Work Text:
[Evening News – Date xxx/xxx/xxxx]
Tokyo at night was as bustling as ever, but amidst the hustle and bustle, glaring red headlines dominated every news channel:
“Serial Killer Resurfaces – 30 lives lost, 0 leads.” “Police Urge Public Vigilance – The culprit remains an enigma, but the police will strive to investigate and shed light on these cases.”
~~~oOo~~~
It truly was an exhausting day. Between presentations, group work, and school activities, Pocket felt like she was reaching overload. Coming back to her room, she found her roommates’ mess everywhere. Damn, what is wrong with this day?
Just as she was about to scold them all, she received a message that alleviated some of her fatigue.
@PhantomTripleCrown: “Has my baby arrived home yet?” “I miss my baby so much ❤️❤️”
Phantom Triple Crown, or Agnes Tachyon in real life, was a forensic doctor she had coincidentally met after stumbling upon her profile on Umabook.
It started with just a few back-and-forth comments, but gradually developed into warm, intimate check-ins. Two months later, the two exchanged contact information.
Agnes Tachyon, or Tachyon as she wanted Pocket to call her, was 8 years her senior and worked as a forensic doctor at a hospital in Tokyo. After a few more months of talking, she confessed her feelings and asked her out. Naturally, Pocket agreed—she had already fallen for her.
When they tried to set a date to meet, Tachyon declined, saying it wasn't a good time but promised to call her every day. Perhaps blinded by love, Pocket agreed, even though her friends called her an idiot for dating someone she knew nothing about except for her name, job, and the low, husky voice on the phone.
With no other means of communication besides that Umabook page, and knowing nothing about her lover’s personality, family background, or relationships, Pocket still trusted her. Despite her friends’ warnings, she was sure Tachyon was a good person.
How could she suspect a gentle woman who always listened to the trivial stories of a second-year student? A person who was always caring, checking on her health, and ordering food for her every day certainly couldn't be a bad person!!!
@Junglepokke: “I’m home, my love!!!” “I miss you too.”
@PhantomTripleCrown: “You answered so late, you worried me to death 🥺”
@Junglepokke: “Come on, come on, I’m sorry!!!” “It’s because my roommates made a huge mess everywhere, and I had to scold them.”
@PhantomTripleCrown: “I thought my baby stopped loving me 🥺”
Hearing her older girlfriend whine like a child made Pocket unconsciously laugh. “Good grief, she's an adult but acts like a child, she’s so adorable.”
@Junglepokke: “It’s okay, I love you the most, and to make it up to you, I'll do anything you want!!!”
@PhantomTripleCrown: “Then eat all the food I just ordered for you.” “I know you’re eating instant ramen again 😡”
@Junglepokke: “Yes, I’ll listen to you, my love.”
Right after sending the message, she heard the doorbell. Oh my god! There was so much food for just her, she’d definitely have to share it with her roommates. A blessing, a handout of a little bit of her love for them.
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“Thank you, my love, I will eat deliciously ❤️❤️❤️” [@PhantomTripleCrown reacted with a heart]
“Whoa, is our Pokke dating a rich sugar mommy!?” Okita said excitedly while grabbing a piece of pork and putting it in her mouth, then grabbing more items haphazardly, creating a chaotic scene.
“Is it that sister you met online again?” Naomi grumbled. She had advised her dense friend a thousand times, but she kept ignoring it. What was all that talk about her loving her so much, and her loving her the most? How could you love someone whose face you hadn’t even seen?
“Come on, come on~” Hinako said while stuffing a piece of shrimp into Naomi’s mouth. “We should be happy for her, seeing her lover care for her like this.”
“Hina is right!!! She’s rich and loves her, and we get to enjoy the benefits too,” Okita chimed in while chewing loudly on her food.
“See, I told you she was a good person! You’re just jealous of me, Nao-chan!!!” Thrilled and proud of her girlfriend, Pocket couldn’t contain her joy, grinning foolishly throughout the meal.
The group ignored the topic and continued eating. The food was from an expensive restaurant, so it was certain that Pocket’s girlfriend was genuinely wealthy. While they were eating, the news broadcast came on, capturing everyone’s attention.
