12
❥๑━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━๑❥

THE FOLLOWING DAYS at No. 221B, Luna Residences, Liberty Street, passed quietly. There were no further killings reported, no trace of the elusive murderer, just the usual minor crimes like robberies and occasional accidents.

The Nurse’s case remained ongoing, with the police’s primary focus still on the supposed aswang or modern Jack the Ripper killer prowling the city. Several sightings were reported, though most turned out to be mere publicity stunts, as people sought to capitalize on the ‘Nueva Aurora killer’ trend to gain attention.

Meanwhile, Zane and Raine settled into a smooth rhythm, finding a certain harmony in sharing an apartment. Sometimes, she’d announce she was heading to her cousin’s hospital. When Zane inquired, she’d casually mention conducting an experiment in the lab. On occasion, she’d play the piano in their study, either late at night or in the early hours, claiming it helped her think. There were also moments when she’d simply sit on her favourite red square sofa facing the kitchen, staring into space as though absorbed in some profound contemplation.

Her boundless energy intrigued him. He observed, however, that she had no vices--not even a fondness for alcohol. Her only apparent ‘addiction,’ if it could be called that, seemed to be an insatiable appetite for work itself.

For Raine, Zane was the quintessential everyday man--lazy and a bit impulsive. His day starts with a blaring alarm, and his cooking skills left much to be desired. More often than not, it was Raine who took over in the kitchen, or else Zane would settle for takeaway from the corner shop to avoid another mishap with their meals. Much like her, he’d occasionally drift into a blank stare, humming or singing to himself in a trance. His fascination with romance and mythology comics was something she found both curious and amusing.

At the university, she’d often catch him muttering to himself, lost in some private train of thought. He was prone to the odd expletive now and then, and it didn’t escape Raine’s attention that he seemed to be fostering a budding infatuation with Andrea Mercado, the History teacher.

As the days slipped by, the quiet curiosity between them only deepened. Zane found himself drawn to Raine’s impressive time management--how she balanced her cases with teaching and research so effortlessly, as though she’d mastered some arcane art. Every now and then, he’d spot her engrossed in writing chapters for a novel, her focus unwavering even amidst her packed schedule.

For Raine, Zane himself was a puzzle. He had an air of mystery about him, one that made her want to delve deeper, as if he were a case waiting to be solved. She learned that he kept a personal journal, a chronicle of his life living alone, which he claimed helped bolster his confidence. Though she respected his privacy, Zane freely shared snippets with her, mentioning that this was his third year since starting his master’s journey and hinting at the struggles of his first two years.

“It’s been 21 days since the fourth victim’s death--fifth, if that failed attempt had succeeded--and still, not a single new lead on that blasted killer!” Raine huffed, pacing back and forth across the living room. The red walls were a makeshift crime board, plastered with photographs, sketches, newspaper clippings, and the map of Nueva Aurora pinned with notes.

“Why are you so worked up over it?” Zane teased, comfortably settled on his favourite square sofa, facing her with the mythology book he’d yet to return to the café.

Raine’s gaze flickered over to the book. “Is that-“ She paused, then waved it off. “Never mind. Look, I’m just one of the few genuinely concerned citizens here. And besides, my current research is focused on understanding what drives people to their actions, whether for good or ill. This killer is practically a case study in twisted motivation!”

“What? Creating psychopaths now, are we?” Zane asked, his tone light.

“No, certainly not,” Raine replied swiftly. “I’m simply fascinated by the way the human mind works--the mechanisms of thought.”

“Quite right. It’s certainly one of life’s more cryptic puzzles,” he replied, his attention returning to his book. After a pause, he added, “You know, I’ve been observing you.” His gaze lingered on an illustration of a manananggal, a woman’s torso split in half with ominous wings stretched wide.

“You’ve been spying on me?” Raine raised a brow.

“Hardly. Just exercising a bit of your detective craft,” he said with a grin. “You’ve a remarkable grasp of literature and philosophy, and it suits your title, Doctor of Philosophy. I’ve noticed you’re not particularly interested in politics. You, like myself, earned a Bachelor of Science in Education, majoring in General Sciences--but, of course, from a university in Manila, not here.”

“So, you are spying on me,” Raine said, folding her arms.

