Chapter - 3 The Murder

Two years had passed since the incident.The office looked ordinary—rows of desks, muted conversations, the constant hum of machines—but Taki did not belong to this normalcy. He sat in his chair, eyes fixed on the screen, fingers moving automatically across the keyboard, as if his body remembered how to work even when his mind refused to stay present.His face carried a quiet exhaustion. Not the kind that sleep could fix.Taki (Inner Monologue)It's been two years since my mother died…I've graduated.I married Sakura.The facts felt hollow, like lines memorized rather than lived.His thoughts drifted—slowly, unwillingly—back to a single day.

MEMORY – TAKI & SAKURA'S WEDDING DAY

The hall was filled with light, laughter, and voices.

Taki stood in front of Sakura, hands trembling slightly as he placed a necklace around her neck. The metal felt colder than it should have.

Taki (Inner Monologue)

I told her…"Never take this necklace off.It's my father's last memory.He gave this to me himself."Sakura had smiled that day.The memory dissolved.
Taki leaned back in his chair, staring at nothing.Taki (Inner Monologue)Everything changed in these two years.Too much changed.I should have spoken to Professor Lanki again.But he disappeared.People say he left the city.I just wanted to ask him one thing…My mother was supposed to die in the future.So why did she die back then?I didn't even try to change fate.Then how did it happen early?And it wasn't just her…Other incidents happened before their time too.Why?How?His chest felt tight.Taki (Inner Monologue)Maybe whatever is written will happen anyway.What's done is done.I need to think about what comes next.Even as he said it to himself, he didn't believe it.
A shadow fell across his desk.

Manager

"You're Taki, right?"

Taki looked up slowly.

Taki"

That's what people say."

The manager paused, unsure how to respond, then handed him a file.

Manager

"This needs to be finished today."He walked away.

The file felt heavier than paper should.

Taki's phone vibrated. Sakura.

Sakura (Phone)

"Taki, come home early today.I made something special for you.

"Taki

"I'll try…work is a little heavy today."

The call ended.

Taki (Inner Monologue)

Special… Sakura is becoming a good wife. And me?I give her nothing.Maybe bringing Sakura into my life was the only mercy God ever showed me.If she wasn't here…I probably wouldn't be alive.

He buried himself in work.

Darkness had settled over the city.

Taki stepped outside. Hoto was waiting near the entrance.

Hoto

"You stayed late again.Come on, let's grab a beer.

"Taki"

Not today.I need to go home.

"Hoto"

Just today, man.It's my girlfriend's birthday—party time. And how long are you going to stay stuck on Professor Lanki? What happened, happened.

Taki"

You're the only one who knows my life and Lanki's life are the same. I told only you."

Hoto"

Yeah…but thinking about it won't fix anything.Everything will be fine. Don't torture yourself.

"Taki"

You've helped me a lot.But we still haven't found Lanki. Where is he really?

"Hoto"

We tried.As much as we could. He vanished.We still have time—we'll find him.

"Taki's voice dropped.

Taki"

That's the problem.Time.

"If he dies…I'll die too.Everything is happening earlier than it should.I just want the truth. That day… he was hiding something. Without another word,

Taki walked away.

TAKI'S HOUSE – NIGHT

Sakura was waiting.Her hair was still wet. The necklace rested against her collarbone, catching the light.

Sakura"

I told you to come early.You're late again.

"Taki"

Work ran long."

Sakura

"That's your excuse every day."

She looked away.

Sakura

"I made your favorite dish…but you got late.

"Taki"

It's okay."

He walked past her toward the bathroom.
Water poured down.The sound filled the room, drowning out the world.

Taki (Inner Monologue)

Why am I like this? I love her. She loves me. But I don't give her time. I don't talk.I want to live like normal people…but my thoughts trap me. I'm losing myself. I need to change. Maybe Hoto is right.Whatever happens, happens.But this guilt… it doesn't let me breathe. Will I die like this? Without ever truly living? Professor said don't change anything. I didn't. Maybe thinking itself is the problem. Maybe I just need to stop.

DINING AREA – NIGHT

Dinner was quiet. Sakura still looked upset. For the first time, Taki spoke softly.

Taki

"The food is really good.

"Sakura froze.

Sakura

"It's been four months since our wedding…and today you noticed?

"Taki"

You make good food every day.

"She was about to speak when—

Taki

"Hoto's girlfriend birthday today. He's throwing a party. Should we go?

"Sakura stared at him.

Sakura (Inner Monologue)

Since when does he like parties? Maybe he's trying to move forward. Maybe this is good.

Sakura

"Okay.I'll get ready."

She walked away. Taki felt something unfamiliar. Relief.

Taki (Inner Monologue) Maybe things will finally be normal.

Cold air crept through the room.

Taki

"How long will you take? Hoto's waiting."

Sakura

"Almost done!"

Taki turned on the TV.

Taki (Inner Monologue)

Stay calm.Stay normal.

Sakura stepped out, dressed.

Sakura

"Who are you waiting for?You started watching TV.

" Taki"

I was waiting for you."

TELEVISION – NEWS REPORT

The anchor's voice cut through the room. News Anchor (TV) "Tonight at 8:20 PM, a woman was murdered near the cinema hall opposite Hono Park.According to reports, the victim was the wife of a man named Lanki.

"Professor Lanki's photograph filled the screen.

Taki stopped breathing.His body froze.His face turned pale.

Taki (Inner Monologue) Lanki's wife is dead…Then that means—Sakura. Fear clawed up his spine.

Behind him—Sakura "What's wrong? Why did you stop? Come on… let's go.

"Taki didn't answer.He just stood there, trapped between the future and the present.

CHAPTER 3 END

Written by – Minus