“Victim 32 – female, approximately 25 years old – was found near Shibuya station. Police believe the culprit has knowledge of anatomy. Public panic mounts as the perpetrator remains at large…” “Police will do their utmost to apprehend the culprit. Residents are advised not to go out at night and to always prepare for the worst-case scenario.”
“Is that near our neighborhood today?!” Naomi was so worried that her hand trembled while picking up a piece of fish. It was understandable; for the past year, Tokyo had not had a single peaceful day. A mysterious killer with a penchant for torturing victims was still on the loose. No one knew what he looked like, and there had never been a single lead on him, no matter how many police officers, detectives, or forensic specialists were deployed.
Hearing her friends discuss this made Pocket a little worried too. A friend of hers had just become a victim last month. She had just received a confession from her, and the next day, she heard the news that her body was hanging from a tree in the park near their school. That heavy feeling had been haunting her for months, causing her to have continuous nightmares.
[You have received a new message] @Phantomtriplecrowm: “Is my baby done eating?” “I'm so tired today, I want to hear my baby’s voice 🥺”
Seeing the message, all her worries suddenly vanished. Honestly, how can someone be so adorable?
@Junglepokke: “I’m done eating!! Thank you so much.” “But I’m sorry. I still have an assignment to do today, so I can’t call you.” “But I promise I’ll make it up to you later ❤️❤️❤️”
@Phantomtriplecrowm: “My baby promises, right? 😞” “When you do, send a picture of yourself too! I want to see you 🥲”
@Junglepokke “Yes, I promise!!!” “What about you? Are you still busy with work?” “I want to meet you in person.”
@Phantomtriplecrowm: “Work has been pouring in lately. You know, that famous serial killer 😔” “But don’t worry, I promise to make it up to you when the time comes 😘”
@Junglepokke: “You have to keep your promise.”
After sending the message, Pocket said goodbye to her girlfriend to prepare for her upcoming exams and quickly put her phone away.
The pitter-patter of the rain could hardly drown out the noise of the crowd outside. In a high-end apartment, the radio broadcast of the evening news kept repeating.
~~~oOo~~~
“The body of the 32nd victim was found near the Shibuya area. Police confirm the perpetrator is still at large. Residents are advised to limit going out alone at night…”
In a cold laboratory, Tachyon removed her blood-stained gloves and washed them clean in cold water. A shudder of pleasure ran through her skin—a sensation only a killer could understand.
Well, how ironic! The doctor everyone lauded as a hero of justice, Agnes Tachyon, was, in fact, the one responsible for the recent string of savage murders. But how could they understand that feeling of excitement? The sensation of operating on her own victim on the dissection table, and then investigating the cause of death with others, was intoxicatingly addictive to Tachyon.
Lately, however, she had developed a new obsession. Jungle Pocket, a second-year student at Tokyo University. A prey she had begun tracking since last year. A girl who had moved a cold-blooded killer.
Initially, she only intended to treat the girl as a fleeting amusement, to be discarded when bored. But the more they talked, the more she felt moved by her; she became like a ray of sunshine in her dark life. Seeing her happy made her happy, and she didn't know when her victims began to be linked to her.
From a boy who dared to throw a ball at her, a professor who dared to scold her, to a girl who dared to steal her away . Such people deserved to become a part of her collection.
A violent strike of lightning reflected on the formalin jars filled with the body parts of unfortunate victims. But in the corner of the room, a board was decorated with sunflowers, an element that seemed out of place in the eerie atmosphere. The board was covered with pictures of the person she loved most, from photos of her studying, eating, or sleeping. It looked like a private shrine dedicated to the 19-year-old girl. Her smile was what had haunted her lately, and it was what she would make her own.
“My baby. Soon, I will make you the most beautiful work of my life.” The genius let out a savage laugh, her red eyes gleaming brighter than usual. It seemed the mysterious killer was preparing for her next hunt.
~~~oOo~~~
[Conversation – Tuesday Night]
“My love~ I’m so exhausted after finishing my group assignment today.”
Tachyon was reviewing an old case file when she saw her baby’s message. Still as cute as ever.