“No, I assure you, I’m not!” Zane insisted, though he couldn’t quite hide his smile.

“How is your ‘boss’ anyways?” said Raine.

“Don’t call her that! Thankfully, she’s finally stopped pestering me,” Zane replied with a sigh of relief.

“So, what’s on the agenda today?” Raine asked, tilting her head. “Still carrying on with that?”

“No, my friend. I’m heading out tonight,” he replied, closing his book and glancing at Raine, who finally stopped pacing. “These past weeks have been hectic, so I thought some fresh air would do me good.”

“Oh, right. I ought to go out once in a while myself,” Raine said. “Thanks for the reminder.”

“Actually, it’s a date night,” Zane said with a smile.

“A date?” Raine asked.

“Yes, you know, it’s when two people who like each other go out and have a bit of fun,” Zane explained.

“Brilliant!” Raine said. “So, where are we off to? I think I’ve got a free schedule tonight.”

“Er, actually...” Zane hesitated, biting his lip in sudden discomfort. “I’m going out with a colleague.”

“Oh? Alright.”

“And, well, she doesn’t yet know I’m interested in her. I want her to see that I’m enjoyable company--a rather likable gentleman,” Zane continued.

“Alright then. Who exactly is this girl you’re on about?” she asked.

“Look, I like you, yes, but only as a friend. I am--“

“Just answer my question. Who is this girl?” she pressed. “Don’t think for a second that I’m interested in seeing anyone else. I already have the love of my life, which is... are... my works.”

“Oh, come on,” Zane replied, his cheeks reddening with embarrassment. “You already know her.”

Raine remained silent, her expression unreadable as she fixed her gaze on him. “Fine, it’s Professor Mercado,” Zane finally confessed.

“I knew it!” she exclaimed. “Where are you even taking her?”

“Uh... to the movies?” Zane replied, uncertainty evident in his voice. “Watching some films about things we both like.”

“Going to watch a romance with two people falling in love?” she asked, her sarcasm cutting through the air as she settled into her favourite chair. “Why not take her for a walk in the park?” Raine suggested, her tone shifting to one of practicality.

“Oh, right! But will she even like it?” Zane asked, a hint of doubt in his voice.

“Why not?” Raine replied, raising an eyebrow.

“I’ll probably take her to the mall instead. Girls love that,” he said, attempting to sound confident.

❥๑━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━๑❥

AFTER hours had passed, the decision was finally made. The dark night was illuminated by golden streetlights, a nod to the designs of the Spanish colonists. Surrounding them were remnants of the Spanish era--the building halls, the pavements, and even the non-functioning cannons scattered about. The sky above was a clear September canvas, devoid of clouds, marking the exact date and time of the New Moon phase at 8:57 when they arrived from a tricycle ride.

“It’s so lovely that someone finally understands what I want,” Andrea said, her radiant smile complemented by red lipstick and a flowing red nightdress as they strolled at a leisurely pace, enjoying the coolness of the evening breeze.

The area was beginning to sparkle with Christmas lights, and festive decorations adorned various establishments nearby.

“Really?” Zane asked, intrigued.

“This is incredible--the night scene, the historical site, and such delightful company to spend the evening with,” Andrea replied.

“Oh! Thanks to a friend of mine... who suggested this,” Zane said, smiling.

They continued walking until they reached a cement bench, where they decided to take a quick break. “Did you know this very area once served as one of the battlegrounds for freedom?” Andrea remarked.

“My mother used to tell me that! I nearly forgot about it; thanks for reminding me,” Zane said.

“Want some street food?” she asked.

“Yeah, do you want to buy some, too?” Zane replied.

“Definitely! Just tell me what you’d like to eat,” Andrea offered.

“No, I’ll treat you,” Zane insisted.

“I insist. Unless you want me to run off right now, Mr. Nuñez, you’ll let me treat you and buy you food,” she said, standing up and crossing her arms in front of him, pouting playfully.

“Alright, fine,” Zane relented.

“Nice!” Andrea beamed. “Now stay here, and I’ll get us some snacks.”

Zane watched as Andrea walked towards the source of the salty, savoury aroma wafting through the air. He caught her gesturing her order to the vendor before turning back to flash him a smile.

