Lotte sits at her desk filled with newspaper snippets depicting the killings of the four middle-aged couples across Germany, as well as the death of Adolf Junkers and his helpers. There is also an older snippet discussing the death of the Eisler-Memorial-Hospital director, Udo Heinemann, and two high-ranking doctors.
In both cases, Dr. Tenma is involved. It is mentioned that his engagement to Eva Heinemann was annulled shortly before the murder of the hospital executive.
She leans back in her chair, takes off her glasses, and sighs heavily after reading the last diary entry.
'Don't worry, Ryu. After I traced back some of your clues about Frau Heinemann, I am certain that you are real and everything else too. If we ever meet, rest assured. I will do my best to help you in preventing more deaths.'
Rung feels sad reading the diary while also taking a shower. Washing her lustrous black hair, she rereads the diary from the beginning.
'It is obvious he started confused, but with a desire to help. Then he tried to use humor to cover up his vulnerability. And now he is breaking down. Stay strong, Ryu, the path of helping others selflessly isn't easy to walk.'
After venting her frustration about Ryu in this afternoon's Aikido session, Nina no longer feels that angry about him.
'This poor guy, lost and alone. He acted all confident in front of me while totally nervous inside. Although I am still creeped out by him knowing so much about me and my life, is the reverse not also true?
He would never think that I knew the deep and dark fears he just expressed today.
If the diary is to be believed, he is genuinely trying to help me and other people. Such a good person should be worth being closer to or even befriending, right? But wouldn't that send the wrong signals? He and Giuseppe already thought I was falling in love at first sight. If I suddenly try to get closer to him, won't they think that's the truth? He is pretty handsome, though… No, what am I even thinking? Let it play out naturally, as he wants to, without being friendlier on purpose. Two people can play that game!'
[Because of all the running around yesterday afternoon, I forgot to buy books on stretching exercises and Asian cuisine. Thus, the morning workout went the same as always.
Still, the sight of Heidelberg Castle being slowly illuminated in the morning sun reminds me of the way the blush crept up Nina's face after staring at me in a daze as we met. It's too bad that this diary doesn't support pictures; otherwise, I could have archived this cute sight forever. I should buy some hairstyling products after work on the construction site. If she really likes me and approaches me out of her curiosity, it would be the best. I don't know how to befriend someone after all. If all is lost, I can only count on my wingman Giuseppe, who already arranged mine and Nina's shifts to be together.]
Rung: "After the breakdown yesterday, is he now overcompensating?"
Nina: "That was not a fall-in-love blush! That was shame, and after that it was anger! Being compared to a beautiful castle slowly being illuminated by the sun. Why don't I feel disgusted when reading this? I should talk about it with the girls at lunch break."
Eva: "Why don't I have someone like Giuseppe to bring me together with Kenzo again? This despicable Dr. Becker is arranging dates left and right for Kenzo. I even told him not to introduce Kenzo to other women anymore, yet he still did it!"
Elsa: "Although I shouldn't get jealous, I still am. Nobody ever gave me such a compliment."
Lotte shakes her head while reading.
"Ryu is hopeless when it comes to relationships. Still, I wonder if this Nina really didn't feel anything, and the daze was only because of the sudden appearance of the status page."
During lunch break, Peter sits with the other male students, trying to sound out the transfer student cautiously. Nina also observed him discreetly while in class and noticed him staring at her out of the corner of her eye. But there is not much difference to the gazes of the other guys in class who are infatuated with her. She looks at her friends, who are discussing how Clara can capture Peter's attention.
"Girls?"
"What's up, Nina?" Beate turns to her.
"I need a little advice from both of you."
Interested, Clara and Beate look at each other before nodding in agreement.
"Sure, what's up?"
"I have a little bit of a weird situation at my workplace. You see, they hired a new guy for washing dishes and cleaning the day before yesterday. As I came through the door, I was still a little dazed because of the weird e-mail we discussed last time. Sadly, while being dazed, I looked in the direction of this new hire. Then, noticing I was staring so much, my manager, Giuseppe, saw this, and I already told you guys how big a gossip he is. He instantly assumed I stared because I liked the new guy. Winking at me and introducing me to him. His name is Ryu Seiya, and he acted as if nothing had happened. He only introduced himself briefly before returning to work, cleaning tables. But I am sure he noticed my stare, and with that gossipy manager talking to him, I am certain there will be a huge misunderstanding. And the rest of the staff will catch wind of such a rumor for sure. What do you guys think I should do?"
Clara stares intently at Nina.
"It's over. You are done for Nina."
"Huh?!"
"Yes, I agree."
"Beate, you too? What are you talking about?"