“Poor baby. Let me order a cake for you~”
“Eh?! N-no need!!! You’re always buying me food, and it feels strange that I haven't given you anything in return.”
“You can’t refuse. If you don't accept, it means you don't love me anymore.”
“N-no, that’s not it!!! Don't think nonsense. I love you the most. It’s just that you're too good to me, and I don't know how to repay you.”
“You are my girlfriend. Taking care of you is my job.” Tachyon’s warm voice suddenly turned colder.
“Ew, the way you talk gives me goosebumps. But hearing you care about me… feels warm too.”
“Ha ha ha!!!! If your cake is delicious, take a picture and send it to me. Don’t keep me waiting too long, Pokke-chan!” Tachyon’s laugh spontaneously arose, making Pocket’s fragile heart race.
“Hmph, it sounds like you’re addicted to my pictures!!! You won’t let me see your face, but you keep demanding my photos!!!” Pocket feigned annoyance. It was true; they had been dating for 5 months, and she hadn’t even sent her one picture.
“Come on, come on. I'm sorry, it's because I'm addicted to you now~” In the dark room, Tachyon looked at her phone screen, the corner of her lips curving into an enigmatic smile. Her finger touched a picture of Pocket smiling brightly with a piece of cheesecake at a cafe.
“As for my face, I promise when we finally meet, I'll let you look at it all you want. For now, get some good rest, my little sunflower~”
Pocket paused for a few seconds. Even though it was just a casual comment, her heart pounded harder than usual.
“You promised!”
[Umabook – Pocket Jungle Profile]
“Eating late is a sin… but oh well, it’s too late 😆 #cheesecake”
@Phantomtriplecrown commented: “It looks delicious. But I guess it’s because the person who took the picture made it look better 🤭”
Pocket replied: “You don't even like late-night snacks, so why say that?!”
@Phantomtriplecrown: “I didn’t say I liked eating… 🍴”
Pocket hugged her phone, her face flushed. This woman… it’s like she’s flirting with me.
. ~~~oOo~~~
[10:00 AM – Tokyo University – Thursday Morning]
Today was the all-school physical training session, and it was exhausting. The sun was scorching, yet the students were forced to stand under it listening to a lecture. Thankfully, there was parfait at the cafeteria afterward, so she would temporarily forgive the school.
While savoring her favorite treat, she listened to her friends murmur about a junior student who had been scammed in a relationship. Tsk, what a jerk, unlike Tachyon, who always loves her the most.
“I feel so sorry for that girl. She’s so young and got scammed out of 40 thousand yen. Hey, Pokke, be careful, you might be next.” Naomi was always worried about her friend. Even though Pocket was always confident that her lover was a good person, she couldn't stop worrying.
“You’re overthinking it. She even gave her a coat worth 50 thousand yen yesterday, so what would she gain by scamming her?” Okita was still the same, indifferent and always waiting for an opportunity to tease her friend.
It was true, her family wasn't wealthy, her background was ordinary, and her academic performance was mediocre, but she had good looks and a strong physique. What would a person like Tachyon want to scam from her? This made her even more certain that Tachyon was with her out of love.
Ignoring the topic of romance, the group continued to sit there, discussing mundane things like what to eat today, or what to watch, just to kill time.
But suddenly, a piercing scream from the schoolyard drew everyone’s attention. Everyone pushed and shoved to see what was happening.
A scene that would haunt Pocket and her two friends for the rest of their lives unfolded before them. Hinako, their roommate, was discovered naked with her eyes gouged out. Her body was wrapped in a white tarp and placed at the base of a tree.
Perhaps due to the morning physical training, no one had noticed it until more birds gathered around, and the nearby students finally discovered the corpse.
. ~~~oOo~~~
[11:15 AM – Tokyo University]
The police were all present. According to the examination, she died from excessive blood loss, one kidney was crushed, a lung was punctured, and her eyes were removed. The weapon was identified as a scalpel.
Just a small knife could cause so many injuries to the victim. It was obvious that Hinako had gone through hell. Overall, everyone knew the culprit was that mysterious killer. Yet again.
The police urgently examined the scene and interviewed those involved. Pocket was almost numb during the interview. Just last night, Hinako said she was going to spend the night at her boyfriend’s house, but now she was lying on a cold table in the morgue.