“How’s it going?” he heard, jolted as his heart skipped a beat. He sat up straight to find Raine sitting beside him, clad in a denim jacket and jeans over a white turtleneck.

“What are you-- You startled me!” he exclaimed.

“Don’t mind me; I’m just checking in,” she replied casually.

“What are you doing here?” Zane asked, confused.

“Am I not allowed to come here anymore?” Raine countered.

“Well, I just thought I’d have some alone time with the woman I’m attracted to,” Zane explained.

“She’s a beauty, isn’t she?” Raine said, peering towards the back where the food stall was. Zane immediately followed her gaze, only to find that Andrea had vanished from sight.

“Where is she?” Zane gasped.

“Hmm... Maybe she went to look for the comfort room, which is a bit far from here,” Raine replied.

“Are you sure she won’t wander off?” Zane asked, concern creeping into his voice.

“Why would she do that if she has a date with someone she clearly likes?” Raine remarked, a teasing smile on her face that made Zane blush.

He peered once more at the street food stand, only to see the vendor waving his hand in the air, gesturing for him to come closer.

“Go on! He’s calling you,” Raine encouraged, prompting Zane to approach the vendor.

“Uh, your girlfriend asked me to give you these, sir,” the younger man said, placing four small cups filled with different types of food before Zane--two cups of kwek-kwek, hard-boiled quail eggs in orange batter that had been deep-fried, one cup of kikiam, originally a Chinese dish of minced pork and prawn seasoned with five-spice powder, rolled in beancurd skin, steamed, and fried until crisp and golden, and one cup of fish balls, made from fish paste and boiled or deep-fried--all generously drizzled with a sweet and spicy sauce. “She already paid for them-twenty pesos in total.”

“Where did she go? Did she mention anything?” Zane asked, a hint of concern evident on his voice.

“She said she was sorry because she had to go home early. Said it was an emergency,” the vendor replied. “Personal stuff, she mentioned.”

“Oh!” Zane exclaimed, trying to figure out what to do. Glancing back at his bench, he saw Raine already walking away. “Hey, Ms. De Verra!” he called out, but it was his second call that prompted her to halt. “Ms. De Verra, wait!”

“What?”

“You mentioned your schedule is free tonight, right? Would you like to share these with me as a small thank you for treating me earlier?” he asked.

“I’m heading to the museum later before it closes at 9:30, so--“

“Come on, I can’t eat all of these by myself,” Zane insisted, holding out two pieces of food--kikiam and kwek-kwek. “I’ll join you later. I don’t want to waste my money on this trip anyway.”

Raine took the two cups, and they returned to the bench. “What happened to your girlfriend, then?” she asked, as if she had overheard the vendor’s jesting, though that seemed unlikely given the distance and the noise.

“Ms. Mercado went home. Personal stuff,” he replied, taking a bite of a small fish ball. “Oh, these are delicious!”

“Just to clarify, I didn’t come here to disrupt your evening. I had a new idea that came to me this afternoon,” Raine said. “Whatever happened isn’t my fault.”

“I know,” Zane answered. “I understand you wouldn’t show up without an important reason anyway.”

The night descended slowly, bringing a serene stillness across the area, with billboards at each corner of the park illuminated by festive Christmas greetings and the mayor’s accomplishments. It was nearly ten in the evening when the two finally returned home to their flat, noticing something in their mailbox, which had been left ajar.

“I wonder who this red envelope is for. I can’t believe mail is still popular here,” Zane remarked.

“It wasn’t there earlier. Who would deliver a letter at this time?” Raine replied.

Zane stepped closer to the mailbox, discovering that there was no address--only “Luna Residences, Liberty Street.” He opened the envelope, his eyes widening as he unfolded a sheet of A4 paper. Written in red ink, a peculiar symbol adorned the page.

“Fountain pen,” Raine remarked. “What could that symbol be about?”

“This doesn’t smell like ink,” Zane replied, bringing the paper closer to his nose but pulling away quickly.

Beneath the symbol were splatters of a crimson substance, some still drifting before drying. “It’s blood,” they said in unison, a statement that coincidentally coincided with the distant tolling of the parish church bell a few kilometers away, its ten rings echoing through the silent night.