Meeting You ✓

Basement Conversations

Chapter 3

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Time passed quickly with Theodore Nam.

"So, why the murders?" the boy's eyebrows furrowed, voice a little raspy from all the talk.

My gaze rose to meet his (which proved to be a mistake as I felt my insides quite literally melt).

"W-what?" I replied shakily, feeling yet another blush rush to my cheeks – once pristine hair on my head tangled into a messy bun by now.

And no, not in the attractive way – I was not trying to be attractive, a messy bun was literally the most convenient hairstyle I had in mind.

My flannel stayed wrapped around my waist due to the heat radiating throughout the poorly ventilated basement.

I silently cursed to myself.

The sticky sweat swimming on my forehead was anything but cute.

"Sorry, I meant why research on these particular murders? Shouldn't you be terrified? I mean, these are real people that lived around us." Theodore clarified, pushing past the intrusive thoughts.

I glanced down at the newspapers ahead, heart beating loudly in my chest. The ticking from Theodore's watch echoed more than before – gold roman numerals etched across the surface blinding across the dark.

"I get that – they were real. I guess I should be terrified – but justice has never been easy. We might be young and foolish for all I care – but at least we loved them. At least we care enough not to be blinded by cash or whatever the police force is receiving for them to not bloody throw everything into this case. I just want it to be over."

"Do you really think the police are corrupt?"

I glanced back up at Theodore, this time holding his gaze.

"I know they are."

Theodore nodded, sighing, "What makes you think you can do it? If the police really are corrupt, what makes you think we stand a chance?"

I flinched a little at the statement.
Sliced across my skin.

"What about you? What makes you think we have a chance?"

This time, it was Theodore's turn to fall back.

"There was a time –", he started, holding his breath, "when Simplexton was beautiful. It still is, holding that tasteful touch I could never understand – but now people are afraid of letting their children onto the streets, afraid to wave to their neighbours. It's devastating," he bent his head forwards, "I've seen it all play out from Yerin – and somehow, I feel responsible."

My eyebrows furrowed, "Responsible?"

Theodore nodded.

"Because I just sat back and watched."

My gaze fell.

Inhaling, I began my reply.

"Living in Geniusity has taught me one thing – that no one really gives a damn once a town falls through. I thought – I thought looking into the murders would be fun as a project, for sure. But I also thought it'd be noble. To help."

Looking to my side in the misty shallowness of the room, I noticed that Theodore's gaze was now fixated on my face, glaring in – shock? Awe? I couldn't quite tell. My voice had gone low towards the end of the monologue.

There was something that ached in my heart as I spoke about them – the ones who'd left us. Their features glared back at me, eyes forever still.

People always ask you why.