Chapter 8

3rd PERSON POV

Hunters' Side

It was a day full of activities and energy in Oletus Manor, with all the hunters doing every of their jobs, this time with a more relaxed vibe, since no matches are held that day.

Everyone was shuffling here and there, some of them complaining about how fast time flies and that it should be slowed down. Even Joker, who is always off to only God knows what he is up to.

But to Joseph, it feels like time has stopped.

For someone who has always been having time by his side, he actually felt like nothing changed. Nothing moved.

The noises and distraction surrounding him made no avail.

He cannot and does not stop thinking. It is as if his head is not working with the rest of his body.

Clutching one camera in his hands, he held into it, his icy blue eyes staring into the piece of photo film inside it.

He had his whole attention on the photograph, tracing the outline of the part that happens to take the most room in his heart, staying there all day long.

Aesop Carl.

The pair of grey eyes and hair. The way the embalmer puts his whole precision and determination into the cipher machine in front of him.

Somehow all those details had put him into an even deeper train of thoughts.

"Jose! Why the tense look? We got no matches and you are all tensed up! What's wrong?"

Jack. Over his days of being in this godforsaken manor, the Ripper had been the one who offers the most friendship and help towards him, even from the very first day when he decided to offer his coat to the photographer despite the size.

Still, Joseph is unable to deny the fact that it was not Jack's friendliness that made his heart yearn happiness.

It was the one that is displayed in the photograph he silently took.

"Nothing. I just feel like sitting here all alone, staring at the scenery."

Jack noticed the slight change of tone in Joseph's voice as he speaks, but on the other hand he cannot deny what the photographer had said.

It had rained a lot the previous night, leaving behind traces of puddles and dew in the greeneries located in the garden of the manor, making it much of an eye-catching scenery.

"You sure? You look all tensed. Maybe because of that first match of yours? You failed to get that one survivor?"

The ripper tried his best to hold back the taste of bile rising in the back of his throat. He had spectated how the match went and noticed how he acted. He knew Joseph didn't bother harming that one survivor. He knew everything.

Joseph said nothing. He placed a his hands on the bridges of his nose, eyes closed.

"You can trust me, Jose. Just talk it out. I'll make everything easier for you."

The Ripper then removed the mask that Joseph thought had been a part of his face. The photographer was flabbergasted as he pulled out the tiny straps that held the mask in place, revealing a human face, with black short hair and the darkest pair of eyes he would ever see.

"You..... that mask....."

Joseph was speechless as there lies an unbelievable sight before his eyes.

"I know. And keep in mind that no one has ever seen this face of mine. Even Michiko, the mama of this manor." Jack joked, laughing at his own words.

"Feeling like talking it out now? Your secret is safe with me, Joseph."

The photographer stared at the Ripper in awe. Never would he thought the hunter that usually goes bloodlust in the matches has a very good heart behind the court. And is good-looking.

"Okay. I'll talk. Just don't break it to anyone. Please." He sighed.

"Did you get a glimpse of that survivor I spared?"

Jack nodded. "The one with the grey hair that is tied into a small ponytail right? And grey clothes and a makeup box?"

"Yes!" Joseph exclaimed.

"What's with him?"

"I don't know what it is.. but my head seems to be recalling about someone I knew everytime I see him." Joseph admitted, halfway lying.

He knew for sure that the embalmer had made him think of him.

"And with that thought in mind, I can't bring myself to swing my sword at him. That.... that will hurt me."

Jack had his eyes locked into Joseph, who is now shaking.

"Now you know why I spared him, right?"

The Ripper nodded before tapping the photographer's shoulder as comfort.

He might be a hunter on the outside, but deep down his heart just isn't.

"I'll tell you what, Jose...." Jack said, putting his mask back on.

"I understand you very well. Just keep that in mind."

Joseph can't help but feel a weird feeling go down his spine.

Just what exactly does he mean by that?

It was when the photographer noticed a grey-haired young man making his way to the garden, sitting on the bench and gazing at the rain-streaked greenery on his own.

Joseph felt his heart skip a beat as he realized it is the one he has been thinking about.

Was his hair grey to begin with?

