CHAPTER 6: Perfect Crime Love Letter pt. 1; Possessiveness

Since their childhood, Len was completely hopeless with Mikuo...at least that was what he always thought.

Mikuo lived by Len and was always with him. At first, he didnt really wanted to be with Len but since their families were close friends with each other, they had no choice but to play together.

Mikuo had trouble understanding Len and his thoughts were always a mystery to him, it was like talking to a brick wall. Now that he thought of it, even when they were little, Len had never been very good at communicating with people because of that, Miku gradually became curious of Len's behavior. He began following Len's reactions on a bit of whim.

He would do most of the talking for Len and Len would often depend on him for many reasons. Mikuo felt like all Len's enemies disappear around him. As a child, he would take the liberty to feel like a hero.

The one who saved his childhood friend from the shadows was him.

Len was nothing without Mikuo.

Mikuo had never thought the feeling of being needed by someone else would feel so good. "You really are helpless Len." Mikuo once laughed as he took Len's hand.

Len, the hopeless victim and him, the great hero. Because he always thought of it that way, life seemed to grow easier. It was all too simple.

As long as Len needed him, everything was perfect.

Unfortunately, Mikuo was not a perfect, flawless hero and of course he made a mistake somewhere.

It was the sixth year in elementary school, some of his classmates came over to his house, including Len for a sleepover. It was rather fun, they would all play video games and sort though Len mostly prefer sitting in the corner and observe them.

Mikuo would once again, act as the hero who needed to save Len. Everything would've gone smoothly if it werent for that one mistake.

"Ahhh!" One of his friends yelled. He then rushed over to Mikuo's bed and Mikuo's eyes widened in horror when he realized what he was trying to pull out from among his pillows. "What is this?!" His friend demanded as he pulled out a pink stuffed rabbit hidden among the pillow.

It was actually a gift given by his parents when he was really young. It was a really girly toy and at his age, he no longer talked to it or held it in his sleep. He hid it among his pillows so they wouldnt see it but unfortunately he didnt hid it well enough.

"Haha! Mikuo you owned something this girly?" One of them laughed. "You dont have any sisters so this is definitely yours right?"

"T-That's not-" Mikuo tried coming up with an excuse. This wasnt suppose to happen. This was a huge mistake! A mistake of a lifetime!

"...That doll is mine." Mikuo flinched when he recognize that soft mutter. He span around to see Len standing behind him, with his usual blank expression. "That doll is mine." He repeated. "So give it back."

Their classmates stared at him "Len? Why's your doll at Mikuo's house?" One of them asked. Len frowned a bit. "My house was nearby so...the last time I came over I forgot about it."

Apparently, their classmates seemed disappointed with the answer and gave the doll to Len with a disappointed huffed without mocking or teasing him. Mikuo, on the other hand, was completely stunned. He flinched when Len gave a glance at him before he just went back to sit at the corner.

Mikuo for the first time, was terrified. What was Len thinking after he practically saved him from embarrassment? Could this be revenge for everything he did? This was bad. This was very, very bad!

Up until now, he was always the one saving him. He was the one protecting Len. He was the hero! He always found worth his time! And now, the fact that their roles have been switched...

WAS EXTREMELY BAD!

Mikuo grew paranoid after that. He would keep glancing at Len every few minutes- maybe even seconds. He was completely worried about what would Len say after such a thing. Would he mock him? Would he laugh at him? He couldnt handle the thought of it!

That night, he couldnt sleep at all. He just keep thinking of Len and what he might do. Morning came and all their classmates left but Len stayed behind and so the two of them were left in his room.

There was heavy silence between them. Mikuo peeked at Len, who only sat on the ground in front of him and was staring down at the ground with an blank expression. This was probably the first time Mikuo ever worried about what Len would think, he honestly never took consideration to his thoughts since he always seem to depend on Mikuo to do the talking.

Mikuo folded his arms and gripped the fabric of his jacket. He was nervous. What was he thinking, after covering him? "Um.." Len started which surprise Mikuo. Mikuo felt his heart stopped when Len then looked at him. "Thanks for everything." Len gave a small smile and Mikuo's eyes widened.

Len was...thanking him?