A flurry of thoughts rushed through her mind, from her classmate to her roommate. Who exactly was responsible for such horrific acts?
. ~~~oOo~~~
[6:30 PM – Tokyo Police Station]
Okita’s parents, upon hearing about what happened to their daughter, rushed to take her home. It seemed Aoki would be absent from school for a few days. Poor thing, Hinako was her childhood friend. This shock was truly immense.
[7:30 PM – Circle K]
After the interview, it was already dark. Although they weren't in the mood, both she and Naomi were tired and hungry, so they went to the convenience store near the police station to grab a bite.
The two remained silent. Too much had happened today. Even though she wasn't as close to her as Okita, Hinako was still a likable person, so seeing her in that state was still a shock to both of them.
In that awkward silence, she received a message from Tachyon.
@Phantomtriplecrown: “My baby, I heard my colleagues talking about your situation. Are you okay? 🥺”
Seeing the worried message from her girlfriend, Pocket's mood softened somewhat.
@Junglepokke: “I’m okay, thank you very much.” “With so many things happening, you must be very busy, yet you still have time to check on me.” “I’m so happy.”
@Phantomtriplecrown: “No matter how busy I am, it’s not as important as you 😤” “Don’t worry, I promise to do my best with everyone to find that killer 😠”
Hearing that firm affirmation made Pocket want to cry, but she quickly restrained herself. Tachyon was always like this, as trustworthy as the day they first met.
“Are you texting your girlfriend?” Naomi spoke up unexpectedly, startling Pocket a little. It seemed she had calmed down after everything that happened.
“Oh, yeah, she’s checking on me about today’s events.” She was a little surprised by her roommate’s question, so she just mumbled an affirmative reply.
Afterward, the two sat there silently for a while until they decided to leave together to catch the last train back to the dormitory.
[10:13 PM – Ueno Park]
Back at school, neither of them could sleep, so they decided to take a walk around the nearby park. Perhaps due to the recent cases in the area, the park was emptier than usual.
They sat down on a bench near the lake to rest. Naomi said she would buy water, so she told Pocket to wait there.
Bored of sitting still, Pocket took out her phone to scroll the web. But she quickly abandoned the idea. Today, if it wasn't the news about Hinako’s murder, it was information about that damned killer. She’d had enough for today and didn't want to hear anything related to that person anymore.
While sitting lost in thought, a strange message from Tachyon caught her attention.
@Phantomtriplecrown: “We’re about to meet, my baby. Are you happy? 😘” “I’m very close to you now.”
Huh?! Meet?! At this hour?! Surprised by her girlfriend’s words, a scream suddenly rang out, grabbing her attention.
“AH!!!!” It was Naomi’s voice. Is something wrong with her? Thinking wouldn't help, so Pocket immediately ran towards her friend.
[10:30 PM – Ueno Park]
“Naomi!!!” In front of the vending machine, she saw Naomi, lying on the ground, her head covered in blood. She was still breathing, thank goodness. She needed to find help right now.
“P-Pokke… w-watch out.”
“Huh?!”
[Thud]
A baseball bat struck her head hard. Before passing out, she vaguely saw the silhouette of a woman in a hoodie trying to drag Naomi towards the nearby lake.
She tried to push herself up but couldn't. Her head felt heavy, and she could only produce growls to try and intimidate the stranger. But it was useless. Not only that, but the person came closer to her. The person smirked provocatively and then leaned down to whisper in her ear.
“Is my baby happy? I’ve come to pick you up.”
[What is that person saying? But that voice is so familiar, who is that person exactly?] Her mind was about to explode, but before she could think of anything else, she was anesthetized and passed out.
. ~~~oOo~~~
[6:30 AM – Morning News]
“This morning, police discovered the body of a young woman in the lake at Ueno Park. Police confirmed the cause of death was drowning.”
The sound of the news broadcast woke Pocket from her stupor. Looking around, she realized this was definitely not her home. A high-end apartment, terrifyingly neat. Even more horrifying was that there were jars filled with human body parts on the shelves.
She wanted to run away. But when she tried to escape, she realized her foot had been severed. Staring blankly at her once-proud legs, now only a small stump of flesh wrapped in cold white bandages remained.