"Nina, there are already so many guys interested in you. You smile and look pretty all day. But never have those guys seen you staring at them in a daze. Do you have any idea what kind of attack value this has on a young man's heart? I am already impressed by Ryus' rationality not to drop down on one knee and propose marriage on the spot!"
"Now you are just teasing me." Nina rolls her eyes.
Clara laughs and pats Nina on the shoulder.
"Don't overthink. If you don't like him, tell your manager seriously. I am sure he won't make things difficult for you. And never talk to this new hire as much as you can. It seems like he did not actively approach you after that, which is good. He probably thinks he has no standing as a mere cleaning staff member before a beautiful lady like you. So, he seems sensible, at least. Over time, those rumors will fade away."
Beate meanwhile studies Nina's expression, which looks somewhat conflicted.
"Time for the big question Clara didn't ask. Is he handsome?"
Seeing Nina blush slightly after this question, her friends look into each other's eyes full of surprise. Their expression can be easily read as, "No way, right?".
As she struggles between saving her dignity and telling the truth to her best friends, Nina answers in a quiet voice only they can hear.
"He... He is really hot."
At this outrageous statement, Beate and Clara feel like their brains are crashing.
"What did you just say?" Clara feels the need to clarify that she heard correctly.
Ashamed, Nina answers, "He is just a little bit handsome, okay?"
"Reeaaally just a bit huh?"
They grin at each other.
"Well, although he is good-looking, I still want to make sure there are no misunderstandings. Just look at you guys, no wonder Giuseppe thought in that direction when he saw the situation. You also tease me!"
"Sorry about that, Nina. But just yesterday I asked what kind of guy our campus belle could be interested in, and suddenly today you talk about how hot-"
"Just a little bit handsome!"
"Yeah, yeah. Talk about how a little bit handsome your new coworker is. Obviously, I was surprised and interested. By the way, did you notice that you also blushed when I asked if he's handsome?"
"What? No, that would not happen to me!"
"Beate, she is in denial."
"That she is."
They nod at each other.
"But if he is this good-looking, maybe we should sneak a peek sometime. It has been a while since we last ate at Lucky Pizza."
Massaging her temple, Nina questioningly looks at her friends and asks,
"How did my asking how to solve the misunderstanding suddenly make it worse?"
"Don't worry, although we teased you a bit, we obviously believe that you are not the type to fall in love at first sight suddenly. But to be honest, if he looks as good as you say, it gave me an idea.", says Clara.
"What kind of idea needs a good-looking guy?"
"You know I like Peter. But he just can't seem to give up on Nina. Additionally, many other men are vying for her attention. You do not talk about it much, but we know it makes you uncomfortable. If you could get that guy to agree to show off at campus, like you're a couple and he outclasses every other guy vying for you, maybe they'll finally give up. Also giving me a chance with Peter after so long."
"Clara, I did not expect such a scheme from you." Beate gives her a thumbs-up.
"But even if I clearly explained this to Ryu, wouldn't it give him even more hope? Which further increases the misunderstanding? I am annoyed by those gazes and so on. But for now, I don't think this is a good idea. At least until I cleared the rumors at work, also, don't forget I suspect whoever wrote me that anonymous e-mail to be dangerous. What if he sees me acting like a couple with someone and retaliates against me or Ryu?"
Clara's shoulders sack a bit, "Sorry, I did not think it through. I was just so fixated on Peter, you know?"
"That's alright, not like I hold it against you. After all, I support you fully in your pursuit! But I need to tread cautiously here."
With that, the lunch break comes to an end, and the girls hasten back to class.
[The criminal activity for the day is done. Additionally, I noticed that two more people at the construction site are being paid under the table. However, those guys are not just moving things like I am. They actually lay bricks and stuff, which concerns the integrity of the walls. Should I report this to the police? But where will I get my money from then? I can't judge if their work is better or worse than someone officially hired for it.
As far as I know about the background of this world, the most likely thing to happen would be the following scenario. The police arrive at the site, stating they received a hint about illegal labor. The foreman takes out some cash and cigarettes, presses them into the smiling officer's hands, and smiles back at them, stating there is nothing like that here. But just in case he wants to see the report. Seeing my name on the hint, they will arrest me, the snitch, for working illegally while everyone else comes out of it scot free.]
Lotte: "Is that how things are done in practice?"
Nina: "Is it that bad? The law is pretty clear on violating taxation and labor laws."
Eva: "Just like always. My father also let money solve all the problems."
Elsa: "Are the police series on TV that different from reality? I like to watch "Tatort" though."
Rung: "If some of my patients did not bribe some police officers, how would I still be able to practice medicine without a license?"
