getting the best of me. As detestable as it sounds, I was excited. For the past eight years, every living being I took a picture of always meets a regretful end. That was why I stopped taking pictures of them. I didn't want more people to die in my hands. But the deed is done; on that night, I could do nothing but wait.

Then there were screams, and the sound of screeching tires. Even then I couldn't bring myself to budge from my spot. I let my ears judged what was happening outside the café. Even more yells filled the air, and by then, the café owner had run up to the window to see what was going on. He let out a gasp, and I heard him said to himself,

"Oh my God… poor child.."

..It was still happening after all.