"Hahaha." Mikuo laughed softly, a strange glint shone in his eyes but Len didnt notice it.

Len really did appreciate him after all! The things he did everyday! Because Len never really did show much of his emotions, Mikuo would often thought he never notice the things he would do for him. There were times he was afraid Len would find him annoying! But no- Len actually appreciated him!

Len needed him!

As proof of his appreciation, he covered him-

'No, that's not it.' Mikuo thought. Yesterday's act wasnt for Mikuo's sake, it was for his own sake. If Mikuo's position or status in the class was ever in danger, who would protect Len? That's it! Mikuo clutched his hand and grinned so widely it would reach his ears.

Only he can protect Len. He was the only person Len could depend on. Only him!

That was why for now on he would continue "helping" Len.

"You're so helpless Len." Mikuo chuckled cheerfully. Len looked at him, that tiny smile wiped away from his face. "Yeah...I'm sorry about always." Mikuo shook his head then looked at the bunny doll Len was still holding onto to. "I'll give it to you." Mikuo said, pointing at the toy. Len blinked and looked down. "Ah, thats right here." Len said as he tried passing the doll to Mikuo but he gently pushed the toy back to him.

"Its fine! Dont worry about it!" Mikuo exclaimed happily. Len blinked in surprise. "Eh?" He said in confusion. "That doll...I'll give it to you Len." He said. Len stared at him hesitantly. "Just take it!" Mikuo exclaimed. "Okay?"

Len was still reluctant for a moment before he hugged the doll and nodded slowly. "Okay..." He mumbled and Mikuo grinned once more.

From that day on, Mikuo worked even harder to help Len from behind the scenes. Time passed, and they both entered the same high school.

During middle school, Len became obsessed with rumors and urban legends and such. And on top of that, he grew pessimistic. As for Mikuo, he continued taking advantage of his sociability and continued maintaining a intermediate position in his class.

Going through life was all about sense of balance. If Mikuo stood out too much, people would become his enemy but if he were placed in an inferior position by a certain amount, he would be looked down by the higher ranks of is class in an instant.

So Mikuo was able to stand in between while carefully paying attention to Len's behavior. Although Len didnt have any friends close to him beside himself, Mikuo didnt mind. Besides he was always there for him so he was never completely isolated.

After all, He only need him.

Once or twice a week, they would go together to that old building and while Len would talk about urban legends and such, Mikuo would just observe Len as he happily chattered away. Mikuo wasnt really interested in things like ghost stories and the likes but as long as he was able to look into Len's behavior and nothing changes, he was perfectly fine listening to those rumors.

While those days continued, Mikuo came to gently watch over Len. As long as these unchanging days never end, he was satisfied.

But all that changed one day...

"I know you're in here, Len!" Someone yelled as the door opened with a loud clatter. The two turned to see it was a girl with short blond hair and a big white ribbon that bounced on her head.

Mikuo immediately recognized her as the school's most popular girl, Rin Kagami. Mikuo stood at the sidelines for a few minutes as the two argued before Rin took notice of him and stopped.

She nervously cleared her throat and turned to him. "Nice to meet you." She greeted warily. Mikuo smiled. "Hi Rin-chan nice to meet you." Rin frowned and sighed. "Haa, you know my name too huh?" Mikuo then laughed. "Who wouldnt know such a popular person like you? The prettiest girl in the whole school right?" He said. "Ah, my name's Mikuo Hatchune*, Len's childhood friend you can say." He announced as he patted Len's shoulder.

Len said nothing as he shrugged Mikuo's hand off and walked over to his bag to get his phone. Rin then raised a brow and shrugged. "Hmm, is that so?" She said, uninterested before she reverted her attention to Len as she moved towards him.

Mikuo watched as the two talked. He was still smiling on the outside but deep down...Mikuo was furious. What the hell? Why was such a conspicuous girl even here? And standing so close to Len at that?

No doubt strange rumors would begin popping up if these two were seen together. Even though Mikuo learned how to prevent Len from standing out...Just how in the hell did he came into contact with this kind of person so quickly?!

Mikuo clenched his teeth together as anger boiled inside him. If he doesnt get this girl away from Len soon-

Mikuo took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. No, she'll leave sooner or later then everything would go back to normal right?...