What's behind the mask that covers his nose and lips?

Why is he alone? Where are his friends?

"Talk to him, Jose. Don't let the chance slip." The Ripper said, somehow reading Joseph's mind.

"But aren't we allowed to--"

"Shush. Just go."

Joseph watched as the Ripper put his mask back on and went back inside, giving him a thumbs-up in the process.

The photographer then stood up, hands curled into fists.

Thank you, Jack.

AESOP

A day without matches. Just the day I've been hoping for.

The day for me to finally kick back and relax, without the need to deal with Emma's squeals, Helena's curiousity -in which is still acceptable due to her condition, but I still think she gets too curious sometimes- and much more.

I stared at the pile of meds Emily prescribed to me the time I got really sick a few days ago.

I know I had to take those, but man, it sucks.

How and why do I have to be born with an under average physical ability despite my body height that is... I have to say... is a bit over?

I sighed.

Time for some self-care stare. I muttered to myself as I took all those pills and made my way to the manor's garden.

The garden acts like a partition between our side and the hunters, and I have to say it is pretty huge, with every sort of plants and crops you can find. Not to mention the garden has this place that everyone -even the hunters- call the self care zone, since it is where most of us go reconcile and have some time to ourselves.

I inhaled a large breath, drawing in the fresh air the garden has to offer. I really like how they are able to keep a fresh air in this place despite how bad it gets outside there.

As if my lungs had jumped around happily, I let out a huge smile - everyone but Eli and Naib are unable tp tell since I had my mask around all the time- and plopped myself on the bench, relaxing myself down.

I was about to take my meds when one of the bushes in front of me ruffled.

"Hm? Is it just me? Or is someone there?"

I waited for whoever is behind that noise to come out, but no one did.

Oh well, who cares? I prefer being alone anyway.

I just don't get it why would anyone think that those who enjoy being alone are psychologically troubled. Like, what's wrong with being alone?

You can't expect everyone you see to enjoy the things you do, duh!

I stared at the sky, letting the breeze enter my skin.

It was when I noticed someone in a blue attire walking towards me. He was holding a camera in his one hand.

Wait. The hunter I encountered yesterday? Is that him?

My heart skipped a beat as I recalled what he gave me yesterday.

I fumbled around the pockets of my jacket. It is still there.

What exactly does he want from me?

On one side, I am worried. There has been some rules stating that hunters and survivors are not allowed to have direct interactions aside from playing in matches, so what is his motive?

But on the other hand, I feel relieved. He is here. The one who gave me that gift is here before my eyes.

I took a huge breath, hiding all the meds and pills from him.

He is walking closer, his hands forming fists.

I bit my lip. How do I start conversations with him? I can't just ask about how is feels to be a hunter, that will hurt his feelings!

Just how on earth do I think of good stuff to say?

My heart is pounding and my head is a mess as he slowly sat on the bench in front of me.

Sweat went down my whole body. I want to talk to him. I really do!

"Hey, Aesop. How are you?"

He's talking to me!

"Um.. this might be awkward for you but can we.. be friends?" He asked, staring into my eyes.

I love how blue his eyes are. It's like having the ocean inside him.

"Yes..." I said in a very low tone.

My hands are now fists inside my pockets. I need to thank him on how he had spared me on the last match.

"Your name is Joseph... the Photographer, right? I'm sorry if I get it wrong! I suck at remembering names!" I said, anxiety piling up inside me.

"No! You're all right! I'm Joseph the Photographer! You received my gift, right? I just wanna say I'm sorry for having to tie you in that balloon. It's just.. you were zoning out when I signalled you where the dungeon is, and the match time is running out...."

"It's fine! There's no need to feel any kind of guilt! I'm the one that is dumb enough to zone out in a match!" I said, scratching the back of my head.

I noticed him smiling as I said that.

"Nah. It happens. By the way, Aesop, thank you for talking to me. I'll head back for now..." He said.

I don't know what had gotten into me and what took over me, but I don't want him to leave so soon despite the awkwardness surrounding me earlier.

I.... enjoy having him here.

"Joseph, wait!

"Hm? What's wrong?"

"Can we talk more?"