“Who the hell did this!!!!” Screaming in anger, she wanted to know who had done this. Why, exactly, did he want to destroy her life?
“You’re awake, my baby. Did you sleep well?” A familiar voice spoke up. A woman with short brown hair and red eyes, wearing a white lab coat, stepped out.
“You probably don't recognize who I am, do you? Let me reintroduce myself. I am Agnes Tachyon, your girlfriend.” Tachyon introduced herself gleefully. She had waited a long time to make her baby her own.
“Y-You… You BASTARD, let me go now!!!” Surprise turned into fury. Now she didn't care if the person in front of her was the person she loved; she just wanted to tear the woman in front of her to shreds.
“Now, now!!! Be good, my baby, your leg is still weak after the surgery~” Tachyon smiled a cheerful smile, as if teasing a small animal.
“You!!! What do you want from me? Why did you ruin my life?!” Pocket didn't understand. They hadn't even met before, so why did Tachyon do such cruel things to her and her friends?
“You still don't understand, my baby?” Tachyon smirked. She walked closer to a board filled with her pictures. Some were ones she had sent her, some were photos from her Umabook, and some were pictures Pocket had no idea how Tachyon could have obtained.
“Y-You stalked me? Why… I trusted you so much?” Pocket was afraid, very afraid. She wanted to run away. But how could she run when her leg was gone?
“You are the treasure of my life. My light, my sunflower.” As she spoke, Tachyon knelt down at Pocket’s feet.
“I can’t stand it. I can't stand the feeling of others touching you. You must be mine alone. Everyone else deserves to die.” Tachyon tightly held Pocket's hand, kissing it repeatedly as she spoke.
“Y-You’re crazy…” Pocket was stunned. She never thought a person would do such horrible things because of her love for her.
“Yes. Crazy about you. Crazy because I love you. So you bear a part of the responsibility for this.” Tachyon laughed a manic laugh.
“You share a part of the responsibility for the deaths of your two friends. It’s all because of you, my darling Pokke~” After saying that, Tachyon kissed Pocket on the lips. A passionate kiss like a starved wild beast.
It’s all because of her? She didn't understand, she knew Tachyon was just making excuses, but why did she also feel guilty, as if she were the reason for Hinako’s and Naomi’s deaths?
“N-no. You're lying.” She wanted to struggle out of her embrace. But she couldn't; Tachyon held her tightly as if hugging a precious artifact.
“Don’t lie to yourself anymore, my baby. Now you are my accomplice. There is no other place for you. Now you can only stay by my side,” Tachyon whispered in Pocket’s ear.
“What do you mean? Accomplice? Stop making excuses!!”
[7:38 AM – Morning News]
“Latest update on the Ueno Park case. Police have found the murder weapon, a baseball bat. Forensics confirmed that the fingerprints on the bat belong to a Tokyo University student named Jungle Pocket. Police are currently actively pursuing the suspect.”
“W-Why?” Pocket truly couldn't believe her ears. She was the suspect? But she clearly saw Naomi being struck down by Tachyon. How did it turn into her now?
“Did you hear that, my baby? You’re wanted now. As a police officer, I think I should turn you in, shouldn't I~” Tachyon smiled and pulled out her work identification.
“N-No, no, I don't want to, please. Please!!!” Pocket was truly terrified, she didn't want to be arrested. She was innocent, wasn't she?
“Then you choose. Stay with me forever, or be imprisoned in jail, facing public condemnation~” Tachyon pretended to pick up her phone to call the police.
“O-Okay, okay. I choose you. I will stay with you. Please don’t put me in jail!!!” Pocket panicked, constantly waving her arms to stop Tachyon.
“Wise decision, my baby~ To celebrate the day you belong to me, would you mind giving me a kiss?” Tachyon brought her face closer, waiting for a kiss from her lover.
Pocket didn't hesitate, awkwardly kissing Tachyon’s lips. Now she had no choice but to indulge this woman.
“Such a good girl~ Welcome home, my dear wife.” Tachyon sat down and hugged Pocket tightly. Finally, this person belonged to her.
~~~~~~End~~~~~~