But despite Mikuo's expectation, another member joined their little group in the old school building then after a month another joined in. Though they didnt have a very clear purpose, they soon began having activities like a club and would meet up after school.

At first, Mikuo was surprised but after re-thinking about all this, he could use this as a way to protect Len and that somehow keep Mikuo calm

It was already after school and Mikuo walked through the halls of the old school. He carefully opened the door of the music room and was surprise to find someone was already inside. He was usually the first to arrive so he wasnt expecting anyone to come much earlier than him.

Miku turned to him with a look of pleasant surprise. "Oh hi." She greeted with a smile. Mikuo smiled back as he walked over to one of the old desk and set down his bag. Mikuo mentally sighed as he glanced at Miku. He wasnt very good with talking to girls but it was better than talking to Rin.

"Hey Miku-chan you're early today arent you?" He said, trying to start a conversation with the teal haired girl. Miku grinned. "Yes." She said. "Its because I wanted to speak with you, Mikuo-san."

Mikuo blinked in confusion. "Huh?" He started. "Sorry but dont you mean with Rin?" Miku then giggled. "Oh? Of course I would love to talk with Rin-chan but..." She paused. "I would also like to speak together with you Mikuo-san."

That was unexpected. Miku and Mikuo werent very close to each other since Miku would rather speak with Rin and Mikuo with Len. Now that he thought of it, Miku didnt stand out in class or any activity and she also gave the impression that she didnt have any close friends.

Mikuo was a bit reluctant but then he nodded. "I see so what do you want to talk about?" He asked. Miku then slowly pulled out a chair and sat down. She looked at him with a serious glint in her eyes that baffled Mikuo. "I think that you and I are quite alike."

Mikuo blinked. He could tell she didnt meant by appearance. There was one time Len made this crazy rumor that he and Miku were long lost twins because of how similar they were. Mikuo didnt really mind it at all and besides that rumor died down after two or three days.

"Huh? What do you mean?" He questioned. "No matter how I look at it, I think that you and Len resemble each other more." Miku chuckled, crossing her legs. "But thats just on the surface isnt it?"

Mikuo tilted his head and raised a brow. Miku grinned in a rather sinister way. "There's someone we cant live without." His eyes widened. "Wha-"

"In truth, you know what I mean. That you, yourself are an empty existence." Miku continued, her expression darkened in sadistic amusement. "If you dont find your own reason for existing inside of someone else, you wouldnt even be able to live. In truth, you're meaningless, powerless..."

Mikuo curled his hands into fists. This girl-

"What are you saying?!" He demanded angrily. Miku stared at him and clicked her tongue. "Its only been a short period of time but when I look at you...I'm annoyed." She said.

"Its as if...you are a mirror of me. After all, you have realized it havent you?" She leaned back and cupped her cheek as she continued smiling that disturbing smile. "If one day, the other party has- No, its possible that already, they may no longer have any need for you, its just that you dont have the courage to confirm it and your own-"

"Shut up." Mikuo sneered. He glared furiously at her as if looks could kill but Miku was unfazed by it and she just smiled slyly before she chuckled. "Ufufu, its a joke." She stated as she stood up and turned away from him. "I think that despite this, I would like to become friends with you Mikuo-san." She decided then she glanced at him over her shoulder. "Considering the mutual benefits for each other, it not something you cant understand right?" Miku giggled.

Mikuo clenched his teeth but he couldnt help but shiver a bit at the way Miku just spoke to him a few minutes ago. It was so...cold and blunt as if she could see right through him. She was definitely someone a person shouldnt take lightly with..

The door slid open and Len and Rin walked in, surprise to see the two already in. "Huh? Mikuo?" Len started, followed by Rin. "Ah, Miku, you're early. What're you doing?" Miku instantly brightened as she walked over to Rin. "Rin-chan!" She exclaimed happily. "I was just having a conversation with Mikuo-san."

"Is that so." Rin said. Miku nodded and turned to Mikuo with her usual smile, unlike a while ago. "Right Mikuo-san?" Mikuo said nothing and narrowed his eyes at her. Len looked at Mikuo, who was unusually quiet. "Mikuo?" He called out in confusion. Mikuo was still silent for a second then he looked at Len with a small smile.