[Whatever, I guess the building will go through an inspection before official completion. Although I am still worried, it should be fine. I had just enough time to get some stuff to style my hair, as well as a book for stretching exercises and "Thai cooking recipes for beginners". Sadly, I could not find a book on Burmese cooking styles, or rather, it should be called Myanmar now. Hopefully, it is close enough to bring some happiness to the little girl later. Now it's almost time to meet Nina again. I wonder if she will notice my new hairstyle?]
Nina arrives at work some time later to the sight of Ryu sweeping the floor between tables. Greeting him with a curt nod, she walks over to her usual resting place, sitting down after greeting the other employees warmly. From time to time, she glances at the young man and catches herself thinking: 'Yes, the new style looks good. Before was nice too, though. Oh no, what am I thinking? Clara and Beate's questions really got to me today, it seems.'
While working until late, Giuseppe observes how Nina's gaze drifts to Ryu first every time she comes back from a delivery. As the workload starts to slow down, he walks up to her and makes a little small talk. After which he asks her, "You denied it last time, but your eyes still keep on lingering on the new guy. Are you sure there is nothing going on?"
Sighing, Nina shoots him an unamused look.
"Manager, please believe me. Nothing concerning feelings is going on. I look at him because he is new, and there is nothing else to do. And I admit he is nice to look at, but this is where it stops. So please don't create weird rumors that make both me and Ryu uncomfortable working here."
Sulking at seeing his good intentions being denied, Giuseppe gives in.
"Okay, girl, I just thought you finally had some interest in a boy with you blushing and all. I won't mention it anymore, but I have to tell you that I've arranged you both on the same shift last time, because I thought you liked him. Should I change his shifts away from yours?"
"No need Giuseppe. It's not like I dislike him after just talking to him once. I just don't want you to create rumors because you saw me blushing last time, that's all."
"Alright then, girl, here the margherita for your next delivery is ready."
While packing the pizza into her delivery vehicle, she sees a short new diary entry and starts laughing.
[What's going on? My manager just came to me and told me that "there is no hope". What kind of hope? I asked him if I was doing my work wrong. He shook his head and told me that the work was not the problem. He then left with a sigh, looking at me with regret. I am so confused right now.]
Still in a happy mood, Nina comes back and sees Ryu working hard at the kitchen sink.
'Maybe I should cheer him up a bit? He still looks worried about what Giuseppe told him.'
Nina walks over to him and asks, "Did you style your hair today?"
Surprised, Ryu looks up at her and sees Nina smiling at him.
"Yeah, just bought some today and wanted to try it out. Not sure about the effect though."
"It looks good on you."
At that answer, a beaming smile spreads on Ryu's face.
"Really? Thanks a lot."
With that, he throws himself into the work more energetically while smiling.
Nina, meanwhile, tries to control her blush while walking back to her seat.
'He already looks good while keeping a serious face and working. But if he looks at me with such a happy smile, it is really dangerous for my heart. Why does he have to be so hot?'
Tapping her chest lightly, trying to calm the fast beating of her heart, she keeps glancing at how the muscles of his back keep moving under his shirt.
Entering her home later that evening with a signature shout of "I'm so hungry!", Nina is questioned by her father, Erich.
"Did you manage to clear up the rumor at work today? You kept grumbling about it yesterday."
"Yes, Dad, I talked to my manager, and he stopped talking about it now."
"Good, did this boy act weird toward you today?"
"No, it was all just a misinterpretation from the manager seeing me in a daze while looking at Ryu's direction last time. I cleared everything up, and we had almost no interaction today. I only just complimented his new hairstyle, that's all."
Christiane places the reheated food for her daughter on the dining table and asks, "Oh, and how did he react?"
"He just smiled, thanked me, and got back to work."
"This boy seems to have some resilience. If you complimented Peter in your class on his hairstyle, I bet he would be over the moon and have trouble sleeping that night."
"Mom, you are overstating things."
"Am I now?" she smiles at her daughter.
"Rest well tonight, tomorrow is the weekend. Do you have any plans?"
"Not really, just revising my studies."
"Do not only think about working and studying. Also, take some time to play with your friends, okay? There will always be work, but your youth won't last forever."
"Okay, Mom, I understand. Love you, good night."
[Just came home after work. I still don't know what my manager was talking about, but since he was satisfied with my work, I shouldn't lose my job after just the second day. When I was doubting myself, Nina came by with a beautiful smile and asked me about my new hairstyle. I knew she would notice it! She told me it looks good, which made me happy. I thanked her and suddenly felt way more energized for work. The last hour seemed to pass incredibly quickly.
Looking back at my worries yesterday, they still gnaw on me, but seem far more distant now. Perhaps I'm not as lonely as I thought. But now I am even more determined to prevent those tragedies from happening.]
Nina lies in bed, reading the last entry.
'My one compliment had such an effect on him? At least I could help him a bit with his loneliness.'
This night, she falls asleep with a smile on her face.