"Yeah." He said. "Just small talk..."

From that day on, Mikuo may not show it but he grew increasingly frustrated.

Him? Depending on Len? Mikuo was insulted and angered at how Miku would think such a thing. That was wrong! Totally wrong!

He wasnt the one depending on Len. Len's the one who was depending on him. Thats how its always been right?

He was the one who saved Len. If he didnt help him, Len would surely be... Mikuo stopped at that. Surely be...what?

If he werent around, what would become of Len? Would he be alone in the class? Would nothing change from now? But more importantly, in the first place, would Len be bothered by that sort of thing?

Mikuo gripped his hand. No, that's not right!

At that time, Len thanked him? Len should be grateful to him! Thats right, there was no mistake to that...

"-kuo, Mikuo!" Mikuo flinched and turned to Len, who frowned at him. "Ah! Sorry." He murmured. "Are you alright?" Len asked worriedly. "Are you sick?" Mikuo shook his head. "Nah, its nothing. I was just spacing out a little. Im totally fine."

Len stared at him as they walked towards the old building. Mikuo noticed the look on Len's face and snickered. "By the way, something happened today?" He asked. Len looked as if he just realized something and grinned as he pulled out his phone. "Thats right!" He said in excitement. "Hey Mikuo, you know about the inexplicable chain of murders that happened in the old building right?"

"The truth is yesterday, I happened to find a diary in the old building and it seems to be an important clue!" Len explained and Mikuo simply listened. See? Even though Len looked like he had a blank expression on his face, Mikuo always knew the face Len would make whenever he wanted to talk about something.

It was only the times when some big rumor and mystery appears would Len get all excited. He'd always listen to his stories and express his own opinions here and there and then he would say, "thats really cool, Len.".

That sort of Len was the same as usual. Nothing will change.

"Really? Thats pretty cool Len." Mikuo remarked as he smiled gently.

Nothing has changed.

"Right?" Len grinned. "I also talked about it with Rin, and she seemed interested." Len didnt notice the way Mikuo froze for a second before continued walking beside him. "Well then, today we'll all investigate that diary together."

Mikuo wasnt exactly listening to the rest. All he kept think was that...

He also talked about it with Rin?

Up until now, Len would always, always talk to him first. Even about the most trivial things. Yet he already talked about it with that girl?

Wait a second.

Why would he do such a selfish thing with his permission? Even more so, why with Rin? No, he couldnt be that close with her right? Doesnt that mean he wasnt able to check with Len to make sure he doesnt say things he shouldnt?

All sorts of questions popped into Mikuo's head. In the first place, why did he care...?

Then...Isnt it just like...

"There's someone we cant live without."

No, No, No, No, No, NO!

Its not like! It would never be like that! Everything from here on was as if he was reading a novel, he already read. It was like he was looking objectively at a world that had nothing to do with him.

It had nothing to do with him...

Now that he looked back at those empty memories, they were all gathered together with everyone in the classroom and began reading the diary. It held rumors and stories that they never heard of until then...

And the rumor told throughout the school about a book that once the page where the bookmark is placed in opened to...that rumor would become reality.

"The Bookmark of Demise."

When they saw that, everyone gathered there became excited...but after that, Mikuo couldnt remember anything...

The next thing, Mikuo knew he was laying on his bed, staring passively at the ceiling. The clock ticked in the silence. Mikuo still couldnt get those damn words out of his head.

"There's someone we cant live without."

"Thats wrong." He whispered as he reached his hand out into the air. The image of a young boy, hugging a pink stuffed rabbit popped into his mind. He clicked his tongue and covered his eyes.

Nothing was suppose to change.

*To be honest, I was laughing my head off when I typed that. I mean Hatchune? Seriously? The image of the actual Miku Hatchune popped into my mind and I laughed! I couldnt thought of any surname beside that so there it was!

Mikuo seems to be very possessive with Len since he was always thinking about Len and his behavior. A real hero complex if I must say.

Anyways thanks for supporting this story so far! I hope you'll continue reading this story until the end okay?

See ya guys!

Next Chapter: CHAPTER 7: Perfect Crime Love Letter: pt. 2; Obsession

-Yugao702